July 25, 2021 Live From Majestic Princess Alaska sailing

[cr8tiv1]

1 minute ago, Astro Flyer said:

I communicate with her & it’s not in Alaska but from LA this Spring. Based on their webinar B2B in Alaska this season is still not allowed…sorry. 😟

 

Poster here....I may have been overly enthusiastic with my posts.  I was along for the virtual ride.  Followed 7/25 AND following 8/1.  That's my b2b....from my computer.  In addition, tried to book a b2b before 11/1 and was told by multiple people that it would not be allowed.  Wasn't important enough to pursue information.  I do have a b2b coming up in the spring.

 

To the credit of the Lives (past and present), you made all of us feel like we were on the cruise with you.  Thank you again for a delightful trip. Better to gain MDR pounds than COVID pounds.

[echoshipmate]

2 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

Poster here....I may have been overly enthusiastic with my posts.  I was along for the virtual ride.  Followed 7/25 AND following 8/1.  That's my b2b....from my computer.  In addition, tried to book a b2b before 11/1 and was told by multiple people that it would not be allowed.  Wasn't important enough to pursue information.  I do have a b2b coming up in the spring.

 

To the credit of the Lives (past and present), you made all of us feel like we were on the cruise with you.  Thank you again for a delightful trip. Better to gain MDR pounds than COVID pounds.

Thanks for the clarification, virtual is the second best way, less calories, less hassles, but also less fun! Thanks again.

[Sea Hag]

5 hours ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

I went to the priority disembarkation lounge (vista lounge) at 8:30 barely sat down before being escorted off the ship for my 8:40 time slot. I saw they had beverages and pastries. 
we had to show passports at customs and that’s it. No lines anywhere. Breezed past the luggage as I used port valet and was put immediately onto a princess transfer. 8:55 am we are on our way. So 25 min from cabin to transfer driving away. 
not too shabby!  

Thanks for the great info. Where does the Princess shuttle drop people off? 

[HaveDogWillTravel]

@js1357they put the standard set up in your cabin and it’s there when you embark. Then you swap out. 

[franktown]

17 minutes ago, js1357 said:

Did you request what you wanted in your mini-bar setup before or after you boarded?

After from room service.  The mini bar will be setup as described.  Then just call room service to switch it out.

[CSloan]

4 hours ago, JF - retired RRT said:

When we did the Ultimate Ship Tour (IIRC), they told us the unsold pix are recycled.

How much was the Ultimate Ship Tour, and was it worth it?  I did one many years ago, but my DH hasn't done one yet. Thinking this may be a good ship to do it on 🙂

[Sprocket]

We booked a shuttle or car service through our hotel and the only options for going to the airport on our return were 9 or 11 AM.  Having only cruised once before with Princess I wasn't sure and so of course chose 11 since our flight isn't until 3 PM.  

Can someone advise what the latest time is to disembark, I have a feeling I am going to have to call them and amend the time.  We are not Platinum or Elite so no special status.  TIA

[Sushilover808]

On 7/29/2021 at 1:22 PM, Astro Flyer said:

We sailed 2 weeks in E436 on Royal Princess & there was no obstruction when looking outward & only when looking down on the open outside Promenade deck or when looking aft.

 

We are in E433 on the August 22nd Alaska cruise! Thanks for the great pictures! Mahalo and Aloha, John and Roseanne

[Musky Ike]

14 minutes ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

@js1357they put the standard set up in your cabin and it’s there when you embark. Then you swap out. 

This always seemed like such a waste of time for the staff. Maybe someday we will be will be able to personalize it on the medallion app so they don't need a second trip.

[ChangeOrder]

9 minutes ago, CSloan said:

How much was the Ultimate Ship Tour, and was it worth it?  I did one many years ago, but my DH hasn't done one yet. Thinking this may be a good ship to do it on 🙂

There are no Ultimate Ship Tours currently, because of Covid. 
 

What I’ve done in the past was around $150 I think? But I ended up with quite a gift package of goodies afterwards, including the robe and apron I still use today. 

[CSloan]

1 minute ago, ChangeOrder said:

There are no Ultimate Ship Tours currently, because of Covid. 
 

What I’ve done in the past was around $150 I think? But I ended up with quite a gift package of goodies afterwards, including the robe and apron I still use today. 

Thanks. I guess I misunderstood the post from JF - retired RRT. Must have been referring to a pre-covid cruise.

[js1357]

2 minutes ago, Musky Ike said:

This always seemed like such a waste of time for the staff. Maybe someday we will be will be able to personalize it on the medallion app so they don't need a second trip.

I agree.  It seems like such an easy thing to do.

[Sea Hag]

Just now, ChangeOrder said:

There are no Ultimate Ship Tours currently, because of Covid. 
 

What I’ve done in the past was around $150 I think? But I ended up with quite a gift package of goodies afterwards, including the robe and apron I still use today. 

I think that was what it was back several years when we did it. We got robes and chef jackets, both of which are nice and neither of which I've ever worn.

[JF - retired RRT]

2 minutes ago, CSloan said:

How much was the Ultimate Ship Tour, and was it worth it?  I did one many years ago, but my DH hasn't done one yet. Thinking this may be a good ship to do it on 🙂

Totally worth it. IIRC it cost ~$150. The swag they give you at the end of the tour is worth that IMHO. You get to see areas of the ship that pax aren't usually allowed to see: where the anchors are, the laundry, print shop, food storage (more than one type of fridge), a longer tour of the backstage area of the theater than is offered for some other events,the area where they watch over the engines on computers and (of course) the bridge. While you're on the bridge they take a group photo with the captain. Either on the bridge or in the chapel (ours was in the chapel), they served us champagne, juice, choc. covered strawberries (yum). 

The swag includes the group photo in a nice frame, a really nice, heavy duty robe (pretty sure it's the one that they use in the spa), an 81/2 X 51/2 tablet with your name at the top. I think there were a couple of other things, but those were the biggies.

IF they offer it on your cruise (no guarantee at the moment)...it's first sign up gets a spot (sign up at the Passenger Svcs. desk as soon as you board, there are only 10-12 allowed). If you plan on trying for it, make sure you bring a pair of closed-toe shoes and you must be able to go up & down stairs. Leave room in your suitcase (and your weight allowance, if flying) the robes weigh 2+ lbs. each.

[JF - retired RRT]

7 minutes ago, Sea Hag said:

I think that was what it was back several years when we did it. We got robes and chef jackets, both of which are nice and neither of which I've ever worn.

I wear my robe all the time. I made a change to the way it closes. I hate sash ties, so I got a 36" zipper (Amazon) and installed it. Much better, more room to move around.

[Sea Hag]

2 minutes ago, JF - retired RRT said:

I wear my robe all the time. I made a change to the way it closes. I hate sash ties, so I got a 36" zipper (Amazon) and installed it. Much better, more room to move around.

I've been thinking about that from time to time since we got these. I'm sure it's much better, and I should get around to doing mine. Also, if I shorten the sleeves on the chef jacket, I just might wear it when I cook. 

[T K Sackett]

It was really nice following along with all of you.  A big thanks to HaveDogWillTravel and all the others who posted from the Majestic Princess.  I read all 56 pages.

 

We will be sailing on the Aug 29 cruise, our 10th Alaska cruise.

[HaveDogWillTravel]

There are no behind the scene tours. Our chef table did not include the galley tour. 

[Rather be golfing]

To everyone, thank you for posting as we prepare for our first Princess cruise and our first Alaskan cruise in two weeks it was such a helpful insight to read all of your posts.  I have two questions which I have not seen mentioned (forgive me if they have but I have been checking daily). The first is in regards to the self service laundry on the ship - are they available with the Covid protocols and how do you pay for them?  My second question is in regards to the Premier Drinking Package - it was included when we booked but since my son is not yet the legal age it says Milkshakes are included when they are available on the ship, so does anyone know if they are available on the Majestic and where we can get them or if we can order them through room service?  Thanks for your help, you guys are great. Jim

[Crystabel]

To anyone who was in a full suite, did you ever go to the Concierge Lounge or use the Concierge’s services for making reservations for a show or a dinner? 

[cr8tiv1]

1 hour ago, js1357 said:

1 hour ago, Musky Ike said:

This always seemed like such a waste of time for the staff. Maybe someday we will be will be able to personalize it on the medallion app so they don't need a second trip.

I agree.  It seems like such an easy thing to do.

 

The mini bar "set" comes shrink wrapped.  I am not sure how many passengers do a swap out.  I do.  I call and let them know what I want in exchange.  I place my note and all that I am swapping out on the tray above the refrigerator.  If no moneys are involved, they usually came in when I was out of the room.  In my opinion, this way is less labor intensive.

[Grover_]

Did anyone take the Princess disembarkation tour of Seattle that ended at the downtown hotels?  My hotel is not one of the ones the in the tour stops, but it is adjacent to the Pike Market (the last stop on the tour before hotel drop off).  Do you think they would let us leave the tour there with our luggage?  I plan to inquire at the shore excursions desk upon boarding, but I thought I would see if anyone took the tour and if they thought this was logistically possible.

[RRFan]

2 hours ago, js1357 said:

I agree.  It seems like such an easy thing to do.

I’ve said that for years. Just make it an option in our Personalizer (now the app). We ALWAYS trade ours for coffee pkg and it would save them time setting it up and collecting it again. 

[dskenn]

7 hours ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

@Mary Ann 2 there were taxis waiting and just a short line for them. Also Lyft and Uber are available.  Go back through @CruiseRaiderpost for her shuttle company.  She said it was great. Lyft costs about $53. Do not know about the cab. 
it is a 45 min drive to the airport. The regular security lines looked a bit long. Don’t know how much time they take. 
the tsa precheck line I used took 6 minutes. 
 

If you are flying Alaska and have access to their lounges, the lounge by N13 is great. There’s eggs, pancakes, barista, soda machine, alcohol drinks.  The one by the C gates is not very nice. The hot beverage machines were out of order and no soda/tea/lemonade. Only some bread for toast. The train takes you to N gates and the lounge has great signage. 

Cab is $50.00 to airport

[dskenn]

4 hours ago, Musky Ike said:

This always seemed like such a waste of time for the staff. Maybe someday we will be will be able to personalize it on the medallion app so they don't need a second trip.

I do agree with that.  Here is what happened to me.  First I have the drink package!  I called and said they all go it.  I just want 3 diet Sprite and 3 Budweiser.  We just wanted a little something for out room.  But she said I have to change one for one.  So we kept all the little bottles, took them home and left the rest for out cabin steward.