Yes, exactly what P&O told me when they advised I ask for assistance as I cant stand for long periods anymore. Im only kidding, my dear about my feelings towards youy, honest! Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess cruise. While youll want to drop off your bags and freshen up, try not to spend too much time in your cabin now, as theres still so much to do and see on your cruise ship before sailaway. Surely coaches should be made to stick to their allotted arrival times. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports Princess MedallionClass FAQ. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. As a platinum cruiser, one cruise short of elite, I was able to just walk on the ship No wait, no lines and this was around 11:00 a.m. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. But alas, I'd rather lose a couple/few hours of ship time in lieu of not having to schlep my bags around. BTW, do platinum members get to drop off their bags in their rooms? Maybe that's what I can do now. So I can start my cruise with pictures of us, ship, and city. The last cruise I went on in September 2019, I foolishly stored my medications (I am diabetic) in the bathroom on an open shelf. Previous posters have mentioned the simplicity of embarking on Princess. Things to pack in your embarkation day include medication, valuables, laptops and tech items, sunscreen and a change of clothes. I dont have them available as a download right now, but love your idea and will look into doing this in the future. Unlike rivals Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess doesnt offer its loyalty club members a free cruise after reaching the top tier. The thing is that the ships arent sailing full now so groups dont really matter. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year. However, there are a lot of things to do on embarkation day, and it might feel overwhelming. These added extras act to bridge the gap between mini-suite and full suites. Talked to my PVP today. She told me that she has been told by her senior supervisor that all passengers on the early cruises will either pick or be Thats so exciting! Related: A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs. I agree with you, except! I really do not see how the current system can ever work any better than just adequately. People also select a time in advance so there's no people queuing who should not be there. However, on your cruise embarkation day, you will receive a planner that is more of a general overview of the big things that you can look forward to during the rest of your cruise. Even so, its nice to have a glass of wine on your balcony and this means you can still bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per passenger onboard in line with Princess Cruises alcohol policy. Unvaccinated guests mustfollow specific protocols and testing requirements as communicated to them in advance, as a condition for travel. Powered by Invision Community. As we pull away from the dock and start a great cruise. Offer ends 5/3/23. Cruise Embarkation Day Tips Staff will give you a claim ticket. Access to your cabin is not based on status and all cabins are opened at the same time usually around 1 pm. This means that you can get on the ship quicker and start your vacation earlier. Learn how your comment data is processed. Check out your cabin, and if you want to take a photo or video, go ahead. Thanks for all you do. Now available on all ships, Princess MedallionClass lets you decide who you interact with and how. I do have a couple of posts on my blog about Alaska, both from Alaska experts, that you might enjoy. We were on the Majestic 12/4. We had Group A boarding, arrived at 11:15 am, walked up to check in, the person checked our passport, covid card, negative covid test paperwork. The ship was ready for us to board. Our room was ready, view the muster drill on t.v., found the muster check in (this is the way Princess check to make sure you viewed the video). We walked around Lido deck because the main dining room did not open until noon, had a great salmon entree in a quiet setting. Great way to start a cruise vacation. We returned to our room about 12:45 pm, our luggage was already in our room. Our cruise was 40% capacity. Majestic is a beautiful ship. The Harmony and Crown Grill were wonderful. We do sometimes leave an additional amount especially to our cabin steward, as weve had some that have gone above and beyond. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We chose the white which was a very nice Chardonnay. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! There were a ton of passengers who stayed from the previous week. Plus you have priority boarding and are escorted to your room. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'cruiselifestyle_co_uk-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cruiselifestyle_co_uk-medrectangle-3-0');The only physical difference between a mini-suite and a Club Class mini-suite is the location. There are also casual restaurants open including the pool side grill and cafes. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Yes, but that speaks to the check-in process, not the boarding procedure. And Princess has generally not updated any info text nor FAQ text of prio Princess Cruises has some excellent specialty dining restaurants such as Sabatinis and the Crown Grill. Priority Check-In and Express Boarding On Carnival cruises, suite guests have special check-in privileges. -- From OUR experiences last month on three different ships from San Pedro and San Francisco, Arrival Group doesn't matter AT ALL. When you get there, you get there! Have a wonderful cruise! Well do the serving for you. Premium terry towel bathrobes are available in your Club Class mini-suites but be aware that these are not to take with you at the end of the cruise. Cruise tip: If youd rather not take a photo, simply walk past the photo booth. Planning on getting to the dock by 11 and hopefully walk right on (Elite as well). WebA Priority embarkation is offered to suite guests (except Junior Suite) and Crown & Anchor Society members on the following tiers: Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle. Just speak to your room steward when you get onboard. Thanks for the embarkation day tips!! Manage Settings I chose Arrival Group A, thinking I wouldn't have to wait in a long line to embark. However, I see lots of cruisers seem to board as early as possible, regardless of their Arrival Group Assignment. In your experience, would I be wise to board at a later time? Did not notice any of that on my January cruise on the Regal. Please note that we will not accept visor face shields as substitutes for a face mask. Thank you for helping to prevent a potential problem by creating a forum so that information can be shared. So as to not tempt you? Cars queuing for miles , terminal overflowing. If you have not registered your children online before your cruise, do this now. What is Princess Cruises Club Class? Please don't be concerned about Arrival Groups at this time. Watch our CruiseHealth videoView frequently asked questions (FAQ). Many cruise lines have said that they will be working to reduce paper waste and will be encouraging people to use the cruise line app. The Captain's Circle section on the website still says: "Priority Check-In at EmbarkationWhen you arrive at the port, dont wait in line. You, alon If you are staying in a Club Class mini-suite you can get help in booking your reservations and actually have priority for these bookings. Read more: Cruise Carry-on Bag Packing List (all the essentials). Princess Cruises Captain's Circle loyalty program guide - The Quora - A place to share knowledge and better understand the world For starters, members earn 1 cruise credit for each cruise they take. Complimentary afternoon tea in your cabin (schedule this at least six hours in advance). Concierge guests get priority reservations for cruise excursions, dining and onboard activities. These are: Platinum or Elite Captains Circle For example, Central Park Cafe on Oasis Class ships is a best kept secret as is Alfredos on many of Princess Cruises Royal Class ships. Plus, since the kids club has an open house style welcome during this time, your kids may even meet some new friends. Such forever status is one of the great allures of cruise line frequent cruiser programs. Wish it was more like the airport where you can wait in comfort rather than in the rain. No, there is no earlier Boarding Group (hence why you see "A"). I looked at the bra and noticed it unusually dirty with dust once i removed the paper I stick them to. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Since we live in Canada, we are very drawn to hot weather when we cruise. Its true that medication is as valuable (if not more so) as jewelry and passports. Most cruise lines now have the safety information or EMuster on their cruise line App, available to view on your phone or mobile device, as well as your stateroom TV. Please contact your travel advisor or our Customer Sevice Department for complete details. The cruise line app is a great place to find out information, view and book activities and even use to message other cruise passengers. WebFor cruise-only guests, we offer Royal Connections transfer service. A surprise for many new cruisers, your cruise cabin probably wont be cleaned and ready as you board your cruise ship. In my last cruise, I found prints of my stick on bra on the closet doors. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. ), Complimentary evening canapes (on request), Club Class Mini-Suites start from 1,499 pp. Could also ask to upload covid certificates and any thing else. Not sure where they send Club Class who are not yet Platinum or Elite these days. For example, my friends who typically booked suites and frequented the casino on previous Princess cruises received an upgrade to Club Class from a balcony stateroom. Obviously there has to be some sort of boarding protocol, particularly on the big ships, otherwise it would be chaos and overcrowding. WebCommon Questions and Topics. Examples of some of the extra dishes available at dinner to Club Class guests include: if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'cruiselifestyle_co_uk-banner-1','ezslot_7',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cruiselifestyle_co_uk-banner-1-0');Sometimes the dishes have a slight twist on an item on the regular menu. I use 2 fabric type over the door organizer (mine are shoe type), one for the inside of the bath door for toiletries, the other for the front of the storage shelving door where you store clothing and where I put all my shoes (I know I pack too many but thats me) If it is too long it can easily be folded up under and pinned. Find the right card for you. Its important to take a few minutes to put your valuable items into the cabin safe. Whether the additional perks of a Club Class mini-suite is worth it, is a personal decision. And well clean public areas and staterooms thoroughly and more frequently using a safe disinfectant proven to quickly kill coronaviruses. It may not be a premium bathrobe, but a bathrobe all the same. ", Always. Not to mention several other "business" taken care of such as seen the MD (perhaps not possible now), phoned for WMD, Sanctuary if the right itinerary, toured the ship, met Stewart, obtained wine glasses for the cabin, phoned for mini-bar swap, setup internet, identified where MDR table is located.. ETA: Lunch in DR or Alfredo's. I do the running around and wife unpacks (if you saw another recent post, I mentioned what a great packer she is. We get together for lunch. LOL. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Yes I agree and you are right - I cant defend it- but I prefer to get sorted earlier and have lunch so 15:30 is unreasonable for me. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Planning a cruise? Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Clayton West, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, UK. Medical centers are equipped with COVID testing and treatment capabilities. Related post:Cruise Luggage Tag Holders (order by cruise line). That means that someone who hits Elite status will remain at that top tier level forever (or until Princess makes a change to the program). Youll pass your cruise card or Medallion (for Princess cruises), hear a lovely little bing and be welcomed onto your cruise ship! The cruise director and entertainment staff will be host a Sailaway party, and guests are encouraged to dance and have fun. This is a very practical cruise embarkation day tip make sure to put your phone on airplane mode before your cruise ship sails away from the embarkation port. We grab a glass of wine and ready for a wonderful time. ', is the same staff at the terminal, or would each cruise line have their own boarding 'rules?'. Club Class Dining is available in the Main Dining Room during breakfast and dinner. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Crown and Anchor Society members will no longer get priority boarding in the terminal. Upon reaching the second tier of the program, Ruby, you get a few more perks. Cruise tip: Research your cruise ship before your cruise to see what restaurants are most recommended on embarkation day. Be aware that whichever stateroom you choose with Princess Cruises, you can request a bathrobe. You might want to check the "Embarkation" section in the FAQs of the newly announced Princess guest procedures. https://www.princess.com/plan/cruis Contact Us Get support by Phone or Email 866-562-7625 Email Your Questions Locate a * Please note that this may change as cruises restart. Your dining room allocation for Club Class Dining is stated within your room information, which guarantees a table and avoids waiting times. Before you even get to the cruise terminal to board your cruise ship, remember to complete your online check in on the cruise line website or app. Certain groups of guests get priority boarding on Princess cruises. Reaching the Ruby level can be done in as few as one cruise, if its a cruise lasting 31 days or more. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Guests must have received their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before Captains Circle members keep their points at the end of each year and continue to accrue points indefinitely. What tips do you have to make embarkation day even better? Cruise ships have a type newsletter or planner that will be placed in your cabin each day. Really looking forward to it. By the amount of people that complain about any boarding time after 1pm and say they will turn up when they feel like it. This means that you can get on the ship quicker and start your vacation earlier. Cruise tip: Save money during your cruise by the embarkation day promotions on spa treatments. If you have requests, now is the time to ask. You may also need a mattress topper or extra towels. I'm Laura a UK cruise blogger, here to help you maximise your cruise experiences with helpful information about cruise ships, cruise destinations and food to enjoy onboard and in port. Follow me on Facebook at Life Well Cruised, Follow me on Pinterest at Life Well Cruised, Follow me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised, Follow me on Life Well Cruised on YouTube. Going to leave plenty of time for traffic/ breakdowns & charging the car en route. However, it doesnt double your cruise day count. Is there any way you can make these printable? If they are doing everything independently, they need to get to the port on their own. Cruise lines are relying more on the cruise line apps to help you get ready for your cruise. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. A lot depends on what time you arrive, and whether boarding has already started. The Princess "Arrival Group" is such a BIG JOKE; thousands of us have been conned into worrying and wasting time countless hours and hours on this and other crippled features of the garbage MedallionClass app!. Didnt see it advertised but werent looking for it.. This definitely isnt something Id think happens often, but youre right its good to be aware and careful. P.S. Heres a video about things to do on Embarkation Day, that might be helpful if youd like to know more. I noticed when my the room got steamy and I saw the imprints on the door. 1Vaccination exemptions must be pre-approved and are subject to capacity controls. If youre going on a Caribbean cruise you may want to wear a bathing suit under your clothes or pack a change of clothes in your cruise carry on bag. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'cruiselifestyle_co_uk-box-4','ezslot_9',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cruiselifestyle_co_uk-box-4-0');At breakfast, Club Class diners can expects a fresh fruit cart, fresh orange juice and a wider selection of pastries alongside regular breakfast options. By Thanks for your comment. Secondary screenings (and health checks throughout the cruise) will be performed when necessary. It can be life threatening for some of us to be without our medicines. Board as early as you can to get started on your "cruise". Plan on having lunch in the Main Dining Room (opens from noon - 1:30). You might not be able to drop off your hand carry, but that's not a problem. Sometimes the cabins are not available upon boarding early. Do the muster thing then explore the ship. Priority tender boarding At tender ports, where the ship ferries passengers to shore using smaller boats, Key members can take advantage of priority boarding when going ashore. , Agreed: our game is "can we be unpacked and settled in by sailaway? So glad I read about these issues. Don't know about logistics of sending out cruise cards. Related: The 3 classes of Princess ships, explained. Flexible Arrival is offered to Crown & Anchor Society Pinnacle Club members only. However we are starting to see things differently and will likely cruise to Alaska in the next year or two. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, San Francisco,CA,USA.|At center of City atop Twin Peaks overlooking bay/downtown/sunrise. Dont forget to check out the fitness centre and sign up for any classes that interest you. It has its own section where guests are seated and extra dishes are available from the menu. curious as to why you would request for the mini bar items to be cleared.. hmm. Are the port staff employed by the port or by each individual cruise line? Guests must have received their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before the beginning of the cruise and provide acceptable proof at terminal check-in. When I returned to my cabin after dinner the first night, my meds were gone. Sign up for reservations for specialty restaurants, adult only areas, spa appointments, and shows if you have not done so online before the cruise. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. It will be a schedule of daily activities that are available, as well as entertainment options, opening hours for the gym, spa, restaurants etc. Even here, though, the rewards are still relatively modest. Thanks. , Agree - preferred boarding time option when booking would help - (not guaranteed obviously !). To find you are expected to board at 12:30 when 3:30 would suit you better could prove stressful for some. Contact tracing is planned for every cruise. Tendering operations can often take hours to get all the passengers to shore, so this is a valuable benefit if your itinerary has multiple tender ports. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'cruiselifestyle_co_uk-box-3','ezslot_5',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cruiselifestyle_co_uk-box-3-0');If youre planning to book a cruise with Princess Cruises, one of the most important decisions you need to make is the type of cabin that you want. We are Ruby, in balcony stateroom, just under 50 sea days. Enjoy TrulyTouchless experiences and personalized service that makes everything easier, including physical distancing. For example, a 4-night cruise from Southampton (UK) to Hamburg (Germany) is $749 for an inside cabin and $1,599 for a Queens Grill Suite. By Suite guests could always be given priority, but a choice is surely the simplest solution to the embarkation process. One of the most common questions people have when going on a cruise, is what to wear for embarkation day. The best Mini-Suites on Princess Cruises ships are Club Class Mini-Suites. In this post, youll find 25 cruise embarkation day tips, to make your first day as perfect and stress-free as possible. Somewhere in the FAQ it says something to the effect that Elite/Platinum will have access to boarding times on the app 3 or 4 days earlier than the As is the case with the Ruby level, reaching the Platinum level can be done in as few as one cruise, though its not easy. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Passengers in Club Class will benefit from priority embarkation and disembarkation for their cruise. Boarding for me, with Celebrity, has always been very smooth, with no queues. These are tips which every beginner should read and know before embarking. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders (order by cruise line), Cruise Carry-on Bag Packing List (all the essentials), 25 Fashionable Cruise Outfits for Ladies (affordable cruise wear), one of the reasons cruising is an amazing and pretty stress-free vacation, Cruise Lingo You Need to Know (cruise terminology), 21 Things You Need to Know About Ocean Medallion, first things to do after you board your cruise, 30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know, 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon, 27 Cruise Travel Hacks Repeat Cruisers Swear By, Cruise Cabin Door Decorations: The Ultimate Guide for Cruisers, Cruise Wear over 50: Flattering Cruise Outfits for Women, 20 Super Practical Tips for first-time cruisers, https://lifewellcruised.com/top-5-reasons-why-everyone-needs-to-go-on-a-cruise-to-alaska/, https://lifewellcruised.com/5-practical-alaska-whale-watching-tips-you-need-to-know/, https://lifewellcruised.com/cruise-tipping-guidelines/. My last few cruises were from Southampton on Celebrity. Likely before 1 pm. These will come in handy if youre planning to visit the cruise ship spa. 2. Invitations to members-only onboard events. If you choose A and you don't have any other priority boarding you'll be seated in the general area at the port, but board in the first general group after the priority. Arrival Group A - But should I wait? For best practices, see ourHealthy Cruising Tips Infographic (PDF), CategoriesCruise IndustryTags#PrincessCruises, cruise, Cruises, luxury, Princess Cruises, travel. We always get a suite (Haven) and they are always ready. Exceptions are made while guests are eating or drinking, receiving spa treatments relating to the face, during high-intensity exercise, in pools, whirlpools or sauna, as well as in their stateroom. Alas, there isnt a wow perk in the entire Captains Circle menu. We are also really big on early boarding! I would hope that, as you should have priority boarding, then those earliest times would show available f However, you can still eat, drink and explore the ship while you wait. ", I have A group for the Majestic on the 15th. Yes, they can turn up late, but someone else could have had their earlier time slot. While the safety briefing remains, the muster drill has changed. BUY NOW & SAVE $10. I would pay a premium for early check in though. Al_W, April 25 in P&O Cruises ( UK ). When we arrived on 16th April there was a queue for early arrivals that had been told to wait until their boarding time, we were ok because we had 12:15 time. Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. They boarded after our room was cleared. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Since your luggage wont arrive at your cabin until later in the day, bring a cruise carry-on bag for the first day of your cruise. Princess Cruises Club Class mini-suites are located in more favourable positions. , If you choose A and you don't have any other priority boarding you'll be seated in the general area at the port, but board in the first general group after the priority. For example, on Regal Princess, Club Class mini-suites are available midship and forward. Hope this helps someone. If you enjoy cruise tip videos on YouTube, Id love it if youd subscribe to our channel. Awesome reminders and tips, thanks for sharing. As your cruise ship sails away from the shore, its a special moment thats celebrated on a cruise! Very exciting! , All depends what your preferences are. As weve written about before, the lines top customer has spent years at sea on Princess ships. Your first statement is quite true There are many reports of a sorting going on before you get into the terminal those at the correct time straight in and boarding inside 20/30 mins and the ones who are early are directed somewhere to wait. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. To find you are expected to board at 12:30 when 3:30 would suit you better could prove stressful for some. WebIn addition to all of the benefits at the Gold and Ruby levels, enjoy priority boarding in the cruise terminal, so you can experience your MedallionClass vacation even quicker. I have read through this thread and am getting the impression the problem of having to queue outside the terminal is on the larger ships, but that is not entirely clear. Current Health & Boarding Protocols for Cruises. Print your cruise documents including boarding pass and luggage tags and be ready for your cruise embarkation day!