The latter may seem interesting, but here at The Points Guy, we dont recommend you buy travel insurance through your cruise line. 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. Cunard online check in you preregister credit card and upload photos, thought P&O would be same. We encourage everyone to use the hand-washing sinks and hand sanitizer dispensers at venue entrances and in high-traffic areas throughout the ship. For example, on Regal Princess, Club Class mini-suites are available midship and forward. How To Print Luggage Tags For Princess Cruise? For best practices, see ourHealthy Cruising Tips Infographic (PDF), CategoriesCruise IndustryTags#PrincessCruises, cruise, Cruises, luxury, Princess Cruises, travel. The thing is that the ships arent sailing full now so groups dont really matter. They are able to take who ever gets to port right on the ship once its ready. Its a great idea to have a good meal at one of the sit down restaurants. We always get a suite (Haven) and they are always ready. I noticed when my the room got steamy and I saw the imprints on the door. These systems are designed to replace air within public spaces and staterooms every five to six minutes. You might want to check the "Embarkation" section in the FAQs of the newly announced Princess guest procedures. https://www.princess.com/plan/cruis Additionally, elite members get priority These include: Its important that you arrive at your assigned time because we cant accommodate early arrivals and youll be asked to return at that time anyway. 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. The upcoming cruises sound great, but I agree better not to book too much before you know if its sailing. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Our next one is in May to Iceland on NCL Star. or to make space for something which I cant figure out yet. Future Cruise Credits (FCC) Travel Documents. Every cruise line is different, however some cruise lines offer a glass of complimentary champagne as you embark on your cruise ship. While you can purchase a drink package or shore excursions on the cruise, its often easier and even a little bit cheaper to book these things on the cruise line website before you board. We have been fortunate to cruise to many world destinations including Europe, North and South, Mediteranean, most of the Orient, Hawaii, Panama, transatlantic and 2 trips to South America with one more to go. Some also extend this privilege to guests staying in a full suite. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. This includes local government guidance for mask wearing, physical distancing, testing/health screenings, etc. Things change so details continue to be updated regularly. 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. In reality, you can actually disembark the cruise as early as you wish as long as youre happy to walk your luggage off yourself. Princess Cruises Club Class mini-suites are located in more favourable positions. Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. This special touch is one of the things we enjoyed onboard Celebrity Cruises. There will be no self-service for meals. 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. The most alluring benefits at this level are the Preferential Pricing Offers for select sailings that the line extends to Captains Circle members, and early booking discounts known as Captains Circle Launch Savings. I just want a seat, I don't care when I get on! First cruise coming up, good tips, thank you! There are no onboard credits for top-tier members, like some lines offer (although a recent change did bring discounts for shore excursions and spa treatments at top tiers). Thanks so much! Sometimes standing for an hour or two. for real. Contact tracing is planned for every cruise. However, this tier is a bit ho-hum, too. The more time onboard the better. Isn't that supposed to be a secret? , If you were on same cruise as me to Caribbean and you were also Elite or in a Suite, I would definitely recommend following the Group A time to a "T". The less folks in competition for the Sanctuary, the better., Ha ha! I see! You'll be glad to know I'm neither Elite nor fancy enough for a suite! I also am not interested in the Sanctuary. I don't see what all the hubbub is about. I do like the look of those fluffy cushions, though., Our philosophy is that the first day is part of our paid cruise. Your cruise documents will be stamped with Priority and when you arrive at the port you can head to the Priority Lounge where youll be expedited through the check-in procedure as quickly as possible. This will be our first holiday since pre-covid and we will absolutely be there early because we have a 4hr drive and nothing is getting in the way of us getting on the cruise. Thank you for helping to prevent a potential problem by creating a forum so that information can be shared. Surely coaches should be made to stick to their allotted arrival times. Related post: Cruise Lingo You Need to Know (cruise terminology), Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner , Agree - preferred boarding time option when booking would help - (not guaranteed obviously !). Plus dropping luggage super early usually means it arrives in the cabin before sailaway too. 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. While convoluted, this system actually works to your advantage, as you have two ways to reach higher tier levels. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Are the port staff employed by the port or by each individual cruise line? Priority Debarkation Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Theres important personal information to enter that needs to be done prior to your cruise. That said, gratuities and what to give are a personal decision, and I respect that. Another thing to consider, in the first couple of days on board, is the shopping as Princess gives a 10% discount in the shops then, Do spend the time doing research before you buy so you know if you are getting a good deal! I am not a pool type guy. Manage Settings Glad it could be helpful! Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? In my opinion, the best things about Princess Cruise Club Class are the priority embarkation, Club Class Dining and stateroom location. While its a busy day and there are embarkation procedures to be aware of, its also the start of an amazing vacation ahead! Also some coming by plane. Following the CDCs recommendation, we look forward to welcoming vaccinated children. In our pre-Covid experience if embarkation begins before all the cabins are ready, you can drop your hand luggage off at a designated location (I remember the Crown Grill on one cruise, and I've noted some recent passengers on the newest Royal class ships saying the drop off location was Take 5 IIRC). Im assuming Jan will be about the same capacity with it being away from the Holidays and the more general slow season. The first day of a cruise is pretty casual, so dress comfortably. The OceanReady Process. Dont forget to check out the fitness centre and sign up for any classes that interest you. Thats so exciting! We are on her in June, and whilst we hope to keep to allocated time, we do not yet know when that will be and willnot want to risk arriving too late. We were sailing out of NOLA knowing we would be sailing back to that great city where we had booked a few nights post cruise. I dont have them available as a download right now, but love your idea and will look into doing this in the future. The point-earning system for the Captains Circle program is a bit convoluted, as it involves two separate tracks either of which will allow you to rise through its tiers. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Come join my Facebook Cruise Community Thanks for reading and Happy Cruising!! My last few cruises were from Southampton on Celebrity. Pinnacle members have more flexible embarkation rules. Hang up any cruise outfits that are likely to wrinkle. Required fields are marked *. If you have not registered your children online before your cruise, do this now. After check in, expect a photo opportunity just before boarding. 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). What an amazing adventure waiting for you in just a few short months! On a cruise youll have a cabin steward or attendant who will clean your stateroom daily, as well as ensure you have everything you need to be comfortable in your cabin. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. As most ports I wont put any money on it till I know we are going. I understanding the thinking in giving priority to Suites, and also based on the Loyalty programme tiers, but to not be flexible in allowing choice or changes is ridiculous. Our Latest Photos, Shared While Traveling. 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. Both of us prefer to arrive early to our port city, but the ships schedule and our work schedules made that impossible for that trip. Still need help? I like to hang as much as I can, which is why I ask for extra hangers. If you love Princess Cruises, pay attention to points earning so you can rise through the ranks to snag the best Captain's Circle loyalty program benefits. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. They leave their various departure points with the expectation that they will arrive early afternoon. Arrival Group A - But should I wait? Newbie here Princess Cruises Testing New Advance Boarding Program Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Think if 5000 people turn up at 11am. Lol, sometimes I like them removed so that we dont take them, by mistake, but also so I can put in my own water bottles, items from the buffet (maybe juice or a carton of milk), or even have room for chocolate covered strawberries or another dessert that we may have had in our cabin that wasnt eaten. It has been known for passengers to be upgraded to Club Class. This is great thank you for all the great cruises tips. In regard to gratuities, personally we tip the suggested amounts by the cruise line. Since any cruise purchases will be put on your onboard account, theres no need to walk around with a wallet or purse. "As Elite, I could be cavalier and say IDC, but I hope Elites and Suites do not just grab all the early arrival spots willy-nilly as we know they d 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/. Simply put, embarkation day is the first day of your cruise, when you will embark your cruise ship. There was no difference between us once we were IN the room. We sat wherever we liked, filling the room front to back in order we arrived. Didnt see it advertised but werent looking for it.. Lock up your meds! AFAIK coaches don't have an allotted time as such. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Southwest unveils stunning new Hawaii-themed aircraft, How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value, IHG Rewards Premier Business card review: The annual fee is justified. Youll have a chance to meet the staff and you and your children will feel more comfortable. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries. A lot depends on what time you arrive, and whether boarding has already started. I will be sharing with my clients. Check our FAQs, Princess communications and official government sites often for specifics for your voyage. Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises. Terms and Conditions Apply. 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. Great tip! However, one of the best cruise embarkation day tips I can give you is to take some time in the late afternoon to unpack and get your cabin organized. The cruise director and entertainment staff will be host a Sailaway party, and guests are encouraged to dance and have fun. By having embarkation day time, theres less crowding in the cruise terminal and cruise lines can comply with the health and safety measures. However, a more typical cruiser sailing seven-night trips in standard cabins would need to take four cruises to reach the Ruby level. For a more typical cruiser sailing seven-night trips in standard cabins, it would take six sailings to reach the Platinum level. Thanks for taking the time to leave me such a fun and sweet comment!! However this was around 2pm so I think they just wanted everyone on and out of the way by that point . Have one booked for May 2021. Starting to get a little worried by the replies! Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. 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 You can also make your way off the ship whenever youre ready with the hope that your luggage is already waiting for you in the terminal. Guests will be required to wear a face mask indoors at all times and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained. said: 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. As you complete your online check in, youll be able to choose an arrival time. Well this is all as clear as mud. My next cruise is January 2022. I'll just read up on the experinces of those who take cruises in what remains in Thanks for your comment. If you dont need the room or use the mini-fridge, I would not empty it. As weve written about before, the lines top customer has spent years at sea on Princess ships. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! I find it lays flat this way and never had a problem with leakage. A surprise for many new cruisers, your cruise cabin probably wont be cleaned and ready as you board your cruise ship. Id love to connect with you on Instagram and Facebook @lifewellcruised. My last few cruises were from Southampton on Celebrity. BUY NOW & SAVE $10. ", 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.