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. If you want to ensure that youre one of the first people to board the ship and get access to your room as soon as It doesnt matter how many cruise credits or cruise days you earn on that first sailing. Were just a little surprised that Princess doesnt offer this perk until the third tier of its loyalty program. Its important to take a few minutes to put your valuable items into the cabin safe. Im only kidding, my dear about my feelings towards youy, honest! There will be a crew member working at the shore excursion desk once you board your cruise ship. Boosters are highly recommended for those eligible at least 7 days before. So glad I read about these issues. However, if youre not sure which shore excursions you want to take, dont stress. I have never been on a cruise but your post makes that first experience very simple and manageable. Reaching the Ruby level can be done in as few as one cruise, if its a cruise lasting 31 days or more. But there is priority check-in - same priority as Elite and so forth. Forgot to add: I don't care for the Crown Grill desserts, so I always ask if I can pick two appetizers, the answer have always been "yes". I think the desserts in the International Cafe is better and to my liking. Just to make things a little bit more complicated, Princess also doubles your cruise credit earnings if you sail in a full suite (mini-suites, Club Class suites and upgrades to suites are excluded) or sail solo. Club Class Dining is available in the Main Dining Room during breakfast and dinner. The cruise line is testing the new faster boarding program onboard Ruby Princess for just three cruises. For a more typical cruiser sailing seven-night trips in standard cabins, it would take six sailings to reach the Platinum level. The more time onboard the better. Cunard online check in you preregister credit card and upload photos, thought P&O would be same. Passengers in Club Class will benefit from priority embarkation and disembarkation for their cruise. There are four tiers to the Captains Circle program: Getting to the first tier of the program, Gold, is simple. However, in theory, you also could reach Elite status in just two sailings if they were among the longest sailings on the Princess schedule. Other Cruise lines may do this as well, but if you eat your first nights dinner in a specialty restaurant on Carnival, they give you a bottle of wine. ", I have A group for the Majestic on the 15th. Another thing I like to do is go to one of the finer restaurants for late lunch/ early dinner. Cruise tip: If youd rather not take a photo, simply walk past the photo booth. The only exception is for Pinnacle members. for real. Thank you for the reply, much appreciated. Priority Boarding for Full Suites - Princess Cruises - Cruise 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. Princess Cruises Club Class mini-suites are located in more favourable positions. Well share the status of local guidelines with you prior to disembarkation at each destination. bring discounts for shore excursions and spa treatments, The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries, A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs, The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess cruise, The best credit cards for booking cruises, The 3 classes of Princess ships, explained, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If you cant wait to hang out by the pool, this is a great thing to do on embarkation day. Thanks for these tips. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. There was no difference between us once we were IN the room. Going to leave plenty of time for traffic/ breakdowns & charging the car en route. , Agree - preferred boarding time option when booking would help - (not guaranteed obviously !). We grab a glass of wine and ready for a wonderful time. 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). Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Theres something special about walking from the cruise terminal after checking in and onto the gangway to board your cruise ship. Certain hotels have resort fees. Cruise Embarkation Day Tips Manage Settings Powered by Invision Community. Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The latter may seem interesting, but here at The Points Guy, we dont recommend you buy travel insurance through your cruise line. You can pay as low as $650 for a Grill Suite for a sailing that's just a few days, to upwards of $14,700 for a Grill Suite on a 32-day cruise. 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 This is great thank you for all the great cruises tips. https://lifewellcruised.com/top-5-reasons-why-everyone-needs-to-go-on-a-cruise-to-alaska/ Boarding for me, with Celebrity, has always been very smooth, with no queues. I have my tips list and will enjoy every moment! Princess Updates Boarding Procedures - Chris Cruises 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. -- 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! Please contact your travel advisor or our Customer Sevice Department for complete details. Be aware that whichever stateroom you choose with Princess Cruises, you can request a bathrobe. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Priority disembarkation. I was so mad. Never gave a thought to putting my medication in the safe. We have, unfortunately, had to cancel 2 cruises for 2020, but hope to make our November 2020 cruise, pending a covid-19 vaccine as we are both high risk. I pack all my toiletries in a zip lock bag (doubled) and lay it between my packed clothes rather than pack the organizer before arrival. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Still need help? Boarding for me, with Celebrity, has always been very smooth, with no queues. Contact tracing is planned for every cruise. Wish it was more like the airport where you can wait in comfort rather than in the rain. 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. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Does anyone know if there are problems embarking Arcadia? Heres an article I have about tipping both for cruise ship staff as well as off the ship if you decide: https://lifewellcruised.com/cruise-tipping-guidelines/. As well, youll want to know the current cruise line health protocols, vaccine requirements and ensure you have all the documentation you need. Priority disembarkation at the end of the cruise. You would need to take an initial sailing of 51 nights or longer. Every cruise line is different, however some cruise lines offer a glass of complimentary champagne as you embark on your cruise ship. Check-in opens well prior to 11:00am - typically 10:00am approx. Using packing cubes may cut down on how long it takes to unpack your clothes, as you can often unzip them and place the entire cube onto a shelf. They boarded after our room was cleared. 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. Intercruises seem to employ many of the staff. For details on acceptable proof of vaccination, please visit ourFAQs for your cruise. 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. Sounds like a great reason to book a Haven suite!! This is particularly advantageous if you havent reached Platinum status with Princess yet. As your cruise ship sails away from the shore, its a special moment thats celebrated on a cruise! I thought every cruise line gave people allotted boarding times. 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. If you have not registered your children online before your cruise, do this now. Dont forget to keep your documentation and passports on you, and not in your checked luggage! A complimentary minibar setup. Guests on sailings from the United States must provide proof at terminal check-in of a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within two days of their embarkation. Priority access to ship-to-shore shuttles. 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. 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! 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. I also didnt see any passengers get their times checked, or see them send anyone off to a naughty corner to wait who had arrived early. I always keep my bra clean. Things change so details continue to be updated regularly. curious as to why you would request for the mini bar items to be cleared.. hmm. Princess Cruises has some excellent specialty dining restaurants such as Sabatinis and the Crown Grill. Thanks so much! We do sometimes leave an additional amount especially to our cabin steward, as weve had some that have gone above and beyond. Melissa. Since any cruise purchases will be put on your onboard account, theres no need to walk around with a wallet or purse. Just got off the Majestic on Saturday. Was group A. Got to the pier about 10:40. Was through check in and in the Elite area by 10:45. They started boarding the Elite lounge about 11:15., Its going to be nice to board a ship without a long wait or dock stress in a long time, You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. As weve written about before, the lines top customer has spent years at sea on Princess ships. The Sky didnt fall in. However this was around 2pm so I think they just wanted everyone on and out of the way by that point . As noted above, unlike some lines, Princess doesnt award top-tier members truly valuable perks such as a free cruise or onboard credits that can be used for any type of onboard spending (the line used to offer onboard credits based on the number of cruises taken, but it revoked this perk in 2021). Related post: Cruise Lingo You Need to Know (cruise terminology), Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner Difference Between Priority Check-In vs. Priority Boarding Yes, they can turn up late, but someone else could have had their earlier time slot. For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. That means you can relax and enjoy your favorite parts of traveling by ship whether thats 24-hour room service, Broadway-style shows or not having to cook and clean so you can connect with whatmatters most. Since we live in Canada, we are very drawn to hot weather when we cruise. Thanks so much Russell for your great comment and suggestion! These will come in handy if youre planning to visit the cruise ship spa. I believe that the queuing issues being reported are just on Iona and Arvia and mostly during school holiday cruises. Planning on getting to the dock by 11 and hopefully walk right on (Elite as well). Didnt see it advertised but werent looking for it.. In your experience, would I be wise to board at a later time? Please note that we will not accept visor face shields as substitutes for a face mask. They also receive priority boarding on embarkation day and express debarkation. Complimentary shoe shines. You may want to take a tour of the spa or fitness centre and even some of the lounges. Please share on Facebook or save for later on Pinterest (share buttons at the top). I wonder why you think that would happen with P&O when it doesn't seem to happen with most other cruise lines sailing from Southamoton? , Agreed: our game is "can we be unpacked and settled in by sailaway? When I returned to my cabin after dinner the first night, my meds were gone. 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. P.S. 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. I am not a pool type guy. Your email address will not be published. Access to a Captains Circle onboard host. Perhaps save it for a special time or when youre planning to dine later in the evening. Im assuming Jan will be about the same capacity with it being away from the Holidays and the more general slow season. 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. ', is the same staff at the terminal, or would each cruise line have their own boarding 'rules?'. Please empty out the mini-bar fridge items. Read more: Cruise Carry-on Bag Packing List (all the essentials). Cruisingawayfromthesnow!, April 3, 2022 in Princess Cruises, When are full suites able to board? Also some coming by plane. Arrival Group A - But should I wait? These cruises are operated as vaccinated cruises as defined by the CDC, with guests and crew vaccination rates approaching 100% and are available for guests who: Please come prepared. Previous posters have mentioned the simplicity of embarking on Princess. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Clayton West, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, UK. I agree with you, except! Grossly unfair to others if they arrive at allotted time and a coach load arrive early and force them to wait. Alternatively, you may prefer to have a drink and people watch or even take in the sailaway from your private balcony. Chris Owen is a writer from Florida who believes travel is a great way to experience, understand then change our world in a safe, positive way. 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. I dont think you will have any issues with Arcadia. If you are at the Elite loyalty level, you get 10% all of the time. If you have requests, now is the time to ask. There were a ton of passengers who stayed from the previous week. 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. That said, gratuities and what to give are a personal decision, and I respect that. However, for anyone who likes their Wi-Fi always on so that emails and texts arrive in real time, the discount on a length-of-cruise package will prove more valuable. Thanks for sharing your story! boarding 2. People are travelling from all parts of the country with different travel times. In my last cruise, I found prints of my stick on bra on the closet doors. Platinum status also brings access to a disembarkation lounge on the last day of the cruise where you can have a beverage and light breakfast as you wait to leave the ship. [SF Native]. 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). Plus you have priority boarding and are escorted to your room. Interesting thread. Since PCL Platinum/Elite loyalty perks still list priority check-in, I'd say there will be some way to accomplish that. As some The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. We encourage everyone to use the hand-washing sinks and hand sanitizer dispensers at venue entrances and in high-traffic areas throughout the ship. Some will be included with your cruise, while others will have an additional charge. Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports 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. I shall wait and see how it is for my cruise in September and keep my fingers crossed that I am not given the time to embark when hundreds arrive on coaches and get priority!! Quora - A place to share knowledge and better understand the world If you have kids, one of the most important and first things to do after you board your cruise is to visit the kids camp. Likely before 1 pm. I really do not see how the current system can ever work any better than just adequately. 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 To provide an example of the price difference between a mini-suite and a Club Class mini-suite, I have selected a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on Regal Princess: In this instance, Club Class is an additional 400 per passenger, based on two people sharing. However, it doesnt double your cruise day count. Have had 2 cruises canceled. Also some coming by plane. Watch our CruiseHealth videoView frequently asked questions (FAQ). Its true that medication is as valuable (if not more so) as jewelry and passports. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Additionally, elite members get priority 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. As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier (Gold) doesnt bring all that much in terms of truly valuable rewards. This is particularly advantageous if you havent reached Platinum status with Princess yet. Related post: 30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know. While each tier has perks, only platinum and elite members can get in the priority boarding line at the embarkation port. Cruise tip: Do your safety briefing as soon as possible after you embark so that you can enjoy your day without interruptions before sailaway. This can include your money and wallet, jewelry, passports and even your keys. This definitely isnt something Id think happens often, but youre right its good to be aware and careful. Passengers whove booked shore excursions directly through the cruise line will have priority tendering to make sure the tour groups meet their guides on time. Didnt see it advertised but werent looking for it., Agreed: our game is "can we be unpacked and settled in by sail-away? 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 HEPA filters are used in key areas, such as medical centers and dedicated isolation rooms, as a further safeguard. I hadnt considered it myself, so Im definitely thankful that other readers mentioned it. One of the newest types of cabins (or staterooms) to be introduced into the mix is Club Class. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. And what is included? 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. 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. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. This is a great time to walk the whole top deck and view the sports deck, walking track, the pools from the very front to the very back. We sat wherever we liked, filling the room front to back in order we arrived. An invitation to an MSC Voyagers Club exclusive Diamond Party. Priority embarkation and disembarkation Your Club Class experience begins at the port as Club Class passengers board at their leisure. The program is also one where it is relatively easy to reach a high-level tier. Our next one is in May to Iceland on NCL Star. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Princess Cruises Club Class Perks: 5 Amenities Worth Al_W, April 25 in P&O Cruises ( UK ). So glad the information is helpful. People also select a time in advance so there's no people queuing who should not be there. Passengers in Club Class mini-suites will receive half a bottle of red and white wine. 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. Glad the embarkation day tips could be helpful. Complimentary afternoon tea in your cabin (schedule this at least six hours in advance). I wont put any money on it till I know we are going. Simply put, embarkation day is the first day of your cruise, when you will embark your cruise ship. Princess Cruises is testing a fee paying airline style priority boarding programme. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. If this is your first cruise, or even if youve cruised before, youre probably wondering what to expect on your cruise embarkation day. Some longtime Princess fans were upset with the internet perk change in 2021. Cruise Butler It sounds a bit strange that people are saying Celebrity and RC don't have queues but P&O do - I was trying to fathom how that was possible if it is the same staff at the terminal, or would each cruise line have their own boarding 'rules? Just speak to your room steward when you get onboard. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Not everyone will be clamouring for the early embarkation, for some that would mean an extra early start, or even an overnight stay pre-cruise involving more expense. Have you been on a cruise to Alaska? ALL Suite, Elite & Club Class entered the building in the "priority" line. AFAIK coaches don't have an allotted time as such. Such forever status is one of the great allures of cruise line frequent cruiser programs. 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. 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. Invitations to members-only onboard events. Powered by Invision Community. Crew Appreciation. Princess Cruises Suite Perks (Compare the 5 Suite Types) - Cruise Requirements for non-U.S. voyages coming soon. While the safety briefing remains, the muster drill has changed. In addition, Diamond level brings: Courtesy bathrobe and slippers available during the cruise. Your email address will not be published. Also the fact when I turn up at my allotted time of 12non, terminal is full to the brim of people with later boarding times. While its a busy day and there are embarkation procedures to be aware of, its also the start of an amazing vacation ahead! Related post:25 Fashionable Cruise Outfits for Ladies (affordable cruise wear). The Platinum level comes with five solid perks: Priority boarding is a great perk as it means you dont have to wait with the tourist hordes upon arriving at a ship and, in theory, can board more quickly increasing the amount of time you have to enjoy the vessels offerings on the first day.
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