2018 Upgrades to Crown Princess

Ships continue to fine-tune their offerings.

Here's what Princess completed on Crown Princess in 2018:

“Crown Princess first debuted in 2006 with several industry-first offerings, including our revered adults-only Sanctuary,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “Now, 12 years later, we’re continuing our commitment to offer Crown Princess guests the next evolution of signature Princess product innovations while they cruise to their bucket-list destinations.”

Crown Princess now proudly displays the line’s signature logo on her bow and has new and enhanced offerings onboard.
Top-Deck Dining Venues – Four Princess top-deck outdoor dining offerings have been revitalized, renamed and enhanced, including:

The Salty Dog Grill
Princess burgers grilled up with 100 percent all-beef patties and buns freshly baked onboard, or choose from new Street Tacos made with grilled chipotle-lime chicken or roasted sweet potato-green chile at the new Salty Dog Grill. For a nominal charge, “The Ernesto” burger, from Chef Ernesto Uchimura, voted “#1 Burger at Sea” by Cruise Critic, is also available, where guests can accompany their selections with loaded fries in tempting varieties include chili cheese and bacon & cheese. Classic hot dogs round out the menu offerings at the new on-deck dining venue.

Slice – featuring west coast and east coast offerings, Princess guests will enjoy the cruise line’s signature classic Neapolitan-style pizza that has been voted “Best Pizza at Sea” by USA Today. New menu items include Deep Dish Focaccia layered with marinara, meatballs and cheese, California Artisanal Toast including Cali-Avocado or Caprese, as well as Sliced Stromboli, an east coast take on an Italian calzone filled with deli meats and cheese.

Coffee & Cones  – offering treats of gourmet ice-cream sandwiches, complimentary ice cream cones and now brewing specialty coffee on the top deck, serving New Grounds Crafted Coffee. 

The Mix – the poolside bar has been refreshed and the brightly lit

Princess Luxury Bed – available in every stateroom aboard Crown Princess, the Princess Luxury Bed was developed by Princess Cruises in collaboration with board-certified sleep expert, Dr. Michael Breus and renowned HGTV designer Candice Olson. The bed offers the ultimate night of sleep at sea combining the science of sleep with the pinnacle of design and recently received the highest ranking for “Best Cruise Ship Beds” by Cruise Critic.

Enhanced Boutiques – guests will enjoy aesthetic enhancements to the Shops of Princess, offering an upgraded shopping experience, such as a branded Effy Fine Jewelry boutique. There will also be new products to choose from featuring a collection of Princess branded athletic wear and logo apparel displayed in a newly designed Logo shop.

Casino – surrounded by new carpet, light fixtures and bar TV screens.

Lotus Spa & Fitness Center – upgraded and the latest in fitness equipment is now available.

Cruising Tips you Never Knew you Needed

Topics of interest for cruisers!  

If you wish this in a printed form, let me know and I will forward you a Word document.

Musts:

·         Shots: Up to date Tetanus or T-dap (combo tetanus shot)  Good for 10 years.

·         Passport – make photocopy to keep in safe inside cabin.

·         Make sure your cruise itinerary is also INSIDE your luggage so if lost, finder knows where to forward it.  Also, put name & phone # inside luggage in case outside tag is removed.

·         Read (scan) cruise line Passenger Contract (legal document). This is gospel.

Currency:

·         Convert $$ to Euros prior to leaving USA.

·         If you bank with Bank of America, online ordering is easy. Can be overnighted via online order.  If not a customer, check with your bank.

     How much to bring? For snacks at small pubs or ocassional lunch, tips to guides, figure about 30 Euros a day x 12 days = 360 Euros.  10 days on land tour = 300 Euros. Total approx. 500 Euros for both trips. If you plan on lots of whiskey or beer in pubs (and may not take credit cards) allow for more foreign currency.

Communications:

·         Princess Travel Protection: Purchased by all.  It includes a 24/7 worldwide concierge.

·         Princess@Sea: Free Cell phone intranet app to communicate with other guests (open wifi once on-board to set up)  This is different than the paid worldwide internet access.

·         “Whats App” – for use in port or anytime on wifi service. Calls, text, voice messages to anyone else using WhatsApp.  Most important to communicate with our group on land!

·

     Keep cell phone with you at all times on shore – especially to call ship and port authorities (if needed) in the event of an emergency. For example, problems ashore; late arrival back from excursion.

·         If you encounter unforeseen flight or weather-related delays and you have purchased Princess Vacation Protection and/or Princess eZAir®,

o   If within the U.S. or Canada, please call 866-509-7712.

o   If outside of the U.S. or Canada, please call 603-394-9388.  Call Collect.

Newsletter Princess Patter – delivered to cabin each evening for the next day. Tell your cabin attendant you wish two copies (i.e., keep one for going ashore or one for him/her). Highlight excursions & events you wish to do.

Pack:

·        Luggage 50# max. Be sure medications are on your person: carry-on.

·         Flip-flops or easy-on shoes for going to pool, hot tub, spa. Store in shower caps or plastic bags.

·         You may wish to have a plug in adaptor w/USB ports if you use multiple outlets for technology charging.

Dining:

·         Dining Room evenings: no shorts or jeans allowed.

·         Everywhere else, casual, shorts okay, weather permitting. Take a wrap or jacket as some venues may be chilly day or night.

·         Salty Dog Gastro Pub: voted best hamburgers at sea (we’ll see if they beat Guy’s Burgers on Carnival)

·         Men: Blazer, dress slacks, shoes, tie for formal dinners (2) Suit if desired (many folks dress up). Women: Cocktail, floor length, or even fancy top with pants…more flexible.

·         Atrium/piazza (grand lobby): Gelato available for a charge.

·         Horizon Court Buffet is Deck 15 Aft: soft serve ice cream available.  Daily Specials on Dining Room Menu will appear here as well.  Multiple stations, be sure to see them all.

·         Buffet: Different food offerings on port side and starboard side. Check both out.

·         Breakfast: buffet is best for variety. Dining room for plated meal (served by waiter). 

     I am not crazy about Princess coffee, so if it is important for you to have a "good" cup of coffee, do think about the Coffee Card good for 15 specialty drinks and unlimited premium coffee. Only available for purchase days before boarding.  See your account beverage offers.

Alcohol:

·         Can bring on board one bottle of wine per person when arriving place in carry-on bag, not checked bag.  Bring a portable corkscrew or have cabin attendant open in your cabin for no extra fee.

·         Alcohol Purchases during cruise: MAY need to hand over bottles when boarding; will receive them back when departing at end of cruise.

I   If you plan on purchasing a special whiskey, scotch, etc. invest in the cushioned bottle protectors. 

Performances/Shows:

·         No reservations required; but show up early for good seating.

Miscellaneous:

·         Room service is free up until 11:00 p.m.

·         Wake up calls can be made by room service.

·         Self-serve Laundry: available almost every deck. Use early or late hours or while in port * but could be closed in port due to local laws.

Charges made by room key. Bring detergent or purchase on board. $3.00/wash; $1.50/dry.

·         “Ultimate Ship Tour”: available for a cost. Make reservations at front desk first day on board.  HIGHLY recommend.  It is expensive, but fascinating, and Princess gives lots of gifts at end of tour.  Small groups only.  I'll be there!

·         Sanctuary Retreat: located on top deck. Has glass windows and canopy for sightseeing, relaxation, etc. Entrance for a fee….it may be too chilly to use.

     You may wish to take a lanyard for your SeaPass (key to door & to charge any/all shipboard purchases.

      Cabins:

      Place suitcases under bed. Allows more space in stateroom. Closets are ample with Princess Cruises.

·         Have cabin attendant remove contents of mini-frig so you can keep your own items inside.  

·       AC shuts off if balcony door is left open.  Never leave slider open to cabin. Do not drape anything on the balcony railing.

     Walls and doors are magnetic. Feel free to hang anything personal on your doorfront to identify this as your home away from home.

Fitness Center:

·         Available 24 hours at no extra charge.  Some classes may charge a fee.

·         Located on Sun Deck - deck 16

·         Suggest not using fitness center when ship is departing as sea conditions may create discomfort.  Exiting the channel is sometimes choppy.

Optional Packages on board Crown Princess

What shall quench your thirst?  

Packages are not added to your booking until they are paid. Prices include gratuity.

Premier Beverage Package $68.99 per person, per day

This package is not applicable for those persons who have the Alcoholic Beverage Pkg with your stateroom booking.

Enjoy a wide range of drinks for $59.99 per day plus a 15% gratuity. The Premier Beverage Package includes any individual beverage item such as fountain soda, bottled water, cocktails, spirits, wine by the glass, beers, coffee and tea, up to $12 (retail value). A 25% discount is also offered on all bottles of wine when purchased in bars, dining room or specialty restaurants.

Premier Beverage Package$68.99 per person, per day

Select which passengers will receive this item (must be 18 or over):

Your names will appear here: one person may select this option per cabin

Unlimited Soda & More Package $8.05 per person, per day

Includes the Unlimited Soda Package plus any mocktails, juices, and hot chocolate throughout the cruise.

Package must be purchased for full length of voyage, cannot be shared, is non-transferable, and is non-refundable within 3 days of sailing.

Select

Unlimited Soda & More Package$8.05 per person, per day

Select which passengers will receive this item (must be or over):

Your names will appear here, select both or either person

Canned Soda Package $11.50 6 cans for the price of 5

Choose any six canned sodas listed below in any combination for the price of five: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Diet Sprite, orange soda, soda water, tonic water, ginger ale.

Canned Soda Package $11.50 6 cans for the price of 5

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New Grounds Coffee Package$35.65 per person (15 beverages)

Save 20% with our New Grounds Coffee Package that includes 15 hot or cold specialty coffee drinks along with unlimited brewed coffee and premium tea for the duration of the cruise.

This offer is not available on board the ship. It must be purchased at least 4 days before sailing.

New Grounds Coffee Package$35.65 per person (15 beverages)

Select which passengers will receive this item (must be or over):

I don't consider myself a coffee snob, but on my last Princess Cruise, I probably would have

used this coffee package for a premium coffee.  I did not like the "free" coffee at the buffet.

The following packages are for delivery to your stateroom. As a reminder, you may bring one bottle of wine per person on board in Dublin. Pack a corkscrew.

I expect you may be able to bring a bottle aboard at other ports as well, since Europe is more lax in enforcing the policy of only at embarkation.

5-for-4 Dos Equis Package $25.30 5 bottles for the price of 4

Crisp and refreshing Dos Equis is made from pure spring water and the choicest hops. Buy four Dos Equis (12 oz bottles) and get the fifth beer free. Delivered to the stateroom.

5-for-4 Dos Equis Package $25.30 5 bottles for the price of 4

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5-for-4 Heineken Package $25.30 5 bottles for the price of 4

Enjoy the distinctive flavor and clarity of Heineken that comes from a longer brewing process. Buy four Heineken (12 oz bottles) and get the fifth beer free. Delivered to the stateroom.

5-for-4 Heineken Package $25.30 5 bottles for the price of 4

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5-for-4 Budweiser Package $28.75 5 bottles for the price of 4

Classic Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful American-style lager. Buy four Budweiser (16 oz aluminum cans) and get the fifth beer free. Delivered to the stateroom.

5-for-4 Budweiser Package $28.75 5 bottles for the price of 4

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5-for-4 Bud Light Package $26.45 5 bottles for the price of 4

Bud Light offers great smooth taste with fewer calories than regular Budweiser. Buy four Bud Light (16 oz aluminum cans) and get the fifth beer free. Delivered to the stateroom.

5-for-4 Bud Light Package $26.45 5 bottles for the price of 4

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Bottled Water Package $6.90 for 12 (500 ml) bottles

12 (500 ml) bottles of water conveniently delivered to the stateroom. Price includes service charge.

For pre-purchase ONLY through Gift Guide or Cruise Personalizer

Bottled Water Package $6.90 for 12 (500 ml) bottles

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Your Plans for Le Havre (Paris)?

LeHavre is a short sailing across the English Channel to the coast of France. 

What a great opportunity to see any of the historical areas nearby 

or to journey in to Paris for a quick look-see.

Normandy D-Day Beaches

Would you like to join a PRIVATE small group tour to this moving and historical site?

Please advise me as I will be looking at tour options for some friends in our group.  Let me know should you wish to join them.  Please email me as soon as possible.

1	Suzanne & John
2	Nancy & Jim
3	Sue & Lou
4	Maggie & Charles
5	Pat & Barbara
6
7

   

Omaha Beach & Utah Beach

First Call for Southampton Tour

Let's see Portsmouth, UK

Just an hour drive from Southampton is the waterfront city of Portsmouth. This city is home to the Royal Navy and birthplace of Charles Dickens.

On this day, Thursday 6 June 2019, the Crown Princess arrives at 5am and departs at 5pm. I expect many guests will be disembarking here in England, while others will join us.

This is a PRIVATE tour with transportation provided by a private minivan limited to 16 persons. At this time, please confirm if you would like to join for the following itinerary:

Depart ship                      9:00am
Arrive Portsmouth         10:00am

1. Tour Lord Nelson's HMS Victory 1 hour

2. Tour HMS Warrior                        1 hour

Lunch in a pub or cafe   1 hour
 (cost not included in tour)
Shopping, exploring      30 min





3. View from Emirates Spinnaker Tower 1 hour

Depart Portsmouth            2:30pm
Return to Crown Princess 3:30pm














Tentatively, the following couples have expressed an interest in this tour.
Would you like to join us?
Should we fill the tour to Portsmouth, I expect the pricing will be approximately $90 US per person including admissions to the 3 attractions noted above.  I am awaiting confirmation from the tour provider in England.

1	Karen & Grant
2	Chris & Don
3	Bonnie & Sutter
4	Nancy & Jim
5	Suzanne & John
6	Barbara & Pat
7	Delores & Wayne
8

Princess tours from Southampton include:
Royal Windsor (Castle)            $129.99 pp  45 persons
London City Drive                   $169.99 pp  45 persons
Stonehenge and Salisbury        $109.99 pp  45 persons
London on Your Own              $  99.95 pp