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.