Cancellation Policy. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you aboard! So excited and some anxiety at the same time. Wish it was more like the airport where you can wait in comfort rather than in the rain. We also askyou to follow health information about the ways to stay healthy on board and when ashore through daily programming, entertainment systems, announcements, in-stateroom literature and our app. People are travelling from all parts of the country with different travel times. Have Crown Grill booked for my birthday. Cruise ships have a type newsletter or planner that will be placed in your cabin each day. This is particularly advantageous if you havent reached Platinum status with Princess yet. Powered by Invision Community. BUY NOW & SAVE $10. Princess use the Carnival terminals of Ocean, Maylower or QE2, so their staff will be the same. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Cruise Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? Im assuming Jan will be about the same capacity with it being away from the Holidays and the more general slow season. A surprise for many new cruisers, your cruise cabin probably wont be cleaned and ready as you board your cruise ship. Youll pass your cruise card or Medallion (for Princess cruises), hear a lovely little bing and be welcomed onto your cruise ship! 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. I have 1 tip for you. Sounds like a great reason to book a Haven suite!! or to make space for something which I cant figure out yet. Concierge guests get priority reservations for cruise excursions, dining and onboard activities. However you choose to enjoy sailaway, make sure to take it all in and know that this is the beginning of a wonderful adventure ahead! They should review boarding time cut-off, and check if they need to specify a boarding time. boarding 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. While in the past I recommended arriving at your cruise port early so you could board your cruise ship as soon as possible, this is no longer the case. Still, the Captains Circles top Elite status tier does come with a few enticing benefits. 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!. 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. This exactly! Thanks so much Russell for your great comment and suggestion! Theres something special about walking from the cruise terminal after checking in and onto the gangway to board your cruise ship. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Have you been on a cruise to Alaska? Late stateroom check-out on disembarkation day. Depending on what type of cruises and cabins you book, you may rise through the ranks faster using one metric or the other. Didnt see it advertised but werent looking for it., Agreed: our game is "can we be unpacked and settled in by sail-away? Platinums follow. I find this kind of bizarre, why not a whole bottle of each? Early Boarding on Princess Cruise Ship | All Getaways Yes, exactly what P&O told me when they advised I ask for assistance as I cant stand for long periods anymore. Well do the serving for you. Related post:Cruise Luggage Tag Holders (order by cruise line). Medical centers are equipped with COVID testing and treatment capabilities. 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. Pre register credit cards and upload photos for cruise cards which could be sent out perhaps. This is a bit of a surprise to us, as we know that Princess has a lot of hard-core fans who have sailed with the line dozens of times. First cruise planning can be overwhelming for sure glad you found this useful! However, the Captains Circle program is not nearly as robust a frequent cruiser program as those offered by such rivals as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. Reply Cruises Priority Check-In and Express Boarding On Carnival cruises, suite guests have special check-in privileges. 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. No I havent done that yet, but its on my wish list! Protocols may be subject to change without notice. Exemptions are not granted on embarkation day. Al_W, April 25 in P&O Cruises ( UK ). Thank you for the reply, much appreciated. Cruise Embarkation Day Tips I agree with you, except! Have had 2 cruises canceled. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. WebCommon Questions and Topics. We were on the Iona the other week with different boarding times as a group, but they allowed us all to board at the same (earlier) time: there was never any suggestion of those who were early waiting. Related: A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs. Things to pack in your embarkation day include medication, valuables, laptops and tech items, sunscreen and a change of clothes. 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. 4. Print your cruise documents including boarding pass and luggage tags and be ready for your cruise embarkation day! Your email address will not be published. 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. ', is the same staff at the terminal, or would each cruise line have their own boarding 'rules?'. Club Class is a category of mini-suite that offers a number of special perks to guests who book them. However, the Captains Circle, as Princess calls its loyalty program, does bring a few valuable perks at its higher-level tiers, including discounted internet service and complimentary laundry services. Early access to Dine My Way reservations. Youll have a chance to meet the staff and you and your children will feel more comfortable. Some cruise ships will have ship tours and scavenger hunts, which is a great way to explore the ship on the first day of your cruise. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Princess Cruises trials priority boarding - TravelMole Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Princess MedallionClass experience brings TrulyTouchless experiences and personalized service. Keep your meds locked up even if they seem nice. Likely before 1 pm. Im super excited for you and hope you have a fantastic time!! , 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. What is Princess Cruises Club Class? Ifyoure travellinginternationally, make sure you understand all entry and airline requirements to gofrom your home country to the destinations you plan to visit, including where health authorities may require pre-travel COVID-19 testing. Arrival Group A - But should I wait? Newbie here By This includes local government guidance for mask wearing, physical distancing, testing/health screenings, etc. In addition, at the Platinum level, youll receive a special Platinum-level pin. Previous posters have mentioned the simplicity of embarking on Princess. Related: The 3 classes of Princess ships, explained. Thanks for your comment. For example, on Regal Princess, Club Class mini-suites are available midship and forward. Hang up any cruise outfits that are likely to wrinkle. Port Everglades. 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. Cruisingawayfromthesnow!, April 3, 2022 in Princess Cruises, When are full suites able to board? I dont have them available as a download right now, but love your idea and will look into doing this in the future. 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. No one asked about my arrival group at check-in on either of my cruises this year--on the Majestic in August and the Caribbean last week. Guests must have received their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before Vaccinations. But, also, members earn 1 cruise day for every night spent on a ship. Priority Debarkation I have never been on a cruise but your post makes that first experience very simple and manageable. But there is priority check-in - same priority as Elite and so forth. Related posts:21 Things You Need to Know About Ocean Medallion, Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion: Updates & New Features. However this was around 2pm so I think they just wanted everyone on and out of the way by that point . I hadnt considered it myself, so Im definitely thankful that other readers mentioned it. The cruise line app is a great place to find out information, view and book activities and even use to message other cruise passengers. Editorial disclaimer: 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. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Clayton West, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, UK. No, there is no earlier Boarding Group (hence why you see "A"). We had a choice between a red or a white wine and that was as specific as we could choose. As well, youll want to know the current cruise line health protocols, vaccine requirements and ensure you have all the documentation you need. https://lifewellcruised.com/top-5-reasons-why-everyone-needs-to-go-on-a-cruise-to-alaska/ However, in theory, you also could reach Elite status in just two sailings if they were among the longest sailings on the Princess schedule. Check our FAQs, Princess communications and official government sites often for specifics for your voyage. ", I have A group for the Majestic on the 15th. ", 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. There were a ton of passengers who stayed from the previous week. Also some coming by plane. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Being loyal to Princess finally starts paying off in a meaningful way once you reach the Platinum level of the Captains Circle program. Invitations to members-only onboard events. In my experience Celebrity and RC start boarding sooner so that will ease the flow. Priority boarding means that if you should arrive after check has started but before boarding has, you will be assigned a lower number boarding group. So you may have to wait. Priority access to ship-to-shore shuttles. Soda and drink packages can be purchased as well. Alternatively, you may prefer to have a drink and people watch or even take in the sailaway from your private balcony. You should get a few different canapes to try. Please don't be concerned about Arrival Groups at this time. This special touch is one of the things we enjoyed onboard Celebrity Cruises. Its a great idea to have a good meal at one of the sit down restaurants. My first Carnival Magic cruise coming up. In addition, Diamond level brings: Courtesy bathrobe and slippers available during the cruise. I would pay a premium for early check in though. 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. It will be sent to the cruise ship and delivered to your cabin a few hours after you board. 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. There have been a few changes as cruises have restarted, and this is especially true for the first day of your cruise. 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. This means that you can get on the ship quicker and start your vacation earlier. Princess Cruises Suite Perks (Compare the 5 Suite Types) - Cruise I see youve come across my Celebrity Reviews oh yes absolutely so wonderful! You need 151 cruise days to get to the Elite level. Princess MedallionClass FAQ. 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 Last time, with the new muster drill procedure, he took us by our muster station to check in on the way to our suite. And well clean public areas and staterooms thoroughly and more frequently using a safe disinfectant proven to quickly kill coronaviruses. Thanks so much! Reservations are made for you for lunch. , Agreed: our game is "can we be unpacked and settled in by sailaway? Thanks so much! Passengers in Club Class mini-suites will receive half a bottle of red and white wine. The last cruise I went on in September 2019, I foolishly stored my medications (I am diabetic) in the bathroom on an open shelf. So I can start my cruise with pictures of us, ship, and city. 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. While convoluted, this system actually works to your advantage, as you have two ways to reach higher tier levels. Dont forget to check out the fitness centre and sign up for any classes that interest you. By the time youve eaten lunch and done your emuster, your stateroom will likely be ready. We do sometimes leave an additional amount especially to our cabin steward, as weve had some that have gone above and beyond. Very exciting! 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. Passengers in Club Class will benefit from priority embarkation and disembarkation for their cruise. 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. Followed by getting the perfect spot on deck. Well continue to operate our Camp Discovery youth and teen programs at reduced occupancy and promote physical distancing and mask wearing. Complete the pre-boarding OceanReady steps and access Cruise Personalizer to book shore excursions, 1Vaccination exemptions must be pre-approved and are subject to capacity controls. Theres important personal information to enter that needs to be done prior to your cruise. Be aware that whichever stateroom you choose with Princess Cruises, you can request a bathrobe. In-room canapes on formal Guests will be required to wear a face mask indoors at all times and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained. There are also casual restaurants open including the pool side grill and cafes. Health experts recommend the use of higher-grade masks while indoors such as surgical or KN95. Often the main dining room will be open for lunch, and you can have a nice sit down lunch while you wait for your stateroom to be ready. I have always locked my meds especially since I was young when my own family member came over and stole my meds. Whether the additional perks of a Club Class mini-suite is worth it, is a personal decision. 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 A complimentary minibar setup. 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? Thanks for these tips. We sat wherever we liked, filling the room front to back in order we arrived. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Pre-Cruise FAQ: Before You Leave for Your Cruise - Princess 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. 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. 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. T-shirts and shorts are fine, as are light sundresses or rompers. Certain hotels have resort fees. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Pricepoint of Cunard's Ship-within-a-Ship class. Find the right card for you. The last 2 times we were in a suite, we were assigned a crew member to escort us to our cabin. So as to not tempt you? Newbie here, 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. A complimentary dancing class. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean use City Terminal, so probably different since they have ships in port at the same time as P&O. 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. Princess Cruises Club Class Perks: 5 Amenities Worth Crew Appreciation. Some longtime Princess fans were upset with the internet perk change in 2021. The latter may seem interesting, but here at The Points Guy, we dont recommend you buy travel insurance through your cruise line. Your email address will not be published. Obviously there has to be some sort of boarding protocol, particularly on the big ships, otherwise it would be chaos and overcrowding. Please share on Facebook or save for later on Pinterest (share buttons at the top). 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. Thanks for the embarkation day tips!! Are the port staff employed by the port or by each individual cruise line? Upon embarkation day, your cabin attendant will introduce themselves. This is definitely a tough year in so many ways, and certainly for cruising. It is not so much having to queue that would bother me, but will I have access to a toilet if needed? They are really helpful, but Id like a printed copy. With the big ships they must be strict or there would be absolute chaos. Future Cruise Credits (FCC) Travel Documents. Complimentary afternoon tea in your cabin (schedule this at least six hours in advance). 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. So, on a typical seven-night cruise, you would earn 7 cruise days in addition to 1 cruise credit. Related post: Cruise Lingo You Need to Know (cruise terminology), Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner In addition to the Gold-level rewards, you get a new recognition pin, access to a shoreside Captains Circle Help Desk phone line, and an upgrade to Princess Platinum Vacation Protection plan when you purchase a Princess travel insurance plan at the standard rate. 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. Some cruise lines also offer priority tendering to passengers who are at a high level in their loyalty program. When I returned to my cabin after dinner the first night, my meds were gone. 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. Think if 5000 people turn up at 11am. Do you have any tips on gratuity? Additionally, elite members get priority If you are at the Elite loyalty level, you get 10% all of the time. To take advantage of this, all you need to do is order through your room steward. Princess Cruises Membership Benefits Of course it could be due to P&O not dealing with a speedy disembarcation, thus only starting embarkation around noon, instead of 10:30-11:00am like the others. 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. The pilot test will begin on the March 17 sailing from Long 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. Glad the embarkation day tips could be helpful. Weather permitting, you can expect a Sailaway party on the Lido deck complete with a DJ or live band. Flexible Arrival is offered to Crown & Anchor Society Pinnacle Club members only. This is great thank you for all the great cruises tips. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. I just want a seat, I don't care when I get on! It will be a schedule of daily activities that are available, as well as entertainment options, opening hours for the gym, spa, restaurants etc. Related post: 30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know. The OceanReady Process. 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. Rereading many old cruise posts. Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries. You will be required to follow the health protocols for every port we visit. Crown and Anchor Society 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. What a pleasure and great way to start the cruise. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Hi All, Im Ilana. 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. Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises. 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! Even here, though, the rewards are still relatively modest. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Princess Cruises Captain's Circle loyalty program guide - The for real. 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. Boosters are highly recommended for those eligible at least 7 days before. As well explain below, you can qualify for elite status either via your cruise credit count or your cruise day count, whichever number gets you to your goal first. Boarding for me, with Celebrity, has always been very smooth, with no queues. Once boarding has started, you just head on. Cruise embarkation day is also be referred to as boarding day. Following the CDCs recommendation, we look forward to welcoming vaccinated children. The Sky didnt fall in. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Read more: Cruise Carry-on Bag Packing List (all the essentials). 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. In your experience, would I be wise to board at a later time? Thanks for sharing that, and all the best as we move forward the next few months and cruise again. You might want to check the "Embarkation" section in the FAQs of the newly announced Princess guest procedures. https://www.princess.com/plan/cruis Each Club Class mini-suite can request a plate of complimentary canapes to enjoy in your stateroom in the evening. lol! This will help you to plan your time on your cruiseweek as you look ahead. Cars queuing for miles , terminal overflowing. I went to the ships infirmary to try to get replacements for my meds but only was provided with some of them. 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. Priority disembarkation at the end of the cruise. Before finalizing travel plans, carefully review our protocols and recommendations from government health authorities. Priority access to ship-to-shore shuttles. What time do I have to depart selecting a preferred port arrival time to help stagger boarding, confirming the passage contract, COVID-19 acceptance and vaccination attestation, have received your final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise, confirmyourstatus as fully vaccinated for COVID-19, provide proof of vaccination before boarding. If you have requests, now is the time to ask. Our Latest Photos, Shared While Traveling. If the did they need to be smart cards that don't work till your allotted boarding time. I wont put any money on it till I know we are going. Perhaps save it for a special time or when youre planning to dine later in the evening. Quora - A place to share knowledge and better understand the world