3. Certain groups of guests get priority boarding on Princess cruises. Priority Check-In and Express Boarding On Carnival cruises, suite guests have special check-in privileges. Sometimes standing for an hour or two. With the big ships they must be strict or there would be absolute chaos. Arrival Group A - But should I wait? So excited and some anxiety at the same time. Powered by Invision Community. Right now Ilana, I think I hate you!! Related post: 30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know. The OceanReady Process. This is a new perk added in 2021 that replaced an old perk that brought Platinum and Elite members a set amount of complimentary minutes of internet service (150 to 500, depending on the cruise length). Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. I absolutely LOVE your tips, and as an overpacker and shoe lover, I can see how this would work well. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. However, starting with the second tier, Ruby, youll need to keep an eye on your progress in accumulating both cruise credits and cruise days. And I read on here that you can check your carry on bags (whatever that means for you) somewhere and get it when rooms are ready. The ships photographers will have a backdrop set up where you can take an official embarkation day photo! 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. As you complete your online check in, youll be able to choose an arrival time. There were a ton of passengers who stayed from the previous week. What tips do you have to make embarkation day even better? On embarkation day, theres often more than once place to eat lunch, although it might not be widely promoted. Dress Code and What to Pack for a Cruise. So glad the information is helpful. As we pull away from the dock and start a great cruise. Exemptions are not granted on embarkation day. Princess Cruises has some excellent specialty dining restaurants such as Sabatinis and the Crown Grill. Youll pass your cruise card or Medallion (for Princess cruises), hear a lovely little bing and be welcomed onto your cruise ship! These will come in handy if youre planning to visit the cruise ship spa. You need 151 cruise days to get to the Elite level. Is it before, or after Elite and Platinum ? We grab a glass of wine and ready for a wonderful time. We are Ruby, in balcony stateroom, just under 50 sea days. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! or to make space for something which I cant figure out yet. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. 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. Please empty out the mini-bar fridge items. A complimentary dancing class. Cruise ships have a type newsletter or planner that will be placed in your cabin each day. So as to not tempt you? Boarding for me, with Celebrity, has always been very smooth, with no queues. Related post: Cruise Lingo You Need to Know (cruise terminology), Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They should review boarding time cut-off, and check if they need to specify a boarding time. By the amount of people that complain about any boarding time after 1pm and say they will turn up when they feel like it. Going to leave plenty of time for traffic/ breakdowns & charging the car en route. Depending on what type of cruises and cabins you book, you may rise through the ranks faster using one metric or the other. The cruise line app is a great place to find out information, view and book activities and even use to message other cruise passengers. Luckily I am Ligurian and don't use the big ships, so no problem! 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. I looked at the bra and noticed it unusually dirty with dust once i removed the paper I stick them to. But they apply one of the 10%s first, then take the second one from that, so you get only 19% off in total. 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. Requirements for non-U.S. voyages coming soon. 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. 4. Along with the best location and regular mini-suite amenities, Princess Cruises Club Class mini-suites have a number of added perks to enjoy: If you stay in a Princess Cruises Club Class mini-suite, one of the best perks is Club Class Dining. 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. As well, youll want to know the current cruise line health protocols, vaccine requirements and ensure you have all the documentation you need. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Youll be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in the terminal to board. There are four tiers to the Captains Circle program: Getting to the first tier of the program, Gold, is simple. 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. To protect everyone on board, all guests must wear face masks covering their nose and mouth while indoors at all times and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained. This is by no means a sure fire way to guarantee an upgrade but a nice insight into how upgrades may work. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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. Platinums were a different location. By 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. 2. I think the check in could be more efficient -. In this post weve gone over 25 cruise embarkation day tips and secrets to having a stress-free and perfect start to an amazing vacation. I agree with you, except! This keeps the floor of the closet neat and I can find the pair I need quickly. Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess cruise. 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. So, on a seven-night cruise, you would earn 2 cruise credits and 7 cruise days if you sail in a suite. Its important to take a few minutes to put your valuable items into the cabin safe. A lot depends on what time you arrive, and whether boarding has already started. 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. Didnt see it advertised but werent looking for it., Agreed: our game is "can we be unpacked and settled in by sail-away? Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. 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. Choosing The Right Credit Card For Travel Rewards: 5 Tips, Princess Cruises Sky Suite Detailed Review and , Spectrum of the Seas Balcony Cabin Tour , Enchanted Princess Balcony Cabin Tour - Near The Retreat Pool (S203), A half bottle of white wine and half bottle of red wine (whose drunk the other halves?? Hmmmm, youre giving e some future ideas, lol. 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. Allow Necessary Cookies & Continue It will be a schedule of daily activities that are available, as well as entertainment options, opening hours for the gym, spa, restaurants etc. Previous posters have mentioned the simplicity of embarking on Princess. Please don't be concerned about Arrival Groups at this time. Check-in opens well prior to 11:00am - typically 10:00am approx. Club Class Dining is available in the Main Dining Room during breakfast and dinner. Perhaps save it for a special time or when youre planning to dine later in the evening. 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!! Your email address will not be published. They boarded after our room was cleared. Before finalizing travel plans, carefully review our protocols and recommendations from government health authorities. We recommend checking out official websites and apps developed by government agencies and tourism ministries. We require allteam members to wear Princess-approved face masks. An invitation to an MSC Voyagers Club exclusive Diamond Party. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Crown and Anchor Society members will no longer get priority boarding in the terminal. The cost of a Princess Cruises Club Class mini-suite will obviously depend on the ship and itinerary. 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. People also select a time in advance so there's no people queuing who should not be there. Thanks for all you do. 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. 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.