Both types of mini-suites are physically the same and were all standard mini-suites before some changed to Club Class. We sat wherever we liked, filling the room front to back in order we arrived. Also put a Cruise Next deposit on a Ocean to Ocean through the Panama Canal at end of October. The MedallionClass app makes completing important OceanReady steps and cruise check-in a breeze. Even so, its nice to have a glass of wine on your balcony and this means you can still bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per passenger onboard in line with Princess Cruises alcohol policy. Glad the embarkation day tips could be helpful. Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports So you may have to wait. Cruise embarkation day is also be referred to as boarding day. Yes, but that speaks to the check-in process, not the boarding procedure. And Princess has generally not updated any info text nor FAQ text of prio A complimentary dancing class. 4. Check-in opens well prior to 11:00am - typically 10:00am approx. The cruise director and entertainment staff will be host a Sailaway party, and guests are encouraged to dance and have fun. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! If the weather is hot and sunny, we love to order a frozen cocktail and relax by the pool before Sailaway. Cruises 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. Excited for the first day of your cruise? Im an avid cruiser and have been giving out insider tips for more than 10 years! Carnival Cruise Suite Perks One of the newest types of cabins (or staterooms) to be introduced into the mix is Club Class. As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier (Gold) doesnt bring all that much in terms of truly valuable rewards. Cruise tip: Save money during your cruise by the embarkation day promotions on spa treatments. It doesnt matter how many cruise credits or cruise days you earn on that first sailing. Guests will be required to wear a face mask indoors at all times and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Cruise embarkation day is the most highly anticipated days of a cruise vacation. Are the port staff employed by the port or by each individual cruise line? You need 151 cruise days to get to the Elite level. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. In my last cruise, I found prints of my stick on bra on the closet doors. WebFor most transfers, usually the cruise line picks people up at the airport, or the hotel that the cruise line recommends. The more time onboard the better. Thank you for helping to prevent a potential problem by creating a forum so that information can be shared. Didnt see it advertised but werent looking for it., Agreed: our game is "can we be unpacked and settled in by sail-away? Find the right card for you. Here are some suggestions based on things I ask for on every cruise. Princess Advance Boarding is being piloted on Ruby Princess initially for just Im only kidding, my dear about my feelings towards youy, honest! Heres a video about things to do on Embarkation Day, that might be helpful if youd like to know more. Club Class Dining is available in the Main Dining Room during breakfast and dinner. There have been a few changes as cruises have restarted, and this is especially true for the first day of your cruise. Cunard online check in you preregister credit card and upload photos, thought P&O would be same. So as to not tempt you? I dont think you will have any issues with Arcadia. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Some cruise lines also offer priority tendering to passengers who are at a high level in their loyalty program. 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 We require allteam members to wear Princess-approved face masks. As you complete your online check in, youll be able to choose an arrival time. Crown and Anchor Society Our highly-trained medical staff includes doctors and nurses capable of caring for a broad range of medical conditions, including COVID-19. 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. Platinums were a different location. I have my tips list and will enjoy every moment! 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. For example, Central Park Cafe on Oasis Class ships is a best kept secret as is Alfredos on many of Princess Cruises Royal Class ships. A complimentary minibar setup. The last 2 times we were in a suite, we were assigned a crew member to escort us to our cabin. Our Latest Photos, Shared While Traveling. Thanks so much! There will be a crew member working at the shore excursion desk once you board your cruise ship. Protocols may be subject to change without notice. I do have a couple of posts on my blog about Alaska, both from Alaska experts, that you might enjoy. Upon embarkation day, your cabin attendant will introduce themselves. Related: A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs. While the safety briefing remains, the muster drill has changed. Do you have any tips on gratuity? Once boarding has started, you just head on. Things to pack in your embarkation day include medication, valuables, laptops and tech items, sunscreen and a change of clothes. Who gets priority boarding on Princess cruises? Lock up your meds! Lol, sometimes I like them removed so that we dont take them, by mistake, but also so I can put in my own water bottles, items from the buffet (maybe juice or a carton of milk), or even have room for chocolate covered strawberries or another dessert that we may have had in our cabin that wasnt eaten. 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? 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. 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. Offer ends 5/3/23. 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. It will be a schedule of daily activities that are available, as well as entertainment options, opening hours for the gym, spa, restaurants etc. Once boarding started,we boarded from front to back of the room so people boarded in approx the order they arrived in the room. Keep your meds locked up even if they seem nice. Heres how to make your embarkation day enjoyable and stress-free! My last few cruises were from Southampton on Celebrity. Do this as early as possible to avoid last minute stress. Its true that medication is as valuable (if not more so) as jewelry and passports. The most alluring benefits at this level are the Preferential Pricing Offers for select sailings that the line extends to Captains Circle members, and early booking discounts known as Captains Circle Launch Savings. Boarding groups - Princess Cruises - Cruise Critic 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/. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? Tickets are in room we sort them by date. By Melissa. 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. So, me too. Arrive early and among first to board. Pre-Covid, the boarding prty only mattered for those arriving to check-in prior to start of gene Club Class mini-suites are identified as M1 on deck plans. Learn more about the MedallionClass experience. Board as early as you can to get started on your "cruise". Plan on having lunch in the Main Dining Room (opens from noon - 1:30). You might not be able to drop off your hand carry, but that's not a problem. Sometimes the cabins are not available upon boarding early. Do the muster thing then explore the ship. 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. Have had 2 cruises canceled. Yes, exactly what P&O told me when they advised I ask for assistance as I cant stand for long periods anymore. ALL Suite, Elite & Club Class entered the building in the "priority" line. 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. Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess cruise. Princess Cruises Suite Perks (Compare the 5 Suite Types) - Cruise https://lifewellcruised.com/top-5-reasons-why-everyone-needs-to-go-on-a-cruise-to-alaska/ , 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 just want a seat, I don't care when I get on! No, there is no earlier Boarding Group (hence why you see "A"). Your email address will not be published. In my experience Celebrity and RC start boarding sooner so that will ease the flow. Thanks for all you do. Passengers in Club Class will benefit from priority embarkation and disembarkation for their cruise. Glad it could be helpful! 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 will help you to plan your time on your cruiseweek as you look ahead. Being loyal to Princess finally starts paying off in a meaningful way once you reach the Platinum level of the Captains Circle program. Its our one 10 day vacation of the year and we want to enjoy every possible minute onboard. So glad I read about these issues. Simply put, embarkation day is the first day of your cruise, when you will embark your cruise ship. Be aware that whichever stateroom you choose with Princess Cruises, you can request a bathrobe. We grab a glass of wine and ready for a wonderful time. Dedicated to cruise ships, destinations and food. A lot depends on what time you arrive, and whether boarding has already started. Procedures may vary, however in most cases you can watch your safety briefing on your phone over lunch and then head over to your muster station to check in with a crew member. https://lifewellcruised.com/5-practical-alaska-whale-watching-tips-you-need-to-know/. HEPA filters are used in key areas, such as medical centers and dedicated isolation rooms, as a further safeguard. Keep up the good and fine work you do. We always get a suite (Haven) and they are always ready. People are travelling from all parts of the country with different travel times. We do sometimes leave an additional amount especially to our cabin steward, as weve had some that have gone above and beyond. If you enjoy cruise tip videos on YouTube, Id love it if youd subscribe to our channel. I find it lays flat this way and never had a problem with leakage. Reservations are made for you for lunch. An invitation to an MSC Voyagers Club exclusive Diamond Party. Please empty out the mini-bar fridge items. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. Cruise tip: Research your cruise ship before your cruise to see what restaurants are most recommended on embarkation day.