13 *MUST-DO'S* ON YOUR PRINCESS CRUISES EMBARKATION DAY (Ocean Medallion tips 2022)

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  • čas pƙidĂĄn 16. 07. 2024
  • Are you going on a Princess Cruise and wondering how to have the perfect embarkation day? In this video I share the most important things to do on the first day of your cruise. In 2022, Princess Cruises has updated the Ocean Medallion and boarding process. If you're cruising with Princess for the first time, or a cruise veteran, this video is a must watch!
    You'll find helpful Princess cruise tips for your MedallionClass cruise vacation.
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Komentáƙe • 348

  • @LifeWellCruised
    @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety +5

    Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/

  • @sharonhinsley5335
    @sharonhinsley5335 Pƙed 2 lety +41

    Called for drinks delivered to our cabin as we unpacked!

  • @jasminmedina4324
    @jasminmedina4324 Pƙed rokem +12

    A great tip. Arrive the day before the cruise sets sail. Many people miss their cruise because of flight delays or cancellations.

  • @bstanz5266
    @bstanz5266 Pƙed 2 lety +8

    I gave the room attendant 200.00 on first day and asked for extra towels. Came back to the room after lunch and it looked like I was in the towel section of bed bath & beyond there were so many towels!!!

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety +2

      Oh my!! Yes I imagine. I didn’t give that much, I will say, but I’m sure your cabin attendant greatly appreciated it

  • @Edera7795
    @Edera7795 Pƙed 2 lety +5

    Thank you!
    I saved this video for out first Princess Cruise in 2023

  • @janismccabe3622
    @janismccabe3622 Pƙed 2 lety +5

    I like your idea about getting a drink first to celebrate!

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Thanks! I think there was a bit of stress leading up to embarkation and it was nice to sit and enjoy and savor the moment

  • @arleneaninion6252
    @arleneaninion6252 Pƙed 2 lety +6

    Getting ready to take our first Princess Cruise on the 27th. Thanks for all this great info! Ive watched your must have videos and have purchased many of your suggested items and used them all on our Mexican Rivera Carnival Cruise this past December. Now getting ready for our back-to-back and first Caribbean Cruise on the Caribbean Princess. I appreciate all you share. Thanks and God Bless â™„ïžâ™„ïžâ™„ïžđŸ™đŸŒđŸ™đŸŒđŸ™đŸŒ

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety +1

      There’s just nothing better than a B2B, right? Thanks so much for watching and for your kind comments. So glad my videos and suggestions have been helpful

  • @ashleaspruce8185
    @ashleaspruce8185 Pƙed 2 lety +9

    We just booked a 20 days Caribbean cruise for November and December ! I’m excited that’s why I am now preparing for it. Thank you for making this video it will help us out a lot !

    • @glasser2819
      @glasser2819 Pƙed rokem +1

      Is that 20 Day Carabean on a Princess ship, sounds good.
      How was your cruise ? ✌

  • @pgijoy5037
    @pgijoy5037 Pƙed 2 lety +49

    We sailed at Christmas. I took dollar tree stockings and gave them filled with candy and money to all crew we had relationships with. They were so appreciative. They were homesick and I think it helped.

  • @dalemaki7603
    @dalemaki7603 Pƙed rokem +2

    Great video I always tip over and above too they work so hard To make sure we're having a good time

  • @stephenaxe3663
    @stephenaxe3663 Pƙed 2 lety

    Awesome information! Thank you!

  • @jamesbarefoot6771
    @jamesbarefoot6771 Pƙed rokem +1

    My wife and I booked a honeymoon for November in the Caribbean on the Caribbean Princess! These videos are so helpful!! We can’t wait for our get away.

  • @loumello8813
    @loumello8813 Pƙed 2 lety +19

    Excellent recommendations for embarkation day. One thing I do is to watch a number of full ship reviews by various cruise vloggers in the month or so before cruising so I will have a very good idea of where everything is in board, comes in real handy on ships that have elevators that don't necessarily go where you think they might go.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety +4

      Great idea, especially when going on a ship for the first time

    • @UNREDACTEDTRUTH
      @UNREDACTEDTRUTH Pƙed rokem

      Sounds great! Where/how do I find these cruise vloggers? We're about to take our first cruise in 2 weeks. Princess. We're sailors so normally sail our own boat!

  • @graceklenovits6684
    @graceklenovits6684 Pƙed 2 lety +3

    I like that you mentioned you give extra tips and how you appreciate them, we do the same. 😇

  • @mygoodtimes7987
    @mygoodtimes7987 Pƙed rokem +1

    Love the video. We have only cruised once and it was on princess and embarkation day was not fun. We got on board, didn't know to eat right away. We couldn't find a spot to sit. Post day 1 we had a blast. We're on the Enchanted Feb 17th for 10 days and so excited. But we learnt so much on day 1. And we enjoyed that free beverage as well.

  • @lynnfranklin5098
    @lynnfranklin5098 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    I am with you take care of the folks that take such good care of us

  • @alanbredy747
    @alanbredy747 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Woo hoo! Great timing, our cruise starts this Sunday. Thanks for putting this up ~~

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Oh so exciting!! Have a wonderful cruise!! đŸ„‚

  • @keithbrocklesby300
    @keithbrocklesby300 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Excellent advice particularly for novice cruisers. We depart the UK for the Canary islands in seven days and had decided to check out Alfredo's for lunch on this occasion hoping it will be open against going to the buffet which can be busy.

  • @christhomas4965
    @christhomas4965 Pƙed rokem +5

    Me and my wife booked our first cruise for March 4th for a 14 day East and West Caribbean on the Princess Sky. And are trying to figure everything out. These videos are amazing and thank you for all the tips. We normally just fly to Hawaii each year but we want to start seeing other countries and eventually the world. I think cruises might be the way to go to open our horizons.

    • @julieanstaett9660
      @julieanstaett9660 Pƙed rokem

      I just returned from the same cruise with Princess out of Ft. Lauderdale. Embarkation was a nightmare. No distinction in boarding classifications, no boarding times, etc. one, long, chaotic line to get in. At least a one hour wait to even get in the door, then another hour to get through their boarding process. The Medallion Net does not work in port. Period. Very, very disappointing boarding experience.

  • @suzannebanuelos7311
    @suzannebanuelos7311 Pƙed rokem

    Thank you for the great videos! I'm excited to put all this great information to good use soon when we go on our cruise. Alaska has been on my "bucket list" for a long time and you are really helping me get prepared!

  • @hidavidhuang
    @hidavidhuang Pƙed 2 lety +2

    very well thought out and informative. thank you.

  • @diviniaacayan9961
    @diviniaacayan9961 Pƙed 2 lety +5

    We always cruise with Princess. Can’t wait to go on a cruise in Fall, since the last we cruised was in Panama Canal
    in 2019.
    Our planned cruise were cancelled twice during pandemic


  • @sandyatkin3446
    @sandyatkin3446 Pƙed rokem +2

    One thing we always do on Embarkation Day is visit the spa to enter their free draws and to register for the thermal spa package (if the ship has the package). If it does it is usually half price. The package gives you entry to the spas hot tub, steam room, thermal spa beds, lounge area.

  • @boatlover1875
    @boatlover1875 Pƙed 2 lety +9

    We embark Saturday for our first Princess cruise, glad to hear about the Ocean Medallion orientation (thanks!) as this is a new thing for us. I've found the app to be difficult at times so far compared to the RCL version we used a couple months ago. Hopefully they will get us on the right path.

    • @johnp139
      @johnp139 Pƙed rokem

      Right, the app is horrible and it hasn’t improved in over a year.

  • @mercyrodriguez5780
    @mercyrodriguez5780 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Thank you, very informative video, this our 4th Princess cruise, going on the Sky, but the first one with medallion, I pack with hangers because we are local, very easy for us to unpack.. there is always new things to learn, thank you again!

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Really smart idea especially if you can pack them easily

  • @strongtravel8056
    @strongtravel8056 Pƙed rokem +2

    I am a travel agent who recently completed my courses with Princess and will be going on a Graduation Course cruise. It will be my first cruise as well.

  • @Philippa-
    @Philippa- Pƙed 2 lety +4

    Another interesting informative video. I am so pleased when I get a notification of a new one. I love the idea of picking an embarkation time. I would pick the earliest too. 😀😀

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      I’m glad you enjoyed the video! I always like to get on the earlier the better, you?

    • @Philippa-
      @Philippa- Pƙed 2 lety

      Yes I love the earliest check in I can get. I love it if I can have my lunch on board .

  • @ginnienuckles3992
    @ginnienuckles3992 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    yup a gin and tonic on the 12 day British Isles,, gotta be Hendricks,, then on to lunch !

  • @abbeystapleton4195
    @abbeystapleton4195 Pƙed rokem

    I’m going to be on the princess cruise ship for the first time this year with my mom and dad IM so excited I have a feeling I’m going to love it

  • @Mark-EFMB-Combat-Medic
    @Mark-EFMB-Combat-Medic Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Your videos are very helpful, and you are very pleasant. Thank you for taking the time to make them.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety +1

      Thanks so much for your kind comments and for watching!!

  • @meowhisspurrrscratch6961
    @meowhisspurrrscratch6961 Pƙed 2 lety +3

    The first thing we do is drop off our carry on luggage in our rooms, change into swim suits and head straight for the pool ! Grab a beer and relax ! Can't wait to cruise again !

  • @lynnfranklin5098
    @lynnfranklin5098 Pƙed 2 lety +3

    Love the way you dress for a cruise even though the temps in Canada are freezing . Your background is prefect too

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Lol, sometimes I wear a sweater but I try 😂. You know it, it’s freezing here right now đŸ„¶đŸ„¶

  • @DaveM-FFB
    @DaveM-FFB Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Another excellent video, with valuable tips. We're experienced cruisers, but I always learn something new in each of your videos.

  • @eleanor4482
    @eleanor4482 Pƙed 2 lety

    Good information as always. Thanks for sharing.😎

  • @mechanicm1413
    @mechanicm1413 Pƙed rokem +4

    One thing that is nice about the new Medallions is you can also make your dining reservations before you even board the ship. Using the app you can make all your dinner reservations for the entire trip. So if like my wife and I like to go to the show at 1930 (7:30pm) so I have all our reservations set for 1700 (5 pm). Now you can do this on embarkation day but if you wait you may not get the time you want. Through the app or even online you can set it up. I set our 30 days before our cruise on the Discovery Princess. Our last cruise we went down for dining and there was a line of people that didn't know you could do this ahead of time and we got in the reservation line and were sat right away while the other line had to wait tell reservations were sat and see what was available.

    • @lindatscott
      @lindatscott Pƙed rokem

      Thanks for the info. When can you start adding info on medallion app? Do you have to wait till all your payments are made?

  • @elainewiggs9404
    @elainewiggs9404 Pƙed 2 lety

    Thanks again for your wonderful information. 😊

  • @russellvirgin3430
    @russellvirgin3430 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Great tips. I do a lot of those very things.

  • @ericl29
    @ericl29 Pƙed rokem +3

    We like to have ice in our room. We have tipped our cabin steward at the beginning with the expectation that the small ice chest we bring stays full of ice. We haven't been disappointed on any cruise by our cabin stewards.

  • @joelroach416
    @joelroach416 Pƙed rokem +2

    I do not drink alcohol, but I head straight to Alfredo's when I am on Royal class ships. I am usually at Alfredos every day. The food is fabulous and the location is perfect. Unpack is the greatest. Be at home for a week or ever how long your trip is. I will be on Ruby 31 days from late Dec 22 to late Jan 23. Just relaxing the Princess way. No Alfredos on Ruby but slice and salty dog will take care of me just fine.

  • @beckdaniel37
    @beckdaniel37 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    This will be my trust time on a cruise ship! I’m traveling with my cousin and her family who are experienced cruisers. I have loved watching your very informative videos. Thanks for all the Amazon links! I’ve purchased some of the items already 😃 I can’t wait to travel on Regal Princess in a few weeks.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Thanks so much Becky! Have an amazing cruise - great ship!! 🛳🎉

    • @beckdaniel37
      @beckdaniel37 Pƙed 2 lety

      @@LifeWellCruised Thank You!

  • @debd3980
    @debd3980 Pƙed 2 lety +5

    Although I'm on royal Caribbean I still use your videos to get tips from for my first cruise.

  • @tavongas.philips5547
    @tavongas.philips5547 Pƙed rokem

    I love your Enthusiasm

  • @deborahsheldon9951
    @deborahsheldon9951 Pƙed 2 lety +5

    When I pack, I put shirts, under garments, socks and other wearable items in zip organizer packs that I purchased on Amazon but are sold on any travel or luggage website. I put my dress clothes on hangers in a garment bag, bathroom items in my bathroom kit, I can unpack in five minutes or less.

  • @ritadaccache
    @ritadaccache Pƙed rokem

    Very much enjoy your videos Elana ❀

  • @bruciethecuz9031
    @bruciethecuz9031 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Agree with you totally about Alfredo's. Love it there. Since we have next to nothing for breakfast on embarkation day, if we're on a Royal class ship, that's our first order of business for pizza and beer or a cocktail. We are not spa, enclave, or sanctuary types, so b-line to Alfredo's it is! 👍👍👍😋

  • @larry2436
    @larry2436 Pƙed 2 lety

    excellent tips, very logical plus I like the getting a drink first. We normally put our bag in our room but I likt this idea first

  • @leonidaantonio3971
    @leonidaantonio3971 Pƙed rokem +2

    you have great info. You talk like an expert.

  • @jrherman3rd
    @jrherman3rd Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Thanks for the videos and all the tips. We are taking our first cruise in Sept 2022 on Discovery Princess to Alaska.

  • @anabelidelagarza3692
    @anabelidelagarza3692 Pƙed rokem

    Expectacular. Super.

  • @nrgpokemon5158
    @nrgpokemon5158 Pƙed rokem +2

    Really enjoy your videos
 you get to the point instead of gimmicks and nonsense-chatter that is everywhere. Thumbs up
    Just a quick note
 the link to the power bar is a surge-protected power bar that is not permissible on board ships because they are fire hazards. (I’m buying a power bar as I’m headed on the Crown Princess and it has only 2 plug outlets - I think you showed me that! Thanks! )

  • @happycruiser
    @happycruiser Pƙed 2 lety +3

    We have always tipped extra to cabin staff. And in the days of set dining at one table, we would also tip the waiters as well. We have always had such wonderful service on Celebrity, Princess and NCL and love to give the staff some extra.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Thanks for sharing! We’ve also had some amazing waiters that have made the dining experience so special. When we can have the same servers we also appreciate that

    • @renatewilkinson974
      @renatewilkinson974 Pƙed 2 lety

      @@LifeWellCruised I do send Amazon packages to our crew members after the cruise, that way I know what type of snacks they like and personal hygiene items. Specially now where at many ports the crew is not permitted to go ashore. It works well. Of course it only works for US ports. the front office will have all the information for the port authorities mailing addresses.

  • @glasser2819
    @glasser2819 Pƙed rokem

    honesty this was good
    😊

  • @allanmedin2477
    @allanmedin2477 Pƙed rokem +1

    Just booked Emerald Princess for 2023
    First time aboard Princess Cruise Line.

  • @darlenelacroix890
    @darlenelacroix890 Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci

    I've sailed with Princess once, but back in 2015 so I'm doing learning about the Medallion.

  • @larryfinkel4102
    @larryfinkel4102 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Sailing in August on a British Isles cruise on the Emerald Princess. Have sailed on Princess many times but this will be our first Medallion cruise. Looking forward to all the new stuff

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Awesome!! Sounds like a great cruise!!

    • @Hawkeye2001
      @Hawkeye2001 Pƙed 2 lety

      We did a Princess British Isles cruise several years ago. If you have the excursion option of going to Wales & St David's Cathedral do not miss it. It was one of the most amazing stops of our entire cruise.

  • @calcham1
    @calcham1 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Re drinks: I don't drink much at home but on a cruise ship I drink a lot, partially because I try to take advantage of the beverage package which I always get, and partially because I like to just taste a lot of different drinks I would never ever drink at home. So one of the first things I do when boarding is grab a drink, and it's usually champagne because it feels celebratory.

  • @rolandbelikow5148
    @rolandbelikow5148 Pƙed 2 lety

    Great video I was on princess Feb 2022 heading in September for a 7 day from San Diego

  • @wildflowersnhoney209
    @wildflowersnhoney209 Pƙed rokem

    I will tip our room attendant on the first day when I ask for items on embarkation. Once I twisted my ankle on embarkation day and my attendant made sure to bring me plenty of ice buckets and extra pillows so that I could elevate my foot. I also ask for an extra towel. Princess service has always been wonderful.

  • @evelynr.6835
    @evelynr.6835 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Thank you for this information, will be doing a Princess cruise in May and have not done the medallion app, your info was helpful. Some things I found out is you cannot book your dining times until you're fully paid. This was a last minute decision so hopefully I can get the dining times I want.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety +1

      Yes unless you’re in club class or part of the upper level of captain circle this is the case. As soon as you make your final payment, reserve the times you want. I don’t think you’ll have a problem

  • @justinwise6950
    @justinwise6950 Pƙed rokem

    I wish I had found this video a week or two ago, lol! We leave on Sunday and the early embarkation times were already taken. Our tradition is to make a bee line for the pool bar as soon as we get on board, we have done it every cruise.

  • @chanchan1076
    @chanchan1076 Pƙed 2 lety +4

    Awesome video Ilana! I normally like to get a delicious drink/ margarita as soon as I get to the lido deck. 🍾 🧉 đŸč
    And, I use to nap during sail away....
    but you are right....that was a big mistake.😏

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety +1

      Sounds like a great start!! Lol, thanks for sharing

  • @user-bc4yo6yz6e
    @user-bc4yo6yz6e Pƙed rokem

    We're looking into doing ours first ever Princess Cruise on the grand Princess in October ❀

  • @joanbjornas682
    @joanbjornas682 Pƙed 2 lety +6

    Speaking of the medallion - I forgot mine in the room one time, and didn't want to go back and get it. We didn't think anything about it until we met our room steward who was waiting outside of our room at 8pm, waiting for me to leave the room so he could do turn down service. Oops! They know if you are in the room, by the signal your medallion sends out.

  • @forcedair92gt94
    @forcedair92gt94 Pƙed rokem +3

    Our first Princess cruise is in 2 months. I've downloaded the app, uploaded the info, got the green line confirmation and ordered the medallions. I will be looking for all the Princess info I can gather. Thanks.

  • @bobkrakovich1851
    @bobkrakovich1851 Pƙed 2 lety +10

    Hi Ilana, most of your tips, other than being cruise line specific, hold across the board for other lines as well. The one extra thing I did on embarkation day while walking around the MDR on the Millennium, was to find the exact table number we wanted to sit at for dinner for the entire cruise. That gave us the perfect spot to relax for dinner. Hi from Bob and Jill ( who loves the colors and design of your blouse) in Connecticut.

    • @dianeallen7313
      @dianeallen7313 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      Hi Bob! We'll be sailing on millennium soon and do you know if solarium cafe is open on embarkation day or is it just the buffet?

    • @bobkrakovich1851
      @bobkrakovich1851 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      @@dianeallen7313 Hi Diane, the Cafe in the Solarium was hardly open. And we were in the pool there everyday. But yes the buffet is open when you embark. It was a great ship and we lucked out having an aft corner Family Oceanview Veranda 8166 for just us two. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Great idea for the MDR table!! Thanks Jill - you’ll like my next video I think 👗. Thanks Bob too 😉

  • @costaricaflyer1532
    @costaricaflyer1532 Pƙed 2 lety +3

    Your videos are EXCELLENT! One question. You say NOT to arrive more than 30 minutes before your scheduled check-in time. What happens if you arrive AFTER your scheduled check-in time?

  • @jeangallagher3793
    @jeangallagher3793 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Welcome Drink:. I have sailed with Celebrity 10+ years. At boarding area they have always greeted guests with a tray of mimosas, champagne or juice.
    Cabin Attendant:. They have several cabins to tend so upon greeting I give a paper list of what I would like ( ice, remove items from fridge, etc.)
    Cabin Attendant:. They work so hard to make our trip memorable so I, too, always give an additional tip at end of each cruise (I usually do back-to-back(s) so at the end of each trip. Same if I have same Dining Room servers.
    I am hopeful and anxious for my booked Celebrity to Asia; Japan is still on a CDC #4 category.
    Thank you for your videos đŸ›łïž.

  • @richhahn7852
    @richhahn7852 Pƙed 6 měsĂ­ci

    Yes when we get on drink first and then lunch

  • @sheldonwinkfield2663
    @sheldonwinkfield2663 Pƙed rokem +1

    Two questions
    1. How much is a good pre trip tip you gave your attended?
    2. If you have a drink package, is it working or available the moment we board the ship?
    Thanks, love your info and tips

  • @richardguardiani8326
    @richardguardiani8326 Pƙed rokem

    If you are using traditional dining, I think it's a good idea to go to the main dining room and find your table. If you don't like it, you may be able to change it.

  • @OmadLCNS
    @OmadLCNS Pƙed 2 lety +3

    our very first cruise this June to Alaska with Princess. been watching your videos very informational, a lot to take note lol! but I've been taking notes. Thank you sooo much!

  • @jodietimheitz9066
    @jodietimheitz9066 Pƙed 2 lety

    We just came back from the Celebrity Apex this past Saturday and kept a few of our traditions going. The first thing we do is go into our room and watch the safety video while unpacking some small items. After that we go eat and have our first beverage of the cruise. When sail away occurs we have our bottle of champagne on the balcony (aft balcony this time) and have our toast.
    Hope this helps!

  • @lilotoole6617
    @lilotoole6617 Pƙed 2 lety

    Thank you for the great videos! Where is this dress from? I just ordered one that you linked to amazon 😍

  • @abigailgerlach5443
    @abigailgerlach5443 Pƙed rokem +1

    If the weather is warm, go up on deck and have a "Dirty Banana" and take a look from the rail of the cruise port.
    Do all the muster stuff, Make reservations for the Sanctuary, any specialty restaurants, or the spa. Then have a pizza at Alfredo's.
    The extra gratuity is touchy. What if they think it isn't enough? Hard to decide.

  • @russellyeley2561
    @russellyeley2561 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    I hope Alfredo's is not busy on my Feb 12th cruise now that you gave out the secret!

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Haha those who watch cruise CZcams videos know all the tricks!! Enjoy your cruise 🎉

  • @twaunniebusse7262
    @twaunniebusse7262 Pƙed 2 lety +3

    Thank you for your helpful video- A few questions please:1) How do you know when the cabins are ready so that you can then go to them? 2) Where do you sign up at for Chef’s table? 3) Do they post somewhere or where do you find the information about what main items that will be offered in the main dinning room for each night of the cruise? I am asking this because I will want this information before making reservations of which nights I will eating in the main dinning room and which nights I will eat in a specialty restaurant. Thank you

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety +1

      Good questions. I think they announce on the intercom when cabins were ready. It was definitely by about 1. I’m not sure of sign up for chefs table - I think it would be on the medallion app or on the tv or portals now, but it may be in person at guest services? Perhaps someone else knows the answer to this one
      We asked at MDR about menus and we’re only able to see the next nights menu from maütre d. I never saw a menu for all nights. We took a chance on this

    • @tduck828
      @tduck828 Pƙed 2 lety +3

      We just made reservations for a specific time every night. We then looked at menu daily and decided whether or not we wanted to actually eat there. Honestly we ended up in buffet most nights.

    • @omynameistaken
      @omynameistaken Pƙed 2 lety +4

      Hi, we have been at the Chef's table multiple times, and you must sprint to the nearest phone and call the dining line the minute you board.. Don't wait till you get to your cabin. On a 7 day cruise, there are usually two Chefs' dinners. Good luck, it's a lot of fun! They have eliminated the galley/kitchen walk-through because of covid, hopefully, they will bring it back.
      Oh and yes........ Cocktails are a must ASAP cheers!!!

  • @petersauder3430
    @petersauder3430 Pƙed rokem

    Possible to give some tips re one night day before cruise port lodging w transfers Ft Lauderdale and Tample. Love your tips.

  • @Jodster223
    @Jodster223 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    I like to get lunch and then go to my cabin and change to go to the hot tub. It really brings in the idea of "vacation started." I would love to go to another restaurant coming in, but I have to be gluten free, so I tend to be careful of doing that after cruise has settled in.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Love the idea of heading to the hot tub! That definitely says vacation 👌. Yes being gluten free you have to be careful

  • @larryvaladez8964
    @larryvaladez8964 Pƙed 2 lety +13

    Two things I've never seen you recommend for taking on a cruise is a night light and a digital scale to weigh your luggage. The night light is very handy in the bathroom for those really dark cabins at night and the scale takes away worry whether your suitcase will be a couple pounds overweight when you get to the airport.

  • @brianburton6154
    @brianburton6154 Pƙed rokem +1

    My wife and I never cruised before and are considering it this year for our vacation. We were watching this video and you said put you phone on airplane mode, but never said why. I think for our first cruise it should be a smaller and older cruise ship. Because if we like it, and are thinking about doing it again next year we could pay an extra 100 for a newer
    cruise and be blown away. What I'm saying is we love the love boat television show, so if we got on a 30 year plus cruise ship like the margaritaville at sea for 3 days and 2 nights to the Bahamas that would be awesome. And next year do a week on a more modern cruise ship for a week. Typically we do one mini vacation at Daytona Beach, a weekend, then later we will do a hole week at Daytona Beach.

  • @steveread3303
    @steveread3303 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    If you are Elite in Princess for the first time, you will note that the mini-fridge has been stocked. Know that you can ask for items to be swapped. Maybe swap the whiskey for vodka or wine .. or swap all the alcohol for non-alcohol. Ask the stweard or leave them a note.

  • @kr1234566
    @kr1234566 Pƙed rokem +2

    Leaving Saturday on my first princess cruise. This video was a great reminder. I am very confused about tipping. I usually sail in the haven on NCL and bring quite a bit for tips for the butler concierge and csbin steward. Another princess video suggested bringing small bills for tips for all room service 1-2 per drink maybe 5 per meal. I want to be sure I have enough with me. We are in a suite snd I did get 50 1's and 50 5's do I need more?

  • @lynnfranklin5098
    @lynnfranklin5098 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Hokie. Big time but on the interactive boards they have an adventure that takes you all over the ship and I even got in about 11k steps in

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Haha true it’s a great way to get those steps in 😂

  • @user-pr3yi6mx7m
    @user-pr3yi6mx7m Pƙed rokem

    Going to Norway's Fjords and Edinburgh, Scotland sailing from Southampton, England July 12!

  • @alfredopons618
    @alfredopons618 Pƙed rokem

    Not sure if I need Medallion app. Do not use my cell phone once on board.
    Apparently a Medallion will be at embarking check in.
    Definitely enjoyed your video suggestions. Thank you!
    Off the Mexican Riviera. A welcome relief from three years of pandemic fatigue. Due to my demographic, will continue to observe necessary pandemic protocols. Be well, stay safe. Will look for your future postings. Abrazos!

  • @jimmiejoeschannel3735
    @jimmiejoeschannel3735 Pƙed 2 lety +6

    On our last several Princess cruises we carried our luggage on board and immediately went up to the stateroom and unpacked. We tend to try and get on board as early as possible, and we have never found that the stateroom was not yet ready. If it would happen that it wasn't, we would probably just bring them back down to the main dining room for lunch and I would think the stateroom would be open by the time we finished lunch. This avoids having to keep checking to see if your luggage has arrived yet and it gets that task out of the way. Also, as you mentioned in your video, muster is now online so while or after we unpacked, we listened to the video and stopped in at our muster station on the way to lunch. I think your best tip is to try the MDR or Alfredo's for lunch and avoid the buffet crowd. That's not to say that after a great MDR lunch we don't stop by the International Cafe to see what they are offering (and maybe sample), and then go up to the buffet to see what they are offering (and maybe sample), and then go to slices to check out the pizza (and definitely sample). I'm not going to admit if we grabbed some fries by the pool! Then we explore the ship and do the other things you suggest. By the way, I agree there hardly is anything better than a cruise embarkation day. I kind of compare it to Christmas morning when I was a kid.

  • @realcdcruze3558
    @realcdcruze3558 Pƙed 2 lety +3

    It’s been a while since we sailed from Florida (we are UK based) and I was told on Edge when at Florida port the drinks packages pays for your drinks but you still need to pay tax until it’s in international waters.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  Pƙed 2 lety

      Interesting. I’ve heard this on NCL, but hadn’t on celebrity. If so it will only be 1$ or so per drink. This was the case on NCL out of NYC for me a few years ago

  • @willgaukler8979
    @willgaukler8979 Pƙed rokem

    ... tip ... check out the closing time of LUNCH in the MDR ... shoot for a boarding time before then ... and plan your day from there ... TIP ...take a cell phone photo of the daily patter ... later you can zoom in on times you interested in ...

  • @elizabethwalker3272
    @elizabethwalker3272 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Our "last" cruise was a 2019 Panama Canal cruise! It was not a Medallion cruise but now all ships have the Medallion; we are taking a short California cruise in October so I am trying to get all info I can so I'll kinda know what I'm doing!

  • @russellyeley2561
    @russellyeley2561 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    I usually ask for a bucket of ice and I do give a small gratuity in the beginning.

  • @david-wright
    @david-wright Pƙed rokem

    We are travelling from the UK and wonder how much we should tip the cabin attendant. Your thoughts are appreciated.

  • @donnafigalora1777
    @donnafigalora1777 Pƙed rokem

    We love a drink first to celebrate

  • @susanbarnett761
    @susanbarnett761 Pƙed 2 lety

    Thanks for the info. I have a question about boarding passes . Do they automatically show up on the medallion app or is having the medallion the boarding pass. I have sailed Princess but before the medallion was introduced

  • @sherrills.2332
    @sherrills.2332 Pƙed rokem +1

    TY - great tips! Quick ? Do you need WiFi to use the Ocean Now good or drink delivery on the ship? I REALLY don't want to have my phone, work, etc bothering me so was NOT going to purchase the WiFi.

  • @robinwojcik8514
    @robinwojcik8514 Pƙed rokem +1

    Can you bring a steamer in your checked bag? Do you have to have the princess app downloaded on all of your devices? Thanks for your help! Your videos are very informative and our party of 5 will be cruising for the 1st time in July on the Majestic Princess! Yay!

    • @lpaezi
      @lpaezi Pƙed rokem

      Let me know on that steamer...I been told we can't but let me know if you can sneak one in

  • @lindalacrosse2546
    @lindalacrosse2546 Pƙed 2 lety

    What do you do with your carry-on luggage til you can get on your cabin

  • @scubabecky
    @scubabecky Pƙed 2 lety +1

    How much pre-cruise tip did you give? I’d have no idea what to give?

  • @lisasuzanne8474
    @lisasuzanne8474 Pƙed rokem

    What are typically in the Cruise Night Coupon Books in 2022?

  • @radioabi88
    @radioabi88 Pƙed 2 lety

    Great video, thank you! I'm going on my first ever cruise in May to Alaska on the Ruby Princess!! I'm so excited. Where do you recommend you go for sailaway if you've not got a balcony room? Also do you recommend the Sanctuary? Thank you!

    • @troyjollimore4100
      @troyjollimore4100 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      That would probably depend on the port you’re sailing from, but anywhere outside on the upper decks should do. Or even the Promenade deck.

    • @marilynwolff-hall6014
      @marilynwolff-hall6014 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      Hi, Are u on the 5/20 sailing out of San Francisco? We are.

    • @radioabi88
      @radioabi88 Pƙed 2 lety +2

      @@marilynwolff-hall6014 Hi Marilyn! We are on just before you, we get back on 20 May. It's fantastic and you'll have an amazing time!! Sorry to miss you xx

  • @lindatscott
    @lindatscott Pƙed rokem +1

    When can you start adding info to medalian on app before cruise