Booking a Princess Cruise - tips

 Ok, I booked again with Princess.  This time a 20-day Mexico and Central America.  But I have learned some tips about booking with them that I want to share with you.

1.  Wait at least 3 weeks after you get off a Princess Ship to book your next one as they will send you a promo worth up to $150 US on-board credit for your next cruise.  I was just booking when I received it and we booked 10 minutes before so they honored it.  So just wait til you get the promo.

2.  Do not book thru Princess for the cruise - every travel agency was offering OBCs but Princess won't match these.  Go thru the travel agency and get your OBC as the cabin rates are identical   Also service was horrible from the Princess sales consultant - the're very busy and don't get back to you for at least a day. 

3. Book your flights thru ezair with Princess due to the flexibility (they will change it if there is an issue and align the flights with cruise departure the first day but note if you have a early flight the last day (i.e. mine is at noon) do the early walk off  with your in order to get to the airport on time as their shuttles will not get you there in time.  The shuttle on the last day on Carribbean Princess was 40 minutes late. Ezair is not neccessarily cheaper - as Air Canada charged me in USD for the seats.  In all I think it will be identical or a little bit cheaper thru EZair. 

4. If you're a solo passenger you get the equivalent of 2 cruises for your one cruise on their reward program (not more days).  However this got me to Platinum status and I get half of the internet.  But the catch is you pay full price before the cruise and get the other half in OBC once on the ship.

5.  I always take an obstructed view cabin as it is not much more than the interior and you get natural light.  To check the view go to www.cruisedeckplans.com

6.  Going thru a travel agent means you get TICO protection if something happens to Princess (doubtful), and I was luck with Expedia I got a good rep. You will also get reward points for your cruise with Expedia.  I have used these for hotel bookings.

7.  If you need service before the cruise with Princess try their online chat - it was faster and the rep was much more thorough.

Hope this helps 

Marcia

St. Johns NFLD cruise port tips

 St. Johns NFLD Canada is a beautiful port.  Wake up early to see the entry into the port.  If your early enough you will see the Spears Lighthouse.  This is where there is supposed to be a lot of whales feeding.  

Below are my tips:

- Unless you are very fit do not do the hike down Signal hill.  I did it but regretted when I had to jump down off rocks, lots of loose gravel and you have to hang on to a chain part of the way.  Yes the views are great but you can look from the top of signal hill.

- Both the Anglican and Catholic cathedrals are worth a visit.  You think you are in Europe both due to the size and beauty of them.  Note they are both up the hill but the public buses stop in front of the catholic and then you can walk down a block to the anglican church and then down back to the ship. 

- You will have to walk up and down hills to see the sights but its worth it.  One street up from the port are all the shops and restaurants so if you are not into hills go there. 

- The town houses are all different colours and you can take great pictures.

Hope this helps 

Marcia