How to spend those shipboard credits on the new Sun Princess

Retail therapy reaches new high at spectacular shipboard shops

by Patti Pietschmann, Cruise & Travel Diva

So you’re booked on the new Sun Princess. Your travel agent or Princess Cruises has provided a generous shipboard credit. Now how do you cash it in? First of all the credit is only good on purchases and services sold on the ship. Although you can use it for shore excursions.

Or you can shop ’til you drop

Well Princess is making it easy for you to spend the credit with more than 5,800 square feet of commercial space offering a plethora of premium brands from bling and beauty to fashion and accessories. These include more than 25 first-at-sea brands such Chanel No. 1, Beyond Yoga and Varley. Also available are sustainable fashion from Neu Nomad, and Italian elegance with Pinko handbags. In addition, WAVES, the first Princess-branded merchandise boutique will makes its debut  on board, offering exclusive limited Princess Inaugural collection that celebrates the iconic new ship as well as new lines featuring the Princess Seawitch.

What’s on deck

On Deck 8,  The Premium Watch Lounge will feature  the first-at-sea Breitling Lounge concept and the latest TAG Heuer boutique design, as well as The Fine Timepieces Boutique—a wonderland of signature watches for both men and women from Longines, Rado, Tissot, Hamilton, in addition to pre-owned Rolex watches.

The Beauty & Wellness Boutique, also on Deck 8, will offer name brands such as Chanel, Dior, Lancôme, Estee Lauder, Clinique, and a curated range of sustainable and organic skincare brands including Comfort Zone, Neom Organics, This Works, Rituals and unisex clean skincare by REN Skincare.

Bling it on

Three new fine bling brands will be available for purchase. These  includes  the award-winning London-based jewelry designer Shaun Leane, Parisian-based jewelry designer Yvonne Leon. There will also be a diverse selection of gender-neutral precious metals and materials from John Hardy, and costume jewelry featuring the latest retail store concept design from Swarovski.

Drink up

Booze lovers can spend their credits on fine spirits such as  Johnnie Walker Blue Xordinaire while fashionistas looking for cool specs can eye the offerings at  interactive brand displays. These will  include brands like Tom Ford, Prada, Oakley, and Maui Jim, pre-loved luxury leather and accessories from Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, and Pandora Jewelry. Of course you can also the shipboard credit to buy wines and cocktails etc. at the bar or in the restaurants.

The 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will do its maiden voyages in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Princess brings The Love Boast cast back to sea

Second theme cruise set for August

By Patti Pietschmann, Cruise and Travel Diva

In the wake of the second of its inaugural Love Boat cruise in 2022, Princess Cruises is reviving the voyage that features the cast of the successful, long-running TV series. On board the Enchanted Princess from Aug. 31-Sept. 7 will be beloved characters Doc, Goher, Isaac and Vicki Stubing. Missing in action is the late great Gavin MacLeod who deftly played Capt. Stubing,

Actors, from the original show, Jill Whelan, Bernie Kopell, Fred Gandy and Ted Lange (pictured above) will be reprising their parts.

Love Boat-themed activities during the cruise include a Sailaway party introducing the castMeet-and-greet photo and signing opportunities. There will also be The Love Boat-inspired guest activities with prizes and cocktail demonstration hosted by Ezra Freeman and Ted Lange.

Adding to the romance at sea is a symbolic renewal of vows ceremony, officiated by the cast. Passengers will also be able to do a Q&As sharing favorite memories of the show and stories of their careers.

And they can watch old episodes on the movie screen set up under the stars or on their staterooms televisions.

The seven-day Canada/New England Love Boat theme cruise aboard the 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess sails roundtrip from New York City and visits Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Rockland, Maine; Saint John, Canada (for Bay of Fundy); and Halifax, Canada.

The Love Boat is credited with bringing cruising to the masses and showcasing the romance of the sea, taking Hollywood’s biggest stars to sought-after destinations as story lines always ended on a happy note. In the fall of 2022, Princess was featured again as the setting of The Real Love Boat on CBS and Paramount+, reality dating adventure series where three real-life Princess crew members and 12 singles looking for love joined hosts \
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

Crystal creates clever theme cruises

Need an excuse to book a cruise with one of the top luxury lines in the industry? How about two exciting-sounding theme cruises that appeal to the duffer and thespian in you,

First on the list is one designed for film and theater buffs that sails from Laem Chabang (Bangkok) to Hong Kong, Feb 16 – 28, 2024. Presented for passenger pleasure on this one is a wowza lineup such as Grammy-nominated Christine Allado,  Broadway musical historian Steven Friedman, former regional marketing director for United Artists and Columbia Pictures Andrew Friedenberg and esteemed American movie and TV actor Bruce McGill will also be aboard for fireside chats to share industry anecdotes.

A duffer’s delight

Next in line is a golf fans foray from Lisbon to Dover from July 18 to July 30. On this cruise passengers will be tutored by instructors David Leadbetter and Roberto Borgatti on perfecting their swings. Leadbetter is known for his work with legendary players such as Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Ernie Els, and has a track record of coaching 26 players to Major Championship titles. Borgatti leads clinics for players of all skill levels, helping aspiring candidates pass the PGA Player Ability Test.

Back to Broadway

Broadway buffs can get their fix on the Oct. 10 to 18 voyage from the Big Apple to Quebec city. Starring oln this one is American actress and singer Rachel York. Known for her iconic stage roles in productions such as City of Angels, Les Miserables, and Kiss Me Kate, York . Additional notables will also be in attendance and be announced soon.

“We are thrilled to bring back our themed cruises, each tailored to provide an immersive and enriching experience for our guests and were extremely popular in the past,” said Vice President of Entertainment Keith Cox.  “Whether you’re a fan of film and theater, a golf aficionado, or a Broadway enthusiast, these voyages are designed to exceed expectations and create lasting memories for our guests.”

About Crystal

Crystal Cruises made its bow 30 years ago with a big splash. It was one of the most elegant cruise lines of its time and maintained the reputation for years. That was until it fell prey to bad managment and went bankrupt two years ago. It was saved by the bell by Abercrombie and Kent who bought it at auction from a bankruptcy sale.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are sailing again under the A&K label. They are all spruced up with larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, new cutting-edge wellness offerings, upgraded entertainment, and complimentary world-class dining that includes the return of UMI UMA – the only dining experience by Michelin-Star Chef Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) at sea. With a legacy of unrivaled service and commitment to sophistication and elegance at every touchpoint, once on-board passengers feel as if they are perfectly at home.  

Crystal Creature comforts

From full room service options (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, cocktails etc) to impeccable attention to passenger comfort, Crystal still ranks as one of the tops at sea.

Fares are inclusive of all hard and soft beverages and tips.

Bon voyage.

Not a happy holiday for 116 passengers on Cunard cruise

Having contracted a debilitating norovirus on a cruise, the author empathizes with the 116 passengers who fell ill on Cunard’s Queen Victoria. It’s described as no fun to endure such symptoms while on a supposed enjoyable voyage.

As was the case during my bout with these symptoms, passengers were put into isolation and crews were dispatched to sanitize staterooms and area.

The stricken passengers were a handful among the 1,824 that were on board Queen Victoria. About 15 crew members also suffered gastrointestinal problems.

The ship is currently sailing a 107-night world voyage that departed from Southampton on January 11. It is due to return to the UK port at the end of April. Is is currently on a the leg of leg of the voyage of 16-nights from  Florida’s Port Everglades and San Francisco, California. The sailing departed on 22 January, and some passengers disembarking on 7 February.

According to CDC illnesses were reported starting January 22. The cause is unknown.

“They immediately activated their enhanced health and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all guests and crew on board.”

Maintaining good hygiene a must to avoid shipboard viruses

We learned from the COVID 19 outbreaks that good hygiene helps in preventing illnesses such as these. This means washing hands well and staying away from sick folks. But of course some viruses are so contagious the spreading is inevitable among people who are in close contact. It’s a good idea to wear a mask when in crowded areas of the ship.

The breakout on Queen Victoria came a few weeks after almost 100 passengers on a Celebrity Cruises Constellation, contracted norovirus after it departed from Florida on January 3.

By Patti Pietschmann, Cruise and Travel Diva

How to avoid buyers remorse when booking a cabin on Princess Cruises

By Patti Pietschmann

Oh no! You booked an inside cabin or one with just a oceanview and now you’re sorry you didn’t go for a higher-priced spread. Especially when you lustfully look at all those attractive balcony staterooms, mini-suites and suites that other passengers are luxuriating in.

Emerald Princess, Mykonos, Greece

Well if you’re on a Princess cruise you have an 11th Hour option to bid for a higher category and avoid suffering buyer’s remorse.

Place your bids

Beginning Sept. 6, Princess Cruises is kicking off Princess Upgrade, a bid-based system, in partnership with PlusGrade, that gives guests a chance to  move on up to  an ocean view, balcony, deluxe balcony, mini-suite or a larger spread  suite. Until October the option is only good on five North America-based ships: Caribbean Princess, Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, Regal Princess and Ruby Princess. The cruise line will then offer it fleetwide at the end of October.

“Upgrading is a popular request from our guests, and we’re pleased to deliver a process that lets them improve their stateroom category by making an offer that fits their budget and lifestyle,” said Princess president John Padgett.

A no brainer

The bidding’s pretty simple. After your booking is within the final payment stage and the fare fully remitted, Princess will send you an invitation to participate in the bidding. It’s a bit of a gamble but you can opt out, too.

If you don’t receive the invite you can also go to  princess.com and place your bid there. Additional details about Princess Upgrade can be found at https://www.princess.com/plan/princess-cruise-room-upgrade/.

There will see the following instructions:

1. Check whether your cruise is eligible for bidding on an upgrade.
2. Browse through the upgrade options available and place your bid(s) to upgrade your stateroom on your upcoming cruise. Making a bid on multiple staterooms will increase your chances of being upgraded, but you’ll only pay for one.
3. Get notified via email if your request for an upgrade has been approved. If your bid is accepted, you’ll be charged for the upgrade. If not, you’ll enjoy the stateroom you already have and won’t be charged anything additional.

Your bid is priced per person and based on two guests per stateroom for the length of your cruise. 3rd and 4th guests in a stateroom are upgraded without additional cost.

Sounds good to me, I’ll try it next time.

Teenage boy dies from fall on MSC Seashore cruise ship

By Patti Pietschmann, Cruise Diva

The boy allegedly jumped from deck 16 

By Patti Pietschmann

New York Post photo

A holiday tragedy at sea. This time a 15-year-old  died after falling or jumping from) 16 floors down to a lower deck on MSC Seashore during a five-day Caribbean cruise last week. The ship was heading back to Miami when the incident occurred about 7:30 at night.

Early news reports erroneously said the boy plunged into the sea. But according to to the Miami-Dade Police, the fatal fall occurred inboard of the rails. In a social media update, a passenger reported that the victim jumped from Deck 16, striking Deck 8 without reaching the water.

Sketchy details

https://www.youtube.com/embed/SIbsBx497eA?wmode=opaqueDetails are sketchy and the incident is being investigated. Preliminary supposition is that he committed suicide. But this has not be validated.

The boy’s identity had not been revealed at this writing.  MSC Cruises says the bit was  individual was traveling with his family. It said in a statement that he “appears to have died of suicide.” Chaotic videos posted to social media by passengers after hearing the a “man overboard” alarm (but the boy didn’t not fall into the sea but landed on a lower deck) could  be heard over the loudspeaker, although police said their investigation later revealed that the death happened on board.

Suicide PSA

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

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Passenger tests positive for coronavirus after disembarking from Holland America Westerdam

Patti Pietschmann 

New York Times photo of Diamond Princess in Yokohama, Japan

Since the outbreak of the virulent coronavirus in China earlier this month the travel world has been turned upside down, especially the cruise industry. 

As you know by now the biggest victim is Princess Cruises Diamond Princess which has been under quarantine in Yokohama, Japan for more than two weeks. So far 355 passengers on the ship have tested positive for the virus.

But other cruise lines have been effected by the need to change  itineraries because some countries are banning ships from entering their ports.

Breaking news now

Coronavirus has been detected on an 83-year-old woman who disembarked Holland America’s MS Westerdam in Malaysia.

The woman disembarked the shp last Friday and then reported feeling ill at the airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and tested positive for coronavirus.

“We are in close coordination with some of the leading health experts from around the world,” said Grant Tarling, chief medical officer for Holland America Line, said in the release. “These experts are working with the appropriate national health authorities to investigate and follow-up with individuals who may have come in contact with the guest.”

 

Other news you should know: https://pattipietschmannthecruiseguru.blogspot.com/2020/02/355-now-confirmed-with-coronavirus-on.html

Cruise Diva now at Pavlus Travel

Dear readers, while I will still be posting here, you will find a lot more of my stuff now at https://pavlus.com/pavlus-blog/.

I hope you will check it out, read the posts and leave some comments/feedback.

Pavlus is one of the largest travel agencies in the US so if my stories make you want to book a cruise or tour all you have to do is call Pavlus.

Here’s just one sample post on Viking Cruises:

Viking continues to win praise from Travel+Leisure readers

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By Patti Pietschmann Travel Diva

The line is also loved by just about every past passenger

Viking Cruises is all the rage. Passengers rave about the ships. And Travel + Leisure continues to award it high marks. In fact this marks the fourth consecutive year that the popular magazine’s readers gave Viking® a World’s Best Award.

Alas Viking is  one of the few cruise lines I haven’t been on. But I’m working on it.

When I ask past-passengers what’s so special about Viking they give me a litany of likes. One of which is that ‘they don’t nickel and dime you.” Another is the food. They also rave about the staterooms and service. Most also like that the ocean-going ships are just the right size. Not too big or small.

 

Scandinavian style

While he may be a bit prejudiced, Chairman Torstein Hagen says, that Viking is designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine. It’s “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights.”

The Scandinavian design is an eye-catcher. Public rooms are both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. There are also lots of outdoor dining venues serving regional fare.

More cerebral than sedentary Viking offers several cultural experiences and exotic shore excursions. But there are amenities such as this infinity pool.

The T&L awards

Travel + Leisure’s readers ranked Viking as the #1 Ocean Cruise Line for ships carrying 600-2,199 guests and one of the World’s Best River Cruise Lines. Since the launch of Viking’s ocean cruises in 2015, the company has been named a #1 Ocean Cruise Line every single year. Viking has also been voted a World’s Best River Cruise Line every year since the award’s inception in 2010.

Viking will also be featured in the magazine’s World’s Best issue, which will be on newsstands in July; the full results of the awards can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.

Viking offers very compelling  fares. Everyone gets an outside stateroom as well as a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call. Also included are beer and wine at lunch and dinner; alternative dining, WiFi, self-service laundry and all port charges and government taxes.

Guests even get free access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.

Booking Details

Viking is offering some pretty spectacular fares. So better call Pavlus for more details and bookings.

A Viking backstory

Viking launched in 1997 with four ships that were purchased from Russia.Today the line operates a fleet of 78 vessels. The vessels include riverboats and ocean liners.

Hope to see you on board one of these days.

By Patti Pietschmann|July 14th, 2019|Dining, Sea, Stuff|1 Comment

Book that holiday cruise now

Or you could miss the boat

Christmas cruises can be just what the doctor ordered.   It’s a great way to have quality family or couple’s time. Or to beat the holiday blues.

I picked four perfect sailings on four different lines for you to choose from @ https://pavlus.com/oh-what-fun-it-is-to-take-a-holiday-cruise-but-better-book-now/

Go read it and get back to me.  Would like to know what you decide.

Check out Patti’s Pavlus Travel Blog

My posts cover the cruise and travel industries. You will find cruise news, cruise and travel tips and a whole lot more. https://pavlus.com/pavlus-blog/

With the Alaska cruise season in full swing you might enjoy this one: https://pavlus.com/going-on-an-alaska-cruise-be-sure-to-pack-smart/

Please follow it an ‘like’ it. And if you need a travel agent, contact one at Pavlus.com. They are truly efficient and friendly.

Thank you.