How Does Shutters Work?

[Favorite Auntie]

OK. I have been on a couple of cruises but I have never bought more than a couple of pics at shutters. This time I am taking my little nephew and I assume that I will buy more pics of him. Do you have to grab the pics the first day they are there? Or will they hold them until you decide? I am not sure if I want to buy a package - I don't want to buy the package and end up with some crummy pics that I have to get incase they don't come out great. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[4407mark]

We were in the same boat (no pun intended) when we sailed with our two DSs last year - DW knew she would want to get some of the pictures, especially of the boys, but didn't want to spend a fortune. She bought the basic package (I think it might have been 8 or 10 8x10 prints). Between the four of us, we had selected those shots the first two days. She upgraded to the next package and they applied the first package to it - it's hard to explain but once you buy the basic package, they'll upgrade you to the next one if you need to or want to.

BTW - we upgraded twice. DW is a scrapbooker and has done wonderful things with the photos! The onboard photos can be pricey but the memories they evoke are priceless. Also, if you have your camera, CMs will frequently take your photo with it right after the pros get done with theirs. You can get the same shot without the cost...

 

[TeensMom]

You don't have to buy the package the first day. Each day go find your pictures and stack them somewhere. They say they periodically throw them away, but we have not had that experience (although they may move them). Once you see you will have enough pictures you like to make a package, buy one.

One of the things they could do to improve service is allow you to archive pictures in a folder until nearly the end - then you can make your decisions. I realize that would mean a LOT of folders, but it might cut down on a lot of confusion. The last night is pretty bad in Shutters.

 

[GenieDana]

Stack your pictures together - they do not throw them away and will keep the stack togther until you are ready to purchase. Don't panic - they move the stacks around to make room for new shots, but they do keep your stack together. Visit Shutters each day and "add" to your stack. They have discard recepticles for photos you do not want.

If you wait until just before debarkation to make your purchase, they discount the packages. We purchased at 7:30 A.M. on debarkation day - no discount, but friends of ours waited until a little after 8:00 and got 50% off.

 

[moinab]

If you wait until just before debarkation to make your purchase, they discount the packages. We purchased at 7:30 A.M. on debarkation day - no discount, but friends of ours waited until a little after 8:00 and got 50% off. [/B][/QUOTE]

Is this routine? We will be in no hurry to debark, as we have the late seating and will be driving ourselves back to NE FL. How late will Shutters be open and at what time will they be dragging us off (kicking and screaming) the ship?

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

If you think you're going to be buying pics from Shutters then buy the basic package on the first evening. Your embarkation photos will be ready.

You can upgrade as needed and if you don't use all of the options on the final package they will either refund you or you can select 2 stock shots (the ship, characters, etc) per unused option. These are great for scrapbooking (yep I'm one too)

The packages are for the 6 x 8 photos. The 8 x 10s are separate and are the formal portraits.

I would also suggest that if there are shots you KNOW you like get them as soon as you see them. Stack those you aren't sure about. Yes they will move them.

I mainly stacked 8 x 10s but a few 6 x 8s as well. The last night is packed in Shutters and the fewer decisions to make the better you'll like it. I haven't tried Shutters in the morning but just walking past gives me the willies. It is pure chaos. Everyone MUST be off the ship by 9 am.

Deb

 

[moinab]

Good advice! Thanks! I'll be sure to get in there the first day.