I love credit cards so much! v7.0 - 2025 (see first page for add'l details)

[AndreaDM]

I'm looking at a Princess cruise and I remember someone here has sailed with them but I can't remember who it was. If anyone has advice/recommendations can you please send them my way. Potentially considering Royal Princess in Alaska (was just invited to join extended family on a particular journey).

We did an Alaskan cruise on the Royal Princess 2 years ago. Was a great trip, nothing negative to say other than I got very sick the last day, but that could have happened on any ship at any time. It's one of the few ships allowed in Glacier Bay, that was an incredible day, highly recommend.

 

[havaneselover]

I'm looking at a Princess cruise and I remember someone here has sailed with them but I can't remember who it was. If anyone has advice/recommendations can you please send them my way. Potentially considering Royal Princess in Alaska (was just invited to join extended family on a particular journey).

I did Princess in September to New England and Canada and will be on the same ship in Greece next October. I’ve done Alaska, but on Disney. Overall I really liked Princess. Didn’t like that they allow smoking in the casino (not that I went in the casino but I could smell it outside). Food was good (we did all specialty dining). We did the Premiere package and a Reserve Collection mini suite which were both nice splurges. I think it’s a great product, especially when I compare it to Disney fares. For Alaska, I would do Princess or HAL (looking at HAL this June). I also booked my cruises with URs but Costco would have been my second choice. Refaring and their price guarantee are a little confusing, but I saved a ton of money on my trip next year.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I can relate in a tiny way. I was on the job grabbing Disney gift cards to pay my DVC dues. Last purchase was $1000 at Best Buy.

Still, I had an unused 10% up to $10 at CVS with the offer on my DD's Amex au card. I had a script coming due for pickup so I put it off. Busy busy so not getting over there and they do free delivery for my script.

So I decided to let it go as I now have about $1500 over what I needed for dues. Was wanting to forget the 10 off 100 - just not enough to bother about.

It's still active and can I tell you my mind won't let me give it up? I keep having it pop into my head. It expires Dec 31 so hopefully then I can let it go! Not worth the 5 minute drive right now.

For those of us who are built for this hobby, I think there is something about the way our brains are wired regarding getting the deal. Sometimes it's great, but I know I've found myself pricing things out because it's a great "deal," but it's money I wouldn't have spent otherwise. So it's a balancing act for sure.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Cabo recommendations?

I booked a quickie long weekend trip to Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal for January. We love to be there during whale watching season. They allowed us to put deposits down using our Aspires ($400), but YMMV as they have some quirky rules and on FT some people report being told no. So come January, we'll have $800 Aspire credits plus $120 Hilton biz credits to burn (total $920), which we will easily wipe through at their overpriced, but lovely spa.

If anyone has been to Cabo recently, we'd love new dining recommendations. Some of our faves are:

Mother Flower
Flora Farms (San Jose del Cabo)
Bar Esquina
Hacienda Cocina y Cantina (haven't been in a LONG while)

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Netherland recommendations

Also, celebrating my mom's 70th birthday in Amsterdam. Open to day trips or overnights from there, as well. We'll be there during Tulip season. Would love any and all activity, dining and day trip recommendations for the Netherlands. Hubby and I will be there a few days prior to my mom's arrival.

 

[newski_mom]

I did Princess in September to New England and Canada and will be on the same ship in Greece next October. I’ve done Alaska, but on Disney. Overall I really liked Princess. Didn’t like that they allow smoking in the casino (not that I went in the casino but I could smell it outside). Food was good (we did all specialty dining). We did the Premiere package and a Reserve Collection mini suite which were both nice splurges. I think it’s a great product, especially when I compare it to Disney fares. For Alaska, I would do Princess or HAL (looking at HAL this June). I also booked my cruises with URs but Costco would have been my second choice. Refaring and their price guarantee are a little confusing, but I saved a ton of money on my trip next year.

We've also done some Princess cruises and really enjoy them. We typically get the Princess Plus package so mainly do the included main dining room and have always enjoyed it. The Plus package includes 15 (I think) drinks a day. It used to be 15 alcoholic drinks and unlimited soda, coffee, etc, but it recently changed to 15 drinks including alcohol and soda. This won't affect us because we are very light drinkers, but it is a change. The plus package also includes your gratuities and wifi, so it is worth it to us.

We were on the Enchanted Princess last June (2024) and then again this fall (late October 2025) and sometime between those two sailings they changed their casino to mainly non-smoking. They had a small smoking section, but it was on the other side of the ship and behind closed doors, so a much better experience for non-smokers. I'm not sure if all ships have done that though.

 

[havaneselover]

We've also done some Princess cruises and really enjoy them. We typically get the Princess Plus package so mainly do the included main dining room and have always enjoyed it. The Plus package includes 15 (I think) drinks a day. It used to be 15 alcoholic drinks and unlimited soda, coffee, etc, but it recently changed to 15 drinks including alcohol and soda. This won't affect us because we are very light drinkers, but it is a change. The plus package also includes your gratuities and wifi, so it is worth it to us.

We were on the Enchanted Princess last June (2024) and then again this fall (late October 2025) and sometime between those two sailings they changed their casino to mainly non-smoking. They had a small smoking section, but it was on the other side of the ship and behind closed doors, so a much better experience for non-smokers. I'm not sure if all ships have done that though.

I was on the Enchanted in September after the change. I have a super sensitive nose and could definitely smell smoke outside the casino. And yes, I had Premier and don't drink alcohol. Don't know that I got $90/day of value out of the package, but I'm not complaining. DD and I are doing Premier next year and she doesn't drink either. Overall, I really like Princess.

 

[newski_mom]

I was on the Enchanted in September after the change. I have a super sensitive nose and could definitely smell smoke outside the casino. And yes, I had Premier and don't drink alcohol. Don't know that I got $90/day of value out of the package, but I'm not complaining. DD and I are doing Premier next year and she doesn't drink either. Overall, I really like Princess.

I'm not sure if you could smell smoke still in October or if that had gone away a little more by then. DH and i don't really gamble. We had some OBC, so played the machines for a few minutes one evening and then cashed it out. Other than that, we really weren't in that part of the ship.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Netherland recommendations

Also, celebrating my mom's 70th birthday in Amsterdam. Open to day trips or overnights from there, as well. We'll be there during Tulip season. Would love any and all activity, dining and day trip recommendations for the Netherlands. Hubby and I will be there a few days prior to my mom's arrival.

In 2023 I went on a bike tour with Mike's Bike Tours Amsterdam; we rode through a nice park and to a farm where we met a local farmer who showed us how to make gouda (and we all bought from his little shop). This tour helped me feel comfortable riding a bike in Amsterdam (I rented a bike for several days last year and rode everywhere -- so much fun!). Last year I rode to the (free) ferry and took it to the other side and went along several bike paths for a few hours, which I really enjoyed.

Lanskroon Bakery has excellent stroopwafels

Nassen Amsterdam or De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam for cheese (the latter ships home) -- both will vacuum seal for you; you can also have yummy sandwiches made at either for a picnic lunch

Restaurant 't Zwaantje for delicious local food (make a ressie because it's very popular with locals)

De Silveren Spiegel also excellent food

Melly's StroopWafels is the latest popular place for these yummy confections

Winkel 43 for amazing apple cake

Dumplings (you're going to want to ride a bike here); little stand with the best dumplings -- grab and eat in the park. SO good (it's called Dumplings)

Van Stapele Koekmakerij for delicious cookies

Catwalk Junkie Brand Store for cute clothing

*If you're there when the magnolia trees are blooming, I highly recommending renting bikes and riding to Bloesempark (see below pic); try to avoid going on a weekend if possible

Center Wash -- had same day wash and fold done here

Wander around the van Pijjp market for fun



Dumplings (a 'must visit' place!)

 

[mmmears]

We did an Alaskan cruise on the Royal Princess 2 years ago. Was a great trip, nothing negative to say other than I got very sick the last day, but that could have happened on any ship at any time. It's one of the few ships allowed in Glacier Bay, that was an incredible day, highly recommend.

This is great to hear. I've only sailed on DCL and Celebrity, but would like to visit Glacier Bay this time. Did you like the ship? That's the one I'm looking at right now.

I did Princess in September to New England and Canada and will be on the same ship in Greece next October. I’ve done Alaska, but on Disney. Overall I really liked Princess. Didn’t like that they allow smoking in the casino (not that I went in the casino but I could smell it outside). Food was good (we did all specialty dining). We did the Premiere package and a Reserve Collection mini suite which were both nice splurges. I think it’s a great product, especially when I compare it to Disney fares. For Alaska, I would do Princess or HAL (looking at HAL this June). I also booked my cruises with URs but Costco would have been my second choice. Refaring and their price guarantee are a little confusing, but I saved a ton of money on my trip next year.

This is really helpful information - thanks!

We've also done some Princess cruises and really enjoy them. We typically get the Princess Plus package so mainly do the included main dining room and have always enjoyed it. The Plus package includes 15 (I think) drinks a day. It used to be 15 alcoholic drinks and unlimited soda, coffee, etc, but it recently changed to 15 drinks including alcohol and soda. This won't affect us because we are very light drinkers, but it is a change. The plus package also includes your gratuities and wifi, so it is worth it to us.

We were on the Enchanted Princess last June (2024) and then again this fall (late October 2025) and sometime between those two sailings they changed their casino to mainly non-smoking. They had a small smoking section, but it was on the other side of the ship and behind closed doors, so a much better experience for non-smokers. I'm not sure if all ships have done that though.

Thank you - this is all so helpful.


Any advice about booking? Is Costco good for this? It's all so last minute and I'm used to having months and months to do all my research before deciding.

 

[wanderlust7]

Netherland recommendations

Also, celebrating my mom's 70th birthday in Amsterdam. Open to day trips or overnights from there, as well. We'll be there during Tulip season. Would love any and all activity, dining and day trip recommendations for the Netherlands. Hubby and I will be there a few days prior to my mom's arrival.

We enjoyed our day trip to Zaanse Schans.

The Pantry was good for Dutch food. Atmosphere is very cozy. You need a reservation. Dutch-Indonesian rice table is worth trying. We happened to go to MAX, which was good, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there. PANCAKES Amsterdam Westermarkt near Anne Frank's House was good and convenient.

 

[newski_mom]

This is great to hear. I've only sailed on DCL and Celebrity, but would like to visit Glacier Bay this time. Did you like the ship? That's the one I'm looking at right now.


This is really helpful information - thanks!


Thank you - this is all so helpful.


Any advice about booking? Is Costco good for this? It's all so last minute and I'm used to having months and months to do all my research before deciding.

I usually book through Costco and haven't had any problems. I typically know which sailing and what cabin I'm wanting to book before I call although I'm sure they would help you through that if needed. You can get a pretty good Costco cash card after your sailing for booking through them and if you have the executive membership, you get the 2% back on the price of the cruise as well.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

In 2023 I went on a bike tour with Mike's Bike Tours Amsterdam; we rode through a nice park and to a farm where we met a local farmer who showed us how to make gouda (and we all bought from his little shop). This tour helped me feel comfortable riding a bike in Amsterdam (I rented a bike for several days last year and rode everywhere -- so much fun!). Last year I rode to the (free) ferry and took it to the other side and went along several bike paths for a few hours, which I really enjoyed.

Lanskroon Bakery has excellent stroopwafels

Nassen Amsterdam or De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam for cheese (the latter ships home) -- both will vacuum seal for you; you can also have yummy sandwiches made at either for a picnic lunch

Restaurant 't Zwaantje for delicious local food (make a ressie because it's very popular with locals)

De Silveren Spiegel also excellent food

Melly's StroopWafels is the latest popular place for these yummy confections

Winkel 43 for amazing apple cake

Dumplings (you're going to want to ride a bike here); little stand with the best dumplings -- grab and eat in the park. SO good (it's called Dumplings)

Van Stapele Koekmakerij for delicious cookies

Catwalk Junkie Brand Store for cute clothing

*If you're there when the magnolia trees are blooming, I highly recommending renting bikes and riding to Bloesempark (see below pic); try to avoid going on a weekend if possible

Center Wash -- had same day wash and fold done here

Wander around the van Pijjp market for fun

View attachment 1034497

Dumplings (a 'must visit' place!)
View attachment 1034498

We enjoyed our day trip to Zaanse Schans.

The Pantry was good for Dutch food. Atmosphere is very cozy. You need a reservation. Dutch-Indonesian rice table is worth trying. We happened to go to MAX, which was good, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there. PANCAKES Amsterdam Westermarkt near Anne Frank's House was good and convenient.

So many great recommendations- thank you!! I'm not a dumpling person, but those look crispy and delicious. And I had no idea about the magnolia blooming- I think we will be there for that and tulip season at the same time. How perfect!

 

[havaneselover]

This is great to hear. I've only sailed on DCL and Celebrity, but would like to visit Glacier Bay this time. Did you like the ship? That's the one I'm looking at right now.


This is really helpful information - thanks!


Thank you - this is all so helpful.


Any advice about booking? Is Costco good for this? It's all so last minute and I'm used to having months and months to do all my research before deciding.

I second what Newski_mom said. Costco benefits are great. You can also add really inexpensive cruise insurance through them (this was great with my mom because she's older so the quotes I was getting elsewhere were really high).

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Sometimes it's great, but I know I've found myself pricing things out because it's a great "deal," but it's money I wouldn't have spent otherwise.

This is for sure the hardest part of actually playing the game to save money. Some of these credits in particular are designed so that you end up spending more in the long run.

We were looking at burning Stubhub credits for this year and several shows came into conversation that would have then cost more. Had to really say, "Sure, $150 off is a great deal, but do we actually want to see this for $##?". Ended up buying a single ticket to a GA even that's below the $150, plan to buy the second ticket on next year's $150, and then it's a truely free date night.

 

[Twilghtsprkle]

This is for sure the hardest part of actually playing the game to save money. Some of these credits in particular are designed so that you end up spending more in the long run.

We were looking at burning Stubhub credits for this year and several shows came into conversation that would have then cost more. Had to really say, "Sure, $150 off is a great deal, but do we actually want to see this for $##?". Ended up buying a single ticket to a GA even that's below the $150, plan to buy the second ticket on next year's $150, and then it's a truely free date night.

We used ours on Spamalot this year. We got got 2 tickets side orchestra for $3 (or actually -12 after getting $15 cashback). The capital city has a theater so we can luck out and get cheap tickets if you find the annual subscribers that don’t want to see a particular show. And I think there were a lot this season who solely got the annual subscription to be able to get Hamilton tickets early, lol.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Anyone have experience with the Chase pre approval site….if a card is showing up there is it marketing or an actual pre approval.
Any experience if it makes a difference applying through there vs using a support link ?

 

[StephPlum]

Netherland recommendations

Also, celebrating my mom's 70th birthday in Amsterdam. Open to day trips or overnights from there, as well. We'll be there during Tulip season. Would love any and all activity, dining and day trip recommendations for the Netherlands. Hubby and I will be there a few days prior to my mom's arrival.

We enjoyed our day trip to Zaanse Schans.

The Pantry was good for Dutch food. Atmosphere is very cozy. You need a reservation. Dutch-Indonesian rice table is worth trying. We happened to go to MAX, which was good, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there. PANCAKES Amsterdam Westermarkt near Anne Frank's House was good and convenient.

Also recommend The Pantry. It’s small so highly recommend a reservation. I still drool over the gravy! OMG so good.

 

[StephPlum]

Need a new card.... Looking at Alaska miles as mine are low. How easy/hard is Alaska Atmos Business to get? I'm 5/24 on personal cards; 2/6 on inquires. Is BOA inquiry sensitive? Thanks.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Well as hard as I tried I am leaving 2 Amex Hotel credits on the table I tried to make them work but it just didnt.