Diamond Princess Day 1: 12 Feb 2023 San Diego, CA

February 13, 2023

Diamond Princess Day 1: 12 Feb 2023 San Diego, CA

After a whole lot of confusion around covid testing, I took a home test, snapped a picture with my passport and uploaded the photo to the princess portal. My screen said Green Lane. I had signed up for the earliest group at 11AM because I read horror stories about the port of San Diego.

I would like to say I planned ahead for this cruise but during Covid I was going a bit crazy and just booked a couple cruises to stay sane. I have booked one shore excursion on Saipan which I will tell you about later. Basically, this was a reasonably priced cruise that will allow me to try the Princess brand. Also, I get a $150 on board credit plus $250 shareholder credir.

I used 10500 Delra miles for an economy ticket to San Diego. The plane was not even half full. As soon as we took off, they announced that everyone was allowed to change seats and could lie flat across a row. I love Delta.

That said, Delta upgraded me to First Class so I was living the sky miles dream. Delta really stepped up the food choice and I had Braised Beef Cheek. It may be the best meal I have had on a plane in the last 10 years.

Once at the San Diego baggage claim, there was no mention of my flight. The info desk lady was super helpful and pointed me to the MSP carousel. Once i had my bag, I asked her how to get to the Doubletree shuttle. She picked up the phone, ordered my shuttle, and pointed me to the right spot. Super helpful service for California.

Within 15 minutes the shuttle arrived and I was at the hotel. My digital key didn't areive so I checked in at the front desk. I had been upgraded to a 2 room king suite. Although the room was dated and worn, it was huge and quiet.

In the morning, I asked.about a shuttle to the cruise terminal and the manager said they had a shuttle going at 11AM. I signed up and then grabbed avocado toast for breakfat.

The only downfall to the Doubletree was the wait for the elevator. Other than that, it was a fantastic use for 50000 Hilton miles.

The shuttle areived at the cruise port at 11:10. There was a check for color status and then security. The express green line was huge while the blue line was short. That said, within 30 minutes I was on the ship and in my room which was already ready!

I watched a very long safety video and then went to mt muster station.

I was waiting in line at customer service to fix my app and heard people asking about an upgrade to a balcony from an inside. They could do it for $60/day or $1500. Definitely not for me. I paid that for an inside cabin that seems large to me.