Platinum/elite Happy Hour: On Board Currency And Folio Charges Show Too Loud

Platinum/Elite happy hour:When we sailed on the Diamond Princess and now on the Pacific Princess ( both USD ships) we were able, as Platinum or Elite passengers to obtain drinks and canapes of the day at USD $5 + gratuity between 5 & 7pm each day including port days in a special venue. On the Diamond, it was the Skywalk and Pacific Princess either the Steakhouse or Sabatini's.This was a lovely way to meet people and have a drink, even on port days*I have been advised by fellow Australian passengers that Happy hour is only available on ships with USD currency. If that is correct then it is appalling. My friends had also made enquires on board and were advised it was for lack of a venue which I find extraordinary as I know Ramatzz is a waisted space on most AUD ships and underutilised. Another friend on the recent Pacific Circle cruise says it was not on offer on the Sun Princess which makes me rather suspicious that once again the AUD ships don't get the same treatment which is discrimination!My friend did say they could buy a drink and get the same for an extra $1 between 3 & 5pm and 9! The last mentioned was available on the Pacific Princess but honestly starting to drink at 3 is a bit early when one would rather enjoy a 'sundowner' drink of the day before dinner.Do you know if it is on offer on the Golden Princess next year?.Secondly: ONBOARD CURRENCY AND FOLIO CHARGES As a reminder, all on board charges for this voyage will be charged in Australian Dollars (AUD). As is common practice in the Australian market, please be advised that on board folios settled with a credit card will incur a 1.1% service charge. Folios settled in cash or with a debit card will not incur a fee. (Please note that using a debit card to settle your folio may result in an authorization hold which may take up to 30 days to clear.) *this cannot be legal. I had already updated my profile for a forthcoming trip and there was NO NOTIFIACTION AT THAT TIME. The message below came later and as such there was no pre warning.This is another discrimination. Does this apply to all passengers of all nationalities? I know the AUD ships are gratuity free but if I should wish to pay from my on board account, why should I be charged a credit card fee for the privilege?On a recent cruise on the Pacific Princess, I used my Australian credit card to settle my on board account and no fee was charged.What is the reason behind this discrimination.On board is cashless and therefore there should be NO FEES to settle on board accounts. Even if you are using a travel debit card or a travel money card, the pre-authorisation payment can be held for up to a monthâA533;¦. Far too longIt seems Princess has cut back on everything with lack lustre repetitive meals, (seems Princess want to channel and force everyone to the paid restaurants); lack of on board activities, not everyone wants to be part of an English school camp and play carpet bowls etc. trivia. The port commentators are dismal, most just read from what they found on Google. Paying for craft activities are crazy as well.The music on board and in the shows are so loud. Most passengers on the ships we have been on are an average age of 70+ and have hearing aids so they find it a bit disconcerting to adjust all the time. Such a pity as it distorts the talented voices in the shows. Louder is not better!It is no longer a pleasure to lounge around the pool and enjoy the beautiful ocean. Yes, by all means good music to set the tone at lunch time around the pool, disco etc. . but do have a thought in the dining from when one wants to chat and not shout to be heard.It is time that the height of the chairs in the dining room are raised. Every cruise I have been on with Princess I have had to request a pillow to sit on in order to enjoy my meal in comfort and I am by no means short.The linen on most of the Princess ships are threadbare. Goodness, we have had better on Carnival Quest.