bandp407

3 hours ago, joeyjeremiah said:

I did a 20 day B2B on the enchanted over Christmas and New Years. 

 

1) Yes, unlike celebrity boarding is a general window and not specific times. Suites and Platinum/Elite have priority boarding so when the ship starts embarkation they will be the first to board. Everybody else boards in the order of arrival. Last cruise we were travelling with guests who didn't have priority so we didn't use our status to get priority boarding so we could board together and we were onboard just after 11:00 am. However our shuttle dropped us off at 9:45 am so we were in line for awhile before boarding they started processing people at 10:30.  So if you want to be one of the first onboard you can be even without status however if this isn't important I would suggest arriving at 11:30 or so where there should be less of a wait and you can still get onboard early enough. This is all assuming there aren't any immigration delays which can delay embarkation.

 

2) Reserve your table for 2 in the app for the time you want. Once you get onboard speak to the maitre d and request same table with same waiter for every night. I had 6:00 pm reserved and he told me he couldn't guarantee it for that time that I could go earlier or later if I wanted same table and waiter. However he ended up moving us after the first night to a different section and seated us at the same table with the same waiter every night of our cruise. We did let them know when we had other dinner plans though so they didn't think we just didn't show up. So you may need to be a little flexible but they are very accommodating. At 8:00 pm you shouldn't have an issue. 

 

3) Yes, you can only make dinner reservations after you are paid in full (so if you pay early you can reserve early). Specialty dining can get busy but you should still be able to book what you want, you might have to be a bit flexible with times. You will have no issue getting s dining room reservation. Once onboard you can always see about changing dining reservations but there can be waitlists for specialty dining. Crown Grill was completely booked our entire cruise so if you didn't book in advance you weren't getting in. 

 

4) There will be more kids in August but not as many as you see on RCI or NCL. As for loungers if you don't mind being away from the pool a bit (1 deck up) there are often lounge chairs available even if you arrive later in the day. The adults only pool area is smaller, pool is pretty shallow, loungers are hit and miss in this area. 

 

5) Yes there are a reasonable amount of tables outside so you should be able to find one. Keep in mind thought some of these are on the aft deck and the smoking area is deck 17 aft so depending on how many people are there and the wind the smoke can waft down. We preferred to eat inside near the window.

 

6) A lot of the musicians rotate throughout different venues on the ships. So you will need to watch the daily patter and just check out the various band and venues and see what you like best. But often we saw people dancing in the piazza, this seemed to be a favourite for the dancers.

 

I'm sure you will have a great cruise.

Thank you so very much for your time in replying and providing such valuable information! 

3 hours ago, Seafan22 said:

I have seen a number of times on here that people say the MDR resevations are not available until after final payment.  I have a trip seven months from now (9/24/24), and I made all of my MDR reservations at least a month or two ago, and have not made my final payment and don't plan to for another few months.  Was it just a quirk in my app that I was able to do this?

 

It's a 31-day trip and every day is accounted for including MDR and specialty restaurants.  And this is my very first time on Princess.

Very interesting- I will try again! 

4 hours ago, reedprincess said:

1). There is a boarding window for everyone, usually 3 or so hours. While those with status and suites have priority embarkation, that's only matter when embarkation begins. Once embarkation has begun and the initial line is through, it's board as you like, basically in order of arrival. So, unless you absolutely have to be among the first aboard, simply show up at port about 30 minutes after the boarding window opens and you'll essentially walk right on.   It's same as how boarding was with Celebrity prior to about 2017/2018 give or take.   The boarding window is on your Travel Summary under the itinerary.

 

2) very incorrect. Reserve your table for 2 at the time you like. Once aboard, if you like your wait staff, speak to the maitre'd and ask for same table each night. They're quite accommodating.

 

3) yes, unless you're Elite status (Platinum also?) , MDR reseervations are not available til after final payment... You could theoretically pay early and make reservations earlier.  It's not an issue, there's plenty of spots in all three MDR (3 MDR, all same menu, kitchen, service, etc). 

 

4) there may or may not be a lot of kids. Same as Celebrity at that time. Adult only pool is as crowded or uncrowded as anywhere else depending on demographics, those demographics preferences, weather, etc.  I've never ever had a problem getting a lounger around any of the pools or nearby on upper deck or slightly away from directly at the pool - but then, I'm not super particular where my chairs are in relation to the pool, as in I don't have to be pool front directly.   And, Princess rolls towels and sets them in chairs - don't mistake those for chairs that are taken. 

 

5) yes, there's a decent amount of ta kes aft of the buffet.  One thing on Princess - the buffet is open continually from 6am to 10:30/11am. It does not close down completely in between meals like Celebrity. Different sections will close as they set up for the next meal, but there's always some portion open continually - so always something to eat, snack, and tables available as the crowds are spread out over much longer times..

 

6) atrium, Take 5, Crown Grill bar, etc. you'll have to check out the options once aboard as the bands change up periodically..

 

Have a great time! 

Thank you so very much for taking your time to provide all of this valuable information! 

DH & I are seasoned cruisers who just completed our 40th on the Celebrity Reflection. We are booked on the Enchanted in August and the Sun end of January. A few initial concerns. 
 

1) Have read that there is a window for check in and  it is not assigned in advance. Boarding is done by status , of which we have none. We are accustomed to reserving an early check in advance. Does this mean we could potentially be waiting until 1 or 2pm to board? It’s quite discouraging if this correct. I will request the Medallion in advance. 
 

2) On one of the posts there were comments that if you want a table for 2 with the same wait staff each evening, you could only go at 8:30pm. We typically like to dine around 8pm , with a decent table ( not 2” apart) and again the same wait staff. 
 

3) Told I could only make dinner reservations after final payment. Is this correct and will I get shutout? 
 

4) on the Enchanted early August, we realize there will be a large amount of children . Does the adults only pool or wake pool provide a less crowded area? Is it difficult to get lounges there? 
 

5) Are there a good number of tables outside of the buffet? We generally prefer outside dining for breakfast and dinner. 
 

6) we really enjoy dancing music before and after dinner. Is there a “favorite “ bar or area to listen to the house or party 

Would be greatly appreciative of any replies and suggestions. 
 

In advance, Many thanks & happy cruising! 

2 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

We were on the Konigsdam under the Lido and no problems with noise at all. We always pick one deck away from the Lido deck, and now that deck is  even cheaper than other decks. We love the easy outdoor (and quick food) access.  

 

Shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone they are not that bad. But we still do look to see what is directly above us. Never had smoke come on to our balcony and the Lido carpet pretty much muffles any Lido Buffet noise. At worst is some deck chair scraping when they clean up the pool deck area, but that is very time limited. Have not been under the Pinnacle outdoor movie screen. 

 

Worst complaint I had heard was a Neptune Suite that was under the ping pong table another ships. 

2 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

We were on the Konigsdam under the Lido and no problems with noise at all. We always pick one deck away from the Lido deck, and now that deck is  even cheaper than other decks. We love the easy outdoor (and quick food) access.  

 

Shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone they are not that bad. But we still do look to see what is directly above us. Never had smoke come on to our balcony and the Lido carpet pretty much muffles any Lido Buffet noise. At worst is some deck chair scraping when they clean up the pool deck area, but that is very time limited. Have not been under the Pinnacle outdoor movie screen. 

 

Worst complaint I had heard was a Neptune Suite that was under the ping pong table another ships. 

I just checked and it appears some of the VE cabins on deck 8 are under Canaletto. Don’t think that would be bad. At least farther away from the outside starboard smoking area and the chairs scraping. 
 

No worries- I won’t tell anyone! 🤣🤣

10 hours ago, Seapals said:

Tomorrow we will do a test and report back exactly what wines are available on the wine list to purchase by the glass.  How many on plus and how many extra on premier.  
No doubt it will throw the waiter into confusion as no one asks for the wine list anymore!  
The cheapest bottle we saw last time they found a wine menu was £47.50 plus 18% service charge for a Chardonnay.  It was an awful bottle of wine.  You would be stuck with this by the glass on the plus package.  Which is our main reason for not purchasing as we are more wine drinkers than cocktails. It will be interesting to find which wine they serve as a Chardonnay on the premier.  🤔.  We have had the mini bar set up again (elite perk) which provides more than enough spirits and mixers to suit our taste.  That plus the 50% off wifi package certainly makes a package poor value.  For our 20 nights it would have cost an additional £2000 .. that’s a good deposit on the next cruise!  

Look forward to your report Seapals! DH & I sail on our first Princess in August on the Enchanted. We too primarily drink glasses of Chardonnay & some reds. While not connoisseurs, we find with Celebrity with whom we primarily sail, we need to upgrade to Premium. Thank you for doing this and have a great cruise! 

Happy Birthday hcat! Have an amazing cruise! 

Look forward to following along ! Have a great cruise! 

11 minutes ago, mac_tlc said:

Well, the first load is in the dryer, the second in the washer and the NFL Pre-game is on ---- I guess we are not on a ship anymore..

 

Here is a timeline of this morning:

 

Abandon Room  6:48

Up to Lumine one last time  6:51

Walk-offs called 7:25

Finish Breakfast  7:31

Numbers 1-6 called 7:32

Off ship and in luggage warehouse  7:51

Called Lyft to pick up rent a car 8:01

Pick up rent a car  8:20

Obligatory Dunkin' stop  8:25

Pull into driveway in Orlando 11:56

 

Here goes with a recap on some major areas that seem to get a lot of attention here on CC :

 

Food : 

There were really no bad items all week. Most were very good. As far as Luminae, we have been very fortunate to be there a lot in the last 18 months. Therefore, we would like to see the menu change a bit. Not very many salads as appetizers. Thankfully the Classic menu is available.

 

Eden is always a highlight for us, and we will do it again next month. After that, at current prices we will probably stay away for a while. Absence makes the heart..........

 

Oceanview Cafe is still a cattle call. We only went there 4 times. Still not enough seats. 

 

 

 

 

Just had a chuckle with  about your arrival home !  Thank you for your review & even though we won’t be in the Retreat , look forward to your recap. By any chance in your conversations did you hear if there were any issues getting lounge chairs above the pool deck outside the entrance to the Retreat? 

19 minutes ago, RuthC said:

I spent 24 nights in cabin 8145, which is under the dining/carpeted portion of the Lido. Never heard a thing from there (or anywhere else, for that matter). 

Great info- thank you. 

16 minutes ago, mahi mahi said:

We had 8033 on NS last year, 14 day to Norway. No noise issues whatsoever (and we are light sleepers). Loved the location, always took the stairs up to Lido. No motion issues either.

Thank you - good information!

1 hour ago, glorialagos said:

We stayed closer to aft on deck 8 on Rotterdam which is basically the same as NS.  We loved the location.  Had a very short walk to the stairs, up one flight and came out to the buffet area and aft pool and bar.  It was never noisy.  

 

We will be boarding the Statendam a week from today and chose the same location.  Have never sailed in the forward location but deck 8 is our favorite.

Thank you - have a great cruise! 

Hello fellow cruisers ~ contemplating a Nieuw Statendam sailing for Nov of 2024. Have not sailed HAL or Nieuw Statendam since 2019 & then we were on deck 6 . Can anyone onboard or previous cruisers chime in on a few cabins etc…. Particularly deck 8 & noise from the Lido deck  & the very forward cabins on the top deck.

Appreciate your feedback. Thank you in advance,

Can anyone onboard not in the Retreat, tell me if there have been any issues getting lounge chairs above the resort deck? I am certain they are difficult on the pool deck as with all ships. 
 

Many thanks¡

8 minutes ago, suzyluvs2cruise said:

You're right about the offerings for Classic pkg on Celebrity and, unfortunately, their Premium pkg has much lower end wines than it used to have. We have a few Princess cruises booked in 24/24 after a hiatus for a few years and I'm hoping that Princess keeps nice wines by the glass that are covered by the Premier pkg or are available for an upcharge. 

Once again, agree with your comments re the changes to Celebrity’s Premium Package & wines included. I guess what we were accustomed to in the past is pretty much gone across all of the lines. We may upgrade to the Premier as I see it includes 2 specialty restaurants. We are concerned about the crowds in the dining room, particularly on the summer Enchanted. 

On 1/22/2024 at 7:34 PM, Thrak said:

We take the Plus package but have been disappointed with the wine selection. I've looked at actual wine lists and there are much better wines that "fit" the Plus package but they are never offered. If they know I have the Plus package when I ask for a wine list they give me the generic list with entries such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, etc. No brand names or years. It's stupid and really peeves me since, as I said above, I know there are better wines that fit within the price range of Plus. I'm not a wine connoisseur by any means but just giving a generic variety of wine is insulting.

Agree with you! We generally cruise with Celebrity, but will be on our 1st Princess sailing on Enchanted this summer & Sun in January. I did find the wine list for 2024 and as you say they only provide a generic list. Mainly drink wine in the evening, so this is making me think we need to upgrade to the Premier Package. Any further comments from your experience onboard will be much appreciated. We are not wine connoisseurs either , but what Celebrity offers on the Classic is pretty awful. Thinking Princess does the same!! 

16 minutes ago, skrufy said:

Just off the Nieuw Statendam ( Jan. 14th ). There was continuous music in BB Kings Dance Club, the band was fabulous. Also continuous music    and dancing in the Billboard Lounge. Good band there too.

WOW!! Thank you so very much for posting this! Will definitely consider the NS or the Rotterdam. Hope you had a wonderful cruise & have another shortly. Thank you again! 

10 minutes ago, jelayne said:

We have 2 on our SV  balcony

Thank you! 

Does anyone know if they are including lounge chairs on the sunset verandas? 

2 hours ago, itp said:

We mostly went to the 7:30 but both times were very full by showtime; recommend get there 20-30 minutes ahead of time; didn't go to Eden shows but heard very hard to get seating so have to get to those very early; there is a very good show in the Club one night at 8:30 and 10:45, venue is small they open doors at 8:00 for the 8:30; we got in line around 7:30, huge line formed behind us by 8:00 door opening, we ended up on one of the couches with the hotel director's inlaws and wife; father in law was so fun to talk to, very nice guy!

Thanks very much itp for all of your tips re the shows! We are so used to the “S” class shows for which you don’t need to arrive so early . Sounds like you really enjoyed them & so nice mingling with the hotel director’s family! 

Now I need to focus on our upcoming Reflection sailing which is in 2 weeks! 

Happy Cruising! 

Thank you for taking us along! DH and I sail her in November- our first in an Infinite Veranda 🤞🤞

Have an amazing cruise! 

28 minutes ago, itp said:

Shows 7:30 & 9:30; Eden shows and other later night events were 10:45, entertainment was OUTSTANDING especially the 3 production shows in the theater.

Thanks so much ! We can now try to figure out our dinner times. Typically on the “S” class we go to the 7:00 pm and then 8:pm open sitting. Which show was the most crowded- 730 or 930?

Thanks again!

10 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

BB King's has dancing most sea days 5pm which could work for pre-dinner. This is from last month on Nieuw Statendam. 

 

 

Haljo1935, Thank you so very much for posting all of this! Happy Cruising! 

11 minutes ago, tompeter said:

I was on for 10 days in December, never saw music in Ocean bar. There was the DJ in BB Kings space after sets.

Thank you. It’s unfortunate HAL has not brought in some form of pre dinner/ show music. 

Hello Fellow Cruisers, 

Considering either in the Caribbean for November, preferably the Rotterdam . I did see dance floors in all of the Music Venues, including the Ocean Bar. Is there once again dancing in the Ocean Bar? How about a DJ in BB King Lounge after their sets are over? Is there piped in music or a DJ by the Sea View Pool? Also noticed a dance floor in Billboard Onboard. Can anyone who has recently been or who is onboard comment? 
 

Many thanks in advance!