FLTinyDancer08

Group bookings have been able to get this for a while.

There are different "levels" to the packages for the groups and can be found here:

http://www.princess.com/cruise_vacation_planning/groups/Group%20Bar%20&%20Beverage%20Packages.pdf

Everyone in the group has to pay for it and has to be registered with the group booking (see the fine print at the bottom)

Nice to see them trying it out for others. I know a lot of people avoid Princess due to this, works out in our (DH and I) favor to not have to get the soda package and the coffee card and drinks etc. and just know it's all covered in the package.

Got an interesting question here - many of my fellow travelers are night owls and wondering how late are the entertainment areas open.

Casino, Bars, Nightclubs etc. We're used to bars open until 2am here in Orlando.

Any help is much appreciated!!!

I saw an image of the turkey dinner they've done on Princess - not sure if that will help, but it can be found here:

Happy Holidays!

We wanted a more relaxing lunch.

Any info is appreciated.

Maybe try the International Cafe if you miss out on the MDR lunch? I'm hoping we make it on board in time as well, but I'm not holding my breath.

I'll cross my fingers for you to make it and have a relaxing lunch. ;)

Maybe it has to do with the port and who's handling the security etc. I know Princess uses some independent contractors in order to do security screenings etc.

So far we've heard different answers based on different ports. Maybe an easier answer would be to figure out which port you're sailing out of and double check.

Thanks for the updates!!! I've been anxiously awaiting everyday's events.

Happy to hear about the holiday decor - I was wondering if they would get to it before we boarded.

I'm a dancer myself and we're worried there wont be enough to keep up occupied, but sounds like we just might if they keep this up!!!

Praying for a smooth TA for you and Judy!

i believe their information was misleading.

I'm not entirely sure on what you were expecting. Princess has no control over the weather, and they certainly have no control over choppy seas. The sand bar might not have been available due to tides. Remember that the descriptions are generalizations and not what everyone might experience.

Snorkeling is not easy, and you should be a strong swimmer in my opinion to do it.

The fact that Princess fully refunded you for an excursion that you chose is enough in my opinion. Sounds like the cruise you experienced was fine and the excursion was the only hiccup.

BTW their terms and conditions for all the shore excursions are quite explicit that the tour operators are independent contractors and not operated by Princess as follows:

"In selling tickets (including coupons or vouchers) or otherwise promoting or making arrangements for Excursions– whether for air, land or local water transportation; tours; sports or any other recreational activities; shore accommodations or meals or for any service, facility or activity other than onboard Princess’ cruise ships – Princess acts only as agent for the independent tour operator supplying such excursions or services. Participation by a passenger in Excursions is conditioned upon such passenger’s acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth in the Passage Contract contained in the Cruise Ticket, the Excursion Ticket and, depending on the activity, other documents which, among other things, expressly release Princess from any liability for such participation. Participation may also be subject to the independent tour operators’ own terms and conditions."

I wouldn't expect a reply or any further compensation from them at this point.

Enjoy your cruise - hope its not too rough with the awful weather we're having!!! Weather in the Caribbean looks sooo much nicer :D

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy! I'll be on the Ruby in three weeks - anxiously awaiting the upgrade fairy!!!

Crossing fingers and toes!!!

What are good diets for maintaining muscle and burning fat?? Does the 5:2 work, or should I just eat 800-1000 cals a day??

 

Also, does the "eat for 3 hrs, fast for 21 hrs or something" work? I've tried that and don't really feel hungry.

 

What percentage of protein/carbs/fat should I include in my diet? I'm curently having no carbs except for veges and fruit.

 

I burn about 500 calories a day exercising, and my metabolic rate is almost 1400 cals. I'm 17 yrs old, 164cm tall and 52kg.

 

Since I'm only 17, I'm not perfect for my weight because teens at 164 are supposed to weight less than adults anyway (haven't fully developed chest areas and bones stuff like that I think lol )

 

Thank you!! :) I'm up for a challenge!

How often should I drink green tea, apple cider vinegar? What other tips do you have?? e.g. ice water to increase metabolism??

Thanks in advance!

What you mention above is very dangerous. As a weight loss consultant and being 5'5" and 128lbs currently - I eat over 1600 calories on a rest day (no exercise). I eat clean - and eat to lose. Your body needs fuel to develop and to burn "fat" if you do not eat enough you risk many health problems.

Try not to focus on weight and focus on health instead. I wear the same clothes as 2 months ago but weigh 5lbs more - why? - because I built muscle. If you're going to build muscle you need to EAT, and in the proper proportions. I suggest you see a dietitian or nutritionist if you're really concerned and not do it on your own.

At 17 you are on the wrong path. You should be eating almost 1900 calories (if not more) a day to basically maintain, based on what you've stated above. Muscle needs more calories than fat too. Too little calories = starvation mode = fat gain. Your body will hold onto every little thing you eat.

I would say go with the upgrade. Even though the view is obstructed, you may get some natural light that will make the room not seem so claustrophobic.

Enjoy your cruise!!!

Down 15 now. Working hard and eating right. Hard not to have any wine or beer during the holidays though.

I know this post is old - but wondering how it worked out for you now? Did you keep it off?

Our 7 likes the camp carnival. Does Princess have a program like that? Can we bring our own bottle of wine on board with us?

Yes, you can bring one bottle for free per adult - no corkage if consumed in your stateroom.

Princess does have a kids club - not familiar with how much they do with the kids, but I'll be checking it out in 24 days and I can let you know what the kids program is like.

HTH.

My husband and sons ages 9 and 11 are booked on the ruby for march 24,2013. I did not realize the aft pool was adult only and booked a room right by it . Should I call abs change rooms? It is an interior room.

I wouldn't change rooms just due to that - having a room in the aft is better than forward. Getting to the two mid ship pools that allow kids is really easy. Also the kids area is in the aft area (deck 17) so they can just pop up the elevator or stairs and get to the video games etc.

Ultimately it's up to you, but I think your room is a good one, esp for inside.

Its wise to look into it - but since this is a closed loop cruise, a passport is usually sufficient.

We're cruising to Cozumel next month and my BF doesn't have a passport, and it's okay since it's "closed loop" He does have his BC and identification.

HTH.

If I have a travel mug will they fill that? I like have a secure lid on board, my last cruise it was a life saver.

Is it possible to order two coffees at the same time (for 2 punches of course) I would like to be able to pick them up and take them back to our room for me and the bf or does he have to have his own coffee card?

I scanned the drink menu on Golden. I think they would be the same

This is a HUGE Help! Thank you!!!

Hi there, not sure about KP - but Ruby is currently showing - World War Z, Red 2, Wolverine, and a chick flick - Im following the thread with someone currently on the ship, I think someone is on the Crown currently and posting Live From - they may be able to give you a heads up.

thanks, that's good to know for I often drink tea in the afternoon.

They do have afternoon tea service on board, you may want to check that out. It will be listed in the Patter. ;)

It would be a nice option for those of us who do tend to drink a bit more on vacation. If we had the package option, I actually wouldn't bring any wine or buy the spirits for my room.

For some the packages don't make a lot of sense. But the pricing of the packages I did see - $30 a day unlimited alcohol, soda, etc. at the bars only. $45 a day includes wine at all bars, in the MDR for dinner and lunch as well (under $8 per glass). If you're having 2-3 glasses of wine with dinner and a few margaritas or beers in the afternoon - it can quickly add up. And tips are included in those package prices. I'm sure they would make alot of money on port intensive cruises as you're off and exploring more.

After this cruise we'll see how it goes, I have only been on RCCL and I didn't drink on board, except wine with dinner and my bill was over $80 for a 3 nighter! :eek:

But drink packages could attract a different crowd for sure, I'm in the weird in between stage, Carnival and RCCL just too busy and "party" cruising for me...I'm worried Princess may be a bit too sedate. So we'll see....

In June, at Cruise3Sixty, I was told by a senior person at Princess that we will see alcoholic drink packages very soon on Princess

Princess does offer drink packages but only for group bookings (min 30ppl) - and ALL persons in the group have to participate in the same package, and the cruise has to be longer than 5 days. This may be their way of trying it out to see if it would work. I am curious to see how much we do drink on my next short trip. We're a group but our booking too short to qualify. (4days)

I am bringing 2 bottles of wine for the cabin and pre-ordering 2 small bottles before hand as well, to help with costs, but I'm sure we'll still buy a few a la carte beverages here and there.

On another note - anyone know drink prices in Cozumel? I've heard that some off the beaten path places have Coronas for a buck or so.

If we have 2 sea days will they offer special lunches both days?

I'm on the 4 day Cozumel cruise with plenty of time at sea.

I just got off the Royal. The only dance venue there is the atrium. (Epic fail according to my DH).

This will prevent us from sailing on her then. We're Latin Dancers and I will miss Bolero's that I'm used to on RCCL ships.

I'm excited to learn about the dancing in the Wheelhouse Bar though, that might tide us over for the weekend.

There will be on the Dec. 14th cruise, but only in my cabin. ;)

I may be able to sniff it out!! I'm on the same sailing - I am buying my coffee card this week as a "gift" to myself as I found it's better for me to buy some things before I get on board.

How is the brewed coffee? I'm a Blond Roast, or Pike's Place kinda girl. Oh and do they have splenda on board, or should I bring my own?