crochetcruise

Once you go suite, it will be very hard moving back down to anything else.

 

Its a bunch of stuff that makes suite cruising so nice. The double+ sized balcony (unless you have booked a window suite), with the real teak furniture and padded loungers. The bar setup (which you can modify a bit if necessary). The welcome glass of sparkling wine provided by your cabin steward (they are still doing that, right?). The options for daily canapes, afternoon tea, just about every regular menu item available in the MDR brought up as room service. Fresh flowers and fruit at embarkation. Oh, and the free laundry service, including dry cleaning. And suite passengers receive a free specialty restaurant meal on the night of embarkation.

 

Let's not forget the huge bathroom with jetted tub and stand up shower. The finish materials in the suite are nicer than a regular cabin, too. The bathroom is covered in natural marble or granite tile. The bathroom is also split in such a way that somebody showering doesn't have to be in the presence of somebody who is using the toilet, the bathing area is seperated from the sink/toilet.

 

Oh, and the storage. The walk-in closet is very helpful and the desk/makeup area is monstrous compared to a regular cabin. You'll find all kinds of drawers, nooks, and crannies to unpack into and keep the whole room all tidy during your cruise.

 

ginabab is right, the cabin steward has a lot of regular rooms to service in addition to the suite(s) in his work area, so he does seem a little overworked. In general, it seems like Princess assigns their friendlier or more chatty cabin stewards to suites, so you won't be disappointed. However, he isn't your butler (Princess doesn't offer butler service on their ships), so be reasonable with the requests.

 

If the ship has thermal suites at the Lotus Spa, you have access to those as a suite passenger at no extra cost.

 

Oh, and take a look on Princess's web site for their suite perks info sheet, that will give you a listing of everything you can take advantage of as a suite passenger.

As of 11/11/2016 on Golden Princess, yes the Welcome Glass of Wine was provided by my Steward. He also provided the Pre-purchased Gift Certificates to redeem through Room Service or at Vines-Teddy Bears, Playing Cards; Chocolate Boxes, Water Bottle and Mugs.

Sabatini's for breakfast was a delight-On the 1st day I showed my cruise card and was guided to a seat, provided with a menu, orange juice and water provided, offered my choice from a selection of pastries then my order of scrambled eggs was taken, prepared and delivered. The waitress offered more pastries and orange juice-pastries yes, orange juice I politely declined-too much can be a problem for me. I returned the next day, to be guided to a different seat which had a better view outside, and settled contentedly in to enjoy breakfast. I asked politely for another serve of their delicious scrambled eggs, provided and enjoyed.

The leather wallet was very useful to keep my Cruise Card and the folding map I was given at embarkation with me.

Laundry was useful-just make certain you lodge it before 9.00am, I was late so had to wait a day. No charge in a Suite.

Robe and slippers very comfortable. Toiletries in the bathroom GORGEOUS! Lovely big towels in the bathroom and a very good magnifying mirror.

I've already booked my next year's cruise-made the 1st payment with my TA earlier today.

I hope you enjoy your Suite as much as I did. Bon voyage!

The public areas are cold when relatively empty because the air-con is set to counteract the body temperatures of a full house or the equivalent in that area. Otherwise as soon as the theatre, Vista Lounge, or where-ever started filling up it would quickly become too hot.

 

I'm very sensitive to overwarm cabins but so far have always been able to set the air-con to a cold enough temperature (usually maximum cold) to ensure a good night's sleep.

Just completed my 1st cruise aboard the Golden Princess. Since having chemotherapy for Breast Cancer, my personal thermostat is haywire-hot to cold to hot to shivering and any combination! I managed very nicely just with the duvet/doona and sheet using a short-sleeved nightie, never felt the need of an extra blanket at all! And never touched the air conditioning controls-for me it was Just Right! :D

I had more annoyance from noise-but knew VERY well I was tired and oversensitive-to the noise of to the band in the Atrium. So I got what cookies I wanted from the International Café and returned to my Window Suite to enjoy a snack in peace and quiet.The pianist in the evening was really good-I remember the Piano Man played on several nights, and he got the audience singing along! :D Seemed to be a good crowd sitting and listening to him-don't remember the deck though.

All the staff were eager to help when needed, and some passengers also assisted especially with the lifts. Have learnt how to manage my own reactions and will be even better prepared for next year's cruise re how I'll react-that was the Big Unknown this year!

I just completed my 1st cruise-and have promptly booked the same itinerary for next year! I'm hooked!

The last night I put AUD$10 into a machine and walked away with AUD$20.25-the last of the big spenders! I really didn't know more than push the button, and somehow managed to double my money! That will pay for my younger cousins' souvenirs for next year!

Different procedures for the smaller SUN, DAWN and SEA .

 

With GOLDEN they send that e mail to everyone with Deck specific boarding times BUT

 

those with Priority Boarding can turn up anytime from the starting time .

 

The key words from the advice mail ........ " Priority check-in will be available to guests with a Preferred Boarding Pass within the allocated check-in times."

Oh good! My cousins' property is about 2 hours drive from the OPT, so this information helps this newbie cruiser tremendously. In 13 days time we'll be aboard, and out the Heads cruising to Melbourne!

In a week I start my holiday, visiting an aunt before travelling to Sydney and being transferred to my cousins' place.

Looking forward to meeting everyone. Is there a specific place to meet for Sailaway?

Going on Sun Princess in December, does anyone know the current drinks prices please?

I found this article on Golden Princess which seems to have the requested information. Hope I can copy and paste it-not a good techie!

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=2068

HTH

Thanks to everyone! Information is most appreciated. Thinking Feb, mid to late. Our Anniversary is the end of Feb so that would work out nice. We've heard so many people tell us that this is definitely the cruise to take and one we'll always remember.

That's our summer season, so make sure you have 50+sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. I've seen roll-on sunscreen 50ml (2oz?) size, but the 250ml

(5oz?) size is a better price. I would recommend bringing your preferred brand-less chance of a reaction spoiling your holiday, even if the Liquid and Gels standards are a nuisance to comply with.

HTH.

Thanks for the info about the AIDP, but I was after the current price of drinks onboard if you do not have a drinks package, i.e beer, glass of wine, gin and tonic etc.that you actually mark on to your cruise card, pay as you go.:)

Cheers

I saw the flyer for the All-Inclusive-Beverage-Package, which is available for Australian cruises of 8 nights or more, which had a single Cocktail price of AUD$14. I have no other confirmed knowledge of the Australian prices as yet.

I am sailing on the Golden Princess 11/11/2016, and intend to get as many prices at each venue as I can, and will post in a Venue, then listing prices and names of drinks format. I am unsure of my ability to create a spreadsheet like the one provided with USD pricing-not strong on the technical side. I could just put the information into a spreadsheet, and not bother with calculations, making sure to note NO CALCULATIONS INCLUDED on this spreadsheet.

HTH. I will have access to the Internet on 14/11/2016, so should be able to input the information for you.

The printed brochure is only showing the 2017 cruises from Japan. Try the Princess website nominating the ship and region. HTH.

Just checked, and 2018 Japan on the Diamond is not showing on the website yet! GRR!

I have also been waiting as I would like to see the new itineraries for Japan on the Diamond. Hopefully it will be anytime in the next week or so.

 

Jennie

The printed brochure is only showing the 2017 cruises from Japan. Try the Princess website nominating the ship and region. HTH.

It seems bigger than a queen size to me also, but smaller than a king size. There is a size that is between the two, sometimes known as a super-queen - 66 inches wide.

 

We've also had the beds split into twins and didn't find them too narrow. I'm going on Sun Princess next week, and will have the beds in twin configuration since we have an inside cabin. I'll try to remember to measure them.

I've asked for a Queen bed in November. Have noted to pack the tape measure so I can check the width.

OzKiwi ENJOY your cruise!

Drink prices: My favourite cocktail, Beverly Hills Iced Tea is $13.95 AUD on the Aussie ships.

 

Cheers.

I understand Cocktails are AUD$14 on the Australian-based ships.

I cruise on the Golden Princess 11/11/2016, and intend to get as much price information for as many venues as I can. Don't have the skill to do a spreadsheet like another clever reader has done, but can easily do a Venue List with drinks and prices.

With only 3 nights, I cannot get the All-Inclusive-Beverage-Package, that's only for cruises of 8 nights or more.

HTH.

Suites don't get same day service. It costs extra.

I've just checked the Princess website. Here is what I found:

http://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/ships/PrincessSuite_eFlyer.pdf

HTH.

We will have our first complimentary mini bar on our upcoming cruise on the Emerald! If we wish to replenish anything what is the cost per item?

Thanks Gail

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

I'm sailing on the Golden Princess 11/11/2016, and will be making a note of the AUD$ pricing, which I shall post-possibly 14/11/2016 when I will have Internet access at my hotel. HTH.

Hi,

 

Does anyone know if there is a laundry on Plaza Deck 5. It doesnt show on Princess Deck plans but there seems to be one on other Grand Class ships.

 

Thanks,

Marg

I found a self-service laundrette aft on Emerald deck 8 and Aloha deck 12 in my copy of the current Australian brochure. HTH.

To my knowledge, the All-Inclusive Beverage Package is only available on Australian Sailings of 8 nights or more. Cocktails are AUD$14 each, not sure of any other drink prices, as I'm still waiting (im)patiently to board on November 11, 2016.

I intend to get as many drink prices as I can, and will list venue, item, and price when I get home.

There is a Spreadsheet with US prices, several years old, but if you check your Personalizer for how much you must pay in AUD to purchase On Board Credit, you should be able to get a good idea of the AUD prices.

I hope to have the Australian prices posted by mid to late November. Am taking my laptop and will do it as a Word Table based on venue, item and price. I'll check the spreadsheet for number of lines to allow, and some extras-easier to delete than add for me, not real strong on the technical side.

One picture is $25.00. We were offered a deal that for x number of pictures bought, a USB with the ship design will be given and they can put the pictures on it. Sorry I forgot the number of pictures needed since we didn't get the deal.

I've got an Embarkation Package for AUD$50 which IIRC has 2 Embarkation photos and the ship's name. My 1st cruise, so I'm not yet the most reliable source of information.

At the exchange rate I'm getting-Personalizer shows I must pay AUD$31.25 to get USD$25, I need to allow for AUD$31.25 per photo then. It's a 3 night repositioning cruise, so no Formal nights, and not sure about additional photos. Am having a Portrait Sitting, but not sure if I'll buy it this trip. I will ask about the pricing "For Future Budgeting Reference" though. Knowledge is easily carried in my memory, and Cruise Critic is a MARVELLOUS REFERENCE SOURCE! Like my own personal library available any time I want to log on, with posters having an uncanny talent for providing the VERY information I wanted to know! Seems to happen EVERY time I log onto Cruise Critic, someone has posted some useful information.

Whenever we do a swap of our Mini bar, whether it be to change liquor or for

coffee cards, we always call room service. Your room steward will tell you to

do this as well. Any changes have to go through room service.

 

Usually if you call as soon as you board, they'll be up with the switch in a few hours. You don't have to be in the cabin.

THANK YOU for confirming I need to call Room Service to do a Mini Bar swap, AND that I don't need to remain in the Window Suite-that was a point I was unsure about.

Once again, Cruise Critic to the rescue!

58 days to sailing for me!

I bring magnets to tack the Patter, shore excursion tickets, etc. on the wall near the desk.

THANK YOU Pam! THAT'S what I've forgotten to put on my packing list-magnets! Stern note to myself to have a good hunt for the couple I already have, and put them in my carry on case.

59 days to sailing for me!

Was told 2 days ago about my transfer arrangements when arriving in Sydney-am staying 3 nights with my cousins at their country property and being brought down to embark. Cousins have commitments-1 is working and the other needs to be with their 5 dogs when I arrive, 2 are very nervous and none of them have met me. Careful plans have been made to minimise stress for everyone and the risk of a fall for me, and there'll be plenty of doggy cuddles once we've met under strict supervision. A chauffeured car has been arranged to transfer me from the airport to their property, it's about 2 hours drive I think.

We've been booking mini-suites for a long time on Princess ships. There are always grab rails in the shower/tub. :)

THANK YOU for that clarification-some photos are hard to judge where grab rails are.

Unfortunately I don't have the balance and flexibility to get safely INTO the bathtub, I use a roll-in shower. Not yet confined to a wheelchair, just very unsteady in balance, and with osteo-porosis, under Dr's orders to be EXTREMELY careful about falling. He's discussed the research re accessibility aboard, with me, and is confident I won't get into any serious trouble-cheeky devil reckons a headache from drinking Cocktails might be the worst problem. I've told him it's 1 Cocktail to 2 Mocktails-6 choices-and 2 Sodas, probably a Coke and a Sprite each BEFORE I have another Cocktail. And there's plenty of food available-I've read there's a variety of cookies at the International Café, a wide selection in Horizon Court and Room Service as well. I'm sailing solo, no partner, and no friend who wants to join me that I'd be comfortable sharing the Window Suite with. A former colleague from work, male, is also sailing the same cruise-he's in an Inside Stateroom on Plaza Deck.

I learn something new every time I come on Cruise Critic! :D

It will be interesting to see what the pricing will be on Window Suites for the ships that have them. Right now, a WS isn't that much more than a mid-ship Mini-Suite. But if a CLCL Mini-Suite is priced higher than a WS which counts as a full Suite, that would be odd.

Just did a comparison in AUD for the Jan 3, 2018 sailing, a 5 night sailing Melbourne-Adelaide.

Prices for double occupancy per person, single is double, in AUD are:

Window Suite PP $1,599

Club Class Caribe Deck, only 4 remaining according to the Website PP $1,749.

At this point, I can't find a Handicapped Accessible Club Class Mini Suite to price, so not a relevant choice for me-I need the grab rails in the bathroom for safety-Dr's orders to maintain independence.

HTH.

In 9 week's I'll be aboard, and will try and have a look from the corridor, of what is to be Club Class.

What time of year do you cruise?. I work at Hospital in the Infection Control office generally Flu season starts in Nov continues to usually May worst time for flu usually in the middle. Some seasons are early some later. We have tracked Flu into May. We start giving Flu shots in Oct if they are available. Flu involves fever and body aches along with respiratory symptoms. Colds no fever. I rarely get sick but there are people in my office who always get sick.. Washing hands with soap water often try not to touch alot of railings buttons ect. If you do use your hand sanitizer. Keep hands away from face & nose. Good luck

THANK YOU for that warning re hand sanitizer. I honestly hadn't known that information. I will have tissues with me to grab should I feel a sneeze or cough coming on-summer season so may be in short sleeves. Am aware the cruiseline uses certain brands, will ask the steward about carrying the supplied tissues with me-already know what needs to be put in a separate garbage bag for disposal.

Have learnt things on Cruise Critic I would never have thought of re doing things to protect yourself against sickness on board.

https://vimeo.com/181584163April on the Royal Princess. Hope this video posts. :)

Pam it DID! Brought back memories of sitting in the lounge watching the tv show-a LOT of the "naughty" bits went right over my head at that time!

There are some posters who seem to gain pleasure from stirring up others. Best thing I have found is not to reward them by entering a dialogue. :)

 

I will be on Golden Princess in December MM and will take careful note of the style of the metal strips although I am not impacted by them. Will report back and maybe it might be of use to those who need to know.

I'm sailing 11/11/2016. I have noted to specifically take photos of the metal strips. My computer is very slow but I could put the photos on a USB stick and use a library computer to post to Cruise Critic.

Moki's Mother (hope I've remembered the name correctly, if not I SINCERELY apologise. THANK YOUfor the MOSTdiscreet Safety Hazard Prompt I have EVER been given. My cousins are good, and a friend works in Community Health, and you have managed to warn me of a potential future tripping hazard to be aware of-I know I'm sailing on a different ship, but I WILL remember to make sure I approach any metal strips with my walker at a slight angle so I shouldn't get both front wheels caught!

Just off the Grand Princess( 10 day Alaskan) and we were in a suite. The canapés sat for hours before we got back to our cabin - we were afraid to eat them. First formal night we received chocolate covered strawberries and corsages, second formal night a platter of white and dark chocolates arrived.

Oh dear! What time was the delivery supposed to be? Have ordered Choc Dipped Strawberries and Chilled Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce (from memory) for my 1st night aboard. I will, if it's held in Australia-unsure about this-be going to the Platinum/Elite/Suite function, would be good to have an idea of when the Canapes are likely to be delivered so I can be there-newbie cruiser so on a VERY steep learning curve, made easier by much sharing of information by other cruisers. I wouldn't have thought about the canapés being left at room temperature for hours-have Anytime Dining so could work something out. Is the Room Steward likely to know when the canapés should be delivered-I'm happy to be waiting in the Suite.

BTW: the reason it's so quiet (shh!! don't tell anyone), newbies think it's part of the Spa or Sanctuary and will cost them money. Nope, it's free.

This newbie needs the handrail to get safely into and out of the pool. Thank goodness for people sharing information and photos, that's how I was able to establish the Lotus Spa Pool, and possibly the Terrace Pool will meet my access reguirements.

In 82 days time, I should be enjoying a Captain's Bounty as my Nightcap in Skywalkers Bar before settling down for my 1st night aboard.

Yes I am eagerly counting down the days! :D ROFL.