wowzz

I agree about differences in normal. But there is absolutely no need to allow a cabin door to slam shut. Just a firm pull once the door is in place is all that is required. If someone is unable to close their door quietly at 5am, I for one would be complaining to the deck manager.

I'm sure you are right, but even five alcoholic drinks, plus assorted juices, mocktails, coffees etc more than makes the Plus package pay for itself.

Never seen an organic option on anything, but I stand to be corrected. As I posted before, I don't believe that even the chicken or eggs are free range. In fairness to Princess, they are catering to a budget, and organic/free range products come at a price disadvantage.

Yes, free, but adults only.

Yup, 500% is pretty steep. I normally would expect a 300% mark up or thereabouts on generic wines.

Good try. It is a pity you were not listened to. Princess descibes Vines as below. It is quite clearly a wine bar, and is not part of the general atrium seating area. As such, only those purchasing products from the bar should be seated there. Voted one of the “Best Wine Bars at Sea,” by  USA TODAY  and located in a charming corner of the Atrium, Vines boasts an extensive collection of wines, fine Champagne and sparkling wines and regional offerings for purchase. The menu also includes wine flights and a selection of unique wines by the glass. Gourmet delicacies, such as antipasti and tapas, are complimentary with any wine purchase.

Have you tried to raise a claim via your cc supplier ?

Yes, but the price cap restrictions will obviously still apply. So any drink under $15 is included, anything over, you pay the difference plus 18%. So a $17 drink will cost you $2.36.

All you need to do is browse using the incognito function. That way you avoid the later spam.

Different horses for different courses ! If we did not have the package we would have to drastically reduce our drinking - what's the fun in that on holiday ?

But isn't that sort of pricing the same the whole world over ?

In the past we mentioned this sort of thing to our steward, who then has had a quiet word with the offenders. The steward can say he has had compaints from various passengers in the corridor, so your anonymity is maintained. Worth a try ?

A message for us all.

Agreed. The past was not always as great as some people seem to think. Memories can become clouded over time.

As do Sky and Regal. However, I still prefer a good old fashioned wrap around promenade.

What I am hearing is that Vines is a profit making venue, that exists to generate revenue by offering paid for beverages. If potential customers are being dissuaded from spending money, because seats are being occupied by people who have not paid for a drink, then Princess staff should respectfully suggest that the non-drinkers should either purchase a beverage, or leave.

But would you go into a bar or pub, sit at a table, and not buy a drink ? Not sure how long it would be before you were asked to leave. Vines is a wine bar, selling wine. It is not therefore unreasonable that if you are not buying a drink, you should not occupy a table. Do you sit at a table in the Crown Grill, but not eat a meal ?

Agreed. And I very much doubt that the chicken is free range organic, or that the eggs are free range .

Well, human nature being what it is, if you thought you had Covid, and knew you would be quarantined if you tested positive, the reaction would be simply to not get tested. By not enforcing quarantine, people are more likely to test themselves, and then take appropriate distancing procedures.

If you have Plus, the small bottles of water are included in the package. You can either pick one or two up at any bar, or have them delivered to your cabin foc. No need to order water before your cruise. We tend to amass a few bottles during the first few days of the cruise, to store in the cabin fridge, so as to always have a supply available, and then keep our stock replenished thereafter.

Thanks for the tip. We are on Sky in a couple of weeks - it will be interesting to know if it will be available.

Us too. From memory those tables seat four (?). If two non drinkers are sitting there, I would be very tempted to join them, and hope that they would take the hint and leave.

Agreed - life is too short to eat lettuce !

That's probably a better answer than mine ! What is clear though, is that whilst you may be able to have an "escorted " visit, you cannot just randomly walk through the area.

You can't really pass through, as it is a dead end. You will be stopped at the entrance.