BlerkOne

No one should have access but occasionally cars are broken into at both. That is one reason I park up top. The lower floors are lower risk to a thief.

Just can't beat it... Rooftop is usually my choice and the ship is staring at you Elevator to check in If you are into shuttles, some people do like Machu Picchu https://www.machupicchutours.com/cruise-ship-parking.html

We always park at the port. It costs more, but is the most convenient. Instead of taking a van to the terminal to check-in, you take an elevator. The luggage drop is inside the garage.

I decided to just book a cabin within a stones throw of a bar.

Just a thought. Princess has probably considered. If such a fare were offered, I think it would raise all the non-baby fares. Same with packages. I'm imagine Princess knows all the ways some might try to work the system. I don't fault Princess

Supposed to be in your carry on

Just trying to figure out the fuzzy math. But I will take issue with your claim of "Most People".

This is true.

We always go whale watching out of Juneau - lots of private operator options - and lots of whales. Whales are there all season. Some orcas are there year round.

I think a balcony is worth it. Some of the balconies are only partially covered which I would avoid. While most people will want to spend at least some time on the open decks, with a balcony, when you see something interesting you can dash out to look. When you turn into a Popsicle, it is easy to come inside to thaw out. The temps aren't that bad, but the wind can be something else. Also if it decides to rain, snow, etc. On the Antarctica cruise, my choice of sides would be the port side (and is). My cabin cost has only increased since booking.

You can order a burger to be delivered to you wherever, but can't specify Salty Dog

The only drink you can get with the packages is coffee. Anything from a bar including water and soft drinks you pay for. Until the ship gets to international water. At least that is how it was a few months ago. The Texas menu is limited until international water. Elite minibars are stocked, however.

On the shore excursions, some really have a hard limit. For some another bus or time or whatever might be added.

Cabins are trickier. Princess can reserve some for whatever reason and move GTYs around. Travel Agents can reserve a block. Etc. But if it says only 5 left, there probably are only 5 left at the current time. Doesn't mean Princess can't shift things around to try to optimize revenue. There is no conspiracy

I watched one go to zero and then display waiting list open. You snooze you lose.

I've seen similar with shore excursions. I believe them. It stays red once a waiting list opens.

I guess I'm confused (shocking). Can we check in noonish on the first day, board the ship, leave the ship for dinner in the city, and get back on the ship that night? If you are already checked in do you have to clear customs again? How late does Princess run the shuttle? Thank!

If you book early, GTY and Assigned cabins cost the same. I guess they are using dynamic pricing to try to load balance between GTY and Assigned. More GTY allows more opportunity for up sell bidding, I would think.

Princess and HAL were the first two cruise lines in Glacier Bay. For a while Royal was banned from Glacier Bay - I guess a lifetime is less than I thought. Maybe they didn't think they could abide by whatever they put in their proposal. They still do have Alaska cruises and even a land cruise part (but maybe not a Princess Hotel).

You're welcome. I was sure Royal had also "won" but for whatever reason, they let it go. https://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/news/glacier-bay-issues-new-contracts-for-cruise-ship-services.htm https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/royal-caribbean-drops-glacier-bay-visits-on-alaska-cruises

If I were to do Alaska on HAL or Princess, I would spend the extra to do a northbound itinerary and add on their land cruise to Denali for a few days.

Every port is worth exiting the ship.

Glacier Bay concessions are based on a bidding system. Carnival is out for 2020-2030 - the length of the contract. https://www.nps.gov/glba/getinvolved/concession-contracts.htm Current cruise lines authorized to operate in Glacier Bay are: Princess Cruises Carnival Corp Brand Holland America Line Carnival Corp Brand Norwegian Cruise Line Seabourn Carnival Corp Brand Cunard Carnival Corp Brand Viking

On other cruise lines it would be to request early ticketing. Once ticketed, you lose the flexibility part. Not sure how you get Carnival to do that. There isn't a Fly2Fun department number you can call.

Mark this thread, There will be another thread just like it in a year.