Torfamm

I had a look at the website today and saw that there are two separate links for the deck plan for the Enchanted Princess, one for cruises before April 6 and on for cruised after April 6. I cannot see any difference in the public areas except that 360 is labeled in Sabatini's on version 2. I'd been hoping the rumor that they would be adding a Vines was true. https://www.princess.com/deckPlans.do?shipCode=EX&version=1 https://www.princess.com/deckPlans.do?shipCode=EX&version=2

Zumba is offered at no charge on most ships. They just need to have a certified instructor on the entertainment staff since it’s not offered by the fitness staff. They’ve also had line dance and ballroom dance lessons on sea days on my recent cruises. There is usually music at several times during the day for dancing.

I will say that the internet has changed my way of looking at things when I travel. Reservations fill up much more quickly today than they did in the past. Waiting until I am onboard might mean missing opportunities since everyone has booked ahead. This is certainly true for restaurant reservations and excursions in my experience. I love purchasing sightseeing admission online in many destinations. Showing up at major sites is still possible, but it can mean extremely long waits. Skip the line tickets and scheduled admission have made everything much more efficient.

I got notification that a bid was accepted about 24 hours before sailaway for a cruise in November. The only time I’ve heard of anyone getting an email saying a bid was not accepted is right before one of their multiple bids is about to be accepted. For example, the placed bids to move from an inside to an Oceanview and obstructed balcony. Notification that one was not accepted has been sent followed by acceptance of the other bid a day or two later

Several people have mentioned seeing people turned away for wearing shorts. If someone really wants to eat in the MDR, they need to be aware that they should be sure they have pants. They may very well not need them but it is completely misleading to advise people that it won’t happen.

How is the golf in Roatan? Is there more than one course?

The dress code states very simply and clearly that “shorts are not welcomed in the dining room”. I can’t understand why you think that is a suggestion. No one can predict whether the policy will be enforced on any ship on any given night. If eating in the MDR is important to a passenger, they should plan accordingly. It isn’t fair to promise people asking for advice that they can wear whatever they want unless you will be the one at the door to the MDR making that decision. https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/what-to-pack-for-a-cruise/

There is great information here https://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/topic/2776721-solstice-hump-room-balcony-question/

As others have said, Roll Calls for cruises with your itinerary and pages for individual ports of call offer a wealth of information. There are websites that provide tours all over the world by local companies. Trip Advisor can be a starting point too. https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/ https://www.viator.com/ https://www.toursbylocals.com

Time will tell but maybe this is the answer many posters have suggested- one level that observes formal nights, one that is smart casual every night, and one that is casual enough to allow shorts?

I have had guest services agents ask for that but if you ask them to check they are always told it is not necessary as long as you know the amount, number, and pin

We were told that the average salary for people living in the ports visited in the Mexican Riviera is $12 per day. If that is true, the amounts suggested would be significant. For good service I normally tip guides $5 to $20 per person and drivers $2 to $10 (2 hours gets a lower tip than a full day) and number of persons on the tour. (I tip more for a private tour than one in a motor coach.)

These people are not employed by Princess. Shore excursions are provided by local vendors. They employ tour guides and drivers

I’m with you. I hate to stand out because I’m dressed very differently whether it’s because I am or am not “following the rules”. That said, I’d rather be overdressed than underdressed but it is still easier if you know what to expect.

They are also larger on M Class ships

I remember it existing in the past but it’s been gone for years

I’m not seeing it in Concierge this week on the Solstice. Continental breakfast is free but everything else has the charge.

There is no need to print the pass. If you are concerned about accessing it during boarding, just take a screenshot and save the pass as a photo

Yes, there are made to order omelets available in the buffet.

It is possible to just turn up at the MDR without a reservation and be seated pretty quickly in my experience. I wouldn’t worry if you don’t or can’t reserve ahead of time

They are no longer offered. The soft drink package is also no longer available.

I did a Princess Lodges rail tour that was completely separate from my cruise and loved it. There was no bus travel nor were there lots of organized group excursions or planned meals. We could pick the excursions we wanted at each lodge or book something on our own. To me it was the best of all worlds - hotels, train tickets and transfers arranged, leave luggage outside your door each departure morning and find it in your room at the next destination but spend each day as you wish. To me, traveling every leg by train was way better than doing half by bus on a land tour. https://www.princesslodges.com/alaska-rail-tours/learn/ i chose this unescorted 6 night tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage and would highly recommend it. https://www.princesslodges.com/alaska-tours/itinerary-3ts/?from_search_query=dG91clR5cGU9ZXhwbG9yZXImc2VhcmNoT25seT0w#3TS

Closed toe shoes and long pants were both mentioned.

I thought it was well worth it. It wasn’t rushed and there was plenty of opportunity to talk with officers and ask questions. I liked seeing the laundry, trash and recycling, galley and storage of food and drink as much as the engine control room and bridge.

On a full sailing Discovery Princess this week they were periodically announcing exactly how many passengers had not complied. It was over 2200 at the 90 minute mark and still close to 500 less than 30 minutes before sail away. I was astonished.