FirstTimeCruiser0818

We're cruising to Alaska in August and I've heard you can get better deals not booking your activities through the cruise line. Does anyone know if there is truth to this and how you go about booking on shore activities outside the cruise line prior to the trip or do you wait until you get there? This is a once oin a lifetime trip for us and I really want to maximize on our enjoyment. Thank you!

Another question ... I read that you can bring one bottle of wine per person, is this true?

We have always received great service with Anytime Dining! If you find Servers you like, you can ask for them too.

Good to know! I just don't want to be locked into a time, I'm on vacation!

I decided to change our booking to the Coral :D. I did confirm that the Star and Island will both be undergoing renovations while speaking to the rep so that made the decision a little more difficult. We'll be sailing out of Vancouver on 8/1:ship:<3:ship:

Any other tips for a first timer? I held off on booking the transportation and the drink package because I'm not certain we need them. I chose anytime dining because I like having flexibility but it seems like a set time with a set waiter may give better service?

Thanks for all your help!

Sorry to be jumping on my hobby horse, but the continued repetition of the misnomer that premium and specialty coffees are available only at the International Cafe and nowhere else just hits a nerve.

 

If the Ice Cream stand is rebranded as Coffee and Cones, yes frozen coffee drinks will be added to the menu (for a fee). But cappuccinos, espressos and the like have always been available from the Calypso Bar--which is where the beverage servers in the HC will retrieve the ones ordered there which everyone has always been able to do as well. Plus of course from the MDRs and Specialty Restaurants. And I have definitely seen an espresso machine at one of the Deck 7 bars on most every Princess ship as well.

 

Back to the original question: for me the advantages of Star (Skywalker's, Crown Grill, three MDRs rather than two so a bit easier to get your choice of dinner arrangements) outweigh those of Coral (600 fewer passengers, forward HC, Universe Lounge being the best showroom in the fleet). And if you have never sailed either I would say grab a cruise on one of the first-generation Grand-class ships while they are still around.

What is the grand class ship?

Hello! I'm planning a cruise to Alaska as a surprise for my husband's 30th birthday and am having a difficult time choosing between the three Princess ships. I originally wanted to book the Star but the representative I spoke to recommended the island. After researching that more I found the coral and am now thinking that may be a better option.

Things I know we want:

One way sail, northern seems preferred from reviews

July or August travel

Adult oriented - we are leaving our baby behind and would prefer a more relaxing atmosphere with some nightlife

Good food

Observation areas

They all seem to offer similar port stops so I'm not picky about those but am open to recommendations. I'd love to hear from others that have traveled on one or more of these ships recently (<1 year).

Thank you kindly for your honest input!