CaptainKirk

@dashulak

Thanks for the photos of the Deluxe Balcony in the Sphere Deck 14.

Have a Q.

On the first photo of the balcony the right wall of the balcony seems to curve in.

Is that so or is that a photo illusion.

Thanks.

@CanadianBurger

Have been reading and learning.

The information you have been providing is the BEST.

Thanks so much for taking time on your cruise to help all of us.

You are the BEST.

2 hours ago, dog said:

I am not expecting anything. I sent email to customer relations and they had the self appointed CVP contact me. Sent her the screenshots I. Posted on here and she cannot see the signature benefits on my screenshots.

Pure run around.

Basically the D0 aft cabins do have a larger balcony and 2 lounge chairs at this point.  All were booked on every cruise I searched.

the wind has been mentioned as a minor issue otherwise, I like them.

problem is getting an unwanted upgrade that we wouldn’t want.

As a FYI.

The D1 cabins across from them (without the wind) and the D2 cabins above them are the same size cabins and balconies.

Basically pay more because of the location near the Signature suites.

Orginally those cabins were D2 as there were not in the center of the ship.

But then someone at Princess must have thought that because they are near the Signature suites, let’s charge more for them.

13 minutes ago, smithmlmx said:

I have booked 14409 on the sphere (D1)for next March. The balcony seems extra long - and possibly claustrophobic.. Has anyone stayed in this cabin? I believe it has 2 chairs AND 2 lounger. Looking for info on whether I should keep it or move elsewhere.

@smithmlmx

We have been wondering the same.

We had a Sphere d1 beside a cabana mini suite on deck 12.

Some photos make them seem long, narrow and not having much sunlight.

Other photos seem ok.

To get a perspective, add the length of the cabana room and the balcony from the photos above and that is what the cabin balcony are going to be like.

We moved to an edge balcony as shown in the video above with an extra long balcony and plenty of sunlight, but with not as much privacy.

We are not sure of the best choice.

Plenty of sunlight or privacy.

Thanks.

1 hour ago, nasa1974 said:

Interesting. I'm sure any new folks have no Idea how to do that.

😂 I don't know how to do that.

@nasa1974

If you open it back up I can help with the moderation and keeping people focused as our cruise is dec.

Once CanadianBurger cruise is completed we won’t have another great source of centralized information.

Thanks so much.

@nasa1974

Hope all is well.

Since we are not getting much activity on this thread would you kindly reconsider opening the original thread.

The original thread you started had so much awesome and very useful information on it from nice people like @dides

Think we are all looking for as much information on the Sun Princess as possible.

Thanks so much.

The edge balconies do have a nice portion of the balcony that is not shown and is behind the wall to the other cabin.

That portion has 2 chairs and a table and is private.

If you continue to where the 2 loungers are, then it is not private.

However, the balconies are very large.

We are trying to decide if to keep the large edge balcony with a bit of privacy or move back to a Sphere balcony that is very private, but long and narrow without much daylight.

31 minutes ago, chamima said:

 

 

@CaptainKirk - I know it's been two days but I just saw your post.

FWIW - We had an extra long balcony on a Celebrity ship years ago. They are really coveted and hard to get so I was thrilled to snag one. It looks similar to the one pictured on the Sun but is a little wider and even a little less deep.

If you like sunlight in your cabin AT ALL you won't like that balcony. We hated the balcony and would never book one again. Found it very dark and depressing.

I think you made a wise move.

@chamima

Thank you so much for the awesome information.

Can you please let me know which Sphere balcony you had for comparison.

We like the long balcony.

Only thinking about the privacy since it is along the side of the ship facing a bunch of balcony cabins.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks so much.

32 minutes ago, dides said:

 

This Sphere balcony doesn't look as bad as that dark cavernous one so maybe you need to be selective

@dides

As usual you have the best information.

The cabin we had was 12409 and the balcony was slightly less long than the cabin in the video 14423.

The cabin we switched to is 15459, which has a bigger balcony but is not private and not in the Sphere.

Not sure which is the best choice.

Opinions anyone.

Thanks for your help everyone.

follow topic

On 1/23/2024 at 11:05 PM, Cruising Forever! said:

I was just looking at Premium Deluxe Balcony locations on the new Sun Princess, and I noticed this cabin, 16321 (there are several with this config) which seems to have an enormous balcony with views out to sea, and then down the length of the ship.  Does anyone know if this is the case?  I've tried to see those cabins up close, but I can't tell from the pictures released, so far.  I'd hate booking one of these, hoping for that giant balcony, only to find that the actual balcony is the same as the adjacent ones, but then has a broad (nearly cabin sized) platform extending out from it which would be a very obstructed view of the sea!  LOL  I think it has to be a giant balcony, right?

@Cruising Forever!

Here is a video of the cabin balcony.

The balcony is huge. 

https://www.instagram.com/falaotavio/reel/C3xqcfENUT2/

4 hours ago, Wishing on a star said:

Just to change the topic a bit...  

I just wish somebody on my SUN sailing would cancel a Sphere Balcony cabin, move to larger cabin...  Too bad I hesitated in booking, until all were booked up.   There were a few available when we first started looking!!!!

@Wishing on a star

Hi Star,

We were thinking the same thing and had booked a Sphere Premium Deluxe Balcony for months and was so happy we got the cabin.

The cabin is right beside the Cabana Mini Suites on deck 12, the longest part of the Sphere.

We wanted to stay in the Sphere.

Then last week someone posted a photo of the balcony.

It is vey long and narrow.

It didn’t seem like the light from the balcony can reach the cabin.

About 20 ft or more from the glass door to the edge of the balcony.

So we switched to one of the extra long and bright but not as private Premium Deluxe Balcony ..460 cabins.

Hope that helps.

1 hour ago, cruisedoctor said:

@CaptainKirk  Category “D0” Premium Deluxe Balcony do NOT get Signature benefits/upgrades.  

 

When the ship initially opened for sale, there were 3 types of balcony staterooms:

Cove Balconies - Categories DG & DH

Deluxe Balconies - Categories DA, DB, DC, DD, DE & DF

Premium Balconies - Categories D1 & D2

 

Then as time went on, and the initial sailing drew near, Princess decided to do a re-categorization based on the booking pattern they were observing.  They changed the name of the D# categories to Premium Deluxe Balcony to make it clear that the interior design of the room itself, is like the rest of the Deluxe Balcony categories, and the “Premium” referred to these rooms having an extensive balcony.  At the same time, they added the now infamous D0 category, and put the previous aft-located D1 rooms into this new category, at a higher price point, than when they were D1’s.  Historically, cruise lines will move staterooms that are in most demand, into higher categories, in order to increase their profitability.

 

Having closely observed this ship since the first steel was cut, it became apparent to me that one hand didn’t know what the other was doing. Deck plans on the Sun Princess dedicated website, didn’t match those on the main Princess website, or on the app(s).  Changes would occur in one place, but not elsewhere.  When this “late in the game” re-categorization took place it looks like someone “not in the know” was assigned the task of updating things.  They made an incorrect assumption, that since these new “D0” rooms were near the suites, they must get the same benefits, and cut-and-pasted the benefits from the “S_” categories onto these new “D0” in error.

 

Princess has two versions of booking system, a new more elaborate one that travel agents have access to, and an old text based version that Princess agents (including those based on board the ships) use.  Currently, in neither of these systems, does the Category “D0” indicate any “Signature” benefits.  However, based on screen shots that have been posted on this thread, the incorrect misinformation must still be floating around in the passenger-facing website.  The person I spoke with mentioned, that if someone booked this category based on seeing that misinformation, and could prove with enough evidence, they might be able to coerce the cruise line to honor it (once they get on board).  But, that would likely be on a case-by-case basis, and you would need to come prepared with as much written evidence as possible.

 

Remember, if something looks too good to be true, it almost always isn’t.  But, then again, hope springs eternal.

 

Dr. J

 

 

 

 

@cruisedoctor

Thanks so much for all the great information.

Especially while been on the cruise.

I am also thinking the same.

i actually saw when they changed the cabin category from d1 to d0 and then the prices went up.

On some sailings a d0 is only 200.00 more than a d1.

On other sailings it is almost a 1,000.00 more.

With both sailing having plenty of the cabins available.

Thanks so much again and hoping you are enjoying the Mediterranean.

1 hour ago, cruisedoctor said:

UPDATES & OBSERVATIONS

 

(1). After having been on board for 8 days, it is important that you know that all the crew members I have encountered, have been OUTSTANDING…and have helped make a less than optimal situation better.    

  

(2). Still no word as to when SPELLBOUND will go into operation.  However, I did learn today, that the experience will begin with a fixed 3-course dinner, located in the farthest aft portion of the Horizon Dining room located on Deck 8.  The exact menu for that dinner is still unknown by the Deck 8 restaurant manager I spoke with.

 

(3) The Dome has been closed except for 3 hours per day recently, as they are still working on getting the technical aspects for the shows up and running.  This morning I noticed that the Cirque Éloize performers were in there practicing some of their aerial work, which is a good sign for the next sailing.

 

(4) Happen to be in an elevator with a Princess construction employee this afternoon.  I noticed that his shirt had a monogram on the shirt pocket reading “Princess New Build Group”, which means he is near the top of the food chain.  I asked how things are going, and when all the venues would be complete.  Soon, was his response, and that he was scheduled to go back to the U.S. on March 19th.  Another good sign. 

 

(5). We were treated to a second 4 minute dance number by the Sun Princess singers and dancers in the Piazza this evening.  I guess this was supposed to make up for the “four spectacular Arena shows” that were originally promised…but couldn’t be delivered.

 

(6). I always eat breakfast every morning in the main dining room, and usually the first one there when service begins.  I believe it is important to bring humor into people’s lives whenever appropriate, so I normally kid around with the hostesses, waiters, and two dining room managers. I treat them like family, which they really appreciate, and reciprocate when possible.  This morning we had an early arrival to Sicily.  When I got to the dining room, one of the managers apologized that the usual extensive breakfast menu was not going to be available this morning.  In its place, was a very limited “Express Breakfast” menu instead.  It seems that there were over 1000 passengers scheduled on early morning shore excursions, and that would mean those folks would want to eat a quick breakfast before heading out.  I’ve sailed on Princess extensively over the years, on all their different ships, and I can’t remember ever experiencing a dining room “takeover” like this.  Without any hard proof, I can only conjecture that management felt the buffet wouldn’t be able to handle this number of passengers, and they would need a suitable overflow outlet.  To test my theory, I did a buffet walk-thru when I finished eating, and every table was full, with more passengers in line getting food, and soon would be looking for a place to sit.  

 

 

@cruisedoctor

Thanks for all the awesome information.

If you are still on the ship can you do us all a big favor.

Can you please ask Customer Service if these cabins

Premium Deluxe Balcony

Category D0

Cabins

16604   16603

15604   15603

14604   14603

12604   12603

11604   11603

Has Signature benefits and upgrades.

Thanks so much.

25 minutes ago, cruisedoctor said:

UPDATES & OBSERVATIONS

 

(1). After having been on board for 8 days, it is important that you know that all the crew members I have encountered, have been OUTSTANDING…and have helped make a less than optimal situation better.    

  

(2). Still no word as to when SPELLBOUND will go into operation.  However, I did learn today, that the experience will begin with a fixed 3-course dinner, located in the farthest aft portion of the Horizon Dining room located on Deck 8.  The exact menu for that dinner is still unknown by the Deck 8 restaurant manager I spoke with.

 

(3) The Dome has been closed except for 3 hours per day recently, as they are still working on getting the technical aspects for the shows up and running.  This morning I noticed that the Cirque Éloize performers were in there practicing some of their aerial work, which is a good sign for the next sailing.

 

(4) Happen to be in an elevator with a Princess construction employee this afternoon.  I noticed that his shirt had a monogram on the shirt pocket reading “Princess New Build Group”, which means he is near the top of the food chain.  I asked how things are going, and when all the venues would be complete.  Soon, was his response, and that he was scheduled to go back to the U.S. on March 19th.  Another good sign. 

 

(5). We were treated to a second 4 minute dance number by the Sun Princess singers and dancers in the Piazza this evening.  I guess this was supposed to make up for the “four spectacular Arena shows” that were originally promised…but couldn’t be delivered.

 

(6). I always eat breakfast every morning in the main dining room, and usually the first one there when service begins.  I believe it is important to bring humor into people’s lives whenever appropriate, so I normally kid around with the hostesses, waiters, and two dining room managers. I treat them like family, which they really appreciate, and reciprocate when possible.  This morning we had an early arrival to Sicily.  When I got to the dining room, one of the managers apologized that the usual extensive breakfast menu was not going to be available this morning.  In its place, was a very limited “Express Breakfast” menu instead.  It seems that there were over 1000 passengers scheduled on early morning shore excursions, and that would mean those folks would want to eat a quick breakfast before heading out.  I’ve sailed on Princess extensively over the years, on all their different ships, and I can’t remember ever experiencing a dining room “takeover” like this.  Without any hard proof, I can only conjecture that management felt the buffet wouldn’t be able to handle this number of passengers, and they would need a suitable overflow outlet.  To test my theory, I did a buffet walk-thru when I finished eating, and every table was full, with more passengers in line getting food, and soon would be looking for a place to sit.  

 

 

@cruisedoctor

Thanks for all the awesome information.

If you are still on the ship can you do us all a big favor.

Can you please ask Customer Service if these cabins

Premium Deluxe Balcony

Category D0

Cabins

16604   16603

15604   15603

14604   14603

12604   12603

11604   11603

Has Signature benefits and upgrades.

Thanks so much.

From a previous discussion about the Signature Benefits and Upgrades on

Premium Deluxe Balcony D0

The wording has been removed from the Princess site and the other site that had it listed has now corrected the information.

It makes sense that it is not included as D0 is only 200.00 more than a D1 cabin.

Hope that helps.

1 hour ago, cruisedoctor said:

@CaptainKirk The 2 aft glass elevators service decks 8 thru 18.  While they can be used by anyone who knows of their existence, they would be the fastest way for passengers residing in any of the “S” level suites located at the aft end of the ship, to quickly/easily access the suite lounge, or suite sun deck.

@cruisedoctor

Thanks very much for the valuable information.

3 hours ago, CatMom72 said:

CaptainKirk didn't include "treatment of customers" on the list of things he didn't want to talk about.  He said he didn't want to talk about YouTubers and stock prices. I agree.  

@CatMom72

Thanks for your understanding and support.

4 hours ago, HokieTT said:

“We are here to find important information”

 

Why are you asking someone who clearly stated they are here to find information to instead dispense it?

@HokieTT

You are perfectly correct.

We are here to learn about the Sun Princess.

If we were on the ship we wouldn’t be here looking for information.

Thanks for your understanding.

Hi Folks,

Can we please keep this thread focused on the Sun Princess cruise ship and not on

1. YouTubers

2. YouTubers motives

3. YouTubers income

4. RCCL ship schedule

5. Stock prices

We are here to find important information on the Sun Princess cruise ship and have found many of the posts and photos very informative.

If you rather discuss the above can you start a different thread.

Thanks for understanding.

Hi Folks,

Can we please keep this thread focused on the Sun Princess cruise ship and not on

1. YouTubers

2. YouTubers motives

3. YouTubers income

4. RCCL ship schedule

5. Stock prices

We are here to find important information on the Sun Princess cruise ship and have found many of the posts and photos very informative.

if you rather discuss the above can you start a different thread.

Thanks for understanding.

3 minutes ago, dides said:

Thank you for the kind words @CaptainKirk  As I mentioned earlier, the elevator photos were taken by someone in an ordinary stateroom on deck 10 who just happened to notice these elevators on day 7 of her cruise. So they must be open to all for the lower decks at least. They also needed to provide access to the accessible staterooms on 10-14 that sit between them. 

Hi dides,

Thanks again for the awesome information.

I certainly hope as you say the two elevators are available to all as we have an accessible cabin near the elevators and hope to use them.

If not we might need to start dressing nicer and sneak unto those elevators with the Signature Suite folks. LOL.

Thanks so much again.

23 hours ago, dides said:

Some fantastic views from the aft glass elevator plus the Wake View Terrace and the Infinity Pool. Credit: Tammy W

 

 

 

 

 

dides

Thank you so much for the awesome photos and very useful information you have been providing since the beginning of this thread.

It has been truly wonderful.

We have heard that those two elevators are for the suite folks that have Signature benefits so they can easily access the ship and Signature Lounge.

Hoping someone can confirm in the near future.

Thanks again.

9 hours ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

I have started a thread about the staterooms on the Sun and pinned it to the top.

thanks.

16 minutes ago, vividharp said:

You can find it on the deck plan and Princess can see it as well however, they can’t explain what the benefits are. 

vividharp,

that is a screen directly from the Princess site of the cabin.

no mention of signature anything.

are you using a deck plan from a different site that might be  causing confusion.

also, Princess sales and customer service don’t see any signature anything on those cabins.

can you send screens and links to clarify.