PRINCESS Sweet Pea

lx200, wow, cruise just opened and all deluxe are GTY.... This is so confusing. I asked a TA, and our PVP if they showed any Deluxe available, and they both said that none were available for selection. Just GTY. We are happy with the standard balcony (extended angled balcony) that we have booked. This is not a longer cruise. We are trying to keep cost down. (purchases 10% off Princess Cards to pay for it) But our last cruises, pre-shutdown, we enjoyed the extra space and seating in a Deluxe Balcony. I will kind of miss that!

Those cappuccinos are works of art!!!

Okay.... They were using Oasis Mixers..... That tells me everything. We will be ordering some of our drinks in person, like a Pina Colada, less mixer, extra ice and/or pineapple juice, please. Did have the huge 24 Caret, back before the shut-down... and it wasn't sweet at all. No added mixers or simple syrup or anything.

I would hope that testing is better than no testing at all, but even testing is not accurate any more. PCA might be more accurate. But the FDA has released this: The Food and Drug Administration issued a statement warning that at-home rapid antigen tests can deliver false negative results and people who need tests should should plan to do so more than once to make sure they are not “unknowingly spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus to others.” Health experts recommend tests for people who have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing symptoms. “Today’s recommendations are based on the latest study results from people with likely Omicron infection showing that repeat testing after a negative at-home COVID-19 antigen test result increases the chance of an accurate result,” the FDA said, via safety communication released on Thursday. Previously, the FDA had advised people to conduct two rapid antigen tests over two or three days to rule out infection. Requiring all passengers to provide a PCA test, which would have to be allowed to be 3 days before boarding in order to make sure the results are processed, might be the best way to make cruise ships safer. But, I don't see that happening at all.

Princess just announced that there are no longer gong to be vaccine requirements, and no testing, for most passengers for most cruises. I am so sorry to hear that people like you, retain, are more worried about this, or any, virus or illness. We haven't cruised since before this pandemic, and I know how that feels! : ( But, the facts still show that it doesn't matter if ones vaccinated or not. Anyone can still catch, harbor, and spread Covid. There is no longer any increased or decreased risk for anyone. Boosters can 'help' by virtue of putting your basic immune system on high alert for a short period of time. That seems to be it. Mitigation and avoiding exposure is the only real thing anyone can do.

I hope they get this fixed! I wonder if anyone is getting error messages when trying to pay for things. Like booking a Princess excursion, or adding the Vacation Protection insurance. I have seen an error that says something like INVALID PROMOTION. Doesn't make any sense.

I totally understand those thoughts!!! But, the way it is now. The thing is, that the variants now are not like the original. My son (not yet vaccinated) got Omicron and barely even knew he had it. My doctor even mentioned this, that it is a problem because everyone is going around, not really feeling ill, and spreading it like crazy. Also, is the fact that vaccination, unless very recently boosted, does not seem to offer real protection. Boosted people are even coming down with it. I think of you were to look at the actual statistics and odds, it would more safety to require the testing, than to just let vaccinated passengers off the hook.

Yes, it can add to the cost to get that PCR test before travel. These are expensive, and are not always reimbursed by insurance. Only guarantee is if you get your physician to order the test. like it isn't just your personal travel. And, then it is, I think, 60.00 per person for the quick antigen at the Port. The additional testing onboard is for longer cruises, and this might depend on requirements of the countries/ports visited. It adds to the cost of already high cruise fares... But, I wouldn't let that keep me from a cruise I really wanted.

How about margaritas. Which one is best if you want some sweetness to it?

I see some updated bar menus, thanks to links here on CC. It seems that some of the menus and drink recipes have changed? Am I missing the Key Lime Martini that many used to mention? I assume you can still get one. And for those that like dessert drinks like the Dirty Banana, the newest, just released, menus show a simpler recipe. So many to choose from! I am not seeing a recent thread about favorite drinks onboard. Maybe we could start one.

Ooooops, why the heck can't I type anything right???? It is the infamous 3-Day Sale.

I just had a second TA, who should be experienced with working with Princess, quote me a fare that is MORE than what we are getting (thru some targeted fare-code) on the Princess web-site. I had requested a quote because of their 1-day sale that was mentioned in another recent post. We will be staying with Princess web-site and the Princes Vacation Planner if we go ahead on this one. I will ask our PVP about this rate or fare-code. It would be interesting to finally get at least some kind of answer!

Ship. REGAL Class. Royal Deck. 8 Emerald Stateroom #. E405 Category Deluxe Balcony Obstructed - Midship Port/Starboard/Bow/Stern Starboard This was a great cabin. Has a larger extended angled balcony. Great mid-ship location. We had no issues at all with this cabin. Except that there are lights on the promenade deck area below can shine up towards your cabin at night. (Why don't they fix this!!!) This is a great value to get a larger balcony with a Deluxe cabin, mid-ship, that is not really obstructed.

I just picked up some nice Brioche bread. Now I want to make French Toast this weekend!!!

I am hearing the same information posted above by MileHighAko, as well.

Here is what is on the FAQ information, on their website, regarding sailings from the US and Canada: We're Ready to Welcome You on Board We want to make sailing with Princess Cruises as easy, hassle-free and safe as possible, regardless of your vaccination status, which is why we rigorously follow guidelines from governmental, health and regulatory organizations throughout the world. Developed with leading medical and health experts, our CruiseHealth™ guidelines have proven effective as we have resumed operations across our fleet. With the recent easing of CDC vaccination requirements, the options available to unvaccinated guests continue to expand. We can now accommodate more unvaccinated guests on most sailings without burdensome exemptions or vaccine status justification, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit our Travel Guidelines for Unvaccinated Guests page for more information. Vaccinated guests must have received their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before the beginning of the cruise and provide acceptable proof at terminal check-in. Boosters are highly recommended for those eligible. At terminal check-in guests must provide proof of a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken before or at embarkation. We also welcome unvaccinated guests, and specific protocols are outlined below. All documentation can be uploaded into our MedallionClass app to streamline the check-in process in the terminal. Destinations have their own requirements, so please review the FAQ below, visit the Vaccine and Testing Requirements page, Princess communications and official government sites regarding your voyage. HERE IS WHAT IT SAYS ABOUT BEING ONBOARD: The Same Vacation Guests Love The onboard experience is largely unchanged with our top-rated food, beverage, entertainment, activities, spa and casino available for all to enjoy, with additional cleaning and sanitizing of public spaces and staterooms throughout the voyage.

Yes, they are now allowing 10% onboard. First come first served. This, of course, could vary due to requirements of the Ports visited. It is, indeed, first come first served. No extra questions, and no specific medical exemptions are required. I understand that you would make the booking (assume minimum deposit), and at that time you put in the request for the exemption, to be allowed to board that sailing. You would find out fairly quickly, I am hearing in a few days... And you would receive an emailed letter that you are allowed to cruise. There is additional Covid testing, pre-cruise. I do not think that there are restrictions onboard. Of course, things can change or vary at times. There can be confusion. But, from what I am hearing, I really think that this is how Princess is handling vaccination right now.

Sorry, I missed mention of Alfredo's for something to eat in the Piazza. Not sure if you would want that much to eat before your supper.

Yes. For a sailaway with a wake view, and perhaps seating if you are lucky and get there early, The wakeview bar, Outriggers, back where the AFT pool is. You can get your drinks, and also pick up any snacks from right there at the Buffet. The main pool deck will be busy, and they will have the MUTS screen going, with the Princess performers putting on their Sailaway show. Retreat adult pool is always nice, but no forward view.... The Sanctuary is forward of the Retreat Pool, and is reservations with additional charge. Since Crooners and the Piazza are inside. (with some windows) I am thinking that you want to be outside to experience Sailaway. But, again, if you get there early and are lucky, you could always look for a window seat in the Piazza. Of course, there is the bar, and the International Cafe for light eats. On Deck 7 in the Piazza. (where Crooner's is) there are exit doors to the mid-ship deck which would give both comfortable inside seating, and you could also step outside as the ship sets sail. ENJOY!!!

I see recent cruisers mention hallways being blocked by passengers who are not in Handicapped cabins leaving their scooters outside their cabin in the hallway. Isn't there strict regulations about this. Is this a case where Princess is not stepping up and being consistant with regulations ad protocols, providing for passenger safety. Do some of you here on the board know what the Princess policies are about bringing mobility scooters onboard?

I thought the 3 day sale was held in June.... Is this the same major TA that does the June event? I am not finding any info.

Steelers, I did give the TA our CC account number. And, I did tell the TA about the rate I was getting online, and they did tell me that it could be an offer that was linked/offered directly. Of course, why wouldn't they want to get the booking and book at that rate if they were seeing it at all. Others are seeing that different pricing is offered and one person is getting a different price/perks than the other. So, I think that there might be some truth to this. Seems to be no rhyme or reason. But, now I am wondering about whether the State the cruiser is from might be a factor? This can all be very confusing.

Corgi, that is a real table on a Deluxe Balcony in those cabins? Nice!

Hey! Are we talking about the same sailing, on the Regal in Jan??? That is cool to see mention of a possible neighbor here on CC.

Sometimes a travel agency can offer some perks. But, it is also good to book directly with Princess. I understand that some vacation planners are better than others. But, any mention of specific PVP's or travel agents are strictly off limits here on this board. With travel reaching new highs, and with staffing falling short. Prompt service is probably an issue almost anywhere. I found a nice travel agent who has their ongoing video channel on Youtube. It is her and her husband. She seems to specialize in Princess cruises. I did contact her about a possible booking and got a very friendly and prompt response. NOTE: If your mother is a past and frequent Princess cruiser, there might be special rates offered to her which she would see if you go online and pull up the cruise while logged in. If the fare is less for. her when logged in that it is when not logged in, then there is a promo which is linked to her Princess Captain's Circle account. If this is the case, then the booking must be made directly thru Princess to get this rate. A travel agent can not pull that up. I assume that if anyone wanted, they could book, and then transfer the booking to their favorite TA, perhaps a few extra perks?