PRINCESS Sweet Pea

Golden..... it is possible that you will not be able to get your original cabins back. Even if they are marked No Upgrade, they will still move cabins to create the necessary Covid Isolation area. It seems that I have seen forward sections of lower decks used for this. And I notice you don't like to be Aft. A recent thread here was about how somebody was aft, and wanted to be there, but Princess kept trying to move them. I don't think any reason why was ever figured out! Free random upgrades would probably be very rare now that Princess is starting the new Bid for Upgrade system. One thing that you can do is this. Now that you have your new upgraded cabin calories, look for cabins with that category that might still be available. You can do an even category move easily. And, do make sure that it is marked NO UPGRADE. Hopefully Princess will not move you again unless there is some real reason.

That would be great if they still do this at Outriggers. Thanks for the info!

I have a question. Has the Enclave been upgraded much on the newer ships. The best video I am finding is for a different ship. The Sky, I think. I am wondering if the main therapy pool was made bigger, with one or two different round like whirlpool jet areas I see older stuff that shows those water beds... Are those no longer there?

I would be interested in this too! We make healthy smoothies, like you might find at a healthy juice and smoothie bar at a gym or spa type place. But, I have never heard of such a thing on Princess. I don't know what the Sanctuary Spa Menu might offer. BTW: We are likely to way to full and and busy with non-healthy libations! But, just in case.

Princess, like many other lines and companies, have had issues after the re-start. Limited staffing, supply chain problems, and all of that kind of stuff. I am hoping that I am starting to hear that dining food and service is starting to improve!

Yes, the balconies on these, even the smaller 244 sq. foot cabins, have a balcony larger than the standard balcony cabins. This is the main reason for the 'Premier' category. As well as that Wake-View factor. These are very popular. If you do not have a third or fourth person, then you would never have to be worried about any blocking of the balcony door. Happy cruising!

The fire. Also storm or hurricane damage. Not everything that we might not like is a plot to take more of our money. We were able to find loungers under shade palm tress last time we were there. We had a very nice day! I am wanting to rend a Bungalow if we get back there. Not just to be inside the bungalow, but to have that space to ourselves, the beach umbrella, a dining table for lunch, that kind of thing! I have always heard about the clamshells being hot. I am thinking that that material must not really have a strong sun blocking factor. Now, that could create heat.

Oooooops!!! somehow that post above is here, instead of the thread it should be. Sorry!

There is the off chance that you might meed other solo cruisers, either on the roll-call here on Cruise Critic. Or once onboard. Remember, dining isn't locked-in, and can always be changed or adjusted!

If there are a whole lot of clamshells, then I can see what you mean. Once you get accustomed, of course, you know your location. And, of course, your 'stuff' will be there. At first, maybe lay a bright colored towel or hand-towel across the top entry?

With the DINE MY WAY system, you can put in for the same table every night. It is just not the same set early or late seating time. The system might still need a bit of work. It might take some effort, and then double checking your reservations for each night, once you board on embarkation day. Unless you are linked with other cruisers who are also booking the same time, server, table each night, then you might need to request a table for two.

John99, Just in case this helps in your situation. There might have been some kind of issue or 'glitch' in the system wth the Deluxe Balcony cabins. Since they are deluxe balconies, they can sleep more than two. It is possible that trying to book for 2 guests, that the system will not find or show any of these cabins for you. Try to act like you are making a booking for 3, or for 4, guests. See if any Deluxe Balconies show up for you to select from. IF THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS, I do not know if there is any easy work-around. Perhaps book for 3, to get the cabin, and then take that extra person off?

That above post actually sounds a lot like what I had said... "IN MOST CASES....." There are inconsistencies and exceptions. As usual with Princess. Therefore, again, check the deck plans. And, of course, in general, we are talking about Princess Premium cabins, so why not include the differences between ships.

I am also seeing that there are some cabins that have the larger balcony that are NOT 'premium'. (but not usually the other way around) So, there are some out there. Just. have to go thru the deck plans and look for them. If you were lucky enough to find one of those available, and were okay with the location, then that would be a way to get the larger balcony without the extra fare. There are so many classes of ships and types of cabins. Some have more larger balconies available. Sometimes Princess categories are inconsistent. CHECK THE DECK PLANS!!!

I am not sure if you can pull up that 'hold' booking online and cancel or release the hold or not. If you do not see how, you can go on chat or call Princess. Or, of course, you could just not put down any deposit, and let the hold expire on it's own.

Esprit, I am glad to hear about your experience dining, and the Allegro dining room. On our last cruise, it was hardly used, due to bit of inconvenience to access. The last server we had there was really good, and so friendly. I don't know if some of the same staff will be onboard, but I will make a note to look for Winston!! PS: It looks like ships tried to go full capacity before they were well equipped and staffed. I am sure that this caused issues for a lot of guests. But, I wouldn't assume that those cruises were the new Princess. Did they not cancel some sailings going forward, as I think they will be sending those staff to help service the other ships.

For some, maybe on shorter sailings, where it doesn't add up to such a large total, a coffee a mixed drink, juice or water... That would very easily get you over the additional dollar amount. It just varies per person. If I am going to drink tap water, ships available coffee, with no specialty lattes etc, no real number mixed drinks, wine. Then of course, no need to pay. Different choices for all.

Check out the deck-plans. Again, check out the deck plans. There seems to be a lot of confusion. You will see that 'Deluxe' refers to the larger cabin interior with the loveseat. You will see that 'Premium' refers to cabins with larger exterior balconies. The larger 'premium' exterior balcony can be on either a standard, or deluxe, interior. Location can be mid-ship, forward, aft, deck 9 on newest ships, deck 10 on some ships, etc... In most cases, location is not a factor.

Can you get coffee and coffee drinks delivered to your stateroom? Or you you have to go to IC? I am thinking, if you happened to be able to bring a small coffee-maker onboard once before at a port stop.... But, then isn't that against Princess policy. Not supposed to be allowed onboard.

Thanks for the pic of the balcony! It looks like there is the round white side/end-table there. I think on the Regal there are mostly the square table that is maybe more table space, but an inch or so shorter. I have looked at a lot of cabin tour videos!!! The 8 inch bed-risers with either of those would be almost standard table. That, and a tablecloth would be better than no real table at all. Therese, there is still a very small side-table in balcony cabins. Probably OV as well. There can be a larger coffee type table in Deluxe Balconies that have the love-seat. On the balcony, it looks like Princess is placing real dining type tables on the 'Premium' larger balconies. These can be found on Caribe deck on older class ships. And can be found on the Dolphin deck forward and aft sections on the newest ships. Ships newer than the Regal. I do not think I am seeing a real dining type table on the larger balconies on the mid-ship bump-out cabins on the Royal class ships. They are not categorized as 'Premium'.

Okay, talk about a thread going sideways!!! Hahahaha! Just a thought. An actual sharp kitchen knife could be considered prohibited, like a weapon on a plane.... I know somebody who had a pocket style knife. (don't know the details, how big?) and had to leave it at embarkation and pick it back up after the cruise. Even the staff told him, well, there are plenty of knives onboard, but policy. Anyhow, I know that people disagree, but I think that there are time and place for everything. Open plates of food in a dining room (with possible spills, drops, drips, etc... to be expected. In crowded indoor public areas, maybe not so much. Cant be to hard to cover a plate. We bring storage container plates with covers, and they might even be placed in a carry bag. Makes is so much easier than trying to juggle plates of open food!

I have thought of this idea... Since we will not be booking a mini or a 'premium' balcony. I am seeing bed risers that are 8 inches. I am hoping that they actually add 8 full inches of height. If we have the square little side table on the balcony, with those risers and a tablecloth (vinyl that won't blow around) I think this would be a nice work-around for a small, but almost standard height table. That would be nice for coffee, wine, snacks. I would love to know the size and height of the balcony side table. I wonder if anyone has ever posted anything like that?

There is another current thread also, about the enclave. I have found dides experience to our experience as well. So, I assume it is still how they book the enclave. They seem to push spa tours and appointments on embarkation day. Then, maybe at supper time on embarkation or starting the next day they will decide if there are days that they might offer day passes. Based on how busy they will be with weekly/sailing-duration passes. I am seeing that you can book the weekly/duration passes before boarding. I don't see any daily passes, or couples discount passes listed. I am considering booking the duration pass on the next cruise we are looking at. I wasn't going to consider this, in light of hoping to book The Sanctuary. But, this cruise is more of an onboard relaxation indulgence cruise. Decisions, decisions!

Yes, it looks like any larger "Premium" balcony should have a table. I see that on the Caribbean Princess too. That is great! Yes, yay Princess! Our balcony would be one of the larger mid-ship bump-out balconies. But, no luck on the table.

Even a deluxe balcony is tight with more than 2 people. I am thinking that budget, as well as keeping an eye on the kids are factors. Would you consider a regular standard balcony with an inside right across the doorway? I am not sure if some deluxe balconies have the little love-seat as a pullout? Or if deluxe balcony cabins that take 4 actually have TWO pull down beds. I think it is confusing how Princess shows these on the deck plans. Hopefully somebody here has more info. PS: for myself, I am with those who highly recommend Glacier Bay sailings, unless cruisers have sailed that before and are looking for other ports.