nwnittany

I agree with the early comments on the Dining experience. If you are OK with eating in the same place for most nights, you will likely get to know your waitstaff, greeter, etc and I've found it to be one of the more enjoyable aspects of the cruise. I'd also suggest to do some reading/youtubing on the Medallion and the Medallion App. I think most everyone likes the actual Medallion device, but there are mixed reviews on the App. I'd just comment that the App can really be helpful if you can learn it and deal with the "nuance". 🙂 Lastly, I'd suggest checking out the International Cafe (a 24-hour coffee/snacks place on the lower level of the Piazza) since it really seems to have found the sweet spot (pun intended) of drinks/snacks/light meals/desserts. Only the first suggestion is exclusive the Reserve mini-suites.

(oops.... Paula beat me to it....) I don't think Princess has a dedicated pier.... when I use Galveston I check this page: https://www.portofgalveston.com/80/Cruise-Lines-Schedules Which has a link to this .pdf of the 2024 schedule (which I guess could change, so probably best to use a fresh link at the page above): https://www.portofgalveston.com/DocumentCenter/View/3308/2024-Monthly-UPDATED-192024

Another full suite benefit on some of the ships is the concierge lounge, which we've found very helpful and enjoyable. 24-hour snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, happy hours with all kinds of beverages, and never having to visit guest services (the concierge has been able handle everything for us). We also had the concierge arrange for a bridge tour and other small events.

Well, I think we'll give it a try. I'm pretty certain we will enjoy the times that we go there. My only doubt is how often we will go. I guess there's only one way to find out ! Thanks to all who helped out and if others have opinions/experiences, I'm sure the community would love to hear them.

In general has the Enclave/Thermal suite been crowded ? Ie, is it common to show up and find it so busy that you turn away ?

Thanks, and interesting. When I look at the 'Relaxation Areas' in the Spa using the Cruise Personalizer for my cruise on the Regal, it shows as this....I wonder if they have renamed it?: I've looked at several video's of what included....I was more wondering if others have seen the value in buying it for the full length of the cruise. It's something that I think I would enjoy, but I'm just wondering if others found the time to use it frequently enough (yes, I know it's a personal preference....just interested in other's experiences).....

Bumping this thread to see if there are any more opinions out there. We have an upcoming cruise on the Regal, where (currently) you have to book the Thermal Suite for the entire voyage (no day pass). In previous cruises we've been in the same boat (pun not intended, but yeah, it happened) and chosen not to purchase it. Our conundrum is that while it looks like something we would enjoy, I wonder if we'd use it daily...or worse, feel pressured to use it daily. I know in the end it's a personal preference, but would be interested to hear other's thoughts on this.... tia.

We (DW and our 2 college-aged boys) have done 2 recently: Sky out of Fort Lauderdale, and Regal out of Galveston. We loved both and have another booked this year. The ships will be decked out in holiday decorations, with plenty of themed music, outfits, events, and movies. And, the ports as well. We preferred the Sky (just felt brighter), but also enjoyed the Regal. On the other hand, school is out and you'll find alot more multi-generational families and along with that comes, you got it, kids. All kinds, from toddlers crying, 10-year old's splashing in the pool, and teens with ripped jeans walking in bunches, giggling at each other. 🙂 I think it just comes with the territory when cruising when school is out (at least on some cruise lines). I think this is a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. If what you truly enjoy about Princess is the understated elegance and charm of a mature set of passengers, and don't really want to deal with a bunch of erratic kids, then I wouldn't suggest going at this time; take the advice of the smart/experienced cruisers who pick times before/after (probably get a better deal, too). If you are traveling with kids, and/or don't mind seeing a few of the critters over the holidays, then by all means, go for it. There'll still be enough "Princess" in your experience to enjoy it. Like they say, look at life the way it is, not the way you want it to be. If you love the typical Princess experience and don't really want to deal with kids, then a Princess Christmas cruise probably isn't the way to go. I think you'd find yourself getting annoyed and comparing it to quieter seasons. I can't speak to the religious and religious services side of things. I would doubt Princess would interfere with anyone's traditions, but might not offer as many as desired.

How true...lol...how true.

We were on the regal the cruise before the OP's, so I'm assuming same staff/chef/etc. Granted, we aren't foodies, but we found everything fine. The comfort food (burgers/dogs/fries/pizza/etc) was very good...the quality of the buffet and MDR was fine. If I had a gripe, it would be that the MDR menu was more limited than I remember. I also agree that I haven't found steaks at the Crown Grill to be anything special (sides and service were fine).

I think the short layman's answer is that there is some Texas law that requires establishments (including ships) in Texas or 'Texas waters' to (a) source the drinks from a local distributor, and (b) don't allow the equivalent of 'drink packages' (I'm not sure of the details of this one). The effect is that while in Texas waters, the drink selection is reduced and everyone, regardless of Plus or Premiere, is charged for the drinks. Historically, Princess has added $25 to everyone's OBC account to compensate for this. I purposes skipped the details (ie, is it just acoholic drinks ? when exactly do we leave 'Texas waters' ? etc). Mainly because I don't know them...lol...

There's alot I like, but to name a few: - Alfredo's (that crust is to die for) - the food options by the pool (I mean, how relaxing is it to be able to grab a beer and fries by walking 20 feet) and then sit back in your lounge.... - I love people-watching in the Piazza....I can't dance a lick to save my life, but I love hanging out in that area and watching those who can, and occasionally swaying to get my groove on. - the people (sailors and crew) we've met - not hearing "OK everybody, it's time for the hairy legs contest/belly flop contest/etc"

My family loves Alfredo's pizza. Like the song goes, "easily amused".

No idea if this is new info, or just a different picture, but the princess site now has this picture of the premium desserts: ....which is different from the ones in the tall slim glasses I've seen before....

If your ship has a concierge lounge (not positive if all the ships do), they typically have alot to offer. First, they are stocked with food and beverages (I think most/all of the alcoholic ones are only a certain times, like happy hour). Second, the concierge staff seems to just want to help. Even if it isn't specifically stated in the 'suite benefits' flyer, what the heck, just ask 'em nicely and see what happens. I think more often than not they will try to help you....