arizonaperson

@YVRteacher I am so glad I stumbled upon your Live from NCL, I have only been on 1 NCL cruise-I enjoyed it, but I was a tagalong for a friend of mine on a comp. casino cruise. Absolutely enjoying your postings and sorry that this ship is not very good with Wi-Fi - vs. Princess.

This was from someone’s post on the Island Princess recently ,I know not the ship that you’re ( to Op/ author) going on but… I would think the dining room could accommodate your request if done it in advance.

@Beamafar here is a Princess Patter a.k.a. the newsletter from day one on somebody’s cruise. A little difficult to read in the dark blue section at the bottom, but it basically says you can do it on your app or with a crew member once onboard .

I think what Princess is advertising is if you were to purchase all of the things included separately and add it up -that would be what their discounting is based on. My opinion. I haven’t actually added it up per se.

@gah_cruise without actually seeing a dessert menu on The Sky here is just one example. The cheese offerings might change in the main dining room nightly ?? One example in the main dining room is Brie and Gouda cheese with dried apricots & port wine reduction. Perhaps when you order your dinner, you can ask for a dessert menu and if you don’t see a particular cheese that you like maybe at that time they could get exactly what kind of cheese that you desire as long as you place your order well before the dessert comes for the rest of the table?? I think just ask and you’ll never know otherwise, talk to your waiter or the headwaiter or whatever their title is and see if you can get something that’s more interesting to your palate. As far as the quality of the cheese, I think that’s probably very subjective. Or go to the buffet before you go to the main dining room and secure the cheese you want if it’s better quality for you.

I have definitely heard that it’s extremely easy once you’re onboard ( have to use the credit card that you have secured as your onboard charges to your folio )the ship to add the plus or premier cruise package and it’s pretty instantaneously and you can grab your first beverage if you so desire as soon as that is done or get on the Internet right away, etc. etc. I have heard from other passengers that it’s super easy to do once onboard ,no real delay. I do believe you can do it right on your app all by yourself or you can enlist the help one of the crew members stationed about the ship that is offering this. There might be some sort of online items that are not available up to let’s just say three days prior to your cruise. I’m not sure on the timing, but some items are not able to be done within a 1 to 5 day window prior to your cruise?? ( not sure on this,others chime in)

@ian441672 Yes with the new unlimited specialty dining with Premier. Sounds like a good idea to get a jump on things. Since your cruise is not for quite some time, (2026) do you have a travel agent? Maybe they can help you sort it all out or because you’re in a suite don’t even worry about it-They’ll help you secure the other reservations once onboard? I would say wait a few days to see if Sabatini’s opens up for booking on the app or perhaps that particular ship you’re on they are moving things around? yes, totally agree about the onboard credit, but perhaps it is refundable? Yeah not an easy way to secure reservations without paying with your credit card although some people been able to go to the web version and it’s different than the app and their credit card is not charged , when it is included in their package,so try that.

@Newbiejawn I think you’ve been given quite a lot of information on how to proceed once you’re onboard and I hope everything works out for you. Yes totally disappointing when something that you’ve booked has gone awry, lots of good information for you that has been posted to do for an excursion . Hope you make the best out of it and you see Newport or Halifax on your own or a tour you happen upon- just as an aside sometimes Newport, Rhode Island, because of the tendering/ wind process has to be skipped, so not to throw another “wrench” into your itinerary/excursions ,but it can happen . I do think because of the buy one get one free and or booking more than one excursion definitely made things a little bit more complex when one was canceled. Not as straightforward as booking when it’s not on sale .

I think the answer to how many children you will have onboard between Christmas and New Year’s is …..maybe potentially a lot. Being a straight 14 day itinerary not able to be booked as two 7 days might obviously curtail those children and families because they have to be back to school right after the New Year, usually but of course it depends on when the classes start back up again. ( maybe January 6, 2025 ?) But with that being said ….elementary and on up children & families of educators with children, etc. are all over the place nowadays with school vacation schedules. Lots of home schooled children in the USA ,lots of school districts that have three weeks off & nine weeks on, etc. College age young adults that travel with their families and smaller age siblings depending on when classes start back up. Probably almost impossible to know ahead of time how many children will be onboard any particular ship. But definitely Christmas- New Year’s is a prime time for family travel no matter on a ship or land. I do not have experience with travel during that time of year, recently any way.

@Beamafar yes the price of the Plus cruise package is the same price pre-cruise as it is onboard … for the moment. Yes it is a flat rate, taxes & gratuity already included in the price. No added fees once onboard.

@grimace95120 from The Live from’s and other cruise critic threads, I would say The Catch by Rudi is pretty popular and much enjoyed ,but with that comes -food is very subjective. But great that you were able to reserve the specialty restaurants you desired.

@ddvgww Here is what the DR is suppose to look like after September 15, 2024 for Crown.( yes it’s new dining from what you are use to) Answer to phoning in for DaVinci- probably not. Who knows if the walk-in restaurants will be busy at 7 PM ? I think the majority of the people/ passengers that I’ve heard want to lock in a pre-reserved time. So only time will tell if the walk-in restaurant will be busy or not. And if you don’t want to pre-book either of the other two dining rooms, then don’t worry about it. You don’t have to do anything . You can do the walk up,the buffet ,the specialty restaurants, the casual venues ,or grab a slice of pizza , etc. But right now you can go on the app or the web version and book Botticelli restaurant and you can book it for different times every night. It’s also flexible -if once you get onboard, you decide you don’t want that time, You should be able to reserve for another time by the app or calling dine line. If you want traditional dining room, yes, you would be locked into either the first seating or the second seating with of course leeway to go to specialty dining if you wanted to. But if you know that you’re going to do more specialty than traditional, shouldn’t hold up a table to do that, but it is possible to book traditional and not show up for whatever reason on any given night. Just go to dining reservations on app or web and “ play” around to see what you are after. Crown Princess- 2024-2025( January & September 2025 voyages are available to book now) Traditional & Botticelli are open to reserve Michelangelo (mid deck 5) is traditional 5 pm & 7:30pm Botticelli (aft deck 6) is reservable every 20 minute reservations ( option of shared or private table at 6 pm) DA Vinci ( mid deck 6)-walk in

Maybe this thread has answers for you?

10:30 am to 2:30 pm is a big window of boarding time,probably when most board. They may ask you to show your pass, but I doubt they’re going to look at the time on it. But I guess there’s only one way to find out…..

I don’t believe the menus change too much based on the itinerary. There always seems to be an Italian night, welcome dinner, farewell dinner, chefs dinner, and Captain’s dinner.,etc. But if you google or YouTube, there’s lots of menus for the Enchanted Princess -perhaps not your itinerary, but it will give you an idea . There is currently a live from the Enchanted this past week, but I don’t think they’ve posted any main dining room menus ,just a few specialty/ casual menus and drink menus.

If the show starts at 7:30 PM it ends at 8:15 pm- they’re usually 45 minutes. I know the shows that start at 9:30 PM go to 1015pm for the most part.( in the Princess theater)

Oh ……time will tell on how all the dining will “ work” when it gets going( 9-15-24 & beyond )with the new way. So many variables. It will be interesting to hear how it all comes into play. Especially with the unlimited specialty dining -premier cruise package.

I don’t believe you need to adhere to the 12 to 3 window, but you may if you want to. But if you feel like getting there earlier, don’t think they look at your boarding window. Perhaps getting there earlier is not feasible for you, which is OK. I think they just give passengers boarding windows, so everyone doesn’t potentially show up at the same time.

I think the answer is maybe and I believe the time could be 730pm in Michelangelo , but time will tell with the new dining program. if you have a table for two and you tell your servers you’re trying to make it to the theater, might make it. If your wife has a difficult time standing or walking & does not have a mobility device ,maybe you may be able to get a seat in the theater for the late show?? I do find the later shows not as busy, but you just never know . You can always try it on the first night and see if you make it to the theater ,even if there’s not a show going on -you could do a trial run & see how it works and if it doesn’t work out for you -change to the walk-in dining room -even though that’s not your first choice to something earlier or aft dining room with a reservation for say 7 pm. So your wife never plans on going/ walking beyond the mid ship and to the aft & you’re always going to stay mid ship & forward or in the cabin? What about in port? I think my answer is something going to have to give possibly either your dining time ,dining room, or no-show or maybe you’ll find out that you can do both??

New information ship to ship for new dining starting September 14, 2024. If you have different information or information to add, please let me know. I have added where location of DR is. Traditional dining seems to be 5 PM and 7:30 PM with a few variations. The reservable (Flexible is Princesses new term) a.k.a. dine my way starts at 5 PM and there are slots available every 20 minutes. Open seating (Princesses new term) AKA walk-in is just that. As of 8-1-24 seems as if less and less CC members are experiencing difficulties with dinner reservations. I’ll try to update list as reservations & changes are made known. Caribbean Princess -2024 & 2025 Island dining room( mid deck 5) is traditional 5 PM and 7:30 PM( choice of shared table or private table, subject to availability ) May 2025 voyage at 7:30 pm -private table only as of 7-24-24. Palm dining room( aft deck 6)-reservable starting at 5 pm every 20 minute reservations (choice of shared or private table after choosing the time-subject to availability) Coral dining room (mid deck 6)is walk-in( enter on port side) & Reserve collection dining room- entrance on starboard Coral Princess- October 17, 2024 voyage as of 7/9/2024 Provence ( mid forward deck 6)- Traditional at 5 pm - only shared table availability Bordeaux ( mid forward deck 5)- reservable,only shared table availability at 5pm,5:20pm,& 5:40pm Coral Princess -2025 Provence-Traditional 5 pm ( private & shared table)& 7:30 pm( only private table) Bordeaux- reservable 5 pm-8:40 pm every 20 minutes(early dining times you may share a table or have a private table and the later times private table only) & Walk ins Crown Princess- 2024-2025( January & September 2025 voyages are available to book now) Traditional & Botticelli are open to reserve Michelangelo (mid deck 5) is traditional 5 pm & 7:30pm Botticelli (aft deck 6) is reservable every 20 minute reservations ( option of shared or private table at 6 pm) DA Vinci ( mid deck 6)-walk in Diamond Princess 2024/2025 International dining room( aft deck 6)- is traditional at 5:20 PM and 7:50 pm Savoy and Vivaldi ( mid deck 5)-are reservable Pacific Moon and Santa Fe ( mid deck 6)- are walk-in Discovery Princess-2024 & 2025 Juneau( mid deck 5)--Traditional 5 pm & 7:30 pm Ketchikan(aft deck 6)-reservable every 20 minute slots ( shared & private table up & including 6:20pm and private table only 6:30 pm on) Skagway( mid deck 6)- walk in & Reserve collection dining Emerald Princess -2024 & 2025 Michelangelo( mid deck 5) is traditional 5 pm & 7:30pm Botticelli ( aft deck 6) is reservable every 20 minute time slots DA Vinci ( mid deck 6)-walk-in Emerald Princess 2026- as of 7-20-2024 for January 2026 voyage Michelangelo - reservable every 20 minute time slots(reservation made at 6pm) Botticelli - “ “ “ DAVinci-walk in? Enchanted Princess-2024 & 2025 Santorini ( mid deck 5)-Traditional 5 pm ( shared & private tables) & 7:30 pm( private table,no shared) Amalfi dining room(. Aft deck 6) -reservable every 20 minutes from 5 pm-8:20pm ( able to get private table) Capri(mid deck 6)-walk in Grand Princess 2024/2025 Michelangelo(mid deck5)- is traditional at 5 PM and 7:30 PM Botticelli ( aft deck 6) is reservable DAVinci (mid deck 6)- walk in & Also Reserve collection Dining room- entrance on starboard Island Princess-2024 & 2025 Provence( mid forward deck 6)- Traditional 5 pm & 7:30 pm Bordeaux (mid forward deck 5)-reservable,every 20 minutes & walk ins Island Princess-2026 Provence- reservable every 20 minutes - seen on app by CC member Majestic Princess- 2024-2025 Symphony( mid deck 5)- -Traditional at 5pm (private table available or shared ) & 7:30 pm( only private table) Allegro( aft deck 6)- reservable every 20 minutes 5 pm- 8:20 pm Concerto (mid deck 6)-Walk ins Majestic 2026-As of 7-25-2024 available to book- Elite Symphony- Traditional 5pm ( able to get private table) & 7:30pm? Allegro- reservable every 20 minutes (5 pm-8:20 pm) Concerto - walk in Regal Princess 2024 or 2025? Symphony ( mid deck 5)- Traditional 5 pm ( private or shared table) or 7:30pm( private table only) Allegro (aft deck 6)-reservable -5 pm - 8:40 pm,every 20 minute reservation time slots Concerto-(mid deck 6)-walk in Royal Princess-2024 ( voyage 9-28-24) Symphony( mid deck 5)-Traditional 5 pm or 7:30 pm Allegro( aft deck 6)-reservable every 20 minutes Concerto (mid deck 6)-walk-in Royal Princess- 2025 as of 7-20-24 July & October ( voyages) reservations could be made Concerto is traditional at 5 PM and 7:20 PM-As of 7/9/24 maybe full? DR not showing available Allegro is Reservable every 20 minutes( private & shared tables up to & including 6:20 pm) 6:30 pm & after private table only Symphony is walk in Ruby Princess-2024 & 2025 ( reservations open for 7-5-25 + now) Michelangelo ( mid deck 5) is traditional at 5 PM ( shared or private table)and 7:20 pm (private table only)-as of July 14, 2024 for a cruise/ voyage in April 2025. This dining room is full? Not able to book for either seating. For a cruise/ voyage in October 2024 only 5 pm is available for traditional. Botticelli( aft deck 6)-reservable,every 20 minute time slots- able to get private table (6 pm , 7:00, & 7:20 pm)- as of 7-20-24 able to book private table for voyage October 2025 DA Vinci ( mid deck 6)- walk in, no reservations Sapphire Princess 2024 & 2025 International D.R. ( aft deck 6)- Traditional- ?? Vivaldi & Savoy ( mid deck 5)-reservable every 20 minutes - only option in App to book so far in July 2024( but not for voyages in 7-2024) Pacific Moon & Santa Fe-Walk in( mid deck 6)-?? & probably Reserve Collection dining Sapphire Princess 2026- as of 7-20-24 a CC member booked for voyage in August in Vivaldi Vivaldi,International , & Savoy reservable every 20 minutes ,5 pm start private or shared table Santa Fe & Pacific Moon- nothing available,so probably walk in DR Sky Princess This ship may or may not be following the below -it’s all over the place. Before 9-15-24 Cielo was accepting reservations every 20 minutes. October 2024 Soleil ( mid deck 5)-is reservable,every 20 minutes ( example of times booked by a CC member: 6:30 pm & 6:50pm) and 7:30 pm Cielo( aft deck 6)-reservable every 20 minutes on app for those that have booked Estrella( mid deck 6)- reserve class collection- enter on port side November 2024 CC member said they booked dinning,not just looked on app Soleil- reservable ,private table available 5:30pm, 6:30 pm & 7:10 pm(this is what other passengers have booked ,not what’s currently available -subject to change based upon slots being filled ) & 7:30 pm Cielo- reservable(5:30pm-9:10 pm) private table available 6:30pm & 7:10pm April & May 2025 Soleil- Traditional 5 pm & 7:30 pm??? Or 7:50 pm??- some say this time Cielo-reservable every 20 minutes (5pm-8:20pm)- upon availability shared or private table during those hours. Some say open at 5:30 pm not 5 pm. Estrella- walk in June 2025 Soleil- Traditional 5:30pm & 7:50pm Cielo- reservable Estrella walk in September 2025 Soleil-Traditional April 2026 Soleil- shows reservable,every 20 minute time slots on App , but might really be Traditional DR a CC member posted End of April/May 2026 Cielo-traditional Soleil-reservable every 20 minutes ( CC member booked 6:50 pm) Estrella- walk in October 2026 Soleil- reservable every 20 minute time slots 5:30 pm -9:10 pm( CC member booked 6:10 pm) According to a CC member as of July 27, 2024 their app shows the following for an October voyage : Soleil- Traditional,but 20 minute time slots?? Cielo- reservable every 20 minutes Estrella- walk in

Alfredo’s pizzeria & Vines both on deck 5.

Here is the Enchanted P. Dining room information. Traditional dining seems to be 5 PM and 7:30 PM with a few variations. The reservable (Flexible is Princesses new term) a.k.a. dine my way starts at 5 PM and there are slots available every 20 minutes. Open seating (Princesses new term) AKA walk-in is just that. Enchanted Princess-2024 & 2025 Santorini-Traditional 5 pm ( shared & private tables) & 7:30 pm( private table,no shared) Amalfi dining room -reservable every 20 minutes from 5 pm-8:20pm ( able to get private table) Capri- walk in I know that you said that you’re not good with the app ,but what did you ultimately book ?just curious. I would think that you’d only be able to book traditional dining or the reservable /flexible or nothing at all on the app and just do a.k.a.-walk in. Day by day perhaps you could choose traditional one night and reservable on others,heard someone on cruise critic did that. My opinion is you should not be able to,but….. Maybe that is what phone rep., was explaining to you? Or maybe the phone rep was explaining sign up for traditional now, and once onboard you could do reservable/ flexible and your other reservation would cancel automatically?? No one knows exactly right now how this new dining will work ,starts 9-15-24, it could vary ship to ship how they enforce any of it.

Yes,exactly, I agree with you,but prior to the link -the benefits are listed as well, as you see. Probably outdated,but it’s still on Princess.com. Exactly why I said imagine that. Apparently no one knows how to delete old information?? On Princess website I also stated probably not updated.

I found it under Princess.com,then menu, then search. Typed in captains circle in search, 3rd down brought up what I cut & pasted.(Princess cruise membership benefits) This is the first paragraph when you do search,then link to a slightly different captains circle benefits. Other benefits are listed prior to clicking link. Set sail with Princess® and get rewarded with our cruise loyalty program, the Princess Captain’s Circle℠. Depending on the number of cruises and types of staterooms you’ve booked, you’ll reach one of four tiers: Gold, Ruby, Platinum or Elite. While most cruise line loyalty programs offer some perks for frequent travelers, Princess offers an extensive list of benefits — even for first-time guests. Learn about each membership tier and discover what makes the Captain’s Circle one of the best cruise line loyalty programs.

Under Princess.com priority boarding is still listed. Agree, in theory is not utilized much especially if you board after “ the rush”. This might not be up to date?? Platinum Membership Benefits A lot of travel deserves a lot of benefits. Level up your perks after completing 5 cruises or 50 cruise days with Princess. In addition to all of the benefits at the Gold and Ruby levels, enjoy priority boarding in the cruise terminal, so you can experience your MedallionClass® vacation even quicker. When it’s time to head home, get the same deluxe treatment with access to our Disembarkation Lounge. Enjoy fresh-baked pastries and a soothing cup of tea or coffee with members of your travel party before you make your onward journey home. During your time on board, you’ll enjoy discounts off Lotus Spa® treatments and the professional photo offerings in the Photo Gallery. You’ll also be able to connect with loved ones at home with the best Wi-Fi at sea, our fast and reliable MedallionNet® internet, as Platinum members of the Captain’s Circle enjoy 50% off our MedallionNet packages. Whether you want to video chat with your family and friends, share photos on social media, or even stream your favorite shows, Princess makes it easy for our valued guests. Elite Membership Benefits The best of the best in benefits — meet Elite status, reserved for our most loyal guests and adventure enthusiasts. Reach our top-tier membership after completing 15 Princess cruises or sailing 150 days. In addition to all Gold, Ruby and Platinum perks, you’ll also receive benefits like early access to booking our newest itineraries and even more discounts on board, including shore excursions and in The Shops of Princess. Enjoy a complimentary mini-bar set up and on formal nights, indulge in deluxe canapés created by our talented chefs on board. Our most loyal guests also receive complimentary laundry services and shoe polishing. Between the savings and services our guests enjoy, it’s no wonder why the Captain’s Circle is one of the best cruise loyalty programs. Set sail on your first cruise with Princess and begin your journey to Elite status today. Yes a little different wording on Captains Circle information, imagine that for Princess.com Rewarding your loyalty Membership benefits of Princess Captain's Circle® BENEFITS: GOLD After completing your first cruise RUBY After completing 3 cruises or 30 cruise days • Captain’s Circle Launch Savings • Early access to new itineraries • Preferential pricing offers • Members-only onboard events • Access to a Circle Host on board • Circle Center Online • Circle Savings Account • Exclusive shoreside access to Captain’s Circle Help Desk phone line • Princess Platinum Vacation Protection upgrade – 100% cancellation benefit – Double accident & sickness benefits – Expanded medical expenses & evacuation coverage CIRCLE MEMBERS COME FIRST! Now all Princess Captain’s Circle® members are eligible for a new benefit – early access to new itineraries one week before they go on sale to the general public. Watch your email inbox for notifications so you can get the cruise and stateroom you want. And don’t forget, you’ll also receive Captain’s Circle Launch savings for booking early. PLATINUM After completing 5 cruises or 50 cruise days ELITE After completing 15 cruises or 150 cruise days • 50% off MedallionNet® package • Early access to dining reservations • 10% off Lotus Spa® treatments • 10% discount in the Photo Gallery • Platinum and Elite Lounge • 10% discount in The Shops of Princess • 10% off shore excursions • Priority ship-to-shore water shuttle embarkation • Complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting Event • Complimentary mini-bar setup • Deluxe canapé selection on formal nights • Complimentary afternoon tea in stateroom • Priority disembarkation • Complimentary laundry services and shoe polishing