Cruise Raider

We absolutely loved the fully covered balcony. We still got plenty of sunshine on the balcony, depending on the position of the sun. But, for the most part, it was just so incredibly pleasant out there. I thought the beam might bother me a bit but, ends up, it never did. I loved there was so much room and such a great view of everything from the balcony.

You are correct. Even with no solo supplement, if you bid on an upgrade, you will pay double for the bid.

So, if you like white noise (which we do) you will love the cabin. You may have to turn up the TV to hear it but I don't think we turned it on once during the cruise. There was a bit of a vibration, but we also didn't mind that as the seas were very calm.

I can say that whatever they need to do to survive makes me ok with any perceived or real cutbacks .. and that’s coming from someone that would soon be at the $100 mark if they had continued the loyalty perk. Human nature dictates that whenever we have something taken away, we are probably going to be more upset than never having gotten it in the first place. I look at it as something that was replaced with other benefits vs something that was taken away. Those benefits may or may not have value to you or others but, I’m still grateful for any perks that are offered. We are always treated well and choose gratitude over feeling slighted.

I am with you. I am not disappointed at all with the product that Princess offers and still feel as though our loyalty (even though we also cruise with other lines) has been valued. We are just so pleased about everything onboard, especially since the restart .. at the risk of sounding like a Pollyanna. Great food and drink. Great service. Great entertainment. Great cabin. I could not want for more.

They are premium cabins on the Ruby. The Royal class are the only ships that have the deluxe balcony cabins, as well as premium deluxe balconies, indicating there is a small sofa in the cabin. I am typing this from an aft facing premium balcony on the Ruby at this very moment … no couch but the most fantastic balcony!

The pumpkin pie was pretty good but I do prefer the ones they sell at Costco myself. The turkey and everything else was awesome.

Just back from a most delicious Thanksgiving dinner on the Ruby! The Turkey was fantastic! They also had pumpkin soup for a starter and pumpkin pie for dessert. the whole meal was super yummmmmy!

I’ve seen it listed as $15 and I’ve seen it listed at $20. To my knowledge, they’ve been charging $15 on the ships I’ve been on. They may even waive it if you have the package, but I’m sure that is hit or miss.

They now don’t just have one option per night but a large spread of finger food set out. The hot dishes seemed to change very night.

For us, it’s not even so much a weigh issue but a space issue in the luggage for something he wears just for a couple of hours. Plus, he just doesn’t enjoy wearing a jacket anymore and since it is no longer required, he doesn’t pack one. Also, I’ve noticed that the heat is ticked up a bit on formal nights in the dining rooms as women are sometimes wearing sleeveless dresses.

We’ve gotten a casino discount (not comped) as had the plus package added to it after the booking for the room was made. Either the future cruise consultant onboard or our PVP has added it at $50 a day pp while completing the booking. We’ve even noticed that there is an option to add it on your personalizer (web based, not the app) as your cruise gets closer. I’ve used that option to upgrade to the premier package on a couple bookings for $25 a day more pp. It also ups your Princess Vacation insurance cost a bit if your purchased it with you cruise.

My DH used to take a tux on all of our cruises years ago. Now, we would never even go to dinner if he has to take a jacket … so, in answer to your question, yes, it is a big deal for him to wear a jacket. He wears black Dockers and a nice dress shirt, mostly with a tie but never even brings a jacket anymore. We’ve not once been turned away and we’ve seen others that are dressed way more casual than him. Never have we been negatively impacted by what others wear …

On the Royal Princess, there was live entertainment … fabulous! We really enjoyed that on many occasions. We also loved the relaxed atmosphere … count us in no matter matter where they host it. that pepper cheese is amazing, BTW!

It was so warm out on our back deck today, we had to go put on shorts, Now, warm is a relative term .. it was about 65° with sunny skies but when you live in the San Francisco area, that is warm!

Sure you can. If there are cabins available, you can go to guest services and see what they can offer you and the associated cost. There’s never harm in trying … it’s worked for us.

Once I’m on a cruise, I don’t care which one it is.

If there is one open, you could possibly get it.

Anytime the price changes, the shareholder’s credit will drop off and you will have to resubmit it.

I am making them on Tuesday morning … there will be plenty to share!

I agree even though when I make them at home, I use a nice spicy Bloody Mary mix and add my own clam juice. Then, I add a touch of pickle juice, some horseradish and all the garnish .. and anything pickled! Onboard, I see they use Clamato and Worcestershire sauce and some other spices, maybe pepper and hot sauce, celery salt …

I get them mostly from Crooners. Definitely try one and if you don’t mind spice, ask them to make it spicy. The horseradish is a great addition, too but many bars don’t stock it. Sometimes they will get it for you from the galley, though.

They make it using Clamato and then add their own spices rather than a pre made mix. I have one on every cruise. And yes, it is super yummy!

I love a well made Bloody Caesar .. spicy please and with a bit of extra horseradish if they have it available. Yes to the olives, celery and cocktail onions and a squeeze of lemon or lime. Tito’s vodka, also .. I know, I know … sounds picky but they are so yummm!

I doubt if we will be invited to the MTP luncheon again anytime soon only having 300+ days with Princess. We sometimes go to the CC parties, though but will be traveling with friends that don’t qualify so we may not make it this time around.