pris993

I am sure you are right, have heard folks say they did not want to be forward because of the fear of wave action, guess from what you are saying this is a false fear. Know we never experienced anything that was bad even in a storm. Thanks for the info.

Agree Hank, we booked in the same location for years. Only recently with my DH 90, he does not like to walk so far are we booking mid forward, more toward the mid. Only noise I recall in the forward location is if we were in a storm, would hear the waves slapping the ship at night, but never found wave action more than we could deal with comfortably on new ships.

No, I prefer the peace and quiet.

One constant for us is a balcony if a mini suite not available mid ship. We always pay for the cabin we want and do not want any upgrade. In the past 10+ years, we no longer prefer the MDR, buffet or Crown Grill works for us. Rather pay extra fees in Crown Grill then tip extra in MDR to get food we like by ordering off menu. Usually, can find something appealing in the buffet if we don't go to Crown Grill. Have found the buffet is more pleasant, when it first opens, then noisy MDR, plus we can enjoy a view and sunset in the buffet. We also prefer our own company and don't want to share our table, at any meal with folks other than our traveling companions.

no, not on the 60 plus cruise on 9 different lines.

Sorry for your loss, God bless you and your family.

It has been my experience in the past if special request was made in the MDR it is just for the table making the request. If they had similar requests from more than one table maybe, they would do more. I have cruised on New Year's only once before some time ago, did not eat at buffet at that time.

Oh, I guess system corrected and went back to black and white type?? LOL

Think "spam" and all-time favorite served in a wide variety of ways in Hawaii. BBQ pig also comes to mind. Food is not the only way a traveler can experience new culture and traditions. My DH is a Sephardic Jew he does not explore new foods when traveling. I enjoy doing so. (Not sure why web site decided this comment needs to be in "red")?

I always find it amazing folks feel crew too busy - if you ask well in advance, not a problem. Not everyone is the same, some folks happy with the menu, some not. I have 31 cruises with Princess, my dh for years made special requests in MDR. Head waiter would come to him and check out what he wanted; it is part of their outstanding service. If you are afraid to ask, you never find out. If they can't do it, they will tell you. Never hurts to ask. We even ask for things we want in the buffet, if not out, if they have what we want and can get it they do. The chef has even cooked something special with an advance request in the buffet. We always tip extra and often on the spot in the buffet. We appreciate the service provided.

If this was very important to you, I would print out a recipe, to show the head waiter or chef, when you make a special request in MDR in advance. Princess use to be very attention to special requests, if they had ingredients on board they just might whip something up. Can't hurt to ask, may do for your table in MDR. Need to ask ahead of New Year's Day. Recipe may help them know what you are talking about. I am on the same cruise, not from the south so have not idea of what you're talking about.

I did 15 days on Coral, missed Crown Grill, we eat at the buffet all 15 days, which was fine. We don't do MDR anymore, either buffet or Crown Grill. I like the Grand, Ruby, good to hear you like the Crown. I hear it is being transferred to my home port of San Francisco in 2023. Have something to look forward too, since I am not a fan of the Royal, which is here now.

So far on Princess you can still get printed schedules on request. I with you, still want them. The in-person muster drill I can easily do without.

In the US, when you book a cruise, fare and taxes/port charges are shown, total fare includes both, which is paid as part of final payment. Sometimes taxes/port charges go up or down. Cruise either add new charges to on board account or give passengers a credit. I think this works out well.

Yes and not something I do.

That is another option, recall last time I checked very expensive but worth checking out.

I fly American, have flown out of Miami to San Francisco, after getting off a ship on a transatlantic a few years ago. There is a Hilton hotel, Miami Hilton is near the airport, you might consider staying there to relax before departing for the airport. Do arrange for a taxi early to get you to the airport because since near the airport sometimes takes a while to get a taxi. Hotel does not have a shuttle. Other tip I can offer is check your flight for gate info, so you know where to have a taxi drop you at the airport, American has many gates at Miami. If you go to the airport early, American does allow passengers from cruise ships, to check luggage early but you can't check in for your flight early, must wait for time termed for check in. Ask where you go to simply check in luggage if you choose this option.

Yes, in the beginning we booked with a TA, all we had was the brochure... seemed to work out fine.

It is probably a year since I wore a mask, except if going to a medical establishment, here in California. Only other exception was on the Ruby cruise in February. I feel for people wearing masks all day working on or off the ships. I live in an apartment building so come in contact with others there, shopping and going about daily life. I have never had Covid, vaccinated and have 2 boosters. Try to be careful but one never knows. Life goes on.

good maybe then the Amazing Race will have a better time slot, 10 pm is late.

Yes, my two favorite ships are the Grand and the Ruby.

Best part of the show is seeing the ports we have visited many times over the years. Basically the show is a cross between the Bachelor and the old Love Boat, so not really impressed with the format but better than politics on TV.

LOL, my dh has dementia, he uses a lot of tissue, he also spends lots of time in the cabin... nothing new here. Now that the cabin stewards needs him out of the cabin to service it, he leaves for a bit.

I have skipped the MDR now for some years, prefer the Crown Grill or buffet. Can't go wrong at either.

I have done a few Halloween cruises. Waiters and staff usually dress up in the MDR. Often there is a party at the disco late at night. One of the fun ones I attended was on a cruise in middle east, passengers used bed sheet to dress as mummies, since we just left Egypt. As you can see lots of decorative pumpkins on display. Have fun, you can dress up or down whatever floats your boat.