4cats4me

Loved the flexibility of changing dining reservations at the last minute, also being able to show up as the curtain was going up at the shows and still getting a good seat! No lines to get back onboard at port stops, breezed through security check, a more relaxed atmosphere all-around.   Great photo ops of ship spaces due to fewer  passengers onboard.   

Excellent dining room service with NO long waits for anything.  

7 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Thanks! I was just curious. We have no issues with wearing a mask indoors if that's what's required. Does Princess give everyone a cool face mask with their logo on it like Celebrity does or do you have to bring your own?

 

Of course, it was just the opposite on the Celebrity Edge when we did a B3B in the Caribbean back in August. But, that's OK, different cruise lines, different rules. As long as we can cruise again, that's all that matters to us. 😎

 

Hi @Ken the cruiser I read your wonderful Live From on the  Celebrity  board back in August. I was on the Majestic last month, and the mask thing was not bad at all.   I have been following the thread from the Grand, too,  and was taken aback when I heard about sipping and masking,  as that was not in effect anywhere on the majestic.   I did ask a clarifying question to cruise raider, who is currently on board the grand and she clarified the sip and mask “policy” later on.   She indicated that sip and mask was not in effect at most  bars,    But that she noticed signs at the explorers lounge and the Vista lounge on the Grand to remember to sip and mask, and thinking about it now, that makes more sense, as those are both technically showroom venues,  and because the Majestic doesn’t have an explorer’s lounge, the next closest thing would probably be princess live, where masking was required due to the density , ie,  anywhere that you can’t adequately socially distance     

So,  on the majestic,  the minute I was seated at any of the venues were drinks were served the mask came off immediately and it stayed off, including in the atrium in the piazza bars , et cet.  However,  if I had read quested a drink in the main show room, for example, then the protocol would have probably been to sip and mask, due to close proximity to others     

 On the Grand, the Explorer’s lounge is spread out,  yet due to the positioning of the tables some of them are close to other tables where a 6 foot distance cannot be maintained but since there are sailing is currently only 35% then that shouldn’t be an issue    

  I am from California and we are used to wearing mask everywhere but even with that, it really was not much of an impediment on the Majestic.  And I wouldn’t anticipate that it would be that much of an impediment on the Grand, either,   Unless another variant rears its ugly head or unless the venue is packed.        

 Also, and this is in reference to one of the posters above who indicated that once you are seated at the restaurant you can take your mask on once the food arrives — you can actually take your mask off as soon as the water is poured.    They were right there with the water immediately after being seated so it’s up to everybody what they wish to do but I was seated at different tables every night and everybody took their masks off as soon as the water was poured or their cocktails arrived.  

I guess I’m in the minority,  but I like it loud.  Anything that drowns out people’s constant chit chat or kids throwing tantrums during the show is okay with me.    Of course, I have lost some of my hearing, which is probably why it doesn’t seem excessively loud to me,  and I’ve probably lost my hearing due to listening to loud music my whole adult life. LOL

5 hours ago, earthquakexl said:

Question on masks for though On-board.    What type of masks does Princess required?  Any face covering, N95, KN95, Gator, ect.

 

Also Does Princess have extra masks on board if a mask get lost/damaged?   Been to Princess WEB sight and can not get that info, only Mask required.    Trying to figure out how many and what type will be need.   Thanks

4 hours ago, cruzrbachoua said:

on the princess site under the protocols section

 

https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/us-cruises/

We recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality double-layer cloth or medical-grade mask. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask. 

 

Are face shields classed as a mask?

No. Masks should have two or more layers and be worn over the nose and mouth. Gaiters and bandanas are not allowed. Face shields are only permitted when used in addition to a mask.

1 hour ago, Cruise Raider said:

You will notice a lot of new furniture  and carpeting .. the ship does look fresher all the way around.  There are still the major flaws, though … some of the public bathrooms just need a complete redo and some leaks haven’t been fully repaired and the balcony furniture is definitely old but functional. But, for the parts that really matter, she is looking really good for a ship of her age.  I think she looks better than when we last sailed on her in which was right before the pandemic.  
Most of the paintings have remained from before … so, I’d think it would still be the same.  

1 hour ago, Cruise Raider said:

Wow … I didn’t see that until just now.  I know they enforce these rules strictly in the terminal but have seen gaiters and bandanas worn around the ship.  

 

They absolutely do have extra surgical masks but don’t have them set out. I see many of the crew were the N95 and KN95 masks but many of the officers have on cloth masks … but they are handling my food so, I’m fine with that.  

30 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

Yes, I was on the first sailing back out on the Majestic and participated in the live feed set up by HaveDogWillTravel. 

The Majestic  is the most beautiful ship on which ever sailed … there was nothing not to just love, as far as we are concerned.  She sparkled and shined … oh, so very beautiful!  Everyone likes different things but, I’d sail again on her in a heartbeat.  For the US sailings, they changed up some of her menu items at the noodle bar and Harmony.  Some people didn’t like that she lacks a full promenade deck and there is no Crooners .. but, they had music in the piazza and a piano player at the Crown Grill bar.  We found nothing wrong with any of that … plenty of places for great entertainment.  

@earthquakexl

@Cruise Raider

@cruzrbachoua

I dropped my mask leaving the buffet on Majestic and the buffet attendant   retrieved one for me immediately.   She had them stored in a cabinet as you enter the buffet.  

Thanks for the update on the condition of the ship.   Your report inspires me to book a last minute cruise. 😊

like you, I thought the Majestic was the most beautiful ship.   There were a couple little things I missed, but overall I wouldn’t hesitate to book a another sailing on   her 

3 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

Answers are above 

Thanks, @Cruise Raider

It’s been a while since we were last onboard so I appreciate your time.  I had to laugh when you mentioned the little leaks in Explorer’s as that was the situation back in 2011, and in 2016 we had a little bucket outside our cabin , but nothing major.   

I do recall now someone mentioning earlier that Michaelangelo is being used for crew.  

Regarding Wheelhouse, I recall some very cool paintings of ships. Hoping that they’re still there.  

Glad to hear the food has been excellent.  Is your next cruise leg the 80s themed one? 

Thank you for  your great thread and for your time.  I appreciate it.  

23 minutes ago, AnyMajorCruiseDude said:

Heres some more info for you.

most people are r following the recommendations of masking, including us.  Im sitting in the wheelhouse bar having a good time, with others doing the same, but apparently i am a thread hijacker

So, how is the food onboard? 

How are the sea conditions? 

What is the drink of the day? 

Who is the Capitain? 

What is the TRUE number of passengers onboard? Inquiring minds want to know ? 

Are there barrel chairs in the staterooms?

Are there awnings on the mini suites on Dolphin Deck yet?

Does my favorite suite, D727 have 2 or 4 chairs on the balcony these days? 

Does the ship still leak everywhere, as it did, when we were onboard? 

Have you seen any whales? 

Have you seen any Dolphins? 

Does the Wheelhouse still have the same portraits adorning the walls? 

How steep was the ramp when you  boarded?  

Are there oranges at the buffet? 

Can one get triple shots of booze in a cocktail but have it count as just one drink while on the drink package? 

Has the coffe improved at the buffet? 

How is Club Class? 

Do you prefer Michaelangelo or D Vinci dining Room? 

Is Good Spirits Bar on the Grand? 

Does the logo shop have hats with just Princess logos or do they have Royal Caribbean merchandise as well? 

Thanks in advance for your time,  AnyMajorCruiseDude! 😀 

6 hours ago, Cruise frenzy said:

The dining rooms on Discovery are named Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.

Does anyone know where they are located on decks 5 and 6?

 

Thanks for any info.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not the most elegant sounding 

names, (like Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Concerto, on the other ships.  )

13 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

 

I had this in mind before, but now conforms when we go to Alaska it will be well before late September.  Sorry, to see you folks having this poor weather.

 

I’ve heard September is a crap shoot.   My parents went one time in mid Sept and it was harsh at sea.   Band instruments tipping over, glassware crashing, waves breaking over the bow.  This was on the Dawn Princess.   

1 hour ago, PrincessDano said:

Thanks, I looked back but must have missed that post!

 

Diane 

I think they’re supposed to call on Juneau tomorrow due to the late start.  It was announced on Sunday that the ship would not be calling on Skagway on Wednesday.   

How is the food in the main dining room? When we were last on the Grand, we felt it was the most delicious dining room food we’d ever had onboard a Princess ship, (until the Majestic last month ) 

The service onboard Grand was the best! There is something special about

that ship.  

Hope everyone is having a wonderful time.   

5 hours ago, memoak said:

This is the first I have heard about sip and cover in bars.  If so why isn't the same rule in place for restaurants ?  As far as I have heard once you are at your table no reason to mask

Exactly.    On the Majestic we didn’t have to sip and cover.   The 

  I had a wonderful time on the majestic and masking was appropriate but if I had had to sip and cover, I would not have been a happy camper especially since that is not the policy in the dining rooms, where I was seated with strangers elbow to elbow every night, unlike at explorers are crooners where you’re spaced out or distance from others   

 This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever and if this is the policy going forward I will be canceling my future cruises     

 Not sure if management on the various ships is interpreting the rules differently but I find it to be unsanitary to sip and cover.  Frankly, that’s one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard and I thought it was stupid on the airplane l  fairness, not everybody on a plane is vaccinated  but because it was only a one hour ride I could tolerate that but not for the duration of a cruise  where everybody is vaccinated and everybody has tested negative, this is overreach 

22 hours ago, awhcruiser said:

We fly domestic in the US.  However, if we ever fly internationally for a cruise we will consider using EZ Air.

I still didn’t find as good a deal on EZ Air to Europe as I got booking direct from 

Oakland, CA nonstop to Barcelona for $199 each direction base fare a couple years ago.  I’ve noticed with EZ air that they do have some great fares, depending on the route. but So far, it’s always worked out better for me to book directly with the airline. 

23 minutes ago, 1965 said:

Is Big the 1988 Tom Hanks movie? That's pretty old. Has there been a remake I'm not aware of?

Yes

7 minutes ago, trey420 said:

I'm on board with a mad woman.  She's not to happy about that train ride.  Looks like we'll have to do this again.  

Huh?

Oh, that’s too bad about the weather. 

7 hours ago, MudderBear said:

Princess does cruisetours to both the Baltic and Greek Isles.  I've only been on one cruise....hubby none.  Our first is Alaska next year (after Covid cancellations)....and would like to book something for 2023 while prices are still "low" (yea, right...LOL).  Anyway, can't choose between the Baltic and/or Greek Isles.  Both look tempting.

 

Also, how much does having a large balcony really matter with either one of those two cruises.  I have a large balcony for Alaska (want to really get a great impact of the Glaciers)....and not sure I want to upgrade for the European cruise as it will cost plenty even just going....

 

Thanks for your thoughts.  

We wouldn’t cruise without a balcony in the Caribbean or tropical destinations where you can lounge for hours,  but have found the balcony to be a complete waste of money while sailing in Europe, so much so, that we booked obstructed window cabins thereafter due to NEVER using the balcony on the preceding Med Cruise.   Main reason is these cruises are port intensive and we were off the ship for 10 -11 hours.  Depending on the time of year, it will be almost dark  by the time you get back onboard, and dark when you leave for your tours as well  (October) 

our schedule was high impact.   awake T 5:00 am, wait in line to get tender early tix (on Royal Caribbean ) some itineraries have several tender ports, so if you don’t have status you won’t be able to disembark early unless you take a cruise ship sponsored excursion, which  are way pricier than touring independent ly 

my point being ,  when we toured with another cruise line and we had no status whatsoever, we were touring independently, so we need to be first off the ship to meet with our tours, and that could only be accomplished by getting up two hours earlier to be in line to try to get priority tickets for tendering so a balcony was of no use    Because it was dark when we arrived and then we were gone all day and it was dark when we came back and it was completely wasted money  

 We did not miss having a balcony at all  On the last cruise  and we opted to spend a lot more on airline tickets to be comfortable on the plane and forgo having a balcony, which was the best decision  Ever.  

I haven’t looked at your itinerary,  but we’ve been to the Greek Isles, Italy, Montenegro, Spain, And love them all  and love them all  Not sure when you’re thinking of going but it will be very hot in July October has been perfect early September can be very warm.  Not sure when you’re thinking of going but it will be very hot in July October has been perfect early September can be very warm  I think you’re fine most cruisers enjoy sailing there in April, May, September and October  

there are some pics in my profile from our last Med Cruise    

If you click on my profile you should be able to find a photo link I think.   

Update I just checked  so click on my profile name and when you are in my profile click on albums 

3 hours ago, Wulfwyn said:

We are on the Sapphire  for a May Alaska  cruise, we were in C231, was switched  to C125 on Royal, called this week  and made a polite  fuss about the downgrade.  Was able to move to a DD category.   Friends  had a aft premium  balcony,  was moved  to a deluxe  balcony  midship, call and complain  and was able to get a aft balcony  back.  Just be persistent .  

I’ve stayed in C752 and C753, on the Sapphire, aft premium corner balconies, but the rooms are very basic and small.   The upgrade they received to a deluxe balcony on Royal  is a much better cabin, due to having a sofa, so not sure if they ended up in a regular cabin with larger balcony on the Royal somewhere, but the balcony deluxe was not a bad substitute.  

Some or many Aft facing balconies on the Royal have had soot issues, too.  

Regarding your reassignment, there isn’t much difference from C231 to 125, in my opinion.  It’s just a few more cabins.   I usually stay in 108 or 110, and it isn’t that far to the 200s at all, 300s yes, 200s, no.  I’ve been on both ships numerous times, and love aft facing balconies too, but would definitely opt for the upgraded deluxe balcony midship vs the non deluxe balcony aft with its potential soot issues on the Royal.  Your friends might want to rethink that one. 

3 hours ago, scott4020 said:

 

That would be cool but those are 70's bands.

Foreigner 4 was released in 81,and I went to their concert, but you’re right, they started in the 70’s.   

Edit:   Oops, sorry, I posted before i’d Read your other response. 

I would love being onboard an 80s themed cruise if they had good cover bands! We have lots of local music here with great cover bands.  

(70s and disco appeals to me more than Valley Girl and new wave. )

I’m envisioning  lots of songs (by artists)  Michael Jackson, Rockwell, Guns n Roses, Van Halen, Queen, The Police,  Cheap Trick, Wham,  Blondie, Donna Summer, Men at Work, Journey, Foreigner, Prince, Spandau Ballet,  too.  

Somebody mentioned or posted ABC is on the performing list.  They were very popular back in 82-83, “The Look of Love”

1 hour ago, CruiseVA said:

March 13th cancelled, we had that - now we're on the 27th - (hopefully) the inaugural cruise. 

So happy we’ll get to sail together again!

14 minutes ago, Sea Hag said:

We have the Discovery booked for a 9/11/22 sailing. I hope that doesn't turn out to the the new maiden voyage!

 

I hear you 😂 

Kind  of cool to be a part of the first sailing , but also problematic until everybody gets their act  together.  For some reason, I’m envisioning a lot of hiccups.   

Seemed to be all repeats last month.   But also so 

tons of in roo. Movies available more than I remember sorry this thing won’t let me type anything correctly 

m y  in r o o mo iviesv 

Hundreds on demand 

By default, we will be on the “new“  maiden voyage.  (For now LOL)

2 hours ago, PACD_JG said:

A couple of notes for anybody wondering:  My TA never notified me about the Sapphire to Royal change, and Princess updated their website with all the info Monday.  I called the TA today and they asked for the Princess booking number, and they loaded it.  Anyway, after some discussion, I decided to stick with the Royal cruise in the same room.  I got the interior room across the hall for no price increase.  Still disappointed about sailing west of Vancouver and not going to Glacier Bay, but decided to go with it because the dates work perfectly and the extra room made it worth the price I paid (or will pay when it's due).

We love sailing Alaska during the last week of June and  early July.   The addition of College Fjord is nice, too.   Good decision to add the interior cabin.   

The OP is interested in the experiences of those who have ACTUALLY masked  up on recent cruises.  

I have ACTUALLY experienced wearing the mask onboard, and once again, not an issue AT ALL.  Why are others attempting to steer this thread in a different direction? Because that wasn’t the question.