blkspy

Our choice is the 8 day on Caribbean Princess going to all three of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao). We've been to all of them before but never all three on the same sailing.

 

We're booked for this sailing on January 14, 2017.

When are you thinking of booking?

 

LuLu

I agree....the cruise to the ABC islands is going to be great. You usually get one or two of the islands, rarely all three in one cruise.

Ive sailed the Caribbean Princess 11 times--its my favorite Princess ship. The Regal (2) Royal (1) times.

Some things are FREE and IMHO better on the CB than on the 2 newer ships.

Free Steam/Sauna rooms

Scoops, you can get a Milkshake--not on the Regal/Royal

4 pools compared to 2

You can actually watch a movie at MUTS

Many more quiet places to relax

Alfredo's is great, but TOO NOISEY at times on new ships

The scale tipper is a chance to cruise all 3 of the ABC islands at one time. We are doing the February 11,2017 sailing. Hope to see you there

There is a free sauna on the coral (in the men's change rooms) but the steam room is part of the thermal suite, which you have to pay for.

Did you notice the LACK of a restroom in the men's change room ? :eek:

No they're not heated on the Royal/Regal - called the "Enclave".

The spa attendant who gives the the induction tour will most likely make a point of emphasizing that to you, as she did on our latest cruise. Her explanation was everything else is hot, so we didn't wan't the ceramic beds hot also..(really!!). Personally I think someone just made a booboo, as it just feels like laying on hard tiles as it is (although people were doing it...).

 

The Ceramic Beds on the Grand class ships with a "Thermal suite" have all been heated on our cruises. And as such feel more therapeutic than cold tiles (or warm tiles given the temperature of the room).

 

Still worth getting as the steam rooms in the Enclave are super hot, and the spa is nice and hot (comfortably so) as well....

 

The Princess website will say they're heated, and your inroom promotional video on the Enlcave will say they're heated, but they won't be....

I agree......Also, there are NO other steam/sauna rooms on the Regal/Royal ships. You MUST purchase the Enclave.

I wonder if they don't turn on the heating elements? One staff person told me they were too hot.

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I wonder if they don't turn on the heating elements? One staff person told me they were too hot.

Next time you sail the Regal/Royal, ask to see the thermostat knob for the beds :eek: The room may be hot, the beds are not. Ive sailed the Regal twice, Royal once. If the beds in the Thermal Suites are not working, we've in the past received refunds. Try that for the beds in the Enclave. :)

The bottom line is this....The Enclave has a cost of at least $179 with heated or unheated beds. Grand class ships have FREE Steam room and Sauna in the locker rooms. The Thermal suites with heated or lightly heated beds was at a time a great buy...Now its comparable to Enclave pricing. I choose the free steam/sauna option on Grand Class ships.

if you can afford the Enclave or Thermal Suites, by all means try them. But unless they've changed the beds on the Regal in the last 98 days (last time onboard) the beds ARE NOT heated:)

VFL (Vol For Life) Wishing your daughter the best. I'm in my early 60's (Yikes) and I still run on a daily basis. The good thing is that even though my times are getting slower, my competition is literally dying off.

 

I can't do dreadmills. That is why I need a deck I can move around on and see scenery. The top deck tracks don't do it for me as they are hot on the Caribbean cruises and offer me no view.

VFL :cool:

Ive sailed the Regal/Royal 2/1 times. I'm not a big fan. I enjoy the Grand class ships much more.:)

Yup. No steam, no sauna. The thermal suite is great but it is fee based. The changing room is smaller.

 

Smaller balconies. More people.

 

I also hate the no promenade deck. That is a deal breaker for me as I love walking around by the water and watching the world float past me. That is why the Royal Class ships don't really appeal to me.

ROCKY TOP :)

My daughter was a Track and Field Lady Vol class of 2014..She's finishing Grad School at the Univ of Memphis.

We love Tennessee in my house:cool:

On the Coral there is a Small Free Sauna in the men's locker room...BUT NO FREE STEAM ROOM OR BATHROOM!!!!!!!:eek:

Never have I gone in a locker room that had no bathroom :eek:

So are they hot or not?!?! :confused::confused::confused:

 

I guess we need to go there as soon as we board this Sunday and actually feel them before we book.

They are NOT HEATED on the Regal or Royal in the Enclave. On other ships its called the Thermal Suites and the beds ARE HEATED there.

Hope this clears things.

It's all cool. I never feel like I have to justify what we choose to do in our lives to anyone. I always consider "to each their own". I wasn't offended at all with your question or curiosity. You asked I answered. Simple.

Thank you Sir...

Happy sailing and Smooth Seas.

Agree;)

Whats going on here????? All I asked was Why he "ALWAYS" requested a table for two !!! I didn't try to say ANYTHING was wrong with that....Just wanted to hear "HIS" opinion to my question. I thought my question was respectful as was my response to his clear reply. Yet as is prone to happen here on CC, the Extra jabs from some with nothing better to do pops up even AFTER the subject is a moot point

So let me try to be clear.....

I thank the poster for answering my 'Curiosity question of why HE always got a table for two',

I was just looking for his view--which was given and appreciated.

Your 'after the fact' Agreed--two cents, really proves that 'everyone' clearly has one.Altough not needed. Glad I didn't say something bad about a table for 2.

Don't know about BLKSPY but your answer is good enough for me. Sometimes people just like to be by themselves. Ain't nothing wrong with that.

I didn't mean ANYTHING negative. I just asked why. NEVER insinuated there was anything wrong with enjoying a one to one dinner. We DON'T do it on cruises, just wanted his view. His answer was simple to understand.

Happy sailing and smooth seas to you also.

Simple, that's what we prefer. Why?

It was only a question...I guess I was looking for something along the lines of we work hard and such long hours that we use this time as --our time. Our first cruise we did the same. 37 sailings (27 Princess) later, we've met some amazing folks at some large tables.

Your--we always get a table for 2--comment just never occurred to me that it was this simple:) Happy sailing and smooth seas.

We are always on the ship early so the first thing we do is head to the MDR to check out our table assignment. We always request a table for two so we're interested in the location of our table. After that we leisurely stroll around and explore the ship until the cabins are ready. We always eat a good breakfast at the hotel so we skip the MDR and buffet. Once in our room and the luggage has arrived we unpack, make a few request to out cabin attendant and then head down to one of the lounges for a pre diner drink and toast to a fun filled Cruise.

A curiosity question if I may,

Why do you 'Always Get A Table For 2' ?

The storm at sea the RCCL just went through is scary enough. Here's something even more so.

Here on the local news the main complaint is the lack of help with flight changes for people leaving the ship. Local leaders are calling on the arlines to wave change fees and new ticket fees for passengers trying to get home.

With EZ Air's competitive pricing all of this would be taken care of. Im sold on EZ Air from now on. Getting back home after a scary event, should be easy.

I live in Scaborough and work in Portland. I graduated from Farmington too, class of 92.

78' here :) I had a friend who left his truck in the parking lot by the student center during a snow storm--it stayed there half the winter...couldn't get it out. I had a great time there. I played basketball there for Coach Len McPhee.

Im on the March 5th sailing on the Emerald Princess.....when do you board?

I lived in Purington Hall for 2 years......Then off campus on Lower Main Street... Go Beavers !

We drop our carry on in the cabin and try to meet our steward so we can ask for a mattress topper and a top sheet on the bed. We try to get our bottle of sparkling wine delivered so it can be chilled and ready (I typically pre-purchase it so there is a card for it already in the cabin). We then go and purchase the AIBP. We then get lunch at the grill and lido deck pizzeria. After lunch we find the barstools that overlook the center pool area to hopefully enjoy some sunshine and cocktails. After muster we go back up to the top decks to enjoy the sail away party. Embarkation is so exciting!

What part of Maine? I graduated from MCI in Pittsfield and U of M at Farmington. I worked for Intl. Paper in Jay, Me. Im camping this summer at Hermit Island in Small Point, Me. I love the state :)

On topic, with the closing of Sabatini's......with the popularity of Alfredo's.....can a charge be in its future? I find meeting my cabin steward and giving a small appreciation :) ensures my large vase of ice is always full for my sodas and all request are taken care of. Then its off to the MDR for lunch.

On the Regal Princess Halloween cruise out of New York in October. We had most of the heads of departments and officers. 160 plus participants. Princess decided to Video the event and to follow the Cruise Critic group for THE ENTIRE cruise :) The Slot Pull (110 participants, Crown Grill dinner (30), Magans bay beach day (40), Aruba beach club (50) Halloween Costumed Dinner party (75 participants). With interviews from officers, CC members, it was a great production about 15 minutes long.

Princess showed the video in the Princess Live Studio on the last sea day. It was very nice.

Princess included it in the ships Reflections Video covering the entire cruise. The cruiseline has promised to do the same next Halloween.

It should be posted on YouTube sometime soon.

Great M&G.....Great cruise....Great Video.....All done by Princess.

Yes, the hydrotherapy pool LOOKS great and is a big selling tool as the attendants provide tours for prospects.

 

However, sitting in the pool and enjoying the wonderful bubbles, jets and overhead showers drizzling water down on the occupants, turn and face the steps at the entrance to the pool.

 

Then observe how many people exit the steam and sauna chambers and walk directly into the pool without showering: you'll soon realize that your sitting in a big, bubbling cauldron of sweat and urine.

 

Yummy!

Ive sailed both Regal/Royal ships 2/1 times. I enjoy the steam rooms and relaxing in the lounge across the hall. NEVER have I seen anyone go directly into the pool without showering first. Guess I was on the courteous cruise:) I believe I would have said something.

Anyway.

Singles are charged more than couples. Which I feel is wrong. I suggest you ask if anyone on your cruise would want to split the 'Couple' price with you. It will save you $25-50. They will just bill you half and the other person half. ....very easy to do. As stated the beds are Not heated....Unlike Grand Class ships, there is no Free option for Steam/Sauna rooms. Do I think the price is Outrageous? Absolutely. I use OBC to pay for the Enclave. If you can afford it or have lots of OBC....by all means enjoy it......I uee it in the Morning and before dressing for dinner on sea days and before dinner on port days.

My buddy and I were on a 4 night Coastal, sailing as singles in seprate inside cabins. We were offered $225 each to give up our single inside cabins and 'Share' a Handicapped Balcony cabin.....on the SAME ship.:)

We jumped at the offer........I actually used the money to book my next cruise.

Some Move Over offers are quite amazing.......There is a gentleman in charge of the program. If called, he can tell you if move over offers will be extended for a particular cruise. :)

Its like the airlines.....if the offer is great--grab it.

Hi All,

 

I am looking to book a Caribbean cruise with Princess early in 2017. (January, February or March)

 

I would love current information on the ship that has the best Dancing (Ballroom and Latin), Dance floor and venues.

 

I know most ships and the newer ones only have dancing in the Piazza. I am looking for a lot more venues then just that.

 

If you could please comment on your personnel experience. Thanks

February 11, 2017.....an 8 night cruise to the ABC Islands--Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire.

This is a Valentines week cruise with good pricing. Should be alot of couples with a romantic theme :) Club Fusion usually has Dance activities, along with SkyWalkers (Disco) :) and im sure there will be dancing under the stars.

It should be a a great winter break cruise, during a romantic week, with smooth seas to some great ports.......

Sounds like a reason to dance to me. :cool:

Have been on both Royal and Regal. Workout area is nice BUT no access to Steam or Sauna. Need to buy up. One of my complaints on the Royal/Regal. Along with

-No center stairway so elevators can be a mess

-TV system tends to freeze. OTOH the choices are very good and the big TVs are nice.

-A bit limited on deck chairs UNLESS you buy up to sanctuary.

 

they are big on pushing upgrades for enclave, sanctuary, decent coffee

 

Nice ships but a few things are a bit annoying at first.

As a Diabetic. I care about a few things....No Sugar free ice cream other than the MDR. Its hit or miss if some is put in the Gelato case. No Milkshakes of any kind on entire ship. One chair ?! One chair in the mens locker room for the Enclave. 2 pools for 3600 people. Why do singles pay a higher avg price than couples for the Enclave. I can go on and on...Yes ive sailed both the Regal/Royal......the gym on the other end of the ship from the spa makes you scratch your head.

These things are for another day.

Regal/Royal are nice ships.....I prefer the Grand class ships because some things are still included in the cruise fare--no need to pay for EVERYTHING extra.

I do like the HC--just wish signs would say what is where :)

That would sound right, as in our case on the regal - 14 day (7x7days) including new years we paid $309pp for the enclave, and that was after we bartered her down a discount for embarkation day which she wasn't going to do on this one due to high demand.

 

The cruise was over booked at just under 4000 passengers (all rooms booked and alot of 3 and 4 in rooms), so I guess they felt they had the numbers and the demand to punch up a higher price.

It seems this pricing attitude has crossed over to include Thermal Suite pricing on Grand Class ships. The Free Steam rooms are are a selling point for me if given a choice.

Was the Enclave $ 249 for 10 days. I paid $165 for 7 days on Royal in Dec 2013 Going back on ship March 2017 for 10 Day So. They change price every week from what I see!

My pricing was on the 10 day Repo on the Regal in October out of NYC. I Believe they do what the market will bare est. Pricing......There appers to be no rhythm or reason to its structure. I resist paying for the Enclave with anything but OBC's. My next10 day on her I have $310 obc, that should be enough bounty to use a Steam room :rolleyes:

it was $249 for TWO and $199 for ONE

All the prior built ships had it in the exercise area and free. one of my gripes about the new royal class ships

My main gripe with Regal/Royal also . No free Steam/Sauna and high priced Enclave. $89 for 10 days:eek: we just paid $199 for a single and $249 for a cpl during 10 day. Why is the price higher for singles???.

Can't afford to work off my Milkshakes at those prices:D I forgot :eek: there are NO milkshakes on the Royal/Regal . Thats another topic:)

Do you enter the spa in order to get to the free steam and sauna rooms?

Yes you do. They are located in the Mens/lady's locker rooms.

One complaint regarding the Thermal Suites :( ive sailed on Grand Class ships 24 times. One of my pleasures was signing up for the Thermal Suites. The price (until 2 years ago) averaged $10 per day- $39 for 5 night cruises. Now ive seen pricing of $99 for singles and $139 for cpls. Why do singles have to pay a higher avg. Daily price? The heated beds are nice as long as cruisers don't use them to take afternoon naps :eek: The Enclave I guess has shown that these can be real money makers. Im glad the Grand class ships continue to offer free steam/sauna room options. And they are quite adequate. The Spa pool is great with Its padded loungers.

All this is IMHO ONLY.

happy cruiing.