chisoxfan

I guess it is better than nothing but doesn't go far enough. A time limit isn't stated or suggested and it doesn't say the pool attendants will be actively monitoring unoccupied loungers. Sadly, without a more thorough 'plan of attack' this posting is meaningless in my opinion.

Thanks for the quick link to 'educate' me. Technology has been a positive and dominant force which causes deflation. Look at TV's and computers.... are you upset they are getting less expensive or that a 1966 Zenith Space Command 25" TV that based on median US income cost two weeks of labor when you can buy a 65" LED for a few days (or less) work (not trying to fix exact numbers to this just a general concept). This natural and positive deflation has 'fought' with the inflation of our currency due largely to government printing money and deficit spending. You obviously did not read the article you cited since it refers to other deflationary times: Deflation in the 19th Century While the U.S. did not have a single national currency until after the Civil War, economists can still track consumer prices in terms of the exchange value of gold. Buoyed by the rise of industrial mechanization after the war, the prices of goods dropped starting in 1815 and continued to drop until 1860. Even though prices were dropping, output grew consistently during this time and continued to grow at the same time that prices were dropping until approximately 1860, at the start of the Civil War.2 During the period between 1873 and 1879, prices dropped by nearly 3% every year, yet real national product growth was around 7% during the same time period.3 I would love to have 7% growth and 3% deflation over 45 years, but we weren't so lucky then as to have a Federal Reserve to manage our economy. Since the Fed was created in 1913 with the mandate to maintain the value of the dollar it has lost 98%. Yes the Great Depression was a bad time as was the Great Financial Crisis but deflation did not cause these events but was a product of them. Anyway sorry to get into the weeds on this on (of all places) a Cruise Critic post but had to comment on the statement you made.

Actually deflation is good. Does anyone not want to pay less for goods and services?

I heard they are looking at electric (sourced by batteries) cruise ships and they will be mandated by 2030. There will be mid ocean charging stations driven by wind power. It will take two weeks to cross the Atlantic but the government will give us a tax credit for the cruise.

Yes if valued in gold or commodities, no if valued in fiat currency.

Not speaking from any specific knowledge but just some limited experience. I don't think most of these promoters book an entire ship but block out cabins and areas on the ship for their event ie you can find you are on a cruise which has a group on board... everything from hobbyists to musicians, etc. We 'inadvertently' booked a music cruise on Gran Princess in 2011 (wife met Davy Jones on the beach) but otherwise the event did not impact the cruise.

OK, I'll bite. Assumed you are joking but did not see a smile imogi. So on a 14 night cruise there are four formal nights. A white dinner jacket and a black tuxedo but the other two.... different colors, sequins...... I mean you have to be kidding. Different shoes also?

That's the million dollar question. My wife and I like to hang about the pool in warm weather cruises and expect a packed house on sea days with better availability on port days depending on port. It depends on weather what time you come down to the pool, and luck. Generally if you are OK being on second level or away from pool you will find something. We have booked X Retreat, Princess Sanctuary, HAL Cabana, NCL something or other and will try Princess' new dedicated area next year primarily to have a relaxing place to sit. The thing we don't like in some cabana areas is the distance from the pool. This appears to be the deal on Nieuw Statedam so for the first time in years will join the crowd looking for a pool spot. Hoping HAL does work to address chair hogs.

Thanks for your response. I see that you are cruising solo so how you dress may be influenced by if you are out trolling or just going for a boat ride. Regardless I am sure manner of dress will and should not create any anxiety on a cruise vacation.

This was my conclusion. We were on Oct. 6 Apex to Egypt Holy Land so we were learning of itinerary changes the morning after debarkation. Our saving grace was doing a bid up to SS which at the time I thought was 'stupid' since we were on so many shore excursions. At the end of the day disappointed but we had a wonderful weather Greek Island journey which was enjoyed. That said there was much scuttlebut about some cruise credits forthcoming but even after reaching out to T/A and X 'crickets'. X let us down in this- we weren't looking for much but SOMETHING would have been appreciated. Anyway as you said, the cruise 'travel' to these areas is fraught with unknowns. I thought, ' why get on a bus for 6 hours travel when I can stay at a four star hotel and see the pyramids'. Staying in the Holy Land would also allow some extended touring. This leaves you more leeway to cancel a land based tour based on political climate (not much was going to help us when hostilities broke out the next morning). We hope to get there eventually but will definitely take a land based tour to do so.

Agree with all of the concerns/ comments. The only way this works is for Sanctuary to be for suites only -otherwise both sides are 'shortchanged'. Even if they guaranteed location in one of the 'standard' pool loungers this is a diminished experience from Sanctuary on their other ships and who would pay 200 a day for this?. Also share concern that 'suite only' area is too small and apparently no shade options. Make the area all for suites and you have a reasonable area akin to Retreat on X with the large pool being a great benefit. As one who booked Signature on Sun and is excited about this entry into dedicated suite territory for Princess, my candid fear is that this 'initial' Signature Sanctuary experience turns into a crowded s show. Most likely will be cultivation of this seperate suite area experience (lounge, Sanctuary, Restaurant) which will allow a plan to explode pricing like NCL and X have done with their suite areas. Of course I have complete confidence in the enlightened management of Princess so sure there is a consumer friendly plan being developed. Sorry to be so cynical and earnestly hope we can all enjoy our cruises.

We are excited to take two one week cruises in January 25. One on new 175,000 ton Princess Sun which will have a dedicated suite area and a myriad of specialty dining, entertainment options. Then onto HAL Nieuw Statendam where we can't wait to enjoy BB Kings and Rolling Stone music venues. All in on these cruises is under 10k combined. So we remain pleased with some mainstream cruise options as they exist understanding that the quality/value propositions are limited. As stated we like the newer and larger 100,000-175,000 ton ships for the things to do and even if Daniel Boulud was preparing all my meals personally would not be interested in the small ship luxury segment. Well maybe if they served Caymus and Nickel and Nickel included with premium package I would reconsider..... X is the only mainstream line that has failed us to date but cruising is a dynamic industry and I would not be surprised if our evaluation was different several years from now. JMHO

I applaud those who want to wear a tux and I was a suit and tie guy for 40 years (and brought a tux on cruises). That said the OP asked if they would feel out of place wearing a tux and I would say unequivocally 'yes' with so few others doing this. Heck, I usually wear a sport coat on boarding (saving wrinkles in not packing and like the numerous pockets) and I feel out of sorts in the real world of tee shirts and shorts which is universal boarding garb in warm weather ports. Even wearing a sport coat on normal dining nights with open dress shirt and dress loafers (oxymoron) seems unusually dressy. So you will be out of place with a tux..... it is certainly your call whether you and your partner are comfortable or not.

Agree we all enjoy cruises in our own way and I am in no way criticizing your view just sharing ours. We are old timers but after considering Regent/ Oceania,etc. we are not buying in. We don't care for the shops, photos, art auctions, charm bracelets etc.(and as frequent cruisers make fun of these between ourselves) either but do enjoy the vibrancy of the larger ships. Always another bar, restaurant, entertainment venue to try (good or bad). We have never gone hungry on HAL, X, Princess, or MSC in suites or MDR's and have never been on a cruise where we thought the food was so exceptional that we would immediately go back (or so bad we would never return). All we ask for in a cabin is cleanliness and a reasonably modern design with a true balcony along with a consistent room attendant and decent room service. Our reason for sometimes getting a suite are expanded options for a dedicated pool and more dining, lounge venues. We don't covet a two bedroom Penthouse suite with a butler when we want to be out enjoying the ship. While I agree with the value of Regency /Oceania as far as what is included it isn't a style of cruising that we are excited about ie. I like having great seats for a baseball game but don't necessarily want to be in the owners suite. It is nice to have a small trailer when camping but not interetsed in a Bluebird Wanderlodge. So bottom line for us, we are hoping that the mainstream cruiselines don't overprice and eviscarate their product (which has brought us much enjoyment in past decade(s)) to the point where cruising becomes unnattractive. JMHO

I (sadly) have to agree. This (Sanctuary) has the making of a suite only area in the future. Possibly they are waiting for acceptance and support of suite booking for what is now 'reasonable pricing'. X has gone insane with their Retreat Pricing as did NCL Haven. MSC YC proved very popular and raised prices accordingly. I am excited for the Princess Sun product but cynically think it will follow the lead of the other lines. JMHO

First of all thanks for the video. Mixed feelings. We have booked a suite so I like the location in the aft and 'real' loungers. The large pool and bar looks promising. I do agree with many posters that the 'regular' Sanctuary section (close together non padded loungers) is not like we have had on other cruises. My main concern is overcrowding? The Retreat on X for suites only seems larger with more diverse seating. So at this point still good with suite booking but have to agree that 'normal' Sanctuary does not seem so appealing. Excited to try new ship and suite amenities which are about the same as MSC YC and half the price of X Retreat. I am sure many more reports will be forthcoming.

Appreciate the comments and want to note the X pricing also affects us who don't gravitate to suites. While we have been on recent cruises on Apex and Ascent in Retreat our sweet spot (no pun intended) is larger mainstream new ships that offer many diversions particularly on warm weather getaway cruises. AQ on S class was for years an ideal compromise for us and we were generally happy campers. While beautiful ships they are now older and E class has abandoned us with IV's in AQ. Along with this the pricing of X has driven us to MSC YC, HAL Club Orange, and now Princess Sun (affordable suite) as much better values. Point being that X has disappointed us on the 'lower' scale offerings much as posters agree in general its suite product is not competitive. JMHO

I guess it depends which Bond they are referring to. I got the same response by wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and tie on a T/A so maybe you don't need to go the tux path. Actually if you wear a tie you are probably in the 'best dressed' category.

I still think major offenders are the 'I'll go down to the pool at 7:30 and save us some chairs crowd' and don't understand why some observant attendants could not patrol this area specifically for a few hours and prevent this. It should be obvious when one person goes down with some books and towels, throws them down on four chairs, and leaves, that this is a problem that can be addressed. The early bird 'reservists' are also in the Retreat. For us who cruise primarily to hang out at pool this is a major frustration.

So the NR deposit is necessary because people are booking cruises and cancelling 91 days in advance but cancellation two days in advance can be handled seamlessly by AI's because they can pick up other days (even though average stay is 4-7 days) and international travel is required... doesn't make sense to me. Most hotels and tour operators (Viator) allow 24hr. cancellations and somehow I do not believe they come up with instant customers to fill a cancellation void. Traditionally for rental cars you just don't show up and no problem. I am sure this is not ideal for operators but it is good for consumers and that is their issue to resolve to maximize customers and profits. Would you defend and buy from Amazon if they decided that offering free returns was not convenient so everything was final sale? You are welcome to support X (and we have for many years) but in the travel marketplace we are free to gravitate to suppliers who meet our respective needs. I don't blame X for blowing up prices, restricting deposit refunds, etc., good for them if the market follows and rewards them. It's not a right or wrong question just one of preferences and sensibilities that each traveler needs to determine.

The cruise Industry already has always had the most punitive 'non refundable' deposit system in place. I would never consider paying in full 90 days in advance for a hotel or all inclusive resort with drastic penalties for cancelling. I booked 10k a week all inclusives with two day cancellation policy and even a two week cancellation raised an eye. Am I to believe that a cruise line is more impacted when a passenger cancels 90 days out versus an AI visitor who cancels a week before in peak vacation time? So we (us frequent cruisers) have blindly accepted the way things have always been but I really have trouble accepting this new wave of non refundable deposits. A cancellation penalty should be a fair compensation for lost revenue not a new punitive profit center. JMHO

Treading dangerously here... If somebody is occupying a seat lounger, etc. good for them. We saw people in theatre grabbing chairs many hours before super bowl parties and understand some want prime seating for Alaska or Panama Canal. Not my cup of tea. But staking claim to multiple prime seating for persons who will not arrive for hours should be off limits. The morning pool 'hogging' is always frustrating and the same phenomenon happens on all cruise lines and AI resorts. On a cruise with one or two 'small' pools a single attendant could be present upon opening and see who is taking advantage of a situation ie. staking out multiple chairs and attempting to leave. They could simply advise that unless your party is here please do not reserve multiple chairs. They can also see people who immediately leave and caution them. It doesn't take a Sherlock Holmes to deduce who is doing this. And you even have the most brazen who will 'reserve' loungers in two areas even though they can't use both at the same time. Later in the morning things 'work' out as passengers who just want a chair filter down with no mal intent. I know this is an oft debated topic but I still feel some morning intervention by the pool attendant could stop 80% of the abuse. JMHO

Hey...... let's not talk about this Sun Princess 'thing' so much. We saw MSC YC explode from unknown to hard to get. Wait, I heard the Sun Princess uses paper napkins and maybe you want to rethink.

Glad you received your deposit back and was amazed at the pro/cons ie. whose at fault arguments resulting from your post. What struck me was that a T/A (hopefully a valued player for X) could not negotiate ANY resolution regarding a deposit accommodation for an Elite passenger? I mean a transfer costs them nothing and just seems a reasonable resolution.... okay maybe they can tack on a small fee . To me this goes beyond who is reading the fine print or was uncommunicative but signals X has concerning, diminished interest in being responsive to 'loyal' customers. JMHO

Same here, X is crazy. We were in SS on Ascent in Jan. Same cabin in Jan 25 is 10,800k without 600 OBC. refundable fare added 2000! AQ with premium AI and non refundable almost 6k. Basically you can book comparable suites on MSC YC and Princess Sun (both with dedicated suite areas and many inclusions) for about the same as AQ on this Ascent cruise- Fully refundable on Princess and more liberal deposit refund (change at small fee- which I still don't like) on MSC (YC only). To the point, the stringent NR deposit policy of X just adds insult to injury when evaluating the value X now offers. JMHO