capriccio

9 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

Personal opinion, late September is probably not the best time for Alaska.

I'm not a shopper (on ship or off) but I've read plenty of reviews of late September Alaska cruises that say the bargains on board and in ports are great because the ship is getting ready to transit to a new itinerary and the stores in port are preparing to close until next season.  So @Spindle7that may be something to consider if you like to shop or have a long list of gifts to purchase for family and friends!

University spring breaks are usually in March since many of them break for the summer no later than mid-May.

Spring breaks for public schools (K-12) oftentimes occur the week before or the week after Easter.   Next Easter year is on April 20.  Demand for cruises and hotels those 2 weeks will be high.

Finally the 3 day (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) Tortuga Music Festival is held in April and brings in around 100,000 spectators.  This year it was the first weekend in April.  The last few years it was the second weekend if I remember correctly.  Demand for hotels, especially near the beach where the festival is held, is high.

Book something now (or as soon as the schedule is released) that is refundable. 

On the Coral Princess last year (round trip Australia cruise) our group of 2 couples each ordered lamb chops and filet mignon in the Bayou Cafe and Steakhouse.  All was absolutely delicious and rivaled anything we've had in up market steakhouses in the US.  It had been 13 years since eating in the Bayou but we have eaten in various Crown Grills in the interim and none were nearly that good.

1 hour ago, no1superfan said:

The problem is that the reservations are made on the APP and since we have Reserve Dining the APP sez "You have Reserve, You don't need any stinkin reservations". (I may have mis-quoted).

I have called Princess and their representative had no answer.

Have one of the passengers without reserve make the regular reservations for everyone. There was section for traveling companions on the App where one person enters the booking numbers for everyone else and then can make the reservations. I've done that for up to 8 people (4 reservations) before but it was more than a year so I hope someone with more recent experience will chime in.  I just checked the on-line version and there is an 'add guest' option.  I would think that someone without reserve wouldn't have the option (of selecting reserve) so should be able to make reservations for all 7 of you in the regular MDR.  Good luck!

I'm glad I could help.  I wouldn't worry too much about other passengers not appreciating your kids being on board, especially since I know they are well traveled from reading your most recent 'live from' on the MSC board. 

Given the week you are cruising there will be lots of kids on board and yours are definitely the age that could really enjoy the kids club which gets very high marks on all their ships.  Last summer we did a family cruise (with our 2 kids plus spouses and 2 granddaughters ages 8 1/2 and almost 4) and we all had a great time.  The older grandchild, who was 3 1/2 on her previous cruise, decided to try the kids club for a few hours each day after meeting another girl at the pool and had a great time.  The youngest wasn't interested in it.

Given that none of Park 19 is open to the public yet, I would caution (because I worry about such things) to keep an eye on this board for reviews and, most importantly, any required age/height minimums that have not been announced yet.

Having enjoyed your MSC 'live froms' I hope you do one on this cruise.  Our cruise isn't until next January and I'll be interested to see if Princess has worked out some of their initial problems with this new ship class by that time.  I certainly hope so for your sake and ours!

3 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

I think you will be limited to NCL in September. In all honesty, I would wait and go next year.

What makes you think that?  I just pulled up the Skagway Port Schedule for September (https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/skagway-port-408?month=2024-09#schedule) and ships of just about every cruise line will be making over 75 port stops.

@Donbar after 3 Alaska cruises with Princess I would still pick an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay.  The scenery is fantastic.  Princess and HAL have the most permits (only 2 ships a day IIRC are allowed).  National Park Service rangers board the ship at the mouth of the bay and give a running commentary.  Princess (and HAL I think) have full time naturalists on board who give presentations in the theater and narrate wildlife sightings from the bridge.  You can get more info on the Princess North to Alaska program at https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/north-to-alaska-cruise-activities.

The new Sun class of ships is Princess's first foray into the ship within a ship setup.  It is a significant change and it is very much a work in progress.  We are frequent Princess cruisers booking mini-suites.  We had tried Princess suites for a period that ended about 10 years ago when we decided that while the cabins were nice, the perks didn't amount to much.  Before covid we took our first MSC Yacht Club cruise (Meraviglia) and took our second last December (Seascape). 

When Princess started touting the new perks offered with the Signature Suites on the new Sun Princess - dedicated dining room with a unique menu, dedicated sun deck, dedicated lounge - in January we decided to make a reservation just to check it out. Since then Princess has  diminished the perks and raised the prices.  No longer is there a dedicated Sun Deck; suite passengers will share the Sanctuary area (now includes the Sun Deck) with many more passengers.  Whether the restaurant will still have unique menus has not been mentioned and most likely some of the passengers in the current reserve restaurant will be accommodated in the suite restaurant (where else could they go?).  But the lounge is still just for suite passengers.  If you want an earful about the current changes check out
https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/3004897-sanctuary-collection-on-sun-princess/

Now for some of what is still missing comparing the Princess ship within a ship offering to the MSC Yacht Club:

• Cabins are not located in a single area
• No personalized check-in and boarding
• No butlers
• No unlimited alcohol (new bookings have the premier package)
• The Sun deck does not include a grill (it does have a bar) offering breakfast and lunch.

Specifically to your questions and concerns about the Sanctuary, it has been reported here that the "only guests over 16" Sanctuary rule on all other Princess ships is still the rule on the Sun.  The obvious question of what about kids traveling in suites is answered exactly like that.

Suites

• Do get priority disembarkation when tendering.
• There is a concierge (I don't know the hours) in the Suites Lounge.
• Priority theater seating now is a perk of the premier package so I would think that since that package is now included (assuming you just made the reservations or booked with the premier package earlier).
• The premier package also includes unlimited Wi-Fi and daily crew appreciation gratuities.

I live 12 mile north of Port Everglades and will not go anywhere near Fort Lauderdale beach during March.  The traffic along A1A (the beach is on one side of the road and hotels, restaurants and bars are on the other) is horrific in large part due to the number of clueless jaywalkers trying to get to and from the beach.  The first (and only) year we made the mistake of driving down there I couldn't believe that portions of the beach were standing room only in the mid-afternoon.

All that said, if you can swing the price of Lago Mar (right on the south end of the beach) or Pelican Grand (on the north end of the beach) you would have a wonderful beach vacation.  They are too expensive for students and secluded from the spring break madness.  Another alternative would be the Sonesta which is across the street from the beach at the north end.  There aren't any surrounding hotels nearby so that part of the beach is less crowded. 

On 5/1/2024 at 8:02 PM, HALrunner said:

I'm asking about the PVSA specifically, but wasn't sure if I would get any bites without including the term Jones Act. So glad to see it must be a hot topic if others are getting popcorn! 

 

Honestly, I'm asking for a high school student's assignment. He just thought I might know because we cruise frequently. When I think of PVSA, I think of the annoying port stop in Ensenada on Hawaii cruises. But I'm guessing it has more to do with foreign flagged ships, taxes, foreign worker wages/visa issues, etc than just adding a foreign port to an otherwise domestic itinerary?

I'm eager to learn and operating under the assumption the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked. 😉🤞 🫣 🍿

I hope your high school student appreciates all the primary source material contributed on this thread and provides appropriate footnotes in his assignment. 

For specific unique events on an Alaska itinerary check out the North to Alaska program:  https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/north-to-alaska-cruise-activities

Every Alaska cruise has a full time naturalist on board that gives lectures in the theater and provides commentary from the bridge (for example, in the case of wildlife sightings).  If your itinerary includes Glacier Bay, National Park Rangers board for the day and provide commentary.

This is all in addition to the daily free events on board.  To get an idea of the extent of them take a look at any Patter posted for this season (I realize it has just begun but postings should be available soon).

Some additional information would help people make recommendations:

• How many passengers?
• When are your traveling?
• Budget (in dollars)?
• What time do you arrive in FLL?  Hotels are cheaper in Fort Lauderdale than Miami so if arriving late in the day with no Miami specific plans for the late afternoon and evening, you could save money by getting a hotel in Fort Lauderdale and traveling directly to Port Miami the next day.

15 minutes ago, FLAlaska said:

I know some people have said theyve had issues but I have not at all. I love it. Ive had food delivered to cabin & pool decks, drinks to various places including Princess Live, always worked to unlock my door as I walked up to it. I love the medallion.

Our experience is similar.  We used it on two cruises last year (28 days and 7 days) and throughout the ship.  I can remember 2 times when we didn't receive our food orders.  We assumed they were delivered to someone else since the app read delivered.  They were quickly corrected.  Considering that we were using the delivery system multiple times a day I thought that was very good.

12 hours ago, beltsbear said:

Yes, loyalty on celebrity got us a free bag of laundry each 7 days after just five cruises.  That’s not gonna happen till maybe our 12 cruise on princess. 

Unlimited free laundry happens with elite status (after 15 cruises or 150 days cruising on Princess).  That can be a significant perk especially if you take long cruises.

That information is on the port's official website:  https://www.porttb.com/cruise-schedules

1 hour ago, memoak said:

Suites have large showers with glass doors on Princess

And the new Sun Princess has shower glass doors in all cabins (finally!).

Don't miss the Tattoo.  It is a great experience!

https://www.edinburghfestivalcity.com/festivals/the-royal-edinburgh-military-tattoo

https://www.edintattoo.co.uk/

26 minutes ago, nhraformula00 said:

Valutrips.com for Hyatt Place se 10th st, just off of 17 th. st. May- Nov rooms are 109 a night and 119 a night depending on day of the week. We are staying there this coming May 18, 19, 30, 31 for our 10 day Princess cruise. Have used VT many times in the past for great discounts.

But @blue_wateris cruising next April which will still be high season especially if the cruise dates are just before or after Easter.  Value Trips will publish their rates and black out dates for 2025 sometime late in 2024.  OP - if you book something refundable soon you can keep an eye out for the 2025 VT prices.  

1 hour ago, MacMadame said:

Don't you think they'll put the Signature dining into a bigger space with this change?

Where?  The current suites dining room and adjacent kitchen were designed for the suite passengers from the very beginning.

1 hour ago, JillK said:

 

Thanks for posting the above pic - Hubby and I are travelling next March on the Sun with our sons who will be 13 & 15 at time of sailing.

 

Can you advise on how you managed this space with the reduction in room service?

 

In the old days (the last time we sailed four in a cabin in 2018) they would put away the bed from the ceiling and convert the lower bed into a couch in the morning and reverse the process the evening.

 

The only time we have sailed with an additional (third) berth since the reduction to one room service daily (on Carnival) it meant that the couch remained a bed for the entire cruise so we lost that space to use during the day. Didn't bother me as this was my hubby's cabin with our sons and I was in a second cabin with my daughter... but I have heard tales that this was a bone of contention in the "boys" cabin the entire week.

 

I'm looking for a good strategy to make our stateroom functional with four adult sized people sharing the space and likely not having access to a couch or other seating in cabin for 14 days.

 

Thanks!

On our two Princess cruises in 2023 we had twice a day service by our steward.  Hopefully someone will chime in if that has changed since last summer.

25 minutes ago, HotRoot said:

Have some time to kill so -

Current offerings on Ocean Now App onboard Majestic Princess.

 

Hot Food

Hot dog

Veggie Burger

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Beef Burger

Above all complimentary

Steak Frites 7 oz. filet - $19

Spaghetti Bolognesse - $12

 

Appetizer

Fruit Plate - Complimentary

Hummus Dip & Veggies - $4.99

Shrimp Cocktail - $12

Maki Shrimp Roll - $12

Cheese Plate - $4.99

Loaded Cheese Fries - Complimentary

Maki Spicy tuna Roll - $12

Maki California Roll - $12

Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato - $4.99

 

Sides

French Fries - Complimentary

 

Greens and Soups - All complimentary

Chicken Noodle Soup

Mixed Green Salad

Three Bean Chili

Caesar Salad

Chef's Salad

Greek Salad

 

Sandwiches - All complimentary

Club

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Princess Egg Muffin

Turkey

Vegetarian

Tuna Salad

 

Sweets

Key Lime Pie verrine

Chocolate Cake

New York Cheesecake

Above Complimentary

Chocolate Chip Cookies - $4.99

Ice Cream - Various Flavors - $6

 

Kids - All complimentary

Cheese Quesadilla

Chicken Fingers

Grilled Cheese

 

Crown Grill - 13 items costing from $5 to $19

 

Pizza - Only served from 11 am to 11 pm

Pepperoni, Vegetarian, Margherita - $8.50 each

 

The Catch - 24 items costing from $5 to $280

And that is it for food items.

Thank you so much.  This was very kind of you!  Hope you are enjoying your cruise.

2 minutes ago, HotRoot said:

These menus do not match what is currently on board.  First, pizzas now cost $8.50.  There is no guacamole and chips.  I did not look any further than that.

As I said they were dated last year.  Perhaps you could be so kind to post screen prints of the current menus?  

20 minutes ago, dog said:

I have an s9 booked, as well. My Travel Summary was updated with: Sanctuary Club Indicator, just now.

Nothing more.

I feel your pain!  No change with our summary either.

@ngetway when do you sail?  We don't sail until early January.

15 minutes ago, Knickearth said:

on a different issue - my NY friends cannot buy Princess coverage.  It isn’t allowed in NY.  Anyone know why?

From a post on the Cruise Critic Travel Insurance board (https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/😞

New York does not allow Cancel for Any Reason insurance because the state regulators do not consider it to be insurance. It does not protect against a risk, only the choice of the policyholder.

I would suggest consulting a third party insurer.  We have used the Trip Insurance Store (www.tripinsurancestore.com) for years.  Steve (the owner) and his staff are very knowledgeable and will work with your friends.

2 minutes ago, LittleTinker said:

Seems to be some confusion.

 

As far as I know you can order breakfast from your room every morning and there is no delivery charge.

 

As I understand it, there is no delivery charge for breakfast ordered with the door tag as discussed earlier.

Some of us were elaborating on when a room service charge is incurred (basically for anything else if you don't have Ocean Now) since poster @OTrail is a first time Princess cruiser.

4 hours ago, icat2000 said:

Some cruises in Australia sell out very quickly. If you could post some dates I could also check too to see if its a glitch or it is sold out. 

Mini suites for our 2023 Round Australia cruise sold out within 2 hours of opening for elites in the US.  For the next 2 years only an occasional cabin would be available.

@jennmaybeAre your itineraries legs on longer cruises?  Sometimes they restrict the number of cabins sold for each leg.