alyssamma

Agreed. We had no problems getting a single pizza. Ditto for getting a single charcuterie board.

LOL, yeah, I thought that was pretty obvious...but I guess to some it wasn't 🙂

So, interesting thing about the sundaes...you can customize them. Still huge, but you can ask to not get certain things or have other things added. Also, the "huge" cakes at the international cafe that they charge for are "free" with the plus package (counts as one of your 2 free desserts).

Yeah, I just got off the Sapphire and one of the two didn't open until 4:30pm (unless you want the sushi). Portions were huge...my wife and I actually made 4 meals out of them (i.e., each time we got one of our freebies and split it). Personally, I think the charcuterie is the best as the pizza is only marginally better than what you can get for free, but regardless, they make a good dinner or - since you are on a cruise - pre-dinner "snack" 🙂

I've cruised a few lines and imho what makes HAL stand out is the following: 1) Club Orange. Upgrading to highest available stateroom in your category makes it pay for itself. Throw in special seating for dining (and special room on ships like Nieuw Stadendam) and priority embarkation/tender and it's a no brainer. 2) Music venues. BB Kings and Rolling Stones are a little unique and fun. 3) Have It All. In an age where lines are downgrading AI packages (e.g., X just pulled grats from its) or don't have them at all (e.g., RCCL, CCL), it's nice to see a good package still exists. Furthermore, they always run specials to include the grats (these aren't always included), upgrade to top level wifi and drinks, etc. And they give shoreex credit and OBC too. Again, this isn't always, but the deals run so often it feels that way. Besides that, the food is good, cabins are nice, etc. Other ships have these of course.

Yeah, at first I thought the OP was being sarcastic, but then they said they don't care about the view...so very confused now...

This. I'm on my first Princess cruise right now and sailed my first HAL back in May. While X is my favorite line, their AI package is noticably worse (for the price) than Princess or HAL. One thing I really like about Princess, other than drinks like Grey Goose included in the bottom tier, is that there is only one class of wifi. So no useless wifi in the bottom tier. I'm.able to stream whatever I want, check on my cameras, etc...all.on the bottom AI tier. And HAL also has club orange which is simply amazing and more than pays for itself with the room upgrade.

Entree is the main dish. I'm guessing you are from a place where the entree is the appetizer.

So, a letter from the hotel GM was delivered to my room today, assuring me that they had taken steps to address my issues. I didn't think I could be more impressed, but I am. For a first time Princess cruiser, they have knocked it out of the park. I would definitely consider this line over X for future cruises.

Wasn't an interruption at all. They came after the entree and before dessert was served. As the guest services guy was talking, dessert came and he quickly finished up, noting our food had come. I in NO way saw this as an interruption and was very impressed. Like @vwlmember I've filled out surveys...good and bad...on several.otther lines and NEVER received any response or acknowledgement. This is my first Princess cruise and it makes me look.forward to my second.

On the 32 day Sapphire Princess. At the beginning of the cruise we got a survey. We don't really complain and nothing major was bothering us so we ignored it. Then we got a second one. I decided to put two things in it. Again, if we didn't get the second survey I would have never complained, and it wasn't something that would make me say I'm not sailing Princess or anything like that. I had a bad interaction with a lady at guest services. The manager came out settled my problem in under a minute, and it was forgotten. Also, I mentioned the food wasn't consistent. As an example, my wife and I had prime rib tonight and hers was the entire cow and mine was made for a child. There are also some quality issues with certain staples like the pizza... sometimes amazing and sometimes not so much. Anyway, while eating today the MaitreD for the restaurant came over to talk to me about the food comment. Right behind him was the guest services head and he wanted to know what happened there. I was blown away. I didn't expect the survey to be read, let alone acted on. They listened intently, and explained what they would do to prevent these things from happening again. And again these weren't big issues for us at all Anyway, at least on this ship, they are listening and working to improve.

My understanding is they are for the gym (also? Only?) So anyone can use them.

Ty, lol, someone just told me that yesterday and even with normal water temp that is appealing as the shower is coffin sized. Luckily maintenance fixed it a few hours after we reported it...now I feel stupid for waiting a day, lol

It seems to work for many...esp those that can't climb stairs. But I wanted to make it clear to people. Some, like myself, like the cardio, so if that is what you want you need to be aware of when it is closed.

So, two things I'd like to comment on since I've spent a little more time on this ship. I'd have to up my rating slightly for the staff...in general. I'd say there are 10% who I think are a little below average. We know them and avoid them now. The other 90% are far above average. And for some the A/C has quit. We are lucky in that we still have it but the sink and shower water in our cabin is scalding hot (others have this problem too). Not ruining the cruise for us at all, but definitely annoying lol. Oh, and a third thing...food. Beef is pretty much always excellent. Fish and chicken are very good. Pork and lamb we find to be subpar. Definitely like the IC...and you can customize your sandwiches which is a huge plus IMHO.

Bottom center of the TV, underneath the edge, there is a toggle switch. Press it and you'll see a menu that allows you to select the input

I have not unfortunately. There is a website that lists "cruise deck plans" and has pics and videos...have you tried looking there? If I look there I don't see any OV on deck 9 but on deck 10 I see a video of a premium OV at the front of the ship. They are on the balcony there. On other lines these types of cabins are open when in port but closed otherwise

We have not but we know several people who have tried the steak restaurant and they all said the food was really good.

I believe they are on every floor, but not at the same location. So for us, the one that is one deck down is closer than the one on our floor. Lol, one deck up might be even closer...we should look...

Ah, we are on the week before you...sailing 1/2...Enjoy your cruise!

Are you taking this on the Silhouette? I think I'm on the same excursion

On Moorea we are renting a roadster and driving around. On Papeete we hired a private driver. On Suva we have a tour through Viator that does a river cruise, waterfall and local village. On Dravuni we are just walking around. We are in Pago Pago on a Sunday so are thinking about doing a church but it will be very hot so not sure about that, lol. On Samoa we have another Viator tour that takes us to waterfalls and different spots on the island.

Also, note that this promenade requires you to walk to deck 8 for a portion. Many on this cruise have mobility issues that make that difficult, so they simply stay on 7 and walk back and forth, thereby going both clock and counterclockwise 😀 Even if you can climb stairs, if you walk at night the stairs are closed so you have no choice but to go in both directions

A note about laundry. We did it today for the first time and it went fine. $3 each for wash and dry, take pods or laundry sheets to avoid the extra 1.50 cost of detergent. We are on deck 10, but it is actually closer for us to go down to deck 9 for laundry. And, there are twice as many machines there. So, know your closest laundry room 😀

Yeah, I explicitly said it here because I know different ships have different TVs and this is a subject that people always want to know about. Just trying to give info as I get it ..