sunviking90

They used to deliver a printed summary NYT of about 8 pages. It would be left outside. It had a bit of news, some sports and the crossword. They also had a Canadian news one that could be requested. They stopped delivering, and then they were available at guest services. They had a stand with the various “newspapers” on it. The news was current. They likely received the summary edition overnight and printed them up. These days with everyone glued to their phones I guess it was decided to be unnecessary. (Edit) I see Ruth beat me to this answer!

We booked a “sale sheet” cruise last summer while onboard, paid in full and were able to add our ccl OBC when we got home. No issues.

Yes, I miss it too. They still print the crosswords thank goodness!

That’s pretty poor to hear nothing when you agreed to a counter offer. Enjoy your cruise regardless!

Our experience with them was fine. No better or worse than previously when they were Princess agents. Last year they had sale sheets of selected cruises at 50% off, with the packages also at 50% off. There were some great deals. I think I read here they don’t have those anymore though. Aside from that, HAL and Celebrity have better incentives for booking onboard.

Yes, that’s what I meant about convenience (financial and logistical). Those who don’t know better and only look at those considerations are missing out on a superior lower inside passage route to/from Vancouver. Interestingly about 15 years ago or more when many ships pulled out of Vancouver for Seattle the sailings out of Seattle were dirt cheap. We drove down from Vancouver twice for HAL sailings from Seattle as the price was much better than Vancouver. Both sailings were VERY rough going on the west side of Vancouver Island. I know it’s not always that way, but much prefer the Vancouver sailings for calm waters and scenery.

Likely a 14 day? Port fees and taxes are very high on Alaska cruises. They easily double any “deals” I see on the 7 day one way sailings.

I fear you’re right, but I hope not. I love a good soak in a tub.

Ruth is correct as always.

My experience with Princess is that if the ship has sailed in the UK previously, I have asked for a kettle and received one. The last time was on the Emerald Princess Panama Canal. Just asked the steward. It can be hard to get water hot enough for tea otherwise, Room service hot water is not hot enough for a “good” cup of tea by the time it arrives. On the Volendam in December one of the Lido hot water dispensers was out of order, so they had a large plastic one set up…..nowhere near hot enough. The other hot water dispenser was often empty.

Also eagerly awaiting more posts 😊

Another retired gen x-er here who also started cruising on a 20,000 ton beauty (RCCL’s Sun Viking) I enjoyed your intro and I’m looking forward to your reports already!

True. The Seattle ones seem to book up more easily. A lot of first timers especially will pick Seattle for convenience over other considerations.

CTV app has a “flashback” section with the Partridge Family episodes. I haven’t checked yet if they have that episode on it, but will today. There’s also a great Columbo Episode filmed on the original Sun Princess “Troubled Waters”. I don’t think Columbo is available in Canada right now tho.

Interesting article. https://www.cnn.com/travel/how-the-love-boat-transformed-cruising/index.html

True. Our best cruises ever!

They usually come as “private fares” but my PCC has said the Alaska ones are resident offers. I haven’t had any this year, but the fares showing when I log in are very good. My lowest prices right now come up if I go into the “Canada Super Sale” promo.

We get “resident” offers every year at good prices for May Alaska cruises on Princess, HAL and Celebrity, so I don’t think they have as many far advance bookings. A lot of the Alaska cruises combine with the cruise tours, even HALs 7 day insides, but May 5 is a little early for cruise tours so that may be another reason for high availability on it.

Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

I think we are on the same cruise as you. I also noticed this, but not too worried. We’ll all be in the same boat (ship 😉). It so happens that that date is our anniversary so we’ll probably go to a specialty restaurant one of the days. I also have the issue that my reservations are attached to a long cancelled duplicate booking and won’t appear in the new app and no one seems to be able to fix it, but have reassured me that the reservations are valid. I’ve just screenshot them all in the old app in case there’s an issue. If your reservations are the same time daily as ours are, there shouldn’t be a problem.

I’ve had the same issue on any Volendam sailing I’ve looked at in the last few days. Thought it was just me.

They’re allowed, but you have to use a cup or mug to fill them in the buffet, rather than directly. We always bring our thermal cups.

Bon Voyage Everyone! Great itineraries 🚢

I actually like that menu. The Salmon Poke bowl especially looks good. Agreed the menu is very much like HAL lunch which is the same every day. We didn’t mind it at all on HAL. I pretty much eat the same thing every day for lunch at home, lol. As long as Princess doesn’t copy HALs dinner menus. Very meh, weird choices and mostly accompanied by corn for some reason. We actually chose Princess for a 54 day cruise for the itinerary, and we couldn’t imagine eating HALs mdr dinners every day.