callmedeb

Thanks all! I was kind of hoping that since everything else doubles when you cruise single, the wine would too.

;)

Deb

If I'm travelling as a solo, am I allowed to bring one, or two, bottles aboard?

Not sure if it's open on embarkation, never really looked.

The night before embarkation I filled out the forms that are available a the FCC's desk and dropped them in the provided mail-slot. The two deposits showed up in my account (both Princess & my CC) within a week or so.

So very convenient.

Deb

I'm in my early 40's and although I often sail with friends, my favourite cruising experience was my solo cruise (Nieuw Amsterdam in 2012).

I made friends (Roll Call was great), and I had no obligations to anyone but myself.

It's a very freeing feeling!

I dined in the Buffet most nights, but did join some new friends at their table a couple of times.

My 2017 cruise is a solo cruise right now. My friends know that they are welcome to join me, but that I'm okay if they don't.

Don't tell them, but I'm hoping none can make it ;)

THANK YOU! That's what I thought and how I've always pronounced it. Some staff on board told us it was KAY. I disagreed but had no way to 'prove' it. :)

You all should come to Toronto where we have Queens Quay. Pronounced Key.

LOL

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queens_Quay_(Toronto)

I LOVED the Enclave on the Regal, even though the lounges we not heated.

I learned to put two towels in the dry sauna while I enjoyed the pool and then used the heated towels on the loungers. Pity I didn't figure this out until the second to last day.

I just cart a small purse, so I have comb, lipstick, tissues and key handy! It's a very small bag...it take it to concerts and dances where you don't need a big purse!

 

If I was carrying around all the stuff the OP has, I'd use a tote!

I have a habit of leaving totes, but not my notebooks, lol

Do you carry all that daytime stuff in the pencil bag? Or is the pencil bag in something else?

 

Maddle

It's a large pencil case. But the iPad and Notebook(s) do not fit.

On the lost/stolen/missing wallet thread a side discussion was started concerning what we carry with us when we're out and about on the boat (Ship, I know).

I found this really interesting and thought it needed it's own thread, so here goes.

I wear my cruise card on a lanyard, but...

During the day I generally carry:

• A Large Pencil Case (with markers/pens/chapstick/meds/bingo dabbers ;))
  
• Sunscreen (if needed)
  
• Sketchbook
  
• iPad (Mini)
  
• Writing Notebook
  

My days usually consist of Trivia, maybe bingo - but mostly finding a quiet place to read/draw/write. I'm not much for pools or sunbeds, lol. I especially enjoyed the seating areas on the Promenade outside deck areas.

In the evenings:

• Lipstick (that I make one of my friends put in their evening bag)
  

My Friend and his Fiancee did this on our most recent cruise. He is an EXTREMELY picky eater. They modified their usual menu for him, going so far as letting him order some of the items from the children's menu.

The two of them RAVED about this meal and would do it again in an instant.

They booked it ahead of time through Princess (for their first date anniversary date).

Hope this helps!

Deb

The International Cafe is my favourite place on the ship. Tea and people watching.

Deck 7 (Promenade) is where most of the entertainment venues are and is another great place to people watch. The high-backed chairs across from Princess Live are surprisingly comfortable.

I second the love of the peanut butter cookies. They taste just like my Grans did!

Enjoy!

On our 11 day Panama Cruise we purchased the wine package and that seemed to work out well for us. I have read that this would not be available for a 7 day cruise.

 

My question is, we have signed up for a 14 day BTB cruise (2 - 7 day cruises) … could the wine package be purchased?

 

Anyone with experience doing this?

 

Thanks in advance

It wasn't offered on our recent B2B on Regal.

I second Alfredo's. We ate there quite a few times over our two weeks, always good! Perfect spot to avoid the crowds on embarkation day.

Other tips?

MD dine early or late.

Crown is worth the charge, Sabitini's isn't

There is a smoothie bar at the Lido (central) pool most days, but is only open until 3pm

There are fresh scones and toppings every day at the buffet, at 330pm.

High Tea (no charge) in one of the dining rooms at 330pm also (check the patter, on the back where the dining venues/times are listed)

If you buy a coffee card, they only punch for specialty coffees, regular/decaf coffee and bagged tea are free (in the IC, with the card)

If you get the Ultimate Beverage Package, the ice cream from Gelatos (in the Piazza) is also included

Enjoy!

Deb

I did TVoTO both weeks on my last cruise and had a BLAST!

There is a set list of songs you get to chose from for the big show (in the Princess Theatre), and you perform with the Princess Orchestra, not from a Karaoke tape. It's a good mix (IMO), of genres and styles you choose from and you get 2-3 rehearsals to modify/practice with the band before the main show.

On the 7 night cruise there were two nights of Karaoke "warm-ups" (in Princess Live) and then the audition in the Vista Lounge. At the Audition the Audience votes for the top Seven who then go onto the final (as described above).

Prizes? Chateau de Ship for the runners-up and slightly better sparkling wine for the winner. The winner's tape also gets sent to The Voice's production team.

Like I said, I had a blast doing it. Also totally didn't win, but made new friends =)

Deb

I just got off the regal (on the 31st) and she had two groups. One entertainer based who I did not notice at all and one very large group of singles (300+).

I did notice some venues closed and I believe they took over one of the dining rooms, but it didn't impact my life.

There are a surprisingly large number of places you can be on a ship with 3000+ passengers.

=)

Thanks Chris!

I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. And to answer my question =)

Cheers,

Deb

Just caught up with you and am REALLY enjoying your posts! A group of friends and I are doing 14 days on Regal in January and this is really amping up my excitement!

Thank you!

I have one question... Is the Casino smokey at all?

Thanks!

Deb

I love you.

Seriously. You made my day. Thanks!

Recently back from my first Princess Cruise (PC) (on the lovely Emerald Princess) and thought I’d do a brief comparison review between PC and Holland America Line (HAL), the only other line I’ve cruised on.

A bit of background about me. I’m 40, love to travel and you’ll find that, at least in my reviews, I really don’t complain about much, I’m a happy traveller – especially when it’s -35 deg C back home and I’m in the Caribbean on a ship. I usually travel solo or with one other person – this trip there were six of us (spoiler alert: no one killed anyone).

Embarkment

Pier 19 in FLL – Quick and painless – I’d put it even with HAL

Cabins

Inside PC v. Inside HAL – HAL wins this one for sheer size and the fact they have full bathtub/shower combos.

The insides on the EP were just fine though – great storage and a HUGE walk in are with an open concept closet, the closet beats anything I’ve ever had on HAL.

Itinerary

All new ports except one, time in each was good, although I’d have liked less time in Nassau and more time in Grenada – tie on this one.

Excursions

Had a great time on all ship excursions except the last one in FLL on disembarkment day…

Since we had a late (7pmish) flight back to Toronto we took the everglades excursion to kill some time before spending an eternity at FLL. I had taken a similar one on HAL and was really looking forward to another visit. Boy, was I disappointed. HAL (and Sawgrass Rec) wins this one hands down. The Princess excursion was rushed, little time spent on the boat checking out the everglades and less time spent on the ‘gater show. We didn’t even have time to go in the gift shop! Sawgrass was WAY better.

But this was my only complaint =)

Food

I did not go hungry and enjoyed what I ate, but HAL is better overall. From the Lido Buffet selections and layout (separate stations rather than one congested blob in the middle) to the burger joint on deck, HAL is better laid-out, has better quality of food and MAN did I miss the taco/nacho station (n.b. this is probably a good thing).

I’d rate the fine dining about the same. Room service on HAL has a better selection for breakfast and dinner though.

Bars

HAL & PC are equal in their ability to keep me liquid, although it sometimes took a while for a server to find me in Club Fusion on EP.

Shoppes

Same and same.

Activities

PC comes out on top for this category. A lot to do, I sometimes had to make very hard decisions. There is more variety on PC than found on HAL (who is still fun, but way quieter).

Ship Design

PC actually wins on this with their varied deck pool areas and MUTS (which I surprisingly LOVED). I also enjoyed the aft hot tubs. I didn’t like the pool area on sea days, but that’s just because I don’t like to feel crowded.

Service/Staff

On both cruise lines it’s the staff that makes or breaks it for me. PC and HAL tie for the most wonderful Crews on the seas. Fantastic people all around.

Misc.

Things from HAL I missed – Explorers Lounge/Library (best at sea in my opinion), Nachos.

Things from PC that I’ll miss – International Café (although I should be a law that they have meringue every day).

A note on Noro…

We were at a heightened level for most of the cruise and I know some people (not in my party) who were confined for 48 hours, but everything still went smoothly. HAL seems to be more stringent in their preventative measures than PC is, but I didn’t miss being “chased” around with Purell or reminded to wash my hands to the “birthday song.”

In Conclusion…

HAL has a slight edge for me, but I wouldn’t hesitate taking another Princess Cruise. PC is a nice fit as well and it’s good to keep my options open.

I can recommend the Noordam. Had a wonderful cruise on her in the Western Caribbean a few years ago. Great ship.

Deb

I've added up my bar bills from my last cruise with my dad... This would work for us, only just though.

Looking at my solo cruise... Yup, would also work.

Ahhh Vacation Drinking, how I miss you, lol.

Deb

Even though I don't say so daily, Dave, I am enjoying every post of yours. I especially like reading the menu, and checking out the entertainment. So few posters even mention the entertainment that it's refreshing to get the info.

Especially the menus =) I always choose what *I* would have ordered, and then open my lunch to find peanut butter and jam again :p

Cheers,

Deb

Thanks for taking all of us along with you.

I, for one, have never imaginary eaten better.

Cheers,

Deb

Looking forward to reading your (and your DW's) adventures again.

Thank you for taking all of us along!

Cheers,

Deb

We then did a 30-minute city tour before driving about 5 miles out of town to a national mangrove preserve to board the only licensed airboats in the preserve. THey split us into three groups of about 15 each and had us board three of the four large airboats.

 

The company's name is Bak-A-Bush

My sister and I did this tour too, LOVED it! It certainly made our visit to Belieze!

Deb

P.S. She got the best seat (up with the driver) too!