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Chairs around the Retreat Pool are free to use by all passengers, just first come, first served. The Sanctuary, which is one deck above the Retreat Pool, is an additional cost and as long as you check in with them on the first day, it shouldn't be a problem to get chairs. Not sure how fast the cabanas book out.

I've found that to be my experience as well. Unless you eat at 7, noon and 6 pm, you're pretty much relegated to the buffet or IC. I've been known to order pizza delivery to the Explorers Lounge at 10 for a drinking snack. People looked at me with envy lol.

Thinking back, I actually didn't like the layout of the ship either. The lounges were much too small for the volume of passengers, and in inclement weather when everyone was forced inside, it was jammed full of people. Also having only 2 decks to move forward and aft on the ship was a complete hassle and created huge traffic jams in the photo area.

I had to go hunt down my review. Couldn't find my CC review, but I had it saved in my Yelp reviews. It wasn't a pleasant memory to reread it. 11/11/14 Day of Embarkation we arrived at the terminal around 1:30 pm, and waited in line about 30 mins. Not terribly long, but it was chilly with the AC being very strong at some points in the line. Once we got to the front, DH split off with DS and I took DD. We were both notified that they could not locate our reservation, and they were going to have to contact a supervisor. 25 minutes later, and no updates in between at all, we are told "we have you on the manifest, but no other record of you." 15 minutes after that, they were able to print us cruise cards, and we boarded the ship. At this point we knew we needed to switch room cards to put the kids in their own room, so we headed down to guest services to take care of this. This was actually handled fairly smoothly. Then off to the casino to pick up my prepaid packages (which I wasn't feeling very confident about, considering my lost reservation). I was right to be concerned, as they had no record of them, and sent me back to deal with guest services.This is where my whole cruise was soured, as I had to spend the next 5 days, and 15 encounters with the desk to finally get resolution to my problem. Apparently MSC has a "process" that they MUST follow if a guest has a problem onboard, which involves them emailing the problem to the home office, then waiting for a reply back. I understand that this would be more efficient for an international traveler, but I was booked through the US office, and a quick phone call would have cleared my problem up immediately. My request to speak with the Guest Relations Manager was denied.I had printed documentation outlining exactly what I had booked and paid for, including copies of my credit card charge, as I had previously read of others having problems. So I figured it should be a quick matter to clear up, and be on my way. NOPE... The desk informed me that it could be up to 2 days before I received a resolution. They sent off an email, and told me to check back with them that evening. At this point, I needed to also go see the Maitre 'D as we had no dining assignment either, due to them losing our reservation. This had to be the longest line I waited in all cruise. After waiting 45 minutes we were finally assigned a table for 4 for early dining. But after all this running around on board, we were just too tired to get ready for dinner, so skipped first night.I went back to our room, called my TA and let her know what was going on. She called me back in 20 mins, said a supervisor at MSC was working on it, and it would be cleared up within the hour. At this point I figured let it go, and check back with the desk later.Checked back 3 times that night, no resolution. And apparently I wasn't the only unhappy passenger, as the lines on both sides of guest services was long, and people were yelling!! Yikes!The next day, I checked in with the desk 4 times, and was finally told they would contact me if they heard anything. That afternoon they called and said they finally heard back, everything is ok and paid for( like I already said and had proof of) and to come down in 3 hours and my packages would be ready. So I show up 3 hours later, but they're not ready yet. But come back in 15 minutes, and they'll have it ready!!At this point, it's time for dinner, so I say we'll be back later. We go to dinner, and tell them our assigned table, and get seated. The waiter asks to see my card, as he says we're not the guests who sat there the evening prior. No problem, I show it to him, and on with our dinner. Then back to the desk to pick up packages. Ask about my prepaid excursions, and told to check in with the excursion desk the next day. Also I need to clear up all beverages already purchased one by one with drink tickets..... one receipt at a time.... 30 minutes later...Show up to the excursion desk the next morning, and SURPRISE! they have no record of my booking. I explain to the gentleman all the issues with my prepaid bookings, and he has to go straighten it out with the desk. 30 minutes later I finally have my excursion tickets in hand. Then back to desk to see if prior drink charges are cleared up yet. Nope... told to give them time to take care of it.Show up for dinner on 3rd night, get seated, then told we're sitting at someone else's table. WHAT?!? Mario the asst. Maitre D explains to us that he doesn't know how we got assigned that table, as it isn't logged in the system. He tells us that he has a table for us, but we need to move. At this point the other people decide to let it go for the night, but we need to move the next night.On the 5th day of the cruise they finally cleared up all the previous drink charges, but I realized that the 2 bottles of Asti Spumante I prepaid to have for sailaway on our balcony had never arrived. So another call to the desk to ask if they would please credit these back to our account, as we didn't want or need them this late in the cruise. NOPE... MSC NEVER AGAIN

A Mojito is a traditional Cuban punch. The cocktail often consists of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. Its combination of sweetness, citrus, and herbaceous mint flavors is intended to complement the rum, and has made the mojito a popular summer drink

We cruised on the Divina in the Caribbean. Best part of the whole cruise was the pizza.

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MSC was a one and done for me. However, they do status match, so if you are Elite with Princess they will match you with their highest Tier level which is Black. It offers a nice discount.

To see if robes have been requested log in to Princess, not through the app. Access the personalizer for your cruise then choose Check in. Scroll down until you get to Onboard Preferences and there you will see bed configuration, robes, etc.

As soon as you land back on the ship order a round (or 2) delivered to your stateroom while getting ready. It's just one of many of the amazing things the Medallion does.

The plus package is the way to go if you drink at least 3-4 drinks a day. And no mixing in the stateroom required. Just order on the app and it appears like magic.

A mojito without the simple syrup is a perfect light and refreshing drink for those hot days.

You can also notify the whole Princess team shoreside by emailing dietaryrequest@princesscruises.com

My 2 cents, which aren't worth much, but as a family who has cruised only Princess, HAL, and MSC, my kids aren't lining up to make Princess cruise vacations their priority. We cruised for the itinerary, but the product left a LOT to be desired in appealing to kids. Now that they're grown, they won't even cruise at all.

Thank you. I want to book that 2 day Pacific Coastal in 9/23 as it will finally get me to Elite. Already verified now just have to wait til Dec. 5th to book.

Princess can advertise to families, but families aren't going to flock to Princess. The ships just don't have the amenities to keep kids busy and entertained for a week at a time.

Have you tried using your phone? Mobile devices seem to be working fine.

2. Is there any beer on tap on the Discovery (or on any Princess ship, for future knowledge). The only place I'm aware of that has beer on tap is the Salty Dog Gastropub. According to their menu they have Strongbow Cider Heineken Newcastle Affligem Blonde available in 12 or 20 oz pours.

You can book one person in a cabin as a solo, but you will have to pay 2 cruise fares for the solo supplement. You will only be charged one set of port taxes and fees. It's easy enough to add a second passenger later at which time you will be charged a second set of port taxes ad fees.

Using the pool on a cruise is a big part of my cruise experience. I've sailed HAL, Princess, NCL, and Celebrity to Alaska. Celebrity wins hands down for their Adults only covered Solarium. But I'm booked on the Majestic next May to Alaska to try out the covered Hollywood Pool Club. It looks like an amazing space to relax.

That happened to me because I mixed up a letter and number from my booking number. Maybe try again?

They actually did try to upcharge it at the grill at one point. It obviously didn't take off well. Too bad really because it's a good burger. Much better than the hockey pucks at the grill.

The most ironic part of this to me is that generally speaking the appetizers, soups and salads are almost better than the main entrees. I just get 3 starters and 1 entree to try and call it good.

Just out of curiosity, why did you bid if you didn't want the upgrade?

Spring breakers.