dorisis

Not trying to be a total downer but that was basically an infomercial for princess. That in NO way reflects the day to day life of a crew member. Sorry just saying...

ps. I worked on ships (NCL and Celebrity from 1999-2003)

agree.

We have been faxing our Shareholder info for many years and have NEVER had a problem.

Holland America

From Ft Lauderdale -- 7 & 14 day cruises

Eurodam

Nieuw Amsterdam

From Tampa -- 7 and 14 day cruises

Veendam

We just took a cruise out of Tampa on RCs Vision OYS that stopped at KW.

Vision would not be my choice for an 11 year old. You might want to check out Freedom. They have a lot more kids things.

We were booked for the Coral in January 2016. Princess canceled us on that date and moved us up into April. For us that is good news because Coral is our favorite Princess ship and we liked her just as she was.

I only book after I get on the ship. Otherwise I can't use my OBCs. When I was on the Oasis in October, I was told the package was no longer available. Then when I got on the Vision in November, it was available. Maybe it differs by ship. With RC that often happens.

Also, different staff will give different answers to questions. At least, that has been my experience.

We ended up with $750 OBC, and took the 5 day package for $100 per person. Then had 1 more night in Giovannis for another $25 per person. And a Mexican lunch (which was not good) for $15 per person.

The OBCs were the reason we splurged. I doubt if we would have done it otherwise. But the meals were superior to those in the MDR as was the service. The specialty restaurants are small and far less noisy than the MDR. For someone like me, with a hearing problem, quiet is a much more pleasant way to dine.

On Vision: Chops was $30 per person, Giovannis was $25, Izumi was ala carte. These were also available in package deals of 3, 4, or 5 dinners at a discounted rate. The Chef's Table was $85 per person. There were also luncheons available at $15 per person held in the specialty restaurants on port days.

We were 2 of the "older crowd" and found Vision to be perfect for us. service was excellent in the cabin we had, (Jr Suite on deck 8), as well as in the specialty dining rooms where we ate most of our dinners.

The Diamond Lounge was usually very crowded at cocktail time, but Schooners was handy for a pre-dinner drink.

We only attended 2 shows and they were so so.

We liked the ship so much that we have another cruise booked on her for next year.

Thank you. I am looking forward to 28 days of warm weather on the Vision:)

We just got off the Vision and it was one of the best cruises we have ever had. We booked another cruise on her for next year. Hope you enjoy her as much as we did.

Another vote for option #1

Diamond still gets the bag of cookies?????

I would rather fly in and out and spend as much time as I wanted in any one place.

Staying in a cabin near the elevators is a great location. You won't hear elevator noises and it will mean that you will have less walking because of being near.

That is great to hear. We board the Vision Saturday and had only cruised in the past on that ship with Capt. Liz.

We, too, will board Saturday and will be looking forward to meeting that Captain.

My private yacht.

Until I got bored.

Anyplace I fancied.

I would prefer the Carnival ports. Do a little reference work and you will have a better idea of the ports.

Princess also serves an afternoon tea with small sandwiches and pastries in one of the dining rooms. Casual dress is fine.

If you buy a coffee card they have specialty teas which do not require a punch to the card. This is usually at the international café. 24 hours a day.

We are Diamond members and like the perks that being Diamond brings.

I have over 40,000 points on my RC credit card. If I use this for an OBC will I be able to have any I don't use refunded or should I use it to pay down my account?

I hope you get the luncheon. It's much nicer than the cocktail party. Especially for non drinkers.

Any OBC from a TA is refundable. I go to Guest Services on the last afternoon of a cruise and get remaining OBC in cash there.

Not so . We had an OBC from our TA and it was NON-Refundable. That was on Oasis last week.

We usually have a lot of OBC and prefer to use that for specialty restaurants. With booking online, your credit card will be charged and any savings goes to more OBC which is non refundable. If you book onboard for the first night there is a discount and the savings are yours to keep.

Welcome to Cruise Critic! :)

 

 

We'd choose either Princess or HAL.

 

Princess will have more activities. HAL has the covered pool.

Princess would be my number one choice with Holland America second.

I am a very light sleeper I use ear plugs and an eye mask.