WAMarathoner

We just returned from a 10-day Caribbean Princess cruise. The dress code was not enforced at all for Anytime Dining, but definitely was for timed Dining Rooms, including Club Class. For the formal nights, I'd estimate about 80% or better made the effort. Of that, about a third was men in tuxes (with the remaining 2/3 in suits), maybe 40% of the women in gowns with the rest in various length dresses or nice pants suits. Not traditionally "formal," but they were nice nights. We had read so much on here about it not actually happening on Caribbean cruises, but were pleasantly surprised. Though we were in the suit/dress category this cruise, I believe I've convinced the other half to pack his tux next time.

Years ago we watched a guy who had to be about 80 years old, wearing a speedo,

Unless you're Terry Crews, Speedos should be banned.

We took the $7 r/t water taxi to the main beach. The ride was short and fun. You could easily walk it if you chose to (maybe 1/3 mile?). Best beach on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Head down to the guys at Burger Madness and Lizzy's beach bar. They'll give you a good deal on the chairs & umbrella ($20 for the day). The guys up front charging you $15 will spring it on you later that it's for 1/2 a day. Drinks are reasonably priced, internet (slow) is free, and the water is beautiful and refreshing. You do have to deal with ubiquitous vendors offering wares, but they're polite and not overly pushy.

We just got back and were not impressed. Next time we'll try the donkey sanctuary. All the beaches require taxis ($32 for two of us there and back, then chair rental, and umbrella rental). Worst was the pervasive smell of cheap weed and the amount of trash everywhere. You'd think a place that relies so much on tourism would enforce their drug laws and keep the streets clean.

Thanks so much. Sounds like fun.

If an outside group arranged for a full ship charter, then they'd cancel all the existing bookings.

The problem is when a large group comes aboard the ship NOT as a full charter, but acts like they are.

So, I clicked through the email, signed in, but I cannot find a single cruise that's $1 for passengers 3 and 4. Was anyone able to see them?

No, it doesn't change. Princess will tell you their stated policy. Whether or not it gets enforced is a different matter. On RCCL, I'd say it's less than 25% of passengers who dress for formal nights. On Princess, well over 75%. Maybe it depends upon the itinerary - on our last Alaskan cruise, just about everyone dressed up.

Go to Hooktube (or YouTube) and search Princess Formal Night. It will give you a good idea.

Wondering if it actually turns out to be a singing contest, and approximately how much time it takes out of the cruise.

Thanks!

Mount Roberts Tramway - the tram is a nice ride and there are hiking trails up top with gorgeous views. Just don't forget a jacket and water bottle.

http://mountrobertstramway.com/

That is not theft, it is public service.

Bravo!:D

I'm intrigued by all this and would like to try a veggie burger although it sounds like my first one should not be on a Princess Ship. What store brands are good? What should I pick up with my next pack of brats?

Boca Burgers are good. But not for men; it's processed soy and will contribute to pseudogynecomastia (man boobs). If you really want one, you're better off making your own from black beans.

 

Yep, I think that you nailed it. While I am a preferred carnivore, I do like to try different vegetarian dishes if they look interesting. Beyond some Asian restaurants that do amazing things with vegetarian dishes, I have found those that attempt to replicate meat from soy fail miserably.

^^ This ^^

At least they're not as bad as the last ones I had on Celebrity -- they were basically green food coloring and old(?) mashed potatoes. Disgusting.

We're meat-eaters, but enjoy the Indian section of the buffet, too. And like Tom, I'm all about good food regardless of the protein source.

"An athiest, vegan, and crossfitter walk into a bar. I only know this because they told everyone within 30 seconds." :D

I am always looking to find a good cruise deal and thinking of long term cruise in future, I tinker around in spreadsheet to see what make good sense. sometime main stream cruise line seem cheaper but then after adding costs (drinks, spec meal, gratuity, excursion, laundry, wifi, etc) sometimes luxury lines can be very competitive. So, I did a spreadsheet to kind of put few cruises line together to compare the actual cost. Hope some will find it useful.

1. First tab has Cruise Comparison worksheet (Blank worksheet, you plug in the cost)

2. second tab has What each cruise lines provided (it is short put together so it may not be comprehensive.)

3. Third tab has loyalty program overview (it has some of my opinion which you can ignore as everyone has diff needs.)

Very useful, especially the third tab. Thanks!

The wording of the complaint suggests legal representation of the kind commonly associated with " Ambulance Chasers"

+1.

He(?) could've said No. I wouldn't mind being on that jury, but Princess will probably settle instead.

The Mt. Roberts Tram in Juneau is a great excursion. If I remember right, it was a dollar extra to purchase it through the ship; that let you skip the purchase line at the tram station. At the top, there are some educational and animal exhibits, and then trails to hike. Beautiful scenery! Just make sure the kids bring jackets and water bottles.

http://mountrobertstramway.com/

If you don't mind forking out the $$$, the Waterfront Marriott has an excellent breakfast buffet and nice views.

Hi all. My better 3/4s

Now, now. Comments about your wife's weight are probably NOT going to be appreciated. ;)

Oh, but they have clarified it. It just not published in an open fashion in hopes of still attracting the formal crowd thus satisfying both groups.

Please point me to it. Thank you.

[nm]

Remember that the formal night dress code is a suggestion also....:D

Can you please point me to an official Princess notice saying so? Thanks.

No idea. I can tell you their 24 hour hold hasn't been functioning properly.

j/k ... sort of

I bought one of these not realizing it was pretty much all about jewelry. If anyone wants it, I'll ship it to you and you can mail me back the postage cost.

Julie

I have noticed that the "you will be thrown overboard if you don't wear formal clothes" claims have diminished as has the number onboard wearing tux/formal gowns. Personally I think it is a turn for the better. It is a cruise ship and not a country club for the wealthy.

You don't have to be wealthy to dress nicely. Just wait for a good sale or buy through consignment.

I wish Princess would clarify and enforce it one way or the other instead of leaving it up to the DR host.

Loved the stingrays in Grand Cayman. There were tons of charter boats all grouped near the same sandbar. They give you squid pieces to hold in your fist and the wild rays come and get them. Warning: don't hold too tightly because the huge females have incredible suction power. This was one excursion that was definitely worth the money.