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Technical director (aka my daughter) corrected me. Premier Reserved Seats are HOUSE left (when facing the stage). So far, on all of my cruises, the reserve seats are on the upper level. I have seen it either above the second railing OR at the very top of Deck 7. This was the first time I've seen Reserved Seats on Deck 6. No "guards" but an announcement was made a few minutes before show time. Seats were never filled for second show.

The Loyalty and Events Manager on the Diamond (in March) gave me the new updated list (and warned me). But I didn't take to mind....since we all know that Princess ships are not consistent across the fleet. Wishful thinking. A couple more comments to thread. I requested a hand held shower head. Not in my cabin when I checked in. Installed before I took my first shower. Princess is trying very hard. I appreciate all of the small things they are doing to make cruising easier on older folks. I also received a shower chair that doubled as a "barrel chair" when needed. Next cruise with this cabin mate will book a handicap accessible cabin. Also, after making her walk back from Pier 39, friend requested a wheelchair from street to ship. One was summoned. He took her all the way to her cabin. How could you ask for more? Service was outstanding.

My vegetarian friend likes In-N-Out. Gets a cheese burger without the burger.

Check out the roll call. Or link the roll call here. I am sure there will be one person on the roll call that knows someone who would be willing to sponsor a drink. Great way to meet someone. I know I would contact a friend if they were on the same cruise.

I should also add...cabin mate's daughter-in-law needed to get a passport for a flight to the UK...next week. Let me try to explain (not going to be easy). 1. DIL dropped us off at the port (we left car with them). They were all (3) flying to Heathrow in a little over 2 weeks (from 5/20). She had no current passport (maybe expired). 2. Needed one ASAP. Called somebody and was told to call back exactly two weeks before trip to get an appointment. 3. Called while we were on the cruise. Exactly 14 days out. Best appointment was in San Diego after their flight left (so nothing available within 14 days). Don't quite understand how that works. 4. Found out when she picked us up. They had to reschedule their flights for after the weekend. After she drives to San Diego to pick up passport. For a small "expedient" fee (not the $400 she was expecting if she went through a service that wouldn't have worked). Luckily, they are flying to Heathrow for a different land occasion. Will make that event. But if she was boarding a ship...I'm sorry. Luckily, "event" was scheduled with some buffer time.

I have several In-N-Outs within a 5 mile radius of my home. I could never understand the following they have. But when my daughters visit me...the fist stop is always there. I don't patronize the establishment if they are not with me. French Fries crisp (double fried) and grilled onions on my hamburger. With a milk shake chaser.

Got both of those.

Assistant Maitre d' on the Crown told me (take it as you wish) that one of the main pools is heated. Can't remember which one. I did not test out the pool to see how warm it was.

oops...I am used to suite amenities. I meant to say elite amenities. There were no extra tube of lotion (large pump bottle), no shower cap, no q-tips, no emory board, no nothing. When I asked about elite amenities, my room steward said they are no longer offered. Thanks for catching my mis-step.

Two of my friends recently lost their significant others and wanted to take a cruise, just to cruise. I roomed with one. I was completely out of my comfort zone in an inside with no beverage package (lol). I booked this cruise just so that we could visit with each other and do really nothing. No high expectations. Both were in their 90’s. I earned the name “mom” on this cruise. Disclaimer, some of my remarks are short and may appear to be disjointed. Just jotting thoughts rather than composing a formal review. On the way to the port, my cabin mate told me she left her passport at home since she had a Real ID. I made her turn around (yes, she was driving) and drove back to her house to pick it up. That made us late for our 11 arrival time. The agent did verify that she would not have been allowed to board without her passport. Late for embarkation lunch. We were finally “kicked out” of MDR (last passengers eating). Made it to our Muster Station check in before arriving at our cabin around 3:30. Turned on the television for the briefing. Never made it up for sail away. Thank goodness dinner was at 7 PM. Strange as it was, there was a 45 minute wait for a wheel chair at 12. Several people ahead of us when about 5 attendants came down, lingered, and were dismissed for lunch. I thought that was really strange, so did the person in the yellow vest. We took the escalator upstairs, checked in quickly, and an agent “found” us a wheelchair who took my friend through security. Another 45 - hour wait in the wheelchair area, so she walked on, using her cane. I was able to arrange to have dinner in DaVInci at 7 PM every night with the same wait staff/same table. Excellent servers and Assistant Manager. Several menu items on this cruise were new. All of the meat meals were cooked to perfection and wonderful. I had a dietary restriction. I ate too much since we enjoyed our dinner meal in a small enclave away from the main area. Each meal took about 2 hours since one eater was very slow. Never felt rushed. Most breakfasts except for disembarkation day and room service was in the buffet. 2 sea days lunches in the MDR. Several meals off the ship. Made it to Skywalker lounge once (no one checked medallion). Room service was on time or prompt when ordered by phone. I was able to exchange my mini-bar for items I wanted. Canapés were less than desired, but who eats them anyway? Three production shows. Rock Opera, Blame it on the Boogie, and Magic to Do. It was relatively easy to find seats for the second show. Blame it on the Boogie was scheduled for a really odd time. Didn’t make it to either show. Guest performers were a hit and miss. Premier Package seats were on the top/stage left or bottom level/stage left. Never fully used. The Emerald Princess has a walk in Deck 6 Princess Theater. Did not require any steps for wheelchair access. The Meet and Greet was well attended. 4 officers were there: Associate General Manager, Entertainment Director, Loyalty and Events Manager, and Guest Services Manager (might have had one more). They introduced themselves and then did a Question and Answer session. Each Meet and Greet is different. All officers were invited. Captain was heard everyday over the PA system but wasn't at the M & G. He kept us informed of lots of things. I did understand that the 2 sea days would be packed with events since this was a port intensive cruise. There were activities in the Piazza all the time. I am not a trivia person so didn’t follow their sessions. There were 2 formal nights that included a Champagne night. The casino was packed and smoky. The Captain Circle party, I thought was a dud. There was no mention of the new Sun Class ships. No Hip, Hip Hooray, for Princess. Just drinks and thank you for coming. On the night I attended, the Captain did not show up. He was supervising a Medical Evacuation of a young 3 year old and her mother. https://abc7.com/santa-barbara-coast-guard-toddler-airlift/13308117/ Traveling with 2 ninety plus year olds can be quite a challenge (too personal to detail issues here). Both were mobile. I used the Medallion Class app to keep track of them. iMessaging was a hit and miss. Not sure if this could be attributed to user error. Some messages were sent in green. Some never could be sent/received. Yet, I did not have any trouble with another passenger on the ship. We did run across 4 more friends on the ship. That was a pleasant surprise. Used Crew Chat many times. One night, around midnight, the toilet wouldn’t flush. Concerned since the water level rose each time I pressed the button. Crew Chat to the rescue. She asked if I wanted to stay up for 30 more minutes if she could find someone to fix it. I was so happy to see crew show up. He did something on the outside of the cabin, then came in to make sure it worked. Now, that is AMAZING ! Disembarkation was very smooth. We left for breakfast around 7:30. By the time we finished and went to the Elite Lounge for disembarkation, they had already called our color. So we just walked off. Facial Recognition. Picked up luggage and out to the street. There were lots of walkers and scooters, but nothing to cause any concerns. Now, on the other hand, there were more kids and young adults on this voyage. There were 1021 Blue passengers. There were more trays left in the passage ways. No outward signs of covid. Not a lot of coughing. Maybe 1% were masked (me). Elevators were plentiful. Only had to let one pass. I was on the hunt for peanut butter cookies. “Joel” in the buffet checked behind the counter, in the kitchen, went down to the IC, but could not find me any (that’s dedication). Hit the IC after a day off the ship. Several did not make it back to the cabin. I was taught to share, so elevator people were offered/and they took. On Ensenada day, I went down at 10, 11, and 12….to finally get a plate of hot Peanut Butter cookies. Did not share this time, but relayed how to… Service was outstanding in all public areas. Great Room Steward who managed to keep up with my pink post it notes. He had cabins on opposite sides of the ship so was not always visually available. (Elite) Laundry was returned the next day. No suite amenities. I did request a blue bag and they appeared for both of us. Lots of people in line for soft serve cones. Emerald had ice cream too. Very, very, very few were in line for the sundaes. I did purchase Medallion Net and it was fine. Didn’t run any speed tests. Sufficient for my online games, emails, iMessages, and basic surfing the news. All in all, accomplished our goal for being on a cruise. We all enjoyed the time together. The ship was full (2900+ passengers). The buffet and Piazza were busy but you could always manage to find a seat. Sometimes you had to flag down a waiter in the buffet, but they were always visible. It was a relaxing cruise for my friends, but I am exhausted. WOW...this is much longer than I had planned. Glad you are still reading...... Post cruise notes: Tested Negative for Covid (may be too early). This is just my routine when I travel (pre/post tests). Cabin mate “forgot” to pick up a smaller bag in the terminal. If you ever need this information, jot it down: Dear R Unclaimed luggage is handled by Princess' ground agent SMS. Please contact Tanya Euceda 213.321.7579 or Cindy Bustamante 206.849.6910 They should be able to tell you if they still have your luggage. Thanks Octavio octavio.sanchez@portsamerica.com steve.loevsky@portsamerica.com

Name change used to be $50 a very long time ago. If summer is iffy...what about a late season cruise (September)? Will you have to fly? Insurance is generally about 8%. There is regular (75%) or Platinum (100%) refundable/FCC. Do NOT book with a non-refundable deposit if there is even the remote chance of cancelling. I have had cabin mates cancel on me. No insurance...I had to eat the difference. Insurance...I continued cruise with no additional charges (insurance refunded to cabin mate AND absorbed my single supplement).

Isn't the Sky Princess a relatively new ship? She has had a tough start to her 2023 season. Not all her fault, but still.

I didn't visit the Izumi Japanese Bath on the Aft Deck. Someone did look into and listed the prices somewhere on the board. Do a google/cruise critic search.

I was on the Diamond in March. Service was top notch. Missed the IC. Many days without the casino/smoke...nice. Casino seemed to have high end machines. I didn't play very much on this cruise. I was able to get the same table/time every night. Super weather and perfect timing for the Cherry Blossoms. I pre-purchased Princess busses to cities after the first couple of days. Don't do that. You can pay before you get on. Some places were better if you took a taxi. They have a Japanese breakfast and several additional Japanese menu options at dinner. Having 2 CD's in the Princess Theatre made the intro/closing longer. Entertainment was good. They had a glitch with Silk Road. I was really looking forward to seeing it for the first time. Theater is still too loud. If you have specific questions, just ask.

Glad I was able to view this before the correction. Princess really needs to really up their act. @beg3yrs Thanks

You made me look. I don't have that. You have too much time on your hands. 😉

Just got off the phone with VIA RAIL. Not as exciting as I thought rail travel would be. I put in a call to VIA Rail. 888-842-7245 Here’s the information Rebecca shared with me: ONLY train service from Montreal to Quebec. (Although 4 times a day). Fare is Economy/$50/no changes Economy Plus/$152/changes allowed/pay the difference No baggage car. No charge for luggage. Will have assistance in getting large bag (50 pounds) on train (stowed in same car). One carry on. "We" might have to look into a limousine service from Montreal to Quebec. Party Bus time!

Some more information is needed. Are you pre-planning and asking what if questions? Will you purchase insurance? Here is one possible scenario: Have your friend book the cruise as a single. Add your name at the last minute. Friend would have to pay solo fare until you add your name. Are you trying to help your friend out so that they do not need to book as a solo? Be sure to read "cancel for any reason" policy.

One out of seven days...made it up to the lounge at 6 PM on the Emerald. Large signage outside (Private Function) but no gate keeper. I did not inquire (and they did not offer) drink of the day. Shrimp, veggies, olives, dried fruit, rolls, cheese, and beautiful vision of coast as it disappeared. Quiet, less than 15 - 20 passengers.

I have seen tuxedos and kilts on a coastal cruise (very recently). Long dresses, sequins, etc. I don’t any more. Basic black dress is my style. Sport coats for men. Always cold. Sweater, wrap, sweatshirt.

I spoke to the Loyalty and Events manager recently. As of June (can’t remember if early or mid) but her job will be handling only Events. The loyalty part will go to the Future Cruise Department. Then I asked about about suite lounges on grand/gem class ships. She said there would be no lounge but there will be a concierge for them.

Just reporting what I heard. Spoke to a passenger on the Emerald. She said she ran into a doctor. Her question: “Was there Covid on board the 7 day coastal.” His reply: “None”…..at least none reported.”

Lobster will be served on the second (of longer cruises) formal night. Not sure about 5 days or less. Have never seen caviar in MDR. Have seen it on canapés…authentic?

Not all Princess Theaters are configured the same. The Emerald has straight access to Deck 6 seatings. The Grand and the Diamond (and others) need to go up some stairs to get into Deck 6. As always, same class ships are not all the same.

Just a bit of clarification. The Cruise Critic Meet and Greet is an (un)official gathering of passengers. Officers are invited to attend (not mandatory). Several showed up, introduced themselves, and opened up a Q &A session. It is always a treat for officers to take time out of their busy schedule to meet with passengers. Yes, this is a “short” 7 day cruise…that is very port intensive with only 2 sea days to cram in all of the normal activities like trivia, bingo, art, etc. Many of the venues needed to be “shared”. There are 3 production shows scheduled. Not sure they will all happen since the cruise is only half over: Rock Opera, Blame it on the Boogie, and Magic to Do (yet to come). Due to scheduling and flying entertainers in/out, the Tenor in Rock Opera came in and flew out. The Magician for Magic to Do, flew in Day 2 of San Francisco, did a solo show, will do production show and fly out from LA.