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Not judging your statement. Just asking for clarification. DId you keep your automatic crew appreciation on the books plus tipped separately? Or did you remove automatic crew appreciation and just tipped your room steward? What about wait staff?

I am saddened by this thread. I have met and had dealings with Loyalty and Events coordinators in the past with much success. On the other hand, most of my encounters with the Future Cruise person was less than friendly. Most times, they would tell me that they can't help me since I am booked with a travel agent. Most times, they were not interested in my "inquiries" unless I was willing to book a cruise with them. Most times, they didn't have any more answers than what I could find on the website. I will admit that the person I talked to on the Diamond was courteous and helpful. She looked up my sister's account (sister there) to see how many FCDs were available AND explained why she couldn't get OBC for this cruise (I already knew that). If this means that they will have longer office hours. If this means that there will be more people available. If this means they will help solve some onboard issues. If this means that they will continue to provide question and answer sessions. If this means that they will cover the duties of the Loyalty Events (CC person). Then I am willing to give them a chance to improve this program. A little bias since my only experience with Princess changes have been not for the better when they outsource. It was a horrible change to move to Park West Arts. It was not a good thing when they went to the lowest bidder for the Medallion. Etc.

Thank you for the correction. Sister did say it "might have been" Sitka (Ha Ha).

@Teechur Hawaii has great water (until the C&C of Honolulu/maybe other counties) started to add "stuff to the water. Still much better than the water quality in California. Bought two liters of water at 7-Eleven store in Japan for about a dollar US each. Wasn't fun hauling it back. And that is on top of the water ordered from Princess. My family on Oahu all use refillable water bottles. I'm not arguing the point about cost. You pay for the convenience. Water is also included in some of the beverage packages. I remember once hauling a case (24) of water back to the hotel when I was in New Orleans a long time ago. All of the above suggestions are for the benefit of the OP...but not sure the question has been answered: Are you "still" allowed to bring water in bottles when you check in. The policy says water in cans only. Is it enforced? When will it be enforced? What happens if you bring bottled water and are told you can't bring it on board?

I was at a big box store today. 40 bottles of water was $3.99. That makes it about 10 cents a bottle. Tax and CRV is more is almost as much as the water itself. Princess charges you almost 60 cents a bottle. Still a bargain since onboard it is $2 a bottle. The water is quite safe to drink from the tap.

Arts and craft classes are lead by Cruise Director staffers. They are free. You do need to arrive 15-20 minutes early to assure you get in. Supplies are limited. I remember the days we had: small needle point kit keychains/macrame napkin folding

You are absolutely correct about thinking this way. Unfortunately, Princess thinks otherwise. It was an "added" selling point to buying a beverage package. As if the one time $10 saving for a $20 a day increase would really make any of us (in the United States/sorry Canada) feel any better. I ordered mine for both cruises before the charge took place. BTW...having it or not did not make much of a difference on my Japan embarkation. Got up to the agent counter...showed her all of my paperwork...she went to get my medallion. I told her I already had it and showed it to her. She then informed me that the people directing passengers "should have" let me just walk on. Let's see how the next "walk on with your medallion" works.

My sister was on the "little" (HAL) ship next to you in Ketchikan. She vows never to cruise Princess if all of their ships are that large. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. I am enjoying your posts. They are so personal.

Princess's printed atlas (no longer available) was the only way to "see" special cabins. Marked with dots and diamonds. Other cruise sites still have this option. Really wouldn't be that difficult for Princess to display this on their deck plans. Yes, I have done the search for 3 o4 4 just that to find out which cabins to avoid.

If you have a quad inside cabin, you will bump your head in these beds. They are a fixed to the wall, fold down when in use, and protrude at least 8-10 inches from wall. Difficult to have a queen bed in a quad room. Find another cabin. There are several sites that show which rooms have quads. Princess’ deck plans online do not show.

I’ve never used the sanctuary either, but I’m not a sun lover.

Say not so. The Grand (also fate unknown) and the CB are the only ships left with the Fiesta Deck Window Suites.

There are no “Murphy” style beds on Princess ships. Depending on the stateroom you will have twins attached to the wall (insides) or drop from the ceiling (all others). In most cases, the queen bed would need to be twins for everyone’s safety.

Caribbean Princess is being relocated to Europe (May 2024). I'm guessing the Sun Princess will take over her Caribbean runs. Her itineraries are up now. She will mostly be homeported in Southampton.

Pay as you go prices have also been increased. Good Luck.

Huh? What are you saying? I will have to pay a higher price for throttled up speed for the "best wifi at sea"? I've already resigned myself to losing the free minutes AND 50% discount if I purchase a Plus package. (aka Sheldon).

I still don't understand why the newest ship in the fleet (Discovery) has the worst WiFi. The numbers posted don't sound impressive. I am getting 5 Mbs on a dial up/DSL home connection. And think that is pretty poor.

You were fortunate (baggy shorts). My eyes are forever burnt with an image of an over-aged man in a bikini thong (or whatever they are called).

I have rarely had any trouble on a Hawaii run. I’ve been able to do FaceTime and WiFi calling on sea days. I haven’t tried streaming. 10 (sea) days without being connected is a really long time for me. I wouldn’t be able to “survive”.

Mom seems to be having first time cruiser luck. Hope it will sway her toward more cruises. Glad she is having a good time.

Check out Plaza mid forward inside cabins (behind the Art Gallery area). I really like this location. Mid ship/lower deck/near all the public areas. These cabins are not on a Royal Class ship. Not sure if you are on the Emerald or the Enchanted (Royal Class). Availability is not showing up on Princess.com.

Have a wonderful journey and I hope the meals will wow your mom over (since the lemoncello and embarkation didn't). I was lucky...end of season, only one Grand ship in town...embarkation was fast. I don't understand the up and down of Canada Place.

@Kitty Ellas MomThank you for returning to your thread for an update. I am sure you pondered over this decision. Your reasonings are sound (can do Alaska anytime). Now sit back and enjoy your planning.

You have spoiled her for the rest of her cruising experiences. Sorry...Alan Wong's has closed. And what is it with the Discovery Best WiFi at sea?

There's a good possibility.