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Same for me. Would someone add a link? Thank you.

Perfecto!

From a theater tech approach, the curtains and stage props have to go somewhere...like up into deck 8.

I like your positive spin on the cut backs. I, too, was approaching the $100 mark. But unlike you, I travel solo, do not often do Princess excursions (10%), miss the free wifi (but appreciate the 50% price/no worries about time), do not do the spa, 10% discount in shops is a hit and miss, and you get the picture. Least we mention the other cutbacks. I am well aware of the difference between loyalty OBC and the minimizing of Elite benefits. It is the overall perspective that Princess is reducing their focus on their loyal passengers that bothers me. But I have too much invested in Princess to jump ship. I will adopt @azbirdmom attitude and smile every time I board a ship to nowhere.

You will miss Hilo (Hawaii Island) and Nawiliwili (Kauai) if you are on the Royal Princess. Kona and Lahaina will be tender ports. Honolulu Overnight. You can still drive to Hawaii Volcano National Park, but it is further away.

I agree with @skynight. Given the choice of Hawaii from San Francisco or San Pedro, I would choose the one with ELUA. If on the Royal, you will miss several ports.

"That's also when they rolled out the new REDUCED Elite benefits."

Why couldn’t you belly up to the bar and place your order?

Thanks to all the posters who continue to support the crew appreciation (tipping), especially the last few point on posts. I have a choice to go to Las Vegas or not. And have chosen the not since many of the hotels now charge for parking (even when I am losing money in their slots) and have a "resort fee" that can not be removed, even though I do not use the pool or their internet. The same could apply to those who do not want to participate in the crew appreciation.... DON'T cruise.

For UK residents. When I am in your county, I have to pay a VAT tax that is 20% added to my travel costs. I am not given the option to decline or remove this. I understand that I may be eligible for a refund after filling out forms and finding the right place to claim refunds. On a cruise ship, crew appreciation is not a tax. You might consider it a service charge. But crew appreciation is not limited to just the wait staff and steward, it includes many people you do not see. Each person will receive a small (and I do mean small) percentage of the overall daily charge. Yes, it is not something you "HAVE" to pay. But, more of a gesture that is common in cruising.

I often "hold" the second person in my cabin as Ms. TBA...haha. Princess doesn't really care. You can always change the name as long as it is before final payment.

I do not know when you are arriving, but check out the Royal Hawaiian Band concert calendar. https://www.rhb-music.com Also check out Ala Moana Center Stage for free shows. https://www.alamoanacenter.com/en/events/daily-hula-show-40430.html If you are planning to visit inside Iolani Palace, you can purchase tickets. https://www.iolanipalace.org/events/royal-hawaiian-band-concerts/ As a senior, you can ride the bus for a reduced fare (price increase). Exact change and masks required. http://www.thebus.org/Fare/SeniorFareNew.asp City Hall might have their Christmas decorations up soon. Across the street from the Palace. Also walk around the State Capitol...on the grounds of Iolani Palace. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov

Lots of IFs. 1. Hope the wedding happens. When is the big day? When in 2024 is the cruise? 2. Hope she gets a new driver’s license ASAP. 3. Passports may take months to get back. doesn’t hurt to book her now, under married name.

My sister attended the Tai Chi classes at 8 AM in the aft lounge on the Grand. Not sure where they would have it on other ships. It was free. It was an unattended staff event with television monitors playing the same video every morning on sea days.

The Japanese nationals and tourists have always worn masks pre/post pandemic. They are very cautious people. Glad you were able to do a land tour. They are trickling back to Hawaii. There is a shortage of Yen in the islands.

Just read this article. https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/20/media/disney-bob-iger-ceo/index.html Bob Iger is returning to Disney. Any chance John Padgett will be recalled to Disney?

Why not?

Thanks for taking all the photos I missed on my repositioning cruise in September. I wish we had stopped in Victoria instead of San Diego. Your photos are remarkable.

I read the article. Thank you for the link. I think the key words are "in Australia". "We can confirm that mask wearing is being applied on board all Carnival Corporation brand ships operating in Australia and the region as an additional safeguard in light of the current rate of covid-19 in the general community," a Carnival Australia spokesperson said.

Interesting that your thread generated so many "love the new bread" comments. The Grand Princess had the Chilean Sea Bass in September. Sister ordered it twice. I don't think you can pay for one and "share" the beef chop. I've had the rib steak and it has had its ups and downs. I really love the lamb chops. Can't answer the question about the lobster although some photos had two pieces.

There goes the 3-4 day turn around for Elite "free" Laundry. You will be lucky to get it back before you get off the ship. I would like to know the reason behind such a policy.

My sister just sent me this link. https://www.travelandleisure.com/japan-cruise-ships-return-6830107 If you don't want to read the entire article: "It was not immediately clear exactly when the ban would officially lift, but a Japanese ship sailing from Yokohama in December will be among the first."

Please return after your cruise to give us the low-down on dining arrangements. Thank you for returning to acknowledge everyone's posts. Have a fun time.

I have a Japan voyage booked in the Spring. So confused. Some itineraries post "currently not available". Others (before AND after mine) show up but when you click on cabins, many selections are sold out. Good to see the Diamond headed for San Diego. Wish Princess would post a interpretation of their "warnings". Even the agents don't have clear understanding (not surprised).

Is there a difference between "sold out" and "currently not available"?