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Tossing this link in for good measure. Worked better on Chrome than Safari. Surface Wind, Surface Pressure, Wave Height. https://www.passageweather.com/

This is a switch. Recently, there have been many threads about not booking EZ Air. I don't think we will ever know the history behind this change. Blame it on JP ???????

Crew work on a barter system below deck. I have asked if a particular person (usually my steward/wait staff) would like such and such. Sometimes I just offer, they take....and what they do with it (barter), I don't care. I have asked my steward/wait staff if there is anything I can pick up for them when I am on shore. Now that is an interesting list/mystery hunt. And yes, I still leave them cash at the end. That's just the way I was brought up.

Beautifully done review.

Where are you seeing that drink package went up? I just checked: Princess Plus = $60 Princess Premier = $80 https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-deals-promotions/plus-premier-cruise-packages Are you referring to the other drink packages?

I am not an expert on EZ Air. There are lots of fine print. I booked my flight as soon as it became available and have watched the fare. Unfortunately, it never dropped. At the same time, my current booked with confirmation reservation has appeared and disappeared. My take....certain flights may "sell out" at that particular fare. I have seen my flight re-appear at a higher fare. Or I have seen itineraries that will include lay overs. It is all a matter of supply and demand. Maybe your 7 day ahead conflicts with the cruise ahead of you? Maybe they reserved all the available seats for EZ Air capacity. Bookings become available 330 days from your return cruise date. I don't have an answer for you. Just presenting different scenarios.

Only can speak for the Grand Princess and Caribbean Princess. I was able to get a milkshake at Coffee and Cones with the Plus Package on the Grand. (Chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream, blended). I was able to get chocolate ice cream in the Buffet in the late afternoon. They had a large stainless steel bowl over ice. My table mate was able to get vanilla ice cream at dinner time. I've gotten it with my "volcano". She got it with walnuts (since walnut ice cream was not on the menu). A variety of different ice creams were offered at lunch in the MDR. Unfortunately, the daily options changed. Not sure what is available now with the new lunch menu.

That's a bargain cruise if it is price for the week. Too bad I would have to fly there and add a hotel night.

Observations on June 21, 2024: 7 pages since initial announcement 151 posts Mostly from seasoned cruise critic members Many more questions than answers A little bit of distrust (editorial comment by me) Personally, I would rather have Princess reinstate some of the Elite Perks rather than increase the size of the Elite Group.

@RLK33853 would you please add links to your other reviews. Thank you for sharing with the Princess folks.

The shower curtain will leave a gap of about a foot on the bottom. I always have to double my shower curtain so I am guessing the openings are not much larger than 36 inches. I have 2 really nice cloth shower curtains....but they do add weight to my luggage. They add a nice decor to the room over plastic.

Last summer, I asked to be isolated in another cabin since my cabin mate tested negative. I was moved from a suite to a balcony cabin on a deck with other isolates. I was fine and well taken care of. I was escorted behind the scenes with two crew. One carried my personal belongings, the other wiped everything I may have touched and more. Just got another booster. I've lost count on how many. Pharmacist says it is no longer required/recommended/mandated. I gave her my vac cards. She laughed. They stopped doing those last year. She also told me that I didn't have to carry them around with me (but I will) when I travel. New vaccine will be treated like the flu shot. Once a year.

For your shower curtain room divider: Bring enough magnetic hooks for the top (Usually 5-6 work) AND 2 for the side with a bungee cord to "prop" the curtain in open position. I've placed the curtain to create a dressing area with the closet. I have also used it to create a divider across the entry way. Both work well. There have been several nights when I drag a chair into that area because I could not sleep.

You could try placing the door stopper near the hinge of the door. Curtain works (I've used it often).

My most favorite memory on a cruise was sitting in the Wheelhouse with friends. In came the Captain and his wife. They sat down with US (my friends). Even offered to buy me a drink. Nice to travel with Most Frequent Passengers! Their friendship comes with perks. BTW... most of these officers and entertainers are extroverts. Otherwise, they wouldn't be in this business.

The last couple of times I was on the Grand (2022/2023) the Tea Room was dark. Never saw anyone servicing the area.

Not defending Princess because they sometimes are at fault. Also found the my internet provider (Frontier) was just as guilty. Sometimes my browser too. A combination of factors may cause the poor connection. Princess is not always transparent (no post that says technical difficulties). Mostly happens on the weekend when you want to do something and no TAs are available.

Throw in insult to injury...Elite passengers can get wifi for $12.50 a day but get absolutely no discount when buying a Bundled beverage package (Plus/Premier). That's the one the irks me the most. End of rant, for now.

From past experience (not recent): If you were "upgraded" for free, you do not receive the double suite cruise credits. If $$$ were involved due to a bid or upgrade offer, you WERE given the credit. This may have changed.

The Grand/Crown/GEM class ships may still have some dancing venues. I would not expect to see any wooden floor dancing on the Royal/Sphere ships. If it is a longer cruise, you can always request the canned music hour to be more ballroom. These are usually held in the aft venue. If you have a Wheelhouse with a band, you will have much more luck. The party band in the Explorers Lounge is more free dance.

Bad batch? Mine died the evening of the 24th day (of a 25 day voyage). At a most inopportune time but not embarrassing).

When I had to replace my medallion, I waited a few minutes at the Customer Service Counter. Agent went in the back....and returned with my "new" one. I requested to keep the original. The duplicate had the same name and ship/date as the original on the gray ring around medallion. There must be a way to print/engrave on the ship.

I have a cruised booked for mid 2026..on the Grand. Princess would be penny wise, pound foolish for selling/getting rid of one of their more popular ships. I love the Grand (now that they got rid of the Golden). I know I am not the only one that feels this way. I am well aware of Princess playing the shell game. I have a total of 3 cruises booked (was 4) on the Grand Princess. They charge top dollars for her voyages.

The closer to the cruise, the higher the price. Even higher booking once on the ship. IF...I do a Princess excursion, I book it when it first opens. I know...they have my money. But in some cases, they will draw from OBC. I can always cancel.

Cruising is the best way to have a reunion. My sister is 10 years older than I am and walked me to death in Japan. My brother is approaching 90 and still plays golf. The ship provides food, drinks, and shelter. You make the best/worst on board. For me, I would not have picked a larger ship. But she picked the ship and the cruise. You all will be fine.