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Funny you should mention this. A similar scenario happened to me. I had a Window Suite booked on the Grand Princess for Iceland. PERFECT. I really wanted to do this itinerary from Southampton for 2023 or 2024 (I think). Then Princess switched me to the Regal Princess. Ugh. I was given one of those Window Suites far forward. Intrigued, but not thrilled that it was so forward for the Arctic Sea portion. Low and behold, they moved me over to the Sky Princess. Sun Deck (17) / S111. That was the last straw. Supposedly a Vista Suite but looked liked a mini-suite floor plan with a suite bathroom. Too high up. Too far forward. Too far from the concierge's lounge. I cancelled the booking. Now have a two for one: Greenland and Iceland booked for 2024 on the Caribbean Princess in a Window Suite. It all works out in the end.

I can't agree with you more! And I have yet to step foot on a Royal Class ship. I don't know what I will do when they send my Precious Grand to the "farm in the country". Nor when they port only Royal Class ships out of San Pedro. Thank you for a well composed post.

Itineraries may be the same. The HUGE difference is who will be your Hawaiian Ambassadors to teach ukulele and hula. They will also do the port talks. My first choice would be ELUA. Second would be the couple for Samoa. Unfortunately, their assignments do not come before you have to pick your cruise (for best selections of cabins). Me....I love the Grand. So much smaller. Covered Pool. Alfredos......which make up for some of her "short comings".

You are absolutely correct on many of your points. The Wheelhouse is the Wheelhouse. At least this class of ship still has one. It has always been too small for dancing with many couples. I complained about the party band/dance band in the Piazza. They belong in Explorer's Lounge. Not only was it loud...but not a good place for dancing. AND....they played after 10 sometimes. Princess needs to do something about their theater shows. Too many passengers, not enough seats. Time to add a third show back.

And don't forget the wonderful lecturers they have for this cruise. I am guessing they would have one on the Caribbean, but because of the Historic Locks, I am sure it would be more fined tuned to include all of that information.

I was also on the Emerald and had wonderful service from the suite/elite line. Did you ask them if there was a concierge available? I didn't need any concierge service. That's why Princess has many ships. I won't cruise on a Royal Class ship, even though they have a lounge.

I have watched a couple of you tube videos of this story. It wasn't just that the passport was expired. Facts: It was on a Princess cruise / closed loop / to Hawaii. Passengers were from Arizona. Grabbed the wrong passport (expired not current). Denied boarding without any compensation. Took it to the media. Lost. If....they had the wrong passport, but had a certified birth certificate and a current government ID, they would have been allowed to board. They did not have a certified birth certificate since they "thought" a passport was sufficient. I carry my passport around whenever I travel. I do not think about carrying a certified birth certificate. I don't think many seasoned travelers carry their birth certificates with them.

Correct, but the pastry tray does not include cinnamon donuts nor this square made with pastry puff.

Having them ready everyday after that....regardless if you want it or not. Be careful what you wish for. I had more pastries than I should have had every morning because I brought up a cinnamon donut one morning. They offered me another something that was a square. Then the regular tray danish. It was waiting for me every day. I didn't have the heart to tell them that I didn't need it every day. Someone would make a special trip (maybe not), down to the pastry kitchen. Even if there wasn't donuts in the IC, there was one for me.

On the Emerald in May. Spoke to the Loyalty and Events Officer. I have been spreading the rumors (lol). L&E officer would become the Event's Manager Officer. He/she would be in charge of all events onboard the ship: Meet and Greet, weddings, etc. The Loyalty end would be given over to O.N.E Future Cruise Planning department. This was all to take place sometime during the summer 2023. I boarded the Caribbean Princess for a July/August cruise. Sylviya was the Event's Officer (aka concierge contact). She and I had contact almost daily for this or that. She does not have a public office space and you will need to contact her via the Customer Service Desk. I really didn't have anything that I needed her to do for me. We talked about my next cruise Meet and Greet (she said she will still be onboard...we'll see). We talked about my refrigerator that never cooled. We met in the hallway and at Sabatini's. She tracked me down when I was in isolation for covid. If there was anything that you specifically needed help with, she was your go to person. We did not have a separate lounge, but we had a very nice cocktail hour with the officers to mingle with.

Are you booked for 2024 (I think the Alaskan 2023 Season is officially over)? I prefer the older Grand/Gem class ships. Any ship will be fine....IF it includes Glacier Bay. The fact that you are cruising in/out of Vancouver is a plus. Seattle is easier, but less time in ports since you have to "travel" up to Alaska. Plus only 7 days. You don't say when the cruise is or where you are coming from. If you are overnighting in Vancouver, Pan Pacific Hotel is the top of the line hotels to stay at. If you are coming from afar, Vancouver has so much to offer pre-cruise. Have you chosen your cabins yet? Yes. the newer ships (Royal Class) has more bells and whistles, but the Grand/Gem class ship has more charm and warmth (in my opinion).

I have a Panama Canal cruise booked on the Coral Princess for 2025. Been through on both ships. Given a choice, I would definitely do the Historic Locks on the Coral. I would also do North to South since you gain hours along the way. Embarkation port shouldn't be a factor in making your decision...extremely irrelavant since it is the ship. you are considering. Several great cabin options: I on on Baja, the last cabin of the first bump out. Forward cabins act as a wind shield. There are several secret doors that lead out to the forward and aft observation decks. New OceanView cabins on Deck 6 (near the casino/IC) but have a separate hallway. Nice OceanView cabins/Interior on Deck 6 near everything (less use of elevators). Forward facing Buffet. Much smaller ship (less passengers than sister ship the Island).

I have been on the Grand Princess several times since her dry dock in April 2021 (I think). I thought she was in fine shape to be shipped down under (ugh/wished they'd keep her on the West Coast). Yes, still stairs to nowhere (mid-ship). Fabulous crew Less Passengers/More enjoyable No water buckets around the ship (if you know, you know) Enjoy your cruise. I think you will miss not having your laptop on such a long cruise. At least chime in once in a while.

On the Caribbean Princess in July/August, canned Coke was served in the MDR and I was able to pick up cans of Coke from the bars.

Recent experience. I didn't think the office visit was so bad. $49 plus medications. Rounded up to be about $100. I am in the process of getting the claim filed. 1. Opened claim immediately with AON (Princess Vacation Protection Platinum) 2. Sent paper work claim by US Postal Service to Medicare (no online submission available). Up to 60 days for them to deny it since it was outside the United States. 3. Then wait for my secondary to either pay partial or also deny. 4. Submit EOB's to AON for final reimbursement. I don't know if it is too late to purchase insurance. It will be a very long process for me. I don't know your age (Medicare) or what other insurance coverage you have. I didn't think my office visit was out of the norm...cheaper than an Urgent Care visit would be. On the other hand, if it is more serious and runs up a bill, it can get expensive. I would have no hesitation on visiting the Medical Center again. First time after many many cruises.

Did not happen on my 13 day cruise, but some Cc member mentioned “a production show” repeated in a matinee on a see day. Good Luck. Not to be missed.

You will love the Grand Princess. Suite breakfast will be in the Crown Grill (Deck 7/midship). Specialty Dinner on embarkation night. Just stop by the restaurant of your choice to make a reservation or call the Dine Line. Restaurant times are generally open and you can choice where and when. Never an issue. If you call from your stateroom, it will come up as a suite ID on the other end. As for breakfast. Much depends on who the Assistant Manager is in the Crown Grill. I have had ones that will do nothing more than what is in their kitchen (available for suites). I have had some that will take a request, as long as it in available from the MDR or buffet. I have had a very select few who will "find me" crab for a crab/avocado omelette. On my cruises on the Grand, disembarkation suite breakfast was not offered. All you can do is ask...and hopefully, they will provide. Also, mimosas every morning. Specialty coffees. Service is wonderful. I once brought my own cinnamon donut (from the IC) up to breakfast. After that, it was waiting for me every morning.

use of the Lotus Spa® Thermal Suite (on select ships, excluding Discovery Princess℠, Sky Princess®, Enchanted Princess®, Royal Princess®, Regal Princess®, Majestic Princess®, and Grand Princess®), None of the Royal Class ships (mentioned above) have a "Thermal Suite". I believe they have an Enclave that is also not included as a suite perk. The Grand does not have a "thermal suite" either. You really aren't missing much. The complimentary "thermal suites" on the Grand/Gem class ships include a hot stone bed. I know they have saunas, but have never used them. Their showers are pretty pathetic. And no "thermal pool" to speak of.

When is the cruise you are trying to set up the Meet and Greet? I sent an email in June 2023 and had my group set up 4 days later. This is the email I sent the original request: grouponboardservices@princesscruises.com This is my contact person for the Caribbean Princess: emichen@princesscruises.com (Emily Chen) I would not expect chat to know anything about Meet and Greets. Good Luck. You will need to include: Date: Time: Venue: Guest Count: Group Leader: Your Booking Number:

You may not be getting a response from CS since your inquiry is related to insurance. Have you contacted AON? AON has been very responsive to my questions and concerns.

You will also receive 2 bottles of water nightly. I have survived with just the mini-bar (one time complimentary set up). I have also enjoyed having the Plus Beverage Package.

Have you made final payment? If you are in the penalty phase, there is not much you can do (others have had success asking for an upgrade or some OBC). Usually these new reduced pricing is for NEW bookings only.

Think of tendering with 500 extra passengers. That will cure you from taking the Ruby over the Grand. The only tender port would be Kona (in case Princess decides on this instead of Kahului (Maui).

I can vouch for the location. Only saw it once, but can't remember the ship. It went around and around and around.

Credit card will be refunded $1300. The $5000 will be put back on your AARP gift cards. I sure hope you still have the “cards” or account numbers.