If you can, book a reserve class ( used to be club class) mini. You will have a much better experience. We love reserve class dining. Separate entrance. Better service, no reservation necessary and a few special additions to the menu.
My mattress on the Emerald ( reserve mini suite in September) was old and mushy like a hammock but after alerting the head of housekeeping, it was changed. I like a rock. That’s what makes horse racing.
The Island Princess was built to transit the old locks so perhaps your cruise will do that. We did that cruise the first year she sailed. It was magical. My kids are now 50 and 47 and were raised sailing holidays on Princess. I remember when they had fireworks on New Years Eve. The would string lanterns all over the top deck. Sigh. What I would do to repeat those memories.
Yes we moved our room twice. There was a big wedding party ( fun to look at) but they were accommodating. The rooms are furnished beautifully and it is diagonally located from the best hot chocolate ( with whipped cream)in town . Just ask.
Yes it’s worth it. You won’t have a concierge lounge but a dedicated lane at customer service ( sometimes ignored). Everything else is good and free laundry is wonderful ( you would get this if you are Elite anyway)
Especially now that many ports won’t let the big ships in ( Venice, Key West) or in the case of Montenegro the channel isn’t deep enough. The new Sun Princess is too big!
Not sure when you are going but if there is any chance to see the Military Tattoo In Edinburgh during July or August be sure to book. We did the excursion through Princess from Glasgow. About 45 minutes before bus If I remember correctly. Amazing once in a lifetime experience. Dancers and bagpipes from all over in the castle courtyard
The old Star was a wonderful ship. We took her around the tip of South America in the 90s followed by an NCL ship for safety. And then to the Baltic when St. Petersburg was just opening up to tourists. No stores or restaurants! We bought stuff out of people’s car trunks. Great memories of a comfortable friendly environment with great food. All Italian kitchen and wait staff who were having romances with the British hairdressers. The gossip was very entertaining.
11:30 or noon to be panic free. We are on the Island June 4 from Brooklyn. The signage is really bad for car services to find the place so give a little extra time.
I have been on 35 Princess cruises and over 50 total on multiple lines and the only one I hated was Viking Mississippi . For $25,000 you stood at a machine to make toast in the morning like a motel 6. When I see the Sea Witch logo on the Princess hull I get goosebumps. I guess , just put me on the ocean and I’m happy.
The hamburger and fries in the Haven restaurant are much better ( quality of meat etc.) than in the American Diner and I believe the diner is open air on the Getaway so with NY winter departures it’s a no go. You can make changes to the Haven burger and other menu items if that helps
We took The Emerald from LA to Hawaii and has a fabulous time. Last year we did NY round trip to New England/ Canada. Both times the service and CDs entertainment was great. It has a cosy, friendly feel. Would definitely cruise again.