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We really enjoyed the Crown when we cruised Alaska. Skywalker's was our Go-To hangout for games and reading. It was also great on glacier day as you had the views inside or outside.

I have to say that we kept turning the temp down on the Emerald (in May) and on the Grand (in September) an really could not make much difference. We are used to 68 degrees at home- we live about a mile from the ocean and we are heat wimps. 😁

Sorry I bothered to respond. At least someone else may be able to use the information as it directly applied to disembarking in Vancouver. We were the first ones off of the ship.

To the OP- OBC can be used to purchase shore excursions. They can not be used to reserve/ pay for special dining. Your CC will be charged for special dining, however, may be credited back to you when you actually are on the ship. This was our experience in September on the Grand.

Nope! We were on the Grand in September and we were the first off of the ship as a group managing our own bags. We walked off about 7:45 and for in a cab to take us to where our car was parked. That took at least 15 minutes. You can do the math from there... You need a much later flight.

Those are large covered balconies. I looked them up on the Princess website deck plans and also on "images" in an online search.

It could be the humidity affecting the lens. My camera lens always would for up when I went into our balcony.

Thank you for your comment. Each ship really does have its own personality. The bartender on the Grand told us he was very excited to be on the Grand as the crew consistently receives awards and is very upbeat. The difference was amazing. He had transferred from the Emerald.

My point is that we did not miss Skagway.

It is standard practice that the younger charged for the booking at Sabatini'x. When you are onboard the charge may be reversed and the few deducted from your OBC. We learned that OBC is only for when you are actually onboard with the exception of booking a shore excursion.

We were on the Grand in September and were able to dock in Skagway; just not by the slide area.

I loved your Rule 1. Our sentiments as well.

The Vista Suite balconies are a bit smaller on the Emerald deck versus the Dolphin deck.

I mentioned this on the similar thread by @JamieLogical... that each Princess ship has its own unique personality and currently, the Emerald is not favored with many issues as reported. We were able to compare our May experience on the Emerald to our September experience on the Grand and wow... what a difference, in a good way! However, hopefully, things will become more uniform and the "old" Princess that we knew and loved will return. I also expressed that we would not be willing to experience our Celebrity Reflection experience (2018, pre-covid) again It was very disappointing in many ways.

Agreed... the new dream is a nightmare. We loved the original version.

We loved Good Spirits on the Grand.

When I attended on the Grand, it was at least an hour.

Excellent advise! Do not judge Princess on the sole basis of the Emerald! I Sad, but true.

It is strange. On December 14, I was able to book a TA for November 2024

We always arrive at least one day ahead. The only exception is we board in Seattle which is a 2.5 hour drive for us.

Club Class has nothing to do with the size of the balcony.

Thank you so much for your answer and especially taking the time to do so.

Enjoy! Alaska Air is always our first choice for domestic flights. We did the full transit in January 2018 on the Coral Princess. We were not crazy about the ship but loved the itinerary, the old locks, and meeting some great new friends!

I attended a wine tasting on the Grand in September and really did not think it was worth it. However, it was something to do and the people who hosted it were fairly entertaining.

I have been following along and understand your frustration and disappointment with the Emerald and Princess. When we were on the Emerald in May, and this was not the Princess we knew and loved, however most of the crew was great. This was our first cruise "post covid". So, I am curious, have you sailed on any other cruises post covid? I am really curious about your thoughts so as to know if this has been a common theme among cruise lines post covid and trying to get back up and running. We we were on the Grand Princess in September and this was much better and closer to what we enjoy on a Princess. ship. We also enjoyed our stop in Cartagena.