cruzsnooze

It is a full suite and all suite privileges. It is all the way forward with a slanted ceiling. I have this cabin on the Discovery next month. I have not stayed in the S5 before and am looking forward to it.

I prefer the covered balconies on deck 8 so the location of the CC mini's is a minus to me. Since I have been sailing in full suites the last several years I have enjoyed the club class dining. The extra dish is nothing special. The no wait or short wait is a major appeal. How much is not waiting worth is individual.

Previously you had to book in advance to get the 50% off and they'd give you OBC for the 50% because you pay the full rate. Since I don't use their faulty APP last cruise I was able to buy the internet on board at the elite rate. Their web version which I use instead of the APP doesn't allow for internet purchase. Mention your app didn't work properly or you didn't use an app if they give you a hassle but I had no issue and needed no excuses.

Yes, it's room service to call. Yes you can get all sodas. Alcohol can be exchanged for soft drinks but soft drinks cannot be exchanged for alcohol.

I've never heard of this high tea but sounds lovely. I'll look for it on my next cruise.

The shows will have themed music and so will the lounges. It will really be like any normal cruise.

The medallion is independent of the wifi

It will be open the same hours as the main dining room and has the same menu it's had for years

If your cruise is over 6 nights you will get this perk. If it's a shorter cruise you will not. I always wait to book on board. I have never had an issue with time, they are accommodating.

You can use the web version or call the Ocean ready phone line

I found the décor on Carnival quite gaudy

That's not what the contract states. But people want to believe their tip goes into the crews pocket when they give it but that's not what the contract calls for. This will never be resolved by the members on this board so we all have to agree to disagree on this point. I personally believe what the written contract states, YMMV.

It has been the Company’s experience that passengers often wish to recognize and reward shipboard staff for working successfully and as a cohesive team to make the cruise experience enjoyable. Accordingly, during each voyage of each vessel a voluntary contribution by each passenger will be suggested for that purpose. Passengers are not obligated to make a contribution or to adhere to the Company’s suggested guidelines for such a contribution. Nonetheless, to the extent passengers follow the suggested contribution guidelines in whole or in part, or deliver their contribution to the Company or directly to any crew member(s), each and every crew member agrees that any such contribution is not his personal wage, but rather a contribution to the Discretionary Hotel and Dining Charge Pool (the “Pool”). Each and every crew member also agrees to deliver any such voluntary passenger contribution he or she receives from any passenger under any circumstances to the Pool immediately upon receipt of the contribution from the passenger. Other than as stated below, the Company is in no way liable to make up any difference between the total of the suggested contributions to the Pool and the actual contributions for any given vessel voyage. The solicitation of compensation of any kind by crew members from passengers is strictly prohibited

No I don't. I've already tipped for the main dining room dinner that I didn't attend in the auto gratuity. I tipped a second time in the up charge for the specialty restaurant so a third tip is asking too much of me.

I'm glad to hear you are safe and sound after such a harrowing experience. I hope you get power back soon. Did your house suffer any damage?

Ask a silly question get a silly answer. Only the OP can do the math to see if it's worth it.

Those that reached the levels we're talking about at 500-1000 days at sea didn't scrimp and save on fixed incomes. They probably don't take 3-5 cruises a year either.

If you don't drink then it's not worth it.

There is no reason for tension, they could keep both . I think enough suites aren't selling out currently and cruising has taken a big hit post pandemic and that's why this new bidding process is taking place. The value aspect of their higher end suites is just stupid. When I choose to spend $1000 PP PD I go to more inclusive lines with more interesting itineraries like Regent or Oceania or Lindblad. Princess is cresting it's own monster with suites of excess of 1700 sq. ft.

But we seniors have more money and time to travel and do so in higher end cabins then young families. Working people take one vacation a year usually - but as a senior I take as many as I want and usually cruise 4-5 times a year.

I'm still waiting for my refund after an Aug 31 disembarkation

No, your method of payment is already charged when they accept your bid. This bidding system wasn't designed for the passenger it was a win win for the company. If one could decline the new assignment then the whole system wouldn't work for Princess.

I purchased mine on the phone. When you call Princess they now have a dedicated extension for Ocean ready. You will pay full price and then the OBC shows up as refundable on your account. You can also purchase it on board. There are choices if you want to use them.

People cancel for many reasons after final and if they have cancel for any reason their insurance reimburses them. In a case where someone cancels after final payment their is a tiered penalty. Princess states they will accept bids 3 days before sailing so if someone did cancel Princess gives no refunds and gets double revenue if they resell this cabin to a bidder. They get double revenue on the cabin that was vacated and it is a domino effect. Princess wins no matter what because they don't have to honor any bids should no cabins become available.

This bidding is a win win for Princess. By three days before sailing there are no refunds from Princess. If they take a bid for a cancelled cabin they get double revenue. The passenger gets a deal (Maybe) but doesn't know the location of their new cabin. There is no down side to Princess. I did not receive an invite to bid on my Nov 10 sailing but since I'm in a full suite I didn't expect one. Because of this new system I booked a regular Mini Suite for my next cruise and think I'll get a bid invitation. I would have gone for Club Class but maybe I'll get a bargain, maybe not. Others may also book a cabin below what they usually sail in to see if a bid is put out.