Wishing on a star

Ohhhh, I wanted to add... to the OP, LuckyBee... We are all. here because we truly enjoy the Princess product, once onboard! That is why we find ways to deal with this one issue. Yes, it is almost sad that this situation is how every new cruiser is introduced to Princess Cruises. See if you can use these tips to work around the customer service issues, and you should really enjoy your cruise!

When I saw the title.. Two people walk into a bar... I was thinking that this was a set-up for one of those corny jokes!!! The thin with All 'all drinks on one medallion/account' is solved, without having to have the staff apply to two accounts every time, by just alternate accounts. I think that would work for many couples, friends. I know that I we are together most of the time. Of course, we would never be maxed out, even when using only one medallion!!!

Assuming that you are talking about MAGENS BAY, which is on St. Thomas.... From one of the Cruise Ports at Charlotte Amalie. This is the St. Maarten/St. Martin forum.

Are you interested in one of the open-air taxis that will be there loading up to take a lot of people, or a more private taxi? the Virgin Islands Now (vinow website )shows $12.00 pp... so $24.00 for two, and might suggest a nice tip if one does not share the taxi/van with others, so that the driver can make a bit more for the run.

This is a tough one... The itinerary on the Caribbean Princess is better, of course. But, for me, especially after all of the reviews and 'issues'... I could not choose the Caribbean Princess. Are there no other itineraries on the Sun, or one of the other newer Royal Class ships you can consider?

Ohhh shoot!! Sorry, that link isn't there.

Found a video for you.. Suite 16620 This Suite is shown starting at about the 8:45 mark. Hope this helps!

I am not seeing any specific to these accessible rooms. Here is a photo that seems to be the view looking over/down from a similar aft-corner cabin on deck 14. Click on the thumbnails, and hopefully it will display the photo. https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/ships/stateroom-details.php?ship=Sun-Princess&cabin=14642 Here are some pics of the balcony of a similar aft corner suite on deck17. https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/ships/stateroom-details.php?ship=Sun-Princess&cabin=17636 You might have seen these on cruisedeckplans.

Wow, I am glad to hear that Sabatini's onboard was really good. That Osso Bucco looks really great! A lot of mixed reviews of Sabatini's sometimes. Maybe depending on the ship and staff onboard. I would be willing to go for that dish!

Here is a link to the web-site that will show the official info. https://www.*****/stthomas/getting_around_stt/taxi_stt/ It seems that from the Port at Charlotte Amalie to Sapphire Beach is as follows... 1 passenger - $21.00 2 or more passengers - $15.00 pp ($30.00 for a couple) I am not an expert, but I have heard mention that drivers really hope/want passengers to share if possible so that they can make a better rate for the ride. Most taxi's are vans that can hold a number of people.

Yes, bring a mirror... There is some lighting, and in balcony cabins the desk/mirror is by the sliding door, which can be opened if there is light coming in outside. But, yes, I want better lighting (and magnifying mirror) for make-up.

Ohhh no... If that 'cruise cough' is what we had back in the Winter, it is like RSV or something, and it can be awful.. take a long time to get over. Don't know if you have any meds, or if there are any that would help. I hope you did have a nice time seeing the new ship... GET BETTER SOON!

About the boarding waiting area/lounge. I do not know the current situation... I believe that Platinum used to also be able to board with Elite? Last time, it seemed like the area for the most exclusive was only for Elite and Suites. We were standing and ready to move the minute those began to pass by and Platinum were able to board!

Yes, covered. You might know that the balconies on these Royal Class ships are quite small/shallow. You might want to see if any deeper/larger balconies are available. Check Deck 9. On a sister ship, we have booked one of the Balcony cabins that are mid-forward on Deck 9 that have the larger balcony of those that are 'Premium' balcony category. Enjoy!

Our upcoming cruise, after the Sun Princess will be on Enchanted. Even though it will be quite some time, I will be following, looking for any details! Are you interested in the Sanctuary? Of course, you probably know that Platinum/elite early boarding and heading directly to the Sanctuary would give you better odds of reserving loungers. If you aren't doing that, I would still get to the Port and board early, if at all possible. It is so nice to be one of the first onboard and check out the ship before it gets more crowded. Do you have any plans for your day on Princess Cays? My husband and I really enjoyed our day there, feeling like we had our own exclusive island experience booking our favorite cabana. Let the count-down begin!

Enjoy!!!! And, as mentioned.. if you want to carry some off the ship at port, for your lunch or snack, then take some sealed unopened small packages. I don't know the odds, but would imagine that these would be considered 'agricultural products' that are not allowed at many ports. I don't think it would be a problem with sealed processed packages. If there are signs about taking food off the ship, customs, dogs.... then you might want to ask to be sure, and forfeit them on the dock if they are not allowed... I wouldn't want to risk the automatic fines that could possibly be enforced.

My husband has requested nuts to top his oatmeal in the MDR, and they were happy to bring him a bowl of nuts!!! Not sure if one could count on nuts in the Buffet with the oatmeal??? I would def. bring my favorites onboard with me!

Yes, very confusing when it comes to how all of this could be taken wrong, with similar terminology! They call this a 'premier stateroom', there is also the Premier Bundle/Package... And, is the Premier drink package (not bundled) still available... I agree with the post above... I might want to move (cancel and re-book) to a non-Reserve mini on deck 10. Book with the Premier bundle... which gives you the upcharge dining options. And take full advantage of that. Also, some more advice to a returning-newbie... be proactive when you board... or arrive to the MDR early, and make sure you get a good table, and request the same table/station for the same time every evening. As long as you dine before the 7:00 - 7:30 busy time, you might find that the waiting will be minimal. And, it can be nice if the waitstaff are familiar with you. You will have a wonderful cruise, even if you do not get a full suite!

There are Reserve Mini-suites on Dolphin Deck 9 that are not covered.

If you are happy with your TA, let them handle all of this. Just on the chance that you see a Suite before Final Payment, you would want to move right away to try and get it. So if you can't get in touch with your TA, maybe they work for a larger agency that offers customer service thru their main phone number. I do not live the Suite Life, and I don't know, do they take Guarantee bookings on Suites? If so, one could come open, but you might never see it, as Suites would still be showing Guarantee or Sold Out? I have heard of people bidding to move up to a Suite, and being successful. It does happen.

That is a RESERVE Mini-Suite, which means it comes with the dining perk. NO cabins come with the PLUS or PREMIER bundle of drink package, WIFI, Gratuities, etc. That RESERVE category is mostly that dining perk. If you have not added PLUS or PREMIER bundle (which you should if you drink any amount of coffee drinks, alcoholic drinks, etc..) you would need to do that. If you want to trade off that Reserve dining perk for a nicer 1/2 covered balcony, call and see what the total price would be to re-book one of the Mini-Suites on deck 10. Hopefully you know what to do now! You can always move to a suite, if one comes available soon... Or bid on a suite. Suites give you things like a mini-bar, special breakfast in one of the restaurants. (no Buffet or MDR... much nicer), laundry. If you do get into a Suite, you would STILL need to add either the PLUS or PREMIER bundle package. If you do not go ahead and add a package, all of the drinks, gratuities, WIFI, etc... are a'la carte, Pay as you go. Here is a link to everything included in each of these packages: https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-deals-promotions/plus-premier-cruise-packages

There still seems to be some confusion... RESERVE is not a package... There are some Mini-suites that come with the perk of what we call RESERVE dining. Which is a separate area of the Main Dining Room. Should be no waiting (or very very little) and one additional menu option. The additional bundles are PLUS and PREMIER. (which have nothing to do with the RESERVE perk) These are the bundles with the drink packages, WIFI, Gratuities, etc... You add these separately to any booking, any cabin type. Seems like you have added Premier? You might currently have a RESERVE Mini-Suite, that has the dining perk. These seem to be heavily sold, with none showing as available to select. Guarantee only. You can check the Deck Plans, or give us your cabin number, and we would be able to see. These are a separate category code, and are color coded on the deck plans, and are located in all different areas. NOTE: If you currently have a RESERVE Mini-Suite, and would trade off the Reserve Dining perk, then I believe that there might be available regular Mini-Suites. (exact same cabin interior as any Mini) available on Deck 10. These will have a nice sized balcony that is half-covered. If you currently have a regular Mini-Suite, then you can simply request to move to one of the available one's on Deck 10. Here is a video of a Mini on Deck 10.

Sorry! posted to wrong thread....

Forgive me if I have missed something and this is not correct ! I believe you have a Reserve Minisuite booked. And, these are pretty much sold out. If you wanted a nice sized balcony that is half-covered, and if the Reserve dining is not absolutely necessary, there are some non-reserve Minisuites on deck 10.

I think you will be happy! As mentioned, the mini-suite balconies are often un-covered and totally exposed to the elements. If you bid, you will not be able to choose which mini-suite you get. And a covered one will probably not be available to move to. Also, If you booked last Fall, if you were to change now, that would be a cancel and rebook. You might have found that the price difference between the two categories, and any price increase, could cost quite a bit. That decision, of course, is up to you! It is correct that the actual cabin space in a balcony and premium balcony on Ruby is the same. The difference will almost surely be the larger (deeper) size of the actual exterior balcony. If you see one of those available that you like, then that might be nice. But, as mentioned, I think that until later in June, it could be quite chilly. And yes, it does rain a lot. There is like a marine rainforest climate along the coastline, which is of course where you will be cruising. We cruised in May, and the only place we saw real sunshine was when we drove inland on the sightseeing drive over the mountains to Emerald Lake.