Wishing on a star

No, it certainly won't look like those CG images on most cruises! One recent review said that most all of the passengers seemed to be above 60.. Lots of batter wheelchairs, etc.... Princess is planning, and wishing, and dreaming a younger market ! We've seen one cruise that was younger, but it was a unique cruise and appealed to younger guests.

The web-site has been kinda crazy this morning. At one point I saw something that said Promo Extended. Not only has the pricing been all over the place.. but now most of the ship is showing RESERVE. Entire decks. Trying to decide whether to put down a deposit on one specific cabin we have on hold, or it looks like we are taking a risk... Who knows which cabins, if any, the system is going to show available to choose from.

Have you checked for a roll-call on your cruise. Happy Birthday from somebody else who has a 'holiday' birthday!

If this family is looking at a full suite.. not mini... It might also be helpful for this poster if somebody who is fully knowledgable in the Suite Perks could go over them... So, they could see how this might affect them on their cruise. I know that two 1. earlier priority boarding. 2. The special breakfast offered. and there is a minibar setup in the room, right... traveling as a family, these perks might not be something that they would really miss. But, also hate to pay for a suite

I would suggest that you explore all options, as this can be 'iffy' on a cruise with so many families and children. Is this a mini-suite or a full-suite? It could be 'capacity' issues. As mentioned.. muster capacity, etc... And, I have heard of limits on the numbers of kids.. Perhaps they want to. make sure that the kids clubs can accommodate all kids, within capacities. IF... IF... the system will allow you to book that mini suite for one child and one adult, and let you book that inside, for one child and one adult, then you are in. I don't see how they can police where everyone sleeps. Hopefully your Steward is not one to be keeping an eye and decide to report any 'technical' breaches of policy. How close could you get the inside to the mini-suite. You might find it to be helpful convenience, for the occasional extra space and bathroom???

About the lift/elevator... Of course we don't know on a new ship, but usually these are not a huge concern. These seem to be small lifts, and perhaps they are restricted to Suite guests? If you like a bit of an aft view, and do mind the smaller balcony, then this would probably work out well. If balcony availability is the issue, then keep checking to see if anything else opens up!

The Sanctuaries on those earlier ships in located up high, kind of on it's own. so, if you never went all the up, yes it can be missed. Again, we love the Sanctuary on the first Royal Class ships! JF, what was the disappointment on those two ships???

You will get, at least, a BB category cabin. There are some BB balconies on deck 12 as well as deck 11. You should be fine! Notice that the ones on deck 12 will be just below the pool deck. You might prefer one on deck 11, as some say they can hear staff setting up the pool deck at dawn.

About the dress code. I think the jury is still out on that one!!! The top level is 'walk-up' and would seem to be more'come as you are'... The middle level seems to be like the Anytime, but do reserve ahead, dining. I could see that Princess would offer a more formal option... (not necessarily 'formal night' tie required) Then, perhaps, no specific Formal Night(s) would be required???? (Or maybe in that lower level???) This whole set-up gives everyone a choice, and will end the age-old snobs-vs-slobs debate!

Mayacruzer, by all photos and images, I do not see any 'obstruction' there. That first cabin you mentioned has that extended balcony right next to it. Not only obstructed, but a privacy issue as well. Just notice that these aft balconies are very small.... The deck plans are pretty much correct... and having that corner cropped off, gives you an aft view, but smaller than the already small balconies on Princess.

LOVE the sanctuary, on the REGAL in particular. (Not as eye pleasing furnishings and set-up area on newer ships) I am not remembering even noticing music... maybe a different ship or something new? Yes, you reserve loungers once onboard... (best if you have priority boarding, as it books up). Rush up there the moment you board. Loungers are 40.00 per day... and they are also available by 1/2 day for $20.00 per day. I highly recommend if you are on a warm weather cruise. Especially if it is not especially hot weather, as there is not a lot of total shade. When we book, we spend every hour we can there... we take in some breakfast.. Grab croissants, fruit, etc.. and they set us up with fresh hot coffee, etc.. We usually have the place almost to ourselves when it opens. Here is the video you should check out:

Thanks!!!! I was selecting different cabins, and THEN on the summary page it would tell. I still swear the cabin we are in showed N/A... But now it shows connecting. Waiting for TA to call, hopefully this evening!

I think that Deck 8 is not shown on the reservation system, because it will be Walk-In. ( Or, walk up and see how long the wait is!) It would also make sense that the dining room on Deck 8 might be the Walk-In level because it looks to be open to a deck area and the Wake View Terrace.. which would make a much more casual experience.

Princess will probably be fine-tuning all of this thru the first weeks and months. Those fixed 'traditional' dining services, early and late, would seem to be the more formal dining services. It would be hard to provide the full 'formal' full course experience with people coming and going throughout. Then the next level might be anytime, but reservations are set up. And then the next level might be walk-in. I am kinda glad that I will not be making that first inaugural.... SO mich is new and not ironed out. I am sure it will be fabulous!!! But not without some waits, and glitches.

If you are not past final payment, one of the broadest and best door-to-door cruise specific coverages is thru Nationwide. I do not think Princess covers as much as this one does. Not just a refund or FCC for the cruise fare.

Celebrity is doing separate dining rooms, where ALL have the same nightly MDR menu, but also each dining room has additional offerings based on the theme of that dining room. I saw where one person liked a soup from one dining room, and requested it when dining at a different dining room on a later night. (they brought him the soup, no problem) Somehow, I do not see Princess being as industrious and broad with the menus... But, we shall see!!!

Also, I just want to say that there have been some conflicting comments about moving to another cabin, once assigned. Especially with the bidding for upgrade system. Some are saying that hey have been able to make an equal move in the same category, but some are now saying that Princess might be changing the way they do this. If the ability to change cabins depends on whether one originally booked a GTY with a nonrefundable deposit or not, then this might affect how likely it is that you can move cabins IF THERE ARE ANY SHOWING AVAILABLE.

The PLUS package is $60.00 per da ppy. So for a 7 day cruise, no matter what type of cabin, this package will be $420.00 per person. The Premier package costs more. I do not know if it is possible that any Travel Agencies might add a package, as a perk? With any confusion, at all, I would pull up my booking ON PRINCESS WEBSITE, and double check everything. That total of $1400. less the Plus Package would mean the cabin rate was $980. I see that some Alaska cruises for this year are deeply discounted right now. so, yes, a cabin rate of $980. or $498 per person, the math would come to that total.

It will be good to finally see how all of this is working out when the Sun begins sailing!!!! I do notice that the information says that it will different 'levels of FORMALITY'. I think that would have to involve dress code. Currently, Princess still wants pants and collared shirts for men at dinner, similar for women? Perhaps there will be an option for those 'Bermuda shorts and flip-flops. But, I don't think we will see that accepted on the 'Formal' level. If Princess thinks that the lower level might be the Formal option, is that not the largest level? The way cruising has been going, it seems that the bigger demand might for casual dining, even in the MDR. I am excited to hear about all of this!! Including the appearance of The Catch, and Butcher's Block on the App... Now if they can just get it working properly!!!

I agree with Chamima, I can't see having three different full menus.. and everybody wanting something that was not on the menu for their 'level'... I think this will have to do with 'decor'... with the way the waiters are dressed (like, as seen in the past, different dress for servers on different nights.. like formal or 'Italian'). So, more formal attire on upper level. Also, I can see the timing of the service.. more time devoted to 'napkin on your lap, recommendation of menu items, each course served one at a time... I personally would be happy to get a place in the highest level, if not in a hurry due to time spent in port, early show, etc.... I could see them 'suggesting' a nicer dress/attire for those on the upper level... Perhaps dress shirts, and not collared polos, etc... But, we all know that very little would be done to try to enforce the guidelines. Only thing is, assuming the more 'formal' experience is the smallest, upper, level, then one would not have that expansive view of those huge windows!!! The upper level, being smaller, and not the lowest level with a higher ceiling, might be quieter and feel more upscale/intimate.

First we switched over to a forward facing, bed by the balcony cabin, after seeing how they will really be on recent videos. I could SWEAR, and so could my husband, that we made sure it was not a connecting cabin. Looked today.. it says our cabin connects to the one next to it. Have they been updating and changing around this information online? If so, those of you booked on the Sun might want to double check the info on your stateroom.

dog, do you know details on The Butcher's Block on the Sun??? I am not seeing any details?

I was thinking that, with all of the confusion and IT problems, especially regarding the new Sun Princess, that those unexpected 'Signature' statements would 'disappear'. Would be nice to be 'Signature'!!! But, def. above our pay-grade!

About the day at sea/missed port... I think that perhaps Princess knew about the possibility of missing that port before everyone else was notified. They were probably prepared to offer lunch in the MDR if needed???

The Sun Princess will have more dining venues in addition to the buffet. Both counter service, and their 'casual' which can have an uncharge if you do not have the Plus Package or Premier Package. With the increased options onboard, I would not count on the MDR being open for lunch when the ship is in port. Lunch on Port days might be a good time to dine at Alfredo's.. always one of the best options and pizza onboard. And, is a full table-service restaurant. As well as the other varied options that the Sun Princess will have to offer. No worries!