Wishing on a star

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!

I have seen what looked to be real butter on the buffet... And, yes.. bring it to the MDR!!! There is one video out where they 'solve the dispute', and ask the staff onboard about the butter... they are 'reassured' that the butter is real butter that is whipped. I don't necessarily buy that! If anyone would like to see what many of these lunch menus and dishes look like, here is a video link: I don't think it has been posted here yet. Yes, it shows the chicken and waffles!

Great pics to show how far back the cabins/balconies are, overlooking the lower deck. Thanks!

The option for all coffee and tea and soda, smoothies, mocktails, water etc.. is the Zero Alcohol package. This would include almost everything that is non-alcoholic. Right now the price for this is showing $35.39 per day. Remember that food quality can vary GREATLY, depending on the sailing, the location, the Executive Chef and head staff of dining and beverage. Yes, overall choices and quality of food will probably not be what you remember, if you have not cruised for several years. Our last cruise on the REGAL, we were pleasantly surprised. Most everything was good! The 'first night' menu was not impressive at all. Went to Crown Grill, and the one steak was just not good, The restaurant was overbooked and crowded and the staff were overworked, impacting service. So, you just never know!!!

No... you will see the Cabana Deck, and/or the exposed exterior Cabana balconies. This deck is quite a bit wider than all the decks above. Pretty much runs most of the length of the ship Yes, you are going to still see plenty of ocean. But, not without the wider exposed deck(s) below. The deck plans will accurately show this... Click on deck 9.. mark where the edge/perimieter is... Then click on deck 10, where you will see the 1/2 covered deeper balconies... Mark that perimeter. You will see that the exterior balconies of those cabana balconies are exposed and no cover And then it looks as if all other cabins decks above that are straight up and down, equal width. Now, those balconies the the wider center of the sphere would be 'clear'. These would be sold either as Premium Deluxe Balconies.. or some are Cabana cabins.

You might not be able to book the nice catamaran with that 5:00 departure. The Aristocat web-site starts by having you choose your ships port time, and then shows the options available. JVD might not be possible. I would be happy to book that if we were in port till 6:00!!!! Even the Ships excursion on our cruise only has like a couple of hours at White Bay. But, we take what we can get!!!

After looking for more details.. here is how this excursion seems to work. This is on one of two of their identical catamarans. The kicker, this seems to be available to ships that will be in port until 6:00 pm Ours is not. : ( It looks like they will include a pre-arranged taxi over to West End. Then sails to JVD and White Bay (some other stops?) from there.

Here is another option that I found. Aristocatdaysails.com The departure is not really easy to understand. For West end departures, it might include the taxi to West End.. so not a big organized tour. Then sails to JVD and White Bay from there. It also mentions departures that are where the Cruise Ship is docked. It is unclear how to find shared (per person) sailings that depart from the Cruise Ship location. The web-site encourages travelers to contact them by email.

I am still searching for info, but it seems the Rebel Yell is one (if not the only one) that is providing this tour for the Cruise Ships. I do not know if anyone can book independently??? What I am seeing shows Private Charter. $$$$ so no other open group excursions to book for a couple or family. The link to the Rebel Yell website does not seem to be working. But looks like you can try to email them at rebelyell@islandshipping.com

I am not familiar, but I have the same question... I notice whenI looking at these excursions online, and they do use the ferry. I would like to have more time than the Cruise excursion allows, but I am thinking it might be the way to go. They seem to charter a boat that will depart from the Cruise Port. ( I will def. book it early as possible. ) They must pick you up at the Cruise Port, I some kind of bus/minibus... and then drive you over to West End, where the JVD Ferry departs from. Here is from the same 'escape' thru Shore Excursion Group. "all-inclusive - 4-hour whitesand beach extravaganza, with FERRY ride and iconic beach " Here is the description if booked thru Viatour... "Your tour includes four hours of fun and covers your round-trip FERRY ride fee to explore the grand island of Jost Van Dyke "

Ohhhh yes..... it ends up being kinda nice!!!!

No, like most all ships now, the Sun is wider on the lowest decks, with extended balconies and those cabana balconies on the lowest deck(s). So, no straight-down view. Many of these on deck 10 will overlook either the cabana deck, or the totally UN-covered cabana mini-suite balconies just below. I really wanted one of those larger/deeper balconies on deck 10... But I can not find one with the bed by the balcony.. so after seeing recent videos of how the cabins actually are, we moved to a higher deck. Darned Princess and their super-controlling 'control' of who books which cabins!!!! If I wanted a Deluxe Balcony for the two of us on our next Royal Class cruise, we would have to book our adult son, or anybody, with us, and then cancel the third guest. Princess and their IT and their policies can be just nuts!

cruise doctor.. To funny!! Hahahaha!!! Steven... I would love to try the Ascent.. but they do not sail a similar itinerary to what we have booked on Princess until 2026!!!! Please do post a good comparison for us.

It will definitely be a much better beach and 'nicer' venues... But, looks VERY 'Disney'.

Here is a video of one of the sideways layout cabins. Notice the extra space thee on both sides of the bed, where the little side tables do not have to be squished in. And, notice the closet and shelf space on both sides of the entry to the bathroom door. Also, If I am correct. (somebody tell if I am wrong). But you really really want to avoid an inside that can accommodate more than two guests.. As the bunks are not drop-down, but are actually hanging on the wall, which takes up space and is just not great.

IMHO, for a 10 day cruise that cost this amount of money... It would be worth it to be able to choose my cabin, and to have a refundable deposit. I know what it is like to have to work within a budget!!! Wish we could cruise more often... But, I would give good consideration to booking at least a 'choose your cabin' and refundable deposit. Somebody mentioned above that the sideways (forward to aft) cabins are a different layout than the ones that are the standard (port to starboard) layout. There might be some good videos out there. But, they do have the door that opens directly into the main bed area, instead of the little entry hall with the bath and closet.

If you could get an obstructed view, midship on Deck 8, they are not obstructed directly, just the deck area below. We have saved by choosing those.