Wishing on a star

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.

Yes, some pools might be 'heated'. I would suspect covered 'indoor' pools on ships where these are available. (none on the Regal) Know that this will be what Princess calls 'heated'. We last sailed REGAL, and it was January... Even though the weather was reasonable warm for the first 2-3 days, the pools were chilly! (cooler weather at Fort Lauderdale than further south...) August should be the warmest month... Maybe that will help.

Yes, you need to make sure you understand... It could be confusing!!! You can get a Reserve collection mini-suite - And that gives you dining in the separate Reserve area. I think you are sailing on the Coral Princess? On the new Sun Princess, full Suites are 'Signature Suites'. They come with access to the Signature Lounge, the Signature area of the Sanctuary, and other benefits. One small thing to note is that Suite guests. (full Suites) get earlier Priority boarding. This would allow you to go immediately up to the Sanctuary and find availability, in case the loungers are all sold out. Neither suites. (either mini or full) come with the WIFI, Drink Package, Gratuities... You would have to add the Plus or the Premier Package, no matter what type/level of stateroom you reserve. If you have a RESERVE mini-suite, and are not sure you just have to have the Reserve Dining, then you can switch to any regular mini-suite, if you can find one available that has a better balcony. It sounds like you know you want to add the Premier Package, no matter what level of cabin you want.

Maybe an issue with the APP, and it not showing up onboard for staff???? We have all heard of these IT glitches with Princess! If one does want to be recognized, then yes it might be good to mention it when getting onboard.

I am not seeing any info, except for some old mentions of the deck plans being updated beginning with the next cruise here in April. Do any of you experts have any info? I believe the ship was in a drydock last year. Just curious!

I am hearing about the sundaes available on the Pool Deck on the Sun Princess. That is confusing, because the gelato counter is just off the Atrium. Would they not be available there as well?

Yes, sacrifices!!!! Just to clarify... If you can find a cabin with the bed by the sliding door, that can hold a third person on the sofa, you would be passing by the person sleeping on the sofa, but no maneuvering or climbing. The sofas are full length, and not pull-out. I believe the cushions are replaced by a mattress/topper to make the sofa into the bed. No obstruction of that walkway. I can see how they do not have the fourth pull-down there, as it would be really tight, and not meet emergency clearance/exit policies. Just for me, I am in the bed-by-the slider camp!!! On Princess, the Deluxe Balconies have the love-seat by the slider/balcony. But, when I saw the actual photos and videos of the Sun, it was clear to me that the floorspace and visual space was much better with the larger opening to have the bed near the slider/balcony. Looking for one of those, with the bed forward facing, became a mission!!! Hahahaha!

Thank you so much for the latest details. Enjoy your cruise!!!

Blue Water, I love your star ratings system! Could you also do ratings for Lindquist / Smith's Bay beach? I know that they have no food/drink/concessions. (maybe some lounger chairs). They do have restroom and shower facilities. But, I would appreciate a comparison on some of the other categories.

The key will be to let Princess know. (and perhaps remind them when you get onboard) With the medallion system, this might show up for the staff every time they are interacting with you. Is the Anniversary Cake the same as the Birthday Cake? Has that changed in the last year or so? We sailed on my birthday, and the cake was actually quite good... ended up being a nice touch. I do not know if they tend to sing 'Happy Anniversary', as they might 'Happy Birthday'... When we cruised on my Birthday, it was after a long Port day, and we kind of told them I didn't want any big to-do. But we had the best waiter!!! Just by himself he did a little understated "Happy Birthday" as he brought the cake. It was really sweet!!! If you want to have a special dinner, and not the usually busy MDR, you should make those plans at one of the specialty restaurants onboard. I don't know if this is true on your ship, but I tend to think that Sabatini's tables are not as tight and possibly less busy than Crown Grill. Let the Head Waiter know that you want this to be an anniversary dinner, and they should take care of you and reserve you a good table. Another thing to consider. (unless the weather is a factor in Alaska - which it might be very cool in May) is the Balcony breakfast or Balcony Dinner. I understand they will do this inside your cabin in cool/wet weather. Not sure how you might like that, and if you have a larger cabin. Congratulations! and enjoy!

Glad that you made it onboard!!! Yay!!!! Thanks so much for any information and input that you might be able to put out. Will you be doing any videos? I realize that your situation, with this 5-day, might be different... But, if you can find out if any one day passes to the Enclave are available, and the price???? I am not remembering seeing good info on this topic posted yet. Same question about passes to 'the Sanctuary'.... especially if the weather is warming up while you are onboard.

There is the Signature (Suite Guests) lounge ! But nothing similar, all-day, for Elite and Platinum. This is more like an 'event'.. I have seen where there has been some light music there as well.

Well, unless they are. alcoholic pro-biotic drinks!!! People bring on soda, water, and other things!

If I am seeing correctly, it looks like all the balcony cabins that can accommodate 4 have the bed by the entry, and the sofa by the sliding door. That would make sense, as it looks as if a pull-down berth over the sofa would be too tight, when the sofa is at the entry, and would block the exit of the cabin too much. A third passenger on the sofa would not really block any of that floor-space pathway.

infok, since nobody has posted yet... I believe that the sofa can be turned into a bed... and/or the drop/down berth would come down just above the sofa. ( in rooms that can have 4 guests ) There may be photos out there, but I would not be aware of any.