Wishing on a star

Have you pulled up the rental excursion in your cruise personalizer. There are a few reviews there. Some mention great service.

Yes, all the basics that might not be mentioned again for the Sanctuary Bungalows are there. I have read one review where the level of 'service' was spotty. So, I think that this can be something that is always consistent. one person mentioned how the afternoon staff seemed to decide to pack up and want to leave early. Could be excellent, but could be, not as excellent?

I will also point out that those who do not realize that, adjusted for the value of the dollar, they are NOT paying more. Def. paying less than not so many years ago. But the perception of "I am having something taken away from me" will persist.

Totally agree CruzSnooz... A suite on Princess just not within what we perceive to be our budget. Even when stretching the amount we can spend. If it was, I would be looking at Viking itineraries in a heartbeat!

A lot of whining and boo-hooing and calling out 'class system' seems to be going on here. As well as reminiscing about the good old days of cruising. But, guess what, remember people, only the independently wealthy were able to 'luxury' cruise then. If people want luxury experiences, then that will cost. A lot. People want semi-luxury 'cruising' at carnival prices, and get upset when people who are willing and able to pay more get more. People want 'luxury' experiences at base fare 'Carnival' prices. Everybody wants what they think they should be entitled to. I think people on both sides should be very careful about pointing fingers. Anybody who pines for that white-glove and lobster service needs to admit what they would really cost them on a current luxury cruise line. Yes, Princess has been guilty of delivering a sub-standard product. Tiny drab cabins, rock hard old broken down musty beds, minuscule balconies... on and on. But, they have gotten a lot of things right, too. I will reserve judgement here until I see more finalized deck plans. If the Dome, half of an increased size Sanctuary, a nice wake-view area, and adequate dining venues are available to all guests, then that will be a good thing.

Thank You Astro Flyer for those pricing charts! I actually wan't aware that these Cruises would start in Rome and Europe in February. Brrrr!!!! I checked and lows can be in the 30's. Are these the only itineraries that are released for booking right now?

Mara, I have been to Princess Cays before, and have not been in a bungalow yet, but would like to reserve one next time. The first 18 Bungalows as you walk North, to the left, from the water ferry, are regular bungalows. They are very small, room sized bungalow structures with an open porch/deck area where you can lounge in the beach lounge chairs if you want. Or, I might move them down under a palm tree and set the small table and chairs on that front patio. Then after the 18th Bungalow, there is an entry to the restricted Sanctuary Bungalows. These are mostly the same, except there is like a pergola, slatted, cover over the patio, for some semi-shade. We want easier access to the water, which there is no beach area in the Sanctuary section. Yes, the Sanctuary section is supposed to have a few staff members to monitor the entry, and to provide better service to these bungalows. You can go on Youtube and pull up a search like Princess Cays Bungalow Tour, and you can see how this all works. The key is, if you know you want to be secluded, then do the Sanctuary Bungalow, but know that you won't just hop down to the beach, or the bar, or wherever. It is a short but considerable walk. One thing to consider is your travel dates. If you are on a Holiday Break or Summer cruise, then families with kids will be around. If you are traveling off season, not Summer, Spring Break, Holiday, etc. Then I would not imagine that kids would be much of an issue. Assuming you will be there on Princess, and not Carnival. (CCL does also use Princess Cays as a private island/beach stop sometimes)

I agee with both the above. It is he 'expense' to average passengers, the ratio of accessible area. If a ship offers BOTH, then hey, doesn't bother me. But when you just do not even have enough enjoyable open public area left for the average general passenger. Then comes the problem.

The addition of pay Ala-carte or exclusive dining doesn't bother me at all. As long as it doesn't take away from current open venues like Alfredo's/Gigi's. Hopefully that is a non-issue. I actually wish that Princess had some venues with more character and vibe than they have had. Like some of the places on Carnival/RCL etc.

I believe I read that the Signature Sun Deck will be an exclusive part of the Sanctuary. So, a hopefully larger Sanctuary area, divided in two??? Don't take away our Sanctuary!!!! I also see the Wake Club mentioned, with NO details. But I would think and hope that this is a similar situation on the Wakeview bar and deck area. perhaps slightly larger, with an exclusive section for those in 'Signature Suites'. I could see this exclusive 'haven like' deck area wrapping around one end corner of the Aft of the ship. The DOME looks, well... interesting. The description says indoor/outdoor pool. maybe a retractable area??? I haven't looked, but I am thinking that there is the row of cabins on both Port and Starboard side. But, above these will be the highest 'terrace' of the dome, with smaller tables and chairs if it is not wide enough for loungers. Maybe Jacuzzis?

FLAlaska, I love that the itinerary has both Rome and Athens. Are you able to tell if any other itineraries less than two weeks have both. We have actually never been to Europe, so these two major port cities are a plus. Thanks!

Does anybody think deck plans will be out soon? I noticed that they might have brought back more promenade. But, there are the 'Cabana' cabins and Cabana deck area too. Have to see how that all works out. I think I saw something mentioning a Wake or Wakeview Club. Something like that. I wonder if there will be another exclusive area at the rear of the ship. Surely they have some kind of open wake view bar area/

Hey, LnWG Did you not hear Crooner's below in E428?

I have been in E405 on Regal. The same straight but deeper balcony as E433. It is wonderful to have that larger balcony! On Sky you may have those tarp-covers over the dining area on the left below, and the front of the little transfer boat on the right just below. But, really, without paying attention and looking down absolutely no obstruction to worry about. Even with those things, this is still a great cabin with a larger balcony at a great value! And, can't beat the location for being close to the Piazza, International Cafe, two of the Main Dining rooms. I am looking at booking E429 on the Regal, as there are no tarp shade covers on Regal, and it is forward of that smaller transfer boat. Kind of a funny two angled balcony, But, just forward of that boat. Here is video with E433 on the Royal, so very similar.

No tub in Mini's. But both seem to have a larger actual walk in shower. in all honesty, I would assume that if Princess had to either have a large nice shower with glass door, or a small tub shower, for the huge majority. (exceptions of course) the shower would be preference. Nice, larger shower, but still small balconies!!! So. one 'plus' and one 'minus' But, I am wondering if all decks might have the larger 'premium' balconies like the Dolphin Deck does on the latest ships. I am not seeing any mention, but looking at the photos.... A Sanctuary is mentioned as the Signature Sun Deck area is described as a private section of The Sanctuary. I saw a quick shot of what appears to be a 'Sanctuary' at the front of the ship. Lot's of wind protection glass/plexiglass panels, but no shading panels in that rendering. But, really... who knows????? Seriously... we are looking at PR renderings I am holding out for the deck plans.

If you have not seen this, here is a great video of what would be above these cabins. Gorgeous video of this area, maybe filmed in the early morning sun coming up.

I am assuming that you want easy access for the Buffet, and the Wakeview bar and pool area. You probably have thought about all of this, but It does seem that these are under that deck area, and if I am guessing correctly, staff could be up there very very early A.M. setting up and dragging around deck chairs to prepare for the day. But it would be convenient for that access! I haven't been there on the Enchanted, but I know that there are mostly just tables and outdoor sitting area furniture. So, maybe not that much moving around in that area. If that is true, then I don't know if there are any real drawbacks. I personally decided that I didn't want to be that high, after a last minute booking that had us on Marina Deck forward (to find two reasonable fare cabins close together), and there was some wind and high swells. A lot of motion up there!

Yes... Celebrity... that crossed my mind. Not my 'ideal'!!!

I would have no thoughts at all about some children dining with their family!!! I will say that the last time we did Crown Grill, the problem was that the woman who was head of the restaurant was allowing in many additional diners, when the reservations were full and not available. She was fitting in as many as wanted. It was like, can you come back at 8:15. The bar area there was, understandably busy. But, the whole experience became more like 'take a beeper' at a packed Outback's on a busy Friday or Saturday night. People and servers rushing by everywhere. People who always mention, "they have no more reservations, but when I. passed by half the tables were not filled" should remember that, especially with the current staffing limitations, a full restaurant might not meet the level of service and food experience that many hope for when they book CG.

Hahahahahaha!!!!!!

Yes, a huge issue! But at least they did add some. Enough to hope to get one if booking fairly early.

Nana, I have family in Tennessee, and wonder about sensitivities. And, unfortunately, food and other sensitivities are not always taken seriously. I would love to know if you family had a really great food allergist that you can recommend. I think this is a bigger issue in West TN? But if this Allergist is in middle TN it might be worth driving to appointments.

PS: We have been known to bring individual or small packets/servings of extras so that we know we have exactly what we want and love. A special tobasco.. go for it. We bring nice preserves, and do not have to bother with lower quality or communal jam.

Unless they have improved, I just abhor those omelettes at the Buffett. They are the pre-made liquid egg product. I find them to be almost inedible. I don't know if one could request an omelette made with fresh cracked eggs in the MDR or not? The very few times we have done breakfast in the MDR the food and service was good! We had a later shore excursion, had a nice breakfast, hung out at the deserted retreat pool area, and had a wonderful relaxing morning onboard! So, it all comes down to your plans and expectations for the morning. Service in the dining rooms this year, trying to re-start, seems to have really been a challenge.

The retreat pool is surrounded by cabins on these new ships. And, is a very small area, which have seen the original Retreat pool deck packed with every chair taken on the first two royal class ships.