Wishing on a star

nana, That is what we hope to be able to do on our next sailing. vjmatty, there is nothing wrong with offering that, it just doesn't have to take the form of forced 'traditional' dining. Sue, that is wonderful cruising with your mother! Just have to remember that Princess has to look beyond this into the foreseeable not so distant future.

Just in case anyone from Princess sees this. Of course, there are those who pine for the old traditional ways. And for many, that is what they might prefer. I do not see why one dining room onboard couldn't be operated as traditional dining. As for us, on our last cruise, we did Traditional Dining, and it ended up NOT being a positive. We were traveling with our son, so that traditional dining together each night was one of the big parts of our cruise. We ended up with a bad seating location, a rough start with the wait team (which did thankfully improve a bit). And having to work around that set time was always a challenge. The one night of a late departure where all dining was show up when and as you are was SO much better. So much more relaxed, better window seat. Less rushed service. That experience told me everything we need to know. The truth of the matter, for those who are my age or older, breaking news, showing up at the dining hall for a communal meal is just such a foreign concept to anyone else any more. Most vacationers do not want that added timeline and stress. The set communal dinner hour is for old folks homes, and maybe a couple of other cruise lines. I don't need that on Princess. (Don't need water parks and climbing walls either!!!) Now as for other changes happening, I am not so sure I like them. The design of the newer ships, with less deck/pool area at the expense of the addition of a few more cabin fares $$$$$$. Utterly and completely and totally a huge mistake. WOW. Seriously makes me not want to set foot on those ships. The drab dated cabins. Hello... it is time for a makeover. (LOVE the layout, just please enter the 21st century!!!). Like the menus, please refresh!!! Photos look a bit brighter and fresher on the newest ships, but not by much. And, what about the other ships. My house doesn't look the same as it did 30 years ago, with new refreshed flooring, colors and decor. And, any excuse by any hospitality company for not being refreshed by now is just that, an excuse. From what I understand, the new entertainment In the Princess theater is a production with special effects with the theme of online gaming. Really? Princess, even while appealing to a younger less geriatric market, you are definitely NOT the cruise ships for gamers. I don't know that this kind of cruising is something that big gamers would even choose. Why develop this production when absolutely every other aspect of the ships is not what would appeal to that kind of demographic. Yes, please update the entertainment onboard. How about bringing it at least into this century,. Think about coming up with some activities with some interaction and fun-factor. (Yes, in the past these kinds of efforts might not have been well attended, but I think as part of an overall re-fresh, and a slightly wider demographic onboard, then you might find some positive feedback.) NO I AM NOT TALKING BRANSON'S VIRGIN VOYAGES. Just a refresh. Even Subway Sandwiches had to do a refresh, and you know what, I have seen an improvement in quality and taste and more current and varied options the last few times I have been there. Bottom line on entertainment, a new and so-called techno show in the theater is not enough to bring in a wider demographic. Sorry, but those people are not going to be placing a Princess Cruise on the top of their vacation list anyhow. So, just my two cents. (ummm no, four paragraphs) worth!

From what I am seeing and hearing, I have the same thoughts as Scott above. While the food and other aspects might be 'better' than some other lines, there are aspects that are lacking when it comes to what we like in a cruise, on Princess. The Piazza... The open deck areas.. the multiple pools... The Sanctuary... And, yes, even the Buffett. Those are all lacking on Scarlet Lady. Yes, princess could up their game... The 'drab' cabins. The lack of more exciting food and entertainment options. (the 80's are calling, they want their cabins, entertainment, and some MDR food back!!!{. But, when it comes to what we enjoy, I think Princess wins out overall.

I would go and make the reservations as soon as possible, to get the dining time that you hope for. I do get the feeling that they do keep these speciality restaurants capacity controlled. They are supposed to provide great service, and that doesn't work well with full tables and with staffing shortages. They do not usually seem to appear to be full. We did go back and check for availability at CG on one cruise (Regal), and they did work us in a bit later in the evening. So that is possible, if the head staff does this. I don't think that they really like to seat more people. But, I would say that the restaurant was busier than it probably should have been. And, while service was good, I would not say that the experience was excellent. Sabatini's, on the other hand, in the cruises that I have been on, and only did Sabatini's twice. There were many open tables, and not that many people dining.

Yes, that was kinda what I was getting at!. Was wondering if what we saw was not what others mention.

I seem to remember very limited availability of the food TAPAS. It just seemed it was not available, or at least until pretty late In the evening. Can anyone here tell me what the availability of the TAPAS has been recently?

I think we have been hearing of problems with the payments. I think some people have mentioned trying to call. But, who knows how long that would take to get ahold of somebody? Pulling up Live Chat while you are managing the booking might be something else to try.

I hope so too. I know you are excited booking this cruise with your son! Glad you got the 3 day hold, and I hope it all works out well! Your son would probably enjoy the soda package as much as you might enjoy the drink package.

I am kind of that way too! We have only enjoyed a few days in The Sanctuary, but I enjoyed venturing out for a dip in the Retreat Pool, to grab a lunch snack and hear the afternoon music for a few minutes on the (yes, loud and crowded, but more lively) main deck. I am not usually picky and demanding. But if we a are lucky and get in the Sanctuary on our next cruise... Hand and Food, bring it on!!! As long as the stewards are not really busy and seem accommodating, of course. We need to remember to have a nice cash tip handy!

I imagine that if one wanted that Plus package, there might be some savings. But, probably not as much to cover the $50.00. per person per day price of adding the Plus Package to today's fares. We will soon see! I imagine the discounted fare that we are getting when logged in to our Princess CC Account will disappear. So, I will check, but I am not really thinking that it would save us enough to bother cancelling and rebooking. We have messages in to the Princess Planner, (since yesterday) but, no surprise, no response at all yet.

I am thinking that you really want to cruise during this time. But, I thought I would mention that these kind of cruises after the first of the year, in 2023, have Third Passenger Free.

Oy Vey!!!! I wonder of those inside cabins are slightly lower ceilings for some reason? Gotta love those Princess showers and shower curtains.

Ohhh! Only gives you one day, over night, to decide. You could at least get to see the new fares tomorrow.

Will Travel, thanks! That is impressive, photos and all! The Sanctuary Stewards are usually really great. Especially if you have several days, or the cruise booked and they know you. We have walked in with our bag of sunscreen, phone, etc.. and our breakfast pastries and fruit in our hands, they great you at the entrance, carry all of your stuff, get you all set up. It is so nice! Have never tried the 'healthy' snacks and food though!

No crystal ball!!! But, I would imagine that the fare would go up some since they are now including the perks. I don't know if they have ever offered this kind of sale while still maintaining the lowest rates or not. Sometimes the new promos don't really save as much as you would hope? It would probably help if anyone was going to pay for the package. Maybe put the booking on a complimentary hold? You have tomorrow to check with Princess or your TA and decide.

On Youtube look for video title: Discovery Princess Inside Cabin Tour - Stateroom A203 This is a good tour of a sideways Inside cabin.

I will see if I can't find a good video. The Pullman beds do pull down from the wall, so they are not stowed overhead in the ceiling. (don't know why they would have to be made that way)

Does anyone know where I can find the Sanctuary Menu? Maybe somebody has been nice enough to post an image of it here if it is not on the Princess website.

Are you familiar with the difference between the sideways interior cabins and the ones with the entry similar to all other cabins? They do have a few more square feet, and seem to have a bit more floor/elbow room. There are good video tours on youtube. I like the added few square feet, but do not like that there is no privacy buffer, as the door opens right into the main bed area.

I don't think either are actually over Thanksgiving? I looked, just out of curiosity, and I am seeing. 5 Day - Interior $402.00 Deluxe Obstructed (non obstructed mid-ship with extended balcony) $467.00 Balcony. mid fwd $460.00 7 Day - Interior mid-FWD or mid-AFT $521.00 Deluxe Obstructed (non obstructed mid-ship with extended balcony) $782.00 Balcony AFT $768.00

Special holiday events are only on the actual holiday sailing. I looked up obstructed balconies, and none of the un-obstructed ones are showing available. Only the ones that are actually obstructed by the lifeboats!

In our experience, Most of the decorations will go up before you board, but they might continue to add to these. I doubt that there are any obstructed balconies still available that do not actually have obstruction, But I would consider paying a bit more for one of them over an inside. (I am one of those who really like my natural light and some fresh air!)

If half-day passes are available, then I don't think I have ever heard of that. They are possible for The Sanctuary. They will offer the cruise duration Enclave/Thermal Suite passes. Then, I understand, based on how many of those are sold, after embarkation day, they can make day passes available. If so, you would just have to check back, and maybe keep checking. I saw one mention, on a Royal Class ship, they they will max out at 64 people having passes. Of course, there is so much going on during a cruise, that I imagine that there would never be anywhere near that wanting to be there at the same time.

Thank you for the info! Glad you got your Aft Premium Deluxe Balcony!

PS: you need a better travel agent. One that is familiar with Princess, or a Princess Vacation Planner. Even those do not always help!!!! But, I would want one that has least been on a Princess ship!