hehny

If you don't want to stand in line, later is better. Doors usually open at 11:30. While they don't enforce the staggered boarding, most people are anxious to board and you can expect longer lines before the doors open. By 1:30, you probably could just board.

I boarded in February...was in line by 11, on board shortly after 1.

I loved the royal and have sailed her twice already. Most people tend to review to complain. Take everything with a grain of salt! Enjoy your cruise.

Sinova:

Cunard had the Grills class long before Carnival took over.

If people want to go First or Business class on an airplane, why shouldn't they?

If someone wants to be on a Club Level floor in a hotel, why shouldn't they?

Everyone has the right to spend one's travel money in any way they wish. Some will chose to go Grills and others will not.

There are unwritten class rules all over the place.

I do not think that those who go Grills are trying to lord it over anyone. It is their vacation as well.

I chose the Grills this time for the 28 day Norwegian adventure because I was able to snag a really great deal. I am not paying as much as I would if I had a suite on Princess or Celebrity for the same time frame.

I will report back and let you know if it was worth it.

BTW: The photo below was taken when I emigrated. We were in steerage.

excellent comments. I love the grill class for the restaurants, which are still the best I've experienced at sea. We tend to lose energy quickly so we like larger rooms. We also enjoy priority boarding. We don't travel the grill class out of any feelings of superiority.

To argue that Cunard is class based is not accurate. Anyone who can afford to pay the fares can travel in the grills. It's not based on lineage or family ties. Yes, it's an economic system but so are most things in life!

I've met blowhards in the grills, sure but I've also met some lovely people. And vice versa.

Everyone makes choices over how to spend their money. Some purchase Fancy cars, others tickets to high profile events, still others technology gadgets. We just happen to enjoy luxury cruising.

I'm a Norwegian newbie. I was interested in the haven because it seemed to match my style of cruising. The ops question shows why there are issues. As someone posted, it's a marketing issue. I'm not sure how an exclusive oasis matches with family style cruising. I suspect others are having the same issue.

If Norwegian hopes to attract luxury cruisers, they need to think about their target audience for the haven.

Had an 11:30 flight earlier this month and was able to use EZ Check. Not sure if the time was the reason for your denial.

Who knows? I was very disappointed as I love ez check. To be fair, the docs did say ezcheck was not a guarantee. I was flying jet blue. Princess told me they were not allowed to us ezcheck for my check in and I needed to make alternate arrangements. Since it's not up to them, there wasn't much I could do. Happily, it worked out by the end!

Hehny: Would you please tell me what private car service you used and the cost? I'd appreciate that. No trouble finding the driver? Thank you.

We used infinity transportation. The cost was 72.59 for a sedan. This included port fees and tips. Booked online. Worth every penny. We actually got out earlier than anticipated and had no problems getting the time switched for pick up. They kept in constant contact by text through our cell phone..describing the car, the license plate. We wrote back where we were and what we were wearing. No problems finding each other. They talked specifically about cruise pickups on their website.

I had to get on the 11:34 flight so I didn't hesitate for peace of mind through a private transport. For me, that was priceless. Sundays are very busy at the port. All I can offer us my experience. To each his own.

Enjoy your cruise!

Another cheer for Royal!

But what is there is a long line to board the tenders and you are not going to make it in time for your reservation? I would hope that they would give you priority in order for you to make your reservation time. Or at the very least rebook you at another time.

The only priorities for tendering went to those on ship excursions like snorkeling. As another poster stated, it is your responsibility to get there on time.

Just disembarked from Royal last month. some thoughts:

1. Tried to do ez check w 11:34 flight and was denied. Princess explained it was at the airlines discretion to accept or deny.

2. I had to schedule my new disembark plans. I chose early walk off at 6:15. This meant I kept my own luggage.

3. There were at least five other ships in port before us. Customs did not clear us until 6:30, This meant all the disembarkation groups were approx half an hour behind. They DID check for tickets in our cruise.

4. You must have one hand free to hold onto the railing of the escalator into arrivals or else you had to wait on line for ONE elevator.

5. I got lucky..customs went quickly (unusual during high season). There was a long line for the cabs and shuttle. Had a private car and made it the airport by 9.

The 11:30 time cut off for ez check is just a guideline, not a guarantee. My flight was 11:34 and the airline would not allow me to use ez check.

Why would you think Ft Lauderdale parking is any better? The traffic there is just as bad.

There are angled balconies that are larger than standard, but I am unaware if any of them are consistently shaded.

Of course she can enter the casino or walk through the entertainment areas. However, she will not be allowed to gamble.

Not likely. Princess Cays is a private Island leased and run by Princess . Private tour operators aren't allowed to give tours.

Not true. Princess Cays is a private beach on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. While the beach is private, you can visit the other parts of the island. There are security guards at the entrance to princess cays and you will need a government photo ID and your ship card to return. Google Eleuthera tours and you'll find plenty of options. I'm afraid I have never done any so I can't offer my personal opinion. Good Luck!

I would assume the stewards would have removed it before the next pax boarded if indeed it was left out in the open. I went through this a few weeks ago and was directed to fill out a form through lost and found. Princess emailed it to me. I would contact them directly.

Like you, I lost something inexpensive but treasured. I. Hope it works out!! I have pretty much given up....

I believe I paid $169.00 for myself only last month on a 15 day cruise for Thermal Suite. When you board go straight up as they only sell so many passes. If you are in a "Full Suite" it is included in the price of the room.

Enjoy, you will not regret it and the Spa people are fantastic.

The exception is Royal..full suites do not have complimentary access.

I would ask this on the port boards for a larger response.

We were on Princess' maiden call to Toulon. While not a tender port in the strictest sense, we did have to a water taxi to get into town. I've taken a lot of shore excursions through Princess, they are pretty accurate on timings. Enjoy!

Agreed! I would never request my already busy steward to make towel animals, but if traveling with my kids and the steward decided to do it on his/her own as a treat for the kids? That would deserve extra tips and one of the Consummate Host cards.

I agree. I would rather have my ice bucket filled and towels refreshed than asking someone to go above and beyond for a towel animal without some recognition.

You probably won't have a problem but we saw people on our cruise who had a standing reservation but were listed under anytime dining.

That is what I was trying to explain, that the divider door can open and be secured or folded against the divider in Grand Class. On Royal the divider door opens but then blocks part of the sliding balcony door as opposed to opening and swinging back and being secured to the divider. It opens up against the Balcony sliding door.

In our case it party blocked the opening to the stateroom.

We didn't have this problem. We had three mini suites open and it was a lot of fun. No problem getting in or out of the stateroom.

I did my own research in St a Maarten and chose to use Deet before disembarking. I would recommend you do the same if you are nervous.

I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise!

I'm not sure why everyone is so angry about b2b reserving. That's a perk they get. It's not like the ability to sail b2b is limited...anyone can technically do it.

Similarly, If Princess did not hold back seats for daily reservation, it's very possible they could all be booked by b2b before anyone else boards. Or if it's first come first serve at embark, only priority boarders would get it. I remember how disappointed I was on HAL when I found out the cabanas were prebooked before sailing.

By now, even casual CC readers are realizing how hard it is to get Sanctuary seating on Royal. I don't think there is an answer that would satisfy everyone. I'm not a corporate cheerleader, but low supply and high demand is a no win situation.

I've been on the Royal twice, once with reserved Sanctuary seating and once without. I can honestly say I had a great time during both trips. I'm glad the OP was able to see past the bad start and enjoy the ship.

Just to add, there is a coffee bar in the pastry section but it doesn't serve everything the IC does. For example, they can't make iced drinks.

Also found it interesting that some greeters made you purell and others didn't. This is why I prefer to only take food the passangers can't handle themselves. Was pleasantly surprised as to how many options there were since buffets aren't usually my thing.

I've heard ( as of last year ) that some ships play dumb and tell people the dining rooms are NOT open on embarkation day. Is that no longer true?:confused:

I assume they are told to push the buffet due to crowds. At every checkin they remind me of the buffet. With that being said, I have never had someone deny that the MDR is open. I prefer Alfredo's when available.

Actually, you don't have to be a guest of a passenger to do the BVE. You can do it all by yourself, or with some friends as a great way to experience the ship.

 

If you're a sailing passenger, I don't think Princess will let you book a BVE. Besides, why would you want to? To get onboard a little bit earlier? If that's your objective, why not try to connect with someone who is doing the BVE and link your booking number with theirs? Then you can board with them. If you do that, the only thing you'll be missing out will be a glass of wine at lunch.

I agree completely, hence my question. Some earlier posters were talking about booking it as a passenger. If you want priority boarding, just cruise more frequently to build up your loyalty or book a full suite.. It's a lot more fun that way anyway. Booking the BVE for priority boarding seems both cheap and expensive, a rare feat!!