memoak

O need to dress up long pants and a decent shirt will suffice. I do not even own a tie anymore. All I take on cruises for dinner are crew pants (no belt needed) and a short sleeve shirt. Unless you show up in cut off shorts and a dirty t shirt you will be fine. Sometimes I even wear jeans to dinner

There appears to be a $1 increase per day. Not any amount to concern anyone

Except that you are a long way from the concierge lounge which is why we choose aft Riviera

I have yet to find an aft penthouse balcony that I would call very small. Love them all but the Royal class had the wraparound we love

We have R730 booked on the Majestic for 20 days in September/October and the same suite for 14 days on the Discovery in June 2026. Still looking for more 2026 sailings but the first half of 2025 will be back on our favorite “rust bucket” the Grand

I really don’t feel like going 6 decks down and to midship from my aft suite and laundry room just to save $3. I bring my own soap sheets and just pay for drying. We only do a few things once a week so $6 over a 14 day cruise. Most things like underwear, socks T shirts and jeans get sent out to ship laundry. Yes being Elite/Suite guests is great

Corner aft penthouse suites on Royal class have the most awesome balconies on the ship. Gigantic

Easy for us the wraparound balconies in aft PH suites win out. The mid ships are way too tiny balconies. We try to book aft on Riviera when we book Royal class so we can just walk down the hall for our early coffee

For us it is not so much that as not having to make reservations and having no wait. Also the added dish often breaks up menus we have seen for years

For dedicated wait staff and no waiting and no reservations needed yes

In my opinion the machines are no fun because people just put them aside and wait for a signal that you have won. Much prefer following along. Kind of like hiring someone to sit at slot machines with your money while you hang out at the casino bar

Jogging on deck 15 would be pretty difficult with the wind buffers in place you would have to weave in and out not good for running

Our Medicare Advantage plan covers us but only as reimbursement after we have paid for it. This is through Kaiser Oregon. Broke 3 ribs on a cruise last year paid for the ships medical fees on the folio submitted the paperwork to our provider and received reimbursement within weeks

On the Grand las week the salty dog pop up was only for lunch and done at the Crown Grill since the wheelhouse on the grand does not have an area for it like on other ships. If you have seen it as a pop u for dinner on the Grand I would curious where it was located

Yes we much preferred it when Sabatini’s was right outside the spa and very quiet

I don’t know if the Sun is different from the Royal class ships but in the past I have never had access to a concierge before boarding. If you have a CVP it TA they may be able to get answers to many of your questions

If you have a CVP I would ask them for a review same if you have a TA. All the credits and debits can be very confusing

The elite/suite lounge only helps if you are there first thing before boarding starts there is no benefit

Once you are at ports there is no priority boarding to get back to the ship

Staterooms at the front of the ship will have movement. As far as I know all showers have a step up to get it except for handicapped rooms

Are you worried about something happening to your hotel stay ? Cruise insurance is for the cruise or did you book your hotel through Princess

Yes just call and they are usually at your door bin 20 minutes

Our regular embarkation night dinner is Sabatini’s. We do either call the dine line when we get onboard or stop by the venue if it is on our way to the elevators like on the Grand. We like to eat after 7:30 and never have an issue

The perks you have mentioned are usually elite benefits or associated with a package

The plus cruise package includes 15 alcoholic drinks per person per day, unlimited non alcoholic drinks, one device WiFi, Crew Appreciation which are pooled tips (you may want to tip some individuals also, it includes 2 casual meals per cruise or cruise leg some extra desserts and gym classes but basically we get it for drinks, WiFi and gratuities. It must be purchased for the first 2 in a stateroom 3-4 drinks per day per person usually makes it a no brainer if you don’t drink alcohol than maybe not a good deal