mtnesterz

I recommend buying the Connoisseur package for an Alaska CruiseTour. It is the only thing I regretted about not doing on our Alaska trip. If we ever get to go again we will gladly buy it. Yes it seems like more money, but have no regrets on this.

As far as chair hogs on non-Sanctuary areas, here is a CC aricle on dealing with them, #4 is my favorite. Leave the items, move the lounger. https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/7-ways-to-outsmart-deck-chair-hogs

Don't know if it is still there but the Royal and Regal and Majestic used to have a Bullseye Shooting Simulator. Very fun and popular simulated trap shooting. This would most likely interest him if they still have it. I don't know about the other ships in the Royal Class. It's not on any other Class I've sailed. As I recall it was in a place on the ship that was not easily found. There was no charge for it.

My hope is that you can get this resolved to your satisfaction. Two things for future reference, particularly with Obstructed View, which we find a good value, request "no upgrades" when booking a specific cabin and since you prefer to book direct with Princess, do your booking and receive continuing follow-through only by a CVP.

The excursion is sold out anyway, but it's not about the seat. It's about weight and balance; what will fly. Same for a sailplane, in my case. You wouldn't want to put a lot of weight forward, but more centered. Put a smaller person up front.

Also want to know about the OBC. Elsewhere, the OP posts of a 15 day Panama Canal next month. If this is the correct sailing, seven ports worth of excursions, gift shopping, a steak dinner, a two week bar tab? It all adds up.

The only thing I have observed is that while all other Princess ships are scheduled almost halfway into '26, the Diamond is off the schedule after August '25. Anyone have any idea what this is about?

I can think of at least two posters who used to be regulars here on the Princess board, then got fed up with Princess. They are still on CC but sail other lines and post in the related sections. So you don't read their disappointments here. Those of us still here, have at least some level of contentment. Those who found Princess a One-And-Done line can write a bad review, then they're not on this board either. I think that accounts for it. You will observe changes since 2006. Honestly, we feel in a jam. We don't like the changes, but to up our game to the next level and sail Oceania or Azamara is twice the money, or more, per night and we are retired, fixed income. So we are still here and happy to be able to afford to cruise.

We always book excursions through Princess. Yes, your account will be credited if that was a concern. They're good about that. We've heard nothing negative going on in Antiqua, your next port, assuming you are on the Enchanted.

You didn't mention what it was you didn't like about the Diamond, other than Alfredo's and Vines, so how can we know what to tell you if it may be more to your tastes? The Diamond was modified to some degree to appeal to the Asian market. The Sapphire is more like the other Princess ships. We were on the Diamond last October, in Japan, and it is showing it's age. We have been on the Sapphire but it was years ago. Some lines are buying secondhand tonnage older than the Gems and they are kept up. Seems to be a Princess thing. I spoke to an Princess engineer and he told me the Gem Class ships are the most trouble free. Made in Japan, figures. Given being out in the middle of the ocean in a steel box when cruising, I always felt it quietly propituous for both Diamond and Sapphire.

SuperShuttle, and Primetime no longer hang out at a pick-up area by the dock as they did before Covid. I don't recall seeing cabs waiting either, but I wasn't looking for them. Our last debark there in August '23. I hope other Canadian CC members here, perhaps @Lady Arwen can advise for a phone plan for those who cruise often. We have a very basic (US) plan, T-Mobile, and calls from Canada incur no added charges. IIRC, in the past, during the cruise, a form was sent out on the ship to request disembarkation times and your transfer plans, as you may use Princess. Then luggage tags arrive with debark times and tag colors. Since we just do RT's these days, this too may be old info.

Thanks! I did not know this. I just looked up the menu online. We're either buffet or MDR diners. But this would be worth the charge. (Don't drink so we don't buy the packages.)

You say it has been awhile since you've cruised? Then you may remember the Ernesto Burger, which was the best burger I ever ate, but post Covid, they are no longer served in the MDR on Princess. I don't know if Discovery has a Salty Dog Gastropub, but it is considered casual dining, and you'd have to pay if you didn't get a package. They look good! Personally, unless you're really hungry, which is unlikely on a cruise ship, I'd pass on the burgers on deck.

It's a drupe, or stone fruit. The FDA considers it a tree nut.

Hope you're enjoying your cruise! I'd call them on it. I was watching a Gary Bembridge Youtube video yesterday and one of the things he mentioned passengers should do is speak up when things are off. The crew not knowing food service creates a feeling they don't know what they're doing. The company shouldn't send that message, it's constructive.

In your post, #7, you explained it was a safety issue. If that is the standard, then for whatever reason, logically, displaying inside the cabin would be a safety issue as well. I think most of us here are old enough to know that when a politician or other authority says something is for our own good or safety, it's dubious. I am not doubting that you were told of this policy, but I think we would all be interested in reading if you can post a printed copy. We have a small sign with nothing untoward. Won't bother packing for our upcoming if this is the case.

Reading this line makes me wonder if "company approved" decorations will be offered for sale in the gift shops.

Yes, there is the One5, on deck 15, (how creative of them,) but it is not known as a place to sightsee, which was my reason for posting. I also made note of the date of change, 2011 for a reason. A poster recommended a ship (class) based on what the ship was 13 or more years ago, not what it is today. @Princess Chatterer wants to know what the ship is like, now. Two years ago there was a persistent leak outside Explorers and some odors. But likewise, that is not the state of the ship today. To the OP, consider asking in a "live from" or ask in a roll call. Someone there right now.

Few would disagree and add the best viewing place on the Grand Class is Skywalkers. Readers new to the line should be aware the Grand itself, the topic of this thread, had Skywalkers removed in 2011.

We are not allowed to name them here on CC. I got a warning for giving out the main toll free number from the website, providing nothing more than the number. Beyond luck of the draw, the only thing I can think of is if you are on a cruise and attend a M&G, ask other passengers who they like.

We couldn't assist you with your booking or make a reservation, but is there a question we might be able to answer for you? Agree with Bgwest. Find a good TA or your CVP.

Thanks so much for your review and especially adding this part. We too are longtime Elite Princess cruisers, and with changes, loss of perks and increased costs have wished to try other lines As with any good travel experience, or those not so good which we constructively label an adventure, things are learned. An appreciation, objective perception and tolerance. Though, I still want my free internet back.

Tried to change my wording but too late. Agreeing with the OP that a Ocean View is an option to avoid confrontation, as others have posted their experiences with balcony smokers not receiving support from the crew as they'd wished. Perhaps you've read those? Of course, with those posts, you wonder what the real story was and about the resolution.

Error.

The coping skill you mention that serve you on land will serve you at sea. Also, as you may already know but felt no need to mention, drink plenty of water to flush your system and consider carrying an N95 mask with you. There may be times when you need to walk through the Casino, between Passenger Services on deck 7 and the Theater. Avoid balcony cabins. The crew does nothing to stop people from smoking on their balconies.