mtnesterz

@wallyj, Hawaii. Didn't see you in the Roll Call. Join us.

Took me awhile to find the post I referred to, but here is what I read: "Hi ..., I believe Princess also removed the complimentary steam and sauna’s in the changing rooms at the Gym. Heard they expanded some spa treatment rooms for accessibility. Have not heard if Princess plans to do this to her sister ships." Hey, how about that. It was written by, you! I get it. You are saying the facilities were physically removed, not just complimentary. Using the word, "accessibility," I took you to mean thay had altered the treatment room doorways so that the spa and sauna were accessed from a different place. Like a paid area. OK, thanks. Just want to know what to expect in August.

There have been several threads about the Emerald lately, and a couple "live from." Have a search for those. Also, you'll want to join your roll call and get aquainted. We will be on the Emerald in August, so interesting to follow for us too. We always book tours through the ship so the website is the only place we look, but on the roll call, others might want to get together for a small group deal or know of local eateries. One disappointment about the Emerald is I have read the sauna/steam room is no longer free access as it is on other Grand Class ships.

L.A. local here, so arrived at this port several times. Surprised to see that Oceania, arriving from Tahiti, gets berth 93. Usually Princess gets 93. (Unless a Royal Class ship) No worries, same pickup area. We usually do the early walk off and no problems wherever we sail. Recommended because if flying from any port, you're always first bus out. Being a Thursday, no problems with traffic. You have plenty of time, figure 30-40 minutes transit. I'd suggest a huge breakfast onboard as food at the airport is really expensive. Customs now just takes your picture and you're on the move. It's almost like you need to keep your stuff in hand because the line moves so fast you'll hold things up to stop.

If you booked with a free perk, lets say a specialty dinner for two and the fare drops $100, be sure you wouldn't lose your dining when making a change. Mostly though, if you watch the, "sales," for awhile, you'll see they shuffle the numbers around, but the bottom line stays the same. Our Cruise Vacation Planner says his slow months are January and February. If you see something you want, this being March, book sooner than later. The occasional dollar deposit specials are nice for first timers, but once you've sailed, the best thing to do is buy a Future Cruise Deposit (FCD) onboard. That is not only your next cruise deposit, but some Future Cruise Credit (FCC) credit for your next cruise. Presume from your name you live in the USA Southwest. In some countries, there is a substantial charge for a rebook/refare.

You're not computer illiterate, you're posting here just fine. We've done Princess Cruisetours in Alaska and can advise if you have a specific question. The other places, Japan, Colonial America... surely someone has taken them and can advise. Basically Princess takes care of most everything except your shoreside food, unless specifically stated that they provide. Even when things go sideways, as it did when we were there, they took care of the problems. Princess was good about that. You can also use the search box in the blue bar above for past threads on your topic. What is it you want to know?

Think you're right. From the FB wording, looks line a rewards points deal. As far as brand recognition. Princess went with Ernesto Uchimura for the Ernesto burger and at that time, there were only two Umami Burger locations. He has other restaurant brands and locations now. BTW, A combo at Umami Burger is like $20. I really miss the Ernesto burgers onboard.

Never done the round trip. But the one we looked at was a revisit of the ports in the opposite order. If you missed an excursion you wanted, you have a second chance. You say it doesn't matter to you, but for several reasons, we believe smaller ships are better in Alaska. The Sapphire would be our choice. If you choose the northern Cruisetours. We did the Explorer package, but wish we had bought the Connoisseur as meals are included. Food was very expensive there.

You might wast to read this review of the court.

I don't think any line does more to keep pasengers of all ages engaged that Carnival. It was too much energy for us, a one-and-done, but they certainly always had something going on. Princess clientele, you ask? I would say the demographic for Princess is, with some generous leeway, at or nearing retirement age, white collar, likes enrichment lectures, has higher expectations for meals and drinks than average tastes. Again, similar to Celebrity, but maybe a bit less stuffy. Also consider shore excursions. as I recall, Carnival focused more on activity. Princess excursions lean toward cultural and historic interest, though some active excursions offered too.

We sailed Celebrity some time back and found them closest to Princess of the lines we've sailed. His opinion about Celebrity might predict his opinion of Princess. As you said, a port intensive cruise made the deal work for him. You could go with an itinerary like that. And too, his tastes might change over time.

Don't know how long to follow a ship's owner changes. P&O Pacific Aria, formerly HAL Ryndam, #9 on the list, went to Seajets, but now bought by Celestyal. Speculate that Celestyal will buy sister ship, formerly HAL Veendam as time goes forward.

Which is why I didn't choose the word, "always." .

... and never be next to a white area as you see them on a deck plan. Often housekeeping storage and noisy in the early hours.

Congratulations! Though not usually steak people, we celebrated our 40th in the Crown Grill. So memorable to recall even now. Dress as you would like. We dressed up, though not required. Hickory smoked salt, must try. Be sure they know of your anniversary. They will make it special. A decadent dessert will follow.

All of the above and previous pages reminds me of the threads when the Royal Class ships came out. Be it not enough seating in the theater, that they did not add elevators when the added decks of cabins, removed common areas to add pay-for-use areas, or removed the full Promenade, there is a loss of places just to hang out. This should not be put on the passengers, who all pay to be on the ship. This is solely on Princess for taking away areas for people just to relax without paying every second just to be there. One thing that might help is that the internet cafe adjacent to Vines on Grand Class could be converted to a lounge area. Few use the internet cafe for the intended purpose these days.

Thank you for posting this video. I really enjoy Gary Bembridge, but was not aware of this video. Especially enjoyed his comments on Formal Night. He has a clever way of stating his opinions without offending anyone.

An observation from our sailing this itinerary that you might consider. You got a taste this morning if you are in Las Vegas. You lost an hour's sleep last night with the time change. That happens four times on a West-to-East TA. That's after a losing three hours on your Las Vegas-Florida flight. We didn't feel much like a nice dinner on the cruise, coming from LA. Constantly tired. It must have been that many felt that way because Specialty Dining venues were available any night we walked by them. Suggest just being spontaneous in which nights you choose. You will know which dates are closer to sailing, in the Journey View part of the app.

The difference comes down to whether a post intends to inform or impress. I'd rather give a streamlined explanation that meets the moment without going into fine details. Over time on this board, I think you'll find keeping it simple is the best received post. But if anyone is interested, they can read yours.

What was your experience on the Sky and Discovery? Hope it worked for you.

Worked with gas laws in my career. The curtain is "attacking you" because the hot water heats the air which then rises and goes over the top of the curtain. The air must be replaced, so the shower curtain is drawn in. Clothes pin it down, leave an air gap in the side of the curtain so air can get in, or take a colder shower.

We have been on one of those 14 day cruises, in the Caribbean. Two, one week loops. The menu did not repeat. Papa Yoda is right, put in your request at dinner the previous night.

Ruby is one year newer. They're the same class of ship. If your travel days work out better one over the other, there's your answer. If you've sailed with Princess before, check the sticky at the top to see if any senior staff are to your liking. Doesn't explain difference in price unless sailing includes a holiday.

5. Just to clarify, the walls of the cabin are sheet steel. Magnets attach your daily schedule and other papers you might want in easy view. A magnetic hook for a hat is a good idea. Bring binoculars or monocular with attachment to your phone for pix, if not a good camera.

Well then, going back to your original post, what would you propose? We live two hours drive from Baja California. Let me assure you, the Spanish language is not obscure, but used daily and thriving.