mtnesterz

"Black," in this context means they are Elite, the highest loyalty level and receive some perks. We took our adult daughter to Japan on her first cruise recently and though she discovered cruising is not to her tastes, she did appreciate the family bonding time. I hope you do as well. Though family are Elite, not everyone knows how to apply for early disembarkation. Here is the form, which will need to be approved: https://salessupport.princess.com/route_sector_change_request

We will be there later this year, so I've seen what Princess offers and thought the same thing. Something to consider, an excursion that might be interesting for some, take a ferry ride to the distillery for a tour. Captain Morgan, IIRC. I didn't get any details, because we don't drink, but it could be out of the ordinary and interesting.

We have done TA both ways. To our preference, westbound is better because you gain an hour every few days. Label it sleep time or play time, it's extra time. Both directions, we hit some weather and rough seas, so in the first aid kit you mention, you might consider adding some antihistamines, generic for Benadryl as an example, if you can tolerate them, because the are good for seasickness, sleep aid, contact dermatitis, pain and itch resulting from sunburn... Enjoy your cruises!

Here is the form: https://salessupport.princess.com/route_sector_change_request

We are on the same upcoming sailing as you. Checking in response to this thread, our Deluxe Balcony has gone up 33% since we booked. When the change happened, I can't say.

Admitting that I like food culture, if you are the type to enjoy Pizza in Naples, ranch dressing on a salad in Alaska, Caesar salad and Margarita in Ensenada, you may be interested to try Musubi in Hawaii.

Years ago, Princess started a program of Hawaiian cultural immersion on the Hawaii runs. There are a lot of sea days on these west coast sailings and really extends the sense of your otherwise limited time ashore. Ukulele classes, flower lei making, Hawaiian music in the Piazza,also from the overhead and cultural/history lectures. I think Elua was the starter team. Search Eluamusic. We spoke to them last August on the Emerald, but I don't see their upcoming schedule. Other teams are good too!

This! There are other teams, but to our impression, Elua is preferred. They are on the Crown until April '24. They do post here, so seek out their schedule. Seems like lately on this board, posters only care about the ship. I still hold the destination is your vacation and the immersion team makes those long sea days, which you will have either port, a treat. The rest is detail.

Interesting thought. First, the bottom line, if it doesn't work when you embark, or the battery goes dead (as it will do on a longer cruise) you'll receive another. If you notice it stops unlocking your cabin door, it's time to go to Passenger Services. I was an electronic tech in the USAF. I've read it carries a code like a car license plate. Not your name or account information, so to check it's function would require buying a device that could read it. Then even if you could read the code, you wouldn't know if that connected to your account until you boarded.

I have seen the form, from 2013, online. At the bottom, it mentions, "if," you are using Princess transfers. Which says to me it it is an option. I have no current info on availability or cost.

What you describe reminds me of Juno or Netzero in the late '90's. (Back then, dial-up, send and receive, hang-up.) I also recall Celebrity had a function where you could write a few lines on an emailed "postcard" from their onboard site, but you couldn't receive anything back. I haven't seen anything like that recently. Interested to know, but I'll stick with my phone. I might suggest, depending on where you're going, to check with your cell phone provider about international service. We too digitally disconnect on the ship, but when in port, check emails and messages.

I was correct about the information on the website and with what you provided. I did not receive the brochure so I don't know what the brochure says and I suspect this is the difference. I don't know why you are bringing up the Coral. I mentioned the Crown. The Princess website lists world cruises and segments in '25 during January, March, May, June and July. The Crown and Island are listed. So, if you don't like the Island, you have a choice. Or you can wait a year, sail another line or stay home. But you do have choices.

To the original question, according to the Princess website, both Island and Crown are doing World Cruise itineraries in '25. Don't like the Island, you have options.

While someone here may have the answer, your answer would more likely be found if posted on the Ports of Call, Alaska board. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/33-alaska/

To confirm your suspicion, they do shove the two twin beds together and re-sheet them for a queen, then move the end tables to the sides. So to answer your question, were do you want the end tables? Because the mattress will be the same. Queen sized and King sized are different dimensions in different countries, but it's plenty big. We've had both fresh and new, which is pretty good, also dips and lumpy with the so called Princess Luxury Bed. YMMV. Good or bad, it's a foam mattress and sleeps hot. Ask the steward for a blanket instead of the duvet.

If this is all you need, then check your phone plan. With our T-Mobile, we have included international service and on port days, check our messages and if necessary, make calls. Given today's technology, unless someone owns a business and needs to stay in touch constantly, Princess's WiFi prices are absurd. Don't forget to go to airplane mode when re-boarding!

Yes.

1. Show times vary as you mention. Seems like 7:00 and 8:00, but someone will post a Cruise Events Planner and correct me, I'm sure. The shows are 45 minutes long. If you dine early, go straight to the theater because seats fill up. 2. We just use the standard lanyard that comes with the Medallion. It is a very soft, non-irritating material. 3. Yes, you can do early walk off with your own luggage. We do. 4. We are Elite and do not know of any Elite only dining room. There is a Platinium/Elite/Suite lounge before dinner. Maybe that is what you are thinking of. 5 There is a thread about pool temp currently. Funny, I've never been in the pool on a cruise. It could be heated. They sure have enough power to heat them.

Sorry for your loss. Norwegian has single rooms for solo travellers. Oceania offers a deal for solo travellers, but I don't know what it is. There are two widows cruising together on our upcoming, on Princess. How they met I don't know, but I've heard there are websites where people can find travel partners. You might enjoy reading this article. https://travel.usnews.com/features/the-top-cruise-lines-for-solo-travelers

I used to enjoy your posts here on the Princess board and wondered which line you were sailing with now.

I gather you won big time in Vegas. Congratulations! The WiFi cost is either $20 or $24/day. Whichever, but to clarify, it is per device, not per person. You could check your email then log off, and your wife could log on with her device. It's one at a time. In our case, we have T-Mobile and just check our email in ports, free international calls and digitally disconnect while onboard. We don't need WiFi and don't drink alcohol so we don't buy the packages.

Here is another thread. Mentions in post #3 two cruises paid in full with cards.

My guess is supply and demand based on school and college breaks. But since you weren't specific about dates, it will have to be just that, a guess. Pricing by demand. Also, by your wording we're left to think you're on the same ship, the Sapphire. Why would the ships age make a difference in price, if it's the same ship both sailings?

Why don't you tell us what your concern is? I've seen your posts, so you have cruised previously and know the drill. Something is causing you anxiety about boarding, which is very straightforward and I am not seeing it.

Neither. You remind me of our first cruise to Alaska, wanting the ship to be right. It's Alaska. You may find yourself too awestruck by nature at every turn to care. Enjoy your introduction to Alaska. I would prefer you were on a smaller ship, the Coral Princess, but I'm happy for you that you are going.