Panama canal

[Ryancoke]

I'm new to Princess and have a few questions.

 

On a Panama Canal 14 day, how many formal nights could we expect? What percentage of men wear tuxes vs dark suits?

 

I suppose there are coin op laundries?

 

Do they have anytime dining or the equivalent?

 

Are there Princess operated tours of LA that drop off at the airport?

 

Thanks for answers in advance.

[rdsqrl]

Expect 3 formal nights. Attire will vary as passengers vary, but in general, the longer the cruise, the higher the percentage of tuxes. On my Coral cruise, it seemed like the majority of men were in formal wear of one kind or another. Either way, suit or tux, you won't feel out of place.

 

Yes, there are laundries on nearly every passenger deck, all towards the aft. Very nice ones -- clean, new machines, good irons and ironing boards. There are machines to vend laundry soap and fabric softener, or you can bring your own if you prefer (I think you might have to use the kind for front-loading machines, though -- maybe someone else knows for sure?). Also, should you require it, change machines, although these can often be out of quarters. You can also get quarters from the Purser's Desk or at the Casino cage. Washers and dryers are $2 each; both have displays showing the minutes the cycles take -- very handy for timing!

 

Yes, one dining room is devoted to Traditional dining and one dining room (the one on deck 5) is for Anytime.

 

Can't say re tours as I was staying on in LA and so didn't pay any attention.

 

It's a fabulous cruise, by the way -- I loved it! Hope this all helps.

 

 

[Ryancoke]

Thankyou so much for your prompt and complete reply.:)

[Ryancoke]

I have another question. We're booked and have the anytime dining. It says 5:30 to 10:00. Does that mean you can arrive any time until 10 or that you should arrive earlier so you're finised by 10:00? Also can you reserve a time? What is the quietest time? I expect the later the quieter except on port days when earlier would be. Thanks.

[satxdiver]

You can show up for dinner at anytime the dining room is open. However I would not show up at 9:55 and expect a particularly warm welcome! Yes, you can make reservations or you can just show up and wait for a table. The busiest time seems to be from about 6:30 to 8:00 or so. You should dine after 8 PM if you want a really quiet dinner. Port days do not seem to change the busy time versus slack time in the ATD dining room.

[Pam in CA]

I have another question. We're booked and have the anytime dining. It says 5:30 to 10:00. Does that mean you can arrive any time until 10 or that you should arrive earlier so you're finised by 10:00? Also can you reserve a time? What is the quietest time? I expect the later the quieter except on port days when earlier would be. Thanks.

The dining room closes at 10pm so you really should arrive a lot sooner. It's a very long day for the waitstaff. I wouldn't arrive after 9pm. It'll definitely be quiet by then as the dining room starts to empty out. It's usually quiet after 8pm.

[Ryancoke]

If we want to be alone I figured to get there about 8:30 or so and we'll likely have the courses delivered in quick succession. Or earlier if we want to visit. Never done anytime. Isn't known where I've cruised before. This should work well. Thanks folks for the answers.

[MustangGT]

Enjoy your cruise! When our FLL - LA cruise ended, no excursions were offered to pass the time until flying home :-(

[compozer]

As Pam said, the waitstaff works long hours and are on their feet all day so I agree, don't go after 9 pm.

[Ryancoke]

Hellos folks. I should have posted this earlier (like 4am here) but the Coral is just finishing its Canal transit and you can view it on the web cam. A link to which is beyond my talents. I've been reliving the trip a bit off and on today by watching. The ship is just getting through the southern locks now.