Not gambling....but should I?

[NauticalOne]

Hello all, this will be only our second Princess cruise (first one Nov 2011 to Eastern Caribbean). Although some have called it a mistake because it is hard to go back, we purchased an AC mini on the first cruise (my 50th birthday celebration). We are now going on our second cruise in Jan of 2013 to the Western Caribbean on the Crown. I originally booked a AD gty (thinking about an upgrade possibility) and then the next day I realized the ADs on Crown are all right above Club Fusion which is probably a tad bit noisy late into the night and I may not get the upgrade (silly me, lack of research). So, I was going to move our gty up to the AC and see what happened. While I was on the phone doing that (and not too crazy about the price difference) I remembered how nice our AC was before but, we hardly used the couch and though having the two TVs was nice, it was really hard to use them both at once because they were so close together and hearing one over the other is a little bit of an issue. So...all that being said I decided to go with a BA (yep, moved down) because of all the great things I have read on here about he Caribe deck balconies. The room will be a little smaller and no tub, but nice big deck area. So, here is the no gambling part- I originally asked the nice Princess person on the phone to leave the "automatic upgrade button" activated. Then I thought...hey, you might get upgraded to a AD! I asked the young lady on the phone what would happen if I did get an AD upgrade and I did not want it over my current BA. She said, well, you can call us and we can TRY to get your old room back or find something else for you. I said, thanks but please do not allow the automatic upgrade. Now, for some reason I am starting to second guess that.... Okay Glenn, leave it alone.:)

[paddingtonbear]

I know exactly how you feel. I had the exact same angst over our booking but unlike you I've never cruised before so have nothing to base my assumptions on.

 

We decided on "no upgrade" because the "better" cabins could be uncovered (a covered balcony is a real necessity in Alaska according to some people), overlooked by someone, next to a lift, next to a service room, above or below an entertainment area etc, etc. (All the reasons we spent time choosing our cabin in the first place.)

 

Isn't choice great??? :rolleyes:

[NauticalOne]

Enjoy your cruise Paddington Bear! And yes, choice is good (sometimes). -Glenn

[Iamcruzin]

From what you posted it sounds like you should mark your booking no upgrade.

An upgrade is only an upgrade if you are willing to be in the least desirable location according to what you deem least desirable not Princess. If you are open to any location which from your post I gather you're not, an upgrade could be a good thing

[Pam in CA]

I would take an AD over an AA any day. Except for the last one or two ADs on the port side, no noise from Club Fusion. Very quiet and private. I was upgraded a couple of years ago from a BD to an AA and I would much rather have had an AD.

[Sailingpeace]

I would take an AD over an AA any day. Except for the last one or two ADs on the port side, no noise from Club Fusion. Very quiet and private. I was upgraded a couple of years ago from a BD to an AA and I would much rather have had an AD.

 

Good evening Pam,

we never had an AD. May I ask why you prefer them to AA or others ?

Thanks.

[Coral]

AD's balconies are covered and towards the aft. IMO - it is a great location.

 

I would also take a covered AD balcony over an AA-AC anytime.

 

Only 1-2 cabins in AD are going to be somewhat loud and one of those is always booked right away. I wouldn't worry about sound on the ADs.

[lovevacadays]

If you really have decided you like the choice of your Caribe deck balcony cabin I would definitely mark it no upgrade. You could get upgraded to one of the minisuites if you don't mark it not upgrade. AD's are actually quite coveted so unlikely you would get an AD. They will most likely all be booked. What could happen is you could get upgraded to an AC, AB, AA which are all minisuites with uncovered balconies. While I don't mind them at all, many don't like them. If you are one who thinks you might not like having a fully exposed balcony I would either mark your current cabin no upgrade or book an AD and mark it no upgrade. I've heard that the only noise from Club Fusion is the very last one that is over the bandstand area so any others could be a good choice for you. And an AD guarantee will most likely land you in an AC, AB, AA.

[Pam in CA]

Good evening Pam,

we never had an AD. May I ask why you prefer them to AA or others ?

Thanks.

A lot of reasons. They are covered, very private, very quiet, somewhat protected from sun, wind and rain, only the first few have inside cabins opposite so the only people walking past are in the minis further aft, location near the elevator up to the buffet or down to the Traditional dining room, location near the aft elevator up to Skywalker's, etc. The only thing I liked about the AA mini on the Crown was location to the IC. My preferences might not be someone else's. :)

[NauticalOne]

Wow, thanks all. I guess I should not have assumed the noise from Club Fusion would be an issue (even the Princess rep told me that on the phone, but may have never stayed in one like some of you). I think I might turn the upgrade back on. -Glenn

[Iamcruzin]

Wow, thanks all. I guess I should not have assumed the noise from Club Fusion would be an issue (even the Princess rep told me that on the phone, but may have never stayed in one like some of you). I think I might turn the upgrade back on. -Glenn

If you're a night owl I wouldn't worry about Club Fusion. It has been my experience that it is one of the least used venues for late night activities. It usually closes by 11:00 and the late night passengers are usually in the Casino or Skywalkers.