Princess Crash Course

[JamieLogical]

4 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

Alfredo’s is an awesome sit down pizza place but they don’t have one on the Crown Class ships (I know there’s no such thing as the Crown class .. but they are different than the Grand class ships).  
Anyway, you can find a nice little spot to hang out an order a whole pizza and even salads through your app.  The pizzas are $3 each and so worth it!  The salads and many other items via the app are free of charge.  We were watching the NBA finals on the Ruby in the Vista lounge with a group and ordered pizzas in there for the game, as many others were doing.  it was perfect!  
 

We’ve also cruised on Celebrity and NCL, as well as on many cruises on Princess.  
NCL was definitely much more casual than the other two lines but Princess is not stuffy or formal by any means.  
The food has always been very good to excellent on Princess and some of their new dishes are really great.  Their portions are smaller than before, but that is something I really appreciate.  
I have not cruised on the Emerald in over a decade so not sure about their specialty restaurants but the Crown Grill seems to be on all Princess ships and is wonderful.  At $29 pp, it is much cheaper than the specialty restaurants you will find on Celebrity.  You usually have to get reservations ahead of time or as soon as you board.  No specialty dinner packages are a available on Princess.  They will have another specialty restaurant up on the aft of the top deck.  On the Ruby, it is Sabatini’s and well worth the $25 pp upcharge.  If they have a Salty Dog Pub, that also has an upcharge of $18 pp.  I think they are all worth the extra costs.  Not everyone agrees with me on the Salty Dog Pub, though.  The free venues are the three main dining rooms and I would recommend either the DaVinci or the Michelangelo.  The Botticelli is kind of a pain to get to and I feel like I’m eating in a basement when I go there. Other free venues re the International Cafe for small plates, pastries, sandwiches, salads, fruit, smoothies, soup, etc., depending on the time of day.  There are also tapas served if you buy a drink at Vines on the same deck as the IC.  Vines usually serves cocktails as well as wine.  There are complimentary food venues up on the pool deck with the Salty Dog Grill (not to be confused with the Salty Dog Pub if the Emerald even has one have one) that serves hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and street tacos.  They might have specialty items offered as well, such as lobster rolls ($18 charge) and possibly onion rings, chicken wings, etc.  There is also Slice pizza and usually a place for soft ice cream cones.  Of course, the buffet is also available on this deck.  And as before, you can always order many items from the app, even if you are at the pool.  

The beds on Princess are the most comfortable on any cruiseline, IMO.  The cabins are more compact, though.  A regular balcony cabin will not have a couch and a small bathroom.  But, their open closet area is the best!  
Since everything is now pretty much on the app, you can bookmark the events you want to attend and pull up only those events you have marked.  It’s kind of like your daily ‘Patter’ newsletter but you can pull it up on your phone.  You wear a medallion device (or just put it in your pocket) and you will be identified at any venue.  It also unlocks your cabin door just by approaching it.  If you are totally against wearing a medallion, you can request a regular key card but, give the medallion a try first.  I’m a big fan!  The app is a little glitchy but if you are having any issues with it, log out and log back in using your stateroom number.  But, if that doesn’t help, be sure to go to Ocean Navigator.  They will fix it up for you.  Some devices don’t work as well with the app as newer ones.  

 

Princess seems to be adding new activities all the time.  There are quite a few events in the piazza during the day and music at night.  There are always plenty of places for peace and quiet if that’s what you choose.  Their Cruise Director staff games are usually very fun and scattered about throughout deck 7 and in the piazza.  Crooners is a fun piano bar for nighttime entertainment. Most of their production shows have been phenomenal.  They even have some fun arts and crafts events during the day.  You won’t be at a loss of something to do.  Or, you can go up to the sanctuary pool up front (the pool is open for no charge, while the sanctuary will cost you) and enjoy the peace and quiet.  I think it is adults only.  
MUTS is their outdoor movie screen and shows mostly concerts or some non hosted trivia during the day and movies are shown mostly at night.  During the warmer weather, they may have some Games out at the pool or on the big screen.  
The other pool is where the band plays, again, especially in warmer weather.  they’ve had some great house bands over the last couple of years.  
Princess has also brought in some enrichment speakers / naturalist and they’ve been an awesome addition.  
 

They now have most events on the app and very few papers to get tossed into the trash.  You can order your daily schedule of events, called the Patter, through your app.  
You can order drinks or specialty coffees to your room now and they are covered under your package.  You can also call room service and order a dozen bottles of water if you have the beverage package.  You can even order special services for extra pillows, etc.  You can now check the menus for the dining rooms via the app and watch the muster drill on your device and then just check in at your muster station.  They’ve made it so much easier.  Most all of these same options, if not all, are also available on your stateroom TV.  
Oh .. and your TV has on demand shows and movies.  I understand you can opt to send them to your device but I’ve not down that.  
 

 

Do as much or as little as you choose and enjoy your cruise!  The Pamana Canal is just amazing, but hot!  Keep hydrated!  
 

 

 

 

Thank you for this wealth of information! I am still a little unclear on the use of the Sanctuary. So there is a pool that is public access, but a lounge area that is not? Is it the same or different as the Spa Pool? I had seen elsewhere that the Spa Pool is publicly accessible even though the rest of the Spa is not?

[Cruise Raider]

2 hours ago, jsn55 said:

We sail on Royal Princess in a few weeks.  I am so glad to read that the Medallion system worked for you.  I think it will be great fun but am curbing my enthusiasm after reading so many stories of glitchy glitchy.  Thanks for your great post; I am hopeful!

You are most welcome!  The app has had it’s share of glitches and it’s not been perfected yet but it’s getting there.  Just remember that trick about logging in using your cabin number.  They mentioned that to us on the Discovery Princess once and never heard it again.  But, I’m not always listening .. so, they may have mentioned it.  The folks at Ocean Navigator are so very helpful.  The WiFi is what could really use some greater signal strength.  But, when out in the middle of the ocean and moving at 14 knots, to boot, we can only expect so much.  

 

[Cruise Raider]

2 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Thank you for this wealth of information! I am still a little unclear on the use of the Sanctuary. So there is a pool that is public access, but a lounge area that is not? Is it the same or different as the Spa Pool? I had seen elsewhere that the Spa Pool is publicly accessible even though the rest of the Spa is not?

Anytime!  So, there is a pool that is often referred to as the sanctuary pool by passengers .. it is actually the same thing as the spa pool.  You can certainly use the spa restrooms from that pool.  
We’ve recently cruised and both the Ruby and a couple Royal Class ships.  The Royal class ships have a retreat pool that is free for all (still think it might be for adults only) and the counterpart on the Ruby is the spa pool, which might be referred to as the Sanctuary pool (again, free for use but think it might be for adults only).  No smoking allowed at this pool.  
The spa on the Royal class ships is actually on deck 5 and there is a charge to use their Enclave, which is located in the same area.  The spa on the Ruby leads to the gym so, it’s not a no no to go through the spa there.  It also leads out to that free access pool.  
The Sanctuary is completely separate and they really won’t let you go walk around unless there re no patrons using it at the time.  The Sanctuary is rented out as you reserve a certain lounger foR a half day, a full day or the entire cruise on the Ruby.  The same goes for the Royal class, however, they also rent out cabanas and there are more perks that come with that.  It books really quickly on warm weather cruises and you are only allowed to book them once onboard.  So, if it’s important to you, run to the top deck quickly and get your space reserved.  
 

[Cruise Raider]

  Here is a photo of that spa pool / sanctuary pool.  Unfortunately, it is not accessible. But, it’s always nice and quiet if that’s your goal.  There are two hot tubs and pool towels on cushioned teak loungers on each side of the pool.  The spa surrounds it so, you can just go in there to use their restrooms.  You can also order your food and drinks to be delivered there.  It’s our go to spot when we don’t want the hustle and bustle of what’s going on inside or at the movie screen at the main pool.  

Edited November 14, 2022 by Cruise Raider

[deultgen]

Spa/Sanctuary pool (adults only public area)

 

 

 

Sanctuary - quiet relaxing comfortable area - small cost

 

[ddeprez]

Does anyone know if there any shaded areas in the Sanctuary on the Diamond? (like the photo above). My husband needs to be in the shade, and I was under the impression that most of the Sanctuary is not shaded. Thanks!

[Arizona Wildcat]

On 10/17/2022 at 8:07 AM, JamieLogical said:

 

I have been sailing Celebrity more recently and not sailing NCL much since the restart (once last Sept/Oct) and I have another NCL sailing scheduled for 10/30. I definitely expect Princess to have more of the same vibe as Celebrity rather than NCL. As long as I can eat decent food, relax, drink some drinks, and listen to some live music, I will be very content. I am hoping that despite being a Holiday cruise, there won't be *too* many kids onboard with it being Princess and a 15-day sailing.

What age constitutes a kid?  I know lots of 60+ that definitely act more like 12 year Olds.  We are on a hiday sailing and I know of 8 multigenerational families.  We will see.

[deultgen]

3 hours ago, ddeprez said:

Does anyone know if there any shaded areas in the Sanctuary on the Diamond? (like the photo above). My husband needs to be in the shade, and I was under the impression that most of the Sanctuary is not shaded. Thanks!

 

 

In my opinion, about a third of the Sanctuary is mostly shaded with overhead coverings like the picture above (very similar on Diamond)

 

 

 

about a third is mostly sunny with very little shade or overhead covering 

 

 

 

and about a third of the chairs are partly covered depending on which direction the ship is heading

[Thrak]

On 10/17/2022 at 12:32 PM, Kay S said:

Avoid the hamburger at the deck grill.  Get the hot dog instead. 🙂

 

On our last cruise (May) my wife had an excellent hamburger at the grill on Lido deck. The next day I had one because hers had been so good but mine was dry and tasteless. Sigh... I'm guessing hers was fresh off the grill and the one I got had been sitting a while. The only thing I've found consistent about the food on Lido deck is that I have never had a really good slice of pizza.

[Thrak]

On 10/17/2022 at 6:23 PM, jsn55 said:

Oh my, YES, Path Between the Seas made a huge difference when we did the PC.  I read the whole 3" thick hard cover book before we left home ... my brother found it somewhere.   Made our whole voyage so special!!   

 

We read the book on our tablets before our first canal cruise. When we took the cruise we used a TA who offered "escorted" cruising. It was great as we were picked up in Sacramento where we boarded a bus and our luggage was loaded on the bus as well. We were driven to the port in SF and didn't have to deal with luggage until it arrived in our stateroom. The TA gave out daily gifts (there was a small table setup in a corner each day) and one of the gifts was a copy of The Path Between the Seas. Sooo... even though we had just read the thing and had it electronically we now have a "real" copy of the book. I'm not sure if we still have it or if we donated it to the library.

[Thrak]

On 10/21/2022 at 1:48 AM, mjmiller said:

Crooners - the bacarat and Bailey raspberry martinis are the bomb. 

 

I have a list of drinks to try and that one is definitely on the list. 😉

[Thrak]

If you would like a nice quiet place to read during the day Adagio is the place. The bar isn't open during the day but the venue is open and it's a quiet and comfy place to read. There's also a "back door" that leads out to a bit of deck for some fresh air and stairs there that take you down to the aft bar.  With the medallion you can order drinks or food brought to you without having to leave your comfortable seat in Adagio.

[candy4040]

There are two things I would recommend but I am not sure of the correct titles.

 

First is there is sometimes offered a ship's tour.  Get to see everything behind the scene.  Given a robe, group picture, personalized stationery, and other goodies.  I think we paid $150 each.  

 

Second is the winemaker's dinner.  We paid $40 per person and it is well worth the money.  You are in a secluded section of the dining room and get a different wine with each course.  The head guy gives a talk about each wine and each course.  Enjoy!

 

 

[nini]

Just now, candy4040 said:

There are two things I would recommend but I am not sure of the correct titles.

 

First is there is sometimes offered a ship's tour.  Get to see everything behind the scene.  Given a robe, group picture, personalized stationery, and other goodies.  I think we paid $150 each.  

 

Second is the winemaker's dinner.  We paid $40 per person and it is well worth the money.  You are in a secluded section of the dining room and get a different wine with each course.  The head guy gives a talk about each wine and each course.  Enjoy!

 

 

We enjoyed the Adagio as well.

 

There were no Winemaker's Dinners on the Grand this past September, but there was a Chef's Table.

When we were on the Emerald this past May, they did not have either one.

[Torfamm]

On 11/14/2022 at 9:11 AM, JamieLogical said:

Do I need reservations for the MDRs? Some people are talking about reservations on my roll call and now I am worried that I won't be able to get a table at dinner?

You will be able to get a table even if you don’t reserve. You might just have to wait a bit, in my experience it’s usually just a few minutes. I wouldn’t worry but one  option if you are concerned is to to go ahead and book for a time that is typical for you. You can always cancel or change it

[HBCcruiser]

On 11/14/2022 at 6:11 AM, JamieLogical said:

Do I need reservations for the MDRs? Some people are talking about reservations on my roll call and now I am worried that I won't be able to get a table at dinner?

It is best to book in advance if you want to avoid long lines.