Our First Princess Cruise

[Plato123]

This will be our 24th cruise, mainly in suites on Celebrity, but our first in a PH suite on the Royal Princess, on a 9 day cruise in March.  We also have the Premier package.

We have a few questions that we would appreciate some advice on.

First, we expect to board as early as possible.  Will our suite be ready when we board?  Also where would be the best place for lunch after boarding?

Second, we understand that dinner in a specialty restaurant is included on the first night.  Is this one of the two included dinners in specialty restaurants that are part of our package or is this in addition?

Third, we understand that a few mini bottles of liquor are provided in our suite on a one time basis.  Do we get a choice as to what we like?

Fourth, the mini fridge is apparently stocked with extra cost items we probably will not need.  Can we ask that it be emptied so we can just use it to store small bottles of water?

Fifth, what brand of bath amenities are provided and are separate shampoo and conditioners included?

Last (for now) do they sell duty free Scotch on the ship and if so what brands are offered, and are the prices good?

 

Thank you.

 

[memoak]

The complimentary specialty dinner on embarkation night does not count against any extra ones you have. If you board early the suite will probably not be ready but usually is around noon ish. The mini bar includes the beers and soft drinks in the fridge. You can change alcohol for different types of alcohol but choices are limited and upgraded brands are not part of the mini bar

[jwattle]

For suites, we had separate shampoo and conditioner.

[jagoffee]

The minbar will not be stocked with items that you do not need based on my experiences.  It will only have the items that are included with your free set up.  It will be on the counter and you will need to put them in the mini bar.  You can make some substitutions by calling room service.

 

Princess does not have a standard stock mini bar system like Celebrity.

Edited December 31, 2022 by jagoffee

[Rick&Jeannie]

1 hour ago, Plato123 said:

  Can we ask that it be emptied so we can just use it to store small bottles of water?

 

Absolutely...just tell your steward.

[skynight]

This will be our 24th cruise, mainly in suites on Celebrity, but our first in a PH suite on the Royal Princess, on a 9 day cruise in March.  We also have the Premier package.

We have a few questions that we would appreciate some advice on.

First, we expect to board as early as possible.  Will our suite be ready when we board? It should be ready. If not totally ready you should be able to drop off your belongings in your cabin.

 Also where would be the best place for lunch after boarding? Club Class DR, Deck 6 mid ship. Other options can be found in this DR guide https://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/food-and-dining/dining-options.pdf

Second, we understand that dinner in a specialty restaurant is included on the first night.  Is this one of the two included dinners in specialty restaurants that are part of our package or is this in addition?

Additional

Third, we understand that a few mini bottles of liquor are provided in our suite on a one time basis.  Do we get a choice as to what we like?

The delivery is standard. Once in your cabin you can call room service and make exchanges. Standard is 8 x 50ml spirits, 2 bottles of beer plus 10 non alcoholic beverages. You can exchange alcoholic for alcoholic or non alcoholic and non alcoholic for non alcoholic. You can also exchange the entire mini bar for a bottle of wine.

Fourth, the mini fridge is apparently stocked with extra cost items we probably will not need.  Can we ask that it be emptied so we can just use it to store small bottles of water?

The mini fridge should be filled with the canned sodas, beer and water from the mini bar set up. Should not be anything else in the fridge. Realize with your package you can get as much water as you like.

Fifth, what brand of bath amenities are provided and are separate shampoo and conditioners included?

Not sure of the brands, but suggest you may wish to bring your favorite brands of shampoo and conditioner.

Last (for now) do they sell duty free Scotch on the ship and if so what brands are offered, and are the prices good?

Prices are duty and tax free. Check out and compare with prices at the ports. Brands and supplies vary. It's easy to just walk into the shop and take a look.

 

Tips:

Don't forget to take advantage of the special full suite breakfast at Sabatini's each morning. It is way better than room service or the Club Class DR. One of the best full suite benefits.

Check out the Concierge  Lounge on deck 14 aft.

If you wish to book the sanctuary go there directly when boarding to select your loungers. The sanctuary can get crowded on tropical cruises.

Not sure.

 

 

 

 

[Thrak]

4 hours ago, Plato123 said:

Last (for now) do they sell duty free Scotch on the ship and if so what brands are offered, and are the prices good?

 

Be aware that they will "hold" your liquor purchase and not allow you to take it to your cabin. It is possible to purchase (in advance) small bottles of liquor to have in your cabin. However, the scotch that is available for this is swill - Cutty Sark and Johnie Walker Red.

 

You have the Premier package. If you want decent Scotch in your cabin just get it from Room Service. Sadly, if you want a double from Room Service you have to order two drinks. In the bars I have no problem getting served a double.

 

If you want crazy good Scotch we were recently on Ruby Princess and they offered Macallan Oscuro for "only" $165 per shot.

 

Edited December 31, 2022 by Thrak