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I did a "fire engine" one hour ride around Portland, ME. (Also stopped in Bar Harbor and really enjoyed that port.). Enjoy some clam chowder along the waterfront. Portland is less touristy than Bar Harbor with lots of window shopping to be done. I think Bar Harbor shot themselves in the foot on this call.

I just got off the phone with EZ Air. Spent an hour with agent DJ from Pensacola, FL. Initially called to ask about ticketing my flight between 90 days and 45 days. IF you choose to have your reservation ticketed, you run the risk of being charged by the airlines for any changes YOU make. It's called a "voluntary change". My booking(reservation) was ticketed shortly after final payment was made. Now comes the good part. I explained to DJ that Delta had cancelled my international flight and rebooked me on a later flight. She checked my history to confirm that a change was made in March. I told her I called EZ Air and Delta. Both said that they could change me to a later flight but it would cost me more to transfer to a cheaper morning flight on my return. Are you ready ??????? She asked me if I was willing to be put on hold as she looked into transferring my booking to an earlier flight. I boldly stated that I would love the change as long as it would not cost me more. Her reply was that as long as I stay with the same carrier (Delta), it didn't matter if it was a code share. Since it was a change made by Delta (involuntary) she could put me on an earlier flight. I don't know how many times I asked that this could be done without any additional charges to me. After many holds, she declared the change a success. She returned often to make sure I was still on the line. She made sure to get my phone number in case we were disconnected. Me, being the doubting Debbie, wouldn't let her off the phone until I had an email with the changes. Funny that my TA sent me the change before I received the one from DJ. I will be composing an email to DJ's supervisor Janice. The few times I have used EZ Air, I have been fortunate to have good experiences. Only once was I exasperated. but they did come through for me by the end. My advice. Have your questions written down ahead of the call. Be a broken record and confirm, confirm, confirm what you are trying to resolve. WRITE EVERYTHING down: names, changes, time, dates, etc. Ask for written confirmation on change to be sent to you. Then I went into Delta...found my new flight. Next went to Princess Personalizer and printed out my "new" flight information. I am satisfied that I have enough documentation to get me on the correct changed flight.

As always, @chengkp75 comes to the rescue with an explanation that everyone can understand. Mahalo Nui Loa

I am hoping that the smallness of the room will be okay. Many have said the location is great, but the room is pretty "modern". I like Bonvoy brands (most of the time).

That class of ship is called the Grand/GEM class ships. I know there is one more name for them. They are a modified "Grand" class ship with one extra deck. Grand Princess Diamond Princess Saphire Princess One extra deck: Ruby Crown Emerald Caribbean

I had a medallion order issue. Too long to go into details. Called 3 times. First two times, got the same agent. Second call: "Please may I speak to a supervisor" fell on deaf ears. He never could resolve the issue. Third time was a charm. Foreign agent. Same spiel...."May I speak.." He assured me that he could handle my problem. I begged. He asked me to allow him to try. He was able to order my medallions. I asked him how long he has been with Princess. He said 1 year, but that wasn't the reason he could fix it. He knew of the problem and knew what to do. In all fairness, there are some (few) who are knowledgable. The key is to know what you want (know more than them), and don't leave without confirmation that NOTHING else was tampered with/cancelled.

I was handed a small card with the service description and "fee".

It's "Moxy". Very small rooms (transit style room) next to the Quay Mall. It has a Krispy Kreme Donut shop. Check out live theater while in Southampton.

I’ve never heard of this term before.

I think the Sun Princess was cursed during construction. “Someone” is not happy with Princess building bigger ships. I did hear about Santorini. Hope you make it to the rest of your ports. Let us know how successful water shuttles are with more passenger load (if you have any more anchor stops).

Any reason given for both cancellations?

Not in any particular order (I'm not known for being sequential). The ship transfer is only good for day of cruise. If you are planning on coming in a day or two earlier...and making your way to Southampton, then you will need to arrange for your own transportation. We have hired a car service. For 2 passengers, it seemed like the most reasonable way at the end of a long flight. I am booked at the Moxy (a Marriott). Many of the hotels are transit hotels...small and not much to offer. I just cancelled: the Holiday Inn and the DoubleTree (outside the port area). I am not sure how far in advance you can book a hotel. Just keep checking. I am an overplanner. I also booked my flight with EZ Air 330 days out (or was it 300?). The fare never dropped. Granted, I am flying in Business Class from California. I've tracked it at least least once a week. Again, this is something you can cancel 90/45 days out. I also check with airline direct (more expensive to International).

@Knickearth Thanks for the follow up post. I am so sorry your flight home was such a nightmare. There is a slight difference in coverage between regular and Platinum Princess Vacation Protection (PVP). I have cruised a lot. I am "lazy". The one time I didn't have insurance, ("it was a last minute trip...why would I need....") was the time I needed it the most. I have "cashed" in on 4 travel insurance claims. I know I should be more invested in choosing my insurances. But I am covered by Medicare (within the US) and an excellent secondary plan. So medical is taken care of. It's the travel portion I am most concerned about. Crossing my fingers that your claim is processed quickly and you are reunited with your travel expenses.

Spot on.... I do feel for those passengers that need an accessible cabin. The bottom line to this is to book very early, keeping watching, and/or see what happens near Final Payment. I understand that some are not planners and/or "stuff" comes up. Cruising isn't for everyone (dietary needs, handicaps, getting sea sick, etc). But it is one of the best ways to travel, in my opinion.

Tea service in the MDR on a sea day is free. Service begins around 3/3:30. Scones can be found in the buffet after 3 PM (not sure daily). Wish they were at the IC also. I miss my warm cookies and milk cart in the Piazza at 4 PM.