chisoxfan

Thoroughly confusing. We had booked a "signature" suite for Jan. 25 and received the 'congratulations you have been upgraded" even though we fully expected everything listed. As commented by some our cruise now shows Sanctuary catagories where they had listed Reserve and Signature previously. We paid 6k for Suite and the same dealio is now approx 8500. I fully expected the sanctuary to be for suite guests only but it does appear they are trying to expand the categories that use it. A heck of a way to market a new ship- it seems they do not know what they are doing. So excited Princess offered a great price on a suite but now they apparently playing in the more rarified air of X whose pricing got crazy. I guess the point is like the weather wait a day and it (pricing) will change.

To each their own of course. We like the variety of entertainment, dining, and bars on the 'larger' ships. I looked at the Splendor that you cited and it certainly is a beautiful ship. Compared to Retreat it also would seem a bargain as a one week Jan. cruise in Carib for a 'discounted' balcony was around 11k (had to set up an account with phone number to get actual price and refund policy which I believe is fairly restrictive?). Overall we just like many options for nightime entertainment on larger ships even though I would agree that quality varies. My wife enjoys slots and the casino on Splendor just has a few table games. We really enjoy BB Kings on HAL ships. We also enjoy some of the private islands. For us the cruise is a just a fun getaway and we just ask decent food and service.... we don't need Mastro's quality steaks every night or a butler. A clean modern room with a balcony suffices for us. Our primary reason (maybe only) for doing a suite is a dedicated pool area and restaurant. So I can see where you are enamored with Regent but doesn't really ring our bell despite the value.

We are pretty much done with X, although we like the Retreat experience the pricing is insane. Only on two Retreat cruises (Ascent, Apex) but we were struck with how inconsistent overall service was which is not a positive for spending big money for a suite. We were once pretty satisfied AQ cruises but refuse to give up the balconies and prefer newer ships. So X not leaving much for us. We have looked at the semi luxury lines but frankly like a larger ship with many things to do. For those that enjoy smaller ships the value does generally seem to eclipse X Retreat. To the point, we definitely would recommend MSC YC and feel it equivalent to Retreat at 1/2 price. We only book suites on Caribbean itineraries as we feel time spent on ship for Med/ Europe cruises is so limited that we don't need a suite. We are interested also in Princess' new Sphere class ship which has dedicated suite area (lounge, pool, restaraunt) and have booked this at about 60-65% less than comparable Retreat on X. We are also doing a HAL Club Orange balcony which is a great value and on Pinnacle class ships has dedicated suite restaurant. A great advantage (for us) on CCL ships is fully refundable deposits. Our value prop on a Caribbean cruise or all inclusive is that we should be able to enjoy a week for under 6k. Back to back on HAL Nieuw Amsterdam with and Princess Sun suite (drinks, internet, tips, etc.) will be less than a Sky Suite week on Ascent this next winter.

Well guessing Princess will adapt to some concerns. First as surmised by some posters (including me)I think they may do away with pay as you go Sanctuary or make it more limited access except for suites. Being at back of ship (less windy) is likely a positive and the larger dedicated pool is a huge bene. They can change chairs, add umbrellas, maybe cover up some areas as needed. On the X Retreat there was some issue finding shade- very windy in front of ship on most days and the pool is 1/2 size of Sanctuary. So in short I think they have the making of a nice area depending how they elect to manage it.

We used to like Sanctuary on Grand Class when you could walk down to Lotus Spa Pool. Always thought that was the best of all worlds.

We frankly had a different experience. It was a long bus ride and we were greeted with long lines of cars and tour buses upon arrival. Much of the time (for seemingly everyone there) was spent waiting to use a single dilapidated toilet. I'm sure a few beers on the bus (a good idea although) would hasten this need. The crater lake is beautiful just not sure the overall experience was worth it. We have only regretted two excursions in our years of travel and this was one (and this was free using excursion credit). We wished we would have wandered the town instead which is easy to do. This was in October and no other ships in port and could not understand where all these tourists came from.

Thanks so much for sharing this. I wasn't expecting to count number of boards on balcony and it appears 10 and 11 deck balconies are the same and 8 was a 'normal' balcony. I was always aware of the 'giant' balconies everyone wants but never realized these more narrow balconies existed (we have only been on Westerdam and Eurodam). Thank you again.

Glad I ran across this. Goes to show you need to be ever vigilant when cruising. We booked Nieuw Statendam Club Orange and took 10027. We like balconies in front if aft not available and I thought what the heck the VQ must be better than standard balcony. The deck plan doesn't show a smaller balcony. It sounds as if we book on 11 ie probably 11027 we would at least have a normal balcony? I am going to do some more searches but appreciate any comments/ input. Thanks.

Wow, Thank you for the effort!

I appreciate your view of the ship and you have great insight actually being on it. But every ship I have ever been on has a pool area bar(s) if you are in a wet suit. I saw the Wake View Terrace and if a side access is blocked off for operational purposes that isn't ideal but it is not typical? It would appear you could go down from the buffet area by steps or elevator. I also saw your later 'expanded' review and understand you disliked the ship layout and and the food was 'some good, some terrible'.... OK not much to go on here. The ship's entertainment is 'missing'- totally get the frustration, maybe to be expected on new ship but Princess should make good on this. However not a harbinger for future cruisers. Too hot... well not drawing immediate conclusion that Princess has fatal flaw in their new ship design... maybe they do but let's wait to see this out. Non working jets in the Enclave and you complain that they send a paper check as reimbursement. As far as the 15 drink rule...... this has been in place forever and while you may not think it adequate not sure what the deal is. I am not a huge Princess fan and after many trips we had a terrible Panama cruise on Caribbean Princess 'swore them off' but did have somewhat redeeming Enchanted Princess transatlantic. Excited to try the Sun suites (mostly a X Retreat option) and will keep eyes posted on reviews to ferret out the true pros and cons of the groundbreaking (for Princess) ship. Certainly respect your right to leave Princess and be unhappy, just personally waiting for more measured reviews of the Sun.

I also agreed with the poster that it would be nice for breakfast times to be extended but this is not just a Princess thing. In X Retreat breakfast was also over at 9 and it was variable depending on port or sea day. Pretty sure some mornings it was closed at 8:30. However as you state earlier post of menu showed breakfast was all day (what a deal) ! Can't find a bar comment ...... there is no ship I have ever sailed on where this has been a problem.

We were in 11207 on Ascent which looks like the same arrangment. I outfoxed myself thinking the 'bumpout' would offer a nice view towards the bow. Not so-there was a steel wall on bow side of balcony. There is also, just above and forward, one of the dreaded window washing devices. It really didn't hurt our view and the balcony was quiet I but scratched my head why I would take this over any other SS balcony. Plus it IS far from Retreat.

That is unfortunate. We certainly have had different experiences all across the board with seating requests. Some of it due I am sure to ship capacity and some to table arrangements but would absolutely not accept a shared table if that is not our preference. If it was me I would tell the maitre d that you had been cooperative and understanding the previous nights but since you have a res. for two that is what you want and ad that his seating assignments have been a negative to your cruise experience so far. Any pushback and I would reference taking it up immediately with Food and Bev. mgr (not sure exact position on Princess but would find out before and cite him by name). Good luck.

I would enjoy my late flight and hang out on board as late as possible. Then take a taxi or Uber or Lyft. We had Uber delays on our last arrival but were trying to catch an early flight so things were magnified. FLL has been redone but still my least favorite place to hang out and have been where you are at and there are no easy work around. Maybe take an Uber to airport hotel Marriott/AC might be option and have a late breakfast/ early lunch and take their shuttle to airport.

Well.... there is a table for two and then there is a table for two ie. we hate the jammed in two tops where you can't escape from bumping your neighbor when you leave or overhear conversations. So we typically ask for a bit of privacy and don't expect this at peak times or demand a 'prime' spot. It is always a bit of a challenge even in suite designated venues because of the typical seating arrangement but we rarely have an issue. We kind of have fun with it and try not to be demanding. For an anniversary I would definitely request something 'special' and have no qualms. From experience it is sometines better to request a specific table since everyone has different preferences. For example we would prefer a more secluded table than window table close to other diners.