Coral

I actually went to Leningrad (and Moscow) in 1988. There were stores for tourists back then. I bought several things. We actually bought things from local stores as well. We did a land trip there and not via ship so we had more flexibility. It was pretty tourist friendly then. We spent 2 weeks there so we obviously ate at restaurants. Mostly ones for locals. I went 20 years later to St. Petersburg and it was crazy.

I looked and I believe it was D741 that had the awful smell - this was probably 10+ years ago. I haven't read anything recently but it was horrible. D740 would be identical. I wouldn't take a chance and book that cabin again. The smell was coming from the vent.

I love E731. I try to always get this cabin (covered, extended balcony). Also, Emerald mini suites are covered. dolphin mini suites are not. Never had a wind issue in this cabin. Technically it could happen. Caribe side balconies are half covered, half open and larger than most side balcony cabins. These are desirable if one doesn't go aft. I have had several aft cabins but most are suites and I don't keep track which I prefer. I did have an aft balcony cabin on the Sapphire and there was a vent nearby and it smelled horribly outside due to what the vent was for. I forget which cabin that was. There were balcony cabins on either side of the vents and then suites next to the balcony cabins and the suites couldn't smell what I did.

90% of the cruises from Seattle spend less time in ports and usually only have 1 glacier day (one extra sea day of not viewing much) verses if you cruise from Vancouver one way North. I look at Seattle 7 night RT cruises and they just don't interest me. They are not in port very long. The only exception would be if you can find an 11 or 14 night RT Seattle cruise. You can easily take a one way cruise and still spend time in Seattle. Many cruise lines will do a transfer from Seattle airport to Vancouver pier. I have friends in Seattle who have done several Alaska cruises from Seattle. They don't go to Vancouver because Seattle is easy for them.

I still think it is too much transit time and not enough time to do things by going to Fairbanks for 3 nights land trip. I think the time is better spent not going that far North. I have heard from several who have done it and they wish they had skipped Fairbanks. I get that. I would only include Fairbanks if I had 7 nights.

There is an over statement. My Mom had a Seeing Eye dog. We had to notify Princess of bringing the dog onboard whenever we cruised. They could not ask what disability my Mom had but could ask what services the dog provided to my Mom. So there are ways around the questions. We were not shy about the fact it was a Seeing Eye dog. I had a letter from the Seeing Eye and also a letter from her doctor saying that she was blind and used the services of her Seeing Eye dog. I would send them the same letter each and every time we booked.

It is a very nice hotel. Probably one of the best in Vancouver. I picked up my medallion at the pier last year. It took probably 1 minute. Goes to show how different experiences can be.

I remember in 2010 spending $400/night to stay at Fairmont Pacific Rim. I couldn't believe how much I spent there but it was an amazing hotel. Probably nicest hotel I have ever stayed at at the time (and probably still).

Though for a reasonable tip - they do take the bags to the ship for you! 🙂 I paid $300 last year.

I never heard the Sea Princess as an R Class ship. We called it the Sun Class ships (referring to the old Sun Princess). The Pacific Princess (2nd), Tahitian and Ocean Princess (2nd) were all R Class ships. These were Renaissance ships, thus, R Class. Approx 30,000 tons. The Sun Class had the Sun, Dawn, Sea and Ocean Princess. These were around 77,000 tonns. I agree about Sapphire and Diamond Princess wide promenade decks. I don't remember the Coral Princess having that wide but it has been awhile since I have been on that ship.

I saw several whale watching tours.

If you stay at Pan Pacific - for a $10-$15 tip or so, they will take your bags to the ship for you.

I personally liked the ships that came before the Emerald/Caribbean Princess. The Grand, Golden, (old) Star, Sapphire and Diamond Princess. They had 500 less passengers and seem less crowded. Unfortunately most are gone. I agree about the Promenade deck. That is a huge plus. I just wish they had a covered pool.

I would think if you didn't like Caribbean Princess, you probably would not like Emerald.

I have friends who have seen Northern Lights on a 7 night RT cruise out of Vancouver in September. No land trip. So Fairbanks isn't a requirement for Northern Lights. If someone is only doing 3-4 nights land, Fairbanks is really far to go. Too much transportation, not enough time to see things if going to Fairbanks for that short of time.