KKB

We sailed the Beyond last April & again in December.

Sky Suite in April (don't remember room number...midship, port--not Magic Carpet side)

Outside in December (deck 3 midship)

We did not notice particularly  any more creaking than any other ship.

YMMV.

I'm not sure what the price is now & I don't know if my answer would be the same on all ships.

We did Chef's Table on the Beyond in April. Cost--I know we caught a sale & maybe used an AMEX promo code. My notes say we did Chef't Table one night plus Le Voyage another night for $325 for 2. Heck of a deal. 

Chef's Table was in Le Voyage & was AMAZING--one of our top 5 meals on a ship ever. 

Did NOT get wine pairing--they served us Veuve Cliquot all meal, so glad I didn't!

I'd say it is easily worth $100pp, possibly $150 for a one time treat--on Beyond or Ascent.

Not sure if it's the same menu on other ships.

We had Chef's the night b4 our Le Voyage--wish it had been the other way around! Le Voyage was very good, but a bit of a let down after Chef's!

2 hours ago, mac_tlc said:

What date is your Sun Princess sailing?

 

I understand the house thing. Both our kids bought houses in 2020 —- no travel money spent that year, so……..

 

The Viking sailing was actually a 16 night full transit of the Panama Canal from San Juan to LA. It was the only Viking sailing in North America released so far for March 2026.

Silversea was a 10 day Caribbean. If you really want to see a good price, their transatlantic right after the Caribbean one was less than $350 pppd. And it’s on their newest ship, the Silver Ray which debuts in 2025. 
 

mac_tlc

March 21, 2026 Sun Princess.

Interesting...the sailing i booked does not show up online now...hmmmm.

March 1 sailing offers a similar price--might be a better date for us.

(so  about $4K was mini-suite cabana; full suite about $6500.

Rooms look similar but Suites get dedicated restaurant, lounge & Sanctuary area--not sure abou the Sun, but Sanctuary does not have dedicated pool area on other ships, tho is mostly covered)

I saw the Silversea TA...didn't realize it was brand new.

I might go investigate that Viking...seems we have been hearing a lot about them from people we know. 

But I dont see 2026 online yet--how did you?

Have u sailed either one?

A part of me says I'm not sure that they will be good fit for us..and yet, a part of me is starting to think we are ready to try. Guess you dont know until you try. Thing is--will it spoil us?

On 2/25/2024 at 8:55 AM, mac_tlc said:

I have seen the occasional savings of tables in the Oceanview, more for people playing cards or dominoes as opposed to eating. 
 

mac_tlc

I noticed this A LOT on Carnival particularly.

Hey, I get it--but during peak meal times that is 100% unacceptable.

And the the "Reserved" towel...give me a freaking break.

On 2/24/2024 at 9:51 AM, mac_tlc said:

This post is mainly for @Jim_Iain, who has taught me to appreciate doors !!!

 

I call it “The Doors of Cartagena” :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seriously--these are gorgeous! You should get some printed & framed.

I think you should consider a new side hustle selling them!

I am DEFINITELY going to do door pics in UK!

20 hours ago, mac_tlc said:

 

 

Future plans: I could talk for ever on this one but I’ll get to the point. We love the E-class Retreat and would be perfectly happy there. However, the costs have made it almost prohibitive.  To do the Retreat we either need a sweetheart deal, like we found on Beyond in 2023, Ascent in 2024 and Xcel in 2026, or we need to go to S class, although those deals are not that prevalent either. I do have my eye on a couple of S-class sailings in Spring 2026 that are below $400 per person per day.  Here is some hard price data that I have compiled for Spring 2026.

 

Silhouette  -- 3/29/26 -- $393

Silhouette – 4/4/26 - $386

Apex – 4/4/26 - $632

Apex – 4/11/26 - $602

Ascent – 3/27/26 - $544

Ascent – 4/4/26 - $553

Silversea Silver Ray – 3/10/26 - $505

Seven Seas Grandeur – 3/14/26 - $667

Viking – 3/29/26 – $387 (Deluxe veranda)

Viking – 3/29/26 - $481 (Penthouse Veranda)

Icon of the Seas – 3/21/26 - $1,193 (Grand Suite)

Icon of the Seas – 3/21/26 - $853 (Sky Junior Suite)

 

I threw in the Icon just so all the others look reasonable!

 

All of the above are “comparable” to me because I am considering all of them.

 

We did purchase two “Book Later” certificates ( well, they screwed up and only did one, but I hope to call C&A and get that remedied). Which ones will we do? Don’t know. There are also a couple of Spring transatlantics we are considering. Stay tuned – our future is always in my signature.

 

 

mac_tlc

Those prices r telling--I would consider Silversea & VIking luxury lines--so not nexpecting prices to be comparable!!

Now, obviously have not tried those lines myself & not sure they r a good fit for us yet.

(which Viking cruise is that for?)

Great deal on Ascent in Dec (not Retreat)--$3K total for IV w/ drinks, tips, wifi & $250 OBC.

March 2026 Sun Princess as well...snagged a Cabana Mini Suite for $4K with Princess Plus.

(both 7 nts)

Sadly those are our only bookings after our 28 day TA/UK sailing on the Regal Princess in April.

Helped DS buy a house last month & decided to pull back on travel a bit the rest of this year.

Just returned from a solo New Caldonia/NZ cruise on Carnival yesterday. Great cruise but glad ro be home. slammed my finger in cabin door as leaving...typing a bit of a challenge w/ a splint!

Too pooped to unpack...

12 hours ago, mac_tlc said:

About last night….

 

After dinner we wandered through the shops, seems like the variety of logo items is improved over last year. Good place to burn any OBC left.

 

The nightly donation to the slot gods was dutifully carried out. It appears to be possible to pull out some OBC but they limit how much and how often. I’ll know more in a few days. 
 

One of our favorite venues on the ship is :

 

 

 

This cruise, and most, there is a nightly game show at 8:30. It’s very close to the theatre so you can typically do the show and then head to the Club or vice versa. 
 

Pub Trivia was at 9:15 and I continue to be amazed how much common knowledge I don’t have. @KKB, are you listening??😂😂.

 

We wandered for a while after but headed back to the room for an early bedtime. Seems that first day is always tiring.

 

mac_tlc

lol I’m on Carnival Splendor sailing S Pacific & NZ right now…saw the Edge in Port Chalmers yesterday.

Missing the challenge of Celebrity trivia…a bit too easy/repetative (on B2B) so tough to compete as a solo! (38/41 on 80s music wasn’t close….several teams w/ 39, even 1 with 40!)

We have Ascent booked for Dec & I can’t wait!!

Enjoying your TR as I am watching for whales

5 hours ago, Nic6318 said:

 

The number of takers will be few and far between.

Definitely NOT true.

On Splendor now, 8 days New Caldonia & staying on tomorrow for 12 more days to NZ

MANY Americans, (I’d say maybe 1/3 of passengers)MANY doing B2B (or more!), and many paid next to nothing.

(Myself included)

Seems to be plenty of takers!

Got moved to starboard obstructed.

Now have opportunity to move to Aft larger room & balcony.

We could also snag a larger unobstructed room starboard side.

Wouldn't Starboard be the sunny side when heading east?

@spethstation Looking at the ships u have sailed, I recommend u try Cele rite Eclass (Apex, Edge, Beyond & Ascent)

The shows r more like NCL/RCCL level.

Food very good

Casino non-smoking.

Curiuos to see how u like Viva

We sailed Prima last month… lovely ship with rotten flow.

We much prefer Breakaway class on NCL

13 hours ago, Paula_MacFan said:

Agree 100%  We were just on Regal the week before last and even though we did attend a couple things in Princess Live we really do not like that venue and miss Explorers!  That is one of our favorite venues on the older ships.  We were on the Island in Sept/Oct and found ourselves comparing her to the Regal a lot on our recent cruise.  We had been on Regal 2X before so we did know what to expect, but after having recently been on the Island we realize how much we enjoy Explorers, a full-sized Wheelhouse and not the one cobbled onto the front of the Crown Grill like on Regal, and Crooners which had actual live music on the Island but not on Regal.  The Vista seems criminally underused on Regal and has been relegated to live sports broadcasts, movies, bingo, and the occasional comedian.  Back when we started cruising you could find live music in Vista but not anymore apparently, as everything is more focused on the Piazza. 

Interesting… we were no loving the Island design after being on the Caribbean, Ruby, Sapphire & Disvovery the last 18 mos

Regardless we still had a good time & im sure we will on Regal

On 2/5/2024 at 3:08 AM, Colorado Buffalo said:

Looking to book a cruise end of May once school is out for summer.

We will be taking my 15 year old daughter and her 15 year old friend. 

Enchanted Princess to the Western Caribbean is the itinerary we are considering.  We have never cruised Princess before so needing to know if this would be a good fit?

How many teens are normally on board and is there enough 'excitement ' for teens? 

Not necessarily concerned that their aren't water slides and go-carts but don't know what if the demographic will be to old.

Our kids sailed Princess when they were 12-15& 18.

They have also sailed DCL, RCCL & Celebrity.

They have each said they had a blast on every cruise (and we SHARED ONE internet plan between the 5 of us when they were 18-20&23…it CAN be done & w/o issue!)

Some cruises they loved kids/ teen clubs, others not as much.

But with a friend they r both sure to have a great time

On 2/5/2024 at 2:29 PM, tdtanc said:

Hey. Thank you to all in advance for any advice. Pretty much new to Princess. Taking a British Isles cruise May 27th on the regal. As you know its so port intensive so we want some time to rest. There are 3 sea days and I have researched that the Sanctuary can get reserved very quickly on the day of embarkation. My dilemma is that we will be taking an excursion that day out of London to Windsor Castle and likely wont get to ship check in until late in the afternoon. Does it get reserved that quickly? I'm no stranger to tipping to get what I want so maybe thats the route to go when I get to the sanctuary to reserve it if its full?? Anyone have an email to someone on board to help me in advance? Is this even an issue and I wont have a problem??

 

Thank you

I would not worry much on this particular cruise.

If it is full, check back as cancellations often occur.

Thx for the review @spethstation

Sailed the CP for 2 wks in 2022.

We too said Born to be Wild felt like a high school production (not for lack of talent). The 1st scene we could not believe they weren’t singing Loverboys Working for the Weekend!

U r a Trivial Pursuit fan— did u try any trivia?

U might reconsider PrincessPlus in the future

With $17/day tips plus $25/day internet …sharing u got it down to $12.50.

Even sharing, that’s $30/day each,

Princess Plus is only $60/day

Sounded like u got enough drinks each day to add up to that other $30.

Up there with NCL for best AI pricing!

Glad u had fun—too bad had to miss ports, but yeah, it happens

Yes u can still purchase internet instead of getting Princess Plus

$25/day per device.

platinum & Elite $12.50/day

10 hours ago, luvseaside said:

decided to do trivia in Princess Live.  Seriously Princess-retrofit this design somehow.  Seating is so uncomfortable!  

I’m stunned they thought this was a good design!

We r on the Regal for 28days in April & love trivia… 

perhaps y’all could suggest Vista Lounge for trivia?!??

Sure gonna miss Explorers!

22 hours ago, Taters said:

What do you mean when you say you didn't need the insurance?  Did they not ask for the paperwork when you checked in for your cruise?

I don’t need travel insurance…I have it.

But it doesn’t have the verbiage New Caledonia wants so I had to get more to meet their “needs”

An odd requirement

7 minutes ago, Taters said:

I am also interested in finding coverage for COVID for our Carnival Luminosa cruise to New Caledonia in February, 2025.  We have a yearly Allainz policy, but am not sure if it is sufficient for visiting New Caledonia.  We are flying from Fairbanks to Brisbane for B2B cruises, with the second one going to New Caledonia and I don't want to get kicked off after the first 7 night cruise.  Looking over Carnival's policy details, I do NOT see COVID mentioned anywhere.  

I got IMG/Squaremouth I found via a Forbes link.

$40 (no airfare—it was points), shows COVID coverage.

Annoying. Did NOT need it.

i could have cancelled everything today & got refunds/credit for everything but $100.

I charge all travel to Chase Sapphire Reserve because of the travel insurance & our med insurance covers overseas. 
But whatever…

On 1/25/2024 at 10:43 PM, Zanny said:

Hi. When the 2 new ships entered Aust last year.I was eager to try the Edge and Virgins Resilient  Lady ship.

Having just got home from an 11  night cruise on the Resilient Lady she certainly  lived up to the great expectations  I have we had a great time. I could not fault it.

Hoping to book the Edge to N.Z. again for Msrch to compare in my opinion  the ship is the destination. Any thoughts on the Celebrity  Edge ship.

Thanks in advance

We haven't tried Virgin but we have sailed Celebrity E-class 5x in the last 2 1/2 yrs, including 2x on the Edge.

We LOVE E-class ships!!

When we tried Celebrity 10 yrs ago after 10 yrs of cruising mostly on Princess (but also DCL & RCCL), we felt it was a small step above the others in service & food. (we generally find all mainstream lines more alike than different)

But E-class ships are step above the rest of Celebrity, imo.

Why?

I like the more intimate 4-MDRs (tho the menus have been streamlined...I still had good to very good food at in Dec on Beyond, but I miss more choices.

The specialty dining is SO good! Eden is a must do each cruise (tho with the recent rate increase, not so sure EVERY time). Chef's Table on Beyond was one of our best meals ever & Le Voyage on the Beyond is also terrific.

The production shows are FANTASTIC--the Imax-like theatre puts them up their w/ RCCL & NCL Broadway level shows (of course, those 2 lines are cutting those...boo)

The ship is fabulous--modern, streamlined. 

Now, the Infinite Verandas (IV) are polarizing. We actually like them as it makes the room more spacious. We find we don't use balconies as much as we always think we will, but we love the light. We did have an aft Sunset Veranda (traditional) on Edge & loved it. We were in OV in Dec & it is the same dimensions as a balcony room so felt that was the happy medium for us. (we just aren't in our room that much)

10 hours ago, fixi said:

You will need a copy of the prescription/letter from the doctor, and they will allow up to three month's old supply. 

 

https://www.tga.gov.au/products/travelling-medicines-and-medical-devices/entering-australia

 

https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/categories/medicines-and-substances

8 hours ago, Cascade1 said:

From experience, an important thing for you to do will be to declare that you have drugs with you. It is possible that you will then be asked to show them or you will be just asked if they are for your personal medicinal use. If you don't declare and they are found, then your problems may well start..

Thank you both so much.

It is in the original prescription bottle, with the prescription attatched.

I just wanted to do things right & simplify the process!

(I usually use a pill container for my couple of daily meds & just bring the narcotic in it's bottle but I figured leaving them all in bottles would be more prudent this time)

I have a prescription for hydrocodone for a back injury to take as needed. 

I have been reading about taking prescriptions to Australia.

All of my prescriptions including this are in their original bottles.

Is there anything I need to do at the airport? (sorry ignorance on my part--I travel with them all the time & have never had an issue in N. America, C. America, Caribbean & Europe)

Thanks for your help.

11 minutes ago, simplelife said:

For slots. at the machines you are given the option to "transfer to player bank" from your S & S account (multiples of $10).  Once you do this you can then 'transfer from player bank" to the machine in multiples of $10 up to the amount in your player bank. You can do this as many times as you wish, without charge,

I do not play tables so I cannot speak to that process,

Yes, we did this on the Miracle in January & nothing was charged.

1 minute ago, Lady Arwen said:

I’ve booked shore excursions using OBC many times!  When you book the excursions your total shows the OBC first and then how much, if any, you need to pay.  Are you having a problem doing this?

Gees--I just did a dummy booking & it came right up! 

So silly, not sure why I didn't think this shows up.

I do know that OBC from a TA won't show up on account until onboard so perhaps that is what I was thinking of.

THANKS

On 1/30/2024 at 8:56 AM, Lady Arwen said:

Booking excursions is the exception.  
 

18 hours ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

This is directly from the Princess FAQ regarding use of OBC:

 

 

OBC cannot be used until you are on the ship.

If someone has used it for shore excursions before sailing, let me know how you did this!

1 minute ago, CruiserBruce said:

Yes, but know 2 things. First, early morning international arrivals at the west coast airports are usually jammed. And thus Immigration will be jammed. Customs is a bit easier.

Guess that's not surprising.

I'm waiting either way...there is a 10:30AM direct flight also, about $50 more.

Perhaps better off to just book that & not fret.

Thanks