raider23

Can anyone with experience comment on picking up passengers after the cruise. My sister-in-law has said she will pick us up after, but we are unsure of where to meet. Thanks in advance for help. :)

Only on Formal evenings, evenings that your are likely to be less hungry at bed time than on non-formal evenings.

Do I have to wear a tux or a dark suit to get my chocolate in my room or will I be fine with a pair of khakis and a polo shirt? LOL ;)

goofy559,

Thank you for the response.:D

First thing is go to my cabin and drop off my carry-ons. On the Royal, I would head to Alfredo's for lunch - its not busy and many folks think it costs extra. Since the Royal is quite large, I would take the opportunity to do the "treasure hunt" - you will be given a card at embarkation. Great opportunity to find out where things are and you might win something. Also a chance to make any specialty dining reservations, visit the kids club (even if you don't have kids its a cool area on the Royal).

 

Then, head up to the pool, have a drink and relax until its time for muster drill. Then, enjoy sailaway!

 

Most of all, have fun!

Our first Princess cruise is coming up in May, what is this "Treasure Hunt"? Always love a good challenge

Not impressed. Can't see it while you're on the ship, adds nothing in my opinion. Personally, the money could be better spent on upgrading something on the ship. Just my opinion.:)

Thanks for posting this link. I have been downloading maps and info for ports we are visiting, but didn't even think about info on Glacier Bay. :D

That there's funny, thanks for brightnin' my day!:D

Provided by steward on each cabin on embarkation day.

Thanks

I was on the Grand in December. When we sailed under the Golden Gate, I stood on deck 14, all the way forward in the outside area. It was a little drizzly, but so worth it! It seemed like you could reach up and touch the bridge! Hopefully the weather will be nicer in May :)

 

~Kate

Kate,

Thank you for your advice, sounds like a good spot for photos and viewing! :)

Does every room get a bag, or is it just Suites or Elite status? Thanks

Not allow Reservations or Traditional diners in the Anytime Dining Rooms. It totally defeats the purpose of the program and creates long lines. It also causes two lines at the entrance to the ADR which causes confusion. Also dining rooms should be opened at the posted times in the Patter. On the Royal last year they were often opened as much as a 1/2 hour late.

You guys are scaring me. Now I wish I hadn't made Anytime Dining my choice!

Enjoyed part 1 very much. Looking forward to more! We will be on the Grand in May, any suggestions on good places to be for Sailaway under the Golden Gate?

Thanks

There are many parking lots near the pier. We used a website called spot hero to locate the closest lot at the best price. If you google them you will be able to get discount codes to use when you make a reservation through them. The lot we parked at was about 1/4 mile from the pier and with the discount I think it was less than $10 for the day. The parking space was reserved for us and paid in advance and the process was very easy.

We would love to know how and where you got parking in SF for less than $10/day. I followed your advice to spot hero and the best I can find is $18/day:confused:

From the Princess website:

You should dress for a cruise with Princess the same way you would for any stylish land-based resort.

Casual sportswear, including shorts, lightweight pants and jogging suits, is the order of the day both at sea and ashore in hotter climates.

We recommend you bring a sweater, a jacket or an all-weather coat for cool evenings, and for shore excursions, depending on your destination. Due to unpredictable weather, don't forget a hat or visor and a collapsible umbrella. Please be sure to bring proper clothing for visits to religious sites. You'll also want low-heeled, rubbersoled shoes for strolling on deck, as well as comfortable walking shoes or sandals to wear.

Princess makes it easy to know what to pack and what to wear when you’re dining onboard our spectacular ships. There are two designations for dress codes: Smart Casual and Formal.

Smart Casual

Guest attire should be in keeping with what they would wear to a nice restaurant at home.

Skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for ladies

Pants and open-neck shirts for men

Inappropriate dinner wear such as pool or beach attire, shorts, ball caps and casual jeans (with fraying and/or holes) are not permitted in the dining rooms. Shoes must be worn.

I left out the portion regarding formal wear as you said you wouldn't be attending anyway. Hope this helps.

This is a totally different issue

Thanks for pointing out to me that two people using the same card and underage drinking are two different issues. Just thought it was an appropriate place to share a funny story.

I know that both people in a cabin are not required to purchase the AIBP. Does anyone know how long one must wait before ordering another drink. I am trying to decide if the package is worth it for us. My wife can get a glass of wine and I can wait to order one if it is a reasonable amount of time to wait.

They do check cards. I remember on one particular cruise where my son and I accidentally switched cards (we share the same name). My wife and I went to have a cocktail after dinner and after ordering drinks the waitress came back and said, "I think we have a problem sir, according to your card you are only twelve years old." We all had a good laugh and my wife had to use her card for our drinks! :eek:

I'd take the ocean view. Even if the view were nearly completely obstructed, there would still be light coming in.

In SF, you get on at deck 7.

Nancyquilts,

Thank you for your response. :)

Can anyone tell me what deck you enter upon embarkation? Thanks!

Go to Princess.com click on Booked Guests and enter your information to open your Cruise Personalizer.

Next click on Onboard Reservations.

On the bottom right hand side of that page you will see Lotus Spa Services, click on View Options.

Your name(s) will came up, click on Schedule Appointment.

From there it will ask you to pick a date (just pick any date to see prices), next to that it will say Choose Service, click on that and a sub menu will come up, click Body Services and the menu, pricing, and descriptions will be displayed.

Enjoy! :D

 

 

Nothing to sign up for. On the final sea day (usually) there is a cooking demonstration in the Princess Theatre, after which you are marched through the galley. Check the Patter, normally around 10:00 that morning.

Just our luck, last sea day is my wife's birthday with spa reservations at 11:00 a.m. Oh well, guess we'll just have to book another cruise! :cool:

Galley tours are free. They are often on the last sea day and associated with a cooking demonstration. The galley tour comes after the cooking demonstration.

How, where, when would I sign up for the galley tour. That one sounds interesting to us.

Thanks in advance! :D

Thank you! I had seen a bit about that, but didn't know if it would still be in place for this summer. Excited to see it all!

You're quite welcome. We are onboard for the first Alaska cruise of 2016 out of S.F. I will report back and let everyone know.

I'm curious as to the changes your mention for Alaska, @raider23- any other details? I'm taking my son on our first Alaska cruise in July , and always interested in tips and tidbits!

ladyaero,

Here is a link to the Princess website: North to Alaska

http://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/north-to-alaska/

Serious? That's AWESOME! Alaska is our go-to place in the summer as departure ports are only a 12 hour drive away! I will keep my eyes open for any postings of new Alaskan menu's.

 

Thanks for the heads up!

 

Agree- itinerary and time frame is great for the POA..... but once was enough!:D

Here is the link to the Princess website information on new menus and more. Enjoy!

http://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/north-to-alaska/