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Ty Thank you as well. Your comments are very sensible and taken on board. As it’s a longer cruise we may even do the buffet and have real chill out day.

Great post and thank you. We’re on this ship in April and are v excited as our ‘normal’ cruise line is Celebrity but thought we’d give Princess a go from Southampton as they’ve taken our favourite ship elsewhere and given us a newer model.😢 Couple of questions if I may? Dinner. Celebrity’s main dining is ok but our main cruise indulgence is speciality dining and would rather have a lesser cabin if it meant we could eat well throughout. Would you be content with main dining every night? Does it feel special or would you do speciality for the duration of the cruise? Also, is there a difference between Cielo and Estrella dining rooms? Did you have a drink package? I’m early 50’s, she’s mid 40’s and we do enjoy a small libation throughout the day from a glass of bubbles with breakfast to a nice cognac in the early hours. Thanks again! PS. Your first pic where people are swimming next to the ship is awesome!!!!

Capt George is our favourite. Charming man, humble, quietly spoken and doesn’t try to hog the limelight. The staff and passengers love him. Very photogenic too darn it!

We were in an aft suite just over a year ago and there was the most awful smell in the corridor. The same smell was in different areas around the ship and near the hot tubs was just revolving. Some shabby walls in the corridors too made it not much better than a North Sea ferry tbh! Actually, any ferries I’ve been on are in better condition.

When you post on one of these groups it’s best to check facts before submitting. His name was Stubing and not Stubbing. And whilst we’re on this subject why do we debark and not disembark? Are some of us quiet dogs? In the words of Winston Churchill, “British and Americans are one people separated by a common language”.

You mention vlogs (plural) yet you later refer to one. In any of the vlogs or blogs that we’ve seen recently there’s never a mention of Celebrity being dirty or tired.

Has the Solstice been revolutionised or will it be before the OP’s cruise in 2025?

Done both ships in various classes and the Solstice is our favourite. If you enjoy the entertainment then the Cruise Director, Patrick on Solstice, would seal the deal for us. We’re not normally into the activities on board but this guy was everywhere to be seen and had an energy and elegance about him. His TV show in the morning was polished and even writing this makes me smile! PS The only other CD I’d mention is Sue Denning. Amazing

Yay! You disembarked and didn’t debark! Everything you post from now on will be perfect. X

We’re Celebrity regulars and are very excited about our upcoming Princess cruise from Southampton! Thought it would be nice to dip our toe into the ‘competition’ pool. Thanks to all the contributors on this forum. Makes for interesting reading. We’ve only eaten in the main dining room twice as on both occasions it was very average. We’re not fans of Luminae on Celebrity but love Blu and the speciality restaurants. Should we stay with main dining on Princess or go speciality too?

Agree with the above, Nice on your own balcony. Use the extra €$£ for specialty dining or another cruise!

Whilst this is mildly interesting I don’t care about the Icon of the Seas as I’m a Celebrity customer and not RCL. Yes I know they’re the same company but is this a step towards amalgamation?

Have you looked at any P&O reviews recently? Might be worth it before you spend your hard earned ££!

Hope it’s not held in one of the bars!

Absolutely. Scottish, Yorkshire and East End accents need not apply either. We’ll also be looking out for those who drive themselves to the ship!

Really? Here’s a few sample questions: How did you find check in? How’s your suite on this new ship? Are you Queen’s or Princess Grill? How was your food? What did you eat last night? Have you pre ordered for dinner? What do you think of this area? Worth the money? Quite simple and not in any way rude!

I’ll happily engage in conversation with them and ask how they’re finding the Grills experience! If I’m paying over the odds for the experience then so should they. If not then get out!

Totally agree. I cruise in all classes and am respectful of areas which I haven’t paid for. Just booked QA Princess Grill for next year. If there’s anyone from steerage hogging my hot tub I’ll politely ask them to leave!

Had a similar situation a few months ago. I was told (calling from UK) that you can cancel within 24 hours. Just to note… You’ll find it a tad different to P&O just as Ibis hotel are different to W Hotels. Also, don’t book your drinks package until special offers come online and you’ll find plenty of people on here telling you when they’re available! Enjoy.

Strange story because we know of kids who had an inside cabin and were so happy with their door decoration but a grumpy guy across from them stole it and put it on the inside of his door! Apparently he wasn’t the sharpest tool in the box either.😜

We’re Celebrity fans but we’re on our first Princess cruise (12 nights from Southampton) in April next year. 2 sea days, island hopping then 3 sea days back. Never been there either so it’s a double first. Heard lots of good things about the islands.

Thanks for the information. We’ve done all classes on Celebrity on Solstice and Edge ships but have decided to try Princess next year out of interest. It seems, looking online, that their suite offering leaves a lot to be desired but overall it’ll be fun to try something else. Happy cruising and thanks again.

Chemmo. Tried to send an email with no success. Have a look at this contributor. As we’re getting the Apex next year in Southampton, the Sky Princess might just be a suitable replacement.

It’s safe to say that things change and not always for the better but obviously Celebrity isn’t what it used to be for some. There are many other cruise lines out there who want your custom. Does laundry or a lounge really make that much difference? Jim and Iain have the best blogs and posts and are Celebrity fans but they appear to have tried another line. I love Celebrity but have just booked a Princess cruise to see how it compares next April. If you’re not happy then vote with your feet! They’ll soon get the message.

Yes. We really need some extra food on board!