poppypobble

"The options were not up to par... if they were trying to entice cruisers to book specialty with these freebies I believe they failed... no where close to the quality/taste/food temp/etc of actually going to the specialty and having the food prepared fresh. I think if I was a brand new cruiser and tried these options, I would think anyone would be nuts to want to spend money on specialty. It was a great idea by RCL to promote, just not executed imho."

Thanks Hoopster for explaining about the food samplers from the specialty restaurants-I had no idea that was what they were trying to accomplish. My kids had some of the pasta and I tried the cheesy one. It was good but not worth paying extra for. The sushi really didn't look appetizing. The curries were very good. However they really shouldn't put Roti in a buffet - gets way to dry- should put naan instead.

Poppy

Ditto. It was a fantastic cruise with two wonderful new ports. I'll be returning.

 

I did find out that a certain waste/garbage company booked/chartered all ~500 (?) remaining cabins a week or so after the low rates were published.

 

And that all company pax were instructed to reject the auto grats or otherwise, be responsible for them.

 

Big thumbs down.

I wondered what group chartered all those cabins. I saw a man thanking his boss for being able to bring his family on their first cruise.

It's a shame that some of the gratuities may not have been paid

Poppy

If you don't mind a thirty minute walk the David Foster trail was really neat. We took the bus in and strolled back along the trail. Cool little houseboat community and nice flat walk along the water.

This is a great walk! We were on this cruise- so fun! We walked into the harbour area- went to the parliament building & the Empress hotel. We went into the tourist info centre- corner across from Empress. We were able to get a day bus pass there for $4.50 CND each. They also sell them on the buses- it says on the website-they are $5 on the bus. Children under 12 are free with an adult with a day pass. This will get you to some great places around Victoria.

Poppy

Thanks for the info- think I will pass on Bingo- sounds really expensive

Hi

What are the bingo machines? How many cards do you get on the electronic package?

Thanks

Poppy

Thanks Hoopster! We are all looking forward to this getaway. I will join the roll call. Sounds like a fun event on the Sea Day! Will check out your review too!

Thanks Bob for the menus.

Biker- we are sailing May 15th-when is it implemented?

Thanks

Ok-Thanks for the heads up-does Room Service charge a fee? I thought I read that at breakfast time they don't charge for room service? I wonder what happens if you order a burger at 9am-LOL

Thanks for the info! My boys might like to try a couple of the cupcakes.

I must admit I was super impressed with International Café on princess. I am obsessed with their dark/white chocolate mousse. Best I have ever had. Hopefully we will find some yummy treats on Explorer.

Poppy:D

Cupcake shop has two sizes. The small is about $2 and is fine for a little snack. The larger/fullsize cupcakes are about $3.50. Ben and Jerry's is a bit expensive IMHO but delicious! A single scoop is about $3.50 and is plenty for a snack.

 

FYI, Royal's Windjammer burgers and pretty bad...nothing like the fresh burgers on Princess at the poolside Trident Grill. Pizza at the Cafe Promenade and Windjammer buffet will be the biggest disappointment when compared to Princess which is excellent. We love Royal for many reasons but burgers and pizza is not one of them!

Sky- your review was amazing! Probably one of the best I have read. I read all 11 pages. The photos were great and gave me the info I was looking for.

Thanks

Poppy:D

I can't tell you what Willy Wonka pie or Led Zeppoles are as I never tired them but someone hopefully had.

 

I think you should take a look at my thread below which will tell you a lot about Explorer.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2251071

Thanks Joy for the info. We may try Oasis another time. We chose Explorer because my kids really wanted to try a ship that has Flow Rider. Explorer was the closest option for us.

Sky-thanks for the great photos! What's in a Willy Wonka Pie?

Are the Led Zeppoles somewhat like Apple Fritters?

Do either of you know what they charge for a cupcake in the Cupcake shop and for a single scoop in Ben & Jerry's? Just trying to budget.

Thanks

Poppy

Ok

Thanks Ken

Hi

We are new to Royal Caribbean but have cruised with Princess & Norweigan.

Few foodie questions-

Does Explorer have a Wipeout Cafe?

Does the Johnny Rockets serve free breakfast?

Is there a free burger place on board?

Do they have the donut shop on Explorer?

The Cafe Promenade- do they have chocolate mousse or pudding?

Thanks

Poppy

Thanks Bob

The 75 and 90 day info was exactly what I was looking for.

Like the original poster- I have not booked the cruise yet- but was hoping to get a price drop after the cruise's final payment date

Poppy

How do you know when the final payment is for a specific cruise? Is it 2 months before the cruise?

Thanks

Does anyone know what the new special will be that starts tomorrow?

Thanks

Poppy

Air New Zealand also has the sky couch option with the economy long haul flights. It may make things much more comfy at a reduced rate.

Hi

I live in Canada now but lived in Oz for 11 years. We have travelled both ways many times. We always found the jet lag better flying over than back. I would break your trip up in Hawaii on the way back. We have always found good deals with Air New Zealand but not sure they do the Hawaii route. We usually stop in Auckland.

Have fun!!!!

Poppy:)

Three Canadians are accused of trying to smuggle 95kg (209 pounds) of cocaine into Sydney on the Sun Princess after an operation between Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian authorities.

 

The 63-year-old man and two women, age 23 and 28, were arrested on Sunday after police and sniffer dogs searched the vessel when it berthed in Sydney and found cocaine in suitcases.

209 pounds of cocaine in only 3 people's suitcases-that's a heck of a lot of cocaine- they must have looked very suspicious- with such heavy bags

Ok-ty Cruisequeen- I did let them know we were open to upgrades- it is a guaranteed room.

Thanks

I agree. The only time I would use a balcony on a one-nighter is at sail-away, but you should be able to find a nice spot out on deck for that if you go a bit early.

 

Don't worry too much about a price drop after final payment. Some people who wait for them end up disappointed when the cruise sells out before a drop happens. Just be glad you got what you thought was a fair price on the cruise you wanted :).

Thanks Socal Cruiser

Yes- my kids like to be out watching on deck as we sail away.

I was worried that the cruise may sell out- then I would have disappointed kids:(

I don't think princess cares which way you book your cruise direct or with a travel agent as long as they get the booking. Either way they win. Most of the time you can do better with a travel agent. They have tremendous turnover in there sales dept and it reflects in how they handle problems. It's a minumin wage job and mostly part time. I've talked with some of there supervisors who now see there jobs as babysitting and puting out fires all days to to the inexperience of there sales force.

That's exactly the impression i got when I spoke to both agents- 1 supposedly a supervisor- that they really didn't care.

Shame on Princess for not paying better and providing more incentive to their staff. It would really help with customer service.

Poppy

Hmm- I'm not sure- when I spoke to the agent she said I would have to pay the full fare to cancel - so guessing I am past the final date

Thanks Jimmy

It's a only a 1 day cruise so all paid up unfortunately.

You are right - should not recheck but was curious- see where that got me.

I just wanted people to know about my experience with Princess direct.

Poppy

Hi

This is our 3rd Princess cruise. Been really happy with our onboard experiences.

Thought I would try to book direct with Princess. Booked 2 rooms at a good price- interior IC Guarantee. I went back and Princess has same rooms- a bit higher price but offering balconies at same price. Went onto where I normally go & prices are lower & they have all categories- to balcony level at same price. There are plenty of rooms available.

I thought perhaps I may be able to get the guaranteed up to a balcony because they are all at the same price right now anyways but they say they can do nothing. I literally booked this a few days ago.

The agents I spoke to were really not helpful and said there was nothing they could do. I found them a bit curt as well. I find it astonishing that the actual cruiseline that we are sailing with cannot have better solutions.

So buyer beware- shop around. I should have waited but didn't want my kids to miss out if it got too full.

I would personally never deal with Princess direct again.

Poppy