High C's

Wow - this is SO entertaining. Thanks for sharing your story with us! :)

Does anyone know if we can reserve lounge chairs by the Sanctuary Pool if we are planning on paying for the 10 days we are on board the Island Princess?

 

When you say you are planning on paying for the 10 days, I assume you mean you are going to pay for access to the Sanctuary for your entire voyage. So the answer is yes, your chairs will be reserved for you for the entire cruise. You can also book chairs by the day and the half day, but you have to be there VERY early.

 

Wow, I just keep getting more and more confused. So what you are saying is that the Sanctuary Pool is NOT part of the Sanctuary?? Yet so many other posts say that the aft pool on the island princess IS the Sanctuary pool and that it is private for Sanctuary guests only?!

 

Please, can somebody who knows a definative answer let me know. I did do some research and found a picture of the Sanctuary Pool. I can now see that there are no lounge chairs around the pool. Just up the stairs on the right or left. On the Princess web site the ship deck diagram is deceptive because it shows an area with chairs etc. surrounding the pool. But, I still would like clarification as to whether this pool is strictly for Sanctuary guests or not. Which is it??

 

 

The chairs in this photograph are definitely Sanctuary chairs. I've never been on the Island, so I am not the one person with the actual answer that you want. But just from looking at this photograph, I can tell you that is the Sanctuary.

 

I think what is confusing is that on the larger ships, the Sanctuary is at the front of the ship, and the pool there is actually the Lotus Spa pool, which is open to everyone, including the lounge chairs around that pool. It is a very different set upon Coral/Island. :)

For those of you who have had a total knee replacement, how long did it take to recuperate to the point where you are comfortable travelling and doing things you enjoy without pain. I know I need one and I keep postponing it because I like to travel and want to feel sure I will be able to do so.

I had bilateral knee replacements (both knees at the same time) in March 2007. The first couple of months were pretty bad. But the absolute MOST important piece of advice - take your physio seriously. It hurts - oh it hurts - but definitely worth the effort. Take your pain meds. Suffering through the pain only slows your recovery as you will not be able to exercise the leg as effectively if you are in pain. And ICE, ICE, ICE.

By about June I was able to drive comfortably. I took up water aerobics, which felt terrific. And my DH and I went on a cruise in September. I was able to do most things. And now, 3 years later, I am convinced it was the best thing I ever did. :)

I was 48 when I had them removed, by the way. Younger than most when you think I had them both done.

Guess what I did today? I took out the heel shoes and am only packing the silver flats. It sure made my husband happy. He still can't figure out why women need so many different pairs of shoes. Thanks every one for your opinion. And my husband thanks you too.

I am SO glad to hear this! :)

I understand what its like to want to wear the beautiful shoes, but the pain they cause is simply not worth it.

I had both my knees replaced in 2007. I know how important the proper pair of shoes are, and I cannot imagine for the life of me worrying about what others may think. Sure, they may not be what I'd like to wear, but other priorities are more important.

How was the experience and how much was it?

Did they do a good job??

 

Thanks

I've always been pleased when I've had my hair done on board. I usually just get a wash and blow dry.

I completely understand why you may want to have this done. Just another "pampering" of ourselves on a cruise! ;)

Steve Morris posts on here from time to time. His screen name is Yellowbird, or something close to that.

I agree - his show is excellent. :)

Pia - you are the Queen of Live threads! Thanks so much for allowing us all to "come along" with you! We are leaving on the Sapphire on Saturday for 14 nights. This thread has increased my excitement ten-fold!

Doesn't look like anyone is interested in this thread but you and me.

Sue

Nope - I'm reading along!!!!:) I asked the original question, and appreciate the ensuing discussion about this trip. Still haven't been able to determine if we will get enough time off to do it, or if we should wait a few years until retirement. BUT I look forward to all the details!

Thanks for the info, Sue. Sounds like you were well taken care of. This is be our first cruisetour. This sure sounds like it has our name on it!!:)

Thank you to everyone who has responded!

Sue - thank you SO much for that detail. I assume you arranged for your own flights?

And in terms of weather - is June a good time to go? We usually travel in September to avoid the summer crowds, but I think this tour ends in August. May or June would be our second choice.

Thank you so much, Sue! I am happy to hear from someone that has actually done it!

Can you tell me - are your days in each city on your own, or are you taken to the "highlights" of each place? Am I correct in my assumption that each city is no longer than 2 to 3 hours by motorcoach?

We had always planned on seeing these cities by doing a river cruise (and probably still will do that one day), but going this route and then taking the Baltic cruise (which we have never done) sounds wonderful!

Oh - one final question - is the Euro accepted in each of these cities? I know I should probably know this, but I don't!:o

We are looking at possibly booking the cruise tour called "Europe's Imperial Treasures" for 2010. It includes: 2 nights in Budapest, 2 nights in Vienna, 2 nights in Prague, 2 nights in Berlin, and then transportation to Copenhagen to continue on the 10 day Baltic itinerary.

Has anyone done this tour before? I'd love to hear what you liked (and disliked) about it!

Thanks:)

Strange that cruiserking hasn't written anything since the 18th. :confused:

 

I believe the ship is in Civitavecchia today. Maybe there is an internet problem on the ship.

Perhaps Jonathan found more important things to do on his honeymoon!!;)

The one I am considering is called "WalkAbout Lite" (or something very much like that). My luggage is in great shape, but weighs an absolute ton even when empty. I know I would NEVER get past the airline "weight police" using this luggage!:rolleyes:

Another bag I am considering is Eagle Creek. It seems quite pricey, but gets great reviews on e-Bags. It is also light weight.

I agree that weight could be an issue. Another person suggested ebags.com for luggage information. I think it is a good place to start your search because it has the weight of the luggage plus reviews from people who have bought that piece of luggage.

Thank you bandicat! I'll check it out.

We bought a travelpro rolling garment bag because they made one of largest ones (depth) available. It actually holds hubby's tux and dinner jacket, suit, sports coat and slacks, and 3 formals, 4 cocktail/ dressy dresses and a couple of pantsuits & dresses for me. When we were going on our first transatlantic, we got the 29 inch travelpro suitcase as we were going to be gone for about 3 weeks. Last year we added the travelpro rolling carry on. The luggage holds up beautifully and actually couples together very well for pulling. It is a little heavier - but when we bought it the weight restrictions weren't as tight as they are now.

Thanks everyone for the input! Unfortunately, it is the weight restrictions that worries me. That's why I'm looking for another line of luggage. My Samsonite set is in perfect condition, but FAR too heavy even when empty.

Any suggestions of other lines of luggage that is exceptionally light would be most appreciated!

Have any of you ever used TravelPro luggage? If so, do you recommend it? I am looking for quality luggage that is LIGHTWEIGHT (obviously to allow more weight on the inside - shoes - clothes - toilettries, etc.:rolleyes:

But I don't want something that will fall apart. I have a lovely set of Samsonite that is a few years old now. No complaints other than the weight of the cases - they are heavy even when empty!

Now, with the airlines imposing stricter regulations on the weight of luggage, I think its time to look at something else. Anyone with any suggestions?

I did ask this before on these boards, but didn't get much of a response. All ideas are most welcome!

Thanks everyone - I think I'll stick to the front area rather than the corner bumps, based on the info I received.

Did any of you have the "Ultimate Balcony Dinner" experience? The cruise I am booking (Panama 2006) is for our 25th, so I would like to plan something a little different.

Also, I am anxiously awaiting the release of itineraries for the remainder of 2006. Anyone have any inside scoop on when this will happen??

Thanks and Happy Easter everyone

I would welcome any advice regarding mini suites on the Coral. Suggested locations to optimize my view of the Panama Canal? Privacy on balconies?

I am looking at any of the mini-suites on the front corner of the middle bump (A416 or 429; B416 or 431; or C416 or 417). If these are not great locations, then I would go for a mini at the front of the ship (to ensure balcony privacy - not interested in being "open" to the top of the ship).

However, as always, I bow to the wisdom of the members of Cruise Critic!!!!

Thanks:)