XBGuy

As has been previously stated, there is risk in booking any cruise. Yes, the delay experienced by the Sun Princess is sobering. However, on the positive side, while we on Cruise Critic do not know the specifics of what caused the delay, it is reasonable to assume that at least some of the delay was a result of the fact that the Sun Princess is the first of a new ship design. So, it is equally reasonable to assume that lessons learned on the Sun Princess build can be applied to the Star Princess build, and the risk of delay can be mitigated. What do you have to lose? As long as you are prudent in making your arrangements and have travel insurance, you should not suffer any financial loss. So, the pain will be the disappointment you would suffer if you could not go on this inaugural cruise. However, if you cancel your present booking, you won't go on this inaugural cruise. either.

Updating the days. Today is the 268th anniversary of the birth of composer W.A. Mozart--actually, his give name was Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart. While he was quite a prodigious composer--there are over 600 works in the catalogue attributed to him--his life was tragically short. When Mozart was my age, he'd been dead for 41 years. (Yeah, I stole that joke from Tom Lehrer.)

The Crown Grill menu has had only very slight changes in all the years that we have been cruising on Princess. The dessert menu has been revamped a couple times. (I was really disappointed when the berry crisp went off the menu.) Appetizers have come and gone, However the basic red meat selections have always been available main course choices--ribeye, filet, porterhouse, lamb chops. Years ago there was a pork chop on the menu, but that has been removed. There have been some variations in the preparation of the sea bass, but that may just be dependent on the chef. I figured I would post the menu from the Princess web site, but I was surprised when I went to the discussion of Crown Grill under Specialty Dining, there was no link to the menu. So, maybe changes are happening. With luck somebody smarter than me will provide updated information.

I selected "No preference." I am retired. To me weekends and weekdays, pretty much, seem the same. OK, there is more motorsports events on TV during the weekends. So, that helps. I can see where working people and people traveling with families having multiple schedules to manage might have a preference for weekends. but I have no data to support that assumption.

Whenever, we have cruised in a suite, we have received special attention from the various shipboard services. I have never had a problem booking the embarkation complimentary specialty dinner by calling the DINE line from my suite. It also seems that when I call from the suite, the line is answered immediately. Every time I have done this the agent knew that I was in a suite and made a point of stating that there would be no charge for this dinner. Lately, multiple posters have commented that even though the Princess Premier program would seem to increase demand on specialty dining, they have had no problem waiting until they were onboard to make their complementary embarkation day reservations. If you are cruising on a Royal Class ship that has the Suite Concierge Lounge, then, yes, you can go there and ask the Concierge to make reservations for you. I have only done that once, and it worked fine. @Traderboy, multiple posters have stated that you can take your documentation to the Guest Services desk and get reimbursed for this expense. However, to me, going to the Guest Services desk for any reason is a pain. Why don't you just cancel your reservation, get the charge credited to you credit card account, and make your reservation after you board?

As it has been for generations, still the highest priority item in the executive suite of any corporation.

I see that you are right @Paula_MacFan. I don't pay much attention to the Reserve Class benefits since I have never traveled in a Reserve CLass MiniSuite. Your question is reasonable. I am coming to the conclusion that it doesn't mean a thing. I would be happy if Princess could demonstrate me to be wrong.

@HBCcruiser, I know that you are an experienced Princess cruiser. So, I am sure that you are aware that the "old" Suites Benefits brochure did specify that the complimentary embarkation day specialty dining was only available on cruises of 6 days or longer. Here are some images from the old brochure Notice the footnote reference at the end of the benefit description. At the bottom of the page there are multiple footnotes that itemize various exceptions. As you indicated there is no exception indicated on the brochure that is currently posted on the Princess site. So. it is reasonable to question whether or not the "must be more that 5 days" exception is still the policy. The other thing I found intriguing in this current version is the item that says "Priority Specialty Dining Reservations." Does this mean that as a Suite Passenger, I do not have to make specialty dining reservations before I even board the ship? I can just pick up the phone from my suite, ask for a table and be be confident that I will be accommodated?

It's funny, I have have always enjoyed the canapes. I agree that if they are left out in the open, the bread and toppings, such as whipped cheese or pate, will dry out and a bit of a crust might appear, but I have never seen that problem. I agree that the prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks that they used to serve in Sabatini's were consistently disappointing, but I don't think those are served anymore.

Interesting. Our first cruise in a suite was the same 5-day Cabo San Lucas itinerary. This was some years ago on the Ruby Princess. I see that you are cruising on the Discovery Princess--a newer ship with a few more amenities. Definitely take advantage of the Suite Concierge Lounge. It is a nice getaway from the hubbub of many of the other venues. It always has coffee, tea, juices and small noshes. There is a "happy hour" in the late afternoon. The concierge can be very helpful arranging specialty dinners or excursions. He/She can also help with problems such as billings. I mentioned an issue with the toilet in our cabin and within 20 minutes a plumber was knocking at our door. I don't think you will be offered a complimentary specialty dinner on embarkation day. I am pretty sure that it is only available on cruises that are six days or longer. However, there is no harm asking the Concierge and, if you get it, then you can come back here and call me a liar. 😉 The Suite Breakfast is definitely better than going to the dining room. It is a "restaurant experience" and can be enjoyed at your own pace. I have an issue with the dining room experience in that I feel there is a rush for me to order, eat and get out--especially, during breakfast. I find it hard to even get my coffee refilled in the dining room. No such problem in the Suite Breakfast. The staff is happy to let you linger. They will stop by and ask if you would like anything more, and they are happy to refill your coffee cup. I did surprise a server once. Right after being seated, she asked if I would like something to drink. I responded, "Yes. Coffee, please." She had a somewhat confused look on her face, and asked "What kind of coffee?" Now, I was confused. "Black?" Well, that worked. She brought me a cup and a carafe. Apparently, most patrons at the Suite Breakfast drink specialty coffees or mimosas or, I suppose, both. Mrs. XBGuy likes to sleep late every day, and, so, I am, pretty much alone for breakfast. To be honest, the Suite Breakfast thing is not that much fun by myself. So, I usually grab breakfast at the buffet. On our one suite cruise on a Royal Class ship such as the Discovery Princess, she found that she enjoyed having pastries and tea in the Concierge Lounge for her breakfast. Also on our one Royal Class cruise we were in Suite B101--a forward-facing suite. It was fantastic. Do not obsess about whatever the "best suite" might be. The worst one we have ever been in was wonderful. This may or may not appeal to you, but as suite passengers order room service off the dining room menu. So, if you decide you want to have dinner in your suite, and you would like to have expanded choices for your dinner, you can review the menu that is offered that evening in the dining room and have your choices delivered to your suite. However, be aware that that everything that you order will be delivered together in covered dishes. So, if you order two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts, six covered plates will be delivered, and you will serve yourself as you progress through the courses. I'm sure you will have a great cruise. I am envious.

The USDA grading scale for beef is all about fat marbling. From ask.usda.gov: USDA Prime has abundant marbling (flecks of fat within the lean) which enhances both flavor and juiciness. USDA Choice has less marbling than Prime but is of very high quality. USDA Select is very uniform in quality and normally leaner than the higher grades. It is fairly tender, but, because it has less marbling, it may lack some of the juiciness and flavor of the higher grades. The protein, vitamin, and mineral content of beef are similar regardless of the grade. Retail stores may use other terms different from USDA grades. The last sentence seems to give retail stores, and that would include grocers, restaurants and cruise lines, the freedom to call anything they want "prime" regardless of whether or not it was "USDA prime." Also, as has been stated in previous posts, uncaring preparation can ruin any grade.

Very prudent.

Thank you for your contribution, @Ken the cruiser. I did not know that about the HAL program. Your idea about expanding the points program to all cruisers certainly has merit. I can't see any reason why not.

I understand, @skynight. I was trying to put myself in the position of the Princess executives who might have the ability to change the program. After 40 years in the corporate world, I quickly learned that proposed programs had to have a some sort of demonstrable payback in order to get support from the upper levels of the company. I thought that an enhancement whose aim is to improve future Princess revenues would have the best chance of getting executive support.

I was thinking of this while I was composing. Yes, it is up to Princess executives to hold their CIO's feet to the fire.

Yes and no. From the card issuer's point of view, it encourages the credit card holder to use that card. I am sure that Princess derives benefit also. Princess may very well think, "Hey, it gets those people to use that card, what can we do to get more passengers to spend more money with us?" From the passengers point of view he can think, "Hey, I can get points on my credit card, and I can also get points from Princess. It's like double dipping."

Every year, or so, these "Oh my life has no meaning because I have reached Elite level and can't move up any higher" threads pop up here. The proposed solution to this crisis is always the same--Princess has to create a higher tier and give us more free stuff. A few years ago I made a suggestion that was, pretty much, roundly criticized. The bruises have healed, and, since I am a slow learner, I am going to give it another go. Many here on Cruise Critic refer to the Captain's Circle as a Loyalty program. Many refer to those who have reached the Elite level as Princess' best customers. I'm not sure Princess thinks that way. To Princess the Captain's Circle is a marketing program. Anybody who has worked in or near sales know that their best prospects for future business is your customer base. So, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, supermarkets drug stores, you name it, have all created these affinity groups to maintain contact with (i.e., sell to) their customers. Also, I am pretty sure that Princess feels that their best customers are the ones who spend the most money. So, why wouldn't Princess enhance the Captain's Circle to encourage people to spend more money? My proposal is to add to the Captain's Circle program by allowing Elite level passengers to accumulate "Elite Points." Every dollar spent on a Princess cruise earns a point. I am ready to bet that there are very few (None, maybe?) people on this board who do not have a credit card (or two or three) that awards points for every dollar charged to that card, So, everybody here understands how it works. Elite Points could be earned for anything the passenger buys: Passage ticket Excursions Drinks Spa services Specialty dinners Wi-Fi Ship store purchases. Art Auctions Sanctuary reservations I think casino losses should not be included in this program. This could be a liability problem for Princess. So, what could a person do with accumulated points? Redeem them for onboard goods and services. The mechanics could work different ways. Prior to a cruise, the passenger could redeem Elite Points for OBC. Then, he could use it however he wants. Princess could create a schedule of rewards (e.g., complimentary drinks, complimentary specialty dinners, complimentary spa treatments cabin upgrades) which a passenger can claim by redeeming points. Personally, I would prefer the OBC thing, but my selfish view may not be the same as others--particularly, Princess. When I originally proposed this several objections were immediately raised. You're creating a class system. Yup. Are you suggesting there isn't a class system, today with Suite Breakfasts, Reserve Class Dining, Suite Concierge, free laundry for Elite level passengers, special benefits for Princess Plus and Princess Premier passengers? How would it handle passengers' OBC? Easy. Ignore it. Elite points would only look at the debit side of the ledger--not the credit side. What about Crew Appreciation? It counts. If it is removed during the cruise, then, obviously, it earns no points. What do you think?

You can use OBC to book excursions prior to the embarkation date, but that is all. Specialty restaurant reservations made prior to embarkation require payment with a credit card. Once you are onboard, you can make specialty restaurant reservations and pay for them with OBC,

We attended the Super Tuscan Dinner in 2019 on the Royal Princess. It was held in the Sabatini's space, and it was outstanding, It easily surpassed the Chef's Table event which we attended the previous night. As you can see from the following menu, the wines were outstanding. The price in 2019 was $60 pp. I would be absolutely stunned if the current price was less than that--or, even, the same. That being said, the OP references a "Tuscan Dinner" which may or may not be the same as a "Super Tuscan Wine Pairing Dinner."

It depends. So, bear with me. Princess allows each adult passenger to carry on a single 750ml bottle of wine to enjoy in their cabin. Taking that bottle to a dining room or restaurant will incur a $20 corkage fee. Multiple posters here on Cruise Critic have stated that they have poured a glass of wine in their cabin, carried that glass of wine to a dining room and enjoyed it with dinner without being charged any fees. The rule pretty clearly states that the wine be carried on. I see that you live in New Hampshire and, presumably, in order to get to an embarkation port, you will have to fly. If you are aware of a location in the port city where you can pick up a bottle of wine, you will be fine, but if you plan to buy it at your home location you will then have to work around TSA regulations. You will not be allowed to carry a bottle of wine onto your aircraft. So, you will have to pack it in checked baggage, In my case I have retrieved wine in my checked baggage at the airport after reclaiming my baggage so that I could carry it onto the ship. It's a pain, but it works. When you check in, more than likely one of the agents at the X-Ray scanning station will notice the wine, but since you are brining on only one bottle per adult, you will be allowed to board with your wine. The rule also specifies a 750ml bottle. Dessert wines are often sold in 375ml bottles. I have seen a few posts here on Cruise Critic indicating that smaller bottles have been allowed. That seems reasonable to me. So, if you want to bring a smaller bottle, I think you will be OK. On the other hand if you get an agent at the pier who is starting his first day on the job and his instructions say "750ml bottle," he may very well have the bottle seized. These seized bottles are returned on the last day of the cruise. If my explanations have been confusing, please ask for clarification and I'll try again. Also, Princess does allow passengers to bring more that one bottle per adult onboard. If that is of interest to you, I can explain how that works. As you might expect, that will involve corkage fees.

I can't say that I do. @Barry H beat me to it. I would suggest that you buy your own bottle and bring it onboard. Personally, I don't think it is necessary to bring your own glasses. We have always asked our room steward to bring us some wine glasses when he introduces himself on embarkation day. Also, I have walked up to Vines and asked for a couple glasses.

The fact that there has been no response to your query does not bode well, @cruise*enthusiast. As a wine buff have regularly studied the Princess wine lists, and I can't say that I recall ever seeing Ice Wine (or if you would like to go "Old World." Eiswein) being offered. The only dessert wines that I can recall are the Errazuriz Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc and Rieussec Sauternes. I saw a picture posted recently of the Errazuriz being offered at the Chef;s Table. So, it looks like that one is still offered. I really am not sure if Rieussec is still available.

I have purchased bottles of wine in Juneau (multiple times), Ketchikan and Skagway (multiple times), and have had no problem carrying them to our cabin. Of course, this experience may be meaningless when Alaska cruising resumes in 2024. If the policy changes, the worst case scenario is that your wine will be taken when you reboard the ship. Presumably, it would be returned to you at the end of the cruise.

I'm sorry, @Plato123, but I had to chuckie at this. It seems that you are saying the the ribeye steak is too big for somebody who orders two main courses. It is outstanding that your steak was prepared to your specification. My Crown Grill experience on a half-dozen Princess ships has been hit or miss with the preparation of red meats. I agree completely. In our one (14-day) Royal Princess cruise we had dinner in Sabatini's four times. We were one and done with Crown Grill. My problem with the Crown Grill is that the dining area is almost an adjunct to the adjacent bar. When we were originally seated, we were almost in the bar. The annoying problem was that there was a very maudlin singer performing. Immediately after being seated, she finished one song, and the bar patrons offered some applause. Some of the restaurant patrons seated in our area also felt compelled to applaud. As soon as she started the next song, we summoned the hostess and asked for a different table. The second table was more towards the center of the restaurant, but still well withing earshot of the singer. I have often posted here on the Cruise Critic Princess board that service levels in the specialty restaurants is variable. You have to remember that the crew is constantly changing. So, if Mauricio provided excellent service in Sabatini's on the Crown Princess, there is no guarantee that he will be on the ship even a week later. More importantly, the management also changes. It does not take long for me to determine whether the headwaiter in any specialty restaurant cares about his customers and instills an excellent service attitude in the service staff, or he/she is just going through the motions and allows the service staff to have the same philosophy. Thank you, @Plato123, for a very comprehensive and interesting report.