rebeccac

Personally, I would use Lyft or Uber. Usually a bit cheaper than the taxis.

Yes, when either of you go to book dining reservations the other people in the cabin will show up as options to join you no matter who is the lead sailor. And one little tip, keep checking starting around 11p eastern as sometimes things open up early. If you have issues making the reservations once they open, just close the app and start again. Sometimes that will work. Be patient, the app is very squirrely.

I don't know of many people who bother with the daily conversion from bed to couch, but maybe I just haven't run into them.

If it makes you feel any better, almost nobody bothers to have the bed converted to a couch during the day. However, I absolutely agree with you that the "mattresses" need to change.

I know everyone likes something different in a mattress, but the ones in the regular cabins are way too hard and lumpy for my taste.

We had a Rockstar suite on our first cruise due to the 200% FCC from the pandemic. Our second cruise was in a regular cabin. The differences in the mattresses are very stark. They definitely need to do something for the regular cabins, because it is just terrible the way it is.

From what I understand, VV does not stock mattress toppers. I have heard the stewards will put some extra comforters on top of the mattress, but frankly that's not the same thing. I do agree that the mattresses in the regular staterooms are plain awful. I slept in my hammock several nights on my last cruise. DH was not quite as uncomfortable and I was, but that isn't saying much. However, I can also say that the mattresses in the Rockstar cabins are extremely comfortable. For me that would be the biggest reason to upgrade (if it was in the budget). And I find the pillows on ALL cruise lines (and most hotels) awful. I am not sure who likes the pillows that squash down to nothing, but it sure isn't me.

The contract said one 12 pack per person. That being said, it would not surprise me if many ports don't really check.

From the Princess passage contract: Guests are also prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages on board that are packaged in bottles. A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board on embarkation day, only if carried on in Guests’ hand luggage (not in checked luggage). A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person. Guests will be asked to discard open beverages in plastic containers prior to boarding.

Whether there are two or three dinner seatings may depend on the ship. When we were on the Seaside in May, they had three seatings.

Brunch reservations open the same time as all other dining reservations (45 for regular sailors/60 for Rockstars), but usually it is not a problem to get brunch reservations on the ship either if you aren't too picky. We did afternoon tea on our first VV cruise in July 2022, and at that time we did not need reservations, we just showed up in the time frame at the Sip bar.

Here are the terms and conditions from the bottom of a future cruise deposit form: † Please note: The charge will be made directly to your credit card; it will not appear on your onboard account. An alternate credit card may be used; however it must be shown to the Future Cruise Consultant to process the Future Cruise Deposit. Confirmations will be sent to the email address on file. This offer is combinable with most publicly offered fares and promotions. The Future Cruise Deposit is available to use only on new future bookings made after the purchase of the Future Cruise Deposit, and will be automatically refunded if not applied to a new booking created within two years from date of purchase. Once applied to a booking the Future Cruise Deposit is considered money and is subject to booking terms and conditions. Only one Future Cruise Deposit per person applied to a booking will provide onboard spending money. Onboard spending money is non-refundable and only applicable to each Future Cruise Deposit purchased and applies to the holder of the Future Cruise Deposit only, excluding 3rd and 4th berth guests. Onboard spending money is based on the ship’s onboard currency and is not redeemable for cash. Only sailing guests are eligible to purchase a Future Cruise Deposit. Future Cruise Deposits do not apply to bookings on Charter voyages. Reduced deposit and onboard credits do not apply to bookings 45+ days. The reduced deposit requirement for these bookings may vary based on booking dates, and a fare discount of 3% is provided. Future Cruise Credits are non-transferable.

I can see the Caribbean March 2025 sailings on the public website. Make sure you check the destination first and then the dates when trying to narrow things down. Otherwise it tends to "upset" the system and weird results can happen.

I have only been on two VV cruises so far (both from Miami) and it has been on both. We missed it both times (once because I forgot and once because of a conflict with another activity). It has been held on the Dock both times.

Virgin is the only cruise line that I know of that does allow you to make direct payments even if you have booked through a TA.

I think you can have it noted that you want the beds separated, but even if they aren't when you show up the room steward can fix that. Just be aware that it is not the traditional separation, but rather the beds will be in an L shape. Thusly, you will be sleeping head to head, foot to foot or head to foot. I'm not sure of the exact timing of the check in, but it is certainly far earlier than 24 hrs. I would check immediately after booking and then if it isn't open at that, keep checking back periodically. Restaurant reservations open 45 days prior to sailing (unless you are in a Rockstar suite, in which case 60 days prior). I highly recommend making them as soon as you are able. Fitness classes, spa treatments and shows cannot be booked until connected to the ship wifi.

Lucky you!!!

After messing around a bit, it looks like both ships will be changing somewhere toward the middle to end of May 2025. Really the only way to tell, is to go through the process I outlined earlier.

I understand that. However, I can only tell you what is going on with the Riviera as I have not looked at any other ship including the Marina. I can tell you with certainty that at least by the Alaska season on the Riviera in 2025, those deck 7 B3s have been recatorgorized as A2s.

This is specifically in reference to the Riviera. I have not looked at any of the other ships.

Yes, they have been recatorgorized starting 2025. I do wish they would do what other cruise lines do and give you two options for the deck plans (before and after 2025). However, if you go through the booking process to the point where you are picking a cabin number, below the box where it says "suite search", there is a link to view deck plans and that will have the accurate plans for the sailing you are looking at.

Really enjoying following along as we will be on the Riviera in 2025. Just as a side note, I understand that many areas of the Med are busier than normal due to the many ships that have changed itineraries due to the problems in Israel.

Two things: 1. The Sun Princess will finally have shower doors. 2. If you are on a ship with shower curtains, bring binder clips and clip them to the bottom of the curtain. Solves the issue.

Do you happen to remember the flavor of jam?

It is very unlikely that prices will go down. For the most part, they have only been heading up. All food/snacks are included except for a few "treat yourself" items in the sit down restaurants. There is also a charge for afternoon tea and a few food events such as sushi making. The bar tab can be used for any paid drink not just alcohol, such as specialty coffee, fresh pressed juices, mocktails, etc. It can only be used for drinks. You can buy a bottle from a restaurant and take it home with you if you have money left over or just make new friends and buy them drinks.