Whimsy

I have sailed in both and would take the mini suite over the aft. We like the larger bathroom, sitting are and closet area is larger too. We have always stayed In the covered minis so no matter the weather we are able to enjoy being on the balcony. The aft balconies are nice for a wake view but there was hardly any air moving. It was often very uncomfortable on the balcony, not to say it couldn't be warm at times on the mini suite balconies.

We book the aft mini and feel we get the best of both worlds.


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The Hyatt place that is often referred to as 17th street has the 10th street address.

 

We have styed here several times. Nice place for a one night stay. They have a shuttle for the airport which would be great for you. Light breakfast in the morning and free wifi. It's within walking distance of several restaurants and shops. Book it for less at valuetrips dot com.

 

 

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Our group sailed the Coral in March and loved it. Saw a little wear here and there but to be honest the only time something is brand new is the day it's installed. After that it is no longer "new". Was it shiny new? No. Was it a rust bucket? No. Was it clean and cared for? Yes. I saw no stained carpets or furniture, nothing falling apart, everything clean and orderly.

 

I thought the crew was one of the friendliest we have ever had at sea. They seemed more relaxed and willing to take time to talk. Smaller ship with an experienced crew on longer voyages means less new passengers to run you ragged. I could really tell the difference from our previous Princess cruises.

 

Our group wants to do Alaska and everyone would be eager to be back on the Coral or Island as they liked the size and layout. We will choose for itinerary when the time comes but we sure are hoping it's the Coral or Island.

 

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but I don't want someone thinking of sailing on the Coral to think it's old and run down. Perhaps you are best sticking to the newest ships but then it will limit where you can sail.

There are lots of shady places on the side with just loungers. The clam shells look very hot to me.

I would suggest shopping for them before you cruise at a place with a large selection. No matter what they have on board the selection would be limited and the prices aren't always low. Buying at a store near you also allows for easier returns or warranty work if needed.

Sales are great! We knocked over $900 a person off our Panama Canal cruise from the time we booked till final payment. We have saved $200 a person on our upcoming December cruise. I will be looking at this new sale to see if there is additional savings we can take advantage. Love to save some $$$!

I agree about renting a car for the day if at all possible. That is a long day to kill time, even with the 4 hour tour. Budget has a location right outside the port (Quay) and will pick you up with their free shuttle. You can drop the car off at the Miami airport that evening.

 

You also have plenty of time to do an Everglades tour on your own with the rental car then head over to the Miami area so you are closer to the airport.

Thank you for the review. We are wanting to do Alaska and have been advised to do the land portion first. I can see it being tiring to do at the end.

 

Your review was very informative on some tours. I appreciate the information.

 

Before you ditch cruising altogether give an Caribbean itinerary a try. They are very active with shows, activities, pool on sea days, etc. Cruising is not for everyone though but I usually give things 2 tries before I dismiss it altogether.

I'm always happy to hear someone got an upgrade. Enjoy your balcony!

We stayed in the 700 aft end on Dolphin deck. All except the last cabin was covered. We loved it as we had 7 cabins in a row and the laundry room was very convenient. The aft viewing deck was in a great location for us too. We loved the location so much our group will very likely book the same area for Alaska.

I also print out my confirmations and take them along just in case but have never had a problem.

Here is the link to gifts and services. You can take a look on her then call Princess and pre order. Very easy to do!

 

http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/gifts_services/index.jsp

I don't mind the emails at all.

 

We are 160 days out from our next cruise and our excursions are already open for booking and have been for about a month. I noticed on our Panama Canal trip they opened them sooner than what we were accustomed to. I like the email reminders to let me know they are available.

We were in the aft area Dolphin deck on the Coral, sister ship to the island. Great location! We plan on being there again when our group does Alaska!

Called about upgrade worried about noise from Crooners. Just got an Aloha balcony for another $150 bucks TOTAL woo hoo now I can rest easy:D

 

That is wonderful! Enjoy the balcony!

Just an idea here . . . How about just deciding what name to use, and then changing all documentation necessary so everything matches. A bit of a hassle up front, but solves the problem once and for all . . . :cool:

 

EXACTLY what we are trying to do! :D

Yes - when she applies, and pays, for a new passport, it will be good for the usual ten years. In her case, since her old one was issued in 2007, she is only losing three years of it's usable life by replacing it now.

 

Just curiosity - when you refer to her "legal name" , what steps did she take to change her "legal name"? Simply getting married does not really invalidate existing documentation such as passports and drivers licenses - in fact, many women only use their " married name" for social purposes.

 

She has changed her drivers license, social security, work, etc. We have changed her name on our accounts, beneficiaries, etc.

 

I would rather her change the passport and everything be simple. It would be too complicated to remember to book a trip in her maiden name, flights, etc. She has to travel soon for work, what confusion it would be if they bought the tickets in her name now but her driver's license, passport, etc had her old name. It is just not worth the $30 prorated she would be losing for those 3 years. And in reality, less than that as I think she has less than 3 years on the passport and it would need to be renewed 6 months or out anyway.

 

I do appreciate everyone's help here. Straightens the confusion out but it's also good to know about taking the passport and marriage license if you had to a trip booked under one name and the passage in another name.

Sounds like a wonderful upgrade! Enjoy!

I think it's a wonderful upgrade! Congratulations! Still waiting for my first visit from the upgrade fairy.

I guess I am little scared for her to use it without it being in her legal name. I was getting conflicting info but that link clears it up.

 

One other question then...

 

If she sends in everything for the name change along with the fee will it now be re issued for another 10 years?

Can someone who has gotten married and changed their name on their passport recently please help me? I seem to find conflicting answers.

 

My daughter was issued a passport in her maiden name in 2007. She was married within the last year and wants to changer her name on her passport. I seem to get 2 answers on payment when I talk to the county court house and the post office.

 

One says since the marriage was less than a year no fee is required to change the passport. To complete the application, send in the license, a new photos and the old passport and a new one will be issued in her married name with NO FEE.

 

The other one says she has to basically apply for a new passport with the fee to change her name on the passport.

 

I am looking for someone who has actually done the name change for guidance.

 

Thank you!

Yes, they are fully covered. We sailed in one ourselves a few years ago. Love the location!

Sounds like you had a great offer! I hope to get lucky with one someday too.

I have sailed in balcony and mini suite cabins on the Caribbean Princess. We booked the mini when it was my husband, adult daughter and I and did great. We would of been way too crowded in a balcony cabin. The mini not only offers the larger bath but the closet and shelf area is larger too.

 

My daughter slept in the pull down from the ceiling and said it was very comfortable. She did it so we could come and go to the balcony if she was sleeping. We also were traveling with a group so if others came to our cabin before it was made up the sofa wasn't pulled out and in the way.

 

Definitely go for the mini if your budget allows.

I have sailed in E731 on the Caribbean Princess twice. It is a wonderful cabin with great views from the extended balcony but it does not wrap around the back of the ship. You do get wonderful wake views from the balcony. It's a great cabin and you are lucky to get it. I think it's the best mini on the ship!

 

 

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