Hillmom

Here is my wish list: - International cafe is brilliant - just add a green salad option. - Full, open Promenade - on a low deck. - (enough) Sea view Loungers on an open low deck. - (Quiet) Library, more than just a bookshelf in the future cruise office. - Card/game room. - An "if your butts not in it, it's open" enforced policy. - Oceans Now delivery that actually delivers somewhere other than your room. I can tell you 9 places on the Sapphire that it won't. Frankly if I'm at a bar I can order in person. - Significantly improved wine by the glass options. - Fully enclosed casino for smokers, if you're going to let them smoke inside. (And I'm fine with Churchill's just close the door.) - Staffing/training enough to provide a more "classic?" experience in the main dining room. - I want a chocolate on my pillow! - The "made up" "premium" desserts are laughable. Much rather have photo download, or ??? - Free sauna/steam room on the Sapphire was nice. I understand not all ships have that. - Lose the self service buffet. (not the buffet, just people) - "Dating myself" old school flambe´dessert (sea conditions considered) - Turn down the volume - Smaller ships.

On the Sapphire now. The "Now" service is WAY over promised. I didn't try to order to my room, but gave up trying since I tried 8 different locations and each time it said can't deliver there. Theater was one place. Basically if you are at a bar it may work.....but if I'm standing at the bar I can order my own drink.

If you have reservations the International Dining room is great! If you don't, eat late.

On Sapphire now 32 day. Sushi in Vines is occasional, and while included as casual...not really something to look forward to. Pretty basic. Set plate.

Currently on the Sapphire Princess 24 days into 32. I'm a red wine drinker. Lest you think Snooty red wine drinker, I'm talking grocery store and Trader Joes. The wine by the glass does not rise to that level. I guess this also applies if you're thinking you can order by the glass without the package. I'm not a big drinker so 15 drinks is ridiculous. There is a Zin at Vines that qualifies under plus, but it is only available there. Also pours are (generally) VERY .... tight, stingy, small. Also you must arm wrestle for a decent wine glass. Apparently guests steal them....sigh. Now I am quite liking the coffees and waters Plus includes, and ymmv...but wine drinkers be advised.

On the Sapphire now. Pre cruise zero reservations available. In cruise dining after 7 doesn't appear to be an issue, if you are willing to share. Before seven is awful. Avoid especially Ms. Witchy pants Marianna in the International dining room at dinner only ( seating "hostess"). She seems to feel you have a lot of nerve asking to eat.

The WORST massage I ever had was on a cruise. Does anyone have any recommendations for Sapphire Princess? I mean, they are already at a ridiculous premium, I'd really like a great one!

I wish they'd just fix the issue that whether your cruise be a 5 day or a 35 day - you still get only two meals..... Yes, of course, drinks and tips scale with number of days, but much of the rest does not.

So I searched and the last time I could find this on the Princess thread was 2007. I think we can agree that times have changed (and yet.....). This is my first time on Princess - first equator - first dateline. (Although I've cruised for 50+ years, and on some lines that no longer exist, so not a newbie). What are the Princess rituals I must not miss? What do you do upon boarding? (I'm solo this time - so not that.....) I'll be on the Sapphire - lunch in the dining room is on the list. What else? Happy sailings - where ever - when ever!

I know that taking food either on or off the ship has become more and more restrictive. What is the situation on flowers? Boarding in Los Angeles - and then on to islands. Can I board in LA with bon voyage flowers? If I buy a lei in Honolulu can I take it on the ship. Other pacific islands? Does it vary by port? Any recent experience? Thanks

Yay you. You've done the right thing FOR YOU. I too am about to go (Sapphire April 5) solo for the first time after a string of challenges. Breathe, do, and BE.