Cruise Raider

It’s not a charge per each item you order, it’s a pp cover charge. So no, you can’t pay for one and split it. I think it’s a lot of food, though. I’ve never been able to get to dessert as I was stuffed way before that.

Not on the sapphire but we’ve had no luck in taking leftovers back to our room with us from the specialty restaurants, even just the bread rolls. So odd .. they said it was because people store the food improperly and then they get blamed. It’s really odd because you can take food from the IC, the venues by the pool, the buffet or get it through room service. Nevertheless, that looks absolutely delicious!

good catch .. I am laughing so hard right now! Thanks for that … 😂

We were in one of the CC minis on the Royal recently. The outlets we found were on the desk across from the couch.

On the Royal, it’s a pretty safe bet that you’d want to be out of dinner a bit before for the 7:30 PM show if you like the early show and out by 8:15 PM if you like going to to the activities by the CD show and then head on out to the show in the theater for the 9:30 PM show. we were on the Royal a week ago and there was only one show in the theater at night due to very low capacity. Our 6:15 PM dinner time worked perfectly for us. It always works well for us as we love going to the 8:30 PM activity and then whatever we find to do afterwards, whether it be the main show in the theater or listening to live music, playing in the casino or watching a movie. if we have more than 2 at our table, we always factor in at least another 30-45 minutes so we can get a decent seat at one of the shows.

I have had a very decent experience with the premier package, except for on one cruise where they ran out of my favorite Chardonnay towards the end of one cruise. The only reason I book the premier package is for the better wines. But, the specialty dinners also help make it attractive. I may book another cruise with the package but not until next year when a I have a solo fare. My DH really doesn’t care about this wines being premium brands whereas I do. As of now, when we both have to upgrade to it and especially on a longer cruise, it’s just not worth it for us.

My bad! I hope that is what happens.

We got the semi cold garlic sourdough loaf on the Discovery. No need to fill up on bread because the meal is so much food in itself. We recently had it on the Royal, the way it is supposed to be served … hot and delicious. I couldn’t resist! It also came with some fresh rolls, which are so wonderful but, I controlled myself after eating my half of the garlic and cheese French bread. I must say, those little blue cheese poopy seed flakey rolls were my favorite but move on over, the hot sourdough round loaf may have just taken its place.

Now, I don’t care how prim and proper one is…that is simply hilarious!

I just did the same with the AARP cards I purchased. Paid off a cruise and had some leftover to apply to an April cruise! Thank for for the reminder. It’s a new month so might but a few more.

Here is a photo of that spa pool / sanctuary pool. Unfortunately, it is not accessible. But, it’s always nice and quiet if that’s your goal. There are two hot tubs and pool towels on cushioned teak loungers on each side of the pool. The spa surrounds it so, you can just go in there to use their restrooms. You can also order your food and drinks to be delivered there. It’s our go to spot when we don’t want the hustle and bustle of what’s going on inside or at the movie screen at the main pool.

Anytime! So, there is a pool that is often referred to as the sanctuary pool by passengers .. it is actually the same thing as the spa pool. You can certainly use the spa restrooms from that pool. We’ve recently cruised and both the Ruby and a couple Royal Class ships. The Royal class ships have a retreat pool that is free for all (still think it might be for adults only) and the counterpart on the Ruby is the spa pool, which might be referred to as the Sanctuary pool (again, free for use but think it might be for adults only). No smoking allowed at this pool. The spa on the Royal class ships is actually on deck 5 and there is a charge to use their Enclave, which is located in the same area. The spa on the Ruby leads to the gym so, it’s not a no no to go through the spa there. It also leads out to that free access pool. The Sanctuary is completely separate and they really won’t let you go walk around unless there re no patrons using it at the time. The Sanctuary is rented out as you reserve a certain lounger foR a half day, a full day or the entire cruise on the Ruby. The same goes for the Royal class, however, they also rent out cabanas and there are more perks that come with that. It books really quickly on warm weather cruises and you are only allowed to book them once onboard. So, if it’s important to you, run to the top deck quickly and get your space reserved.

You are most welcome! The app has had it’s share of glitches and it’s not been perfected yet but it’s getting there. Just remember that trick about logging in using your cabin number. They mentioned that to us on the Discovery Princess once and never heard it again. But, I’m not always listening .. so, they may have mentioned it. The folks at Ocean Navigator are so very helpful. The WiFi is what could really use some greater signal strength. But, when out in the middle of the ocean and moving at 14 knots, to boot, we can only expect so much.

We noticed a lot of younger people doing it on our latest cruises. Ages were anywhere from 9 to 80 and everything in between. We actually would have won one year but we’re told we couldn’t use supplies from our cabin. The winner actually got supplies from his own cabin. Oh well, so we are out a Princess coaster .. LOL!

It really is sad! To cancel after a TA has put in all those hours just takes all that commission away from them. I would never rebook my cruise with someone else, unless the TA was totally incompetent. I’ve only experienced that once in all my years of cruising.

Alfredo’s is an awesome sit down pizza place but they don’t have one on the Crown Class ships (I know there’s no such thing as the Crown class .. but they are different than the Grand class ships). Anyway, you can find a nice little spot to hang out an order a whole pizza and even salads through your app. The pizzas are $3 each and so worth it! The salads and many other items via the app are free of charge. We were watching the NBA finals on the Ruby in the Vista lounge with a group and ordered pizzas in there for the game, as many others were doing. it was perfect! We’ve also cruised on Celebrity and NCL, as well as on many cruises on Princess. NCL was definitely much more casual than the other two lines but Princess is not stuffy or formal by any means. The food has always been very good to excellent on Princess and some of their new dishes are really great. Their portions are smaller than before, but that is something I really appreciate. I have not cruised on the Emerald in over a decade so not sure about their specialty restaurants but the Crown Grill seems to be on all Princess ships and is wonderful. At $29 pp, it is much cheaper than the specialty restaurants you will find on Celebrity. You usually have to get reservations ahead of time or as soon as you board. No specialty dinner packages are a available on Princess. They will have another specialty restaurant up on the aft of the top deck. On the Ruby, it is Sabatini’s and well worth the $25 pp upcharge. If they have a Salty Dog Pub, that also has an upcharge of $18 pp. I think they are all worth the extra costs. Not everyone agrees with me on the Salty Dog Pub, though. The free venues are the three main dining rooms and I would recommend either the DaVinci or the Michelangelo. The Botticelli is kind of a pain to get to and I feel like I’m eating in a basement when I go there. Other free venues re the International Cafe for small plates, pastries, sandwiches, salads, fruit, smoothies, soup, etc., depending on the time of day. There are also tapas served if you buy a drink at Vines on the same deck as the IC. Vines usually serves cocktails as well as wine. There are complimentary food venues up on the pool deck with the Salty Dog Grill (not to be confused with the Salty Dog Pub if the Emerald even has one have one) that serves hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and street tacos. They might have specialty items offered as well, such as lobster rolls ($18 charge) and possibly onion rings, chicken wings, etc. There is also Slice pizza and usually a place for soft ice cream cones. Of course, the buffet is also available on this deck. And as before, you can always order many items from the app, even if you are at the pool. The beds on Princess are the most comfortable on any cruiseline, IMO. The cabins are more compact, though. A regular balcony cabin will not have a couch and a small bathroom. But, their open closet area is the best! Since everything is now pretty much on the app, you can bookmark the events you want to attend and pull up only those events you have marked. It’s kind of like your daily ‘Patter’ newsletter but you can pull it up on your phone. You wear a medallion device (or just put it in your pocket) and you will be identified at any venue. It also unlocks your cabin door just by approaching it. If you are totally against wearing a medallion, you can request a regular key card but, give the medallion a try first. I’m a big fan! The app is a little glitchy but if you are having any issues with it, log out and log back in using your stateroom number. But, if that doesn’t help, be sure to go to Ocean Navigator. They will fix it up for you. Some devices don’t work as well with the app as newer ones. Princess seems to be adding new activities all the time. There are quite a few events in the piazza during the day and music at night. There are always plenty of places for peace and quiet if that’s what you choose. Their Cruise Director staff games are usually very fun and scattered about throughout deck 7 and in the piazza. Crooners is a fun piano bar for nighttime entertainment. Most of their production shows have been phenomenal. They even have some fun arts and crafts events during the day. You won’t be at a loss of something to do. Or, you can go up to the sanctuary pool up front (the pool is open for no charge, while the sanctuary will cost you) and enjoy the peace and quiet. I think it is adults only. MUTS is their outdoor movie screen and shows mostly concerts or some non hosted trivia during the day and movies are shown mostly at night. During the warmer weather, they may have some Games out at the pool or on the big screen. The other pool is where the band plays, again, especially in warmer weather. they’ve had some great house bands over the last couple of years. Princess has also brought in some enrichment speakers / naturalist and they’ve been an awesome addition. They now have most events on the app and very few papers to get tossed into the trash. You can order your daily schedule of events, called the Patter, through your app. You can order drinks or specialty coffees to your room now and they are covered under your package. You can also call room service and order a dozen bottles of water if you have the beverage package. You can even order special services for extra pillows, etc. You can now check the menus for the dining rooms via the app and watch the muster drill on your device and then just check in at your muster station. They’ve made it so much easier. Most all of these same options, if not all, are also available on your stateroom TV. Oh .. and your TV has on demand shows and movies. I understand you can opt to send them to your device but I’ve not down that. Do as much or as little as you choose and enjoy your cruise! The Pamana Canal is just amazing, but hot! Keep hydrated!

There certainly are plenty of cruise-lines offering different experiences. Seeing that these so called ‘silly and childish’ events are very popular for many of the guests, I don’t see them going away anytime soon. Just find a cruise line that suits your wants. If Princess is marketing to a younger crowd, they are doing so for their financial sustainability. They have to bring in more fun and games as one day, us seniors won’t be around any longer. I’ve found myself going up to Crooners or the hallway that has couches/ chairs by the windows on deck 7 when the noise gets to be too much for me. But, I certainly don’t begrudge Princess for attracting crowds in the piazza for their activities. They are always well attended so obviously, their goal is being achieved.

oh no .. sorry to hear that! Hope you get a satisfactory resolution .. let us know! I bought some gift cards through a third party via Rakuten and one did not work when I went to apply it. If it was $10, I would not have bothered, but $500? I was very frustrated. I was so surprised at the quick resolution by Rakuten.

I would strongly suggest not canceling and booking on your own as it sounds as though your TA has put a lot of work into your reservation. As far as your gift card goes, I would try emailing: giftcardsupport@princesscruises.com If you purchased your gift cards directly through Princess. They have been very responsive in the past.

If you get a better price on a cabin and have a bid in, you should just cancel that bid. From my experience, you won’t get another bid up offer once you change cabin categories. Also, I think the chances are slim that you can refare after final payment but, I always say, it never hurts to ask. They will usually take more money for a better cabin category but rarely will give you money back. Again, it never hurts to ask. The worst they will do is say no.

While not on the Discovery, we were recently on the Royal and were able to get the following wines on the premium package: Rombauer Chardonnay Seghesio Zinfandel Grgich Hills Merlot Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon Duckhorn Paradux Cabernet Nicholas Feuillatte sparking wine (I understand that Bellinis had an even wider selection) etc .. There was even a Caymus Cab that was excellent but that was over the $18 limit but we tried it anyway, as we just had to pay the difference. It was outstanding! Most of these were only available at Vines but if they weren’t open, Crooners and even the buffet offered me something better than Canyon Road varietals. Sabatini’s had some excellent red wines available, including a very nice Chianti. Although, on the Royal, Vines was right next to Sabatini’s and the waiters would get you wine from there if you asked. There was an after dinner cocktail called the Serento Sunrise (I think I got that right) that was absolutely wonderful. It kind of appears that we have the same taste so, you might like it as much as I did. They made it for me at Vines so I don’t think you will need to go to Sabatini’s if you don’t chose to do so. We were quite happy with the selections on the premium package. I was even able to get my wine of choice, with a double pour, to take to dinner in the MDR with me if I stopped by Vines beforehand. They have Reidel glasses there while you are drinking your wine at Vines but will give you a nice specialty restaurant glass with a thin rim (non Reidel) to go if you ask them. We always promised to return them and always did so, it was not a problem. I believe all premium wines should be served in a nice glass. If we wanted it for our cabin, I understood why they would give us their indestructible wine glasses, though. 😆 The dining rooms have a couple of nice dessert wines on the menu, as well. They seem to be covered under the plus package and definitely worth a try.

I’d have to vote foe the aft facing cabin. We were at a friend’s sail-away party on a few occasions in M108. While that balcony is amazing, there were a few times it was just way too windy. We’ve never gotten that on our aft facing balconies while up in Alaska. I’d stick with what you have (D729) but also understand we are all different in what we like. We were in B737 on a sister ship up in Alaska .. amazing views and no wind whatsoever.

I loved the non-smoking section on the Royal … it as truly non-smoking. I did have more luck on the smoking side of the casino but there was nobody smoking there at the time. My DH had way more luck than me in the nonsmoking side .. so, we both had fun and think we broke broke even in the long run.

While they can be retroactively added, that option disappears prior to your cruise. That’s been my experience anyway.

It’s really all about gambling. As far as I know, the least amount I’ve seen anyone win is $25 and while that still may not be incentive for most people, a chance to win $5000 is up for grabs on every cruise. So, $20 a day for the days you choose may then sound like a worthwhile game of chance. I have never purchased a the chance for $20 a day, though. For me, I’ve thought the premier package was totally worth it as I like nicer wines atht aren’t offered on the plus, especially if I am in a solo cabin. The prizes are just an added perk.