Unca Pete

Thank you Leo, for your help.

Hello! We are doing a back to back to cruise on the Quest this summer, and I was curious about the shower? I've heard they are very tiny? Is that a problem? Also, I have arthritis and have found personal showers with massaging heads are very helpful to unwind after a day in port. Do the personal shower heads have a sharp massaging setting? I know this may seem to be a silly question, but it would helpful information.

Pete

Friends...

We were set to do this cruise on the Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas. It was a 14 day excursion, first there was the Canadian Rockies land tour, followed by a seven day cruise along Pacific Coast. We were really looking forward to it, but financial realities in our retirement years took precedent and we had to cancel. It was the saddest day of my life when I had to cancel a vacation that was something that we had planned for so long, but the costs of life in retirement often outweigh what we wish to do.

I am looking for some advice on similar land and sea tours that will give us both the land experience for the Canadian Rockies, followed by an enjoyable follow up cruise along the Pacific Coast. I'd to experience more time in San Francisco, with an overnight, that might allow us to do some tours for the Napa Wine Valley and also a visit to Alcatraz. This would in 2016... I would love to hear about other options... so far it seems to be too early to decide on a cruise line or itinerary that far in advance.

Pete

We did Carnival, once... it was very port intensive, which is what we wanted. The trade off was giving up some of the dining and on board experiences.

Having done a few cruises, I would say that Princess and Holland appeal to an older, middle aged crowd. Carnival has it perks, and trade offs. I would not rush to do a Carnival cruise again. Princess is on the top of our list of favorites, along with RCI and Holland.

Royal Caribbean... excellent cruises, nice ships, great crew.

Celebrity--one cruise, I was not impressed with the ship... but, I suspect my opinions may be biased due to a limited experience, and I would try them again.

You really have to try a few lines to see which feels best for your needs. And, all cruises are different.

Both are totally different experiences... we have seen both, and I have never regretted the experience. Enjoy them both, and keep an open mind.

If you are doing a one way passage, and opt for a window or balcony, MAKE SURE YOUR ROOM FACES THE LAND SIDE!!!! If you can't enjoy the view there is not much benefit in having a view.

After having a balcony on our past cruises, I can honestly say that, at least for us, being able to enjoy some privacy in our own space was worth the money.

Thank you for such a detailed and thoughtful review. We did a ten day partial Panama Canal cruise on the Coral Princess in 2005. It was our first cruise since our honeymoon in 1978! I can't imagine where the time has gone since then, as it seems like it was yesterday. I loved the Coral, and we are anxious to sail on her again this August, when we will be doing a 15 day land and sea Princess vacation... we'll finally be back on the Coral for the final leg of that journey!

We did a full Panama Canal 18-day cruise on Holland America--from Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego a few years back. Reading your review brought back a lot of memories! Our cruise stopped at Belize, which is one of the ports that Princess no longer stops at?

Thank you again!! BTW, that sloth didn't look too happy in the photo, LOL!

We're heading to Alaska for a land/sea cruise in August. Has anyone used Princess for airline reservations? I am wondering how you made out, and if the cost was competitive with booking direct?

Thanks!

Pete

Unca Pete: The Crown is already on the west coast and will be doing Alaska cruises starting next month! The Ruby (Crown sister ship) will be coming next year for Alaska as well.

 

Wow, that is good news!

We're going back on the Coral... we did a ten day Panama Canal cruise on the Coral several years ago. It was our first cruise in almost 30 years! We're kind of anxious to get back on her for our Alaska adventure this August. I still love the smaller ships.

Pete

Crown would be hard to position for the Alaska cruise season; its mostly Panamax ships that can do the seasonal canal crossings. When the new locks are completed maybe we'll see some bigger ships? I'd rather do Alaskan ports on a small ship; sure looking forward to being back on the Coral for our land/sea vacation later this year.

I've smelled "sewage" in many areas on different lines. Apparently the problem

exists on all cruise lines to some extend.

I'm sure HAL monitors these boards, to some extend, and hopefully

will take some action based on the number of negative posts.

I always try to make the best of any cruise experience; but sometimes there

are enough negatives to outweight the positives.

Pete

Oh my, that cannon is ready aimed at the Carnival Victory! LOL!

The port of Old San Juan is often more enjoyable than many of the stops that the cruise ships make after departing from that port. I'd encourage anyone to spend a few days enjoying OSJ, or even a post cruise excursion to the rain forest. Puerto Rico is a fascinating, and relaxing, place. I can't wait to book another cruise from there in the future.

Wow, great pictures! I love old San Juan, and I try to book cruises that depart from that port, just to be able to book a few days R&R before leaving on a cruise. Looking at all of your photos makes me want to go back as soon as I can for another three day vist. OSJ is even more special near the Christmas holidays; I loved the festivities and decorations! Thanks for sharing.

Pete

We got nailed at security at a port: had a bottle of rum inside our carry on totebag wrapped in beach towels. Xray caught it.:o