LadyL1

Yes! I have noticed that and also one on deck 8: all opposite PG suites. So just three smaller(?) launderettes for a larger ship, which should be interesting on longer voyages. I have come to the conclusion that marine architects have never cruised, let alone what Grills paying passengers expect, which is not an inconsiderable premium these days. I am still looking forward to our booked voyage on QA: a new ship is always nice and hope to see more use of technology. I was recently on Princess and very impressed with their medallion app system - even doors unlock as you approach! So much better than these outdated keycards that don’t react kindly to being near mobile phones🤣.

Certainly had this event on a 10 day Royal cruise to Mexico, last month.

Smoking is allowed on the starboard side of the promenade deck 4 and the open deck 10. Generally the smoke disperses quickly. Perhaps booking a cabin on the port side would suit you.

In the UK, we have not had a booklet post COVID. Have you looked on your voyage personaliser, as they usually add excursions for cruises very early?

Last month, as non US residents, we collected our medallions at San Francisco: an easy process. The Princess Plus package seemed a great deal compared with other lines.😊

Totally agree with Bell Boy’s good advice.

Likewise! Very impressed with security procedure etc, at San Francisco terminal. However, at first boarding call for suites, there was a rush, and it was very obvious the number far greater than suite berths😖! It would be easy to check each pax via medallion but that is time consuming. A shame honesty is not adhered to for the sake of 10 minutes or so.

Two weeks ago we disembarked our first Princess cruises taken in a full suite. Having cruised many times before, we were like you not knowing the “process” of this line. We did book our complimentary dinner on first night through the App, and the charge was reversed automatically. We booked the Crown Grill, but later found that on the Royal, Sabatinis was a beautiful dinning room with quality ambience, and booked for 3 evenings. if you are charged for your complimentary meal, just go to the Pursers desk, and it will be reversed as per your booking terms. We found the staff wonderfully helpful.

From Cunard’s FAQ What do I need to do if I am paying my on board account in cash? Answer You still need to register a credit or debit card at check-in, even if you intend to settle your on board account in cash. Please note you will be asked to enter your 4 digit pin number for verification. Your on board account must be kept in credit at all times. You may add credit to your account at any time by visiting the Reception desk. Should your account no longer be in credit, any outstanding balance will be charged to your card unless further cash is provided. We are unable to accept: money transfers to the ship (other than gift credits, however these are non refundable and cannot be taken out as cash) either prior to embarkation or whilst on board. personal cheques, traveller’s cheques or prepaid credit cards Any unused cash on your account can be refunded back to you at the end of the cruise by you visiting the reception desk prior to disembarking. Any credit due to be returned to you will be clearly shown on your final statement which will be delivered to your cabin on the last night of the cruise.

If you booked the full “Cunard fare”, I would be very surprised if you did not get your dining time request. with early saver and late saver fare, preference is given to those passengers in that order. You will know if you have the full fare as you will have been able to choose your cabin number at time of booking and not wait for room assignment. open dining could have its advantages depending on times in port.

If you arrive at the Ocean Terminal (mostly used by QM2) it is just under 2 miles to the Central railway station. Should another dock be used, it would be even closer. A taxi would take about 10 minutes, as often the roads in area are quite congested. Have a look on Google maps, just so you are familiar with where you need to go.

I did not see this, and would most likely signed for, if available. There was The Chef’s Table”.

After 2 days at sea, this morning we arrived back in San Francisco. This has been a wonderful cruise, being a first to both Princess and Mexico. I have tried to write on things as I see them and facts as they are around the ship. Firstly, without exception, the crew has been so helpful: this makes for a good vacation. The forward facing full suite we occupied, was huge and we certainly enjoyed this. Maybe if mobility is a problem or one suffers from “Mal de Mer” it might not be so accommodating. I can say that the daily step count was high, and good exercise. The Concierge Lounge staff were a credit to all. The musicians on the ship have been tremendous, our favourites being Funch in Crooners Bar and Charlotte Newman who played in locations around the ship (singing and guitar). Claudio (Dir of Restaurants) is a formidable person for his position, and therefore the running of the eating venues appears (to the pax) to be efficient and customer focused. The disembarkation went smoothly and we were impressed how quickly we passed through customs; technology is a great thing when it works well. Whilst on the subject, how easy it is with the Medallion! Rather than signing chits for everything, this is a great customer friendly gizmo. I am aware that the elderly are not so keen, but nothing stands still now. We used it to the full checking locations of others, finding (at first) directions to where we wanted to go and of course ordering beverages/food etc.. And for those who do not want to view their statement on the App, there are devices to print these rather than queueing at the Purser’s desk. No comment on the casino which always seemed busy, as we did not go there at all. A couple of names for an extra special mention (not management), Everton in Sabatini’s, Claudia the Cincierge receptionist and Imade in the Concierge Lounge/Wheelhouse bar. Will we travel Princess again? Certainly!

https://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/ships-and-experience/food-and-dining/sabatinis-trattoria/sabatinis-trattoria-main-menu.pdf As of today, this is the menu on the Royal.

On the Royal as I write, and also totally new to Princess. We have been to the Crown Grill once, which was good, but tonight going for a third time to Sabatinis. The restaurant is beautiful, tables well spaced and the service on another level. The food is special and so well presented. As has been said, all is one’s personal preference.

Yesterday was our last port day in Cabo San Lucas, and of coarse this meant tendering. It was about 10 minutes to the cruise quay wending through multi million $$$$$$s of stunning motor yachts. My first impression is that it was far more cosmopolitan than where we had been elsewhere. The waters edge has dozens of restaurants and accommodations built that were not for the average local population. The famous rock configurations at the end of the Baja peninsula looked stunning. During the morning the Norwegian Joy joined us at anchorage, and those that walked around the port said that with 2 ships the town was heaving. Maybe one of the best activities here is going out in a sailing boat, many whales to be seen, and away from the crowds. Last evening we stayed in the Crooners Bar; Funch a wonderful pianist and vocalist and his audience appreciative. This morning we have awoken to slight seas and sun. Tonight is a formal evening of “white and gold”. We had packed and left home weeks before this cruise, so when the email notification came we realised that we had no suitable ‘coloured’ attire! Oh well, I am sure we will have another great evening.

On Royal at present, and FaceTime is not brilliant: there seems to be a time delay, ur connection is possible. However, email and general browsing has been excellent.

As we have never been on Princess before I cannot comment, so here are a few photos that might or might not seem new to you. 4 desserts 3 different mini lasagne Tiramisu All delicious.

I am on a Princess ship right now, and the room access and technology is light years ahead of Cunard. I hope the QA embraces the new age.

Last night I went to the theatre to see the show “The Secret Silk”. Quite avant gard for a cruise ship production, which was pulled off well with the technical challenges: much appreciated by the audience. It has been quite a strange day after docking in glorious sunshine this morning. Lunchtime saw thick fog descend upon Mazatlan, the temperature plummeting. Folks who we spoke to got very cold out on tours, especially if they were on small boats. Fortunately this only lasted a couple of hours. This evening we watched the Navigator of the Seas depart, which had been berthed directly infront of us, before a second visit to Sabatinis. Cabo San Lucas tomorrow, and our plan is to find a lovely restaurant for lunch and have a lazy day in the sun, and wander around further back from the shore. This will be a tender port so 🤞that the ocean is kind or us. @muffin asked about laundry. We are in a suite, left a bag of laundry yesterday morning which was returned this evening when cabin was serviced: this was just marked as regular and not “express”.

Redwing55 I have swam every day: the first 48 hours I was mostly alone. As the pools have warmed with the air temp, the less hardy have emerged! The hot tubs are always busy, but they are not for me. I am sure you will have a wonderful cruise on Friday: I would happily stay on ship.

Ibfluffy - Crown Grill $25. Yesterday, Puerto Vallerta was hot and interesting, but not a place I would wish to stay on a prolonged vacation. Manzanillo was charming, lovely beaches near the port that has a mountainous backdrop. Last night on the lido deck, at 10.15pm there was a “Hot, Hot Music Session” live band, dancing and the Terrace Grill open. Perhaps not quite for my age group but all seemed to be having a great time in the evening warmth. My first negative of the cruise so far, was that at lunchtime, the service was appallingly slow in Alfredo’s. Such a pity as our first visit was impressive. Albeit the wait time, the meal was tasty, with profuse apologies: probably our last visit! As I write, we have commenced our voyage northwards, and that means SFO bound, but we still have 2 more ports of call to look forward to, and no doubt some good evening meals. Hopefully I will get a good workout in pool in the next hour or so. Earlier the The Retreat pool was packed with those just cooling off from the intense heat, and no possibility of a good swim. Maybe these cruise lines should have smaller pools for “bobbers” who can sit themselves in with drinks and for a chat!😄 Always a first for everything!!

Another perfect sea, with the temperature rising by the hour. Mid morning the whales gave us a display of breaching and blowing, then around lunchtime we sailed past Cabo San Lucas with a pretty good view of the rocks and ships at anchor. The sun is bringing folks out onto the decks and by the pools. I had another good daily workout in the Retreat pool, and have to say this is one of the best ship’s pool I have swam in: depth ideal! It is pleasing to see that the crew really seem to adhere to the “adult only” theme to this area. Tonight we ate in Sabatinis, which we feel is certainly the best eating venue on board. Each morning breakfast has been a pleasure, and this evening the meal was superb. Afterwards as the air temperature was 72 degrees it was fitting to finish the day with a stroll around the open deck. There were certainly more people watching the movie under the stars and a beautiful moon. Below is the exquisite tiramisu, I had tonight.

We passed by her this lunchtime from a distance, sailing south!😊

We are on the Royal Princess ( first time with this line) and at lunchtime we were passing the rocks of Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Look what we did espy! The photo is very grainy because of distance, but the weather is gorgeous here off the Mexican coast.