Cruise a holic

Had sailed on Carnival- but not for many years now about 5 times. IMO it doesn't compare with Celebrity. We find Celebrity more upscale- the food, service and accomodations so much better on Celebrity- Carnival is as advertised the "fun ship". We found many wild twenty somethings behaving like students on a college campus. Running drunk down the hallways and being very rowdy. While they are trying to up their game- by have special areas, not sure if I would try them again. We love Celebrity- and if with multigenerational family members also love Royal- especially the Oasis class- looking foward to trying the Icon class next year.

From our experience, unless you are bidding on a celebrity suite or higher, you might wind up with a room in a poor location. The best rooms are taken especially now since ships are sailing full. We decided to upgrade from a balcony to a sky suite without the move up and got all the perks and amenities and the location of our choice. We aren’t gamblers

We went in early August- weather was great! I would recommend mid July through mid August. Warm dry weather- only cold weather was by the glaciers. But weather other days was wonderful. Loved sailing out of Vancouver. It is a beautiful city. Enjoy your trip.

You are in for a treat! Enjoy!

My dh is a land lover. Hence no seafood. They do serve a burger but I don’t recall any other non seafood options

I find couch by closet allows easier access to closet. However nice to sit on couch by balxony and have the great view.

While we probably will sail in a sky suite on the Beyond in the future, I must say the suite staff on the apex will be hard to beat. Only negatives IMO is that the suite deck on the apex lacks shade- the Beyond is supposed to have more shaded areas which my DH and I really want. You probably cannot go wrong with either ship. Enjoy your cruise.

I do occasionally bid. However, I have also found that if you book the higher category yourself, prior to the move up bids, you sometimes get a better deal. It also includes the higher level perks and additional cruise points. We just upgraded our January cruise from a balcony to a sky suite and the price, including the perks worked out fine. We also cancelled the perks we paid additional for with the lower category cabin. Hence a refund. In addition, we got a nicer on board credit. So if you truly want an upgrade, consider doing it yourself in advance.

Sounds nice!

No. They monitor for chair hogs

Yes- but it is Free and accessible to all passengers. Shouldn't charge for the sanctuary at all.

We sailed a few times, no longer on Princess. With the exception of the Sanctuary, the ship pool area is so crowded. It is crazy that they do not have a really nice adult pool area or a suite deck. The idea that they have this area for a few guests is crazy. The fact that you pay additional is also a problem. But they are carnival cruises. We now only cruise on Celebrity or Royal Oasis class ships.

Celebrity allows you to drop off your carry-on's immediately- then leave. We put our valuables in the safe also. I "assume" Royal will also eventually. If you are in a star suite- I believe the Genie immediately takes you to your suite.

Actually our crown loft cost $8000 and you can get a true grand suite for around 6000. We book on board and transfer to a travel agent. We get lots of onboard credit!

To me a joke is wasting money in casino or a couple of hours on s crowded shore x. I prefer a week in comfort

A suite is a normal cabinfor us! We work and play hard and aren’t comfortable in a tiny cabin

Depends on the ship. On Oasis class you get a great cruise sun deck. The lounge and costal kitchen great. Not to mention some of the priority privileges. The actual cabin and service help to really make your vacation special also. I cannot stand the tiny cabins. If you can afford it do it- if not just cruise.

No charge for any show. The most difficult to get into is the comedy club. All shows have a line for people without reservations. I have never seen anybody not get in- However the comedy club could be full

On some ships the promenade cafe uses starbucks coffee and make drinks. That is included. Not the separate star bucks. Unless something has changed.

My DH enjoys Pellegrino- it was only available with the deluxe package. Also some other flavored waters are only available with the Deluxe package. We also prefer canned soda to tap soda so we can bring to our stateroom. You can go to the website for a listing . If they still publish it.

We really like the flights by Royal and Celebrity. However on our last cruise we had a problem. They weren't as responsive as dealing directly with our airline Delta. We used them because they "lock" the airline price in and you don't pay until you pay for the cruise- however after you pay- not easy or cost effective to modify.

We definately prefer the Oasis Class ships. I enjoy the ships layout with the large promenade. The ship seems roomier IMO. The service on the Oasis class ships IMO much better. We love the Crown Loft suites on the Oasis class ships with the lounge and costal kitchen near by. Felt that the Quantum class was much less appealing. Our favorite Oasis class ship is the Harmony of the Seas- but love them all. Will be trying the Icon next year! Hope we like it! We will be on the Oasis again in August and truly look foward to that cruise!

Many what you consider pop-up sales through the cruise. They sell Tee shirts typically the last few days near the buffet area-

Bet those clothes are or will be back in style! Today kids buy second hand clothes in thrift shops!

Unfortunately another casualty of covid quarantine is that people were home- they (including me) put on weight- many cannot fit into their suits and dress clothes and aren't willing to purchase new dress attire -thus the stretch shorts and pants.