nojoke

Interesting to read your review as we were also on that cruise. We had the same experience as you for embarkation and disembarkation--very fast. We found the crew quite friendly and efficient. The staff at Alfredo’s, especially, were lovely. And the MDR waiters always were able to serve us well--you have to count on 2 hours for dinner no matter what ship you are on. So, just another opinion. This was our 2nd time on the Royal, and we would happily return tomorrow!

We recently were offered an upsell for the cabin next to the corner--M106. When Princess called to confirm that we wanted to book it, the lady told me twice--and then asked if I understood--that the balcony would be unusable when the ship was at sea--due to wind.

Even with that restriction, it looks like it will be a great cabin--

May 2015 we joined a group from our roll call--I think there were 6 of us--$100 RT +/-.less than $20 p.p. for a taxi with prearranged return pick-up. We were dropped off right in the middle of town. Do take the canal boat ride--do it as early as possible--by noon the lines are very long.

In April 2015 I purchased an iPad mini onboard. We had extra OBC, so it was a good time to buy it. The staff took about 30 minutes to set it up for me. Also, I was given about one hour of Internet to get my apps, etc. set up. They also offered good classes onboard about using the Apple products.

Well I ll be darned! This is my 12th policy and I never thought about a number.

I just looked and sure enough there was the number on page 5!

Thanks for the info.

 

marge:)

Another BIG thank you! I’ve bought this insurance several times, but never looked for the policy number. This is an important piece of information, should we ever need it.

A week ago we were given an upsell offer. I went to a cruise site and found out which cabins were available in the offered category. I chose 2, and said we would take 1 of them--if not, we would stay put. Later that evening Princess called and gave us the cabin we chose. So, I think they will work with you if you state a preference.

Give Princess a try! I have never sailed Cunard, but we are Elite on Celebrity. We love the S-type ships with the clean/white decor. Royal and Regal Princess will feel similar. We especially love “Alfredo’s” and the International Food Court area. These are 2 big differences from Celebrity. I hope you will at least try sharing a table. I have never heard any remarks disparaging gay couples while sharing a table on Princess. Meal time is fun socializing with others (usually!!). We book either Celebrity or Princess depending on itinerary and price. I can’t even say why, but we rate Celebrity just a smidgin higher than Princess. But, I think you will enjoy the ambiance and service and entertainment. We are not foodies--so are happy with the food on either line.

The one med we take that has not been mentioned: airborne. If I feel a sore throat or sniffles start, it seems to halt the progress....only if taken very early.

We are a few days away from sailing, and the prices have never dropped past what we paid a few months ago. If they did drop, I would hope the drop would be enough so that we could upgrade to a better cabin. You can upgrade as long as the new location is $1 more than you paid originally. We have never been able to grab a last minute bargain--still hoping!

We have used Elite coupons for laundry several times. Our clothes come back folded in a paper bag. Never had any problems--but then, our clothes are fairly common! If we send laundry out before 8 or 9 in the morning, it comes back early afternoon of the next day. My DH buys “Traveler” long sleeve dress shirts from J. Banks. They are wonderful--can easily be worn without ironing. We rinse out anything delicate--roll in a bath towel--then hang in the closet overnight leaving the doors open. It is dry by morning.

We often book Balcony Guarantee--And we love Deck 6! Accessibility to dining and theatre via only 1 set of stairs. Guess we have been lucky--the smoke from deck 5 does not seem to have reached us, and the obstructions are minimal--mostly looking down--we have always been able to see straight out. Check out: S Class Cabin Spreadsheet. You can find it in a “sticky” at the top of this Celebrity forum. Also, we have never been assigned the lowest class of “full obstruction”. Of course--there are is no guarantee you will win--the Concierge for only $50 more might be the sensible choice.

2 years ago we did a whale watching tour combined with transport to Mendenhall. The visitor center presentation is very interesting. But there was not much time left after that to hike, etc. So, the idea of taking the $10 bus back to the ship is an excellent one.

Thanks so much for those shots of the new Alfredo’s menu. We ate there once or twice a year ago when the menu was smaller. This new menu will require several visits, I’m afraid! As others have mentioned, the really, really outstanding memory of Alfredo’s is the Service. The waiter was so pleasant and provided beautiful service. We felt as though we were dining at a high class restaurant.

Thank goodness, November (our next cruise) isn’t that far off.

then bring enough cash to cover the costs of a 2 or 3 day unexpected delay getting home (food, hotel, transportation) in addition to what you think you need for the cruise.

 

also what about unexpected medical expenses?

 

miss your flight?

 

I'm sure you have your own reasons for not having a credit card, but to travel (especially internationally) without one carries a risk, IMO.

I usually get 700-800euros from our bank to cover extra tips, tours, taxis, souvenirs,etc. I know that carries a fee, but I like to have the cash...then if you need more, maybe you can use your prepaid MC at an ATM for cash, or charge expenses on the card.

We always use one 21/22” carry-on per person plus a backpack each. (Coming home from Amsterdam in April, we were told our luggage was too big! It is the type that has outside pockets and is fabric, so I think maybe it was just too fat)

I wear one pair of black slacks a lot, have thin fabric rollable tops--with a couple of sparkly ones for formal nights. I have a black long-sleeve tee shirt, that I can layer with prettier short sleeve tops. DH uses a blazer which he wears on the plane as well as formal nights. We roll everything into plastic ziplock bags. I have a bit of make-up that I take, but we use the ship shampoo, etc. I do confess we use the ship laundry for things that are not nylon or very easy-care. It’s possible to carry everything on--and easier getting off the ship.

I wear my boots and take a pair of gold sandals for evening and another pair of walking shoes that can double for daytime ship wear. Oh yes, DH takes only “Traveler” no-iron shirts. Try it--you’ll like it!

We are booked for the 10-day Royal itinerary this November. The reason we chose it over the Celebrity cruise was that we had already been to all of the Celebrity ports more than once, and had never visited Grenada or Bonaire (which Princess visits). We do prefer a balcony, especially in the Caribbean. We sailed on Royal last year, and the balcony size was not a deal-breaker for us. Just saying’!

Just to muddy the waters, I will say that Celebrity is still our top pick!

You will have a wonderful time on either ship.

just want to mention while thinking about e-books. I subscribe (free) to BookBub.com. You tell them what genre of reading you are interested in.

Every day they offer books from Free to $2.99. If you’re a reader, it’s a good bargain and allows you to store quite a few books at very low cost.

We stayed at the Mayflower a couple of years ago. Perfect location...near Pike Mkt. and the Monorail. We booked directly with the hotel.

Well, I just have to put in my two cents! Years ago, when we dined with fixed seating in the MDR, we were seated with a 13 year-old boy and his aunt for the entire cruise. He entertained us at every meal, called us by name, inquired about our day, and told us about his activities. It was the most fun table we have ever sat at. As for toddlers, as others have said, in the MDR most people adore them. If they fuss, mom or dad can easily walk around for a bit with the child.

thanks to all of you with the quick wits!! I’m perfectly happy with the duvet, but so much enjoyed the succession of funnier and funnier postings.

We’re planning a couple of days in Sept. in Vancouver. I purchased the “Entertainment book” at a great price--about $10-12, I think. It has a coupon for “Big Bus” hoho, buy 1 get 1 free. Don’t know if this would work for you, but we’re hoping to use it.

Have a great stay. This column has been really useful to me.

Well, just a “thank you” for this bran muffin discussion. It inspired me to buy All-Bran at the grocery today and I made a dozen bran muffins. I can’t compare them with Celebrity’s muffins, as I don’t remember eating them on board. Oh well.

Forget the luggage racks. The Princess closets are like 1/2 of a walk-in closet. Lots of hanging space and also shelves. They are the best storage arrangements on any ship we have traveled. Like others have said, suitcases fit under the bed.

Like others have said, both lines are very similar. I can’t even pin it down, but after several Princess cruises (all very good), when we stepped into the lobby of a Celebrity S class ship, I just had to smile--it felt like “home”! Food, service, entertainment were comparable. Celebrity S class just has that “something”. You will love it!

In May we did the Transatlantic crossing on the Silhouette. I think it is now our favorite ship.

The walk/jog track is plenty of sun/wind for me--and it’s very easy to get in 2 miles on it. The entertainment was the best we have enjoyed...with a very congenial and humorous Cruise Director. The crew were very friendly. We got both chocolates and towel animals--not a huge need, but they were there. Lots of activities available, and absolutely beautiful public spaces. We did the anytime dining--and never had to wait for a table. Great ship!!