latebloomer56

Not an ice cream fan myself but would gladly get a lucky kid one if they were there when hubby tried one of these monsters. As long as I order it who cares who eats it right.

8 hours ago, KeepCalmBearOn said:

 

Because the airport is very small and easy to navigate, it is just as easy or easier to get to the port.

I will check this option closer than. We have Manchester NH that I love using because of the size.

5 minutes ago, KeepCalmBearOn said:

 

John Wayne is my home airport, a 12 minute drive if I hit all the lights.

My sister used this several times when they lived in Torrance. She is gone now so can't ask her. It sounds easier than LAX not sure though if it is as easy to get to the port.

This will be our first time sailing with reserved dining. Last time we were in a full suite this was not a thing, been a while. We will be on the Grand this October, would informed on a different post no assigned seating/time just arrive when we want dinner. Question does anybody know which dining room is used or is it in a sectioned off part of one of them? Also we like sitting just the two of us any idea if this is possible? Yes I know the cruise lines idea of a table for two is four inch separation 🙂.

Thanks

We have sailed from Boston seven times on a different line, that shouldn't matter. We try not to arrive to early because the line is very slow. Even if we have priority boarding you still need to get upstairs to check in.

Enjoy Boston.

We are on the Island next year, looking forward to the LA to NYC trip on this ship. We are on the Grand this year for Hawaii. Haven't been on either ship in many years. We do like the smaller older ships, however I did love the Regal both times. Think it's just what you enjoy don't care about the bells and whistles. It's you holiday sail how you enjoy the most.

Happy sailing!

1 hour ago, KeepCalmBearOn said:

 

No, LGB is way too far away.

 

If you are coming in two days early, I'd stay in Downtown Long Beach, it a lot more to see, do and eat.

Ever use John Wayne airport?

On 4/30/2024 at 5:24 PM, Thrak said:

We always stay at Crowne Plaza. They have a shuttle to the port and, like Double Tree, have a package where you can leave your car there during your cruise. We did take advantage of that one time. You will likely get the most advice to stay at either Crowne Plaza or Doubletree.

Hello you always have good tips. We are thinking of going to Long Beach instead of LAX this time. I generally just use Princess hotels and or transfers but staying closer to the port a day or two prior to sailing. Would you know if the Crown has a shuttle from Long Beach airport?

Thanks as always.

4 hours ago, Aggie83 said:

 

Yes, some bars have specialty coffee in the morning. I think Explorer's on 6 was one of them. Check the Patter for hours/locations. Most mornings we went to Good Spirits on deck 5 for a latte after breakfast. Nice location with good window seats. It was also a pretty quiet location in the mornings. Never had a problem getting a seat. There was also a small selection of pastries available. Personally I would try to avoid Horizons in the morning for a latte. It was typically a madhouse. Plus it is at the front of the ship, much more of a hike.

Thank you.

Hi folks been looking at some reviews of the Grand as we sail to Hawaii RT this Oct. A common theme has been internet and medallion issues? We sail with the medallion and the plus package in Oct. 2022 on the Sapphire and loved both. Though to tell you we didn't order from the medallion as the phones get put away when we board. In cabin internet was great only had a few slow periods but in the middle of the ocean wasn't concerned.

Medallion doesn't concern me much just needs to work for boarding and drinks at the bars. Internet will be an issue for hubby I could care less. He reads articles on the notebook we take and is lost without this for the mornings. Anybody have issues with the WiFi on the Grand? This unlimited on the package is his reason for getting this he likes the convenience.

Thanks as always for any insight on this ships WiFi or anything you great folks wish to share. Haven't been on the Grand in 12 years.

11 hours ago, Aggie83 said:

I was on the Island this January for the FLL to LAX leg of the world cruise. I have not previously sailed the Island. General notes, thoughts, observations, etc.:

 

• While onboard, they installed a new MUTS screen.  Quality was excellent.
• There was also new pool area furniture waiting to deploy after LAX. 
• Brand new washers and dryers were installed while we were on the ship.
• It appeared that the carpeting was fairly new, as I didn't see any worn or frayed areas. 
• Overall, the upholstered furniture was in excellent condition.  Nothing that appeared worn out. 
• The Piazza is not as large as on the Royal class ships; however, it extends 4 floors versus the typical 3.  Then again, it is narrow enough to go through the old locks of the Panama Canal and the Royal class ships can't.
• It seemed that the shops were smaller on the Island compared to the Royal ships.
• The casino is small and isolated.  On the plus side, you don't have to walk through a smoky casino to get anywhere.
• Horizon Court is forward versus aft.  This means there is no outdoor seating area like you have when it is aft. I wasn't a huge fan of this configuration.
• No common area at back of ship to sit, relax, have a drink etc.
• Never, ever had an issue finding a place to sit and relax.  Lots of chairs and love seats available all over.
• The Wheelhouse is large.  Which is a good thing, because it was a very popular place.
• The ever-popular Crooners is also large.  Never had an issue finding a place to sit for our pre-dinner cocktail. 
• I haven't been a fan of the Explorer's Lounge on any of the ships we've been on.  I think that is because it is usually a dark place with a low ceiling. However, I liked this one.  There was a very comfortable seating area next to a window.  
• No International Cafe.
• No Vines.
• No lower-level exit for the Princess Theater. Only exit was at the rear.  
• Our cabin was aft on 10.  Loved that I could be on the decks below 10 and walk aft and take the last bank of elevators (or stairs) up to 10.  No dining room blocking my way. The aft elevators were never crowded.  Usually rode in them solo.
• The captain came through the MDR one evening and introduced himself.  That was a nice touch.  We've never experienced that before.

If the itinerary was right, we would board the Island again.

Very nice break down. We are booked next May for 18 days LA to NYC. I learned on the Sapphire last year I could get my morning Latte at the pool bar so unless it was before 6:00 I would not need to go to the IC. Would you know if this holds true on Island? Do some bar areas have the specialty coffees early mornings? We are in an aft suite for this trip so know everything is a hike.

Thanks for the nice job with this list.

14 hours ago, KeepCalmBearOn said:

 

I would not do the road to Hana with a private tour operator or drive myself, if I were on a cruise, in port for just one day. There is a lot of construction going on and you never know what delays can be added. If there is no tour from the cruise line.... well there is your reason to return to Maui.                        

Been reading about mud slides. Have only done this as a tour with the cruise line would love to go again when hubby isn't uncomfortable with knee issues. Maybe things will improve by Oct.

Thanks

9 minutes ago, reedprincess said:

Yes, Casual dining for a few is new since 2022. It was introduced in Aug 2023.

 

Different ships have different venues, and some ships without any of the dedicated standalone venues have pop-ups in the specialty or buffet for lunch or dinner.

 

So, pay attention to the dining section of the Patter daily if they interest you. 

Thanks our two bookings have this so will watch on both Grand and Island.

1 hour ago, memoak said:

Like the aft Vista suites but love the aft Penthouse suites

We love aft as well never had a Vista (this was all available don't do guarantees) on Princess but have gotten a Penthouse for our Panama cruise next May on the Island Princess.

Thanks

1 hour ago, NavyVeteran said:

I have not sailed in an aft Vista Suite on the Grand, so I can't respond to that part of your question. However, I have sailed several times in a different suite on the Grand.

 

First night specialty dining can be in any specialty restaurant. You can usually book it after boarding with no problem - I'm generally not successful in booking it in advance at no charge. They keep several spaces open for suites the first night. Call the DINE line after boarding to make your reservation.

 

You can change the entire mini-bar for a bottle of wine, but it's probably not a good deal. The wine choices are limited, and you're probably better just to buy by the glass using your package. You can change the drinks. You can change each non-alcoholic drink for another non-alcoholic drinks. You can change each alcoholic drink for either another alcoholic drink or a non-alcoholic drink. Just call Room Service after you board to give them your selection.

 

For your anniversary dinner, you don't have to book one of the special balcony dinners unless you want to. You can order anything from the full MDR menu to be delivered to your room by Room Service during MDR operating hours. However they will deliver everything at one time - not in courses, so an ice cream desert may not be a good idea. If you want, you can order appetizers and mains first and then call back later to order deserts.

Very detailed thank you. I will check the dine line as soon as we board.

1 hour ago, skynight said:

1st night specialty dining. You can choose either the Crown Grill or Sabatini's. There will be space available for full suite passengers. Call the dining line once on board.

The mini bar set up includes 10 alcoholic and 10 non alcoholic beverages: 8 x 50ml spirits, 2 beers, 2 x 500ml plain water, 2 bottles Perrier, 2 cans club soda, 2 cans Diet Coke, 2 cans regular Coke. There may be some variations. You can trade any alcoholic or non alcoholic item for any non alcoholic beverage. Yes, you can trade any item for Diet Coke. You can trade the entire 20 items for one bottle of wine. Call room service for trades.

Thanks

9 minutes ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

Here’s a picture of C750 balcony on the Grand. I much prefer the Dolphin deck vista suites for the deeper balcony if they are available. 
‘I do love the aft facing suites on the grand class. I’ve never had a soot issue and they are remarkably wind free. 

Thank you this was the only cabin left.

We wanted to go on the road to Hana again we loved that tour several years ago even though hubby was having knee issues. Princess doesn't have any tours for Oct. at this time. Would you know if there is a tour company that runs this?

Thanks

Hello,

We booked the Hawaii RT LA again this year on the Grand. No minis left this late and I like to know my cabin up front so TA suggested the aft Vista Suite on deck 10. Only in a suite on Princess once on the Regal aft the balcony was amazing. Now for my questions anybody been in the aft Vista Suite before, any tips? Also first night shows specialty dinning? Is that booked prior to boarding and is it limited to one choice? We have a package so can I change the bar set up to just a couple diet soda cans and maybe a bottle of wine? Is the balcony big enough for our anniversary dinner should be warm enough. On Regal we were cramped in the living room eating off the coffee table due to weather.

Thanks as always for any information, Laura

We have plus package on the Grand this Oct. and Island next May. I don't remember seeing this on the Sapphire in 2022, is this new? What is casual dining? Thought you either have complimentary or you pay. Reading here you need to get reservations only on board which is fine both trips are long so once I know what this is I can make plans. Do any of the ships still have the pub lunch would this be casual?

Thanks as always for any guidance, Laura

Hello we are looking to book a cabin on a riverboat cruise Portland to Clarksville the first week in Oct. Have a few questions.

Read tips are included but it is OK to tip and tipping of driver and guides is expected. Is this correct?

No tables for two in dining rooms?

Beer and wine included with meals is sad a included all the time like coffee? Mixed drinks or martinis are for a fee?

Is the first day hotel included?

Can't seem to determine airport closest when we arrive or when we depart. Anybody have information for these?

Thanks as always for any and all information.

1 minute ago, memoak said:

If you are in a full suite you have Reserve dining you cannot make reservations just show up and you will be seated. There is no concierge lounge on Grand class ships

Wonderful thank you so much. Will be up early as always so just hit the IC.

Such a nice live review thanks for sharing. Quick question we just booked the Grand Vista Suite C750. I hope they are all similar. What do you think of your balcony? Also did you need to pre book your dinner reservation since your in a suite? Is there a concierge lounge for coffee in the early AM like on the Regal?

Thanks so much, enjoy we love Alaska been 3 times can't wait to take our sons and grandson.

We only had that option in a suite? We generally sail in minis no perks just larger cabin, we like the sofa.

8 hours ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

You cannot book cruises through the app, only "administer" existing cruises. Now, that may all change with the new app that is due out Dec. 1st...nobody really knows what this new app is going to deliver yet.

 

So, to answer your question,  you will still book via the web (should you desire to book directly with Princess) as you have always been able to do. 

And...unless they drastically change the dining reservations (they certainly could) you can use the "web version" in your cruise personalizer to make your dining reservations. 

I used the web for everything in a booking thanks to advise on these boards. Am hoping they don't change things and try to push the app on use like Carnival.

Thanks for your reply, getting excited to surprise the family. It will be their first time on Princess 😁 our first time on Majestic.

1 hour ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Maybe I've missed something in this thread....but has anybody given thought to the *possibility* that this new app has been developed by another firm?  Maybe...just maybe Princess has "seen the light" with the current dev team and has decided to go with someone that has a bit more software prowess?  We can only hope...

Hello, you were so helpful with our Oct. 2022 first time medallion cruise. We didn't use the app did everything through the web page on our booking. The medallion itself was great. We like going to get things ourselves and had no issues from boarding to leaving. Now I did have an issue with shore excursions but that was my fault.

Now my question, I am booking 3 cabins for next July and wonder if you know if I can still do everything in the web or with the new app we will be required to go through that? We were forced to do the app on another line but found out once we were on it was only good for dining. They wouldn't take any calls you had to use the app. It was very hard to remove from his phone after and he gets bombarded with ads now. Six of us this time so want all information as this trip will be their Christmas gift.

Thanks as always for your input.