susancruzs

I re-read the letter this a.m., because I've never sailed on the Coral knowing it has 2 dining areas. I missed the last line, fine print, about the Coral/Island. All is well, looking forward to having TD back again. It just works for me, sailing single, not wanting to re-introduce myself many times.

I've sailed on the Royal class ships but also the Emerald, 30 days So. Amer., preferred Emerald for the longer cruise. I'm taking a Quebec to Ft. L. on the Emerald this Fall. I've done the same cruise on the Royal, it's about the itinerary for me. I don't need the newest or biggest to make my cruise great.

Hope it's all great from here on out! Enjoy!

Awesome! I'll follow along, I'm on the Emerald in October, Quebec/Ft. L. South America cruise 2018 was on the Emerald, Buenos Aires to LA, It was great. Chrysalis your 37 days sounds wonderful! I'm trying to get back to cruising after Covid, life events, moving to Iowa, a fav ship is a good way to go. I'm reading live threads, some posts are so negative and I haven't cruised since 2019 (Norway Northern lights). Enjoy your cruise! Bon voyage!

I might be in for a shock because I haven't cruised recently. It might be the buffet for me after all! I'll find out when I board the Emerald in Oct., and the Coral next April. Fun thread though!

Great pictures! I go for the desserts, too, especially chocolate! I'm different, everyone has their own ideas what makes a cruise good for them. I was on the Emerald Princess for 30 days, So. Amer., went up to the buffet once or twice (maybe), usually if I wanted more fruit. I don't do elevators either so all those stairs play into it, too!

Diamond was mentioned, I don't see IC listed anywhere on the deck plans. I have to have the IC, it is a deal breaker for me. I don't do room service either, not staying in my cabin to eat alone. I know the Coral is heading for drydock this Fall, hoping no major changes are made.

I'm a major IC fan as I don't care for buffets, haven't sailed on the Island for that reason. I'm happy the Coral has the IC as I'll be on for 23 days April next year. I get a pastry, yogurt or fruit for breakfast, then a small salad with a sandwich for lunch.

I'm a solo cruiser, nothing has changed for me. I search cruises with my probook laptop, not my phone. I'm checking every day because cruises I've picked are so booked up. I chose cabins but keep looking in case something changes. Every longer cruise I'm on has many solo cruisers can't imagine taking that away.

As others have suggested, do some homework here at CC and for both ports, I wouldn't go with Princess arrangements. Might consider it for LA but definitely never for Ft. Lauderdale. Ft. L. is so convenient, everything is close by, prices will be on the high end in February.

It is quite the place, probably should re-think my stance and stay just once!😀

I'm going to Quebec Oct. 15, just booked my cruise and cannot get in the Hotel du Vieux, my fav place. I've stayed there 3 times but it does get busy. I'm going to stay at Hotel Champlain, lower town this time. Many hotels are booked up. It also was a challenge to find one not wanting partial or complete payment. I didn't want to go away from the old town area or to a big chain hotel, not my thing. I've been to the Frontenac for a tour and drinks, nice to visit, would not stay there.

There is a tourist office in the Upper Town, very helpful. Information, walking tours, it's a great place. If you stay in the lower town, just get on the funicular to take you up. I'm doing the NE cruise again in Oct., always stay 2 nights pre-cruise, and I find things to do. My fav hotel is booked (waited too long) so I'm staying in the lower area this time. https://www.quebec-cite.com/en

I've bought a bottle in Vines and they've kept it for me, like they do in the dining room, wasn't a problem. However, asking someone to go get your wine that's in the dining area seems like a stretch to me. Can't answer if they would or wouldn't.

Stick in the muds? Nope, don't think so! Traveling alone, I love the TD option, large table, gives me a chance to interact with the same people. Many times I've met other singles this way, we end up doing some tours together or attending things on the ship. By visiting over dinner, one finds out if you have similar interests. This is a move in the right direction.

Another interesting thread! I'm all for the Plus package, haven't cruised in a long time, can't wait for my Apr. '25 canal cruise, 23 days. When I think of all the specialty coffees plus wine with my salad at lunch, trying different wines at dinner, a fancy ice tea then a margarita, a no brainer to me. Not a big tracker of money, in the past I've checked my account balance now and then but that's about it.

I have friends that always ate late, plus have traveled with those preferring 8 over 6 p.m. Now that I'm older I cannot eat later. Even when I travel, my habits don't change, I get up early, tend to go to bed at a decent hour.

These threads are always an interesting read. I've always liked the set dining times, same table, same folks every night. I don't care about rushing to get a seat in the theater because I've got very sensitive hearing and have my preferred location towards the back. Seeing the show obsession is amusing, not a priority for me at all. I am curious how the dining will work on the Coral, with only 2 dining rooms.

This seems like good news to me. I haven't cruised since 2019, looking forward to two cruises in '25, but dreaded trying to figure out the dining. I've always loved traditional, sailing alone it's nice to connect with a group of people.

I haven't cruised since '19, I cruise for the ports, sea days, different itineraries. I haven't been on a short cruise (7/10 days) or Caribbean in years. Cruising has changed over the years, took my first in 1982. Some 35 cruises later, I enjoy it. Life changes, losing both sisters in '22, moved to IA, close to family. I'm bummed, cancelled my eclipse cruise on the Emerald. I was on the Emerald in '18 for a 30 day So. America cruise. Long story but reading these posts, none would deter me from cruising again and it will be with Princess. All these years, reading reviews, posts about food, things people complain about, I just don't get it. My cruises in the 80's/90's were way different if you want to talk changes. It never once made me think I wouldn't cruise because those things don't happen anymore.

I sail single, been on for 26 days Regal Princess, sideways inside cabin, I do like those, a little more space in the closet, plus desk area. I've also sailed for 30 days Emerald inside, it was fine. I've been cruising since 1982, inside cabins were a matter of financial necessity. Would a like a window or balcony, sure but not for their prices. I've had balcony cabins, outside cabins but it's always been what's affordable at the moment. I think you'll do fine, better than staying home.

I wondered the same thing, always traveling solo, think it was a joke. I do like the Royal class ships and obstr. view balcony cabins on Emerald, they are a good deal.

Thanks for your great thread. I cancelled, sorry I'm not there. Weather looks threatening but I'm sure everyone will make the best of it. Enjoy Halifax, a great port, I've been there several times!

Great post, Pete from someone purchasing Plus. I relate to your comments, even automotive because I worked for VWoA for 30+ years. I had a retiree car program but purchased my Jetta because cars are getting complicated. I'm getting to the age where I might not need a car. I live "downtown", things are close by and bus is 50 cents a ride. I miss the easy life style from my early cruises, stick with Princess because of their employees. I've tried Celebrity a few times, didn't get the vibe I wanted. I'm a proud baby boomer, too!

If I'm not on Emerald deck, I'm on Plaza! I've booked those insides for years, now I go with Emerald for obstr. view on Grand Class, and the balcony obstr. view on Royal class. I don't do the higher decks, I'm always at the IC or Vines, never use the buffet area. Like the previous poster, I try to stay out of elevators.