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On the Grand Princess, the Crown Grill offers take out containers for your second meal. These containers do not fit in the refrigerator/cooler. So I bring along zip lock bags and/or smaller rectangular containers that will not take up so much space.

On the Grand Princess, the Crown Grill offers take out containers for your second meal. These containers do not fit in the refrigerator/cooler. So I bring along zip lock bags and/or smaller rectangular containers that will not take up so much space.

Hmmmm Royal Class ship has 3500 passengers (give or take) divided by 3 MDRs = 1200 per dining room. If you average 2 sittings, that comes down to 600 passengers per meal service. If you take away the aft dining room (which is the largest), that means that everyone else will have to fight with already tight MDRs. These are just estimations. I would be very interested in the logistics Princess will work out with this tour group. Will they really assign the aft dining room for only those 700 passengers to come and go when they want to (Anytime dining?). How many venues will be close to the other passengers? I have been on ships with special groups. Most are well mannered, but private events closed down public spaces.

The largest tables I’ve seen have been for 8. I don’t know if you are referring to 6 couples or families with multiple members. Does anyone need a special diet? Will you all want to meet at the same time? They will only hold your table for 15 minutes. Best suggestion is to reserve 2 tables of 6 and let the members mix and match. Are you working with a travel agent? Good luck.

I wonder why some ships have suite breakfast on disembarkation day and the ones (Grand) I was on...never did! Glad you had a wonderful time.

This is sooooo good. Sorry for the missing half.

Covid has changed (mutated). It is highly contagious. For the majority of the people, it is no longer deadly. (These are all generalizations). What is the issue is that people who either know or don't know that they have Covid are mixing with the general public. Just like the flu, the common cold, and other other transmittable disease. Bottom line: If you are sick or have any symptoms, protect yourself and others. Stop sending your kids to school sick. Stop going to work sick. Stop mingling with others if you are sick. Stepping off my soapbox. Next person's turn.

Where's everyone? I know the crew made this a very enjoyable cruise for you. Until you are on the water again, Aloha.

Ensenada first port is usually a disaster. I wonder why Princess set it up that way? Not often (but has happened) they stop in Ensenada before going to Hawaii. Hilo is not set up for such a check through and is a short port. At least San Diego was a long port and has "resident" CBP since Holland and Celebrity leave/return to San Diego. Imagine the days before the Medallion. At least they could "find" these stragglers.

Good to see you checking in again. Missed your comments. I can't believe they don't have soap. Wow...

So many variable factors to consider. Let me add a few more. Northbound: Easier to fly in to Vancouver, but more difficult to get a flight out of Anchorage (time). Southbound: The past couple of seasons, it "seems" as though there were many more passengers coming on board after a land cruise with Covid. This may not even matter in the future, or could continue. I would pick the Sapphire or the Grand ships over any Royal ships. (personal opinion). The Sapphire has an even better promenade deck than the Grand. Alaska has absolutely beautiful scenery. Best to be out and about as much as you can. Rain happens. Heat happens.

Is this a personal party of 700 or a Travel Agent/special group? Are you all expecting to eat at the same time or each making their own independent dining arrangements?

@HBCcruiser. You are so generous to allow me to sort of detour your threads with even a like. You definitely have Karma on your side. It's because you are such a giving person. I looked right past the ship model to the stuff'teds. Thanks for the photo.

My TA will book a room using Mr. or Mrs. or Ms TBD or TBA. That will hold the rate at the original fare and hold a place in the lifeboat. I am not sure if that means two deposits. Can't remember that detail.

@HBCcruiser I am so happy you are getting so many new (towel/paper) friends. I always seem to miss Italian Night...there's my tiramisu in a glass that isn't available at the IC any longer. I tried for YEARS to read that book. Finally skipped ahead to the part where the US took over. Even then, never finished it. Finally gave it to my History loving son-in-law. I absolutely love the details in your report. You cover everything. @donswife I was moved over so many times and finally landed on the Sky Princess in a Vista Suite (S111). I was not thrilled with the way forward and high location. I was not happy that it was just one big room with a balcony. I started off with a Grand Window Suite. Not a good trade for me so I cancelled the cruise to Iceland. I had no problems getting 2 bottles of water every night. I requested 2 pens and 2 pads of paper and was given them. Not the nice silver pens they used to have, but still got them. I got tubes of stuff and a few elite/suite amenities. Not all, but most. No blue toiletry bag or blue Princess bag. Internet to from Vancouver to LA, Mexico and Hawaii was not a huge issue. Again, how can there be such a difference between the Discovery (newer ship) and the Grand (oldest ship)?

Freudian Slip: Wishing of Pacific Princess but it should have been Grand Princess (Still a favorite).

I'm sorry I missed that post. Covid is a very persistent virus and seems to pick and choose its hosts. I did not intend to imply that there was any wrong doing. We do what we can and have no real control over why someone catches Covid and others do not. Lots of well wishes. Thank you for taking us along on your recovery. Everyone is pulling for you. 💐 On 11/9/2022 at 9:44 AM, 1emerald1 said: @1emerald1 - Hope today's infusion went well. Thanks for sharing your experience. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery!

I did not realize there were different ways to prepare escargots. Interesting. Will you get another invitation to 360 since you are still in a suite? Have a very relaxing cruise. You deserve that after all that entertaining (aka luxury partying).

I was able to add to my soap collection when on the Grand Pacific. I better cherish the ones I have stashed. I need them since my soap container is round (takes up less space). They have gotten smaller and smaller each year.

I could not find Royal Part #2. In a suite, you will get express laundry for free. Same day service if you give it to your steward by 9 AM. I, personally, am finding it hard to keep track of your threads. But that's just me.

You can ask for a bar (or two) of soap. They are tiny/thin round things. You can ask your steward to help you turn off motion detecting lights. You can request a bowl/basket of fruit.

I have no experience with room swaps (not that kind...), but do know that an original name needs to remain in each booking. They may need to cancel and rebook. Not positive.

I have a small foldable stool. It fits inside the nightstand drawer. Perfect place for my CPAP.

@1emerald1 Thanks for checking in. I am sorry to hear that you brought back an unwanted souvenir. This is a result of non-pre-cruise testing and shorter cruises (incubation time). But I disagree with "everyone is going to catch Covid". I've done 5 cruises since the restart and have been able to leave the ship without catching covid. I am still wearing my mask. I am still socially distancing. I am still continuing the same practices I did during the pandemic (including testing). Not quite the way I would like live my life, but am not willing to risk the alternative. Each person has to do what is comfortable for themselves. I do not impose these restrictions on anyone but myself. A wish for a speedy recovery and comfort. Malama Pono

Yes, @HBCcruiser Sorry to use your thread as a medium.