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Yes, the Lido Deck midship pool is covered (conservatory).

The Enchanted does not have a forward enclosed observation area. Only on the Majestic.

No, I did not. Much better sashimi and sushi off the ship. So much good food can be found in and around the ports,

I was on the Diamond last Spring. Same minibar options. I am guessing you might be able to trade out for some Japanese beer?

Correct...no difference. Only cabins with wider doors would be accessible cabins. No need for the other staterooms to have a larger door. https://www.google.com/search?q=vista+suite+princess&oq=vista+suite+Princ&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgBEAAYgAQyBggCEEUYOTIICAMQABgWGB4yCAgEEAAYFhgeMgYIBRBFGDwyBggGEEUYPDIGCAcQRRhBqAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:a9fbf61f,vid:NfagiatzRds,st:0

Chiming in....I'm not "wow'd". I do hope some from Florida will find this enticing. Thanks for the full Press Release. Ho Hum

OP says they have done the Historic Locks on another cruise line. Still...I would do it again and again and again. The new locks are boring and you can "read" about them or watch youtube videos to get an idea of how they work.

Princess usually will have a historian onboard for enrichment lectures. I do not recall if there is a broadcast during the transit like they do in Glacier Bay. It is a very slow transit and pretty self explanatory if going through the new locks.

Agree that the breakdown is a marketing tool to make the buyer believe they are getting more for their money. It is very deceiving to a newbie. I am 99% sure a TA or PCP or agent will receive a commission for selling a package or bundle. Why else would they graciously offer to add one to your booking when you call in. Or price it in automatically when you book a cruise by default. It says “gift” but is another misnamed information. You bought it, no one “gave” it to you. Finally, you can choose not to use any part of the bundle, but nothing is refundable nor can it be exchanged for OBC.

Glad you have a good resolution. Is your scooter smaller than 22 inches or collapsible? Curious about winning your bid. I only heard (declined) about my (one) bid a day before my cruise. Was your bid accepted right away? Your wife is fortunate to have such a thoughtful husband. Happy cruising.

I just did this cruise (twice) in 2023. Agree: Do not book a hotel in Brooklyn Agree: Book a transfer from cruise terminal to airport or hire a car service for 4 (probably cheaper or at least equal). You haven't mentioned if you have been to NYC before. You don't mention how much luggage you will all have. Taxi's "will" fit 4 (3 in the back 1 in the front) but they are not thrilled to do that. Plus the trunk may not fit all of your luggage. One day in NYC really isn't enough to enjoy the city. There is so much to see and do, although it can get expensive. A possible scenario: Fly in a few days early. Stayed in Manhattan (NYC). Take a car service to Red Hook Pier (at the south end of Manhattan/below Wall Street). Take the Red Hook Ferry from Manhattan to the cruise terminal. Easy walk from Ferry Terminal to Cruise Terminal. Or use a car service to take you from Manhattan to Red Hook ($$$). I did google how much a taxi would be from Red Hook to NYC. Decided the ferry was much more reasonable.

Solution: Get twice as much

@TomKwuze Thank you for returning to your thread with an update. Your photo was very helpful. But, out of curiosity, did you even try the sleeper sofa (unfolded or converted)? Hope you enjoyed your cruise.

You might be able to edit your post (... in upper right hand corner). I think you meant to write 2024.

The correct name for these cabins are "Reserve Collection Mini-suites". They are not in a FULL Suite Category. A premium stateroom category featuring our best located Mini-Suite staterooms, as well as the great amenities found in all Mini-Suites — plus premier dining benefits and luxurious perks. Each night, enjoy Reserve Dining, an exclusive dining area featuring expedited seating with no wait, expanded menu options, dedicated wait staff and tableside preparations. Other amenities include priority embarkation and disembarkation, a complimentary one-time wine set-up and so much more^ ^Includes one 750 mL bottle of wine on embarkation day. Princess needs to rethink the terminology they use. I apologize for being such a stickler about labels. I am just as guilty as others for sometimes posting inaccurate information. Blame it on the days when I made sure my children knew the difference between Sushi and Sashimi (very long story).

Thank you for a compact review. I was waiting for someone to start this thread. Maybe others on this voyage will also chime in (if you don't mind). With very few ports, it is difficult for Princess to provide an array of entertainers since they could only board in Honolulu (a little more difficult for them to tender them out to the ship in Kona). I agree with you that they should have had more production shows or at least repeat them each week so that more passengers could count on attending them.

Technically, there is NOTHING that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. Everything was brought over by the ocean currents, birds (animals), and Polynesian travelers. Once the islands were discovered, we became a melting pot of cultures and foods from all over the world. So much still to be learned. I am thrilled to hear that you are so knowledgable about the islands. With advance technology, DNA can be traced to the origin of many people/animals/plants.

And there lies your answer: the box lunch was not off loaded from the ship. Probably provided by a local vendor....onshore. I understand the restrictions. Hawaii has you fill out an agriculture form if arriving by air. They are very strict with regards what is brought into the islands. And what is taken out of the islands. You need to go through an agriculture inspection at the airport (luggage AND carry ons). I am guessing that if it was once living or could live, one shouldn't take it ashore. Baked goods are probably an exception as long as there isn't cheese or dairy involved. Best to stick with pre-packaged items. You can get crackers and individual peanut butter cups from any US grocery store.

By the time you get your luggage and catch a cab, you will be able to just walk onboard (after check in). Most of the crowd should have dispersed by noon. Hopefully, you will be in time for embarkation lunch in the Reserve MDR. Doors will close at 1:29:59 PM

Thank you for all of your added clarifications @CPs4591. So here are a few more "options". Have you made final payment? Is your deposit refundable? Have you looked at maybe cruising on a different ship/different time that may have a suite open? Sometimes, one can be placed on a waitlist. Other times, that option is not available. There is no guaranteed Suites. Since you booked with a TA, you will have to have your TA make any changes. BUT...if a suite becomes available (say on a weekend or late at night, see if you can snag it immediately (be careful of fine prints). Do NOT place a deposit. Just a hold. Then. your TA will have to find a way to transfer your current booking to the suite you found. I know, it's more complicated than that.

I love LGB. I am guessing you are flying Southwest out of Sacramento. Just make sure there are several other flights leaving after yours. I was actually boarded on a SWA to Seattle when they took me off the plane. I was able to find a seat and connection on another flight route. Once you claim your luggage, there are lots of UBER/Lyft vehicles available. It will be a 45 minute ride to the cruise terminal. So much less of a hassle than LAX.

International Cafe (or go down the morning before and store some of the breakfast items to eat as you are getting ready. Crescents/banana bread/donuts store well overnight (zip lock bags). Breakfast sandwiches not so well.

I am not sure what Windstar had to offer you in a "Reserve Package". The top of the line in amenities ("having everything covered") would only be if you were able to book a FULL suite WITH a Premier Beverage Package. On the Coral, in a Reserved Collection Mini-Suite, you would still need to do your own laundry or pay by the piece. She does not have a concierge lounge, but a full suite would have access to a concierge through Customer Service. If these "amenities" are not important to you, then you will be fine in a Reserve Collection Mini-suite. Bidding for a suite has it's drawbacks. You will be assigned (without a chance to decline) a stateroom by Princess.....any where on the ship. If you are a risk taker, then this might be a fun upgrade. Good Luck.

@dockman I am not a balcony person either. I may peak my head out every few days. Guess growing up in the islands....surrounded by ocean...makes a balcony less appealing. As you mentioned, to each his/her own. I used to have a travel mate that enjoyed the balcony. She would be out there with her book dressed like Nanook of the North. We would enjoy lunch together...I would be inside and she would be outside with door between us. Now, Alaska is a slightly different story. I could sit outside (weather permitting) and enjoying the scenery. As for the canal....it really is best to be out and about.

In my opinion, if you are on the Caribbean Princess, I would be okay in an Ocean View. Just don't stay in your cabin. There are so many great viewing locations on the ship (aft/Terrace Pool). Enjoy your Window Suite to Hawaii.