nini

I always have to go to my TA's website to determine what cabins are connecting, etc. I just do a mock booking and can find out. The Princess website does not clue you in on that, which is certainly not full disclosure or helpful to those who are booking. Sometimes, people DO want connecting cabins. Nevermind... I do now see a box that can be checked to determine connecting cabins. 😆

On the Sky last June, the shows were 7:30 and 9:30

@dmwnc1959 @Tranquility Base As I recall, there was only one performance and it was at night. This was on a full transit Panama Canal itinerary.

I actually mentioned attire first in Post #1423. Then @Steelers36 suggested it would be about food. I think it may just sort itself out? Or not, because there will always be those who dress in bermudas and flip-flops who want to relax and enjoy a longer more "formal" meal and gaze out to the ocean.

I appreciate that you have thought this through and know "how" you cruise. You are obviously not a newbie, being Elite. So many newbie types (especially to Princess) are unaware how to break it down, but you obviously know the drill. This is why I often offer the thought problem to assist. Your explanation also is a good teaching tool, but Elites are much more experienced in this. Enjoy being Elite!

@nho9504 Does DH not enjoy great coffee drinks, specialty teas, virgin beverages, bottled water to take ashore? If so, then pencil out the Plus Plan. We don't really "drink" much but with the bare minimum of great coffee and bottled water, gratuities, and WiFi: it is worth it.

@Bakeandshark This is a 7-8 hour excursion. Keep that in mind for your schedule.

Thanks, @Steelers36. I am sure I missed that. I am curious then about determining the "formality" of the food. So, I am guessing that more casual would be hamburgers, mac & cheese? Formal would be steaks, lobster, more of a gourmet type dish? Regardless, I am looking forward to what the first reports will reveal.

Congratulations!!! I wish we could hear your performance. We watched this show when on the Sky last June and it was really fun.

Can this possibly be interpreted to mean that attire will be screened when walking up to the dining room entrance? Therefore, those wearing shorts and flip-flops will be directed accordingly. And those who cringe at the sight may dine as they wish without the visual assault. I am not too picky regarding dining room dress but I do have my limits and expectations. This looks like it is a way that Princess is addressing the styles and dressing preferences of as many passengers as possible.

It took us at least 1.5 to 2.0 hours to get through LHR. So, I would think 2 hours later would be ok, especially when purchasing a change ticket. For the return, remember that you need to get a cab to the bus station. I think disembarking began at 7:30 am for those who walked off with their luggage.

I just found this thread today and really enjoyed it. I identified with the postings regarding the Celebrity Reflection which we were on in October 2018 (BC). We were on the Sky in June 2023. We will most likely NEVER book Celebrity again due to many factors. @trinitygirl described the interior and deck plans and was so correct. We were used to the open and bright atriums on Princess, but on the Reflection, we felt like we were cruising in a cave most of the time when inside. Flies everywhere were an everyday event in the buffet with no measure being taken to protect the food. Dining Room service was slower than a turtle and unfriendly. IMHO, Celebrity is snooty/ snobby. Staff were curt, aloof and snobby for the most part. Our cabin steward was a sweetheart and we gladly tipped him extra at the end of the cruise. When we stepped onto the Sky, we were stunned at the beauty and openness. This quickly became a favorite Princess ship. The Cruise Director and his team were excellent, friendly and fun. And the shows did not include ceiling acrobatics in every show like on the Reflection. We have never stayed in a mini-suite or suite so these opinions are based on "normal" bookings, typically getting the Plus package and the similar one on Celebrity.

I realize that your post is directed to the OP. However, we cruised on the Sky last June and really enjoyed the Sky, our cabin, and the crew. We have been always purchasing the Plus package due to the simple math panning out for us. A rough daily calculation: $5.00 Morning fancy espresso drink at International Cafe (gratuity is included) $30.00 Two glasses of Wine (gratuity is included) $15.00 Daily Internet $16.00 Crew Gratuities/ Appreciation $66.00 I realize that more is now included with this package, but was not when we have been onboard. If you want a drink that is over the $15.00 than you only pay the difference. As far as "living on" Specialty Dining, that could be ok but repetitive if it is a longer itinerary. The Sky has Sabatini's and the Crowne Grill. We have very much enjoyed the Crowne Grill a few times but we also enjoy the dining rooms and often share tables with people we do not know as it is really interesting chatting with them. We enjoy the variety of the Main Dining Rooms and Specialty Dining and even sometimes the Buffet which has themes in the evening like the main dining rooms. We were very fortunate to participate in a "Chef's Table" on the Sky and it was very impressive and worthwhile. However, I have heard that the price has greatly increased and we will not be participating again.

I am grateful for all of the "Pioneers" who will be enjoying and exploring this new and unique ship.

IMHO- the sooner the better. I am sure that you are aware of being able to pay a bit more for flexible tickets if your plane is late.

That may be because they are larger and are not appropriate or permitted to depart from Vancouver.

It is not the ship. It is the departure port. Maybe the departure port is dictated by the ship's size, therefore in a roundabout way, being determined by the ship. We have taken Grand class ships from both Vancouver and Seattle.

We very much enjoyed the Chef's table on the Grand and the Sky. It was when it cost less (@$115.00 with alcohol). The venue was elegant and gorgeous. Presentation was lovely. However, at $140.00 we will not participate. On the Grand in September 2022, we received a beautiful hardback cookbook and our photographs at the dinner. This one was in the Crowne Grill. On the Sky in June 2023, the dinner took place at the large round table in one of the dining rooms. It had the beautiful round "curtain" around it. We received photographs, but no cookbook.

Exactly. We had contemplated (for about 5 seconds) going on one even over New Year's but that even is not really an option for us.

You are correct!

Sea days are really crazy crowded! And it is usually during the first part of the day. It quiets down in the early afternoon.

Sorry if I missed to be clear that you can "create your own" with the management.

EXACTLY!!!

Going on the west side of Vancouver Island is because you departed from Seattle. Correct? It has nothing to do with the Royal. departures from Vancouver, BC travel on the east side of the island except when returning to Vancouver and stopping in Victoria.

That sounds lovely! we have never had the opportunity to book an aft Vista Suite. That would be our favorite. We have booked corner aft regular deluxe balconies like on the Emerald and Golden. We love those, even without a loveseat.