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The "original" mystery involved debates regarding if the 3 levels were pertaining to the type of food and/ or requested attire.

I remember that port! When we were there, there were two U.S. Coast Guards ships docked.

I swear that we did that about 3 times. The lines were long but moved quickly. We were constantly showing our passports and medallions.

Welcome to Cruise Critic! As a newbie, select an itinerary that appeals to you. We loved Hubbard Glacier and most people also love Glacier Bay. We book excursions from companies onshore, typically not through Princess. However, be aware of Viator as they are brokers and we know many people who had there excursions cancelled basically the day before. I know nothing about the Royal. Many love that ship and many don't. Princess does not care when you book. It only benefits you because you can select your cabin. The WiFi works great for us. We love booking an aft balcony with the larger balcony. Balconies are not created equal. The captain does a 360 so everyone gets great viewing, however, you will be wanting to move around on the ship and not need to stay in your cabin. There is also a ton of information on the Alaska forum.

We arrived early, went through the lines and then boarded after being placed in the Platinum section. We felt like we went through repetitive customs and ID Checks several times. I think it was the most convoluted boarding systems.

@Host CJSKIDS - Thank you for posting that (again). It is nice that the mystery has now been solved about the 3 Main Dining rooms on the Sun.

Actually, one of my neighbors traveled in Australia with one of her good friends several hears ago and loved it.

I think it is the pits that it is not included for you. If we did things separately, WiFi would also be half off but it still makes more sense for us to go with the Plus. I do not ever see us going with the Premium, but who knows??? We almost made it to your beautiful down under twice; but we all know what happened. 😒

Thank you for your kind response and mathematical breakdown. It seems strange that gratuities would not be included in a Plus Package for a cruise that takes place anywhere else but Australia and/ or New Zealand.

Either way, the math adds up to the same, whether paid in a package or separately.

Please clarify for me. If a customer is from a non tipping culture, then regardless of the cruise itinerary, gratuities are not part of the Princess Plus?

This could be a dry dock time.

@skynight is absolutely correct. Sit down with lad and pen and do the math. You do not need to drink alcohol to make the numbers work out for you. Add up the daily fee for Gratuities, WiFi, ANY beverages including bottled water (especially to take onshore) and yummy coffee or tea, a Lin hat Alfredo's, etc. You would be surprised at the outcome.

We tip whatever we feel is warranted. I have never seen this Princess "guideline". We did not tip at all for an excursion in Iceland for many reasons.

I thank all of our "regulars" for the detective work.

If the cruise is in June, then just cancel the excursion. This does not make any sense. Ultimately, you can contest it with the credit card company.

I very much agree.

@Silent Penguin Thank you so much for your detailed post! I would not have found it if I hadn't decided to visit the Italy forum today. I think that this would be a very valuable education for all of the cruise line pages. @Host Bonjour keeps a steady eye here and maybe has some thoughts regarding that possibility and the form it may take.

You are CORRECT!!! They are back on the Sky!!!

Welcome to Cruise Critic! You would be better off finding out from your cruise line/ ship what their expectations and schedule is. I am unclear how this pertains to a transfer from the port to the airport.

We sailed on the Sky last June. Once in a while they had shrimp in the buffet. There is no problem finding "meat and taters" in the buffet or any food venue on the ship.

I would heed the advice given by @skynight

I love seeing crew members light up when we recognize their honest efforts on n individual basis.

The photos look delicious and appetizing! Thanks for sharing.

We learned very quickly that we did NOT care for the provided products. The scent and quality, or lack thereof, is horrid. We bring our own as others have stated, just purchasing the small containers and putting them in your ziplocs. There are also many good shampoo soap bars. I get mine from a friend who makes her own soap.