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Before Covid there was a small specialty dining package on the Vista class ships…something like $60 for steakhouse, sushi and Guy’s Dinner? It was a great deal. @ninjacat123 DCL does the welcome thing still but no champagne. I agree, it’s a nice touch. Right now I’d be happy with staffing increased for stewards and mdr…can cruising just be sort of closer to what it used to be? Very tired of seeing staff running around like chickens. Sucks all the joy right out of the vacation.

Nn

As long as it is in your cabin, whatever.

It doesn't have to be loud. I have excellent hearing and I don't want to hear someone else's musical choices. As an earlier poster said it is all about manners. Use earbuds.

If you stay on the same side of the bridge as the ship there are three hotels, all within easy walking distance...Queen Mary, Residence Inn, or The Maya. Well worth it to avoid the parking mess. We've stayed at the Queen Mary and Residence Inn and both times I congradulated myself on making a good choice. I've also flown in morning of and used the Carnival transportation and that worked well also. I'm guessing August, September, and October will be less crowded due to Panorama's absence.

Great review, thank-you. Itinerary amazing!!

Have a wonderful time!

Since Covid school attendance isn't a priority for many. You will see lots of children all times of the year, not just school holidays. Don't let the downers dissuade you, have a wonderful time!!!!

I don't think it is just Carnival with the frenzied employees and lack luster food. We were on Quantum of the Seas last month and had that been my first cruise I'd have never cruised again. Staff obviously overworked, food just ok, and a general feeling of being a $$$ instead of a guest. We need to take a vacation in August since we're selling our house. I have Princess booked but I need connecting cabins and nothing has opened up yet, thinking of booking Cunard. I sailed w/ them last September and that was like cruising pre-Covid. I understand the cruiselines took a hit and I don't know what their loan re-payments look like...perhaps short term is the only thing that matters. I have a feeling the current cruise experience will end up costing them both loyal and new customers. Hoping in 2-3 years we'll be looking at different fares and a different on board experience.

This sounds like a great plan.

@KmomChicago I run cold, always, so my tips on what to take might not be helpful but things I was grateful for on our Quantum cruise last month are: 1. A light jean jacket to wear over every outfit 2. Black boots which went with most everything I wore so added extra protection against drafts. 3. Two hoodies 4. Spanx faux leather leggings which I wear with a hoodie for day and glitzy top at night. Easy, easy outfits which were warm AND they worked with the boots. What I wish I'd brought: 1. My cruising pajamas instead of beach cover-ups. On warmer cruises I take t-shirt type cover-ups to sleep in and was on auto pilot when I packed so went with those. My sleep cover-ups aren't worn outside of the room, they're in case I order early morning room service and want to appear fully dressed before opening the door. Would have much preferred my long sleeve, full length pajamas this time. 2. Fuzzy slipper type socks to wear in the cabin and to bed. I should have brought 10 pairs, one for every night...didn't bring one 😞 DH laughed at me when I packed the jean jacket but apologized after I received several compliments from other women who obviously run cold like me.

Yay, I've been looking forward to this.

One thing to consider is that a 7 day will most likely give you a newer, better maintained ship with more amenities. Our first cruise was a 4 day out of Long Beach on one of Carnival’s older ships. We had a good time but it wasn’t an experience I felt I needed to repeat. I did however want to take our son on a Disney cruise. At that time, 2003, they were only sailing out of Port Canaveral. No way we’re flying from Sacramento to Florida for a 3 or 4 day cruise on the Wonder. Took a 7 day on the DCL Magic and discovered I LOVED cruising! DCL isn’t my cruise line of choice any longer, I’m more a Princess or Cunard customer, but I’m thankful for that first 7 day cruise. I always tell people to do a 7 day over 3-5…better ship, ports, activities and a much better idea of what cruising is really like.

I love sea days. I’m a reader so love the uninterrupted time to immerse myself in good books.

Princess definitely needs to address it. It doesn’t bother me to ask someone to use earbuds but I shouldn’t have to. It is beyond rude to expect others to listen to your music choices.

I don't understand why bare feet are any worse than shoes? His feet have most likely been washed in the last 24 hours while his shoes could be carrying traces of dog feces, urine from a public bathroom from three weeks ago, etc... I agree no feet on a table but I wouldn't want shoes on there either. Hopefully his feet have had a pedicure recently but that goes for anyone wearing shoes that show their feet.

If you have the drink package they have energy drinks on board. I "buy" a couple each day to start the next morning.

I reached out to Jen Wright earlier today and she handled the cancellation of my bookings promptly and professionally. It is very unusual today to find the excellent customer service she demonstrated, it makes me even more of a Princess fan than I was. I didn't cancel because I thought the offers were unfair. I thought Princess handled a mistake...like all of us make...ethically. For those that say Princess shouldn't have erred, Princess should this or that...let's give them some grace.

How do you get it to list all cruises according to fare price? I logged into my account but didn't see that option. Thank-you.

Haven’t gotten the email on ths one yet but we booked inside guarantee. I checked and we still have the Plus package. I didn’t book this till Thursday morning so possible I’m late getting the email.

Good post. We're just off Quantum and the food was just ok. It looked good but no substance. Margerine instead of butter, bread which tasted cheap, desserts which consisted of mostly gelatine, etc...Well, the oatmeal raisin cookies were good 🙂 They need to spend more money on the food. I buy quality groceries at home, why would I want to vacation and spread margarine on bread? Eat cheap ice cream? Or cheese which is dry around the edges? Don't get me started on the skimpy cream cheese on the bagels in the Windjammer or the green glop masquarading as guacamole. How many times can they serve Spaghetti with Meat Sauce as a main in the MDR...many times it seems.

Just booked a 17 day Greenland and Canada on Emerald Princess. Killer casino deal, $0 which included plus...obviously happy about that...especially since I never gamble 🙂 I dearly love a promenade deck so really looking forward to this. Thanks to all who had positive things to say about this ship.

Just booked two cabins on Star 10/15/25, thank-you. We got standard but that is ok, great deal. Thank-you OP.

Glad to see this and I'll be paying close attention to your Havana text and pics. Thank-you!

@Hillmom I’d class myself the same as you…non-snooty red wine drinker and I agree, the wines on the Plus Package on Sky last summer weren’t good. I don’t know why they can’t have something drinkable…a Decoy, Apothic Red, Kendall Jackson..all are inexpensive and much better than what’s offered. I should be able to have a decent glass of wine without paying extra. Who steals a wine glass? What is the matter with people?