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Congrats on interview success!!!

I think it means your next adventure is Sydney 🙂

Right there with you. I was offered a full ride ROTC scholarship but didn't take it. 17-year old self was all "what if I don't want to do that when I graduate". My dad was not happy with me. We didn't have any money either so I took loans and worked lots of jobs. In hindsight I fully admit to being an idiot.

RC is big on calls to the room. Finally had to go to GS and tell them not to call either of our cabins, it totally stresses DS. I don’t understand why they don’t text and to be honest really don’t get why there are phones in the room??? Does anyone want to hear the loud ring and be disturbed?

Here!

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.