rkacruiser

I did a Kenai Fjords cruise as an independent traveler in August. It was great! Well worth the time in driving from/to Anchorage. Plus, my Nephew, the driver of his car, went fishing while I was on the cruise. He caught some salmon which we enjoyed freshly grilled at his home as well as some that he smoked.

On my July Westerdam cruise and my Coral Princess cruises, no Protestant or Jewish clergy, but a Priest was aboard and conducted services on each ship. Jewish and Protestant guests were encouraged in the "Princess Patter" and the "When and Where" to volunteer to lead their service.

This is an excellent description of Billboard Onboard that I have experienced on Westerdam and Nieuw Statendam. Guests seemed to love it. (As did the Stewards and Bartenders when they had a chance.)

Please forgive the multiple above posts. I followed CC directions for posts in a short period of time and this is the result.

And, this is the very reason I do not offer a gratuity of any size other than what is on the drink bill any more. Once upon a time, doing so seemed to make a difference in the quality and timeliness of service. Not recently. If the Bartender(s) recognize you--or your cruise card shows a high tier of cruise line loyalty--that seems to be the difference. Do I reward such attention at the end of my cruise? You had better believe it!

And, this is the very reason I do not offer a gratuity of any size other than what is on the drink bill any more. Once upon a time, doing so seemed to make a difference in the quality and timeliness of service. Not recently. If the Bartender(s) recognize you--or your cruise card shows a high tier of cruise line loyalty--that seems to be the difference. Do I reward such attention at the end of my cruise? You had better believe it!

And, this is the very reason I do not offer a gratuity of any size other than what is on the drink bill any more. Once upon a time, doing so seemed to make a difference in the quality and timeliness of service. Not recently. If the Bartender(s) recognize you--or your cruise card shows a high tier of cruise line loyalty--that seems to be the difference. Do I reward such attention at the end of my cruise? You had better believe it!

I was a guest at Pan Pacific prior to embarking Westerdam. I have embarked other HAL ships from that location since 2001. This year's check-in and embarkation was as guest unfriendly as it could have been. There was no reason for some of the process to not have been consolidated into one venue that I saw. The "rigid" rope lines could not be moved even when there was NO ONE ahead of me and the number of guests checking in were few. (I tried to do so to make my exit to the next area a shorter walk and I was RUDELY told not to do so or Security would be called.) When I complained about this difficult process, I was told it was because this area was "under construction" and required this involved embarkation routine. I saw no "under construction" during my wondering in Canada Place as an embarking cruise guest or as a guest of the Pan Pacific for two days prior to my cruise.

Bossa Nova, Thanks for your response and photo!

I agree with MissP22's response to your question. Your cruise itinerary also may influence the number of guests who dress "formally". My recently completed Alaska cruise on Formal Night had very few dressed formally as I expected. (I left my tux at home, but there were a few gentlemen so dressed.) There were more gentlemen wearing a coat and tie than I expected. Everyone I observed dining in the MDR was nicely dressed, even the children and teen-agers.

On my December Royal Princess sailing, I was a Platinum guest and never was able to use the Platinum Elite Lounge. I'd go to where the Lounge was supposed to be, a sign said something like reserved for a Private Party and the door was closed. I didn't think that the "Private Party" was available for me. On my recently completed Coral Princess, I became an Elite Guest and did use the Lounge a majority of time. It was held in the Library with an appropriate sign that said for what the venue was being used. A very quiet spot (only 31 Elites aboard my sailing) with the specialty of the day hors d'oeuvres, an assortment of cheeses (which changed each day) and crackers, bread sticks, and fresh veggies with one, maybe two, dips. One Lounge Stewardess (usually) was present to obtain whatever one wanted to drink from Crooner's on the deck below. I didn't care for the "special price drink menu" and always ordered what I enjoy drinking. I will admit I liked this "perk" offered by Princess. Having more people around and conversing with them would have added to my enjoyment. (Although I did enjoy my conversations with the two crew members who served me.)

I have not stayed at The Auberge, but I have stayed at both the Pan Pacific and the Fairmont Waterfront. Both are fine hotels, but I prefer the Pan Pacific. They have a nice patio over looking the mountains and Vancouver's harbor. Service and cuisine offered are excellent.

Not sure how you came to this conclusion. I was concerned that the Company might fold. How could I hate this cruise line when I have never sailed on any of their ships?

I maintain my view from my experience as a former Royal Princess guest without little knowledge of navigation issues that the Bridge Team may have, Royal Princess has no business being placed in an Alaskan itinerary. President Jan Schwarz and the Carnival Corporation itinerary "experts" now have an excess of "hardware" for Princess Cruises. Where can they be profitability employed, yet provide the best guest experience possible?

They are and that's the reason I leave mine at home when I fly. I don't need more weight added to my luggage. But, the medallions are lovely and the label pins that come with the medallions are nice. I wear mine with thankfullness that I am able to do so.