charliedalrymple

DH and I sometimes don't go ashore at a particular port, or come back rather early (by lunchtime). We are having a disagreement about whether alcohol can be consumed on board Princess ships while in port, specifically in Australia and New Zealand. (We have the Plus Package on our upcoming cruise to New Zealand.) I won't say which side I'm on, but I'm sure I'm right and DH is wrong. Can anyone tell me what the policy is?

I've been reading CC more than normal prior to our upcoming cruise over the holidays, and I was starting to stress over the fact that everything seems to be deteriorating. However, I've realised that everyone prioritises different things and each experience is unique. I probably wouldn't have noticed most of the things people complain about here, so I've decided to go in with an open mind and just take things as they come.

Thanks. That's how it seems to me as well. I think we'll just pass in that case.

I'm considering bidding on an upgrade to a reserve class mini-suite for our December cruise. We are traveling with another couple, and they are not going to bid. If we get it and they are not reserve class, I'm assuming that we would not be able to use reserve dining if we want to eat with them--correct?

Oh, dear--I've purchased an outfit specifically to wear during the White & Gold evening on our December cruise!

Does anyone actually buy art during a cruise? I have never been the least bit tempted by the works I see on board.

64-year-old hearing aid user here. I haven't been on a cruise since COVID, but I honestly don't remember being bothered by the sound levels in the piazza or elsewhere. Things could get a bit raucous during events like the egg drop, but that's to be expected. Otherwise, we've had drinks in the piazza when there was music and were able to hold a conversation. We are doing our first post-COVID cruise next month (on Majestic). I'll make a point of noticing whether music levels seem excessive in the piazza or theatre and will report back.

You two look like so much fun! We are sailing from Sydney to NZ on Majestic on December 22--wish you were on our cruise! Can you explain what looks like a prawn carcass dangling above a plate in one of your food photos? 🙂

I'm really enjoying your chronicle so far and am excited to hear about your experience once you are on board. One thing I'd like to know is whether there is a Crooner's on the Majestic--and if so, whether it's a smaller version of the one found on most Princess ships. I've received conflicting answers to that question, but you will be the definitive authorities!

Look at you, speaking like an Aussie already! 😄

Crooners, hands down.

Servers in restaurants in Australia are generally very knowledgeable about gluten intolerance and will be able to provide information on what you can and can't eat. Just let them know when you are ordering. (I'm coeliac myself and have had very few issues when eating out here.)

Speaking of holiday cruises, do people tend to dress up a bit more on Christmas and New Year than they would on a cruise at other times of the year? (We are on Enchanted from Sydney to NZ this year and the cruise will straddle both holidays.) Also, Christmas Eve in our family is in some ways a bigger deal than Christmas Day. Is it treated like a holiday on board?

The entertainment, particularly the main stage shows, are also a major factor for us in choosing a cruise. I don't hear that very often here, so it's nice to meet someone else for whom that's a factor. I think the best stage shows we've seen overall have been on RC, although there were a couple of real duds.

This has been a fascinating read, as it's a bit of a departure from the standard "Is Plus worth it?" Please do keep us posted as things progress.

I see that some people have the word "rare" on the icons in their profiles. What does that mean??

So, you can use the Crown Grill bar evening if you are not eating there?

Success! Thanks so much for your help!

Thanks for this wonderful real-time review of your cruise on Majestic! It makes me even more excited about our upcoming Majestic cruise in December. One thing I'm wondering: Is there enough space to sit and enjoy a cocktail? Since there is no Crooners on Majestic, I'm not sure what the alternative(s) would be.

We will be on board Majestic for a 2-week round trip from Sydney to New Zealand for Christmas and New Year. Let's hope the same happy crew stays with the ship when it heads down under. Does anyone know how likely that is?

I initially submitted a lowball upgrade bid, but after some thought I decided I wanted to increase it. As far as I can tell there is no way to do so once it has been submitted. Is that right?

We just received an email inviting us to bid on upgrades for our NZ cruise leaving on December 22. I've submitted a bid for a Club Class mini-suite, but I'm on the fence about a forward facing Club Class mini-suite. Can anyone tell me about those suites? Is the wind too intense on sea days to enjoy the balcony? (This is on Majestic, by the way.)

I know that Majestic is unique because it was originally designed for the Chinese market. We will be on Majestic for a round trip from Sydney to New Zealand over Christmas and new year. The ship must be repositioning to Australia fairly soon. Can't wait!

In my experience, the adult only pool area is not enforced very consistently.

Sorry to throw cold water on this, but the chances of your getting an upgrade on Qantas using the bid function are very slim. All of the available seats will go to customers with Qantas frequent flyer status. Also, if you have bid on an upgrade, you won't be able to pay for an upgrade at the airport until your bid has been resolved (yes or no)--often not until you are at the gate.