First Princess Cruise

[wowzz]

23 minutes ago, chrysalis said:

shown here....

 

the story of our food (princess.com)

Thank you. Very useful.

[Orlando Vic]

One important difference between Celebrity and Princess is that Princess has coin-operated washers & dryers while Celebrity does not. You have to send your dirty laundry out in a small paper bag.

[JF - retired RRT]

7 hours ago, trbarton said:

Curious…Is the Captain’s table something new?  I’m only aware of the Chef’s table which I can highly recommend & you must put your name in as soon as you board the ship. Many years there were dinners with the Captain. Perhaps things have changed. 
 

Tom🤔

Oops!! That's what I get for typing without actually thinking about what I'm typing. You are correct - I was referring to the Chef's Table.

 

And yes, there used to be a Captain's table (at least on some cruise lines). The captain ate in the MDR and a chosen few pax were allowed to dine with him. That was many moons ago.

Edited May 9, 2021 by JF - retired RRT

[Sea heather]

On 5/8/2021 at 7:23 PM, BarbinMich said:

I've never sailed on my November 11 birthday, but this year will be the exception (hopefully!).  I'll be on the Caribbean P leaving from NYC on Nov. 6 to the islands, returning to FLL on Nov. 20.  Hopefully, the hurricanes will be finished by then!!  It will also be my first solo cruise after doing 51 cruises with my late DH so a different experience.  Plus I received a nice casino credit <g>.  Don't think it was for my birthday as HAL is also giving me a casino credit on my Jan. cruise with them.  They'll do anything to lure us back <g>.

I hope you have a great cruise, and Happy Birthday in advance from another 11/11 baby.

[BarbinMich]

10 minutes ago, Sea heather said:

I hope you have a great cruise, and Happy Birthday in advance from another 11/11 baby.

Thanks to a fellow 11/11 baby!  Unfortunately, the cruise has been cancelled. 😪 It was a repositioning cruise on the Caribbean P from the NE/Canada itinerary to the Caribbean; I was to board in NYC, which I've never done (altho have departed from the NJ terminal on a Celebrity ship).  My next cruise on another line is in January.  Hopefully, by then things will be back to the "new" normal.

BTW, were you upset as I was when 11/11 became a federal holiday on our birthday?  i.e. no mail with birthday cards <g>

[Sea heather]

1 minute ago, BarbinMich said:

Thanks to a fellow 11/11 baby!  Unfortunately, the cruise has been cancelled. 😪 It was a repositioning cruise on the Caribbean P from the NE/Canada itinerary to the Caribbean; I was to board in NYC, which I've never done (altho have departed from the NJ terminal on a Celebrity ship).  My next cruise on another line is in January.  Hopefully, by then things will be back to the "new" normal.

BTW, were you upset as I was when 11/11 became a federal holiday on our birthday?  i.e. no mail with birthday cards <g>

Too bad on the cancellation.  We’re booked in January, and hoping that things are back to normal by then!  I actually liked getting my birthday off from school! 😁 I didn’t like it when they changed Veteran’s Day to the fourth Monday in October for a few years.  November 11, 1918 was a significant day in history and it didn’t seem right to change it just so people could have a 3-day weekend.

[cr8tiv1]

On 5/9/2021 at 5:56 AM, JF - retired RRT said:

Oops!! That's what I get for typing without actually thinking about what I'm typing. You are correct - I was referring to the Chef's Table.

 

And yes, there used to be a Captain's table (at least on some cruise lines). The captain ate in the MDR and a chosen few pax were allowed to dine with him. That was many moons ago.

 

You are watching too many episodes of the "Love Boat".  Sigh, those were the days.

[skynight]

14 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

You are watching too many episodes of the "Love Boat".  Sigh, those were the days.

Princess sort of revived the Captain's Table dinner with the top 40 lunch where one of the senior officers dined at each table. The most travelled sat with the Captain. Many times there was no lunch. A cocktail party was held. Some Captains like the cocktail parties which allowed more of the staff to attend. Probably better for the staff, but not as nice for the passengers. Now these type of gatherings may be gone, at least for a while. 

[Grego]

On 5/8/2021 at 6:07 PM, wowzz said:

Personally, the thought of being sung to on my birthday, is my worst nightmare!

I suggest the OP doesn't mention it!  

"Party Pooper"

[accio_7]

I'm also going to be sailing Princess for the first time, aboard Regal in January, and have a quick question. Prior to the shutdown, what were the onboard shows aboard Regal Princess? I'm still trying to find a 2020 Patter for Regal.

Edited June 21, 2021 by accio_7

[Wishing on a star]

I am sure you will love your cruise!

I am sure that you will find the SKY to be just amazing and stunning!

 

As far as any info and comparisons to Celebrity.  (which I have not sailed) :

 

The main dining rooms, Alfredos, the food on deck, is free of charge, and no advance reservation payment.

ETA:  And the International Cafe there at the specialty Coffee venue in the Piazza is a big favorite.   Great continental breakfast, sandwiches, small specialties, etc.

The specialty restaurants mentioned, are reservation and upcharge required.

If I am correct, the upcharge is less than Celebrity!  But, the level of the food offerings might not match Celebrities top restaurants???  Just my impression from general comments and knowledge.

 

You mentioned the entertainment venues.  And you might find that on Princess most of the Entertainment is what I would call larger venues.  The Piazza itself is an entertainment venue.  The Theater of course, and the Vista Lounge.   There would be the Crown Grill Bar which might be what you are looking for.  Smaller with more low key entertainment.  (A wonderful jazz band and jazz singer on our last Princess Cruise).  And there is Take Five.

 

And, as always, remember that times are changing, and everything about Cruising on Princess is being re-engineered In the interest of Protocols.   I think they are going to be pushing the new, by reservation. (no charge of course) dining in the main dining rooms.  This kind of thing might also apply to other venues and activities onboard.  But, we can't comment on what we haven't seen yet!!!

 

We enjoy the Sanctuary on these Princess ships!

It is easier to find availability and book loungers in the Sanctuary if you have Princess Captains Circle status, or other way, such as guests in Suites, to be able to board early.  Unless there are changes. (could be!!!!) the Sanctuary is available for booking upon boarding, first come...

 

ENJOY!!!!

 

Edited June 21, 2021 by Wishing on a star

[Wishing on a star]

Accio...   I would be hesitant to offer a guess as to what Entertainment will be on each ship with things restarting.   The last entertainment that I can tell you about on Regal was the newer Broadway inspired show, I think called "BRAVO".  (very good).   They did not have the new Asian Inspired show, I think it is called "Silk"???    (I could be totally wrong with the names... don't make fun of me!!!)

[AZjohn]

15 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

It is easier to find availability and book loungers in the Sanctuary if you have Princess Captains Circle status, or other way, such as guests in Suites, to be able to board early.

Hi Wishing,

Just out of curiosity, why would those in Suites want to book the Sanctuary? We were just figuring on using our loungers on the balcony but, maybe I'm missing something??

Thanks 🙂

[JF - retired RRT]

On 5/8/2021 at 3:07 PM, wowzz said:

Personally, the thought of being sung to on my birthday, is my worst nightmare!

I suggest the OP doesn't mention it!  

Always HAD to tell the waiter "no singing - just the cake", otherwise they'd all show up and sing.

[Wishing on a star]

Ohhhhh, you will be living the SUITE life!!!

Okay, especially for those who do not have a nice fully outfitted balcony, the Sanctuary is very very nice.

And, I believe that as a SUITE guest, you would have earlier priority boarding.  So you would be able to board and go right up to the Sanctuary and check it out and pick out your loungers.  

You can book by the day,  like a sea day or a special occasion day.  Or you can book by the week/cruise, at a discounted rate per day.

 

I am thinking you have probably looked online to see what it is like. 

Here is a link...   (would not let me imbed this)

On Youtube, search for

PRINCESS CRUISES | SKY PRINCESS RELAXATION AREAS

This is a nice video about the Sanctuary and the Spa.

The rate they mention is for a full Cabana within the Sanctuary.

 

I looked at your post and see that you will be sailing the Western Med later in the Fall.  So, depending on weather, that would be a deciding factor.   The Sanctuary is def. more popular on warm weather cruises, as cold or rainy weather might not be as enjoyable.  

 

The attendants, if you would like, can be very very attendant.   Greet you as you. approach, help carry anything that you are bringing and help make sure you are settled into your spot.  Bring fresh cold ice-water and then anything else you might require.

I believe you can enjoy the Jacuzzi Hot(warm) Tub,. The Retreat adult pool area is right there as well.  You can wade in to cool off and take a dip.  and of course there is the Retreat bar.

 

While you might have heard of an exception or two, the Sanctuary is a Sanctuary retreat. 

No louder activities are really supposed to be allowed.

 

Edited June 21, 2021 by Wishing on a star

[Barry Bodell]

On 5/8/2021 at 6:36 AM, wowzz said:

Assuming you are on the October 22nd cruise, there is a roll call up and running.

 

[Barry Bodell]

We are on the Sky Princess Jun 2022. 14 Nights out of Southampton. Norway stops. Deck 10. Hope Covid issues are over by then. Lynda’s first time on Princess.
Barry & Lynda

Abbotsford, BC, Canada.

[Barry Bodell]

7 hours ago, Wishing on a star said:

Ohhhhh, you will be living the SUITE life!!!

Okay, especially for those who do not have a nice fully outfitted balcony, the Sanctuary is very very nice.

And, I believe that as a SUITE guest, you would have earlier priority boarding.  So you would be able to board and go right up to the Sanctuary and check it out and pick out your loungers.  

You can book by the day,  like a sea day or a special occasion day.  Or you can book by the week/cruise, at a discounted rate per day.

 

I am thinking you have probably looked online to see what it is like. 

Here is a link...   (would not let me imbed this)

On Youtube, search for

PRINCESS CRUISES | SKY PRINCESS RELAXATION AREAS

This is a nice video about the Sanctuary and the Spa.

The rate they mention is for a full Cabana within the Sanctuary.

 

I looked at your post and see that you will be sailing the Western Med later in the Fall.  So, depending on weather, that would be a deciding factor.   The Sanctuary is def. more popular on warm weather cruises, as cold or rainy weather might not be as enjoyable.  

 

The attendants, if you would like, can be very very attendant.   Greet you as you. approach, help carry anything that you are bringing and help make sure you are settled into your spot.  Bring fresh cold ice-water and then anything else you might require.

I believe you can enjoy the Jacuzzi Hot(warm) Tub,. The Retreat adult pool area is right there as well.  You can wade in to cool off and take a dip.  and of course there is the Retreat bar.

 

While you might have heard of an exception or two, the Sanctuary is a Sanctuary retreat. 

No louder activities are really supposed to be allowed.

 

 

[Barry Bodell]

Like kids?

[nini]

We are not as experienced as many CC people, however, we MUCH prefer Princess over Celebrity. I think you will be pleasantly surprised! IMHO, much better food, service, entertainment, atmosphere.

[Asquare]

We were on one of the first Sky Princess cruises in 2019.  We really enjoyed the jazz bar in Take Five in the evenings.  Princess has an amazing rotation of talent on their ships that rotate through the various venues...everything from classical to party rock.  Sometimes it themed to the cruise ie. Mariachis on Mexican Riviera but generally just a wide assortment of styles.