Coral

It is a very nice hotel. Probably one of the best in Vancouver. I picked up my medallion at the pier last year. It took probably 1 minute. Goes to show how different experiences can be.

I remember in 2010 spending $400/night to stay at Fairmont Pacific Rim. I couldn't believe how much I spent there but it was an amazing hotel. Probably nicest hotel I have ever stayed at at the time (and probably still).

Though for a reasonable tip - they do take the bags to the ship for you! 🙂 I paid $300 last year.

I never heard the Sea Princess as an R Class ship. We called it the Sun Class ships (referring to the old Sun Princess). The Pacific Princess (2nd), Tahitian and Ocean Princess (2nd) were all R Class ships. These were Renaissance ships, thus, R Class. Approx 30,000 tons. The Sun Class had the Sun, Dawn, Sea and Ocean Princess. These were around 77,000 tonns. I agree about Sapphire and Diamond Princess wide promenade decks. I don't remember the Coral Princess having that wide but it has been awhile since I have been on that ship.

I saw several whale watching tours.

If you stay at Pan Pacific - for a $10-$15 tip or so, they will take your bags to the ship for you.

I personally liked the ships that came before the Emerald/Caribbean Princess. The Grand, Golden, (old) Star, Sapphire and Diamond Princess. They had 500 less passengers and seem less crowded. Unfortunately most are gone. I agree about the Promenade deck. That is a huge plus. I just wish they had a covered pool.

I would think if you didn't like Caribbean Princess, you probably would not like Emerald.

I have friends who have seen Northern Lights on a 7 night RT cruise out of Vancouver in September. No land trip. So Fairbanks isn't a requirement for Northern Lights. If someone is only doing 3-4 nights land, Fairbanks is really far to go. Too much transportation, not enough time to see things if going to Fairbanks for that short of time.

Further out at sea.

The cruise line could care less if you have insurance or not as you are paying before you leave the ship. I would be curious what happens when one doesn't have space on a credit card before one leaves the ship.

On my Allianz claim. I went to the hospital, found out the full diagnosis (had x-rays, consultation with the doctor and then decided to go home for surgery) before I called Allianz. They paid my hospital claim in full. I never even thought to call Allianz first.

I remember back in the 90's when one would call the airlines and confirm a flight. I remember doing that and the next day showing up for my flight only to find it was cancelled the day before (when I called to confirm the flight). You would have thought we had come a long way since then. Though Princess's technology has never been that great (nor has their telephone support).

While not Juneau - on May 16th in Hoonah last summer, we had bubble feeding. I hadn't planned on taking pictures but did snap a few a little too late (they are not great). I always go whale watching when in Alaska in May and am rarely disappointed. We did not see Orcas last year (in Juneau or Hoonah).

I am so sorry this happened. Though I am not surprised at all. I dread calling Princess. I deal with a TA who I trust. I would email Customer Relations right away. You may want to post the shore excursion you lost. There are only a few I can think of that are "Princess only". This is a great example that Princess needs to bring back their reservations and train them well!