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Love cabins right near the laundry room, and I've had a cabin directly across from it, too. No noise to speak of at night, which is the only time it would have bothered me. You can get door-slammers right next door no matter where your cabin is, so I wouldn't worry about it. And most of the laundry rooms have double doors, so noise from inside doesn't really penetrate into the passageway and certainly not through your cabin door across the hall (I mean, unless a machine blows up or something, but that hardly ever happens).

My bad; I just assumed because when I was last on Regal, that was where it was. I wonder why they'd change it around; seems inefficient.

It's not a separate dining room but the starboard side of the Concerto Dining Room on Deck 6 is set aside for Reserve Class. You'll enter from the starboard set of doors, not the portside doors. And yes, breakfast in Sabatini's is for full suite guests. Enjoy.

There was a duck sitting in the Christmas tree at Crooner's on the Ruby this past December. You had to have been sitting at the table in the corner by the tree to even see it. I left it there -- I think it was there for two nights before it disappeared. He made a fine drinking companion -- quiet, bought his own drinks, didn't bug me to dance -- so I was sorry he flew the coop. That was the only duck I've ever run across.

Suggestions From a High-Maintenance Traveler: Shampoo/Conditioner: I buy 5-oz tubes of Nexxus Therappe Shampoo/Humectress Conditioner (available at Target). That has lasted me for trips up to 4 weeks. It's not my preferred brand (I'm an Aveda girl) but it treats my hair well with the ship's soft water. Styling: I use Aveda Invati Thickening Foam and have to take it with me; there's no comparison to anything else! Hairspray: Buy in port city My preferred hair spray, Ellnet, is readily available in Europe, along with plenty of high-end stying products. I wouldn't hesitate to just leave them out and purchase them upon arrival. Plus, I purchase sunscreen and hand lotion also upon arrival. Moisturizer: Lancome (or your preferred brand) free gifts! They almost always include moisturizer in a perfect size for travel, sometimes eye cream, too. The secret is buy something and get the free gift every time the promo is offered; that way, I have a stock of little pots of cream ready to go. Foundation: I ask at the make-up counter (when I'm buying the aforementioned free-gift eligible purchase) for a couple of the tiny little plastic bottles they put foundation samples in. I fill 'em up at home and take 2-3 with me, depending upon the length of the trip. Toothpaste: This is a problem I have. I run out on every trip, and have a lovely collection of toothpaste containers from random ports around the world. So my advice here is don't be like me: bring more than you think you need! But I never have any trouble finding Crest or its equivalent in some far-flung region.

Total Solar Eclipse. I'm guessing, but reasonably certain I'm right.

I was in Crooner's most nights. The piano man was Paul Holmes, and he was pretty good. One thing I enjoyed about him was his repertoire was quite large. So many of them seem to repeat the same songs every night but for the most part, he didn't. That said, if I heard Sweet Caroline one more time, I would have jumped overboard and swum for home. The drinks were very good -- the bartender was excellent. My go-to is the London Lemonade, which he made perfectly, and the Chairman of the Boards I had were also excellent. In short, Crooner's was an A+ experience this cruise.

I sailed on her pre-pandemic (so I can't comment on covid likelihood) a 13-day New England/Canada cruise. We had perfect weather, so indoor crowding wasn't a thing I noticed since I was out sunning every sea day. Enjoyed the itinerary immensely and, although I expected a crowded ship, didn't really think it was that bad. I will admit the food was not the best, but that's down more to whomever is the executive chef onboard than a ship-specific thing. I didn't starve, and my tablemates and I just enjoyed making fun of some of the weirder offerings. The one downside to her, in my opinion, is that the aft pool is in shade due to Skywalker's. But there are three other pools. I'd sail on her again without hesitation if it were an itinerary I wanted to do.

Thank you, Carol. I appreciate both the thought and your perspicacity. My waiter was very displeased I think he thought extra tips/mention on the survey were at stake because I didn't want to chat. On the last night, he said something about not getting to know me. Dude, I'm not there to be your bestie - just keep my wine glass full and deliver my food and I'll take care of you. Sigh.

Hi, Norris and Carol. You may not have seen me around the ship but I saw y'all almost every night -- I was seated just a few tables away in Reserve Collection/Club Snob/whatever it's called. I apologize for not being sociable; it was a cruise just for me to spend quality time with my Kindle and a poolside deck chair, after a particularly stressful semester. This was my first time in Reserve Collection and I'm a fan -- the service seemed better, a more relaxed/quiet atmosphere with fewer waiters rushing around with trays piled high, the good wine glasses... Overall, I thought the food was good to very good on this cruise. Absolutely the best Gingerbread Souffle ever! It’s such a shame it only appears on Christmas, but this one was worth waiting 364 days for. I should have ordered a second one . . .

1. The service from the crew; almost uniformly excellent - professional, friendly but not smarmy. 2. On the Crown, Emerald, and Ruby, the bar Adagio and its adjacent outdoor seating area. A nearly undiscovered part of the ship, almost always quiet and peaceful, and with a gorgeous wake view. Plus a drink only available there: the Citrus Bellini.

I didn't see the thread referenced above, so in blissful ignorance, I submitted my OBC request yesterday by email to the usual sbpcl@princesscruises email and got the usual automated reply that it would be handled in due course. So I don't think one is required to use the new system. One day, of course, the sbpcl email may not work but until then . . .

When I was on the Regal last Christmas, my cabin stewardess ran into me heading to the laundry a couple times and insisted on giving me tokens on both occasions. I tried to dissuade her; I didn't want her to get in trouble and I was perfectly prepared to swipe my card for tokens, but she was adamant I take them. Maybe on that ship, the key is to ask the steward rather than at the desk.

Board as soon as boarding commences If cabins available, head there to drop off carry-on, watch safety video, and see if luggage has arrived (ha!) Lunch - usually buffet. If you're one of the first onboard, the buffet isn't too crowded and I wait all year for that salad bar! Back to cabin to see if luggage delivered yet. Curses - no sign of it! Muster station Head to prom deck and enjoy my favourite show: the loading of supplies. Tear myself away from prom deck and check at cabin again for luggage -- WHY is mine always the last to be delivered?? Head up to sailaway party, unable to relax as we pull away from the dock and I still have no clear confirmation my suitcase is joining us. Return to cabin after party -- hurray! Bag in cabin. Greet it with hugs and kisses, then unpack it and hope not to see it again any time soon. Vacation has now officially begun.

I see the veggie burger is free. Totally disagree with that. They should pay us to eat that thing.