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That class of ship is called the Grand/GEM class ships. I know there is one more name for them. They are a modified "Grand" class ship with one extra deck.

I had a medallion order issue. Too long to go into details. Called 3 times. First two times, got the same agent. Second call: "Please may I speak to a supervisor" fell on deaf ears. He never could resolve the issue. Third time was a charm. Foreign agent. Same spiel...."May I speak.." He assured me that he could handle my problem. I begged. He asked me to allow him to try. He was able to order my medallions. I asked him how long he has been with Princess. He said 1 year, but that wasn't the reason he could fix it. He knew of the problem and knew what to do. In all fairness, there are some (few) who are knowledgable. The key is to know what you want (know more than them), and don't leave without confirmation that NOTHING else was tampered with/cancelled.

I was handed a small card with the service description and "fee".

It's "Moxy". Very small rooms (transit style room) next to the Quay Mall. It has a Krispy Kreme Donut shop. Check out live theater while in Southampton.

I’ve never heard of this term before.

I think the Sun Princess was cursed during construction. “Someone” is not happy with Princess building bigger ships. I did hear about Santorini. Hope you make it to the rest of your ports. Let us know how successful water shuttles are with more passenger load (if you have any more anchor stops).

Any reason given for both cancellations?

Not in any particular order (I'm not known for being sequential). The ship transfer is only good for day of cruise. If you are planning on coming in a day or two earlier...and making your way to Southampton, then you will need to arrange for your own transportation. We have hired a car service. For 2 passengers, it seemed like the most reasonable way at the end of a long flight. I am booked at the Moxy (a Marriott). Many of the hotels are transit hotels...small and not much to offer. I just cancelled: the Holiday Inn and the DoubleTree (outside the port area). I am not sure how far in advance you can book a hotel. Just keep checking. I am an overplanner. I also booked my flight with EZ Air 330 days out (or was it 300?). The fare never dropped. Granted, I am flying in Business Class from California. I've tracked it at least least once a week. Again, this is something you can cancel 90/45 days out. I also check with airline direct (more expensive to International).

@Knickearth Thanks for the follow up post. I am so sorry your flight home was such a nightmare. There is a slight difference in coverage between regular and Platinum Princess Vacation Protection (PVP). I have cruised a lot. I am "lazy". The one time I didn't have insurance, ("it was a last minute trip...why would I need....") was the time I needed it the most. I have "cashed" in on 4 travel insurance claims. I know I should be more invested in choosing my insurances. But I am covered by Medicare (within the US) and an excellent secondary plan. So medical is taken care of. It's the travel portion I am most concerned about. Crossing my fingers that your claim is processed quickly and you are reunited with your travel expenses.

Spot on.... I do feel for those passengers that need an accessible cabin. The bottom line to this is to book very early, keeping watching, and/or see what happens near Final Payment. I understand that some are not planners and/or "stuff" comes up. Cruising isn't for everyone (dietary needs, handicaps, getting sea sick, etc). But it is one of the best ways to travel, in my opinion.

Tea service in the MDR on a sea day is free. Service begins around 3/3:30. Scones can be found in the buffet after 3 PM (not sure daily). Wish they were at the IC also. I miss my warm cookies and milk cart in the Piazza at 4 PM.

I stayed at the Pan Pacific for less than $1000 in September 2022. I think it was even less than $400. It's the Canadian fees that are outrageous. There is a fee (not suggested tipping) for the bell desk to come to your room, pick up your luggage, walk it to the ship, and "watch" that it gets loaded on to your ship. Then you can skip the first step (drop off your luggage and go upstairs). The Grand was the only ship in port. We were seated in the first couple of rows by 10:30. Boarded shortly after 11. It was all part of the "experience". The Pan Pacific is the perfect place to do a pre-cruise stay. Disclaimer: A friend of mine is leaving out of Vancouver in September 2024. Three ships in port. No room at the "inn". That's A LOT of passengers coming and going.

Buy it now or buy it later… If you trust Princess not to raise the price between now and then.

They have changed. I can't say change as in an improvement. Still won't eat the canapés. Pretty to look at, but sketchy at best.

Mahalo @mikjr for the video...missing a video of Leialoha and her graceful hulas.