talkorpi

I think we are on the same cruise - planning on doing the same thing. If nobody has been able to find one of these mystery desserts by then, I might just have to order one and post it here no matter how good it looks just so people can see it! 😉

One of the biggest reasons I have always wanted to try Princess (and why I am finally taking the plunge after years of waiting for the right time and price) was elevated cuisine. As a foodie and home cook, I used to think that Princess' menus and food pictures looked incredible and were a huge draw. Plus, I am a bit of a chocoholic and thought that the Chocolate Journeys program and the incredible chocolate desserts offered every night were a huge plus. It's a pretty big disappointment that the dining experience seems to have been cut so much even in just the three months I have had my cruise booked. I know that the lines are hurting from the shutdown and need to make money, but this was the main reason I chose to upgrade to Princess, which has always marketed itself as a premium line. I can't say I'm as excited as I once was mainly due to all of these changes that have come to dining in the last few weeks. Am I still excited about my upcoming cruise? Yes, very. But will I have to lower my expectations (which were already lower due to the industry-wide cutbacks)? Yes. And when I have spent thousands of dollars, it becomes difficult to justify. I guess we will find out in a couple of weeks. Just my two cents that nobody asked for.

Anyone onboard able to find out what these actually are yet? Pictures would be even better.

That is correct. I also started this thread because those are the only two that we have heard about. I know Princess has more specialty restaurants than just these two so I was wondering if anyone could report on that (Salty Dog Gastropub, for example). I’m hoping that the price hike brings a better menu, but I know that’s wishful thinking. Still, Sabatini’s is seeing a ~40% increase in price, so maybe, just maybe there is a chance for a more upscale menu?

Wondering if there were any menu changes now that all of the speciality restaurants are more expensive as of 2/20. Of course the menus on Princess’ website have the old prices so they aren’t the ones being currently used. I have also seen three different menus for Sabatini’s that are claimed to be the “current” menu. Anyone onboard able to post specialty dining menus so we can see if there were any changes with the updated prices?

Ugh! Say it isn't so! Well, thank you for letting me know so that I can lower my expectations :(

If anyone is boarding today, please make sure to post any noticed changes here! ❤️

Well it looks like they "fixed" it because not only is that pricing showing for me, but every single category is $200 higher on my end than what you're seeing... 😠

Oh crap, I hope that version of Love Boat Dream isn't what's on the Ruby in April. The chocolate version looked incredible, and I hate shortbread...

I have no idea where to find these pictures people always mention. Would you be able to provide a link?

Following. Would love to see updated menus. The best ones I can find are from last year which are a little outdated. I know some YouTubers recently went on Ruby and very quickly scrolled through the menus, but there were never pictures of the actual food which I would like to see somehow.

Two posts up

Princess just posted a rendering of "The Signature Lounge" on their Instagram - description is of a two-level suite lounge. Looks like this is the venue at the aft on decks 15/16. https://www.instagram.com/p/Co7p-xssiRt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Just saying that if the Terms & Conditions expired yesterday, perhaps there are changes going into effect today that are not yet on the website. I could also be wrong, but usually when T&Cs expire something changes the next day.

Well on the website under all of the packages it has this caveat which is why I was wondering if someone could update today if they saw/heard anything different: Obviously as today is the 20th the listings are no longer guaranteed. Perhaps the prices listed are the same but since it is now past that date just not 100% sure.

I think I saw somewhere that the drink package prices have increased substantially. Can anyone who is currently onboard verify?

I started this thread originally asking if it was back as I have been unable to find any information about it post-pandemic. Unfortunately it seems like it is still not being offered at this time 😞

Well, we've finally arrived at the dreaded "price hike day" where all of these announced changes are going into effect. Wanted to start this thread so that people who are boarding / onboard can report all of the new changes, additions, and price increases. If you are able, I'm sure we would all be curious to find out about the new things like the juice bar and fitness classes. New prices on drinks, new drink package costs, etc. Hoping this can be a good resource for everyone to collaborate on!

Maybe the price is going to increase with all the other changes coming effective Monday and it is just causing IT issues while the program it? Just a wild guess

Does anyone have any food pictures from the new menus? Most of what I see online is outdated. Share away!

Does anyone remember when that venue used to be Fish & Chips? Those were the days...

Hoping the Dirty Banana is available in Galveston upon embarkation...

Can we PLEASE get a better itinerary variation out of Galveston? I've done the math - it's possible. So tired of the same three or four ports being offered from every line here with nearly zero variation. I really think that Princess' niche here could be itinerary variation - offering slightly longer sailings (8-10 days) that don't only use Cozumel/Belize/Costa Maya/Roatan. I literally have a spreadsheet that has possible itineraries that account for cruising speed/port times/etc. - Princess really needs to get better Caribbean itineraries from Galveston. More calls to Grand Cayman, please!

Oh my gosh, don't get my hopes up! When we did it on Carnival many years ago I think I got a baseball hat and a group picture. I am a home cook so getting a Chef's Jacket with the sea witch would be an absolute DREAM come true!

Thank you so much for asking! What a bummer. Hoping it will miraculously be back by the time I set sail in April... Enjoy the rest of your time on the Diamond!