Yellowlily

1 hour ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Hope you have a great cruise!  Welcome to Princess!

Thanks so much!!  And so excited to experience Princess!!

1 hour ago, JF - retired RRT said:

It's worth noting that Mini Suites don't get any of the special perks that the Suites get. Your wording above makes it sound like you're expecting some.

Also, Princess really doesn't have any way to pay for special perks. Want early boarding? Book a cabin category that has that as a benefit (altho' as @skynight pointed out) it's kind of moot with the medallion.

No, I was mostly concerned about the sleeping arrangements along with a little extra room,  We originally looked at deluxe balcony and decided on a mini suite. Seeing that Reserve Collection was so limited as far as what we were looking for, we went with a Category MB..and added Princess Plus.  Also new to Princess and didn't know what to expect with embarkation/debarkation and now thanks to other posters, feel a little more confident.  Still have a way to go before the voyage, we got the category and cabin we wanted on the itinerary and ship we wanted, so very happy with all of that.  

Perhaps I answered my own question...but is this the game lounge?  Just wondering what to expect for kids.  Thanks.  

I just saw on Youtube something in regards to a Churchill lounge possibly being turned into a Kids Arcade (could have heard that wrong - or somewhere near there)?  I believe on Regal Princess. Just wondering if anyone has any insight on this.  Im sure my kids would love that.

42 minutes ago, skynight said:

One thought that is at least worth a try. Work with a T.A. See if they are able to book a reserve class mini for 3 and arrange for a roll away for the forth person. Have no idea if this would work or even be considered, but it might be worth a try.

The most important benefit of reserve class is the dining, especially the evening meal. It's walk in and prompt seating. Is it important for the 3rd & 4th occupant to have this?

Plus package is a nice value. The 1st two passengers in the cabin are required to have this fare. It's optional for passengers 3 & 4. If passengers 3 & 4 are minors you would have to do the math to see if it is worth it for unlimited non alcoholic beverages and the few other benefits.

You can purchase packages, but you can not purchase benefits. You may receive an offer to bid on an upgrade.

Priority embarkation isn't a really big deal. With the medallion information all in place boarding is fairly easy. There really isn't priority disembarkation. You request a time necessary to meet your flight and you get it. Or you can take early walk off. Basically you get to disembark when you need to. 

 

ah....i see...this makes sense, thank you very much for the information.  We got booked in Mini Suite on the Regal, category MB on Caribe Deck.  Also we got the Princess Plus.  Super Excited!  Now to do all the other good stuff, excursions and all the other fun stuff!  Thank you again very much for explaining this,  We are new to Princess and very excited.  

okay, thank you all very much for the information, this is great, thank you.....

Let me add to this.....is this worth it...otherwise will look at MA or MB Mini Suite....are there other ways to pay for Priority Embarkation/Debarkation or other ways to pay for any upgrades,etc. once booked?  Just wondering - not a make or break deal, just wondered what kind of perks can you get/pay for without actually booking a standard suite....hope all that makes sense.....Also, forgot to add we are looking at Princess Plus Package

Trying to book a British Isles Cruise (12 Night out of Southhampton in Summer 2025 on Regal Princess - but have looked at others as well)......looking in particular for an M1 Mini Suite Reserve Class - can only find M1 with party for 3, we are party of 4.  Not having any luck and didn't know if those sell out quickly - I take it yes, and wonder if there's another way to find one, or are there just not any available (or extremely limited).  Thanks in advance!

13 hours ago, Wishing on a star said:

Not a great video, as it was filmed vertically instead of landscape...   (and turn down the sound)

This is on the Sky,  so different linens, drapes, etc...   But VERY similar cabin.

 

Thank you so much for this, extremely helpful!!

Wow, that’s quite a deal. Thanks for sharing!

Okay, thanks for sharing that!  Good to know!

thank you all for the great information, looks like the mini suite for the win!  now to more cruise planning!  Happy Sails all and thanks so much again!

6 minutes ago, reedprincess said:

While I'm not normally a mini-suite fan, in this case - probably a better choice for your family than a Deluxe Balcony.  

 

The mini-suite will have the two kids in their own area, in their own separate beds with a curtain dividing them from your bed area, and their own TV. Of course, still only one bathroom, but it's slightly larger than the one in a Deluxe Balcony, with a tub rather than just a shower.   

 

The Deluxe Balcony, which is my usual choice in a Royal class ship (like Regal), is plenty space for 2 or even 3, but add that fourth and it's quite tight. When the sofa bed is out, it blocks the balcony door, as does the Pullman berth, which is right in front of the balcony door!  Plus, no divider curtain, and one TV.  

 

Of course, budget, etc all okay a role also. The Deluxe Balcony would work, just a bit tight. The mini gives more space and some spot of privacy, so to speak...

 

Below is a pic of the mini-suite with the beds made up for the 2 kids . 

 

Happy sails. 

wonderful - thank you very much for the information!  Fantastic!  Sounds like the mini suite will be a great choice for us!

17 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

I would def. go for the mini-suite.

The deluxe balcony would have the berths for the teens right there in the same cabin area as the beds.

These are only a few extra feet more than the standard balcony cabins.

In a mini-suite at least the areas are divided.  The extra beds are where the sofa is.  I believe, for four with separate beds, the pull-down will come down over the sofa.

And there is the curtain there, that at least provides some kind of division space.

To bad Princess doesn't have cabins with the split bath like Disney, and some cabins on Carnival.

Of course,  one bathroom for the four guests. It is a slightly larger bath with a small tub, instead of just the small corner shower.

 

I am assuming that you are not considering two cabins...  Especially with the third and fourth guests Promo.

 

If you can't spring for two cabins, go for at least a min-suite.

Yes, you are correct, thought about the two cabins but don't want to pass up on the 3rd + 4th guests Promo.  That is wonderful info you gave, thank you very much! Sounds like the Mini-suite is probably the way to go for sure.  

I hear ya about those Disney split baths - wow, those are nice!!  

4 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

I found this here on CC.....   

The SECOND photo is a mini-suite, vs a deluxe balcony

 

 

5 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

I found this here on CC.....   

The SECOND photo is a mini-suite, vs a deluxe balcony

 

 

Wow, thank you soooo much!!

Hi there, looking into booking a British Isles cruise on the Regal Princess, new to Princess (seasoned cruiser but new to Princess).  We are a family of 4 and usually book a balcony cabin and have opted for a suite before on past sailings.  Was wondering if a Mini Suite vs. Deluxe Balcony (2 adults and 2 kids - one teen/one pre-teen) would be a better choice for comfort for our family.  Im guessing it would be worth the cost but wondered exactly difference between two cabins and what the bed configurations are like for the kids. 

Just started doing research recently and very much looking forward to cruise planning! 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Last week, our questionnaire was "Have you had COVID in the last 10 days". And you sign the electronic form asserting that you have not had COVID in the last 10 days. 

 

The muster works by you watching the video before you arrive at the terminal (they will send you a reminder every day the week before cruise). You go to your muster station and they scan your card. All done. 

Excellent - thank you very much for the information.  I very much appreciate it.  All sounds good and easy.  Hope you had a wonderful cruise!

Does anyone have the updated health questionnaire that the check in agent at the cruise terminal asks prior to embarkation?  Also, do you do this in the app/online day of or day prior or do they still ask at the check in desk?  What are the specifics on COVID exposure (as in how many days post exposure?)

Also, how does the new muster drill work? Scan your card at a specific station or no?  

Thanks!

Hello, new to NCL, first time NCL cruise coming up - super excited.  we are seasoned cruisers but haven't sailed since Pre-Covid.

Was wondering if anyone could provide what embarkation will be like?  

We have already done our E-docs/check-in, etc.....

We also have a person in our party (husband) with a wheelchair (we are bringing our own onboard) and have corresponded with NCL regarding all of those special needs, etc.

We have our check-in time of 12 pm

*we are embarking on the NCL Sun

1.  Is there a special line for wheelchair passengers we should look for or no?  

2. Does NCL crew push my husband up the gangway or should I be prepared to push him up to ship?  I realize after on board, I will be helping him - just asking about during embarkation

3.  I have printed e-docs, but do we also show our barcode, etc. on the NCL app?

4. What other info/documents should I be prepared for?  I have our passports at the ready

5.  COVID regulations?  do they ask if weve been vaccinated, etc. (we have all our vacs), do they ask if we've been exposed in last 14 days or so (similar to check in at doctors office/health clinic)

6. Anything else I should know? - saw maybe go to MDR for lunch to avoid amount of people at buffet? 

Thanks in advance!!!  

New to NCL, we have an upcoming cruise on the NCL Sun and everyone in our party has the soda package.  Happy to see they have Diet Coke!  Can anyone tell me what to expect/where to find a can of Diet Coke/Coke/Sprite versus fountain drinks on the ship?  Just curious what to expect.  Also, should we bring refillable water bottles for water, etc? - I've never done that before but keep seeing that it's a good idea.  Done a lot of cruising in the past but this the first one since COVID and our very first NCL, super excited!  Thanks in advance.  Also, we did pre-purchase several cases of the cartons of water for our cabin.  Saw that it was a lot more economical to pre-purchase the water.  Thanks again!

this is wonderful advice, I'm very grateful, thank you all so much!

Thank you all for very helpful tips, I truly appreciate it!

Hello all!

My family and I are going on NCL Sun in December.  My husband is partially disabled due to multiple failed total knee replacement surgeries (he walks with a knee brace and cane...mind you he's a tall man at 6'6").  *side note....he is getting re-constructive surgery shortly after we return from our sailing, which we are hopeful.... We have thus purchased a foldable wheelchair for this trip in particular, as he cannot walk - even with the cane and brace - very far or for very long. 

I am looking for any general advice (I have gone through many threads as well as youtube videos to try to familiarize myself with what is to come).  He is filling out the mobility form for Norwegian as well.  I'm wondering in particular the following....

1. Embarkation & Debarkation - will NCL provide disabled cruisers a different line and/or boarding time and how does this work?

2. In specialty restaurants & dining rooms - do we just wheel up to table, etc? Will maitre d assist, how does this work?

3. Cruise excursions (we are doing an Eastern Caribbean itinerary) - there are limited excursions specific to disabled travelers - any advice on booking a taxi, etc. that will be able to transport our family (4 people plus a wheelchair - it does fold)?  Ports are San Juan, Puerto Plata - DR, St. Johns Antigua, St. Thomas, St. Martten, St. Kitts & Tortola.  I believe we should be able to dock in all of these ports (crossing fingers for no tendering)

4. Any other general tips?  We are driving to the port, which is great.  Last vacation, we did fly American Airlines and they were wonderful with my husband and provided a wheelchair every step of the way.  Hoping to have a smooth and relaxing cruise!  Thanks in advance!

Was just on the Allure and we went to Chops (had the BOGO).  So, it was not excluded to answer your question.  I have to say that it was our least favorite amongst the speciality dining that we tried this time.  The main reason being service and food was just ok.  We usually love Chops.  I have to say if you go, I do highly recommend the filet - because the filet was the highlight.  Off topic, but I have to mention that 150 Park was absolutely amazing, one of the best speciality dining experiences I've had on any cruise ship.  

Just off the Allure, we were in a Grand Suite.  Did room service breakfast for mornings we had shore excursions - absolutely perfect and reliable!!  Very happy with it.  However, we also did room service for a light lunch one day early on in the cruise - perfect and delicious.  Unfortunately, we ordered room service for dinner off the MDR menu (perk of suite guests) - was told the usual 40-45 minute wait time.  We did this since our son fell asleep and we had planned to see one of the shows after dinner (as you know....if you want to plan any scheduled entertainment, timing and planning is everything!).  Unfortunately, our food took over an hour and a half!!  and it showed up not very good - cold and not very tasty.  Probably the worst meal of the entire cruise.  And you guessed it....we missed our show.  Didn't complain but chalked it up to lesson learned.  I would say that the breakfast (which I have to add we just ordered light continental breakfast - coffee, juice, toast, cereal, granola & fruit each time) was absolutely right when we requested and was a life saver because we were able to eat, get ready and get on the gangway for our scheduled excursions.  Very happy with that.