Palm Trees

I got the comp cruise offer in May.  How do I know what Tier level I am at?  I'd love the Classic Drink Package.

I'm here following along for the ride until OUR sailaway on Sunday.  Ahh, anticipation....

I would do away with formal nights. NO I won't eat in other venues, I paid to eat in the dining room with the same waiters every night in traditional dining.

"traditional dining" = traditional dress. My DH and I feel if there are white tablecloths, waiters in tuxedos, more glassware and silverware than we could possibly use, then we should dress "up" to it. Formal night = traditional cruising and we will vote to KEEP it at least ONE night. Perhaps one dining room is designated formal that night.

PS My DH just bought a tux this past spring after renting it onboard. That was quite a savings...IF he wears it!

We actually choose our Caribbean itineraries based on Tortola and Antigua. If only Princess would stop at Tortola in addition to Antigua, we (and those who join us) are happy! Do it, Princess!

Will be going on the Breakaway in December and need to know where the warm (or room temp) chocolate chip cookies are located? If Carlos Bakery has them, are they an upcharge? CC Cookies and cold milk are essential! :)

It is unfortunate, but there are people who feel they are better than everyone else

This thread is reminding me so much of "Keeping Up Appearances," a British comedy series based on the antics (and rudeness) of a Hyancith Bucket (pronounced Bookay). For those in the UK, she represents the 5% who are rude and above all others in stature. In the US, well, we won't go there. It all depends on the state, I suppose.

So, I try to envision Hyacinth in any of those scenarios on the ship and just smile. Those people are certainly missing out on "LIFE" which should bring a smile to everyone. They are exempt.

Oh, since Celebrity doesn't enforce it, that absolves you and your ilk of their personal responsibility to abide by the dress code for formal night?

 

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." I get it. ;)

We just received an invitation to a "Black Tie" wedding in Boston. Can't I just wear my "good jeans" and a "nice" t'shirt to that? Why should I have to dress up just because the bride and groom do? And just because they said I have to? And because the waiters will be in tuxes?.............

OK, so I am joking but you get my point. My DH and I LOVE formal nights. I love seeing everyone in fancy evening outfits. Women can wear a simple long dress and look smashing. Men in tuxedos make me swoon.

How long will it be before the wait staff wears baseball caps and red t-shirts to serve us if we don't care how WE dress? Again, I LOVE formal and that's why I choose Celebrity. (Yes, I absolutely DO care what others are wearing and I would ask to be moved if we were dining with others who are NOT formally dressed. Hmmph!)

To second what the above poster said, "It was a great, entertaining read!" Am planning on trying one of the Ruby Princess' Getaway cruises just to have some in-between cruise time. For the right price, EVERYTHING is right!

Agreeing with the above posters on Valley Church Beach. We used to go to Dickenson Bay next door to Sandals, but after a severe storm, the beach was eroded and we were advised not to go there. We once went to Pineapple Beach (all-inclusive day pass), but the beach seemed quite "dirty" and narrow. We may try Darkwood at some point, but we do like visual action on the beach, plus snorkeling. Snorkeling was fine at VCB, though, for me.

When we DID only one cruise a year, it was always to the Southern Caribbean, most often leaving from San Juan. After several years of Southern Caribbean, it never became boring. Once we could cruise more often, we'll add something different for the second cruise, i.e. Med or Coastal California/Mexico. We are NOT tourists, but are simply travelers. Neither of us enjoys touring much. Again, if we could only do once a year, it's still Caribbean, especially Southern. Antigua is our favorite beach island.

Another vote for San Juan!!!! We sailed every winter for over a dozen years from San Juan. The minute you arrive, the weather is usually fabulous. Not to mention the ports. Sail away on our balcony each night was a highlight. Air is not much different than to fll. Not a hassle to us, just a great warm-weather vacation. Bring back San Juan!!!

 

Janet

Same sentiments here. Almost always chose San Juan as the departure port for many years. It felt as though we were "already there" when sailing out of that beautiful port. Since Princess left San Juan, we haven't booked anything directly out of SJ except for a repo cruise on Celebrity. Please, please Princess...back to San Juan!

That was a great video! As a Bavarian, we prefer German sushi--herring and lachs. The breads on Princess are excellent, as was the pizza. It is definitely New York-style thin crust...at the outdoor pizzeria.

My heart goes out to the dog first and then to you. Even if the decision is to do the "humane" thing (which we've had to do in the past), will you be able to enjoy cruising so soon afterwards? Personally, I'd cancel this cruise. Europe will still be there for many more centuries, but your furbaby?

No matter which way this went for me, I'd just stay put and reschedule when the time is right without question.

To the poster who couldn't leave his baby at the vet: a few years ago I checked out an "excellent" facility to leave our Baby Buttons. The little dogs were crying, some crouched in a corner, not knowing who or when someone would be back. Stress on your baby will certainly take its toll. Just my humble opinion...

On the Oct 19-26 sailing of Summit, they were available on the "Everyday Menu" and truly available, as several at our table had them every night! Love the buttery sauce for dipping...

Isn't there a ferry from San Juan to St. Thomas? And very reasonable at that.

Good luck with your wedding plans!

Oh man, I forgot one of my REALLY REALLY tightwad things, something that will make anyone who sees you roll their eyes and mutter under their breath, "Cheapskate!"

 

For long days in port, I order room service the night before (usually a sandwich) and put it in the fridge (which of course I asked the steward to empty at the beginning of the cruise). The next morning, I take out the Ziploc bags that I brought with me, pack up my lunch, and away we go!

 

See? I told you it was really cheap!

I think this is a great idea and not cheap at all, just requires forethought. I'll use this on my next cruise. Thanks!