Bbearz

It really depends on two items: cost, and what you really like to see.

Cost is obvious-

If you want to see the ocean all the time- like we do... book the ocean view.

If it's people watching, remember, you can people watch all the time while on deck. Do you prefer the "city" life, or nature???

Consider carefully-

Princess has coin operated laundries on several levels of each ship...the only line I know of that has this! (check the floor plans for location of facilities) Several washers/dryers, nice iron and ironing board...suggestion- do laundry either very early (7:30 AM, or in the evening...) though I have never had an issue getting machines! Enjoy your cruise!

...Repeat..DO NOT leave the fenced in area of Labadee...NOT SAFE-It is Haiti...

Princess Cay is fine...part of the Bahamas...

...for my sanity, safety, etc,. we NEVER leave home without them- You just Never know what might come up....

For my peace of mind we always use Early-Bird check in...it just makes the cruise better and less stressful...If this is cost prohibitive, then a friend to check you in....I am assuming you do not have "free" internet time as a frequent cruiser on this line.... Good Luck!

I am a seasoned cruiser, but have not been out in the Pacific- We are heading to Hawaii then on to Tahiti...have done CA to Mex though...I am wondering what the ocean will be like- not counting any late hurricanes...rough, high seas, etc...Have been around Great Britain, the Caribbean, one trip from Boston to Bermuda (in spring- very high seas...) Just want to know what can be expected... Only sea sick on Bermuda trip... And I know this is a subjective question.....Thanks for the help!

We have sailed on Princess many times, in many itineraries...No problems with Princess...have also sailed on RCL...Princess and RCL are not similar, we found RCL to be more "common" like downtown Las Vegas VS the strip....

Yes...Typically mid Oct...Sept is almost always wayyyy toooo early for color...But, it really depends on rain fall in the summer, temps in Sept.---Good Luck!

As has been stated... It feels right..

So- decor is less glitzy and more subtle glam...dining rooms not has hectic/loud...less children...more areas to sit around in...less people walking around with alcohol...more lounges(bars) with nicer, calmer decor...entertainment choices...more "mature" activities (no who makes the biggest splash...)...opinion-staff more knowledgeable...food is mostly equal...specialty dining more to our taste and a bit better by our standards (Princess = A-, Royal = B)..promenade more shops/more jewelry...

We took Royal past spring...just too much commotion....

We are not "old", and my daughter of 32 says she prefers Princess too...

Good luck!

Hmm, as a retired teacher, my thoughts are these- at 6 can he truly remember the awesome experience of Alaska??? Soooo much to see, experience, remember for a life time... My first thought was Alaska, but then I began to think about a six year old... Bermuda would be more visceral for him- warm sand, warmish water, etc.

Alaska, mountains- not always a big deal to kids, snow like wise- ice bergs YES a big deal... the glacier bay experience may be boring after a bit... etc.

Save Alaska for when the child is older (early 30's) unless the child is real unusual and LOVES nature and can truly understand the magnificence of Alaska... Good Luck!

Do you wish to see foliage while in NJ, Boston, etc.??? A little early for any color... Both cruises are very different in location... what do you wish to see? Can't tell where you live now, have you ever been to N.E. area??

We are loyal Princess people, but this past spring had the occasion to go on RCL . We found the suite to be nicer than Princess, the food to be very similar, the staff to be similar. We did find that the lounges on RCL were not up to par to what Princess has, the specialty dining on Princess was much better too. We found a lot of people walking around on RCL with drinks in their hand rather than in a lounge/bar, the shops to be less impressive, the promenade to be less impressive and smaller.

I think I am the dissenting person' date=' who would definitely recommend a balcony cabin for your Alaskan cruise. I went to Alaska last September and found the balcony was worth the money due to the spectacular scenery and ability to see wildlife right from your balcony. Tracy Arm Fjord was the most beautiful day ever spent cruising and I was so happy to have the balcony. I took a million pictures from the balcony and was able to go in and out of my room to warm up. To me, I much preferred this to being on an upper deck with a lot of people. The ship turns around when it gets to the glacier, so you spend an equal amount of time facing the other side of the fjord too (so you are not missing anything). I much preferred seeing the scenery from the privacy of my balcony with my husband - it was almost a spiritual experience.[/quote']

We had a balcony too- and were able to have friends join us- too crowded for a short person like me to see around people...We loved it for viewing- the ship turns around so you see what everyone see...and able to warm up in our room too! Balcony is worth the $$ if you can do it...

We have always used a TA- On board credits, wine, constant tracking for a cheaper fare, a contact person to help, knowledgeable about ships/itineraries, jsut to name a few, AND NO FEE... EVER!!!! Guess we have an awesome TA:)

Hi! If you are brand new to cruising I would highly recommend that you seek out a travel agent...Not just book on line... a qualified, reliable travel agent can help you out with all your questions... your individual style, etc. Look for a travel agent, it will be so much better than trying to read opinions... We have used one for ALL of our cruises- the same one! and have Never been worried!!!

It does depend on what your plans are....a ski cap on deck during glacier bay cruising- I needed one and was from the North east...waterproof hiking boots if you are going adventurous- a rain jacket is a must. One pair of shorts/tee shirt- it can be warm. Light gloves too....

Looking at the suite amenities for R.P.- what is the difference between Thermal suite and Enclave? Wanting amenity for Enclave not sure it is available as an amenity anymore...:confused: