Bemidji Ty

3 hours ago, Mark_K said:

Who did you talk to to book the embarkation night dinner?

I just chatted with a rep on the Princess website.  He told me there was no need to reserve embarkation day specialty dining for suite guests as that is included.   Was he wrong?

Just got our cabin assignment today.  We leave next Wednesday.  Since we'd booked a guaranteed cabin (it was all that was available in the mini-suite category), we had to abide by the guidelines.  We've been assigned a window suite (#311).  And that's just fine.  Thanks for all your comments.  I appreciate it.

Cheers

OP here.  Thanks to all for your responses.  We appreciate it.  We've decided to stay in the mini-suite and have increased our bid for the Reserve Collection.  The clincher for us is that we really enjoy what a private balcony adds to the cruising experience - especially in Alaska.  Whatever happens, we are looking forward to another cruise.  As our daughter stated, "First world problem."

Cheers

Kind of like the line from Music Man, "You can eat your fill of all the food you bring yourself."

Cruising to Alaska June 5 for 14 days on the Grand.  We've booked a mini-suite with a bid to get Reserve Dining.  Today we got an email saying the Reserve Dining offer wasn't accepted but they could offer us a Window Suite for a very low fee.  This will be our 5th time to Alaska.  I read the many reviews of the WS's and am leaning toward keeping the MS.  The balcony is great to have, we are Elite and have many of the suite perks (minus Sabatini's breakfast) and have a large OBC.  What would you do?  Thanks and Cheers.

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Take 2.  FWIW.  I was talking with some friends last night at an event.  They were describing the very expensive problems they've been having regarding their upcoming cruise on Viking (not Virgin, I know, but certainly an upscale line).  I am not excusing Princess' absolutely dismal response to the OP.  I am only suggesting that this pattern is not endemic to Princess.

Cheers

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1 hour ago, silkismom said:

That's "ya sure, you betcha"

Ooh ya, don'tcha know.  I been away from Bemidji too long.  I gotta a guy from church what's from Wisconsin and I can kinda understand him.  Hows about we finda bar what plays polka music and we can have a beer ana bump din?  Okey dokey?

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To add to TM's comment, at the top of the Mt. Roberts tram is a restaurant that serves crab nachos.  As my daughter said while eating them, "If these are wrong, I don't want to be right."  Goes very well with Alaskan Amber beer.  Cheers.

1. 16 hours ago, warren buffet said:

   Hey that is me and.my wife's sailing.both legs also.  Maybe we should meet for a drink 

   You betcha (in my Minnesota accent).  Let me know when and where and I'll confirm it with my blushing bride.  Cheers.

• It appears that the issue is not that the correct info is readily available, but rather that false information is being given by phone support staff.  You can read that the OP dined in the MDR with the full understanding that this was included. 
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• If I ever get my brother on a cruise, it would be his first.  He is likely to accept without question whatever the incompetent phone support folks may tell him. 

Try using a different browser.  I just tried using MS Edge.  No problem.  Cheers

Do you know if mini suites are included in this menu?

You can walk around the town from the dock easily.  That's what we did last August.  Not much there. 

Took this photo a few years ago on the Skagway train.  Guy next to me was taking pictures at the same time.  He submitted his to Princess for their annual photo contest and won something - maybe a cruise.  Essentially the same picture.

Yes.  We've always had them refunded.  Don't remember if it was OBC or not. 

Ken, thanks so much for your research.  We will be doing the 14 day Van to Van starting June 5 on the Grand.  This will be our 5th time to Alaska on Princess.  We love it.

Cheers.

Yikes.  I wouldn't be happy.  Sorry this happened to you.

Changes I would make are: 1. Service in buffet would be cafeteria style where you hold your plate and staff serves the food.  After close to 70 cruises, I have regularly witnessed the unhygienic habits of a significant number of my fellow passengers and I would think that given recent events, it is time.

2. Teach the staff to read their audience.  A while back, probably pre-covid, we were on a ship and went to Skywalkers after dinner for libation and dance.  A look at the crowd would have revealed that 80% or more were Medicare eligible.  Noone was on the dance floor.  The DJ was playing loud electronic tunes.  I asked if he had any Motown, Stones or Doobie Bros.  He played "I Heard it through the Grapevine" and "Mustang Sally".  The dance floor quickly filled up.  He was unable to detect the reason and went back to evangelizing his electronic sounds.  The dance floor emptied and many left.  

52 minutes ago, Earthworm Jim said:

 

Aren't they only available in kids size?

I've been retired for 8 years now and while my DW of 48 years may differ, I occasionally consider myself full-grown.

Got some air tag bracelets from Amazon.  They were cheap and work great.

I've experienced 3 out of nine, recently.  Those related to bodily functions and sounds.  Probably the most egregious event was a couple who brought their dog into the MDR in a stroller and sat   at a table very near ours.  At first, I thought they were bringing in a newborn or infant because of their demeanor.  A bark soon dispelled that assumption as did a semi-regular yipping.  The proud couple encouraged others including waitstaff to interact with their precious bundle.  We quickly decided to try and ignore them with some success.  We were glad that the waitstaff who did physically interact their dog was not serving our food.

Cheers.

We have about 25 Princess cruises.  I have experienced this in the past and now go through a TA.  In the past, when I got someone who was not helpful, I would say goodbye and call again. It is becoming harder to accomplish this. I agree. Very frustrating.