Torfamm

You both must have a passport. https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/

One potential negative that never seems to be mentioned is the cold. On an Alaska or Antarctica cruise for example, many people enjoy bundling up and sitting on their balconies to enjoy the view and watch for wildlife. I have to imagine that the cabin would get really cold, essentially if the heat turns off when the window is open.

I have no doubt that there were people who hated the switch from actual keys to plastic cards too. Change can be hard. It was a genuine adjustment for people to have to remember their cabin number rather than just look at their key.

The dress code is the same on all itineraries, but in my experience fewer people choose to dress according to the formal night dress code on Alaska sailings than they do on some other itineraries like Europe. The dress code is here https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/what-to-pack-for-a-cruise/

We went to Take 5 often when we were on the Enchanted earlier this year and it was always pretty full. I like that Take 5 doesn’t feel like it had tons of people walking through the middle of it the way the Crown Grill Bar does. That area feels like a hotel lobby or train station to me. It’s the absolute opposite of an intimate space in my opinion.

I've seen it start to populate as much as 60 days ahead of time. Sometimes it's not complete until boarding day though.

The thing that drew me to Princess was unique, longer itineraries. Once I tried them, the other things I found that make those itineraries enjoyable were lots of storage in closets that are much bigger than I’ve had on other lines and self-service laundry. I also find the crew to be attentive, like the savory food that’s available in the International Cafe and think the price is good compared to similar cruise lines. It’s mostly about itineraries for me though.

I wonder if it's a staffing issue. Maybe they have staff that are ill and had to close a section of the dining room? I hope he will ask and get an answer.

I've seen it done on a Bermuda cruise but never on any other itinerary.

There are exceptions. If an adult is traveling with one or more minors and no other adult is in your party, Princess requires everyone in the party to have a passport. The document policy is here. https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/

The online renewal program has been paused. It is only possible to renew by mail or in person. If you renew by mail, you must send in your current passport. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html

It’s not just US passports either. Nexus is also taking forever to renew. It’s very frustrating.

Easy peasy only if you have time to spend months without a passport. The current situation is a huge headache for frequent travelers

It will depend on your situation. For example, if you are traveling with a minor and no other adult is in your party, you will need a passport. The document policy is here https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/

You will not have to pay a fee.

We’ve been on seven cruises since the restart had no trouble getting the same table except on one. We usually book the 7:00 or 7:20 slot.

I agree the space is awful. Unfortunately so was the meal we had there last month. It also took 90 minutes to get our food.

I think that’s true for sure in North America ports but the poster who asked the original question didn’t say where they are embarking. I wouldn’t take the chance and assume that Asia, Australia, or New Zealand ports won’t check boarding times.

You click on Personal Information and Documents then scroll down to the "Suggested" section on the next screen and click on Arrivals

We have had a cruise where boarding times were checked. It was over a year ago though. I wouldn't want to count on not needing a time unless it's a port that I use frequently and am absolutely certain about. IMO It's well worth making the effort to select a boarding time.

If time and money allowed, I would do a northbound 7 day, a rail tour, then a southbound 7 day. Having a second chance at ports or scenic cruising in case of bad weather would be ideal. Realistically a land tour followed by a southbound cruise that includes Glacier Bay is what I think is the best option to get a good overview of Alaska. I did a Princess Lodges rail tour that was completely separate from my cruise and loved it. There was no bus travel nor were there lots of organized group excursions or planned meals. We could pick the excursions we wanted at each lodge or book something on our own. To me it was the best of all worlds - hotels, train tickets and transfers arranged, leave luggage outside your door each departure morning and find it in your room at the next destination but spend each day as you wish. I much preferred traveling every leg by train rather than doing half by bus on a cruise tour. https://www.princesslodges.com/alaska-rail-tours/learn/ I chose this unescorted 6 night tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage and would highly recommend it. https://www.princesslodges.com/alaska-tours/itinerary-3ts/?from_search_query=dG91clR5cGU9ZXhwbG9yZXImc2VhcmNoT25seT0w#3TS

If an accepted bid would make it worthwhile to move to a different class of cabin even if it may not be in your preferred location or near the others in your party, it could be a pro. Each person is different as is each offer. For example, a lot of people who have an inside cabin would be very happy to pay $50 to move to a balcony no matter where it is.

Yes, the groups open for selection. It was 60 days ahead of sailing on my most recent cruise. An email assigning those who haven’t selected boarding times to times would be sent a day or two before sailing

Not sure, but it seems logical that passengers are only able to be insured for their costs.

I think that charging for insurance is normal. The total on the booking confirmation shows what is due after all of that. The casino department makes the additional payment