snowfinite

Wow, thank you so much everyone for replying. I really appreciate reading about your experiences, and I'm definitely bookmarking this thread. I'm taking some notes and translating it so my mom can understand everything :)

One last thing I'm curious about -- I did go ahead and read all of the threads associated with the Sanctuary (at least on Island), and I still think it's a worthwhile investment during canal day. The reason is because my mom has limited mobility, so it would be nice to buy a pass for her so she can see more of the views while not having to move around as much. I know that the ideal way to see the locks working is to constantly shuffle around the ship, but that's not a good option for my mom (and I would discourage her from pushing herself too hard, anyway).

So: Sanctuary pass for $60 -- it will still afford decent 3/4 views, the only thing missing is just the front, right? Do you think this is the best way for my mom to enjoy the canal? Or do you think there are better views elsewhere(?)

Thanks to everyone who has already replied! I'll definitely stick to the regular Princess excursions despite the prices being marked up, especially because it would put my mom at ease :) I'm not a huge beach person but I'm interested in maybe some archaeological ruins in Huatulco (though I think there are better ones to see). I wasn't planning on stopping at Manzanillo already, and I'm glad my suspicions of it being kind of a sleepy town w/o much to do is confirmed.

My mom is definitely giving me her 250 mins :'). She's not probably even going to use half an hour of that. Though I have a no-emails policy during vacation, some of my clients still email me anyway to set up things later for the semester (I'm a private math tutor, I work for myself and set my own schedule). So my interest in internet is more work-oriented than social :loudcry:.

I'm aware I'll be seeing a lifeboat -- I'm not sure if that alone is worth upgrading, though. I don't particularly mind, and I assume I'll be getting most of my views outside of my stateroom anyway. I guess as a first-time cruiser I'm relatively easy to please! Maybe after more cruises my opinion will change?

The changes in ports due to natural disasters are also helpful. And:

No specific suggestions about your questions other than you may want to double check the embarkation time. The itinerary indicates that the ship departs LA at 4:00pm. Embarkation usually starts around 11:30am or so.

Also you may want to join your Roll Call for your sailing. I believe from what you wrote this is it:https://boards.cruisecritic.com/show....php?t=2394183

Thank you! I appreciate the correction. That makes a lot more sense... I'm glad someone caught that. And I just joined the Roll Call!

Hello!

I'm a first-time cruiser (ever, I've never set foot on a cruise ship!) accompanying my mom during the holidays for the 19-day roundtrip from LA through the Panama Canal. We are traveling on the Island Princess; I think our stateroom is an OW on the Emerald Deck. She's a platinum on Princess already so she knows her way around, but our interests are really different when it comes to vacations. She's on the older side, requires a walker, prefers her Native tongue, and doesn't much like a lot of loud hubhub unless it's an entertaining show, and generally sticks to her cadre of friends... though this time I am her sole companion!

I'm 26, I love culture, exploration, sightseeing, active stuff (like hiking), and especially the spa. I'm a huge foodie, so I'm looking forward to how the dining fare will be. I was hoping to get some tips, past experiences, and advice from people here :)

1. I know shore excursions tend to be inflated when you buy them through the cruise company, but are there any excursions worthwhile? I'm willing to pony up a little more cash to make my mom feel safe about me. Although I have no doubts I can worm my way through third-party organizers (I recently organized a remote 10 day trip to Mongolia for myself and my boyfriend), she gets really scared if I'm not doing something per protocol, and is constantly paranoid the ship will depart without me. The ports I am visiting are: Huatulco, Puerto Chiapas, Puerto Quetzal, the Panama Canal, Puntarenas, San Juan Del Sur, Manzanillo.

2. Speaking of the Panama Canal, are there any excursions offered during NYE? I noticed it completely blocked out when I tried to reserve. The dates we're transiting are 12/30 - 12/31... I called in to ask if they were sold out, and the representative told me it's likely there are no active contracts during that time because of the pre-New Year festivities. I know my mom is extra bummed, because it's the one port she hasn't been to already :(

3. What's up with the spa? Are saunas, steam rooms, etc. public access, or do they require a spa pass? (Again, I'm traveling on Island.) If so, how much is a pass? I already plan to pay for some Sanctuary time... apparently that's the only way you can get some good aft views on this ship :(

4. I've heard that specialty restaurants and spas will offer some incentives or discounts on the first night. Embarkation time is 4:00PM on 12/21 though... I don't see anything available to book online. Does that mean whatever discounted bookings are first-come, first-serve on the ship itself, or is the "first night" stuff waived because of the later embarkation time?

5. How fast is the internet, and is it worth buying any packages beforehand? My mom has some credit due to her Platinum status, but I was wondering if I should also get some more minutes now, to take advantage of the complimentary minutes if you book pre-embarkation.

6. My mom tends to be pretty budget-conscious, and I also don't plan to stay much time in my room. As such, is our assigned room pretty decent, or should we shoot for an upgrade? I asked my mom if she's ever had a balcony room before, and she hasn't (!) I almost want to do that for her so she can have a balcony experience once, but she also seem set on what she wants to spend money / save money on, even if it's my money.

7. What are some tips for this ship? Quiet areas, hidden nooks, etc.? I know the Island definitely not a crowd favorite, but I'm definitely going to make the most of it!

Thanks for reading! I appreciate it!