barbie5401

I'm always a bit surprised by this question. All Princess cruises have the same dress standards (just check the web site) and I always wonder why Alaska is singled out for people to ask about it being more casual. While dining on land in Alaska (as in many places) may be less "formal" than in other areas when one is on the ship the normal standards apply.

Can't understand - why this is talked about over and over? Read the Princess Guidelines!

For us - anything that we can't afford to lose goes in our carryon. Maybe one of the reasons we don't get to the ship very early, we prefer after 1:00 so we can leave our carry on in the cabin. All med's go in the safe as well as wallets, passports etc.

Something to remember #1 - no one is going to say "hey didn't she wear that top yesterday?" #2 - take half and do a load of wash - mid week put it in go have breakfast come back put in dryer. Easy.

On our week cruise usually around mid-point I do a wash of tee-shirts and underwear, socks - makes packing so much easier. Also, to send a shirt to the laundry to press/starch is much much less expensive if all you need is it to be pressed.

the couples' children want to make it even special for their parents, - chocolates to the room, $100 for each casino credit, soda and more card..! I so want to enjoy the cruise thru their eyes.

Thank you all for your honest answers - I'm getting excited about our trip, so I want to pass on the excitement but not overwhelm.

We are treating them to one night in the Crown Grill! I will bring post-it notes great idea!

We love our coffee in morning. Hubby and I flip a coin to decide who is going to the IC in the morning to get our coffee. While I am very spoiled at home, Kirk thinks he should be spoiled while on the ship. On the mornings, I have gone to get the coffee - it always amazes me to see how many people are up! Our favorite deck to be on is the Plaza deck - not to far from the IC!!!:)

We live in South Florida going to Seattle for an Alaska cruise, I purchased the cheapest air from American then use miles to upgrade to first!!! I also looked into Princess Air but I would rather go first class for $800 for the both of us.

My husband and I have been on over 150 cruises, not bragging just want to emphasis how familiar we are with cruising. We are going on the Ruby to Alaska in August with another couple who has never cruised. What words of wisdom can you give me so I don't overwhelmed them! Thanks

Princess lanyard was purchased first Princess cruise in the gift shop and is worn everyday while on board. After they take my picture when I leave the ship in port, I put it in my purse still on lanyard and then put it back on. I also have a small plastic sleeve for the coffee card.

Enjoy your cruise!

We are booked also on this cruise - love love the destination! It is still a long way off. Try the app ShipMate it will let you know if the price drops.

Love love your pictures - can someone tell me what is the concierge lounge?

Awhile ago on a cruise, I was safely on board and I heard my name being called, I thought something happened to my husband and I frantically found a phone and called - my seapass card wasn't read when I got back on the ship.

This might sound ugly but many times, we would watch the "runners" run to the ship - usually with big balloon hats and larger glasses - Carlos n' Charlie was the last stop!!!!

That is great to hear, I was a little worried. Since it will be Justin me and my husband, I don't think he would eat by himself...I can do it with no problem but he would just order room service and I don't want him to do that.

Sorry if I gave wrong impression you both go to the crab shack and he can eat from the buffet and you order the food from the crab shack

I am so glad you posted this, I absolutely love seafood but my husband cannot stand it. I was wondering if I could do the crab shack and he could grab dinner from the buffet.

 

I wonder if the smell of the seafood would be really overwhelming. Can anyone comment on that aspect?

Your not in very tight quarters so I don't think it would be offensive. I was very surprised to see so many couples split on this. We even had a few men eating by themselves enjoying the dinner with a couple of beers.

Hello Barbie,

 

First of all congrats on being a survivor. My wife, Dolores, is a nine year survivor and I am on my first year.

Now, for my question. I love every form of seafood. Or, for that matter, every form of food. My wife is less enthusiastic about working for her meal. If we were to go to the Crab Shack would we be able to share our table with me partaking in the seafood and she going to the Horizon Court ?

 

Regards,

Tom

Tom thank you being a survivor makes living life very differently. Now about Crab Shack my experience was on the Regal where we saw one person eat from the buffet and one crab shack

On the Regal the crab shack is located in a roped off area of the buffet, so people were getting up and making salads and bringing them back to the table. Also, we saw couples were one order the $20 dinner and the other ate from the buffet. However, no one could access the food being served to those that paid for the crab shack.

Your killing me with your photos! My husband wants a new camera, he said hey will probably live close to them - tell him to let me borrow his camera for our trip. Only kidding of course.

Glad your wife is on the mend.

Thank you for sharing your photos! We leave on 3rd of April, can't wait. Prayers for a speedy recovery for your wife.

Thinking of renting a car also! There will be 4 adults. What is the cost to visit? Also, does anyone - from where you park to the entrance is it far? Two of the 4 adults have problems walking far distances - should I bring my handicap decal?

I am looking for the paperwork they ask you to sign when checking in. Traveling with two handicap individuals would love to do it add of time.

Thanks so much for the responses. Yes they are two separate cruises. I love the idea you can go to a dining room for lunch on embarkation day. We have been to almost every island, so just the relaxation is what we are looking for. Unfortunately in the last 9 months, I lost my Mom to Lung cancer, my Uncle to Rectal cancer, my Aunt to Stomach cancer and my MIL to breast cancer, so Kirk and I need just a couple days together. The last two years have been not the best to say the least!

Thanks again for your help!

No we are totally green! I have been collectively on over 100 cruises from 1972 until 4/12 and never on princess - I guess I will have to keep reading!:confused:

My husband and I need to get away so we booked two 4 night cruises from Ft. Lauderdale in December 12/18 and then 12/30. We love cruising and just like to relax. We enjoy a good dinner and will give away some money in the casino. Please tell me what I need to know, that the travel agent doesn't tell you!

Hi, we went through Customs on the ship in Key West. US Citizens are around 10:30, we went a little early around 10:00 and walked right through. Deck 5, A Chorus Line Lounge, Aft.

 

You show your Photo ID/passport and SeaPass card and you're on your way, ready to explore KW.

Thanks so when we get off in Miami we just get our luggage and leave, if so perfect! I was thinking of going into office and saving a day of VACATION.

Quick question, where did you clear customs? Where do they check passports before you get to Key West or in Miami.

We are planning on taking this cruise and have friends meeting us - didn't know schedule thanks.