Its the journey

No more than 12 days, after that I need land. But we cruise at least six times per year. After many years of frugality, money is no object, when I'm with my partner, we always sail in at least a junior suite. We also get anything our hearts desire as add ons. On the rare occasion that I sail alone, I get the cheapest cabin there is, not because of finances, but because I truly don't care where I sleep. Noise etc doesn't bother me in the least (I spent my college years living over a tapas bar). I like to leave the quiet, less trafficked areas to those who are bothered by these things

Lol, wait until the gamblers realize the new sphere class doesn't even have a bar in the casino!!!

Agreed. I hung out at the retreat pool on one of the Royal class ships on two cruises and didn't realize it was supposed to be adults only until I found these boards. No one was following that rule. People of all ages were everywhere. Some ships apparently do make more of an effort than others though. Note: I am at least middle aged so I myself wasn't breaking any rules.

Wow! Once I pay 400 (and up) per day, I never see those issues. Viking. Cunard. Silverseas.... Because generally those ships aren't packed, there are plenty of loungers for everyone who wants to lounge.

Celebrity is my default because I live near a port (Tampa) that has celebrity and no princess. But I would love to see Holland America come back here ...

Have you ever cruised any budget lines? If you do, you will see first hand how nice it is to have a reserved lounger. Every time I cruise Royal I see people nearly coming to blows over loungers. I am like you, in that I have never had an issue, I usually roll up at the pool around 9 and there are always loungers in the shade, back from the pool. However, it is definitely nice to have a reserved one and many people do appreciate that

Herein lies the rub, for Princess loyalists ( and I consider myself one). Previously the sanctuary was a much loved and appreciated loyalty perk. Yes, being elite wouldn't guarantee you a spot, but it helped quite a bit and being able to get a place in the sanctuary definitely inspired me to chase loyalty levels with Princess. If they take that away, they offer very little loyalty rewards that anyone will chase. And if they want to compete with Royal, Royal will be a tough one to take on. Great loyalty perks, I have many friends who are completely "loyal to royal" just to earn another free drink. This is a real issue to me they are taking away something very attractive that was tied to loyalty and making it just about money. Will this impact loyalty? People on their first cruise will no longer be plotting how to obtain Elite to have a better shot at the sanctuary. Will they care less about loyalty to Princess? After all why chase perks when they are easily taken away. Or can be purchased, no loyalty required

Anyway, in my experience, kids will find a way to have fun. Even without a water park or roller coaster

So awesome! I used to watch the Love Boat and dream of being cruise director like Julie, she always knew what to say and do! I was obsessed with boats for years after that cruise, I spent hours making Lego boats with the cousin who is now a captain. Good times!

I loved that first cruise so much. My family wasn't particularly well off at that time and I knew they made a big sacrifice for us to be enjoying this experience, I was so grateful even as a child. It was a big family cruise, and made a great impression on several in my generation, more than one now work in the industry and one is a ships Captain!

If it was my contact at RCI, I might not play politics, she's a blood relative :). But with a friend, I walk a line.

Lol, I do not advise people on how to do their jobs. That is probably why I have quite a few friends, many of them well placed. And why I get many choices bits of gossip. Honestly, I get it. They want to keep their whales (high paying customers) happy. That is their priority. I get it, but I don't like it. They didn't even think to have an adult pool for the masses until they got complaints by the ton. However, the best thing people can do is spend their money elsewhere. That sends the best message. And really the only message they care about.

I had forgotten the ring toss! I remember the crew lining up to greet us as we came aboard. I felt so special!

Wait and see. They are discussing this issue. And yes, I do have a highly placed source at Princess. But even if I didn't common sense says that someone who is paying huge amounts per night to sail with princess is going to want their entire family to enjoy the amenity. And is capable of taking their business elsewhere. The number they are currently discussing is lowering the age to 12. Time will tell.

They don't want to confuse the issue right now. At the moment the "riff raff" can use the area for 100 per day. If they lifted the age restriction, it would be chaos! I'm clutching my pearls at the thought. Once the switch occurs in October, the rules will be updated.

Agreed. People paying suite prices will expect to bring their children. They may put some age limit (12 and up is being discussed) but I'm sure Suite children will be allowed. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense.

Even on a sea day, only 1/3 to 1/4 will want to sun bathe. And of those that choose to sun bathe, not all will choose the sanctuary as suite guests have more than one option. I also prefer shaded areas, so this sanctuary is a no go for me.

I think an even bigger issue was the possibility of glider noise overhead. Along with screaming, laughing people. Not a very "sanctuary" experience. Maybe the replacement fun zone will find a quiet alternative..... And I'm told (not going on this ship until November) that at one end, people can look down at the sun bathers in the sanctuary. Not worth it to me, I wouldn't buy in for the old price of 40 dollars a day. That setup wouldn't appeal to me if you paid me 40 a day. But I'm sure some will love it.

I completely agree. I think converting the Royal class may not be super easy though. Those sanctuarys have no pool (a dedicated pool is a must if they demand a huge premium for the area) and if they take the adult pool away from the main group of passengers, there will be hell to pay. It will be interesting to see how well Sun Princess does ...

Totally agree. It ticks me off when I see how uncomfortable those balcony chairs look on the new Sun Princess. They should at least provide a comfortable place to sit in the room (without resorting to sitting on the bed).

I actually was expecting the ex Disney guy to come up with something much more special to appeal to multi generational families. I'm older and childless, but there is nothing that makes me happier than the sounds of children having fun. I hope they can get it right.

My first cruise was Cunard when I was 5. They only had boring old people games like shuffleboard, I loved it! But we played as a family, so it gave me good memories of having fun with my dad (who was rarely home, always working or traveling).

Do you know the hours for O'Malleys off hand? I confess I haven't tried it yet. I like the gastropub menu much better though. Lobster Mac n cheese was yum! One of my gripes with the new Sun Princess is that in my opinion, they should have more than two casual dining options. Instead they added quite a few very expensive venues that are not even covered by the premium package. I'm not planning to drop a lot of money trying all the expensive, off plan options. I feel they are trying to fleece their captive audience just a bit too much.

I also was able to have a lovely chat with the Alfredo's chef on Discovery Princess, he is Italian and we found we were related! So naturally I am quite prejudiced in favor of his cuisine!

I disagree, and I am Italian. Born and raised in Italy, left when I was a teenager. The veal dish reminds me of my grandmother's cooking. Comfort food. But tastes vary greatly.