Lady Arwen

Awww, how sweet of you. You, and others like you, are why us old timers keep coming back everyday. Thank you. Lady Arwen is my youngest granddaughter’s favourite character in LOTR and I’m her favourite Nana……

Thank you for the correction. In my many times in the Sanctuary I’ve not seen four people in the Cabanas. Clearly it’s allowed, just not taken advantage of very often. My bad for assuming.

CA is crew appreciation, or gratuities to some. And, yeah you need it. For one last time I’ll give you a breakdown on what a very casual drinker would use each day, per person CA. $16.00 WIFI. 10.00 1 glass of wine. 15.00 1 cocktail. 15.00 1 soda. 3.00 1 specialty coffee. 5.00 Total without package $64.00. Cost of package. $60.00 I haven’t added in bottled water or juice or mocktails. Numbers do not lie. You tell people breakeven is 10 alcohol beverages per day. That’s $150.00. So, clearly not true. Don’t need wifi? Take off 10.00 and now it’s $54.00. Maybe an extra glass of wine at dinner? Add $15.00. Your total is now $69.00. Still ahead. Don’t like specialty coffee? Take off $5.00. Your total is now $64.00. Still ahead. No soda? Take off $3.00. Your total is now $61.00 and you’re still ahead by a dollar. So, 2 glasses of wine, $30.00 1 cocktail $15.00 and gratuities $16.00 with no wifi or other chargeable beverages is $61.00. These are facts. Not opinions. No fantasy numbers coming out of thin air. No exaggerations. I would love to see your breakdown and how you come to your conclusions. Please. I’m sure everyone would be interested.

Cabanas are for two people only. Outside of the cabana, you are provided with only two loungers. I have never seen more than two people in them. They cost approximately $220.00 per day. Not sure if they’re available half days. They’re really not that large. A small sofa and chair with a small table and a mini fridge and a tv that you have to use ear buds to listen. There aren’t that many cabanas and they book very quickly, so you will need to put your fastest shoes on. We usually just get two loungers for the entire cruise. The common area chairs and sofas and tables are for everyone. Service is lovely and afternoon tea at 3:00 is very nice.

Yes, quite literally. lol

I totally agree with you on your criticism comment. However, I’ve yet to read one post where people who purchase the packages criticize those who choose not to. That’s because we really don’t care. It’s your business, not ours. I really get tired of having to justify why I enjoy the package. I have never asked anyone to justify why they don’t want it. Why do some of us prefer suites and others love the inside cabins. Huge price difference, but nobody would dare criticize either choice. Is Princess making a lot more money off the cost of suites? You, betcha! Is it our business what type of cabin anyone chooses? Will the folks in the inside cabins start threads about what a waste of money to book suites? What about paying extra for Reserve class? Good value or not? And on and on with all the other available extras and upgrades. Can we all agree that this subject has been a never ending source of disagreements and could we just please let it go once and for all. That dead horse is really starting to smell. Let’s bury it.

You are so right!. If I’m having a bad hair day, look out world! lol. My DH has nice shiny silver hair and he takes his own stuff, too!

Princess tends to be much less expensive than HAL or Celebrity. We enjoy both, but occasionally Princess will offer a nice itinerary at a good price. It just depends on what your expectations are. Go with an open mind and enjoy your cruise.

Join the club. It’s actually getting pretty sad.

Actually, Covid had the greatest impact on the cruise industry and probably will for sometime. Before the shutdown, $1 deposits were common. Princess hasn’t been the Love Boat fantasy for quite some time. And yes, all cruiselines are looking to the younger demographic to build on in the future. Hence, ships with amusement parks on the top decks.

So that’s break even. Add specialty coffees with or without alcohol, water, mocktails, soda and you are way ahead with the package. And, many cocktails, especially wine, are much more expensive than $10.00 each. The wine we drink is $16.00-$18.00 each.

Does it include crew appreciation (gratuities)? On Princess it’s approximately $16.00 per person per day, depending on your cabin type and it’s included in the packages.

Yes, I know that, but I thought you meant that it was complimentary. Sorry, I misunderstood you post, My bad.

Please, where do we find the “on demand lobster”? What have I been missing? Thank you for the info.

Not all heroes wear capes.

Actually I retired in 2015, so I didn’t have to worry about my practice. However, many of my friends and colleagues did. You wouldn’t believe the protocols implemented every single hour of the day to allow them to keep seeing patients. They worried about every single patient and it was a stressful time. Thank you for recognizing your dentist’s dedication and being a good patient!

I totally understand. Those were different and challenging times and I can see why you kept to yourselves. I’m a retired endodontist, and yeah, back then I had to show up to work. lol

Agree! I will not be cleaning a toilet or searching for clean towels on vacation. We keep our cabin very tidy and clean, but this is too extreme for me.

Unfortunately, not here in North America. Lucky you. Time to book a cruise!

I haven’t seen this promo in a very long time. If it’s not on the website then it’s still gone.

Excuse me, but you have already told us on numerous occasions that you would NEVER buy the packages that are so overpriced. You also said that the wine you bring onboard is enough for both of you and you take a glass to the dining room. You also said that you cannot imagine anyone drinking anywhere near 15 drinks per day and you could never do that and that folks who did “have a real problem”. I’m sorry, but you are constantly contradicting yourself! I’m at a loss as to what to believe.

Yes, but it’s awful. Like Dollar Store stuff. I take small containers filled with my own shampoo and conditioner and put them in a ziplock bag. Your hair will thank you.

You and I share so many similar values and opinions and I’ve relied on your wisdom many times over the years. Even when we occasionally have a difference of opinion you have always shown respect and courtesy. It’s members, such as yourself, that make Cruise Critic a welcoming and informative forum. Thank you for all you do for us. Cheers, my friend!

This!