Lady Arwen

Okay

Drinking my morning coffee while reading your post and I laughed right out loud! Subtle, Jimmy, subtle.

We don’t play music or have our tv loud or have intrusive conversations. We just don’t let other’s enjoyment impact ours, unless it’s bothersome. Life is too short to be worried about every little annoyance. Of course we would say something if the music is blaring or if people are yelling, but a little music in the background is not an issue and we let them enjoy their vacation. If it’s an issue for you, then by all means complain.

Oh I totally understand that. I certainly don’t want to hear anything that’s intrusive or annoying. I just don’t mind hearing music in the background. I’ve been cruising for a very long time and I can’t remember when all I could hear from my balcony is the waves against the ship. When you have at least 2,000 other people onboard, complete silence would be virtually impossible. I think we all have to be mindful of our neighbours, but we need to be realistic, too.

I have to honest, I really don’t mind other people music, unless it’s blaring unbelievably loud. We’ve lived in the country for eight years and sometimes it’s so quiet I can hear my husband thinking. Yes, the birds tweeting, and the leaves rustling are lovely, to a point. I get really excited when I hear our neighbour’s cows and horses just to prove I’m still alive. On a cruise it’s quite invigorating to hear music and laughter and people talking and singing! Although, onboard we don’t play music ourselves, we do enjoy listening to others, within reason.

I was thinking the same, but I didn’t want to be the only one to acknowledge it. I really did lol!

Thank goodness we booked our Rotterdam 2024 TA last week. We received the Early Booking Bonus which does include prepaid crew incentive and upgraded drink package, two Specialty Dining, premium wifi, etc. We also got the 20% cruise fare discount with our Casino Rate benefit. It makes a big difference when gratuity is included and offers a refundable deposit.

Saw the Captain running with the night, so I said Hello!

So just get yourself on another ship and Sail On!

I bet it makes an old man wish for younger days……sigh

Probably like a brick house, or something

Nope, no Lady there!

Yup, and then they started dancing on the ceiling!

If you play that music I’ll be joining you on your balcony! We’ll bring the snacks!

We’ve disembarked in Southampton a few times. I’ll try to answer some of your questions. In a deluxe balcony, the third bed is in the loveseat, which your room steward will do for you each evening. Yes, you can access your balcony and fridge. Yes, you can take a glass of wine into the MDR, although the wine you brought onboard is supposed to be for consumption only in your cabin. The production shows will usually be one per week. I, personally have never attended a chocolate buffet breakfast, so can’t help you there. I don’t eat lobster, sorry Disembarking in Southampton can be chaotic. Breakfast buffet usually starts before 6:00am. I would pre-book a car service to pick you up at the ship, such as Blackberry Cars. I wouldn’t want to rely on just jumping into a cab at the pier. However, you’re flying out of Southampton Airport, which is only about four miles away so you’ll be doing a short ride. Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

If I’m not mistaken, you could still cancel and be refunded the hotel and transfers portion without penalty, but I could be wrong. If you can cancel, then you still have time to book a hotel and transportation from the ship to your hotel and then to the airport the next morning. What you have booked is quite limited in what you will be able to explore in Rome and it would be a shame to miss it. Whatever you choose to do, make the most of your time in Rome. Such a vibrant and romantic city. And very busy……please be careful crossing roads because in Italy a red light is merely a suggestion lol! Enjoy your cruise…..great itinerary!

Well, I’m the OP of this thread and we have now cancelled the cruise and booked a TA with another cruiseline. We just feel it’s not a good fit for us right now and 16 days is very long if you’re not completely satisfied. I want to thank everyone who voiced their opinions, both for and against, it certainly factored into our decision. I sincerely hope everyone who sails on Sun has a wonderful time and gets back to us with your review.

Thank you for sharing this! Really inexcusable to run out of food and Princess should do better.

Got it! Truthfully, if it means cruising or not cruising by booking the least expensive route, then put me in anywhere. At least you’ll be on a ship for a short cruise and I would do the same as you. Enjoy!

Thank you for making this so easy to understand! Of course, you are 100% correct.

I, personally, would never book a guarantee cabin. The cruiseline can put you virtually anywhere on the ship and in locations that are the least desirable. If we want a balcony, or whatever type of stateroom, then we choose our cabin and just book it. If there is an opportunity to upgrade and the price is right then we MAY consider bidding. We always have our reservation marked as “no upgrade”, but of course Princess can still attempt to move you elsewhere. You could also end up getting a cabin in the category you booked, but in the worst location. Guarantees are always a gamble.

I’ve also found that most Rome hotels advertise that they are “near” everything you want to see, but in reality it’s a very long walk. Of course, the hotels that really are close to the attractions are more expensive. You’re so right, this is not the most desirable location to spend only one night. Personally, I would never book a hotel through the cruiseline.

This is Loki and he’s a Samoyed we rescued 8 years ago. We recently said goodbye to our other Samoyed, Nikita at 12 years. We’ve been able to foster rescued Samoyeds when we retired and moved to the country. Very rewarding, but hard to give them up. Thank you for asking!

Totally agree! Never on Celebrity or any other cruiseline.

Your ship will dock in Civitavecchia, about 1+ hours from Rome. You could hire private transportation, such as Rome in Limo, to pick you up at the ship, take you on a tour of your choice and then take you to your hotel. Booking a hotel on your own is much less expensive than using Princess to book it. Just go their website and you can see what they offer. We’ve used them in the past and they are a very reputable company and highly recommended. They can also pick you up at your hotel the next day and take you to the airport. This is what I would do.