chisoxfan

I did and asked my advisor if it was a good idea to add to my CCL position. He said yes. I had second thoughts later that day and told him maybe I should sell my CCL stock and he said that was a good idea too (old broker advisor joke which does ring true).

When you look at money supply it is pretty simple to imagine why cruise prices (and asset prices) have gone up. That said the cure for high prices is high prices (a common economic refrain) and I personally feel despite being awash in money we are seeing the conumer pullback. Better odds of winning at the Sport Book than making short term sense of our distorted economy.

Agree. Not so critical on YC food and the space is nice but didn't want to leave and experience the rest of the ship which is not a good thing. Hoping Princess hits the sweet spot but my lingering fear (backed up I think by NCL and X) is that success will blow up prices. I may even book another Sun suite for later in 2025 to hold a spot if things are good. Kudos to Princess for maintaining a refundable deposit.

That is my opinion also posted earlier ie. I think the Sanctuary will disappear as a paid 'public' venue. A shame in a way because the nice sized pool would be a great add on to the 'traditional' sanctuary. The only reason we are interested in suites is a less congested pool option with a bar and a quieter dining area. A lounge can be nice also but not a big deal unless it is like on MSC YC with a large beautiful space and nightly entertainment.

Agree it is way too soon to form any conclusions on suites or service and many changes are likely. The initial concern would only be focused on 'space' allocation ie. Sanctuary suite space looks relatively small and reference was made to two story lounge but the pic of the lounge in article looks relatively plain and decidely one story. Otherwise some very interesting spaces on board most of which haven't even started operation (sounds like being an early cruiser on Sun was not ideal). Rooting for good execution from Princess since the market needs more 'reasonable' suite options.

Thanks for sharing-I follow the Points Guy and he is usually on point. I have to admit I was a bit concerned about his uninspired comments on suite section but I am sure we will be seeing a flood of new info on these.

Thanks everyone for responding to my question regarding specialty dining reservations. I will do more research but the takeaway that I am months away from this opening up.

Not sure if best to post hereor start a new thread. Excited to be on Sun in Jan 25. Have the 'old' and 'new' apps on phone and specialty dining does not seem available yet to book. Not anal about booking so early but have been on X cruises in a suite where things are sold out many months in advance. Any heads up on when the specialty dining should be available? Would Signature class offer any advantages regarding availability. Appreciate any thoughts from the Pricess experts.

We are those newly retired people who are disappointed at the price/ value prop today but feel if you can be open to different cruise lines/ itineraries there will be opportunities. At the end of the day we aren't looking for 'giveaway' prices but just don't feel

I agree but people who run to the bathroom or for a snack are not going to be hassled as they would only be away for 10-15 minutes? Also most will have people with them on an adjoining chair? Again I think it is the 6AM let's reserve four chairs and come back at 9 that are the main problem. The rolled up towel or tag on chair is a good idea.... I can already hear the neighboring chair person pleading.... we are in the bingo tournament, if an attendant comes by can you please unroll the towel or remove the tag. That said it least it is a start.

You were able to witness and document this 'abuse'. I don't see why the crew can't adapt to this ie. if you grab a chair in the morning and you leave your stuff is removed. At that point you don't have to allow a time limit. If you aren't in the pool you lose your chair. Where are you going... to breakfast well no saving a lounger for that.... to your cabin....well you just came from your cabin. OK if one person is sitting there and one leaves I don't think anyone will hassle you. I know chair hogging can still be an issue later in the morning and admit it is harder to police then but first thing in the morning it should be clear cut and in my opinion would eliminate a large segment of chair hogs.

Certainly is an intriguing 'balcony'. Very old school. That said, time for the gag plastic vomit that I remembered as a kid

I was reacting to your simple post that: Deflation is very bad. Unless someone's got nostalgia for the Great Depression. Deflation is not defined by the Great Depression nor is Inflation defined by the German hyperinflation of the 1930's. Both are the results of a monetary policy and can and do vary in degree. Productivity (largely driven by technology) has been an amazing force over the past hundred years which all things being equal would increase goods and services and lower prices- deflation. Unfortunately government creation of money to supply the deficit 'monster' has more money chasing goods and services- the definition of inflation. So productivity can't keep up with government printing to be simplistic. Deflation is the death knell for debt holders (the biggest being the US gov.) so while stable prices and mild deflation are positive, as we have seen over the past century inflation is the dominant and probably destructive path. Not praying for a Great Depression or hoping for runaway Inflation (much more likely) just lamenting that our productivity improvents have not kept up with government largesse to date and a little deflation could be welcome not dreaded by savers and people not in heavy debt.

I guess it is better than nothing but doesn't go far enough. A time limit isn't stated or suggested and it doesn't say the pool attendants will be actively monitoring unoccupied loungers. Sadly, without a more thorough 'plan of attack' this posting is meaningless in my opinion.

Thanks for the quick link to 'educate' me. Technology has been a positive and dominant force which causes deflation. Look at TV's and computers.... are you upset they are getting less expensive or that a 1966 Zenith Space Command 25" TV that based on median US income cost two weeks of labor when you can buy a 65" LED for a few days (or less) work (not trying to fix exact numbers to this just a general concept). This natural and positive deflation has 'fought' with the inflation of our currency due largely to government printing money and deficit spending. You obviously did not read the article you cited since it refers to other deflationary times: Deflation in the 19th Century While the U.S. did not have a single national currency until after the Civil War, economists can still track consumer prices in terms of the exchange value of gold. Buoyed by the rise of industrial mechanization after the war, the prices of goods dropped starting in 1815 and continued to drop until 1860. Even though prices were dropping, output grew consistently during this time and continued to grow at the same time that prices were dropping until approximately 1860, at the start of the Civil War.2 During the period between 1873 and 1879, prices dropped by nearly 3% every year, yet real national product growth was around 7% during the same time period.3 I would love to have 7% growth and 3% deflation over 45 years, but we weren't so lucky then as to have a Federal Reserve to manage our economy. Since the Fed was created in 1913 with the mandate to maintain the value of the dollar it has lost 98%. Yes the Great Depression was a bad time as was the Great Financial Crisis but deflation did not cause these events but was a product of them. Anyway sorry to get into the weeds on this on (of all places) a Cruise Critic post but had to comment on the statement you made.

Actually deflation is good. Does anyone not want to pay less for goods and services?

I heard they are looking at electric (sourced by batteries) cruise ships and they will be mandated by 2030. There will be mid ocean charging stations driven by wind power. It will take two weeks to cross the Atlantic but the government will give us a tax credit for the cruise.

Yes if valued in gold or commodities, no if valued in fiat currency.

Not speaking from any specific knowledge but just some limited experience. I don't think most of these promoters book an entire ship but block out cabins and areas on the ship for their event ie you can find you are on a cruise which has a group on board... everything from hobbyists to musicians, etc. We 'inadvertently' booked a music cruise on Gran Princess in 2011 (wife met Davy Jones on the beach) but otherwise the event did not impact the cruise.

OK, I'll bite. Assumed you are joking but did not see a smile imogi. So on a 14 night cruise there are four formal nights. A white dinner jacket and a black tuxedo but the other two.... different colors, sequins...... I mean you have to be kidding. Different shoes also?

That's the million dollar question. My wife and I like to hang about the pool in warm weather cruises and expect a packed house on sea days with better availability on port days depending on port. It depends on weather what time you come down to the pool, and luck. Generally if you are OK being on second level or away from pool you will find something. We have booked X Retreat, Princess Sanctuary, HAL Cabana, NCL something or other and will try Princess' new dedicated area next year primarily to have a relaxing place to sit. The thing we don't like in some cabana areas is the distance from the pool. This appears to be the deal on Nieuw Statedam so for the first time in years will join the crowd looking for a pool spot. Hoping HAL does work to address chair hogs.

Thanks for your response. I see that you are cruising solo so how you dress may be influenced by if you are out trolling or just going for a boat ride. Regardless I am sure manner of dress will and should not create any anxiety on a cruise vacation.

This was my conclusion. We were on Oct. 6 Apex to Egypt Holy Land so we were learning of itinerary changes the morning after debarkation. Our saving grace was doing a bid up to SS which at the time I thought was 'stupid' since we were on so many shore excursions. At the end of the day disappointed but we had a wonderful weather Greek Island journey which was enjoyed. That said there was much scuttlebut about some cruise credits forthcoming but even after reaching out to T/A and X 'crickets'. X let us down in this- we weren't looking for much but SOMETHING would have been appreciated. Anyway as you said, the cruise 'travel' to these areas is fraught with unknowns. I thought, ' why get on a bus for 6 hours travel when I can stay at a four star hotel and see the pyramids'. Staying in the Holy Land would also allow some extended touring. This leaves you more leeway to cancel a land based tour based on political climate (not much was going to help us when hostilities broke out the next morning). We hope to get there eventually but will definitely take a land based tour to do so.

Agree with all of the concerns/ comments. The only way this works is for Sanctuary to be for suites only -otherwise both sides are 'shortchanged'. Even if they guaranteed location in one of the 'standard' pool loungers this is a diminished experience from Sanctuary on their other ships and who would pay 200 a day for this?. Also share concern that 'suite only' area is too small and apparently no shade options. Make the area all for suites and you have a reasonable area akin to Retreat on X with the large pool being a great benefit. As one who booked Signature on Sun and is excited about this entry into dedicated suite territory for Princess, my candid fear is that this 'initial' Signature Sanctuary experience turns into a crowded s show. Most likely will be cultivation of this seperate suite area experience (lounge, Sanctuary, Restaurant) which will allow a plan to explode pricing like NCL and X have done with their suite areas. Of course I have complete confidence in the enlightened management of Princess so sure there is a consumer friendly plan being developed. Sorry to be so cynical and earnestly hope we can all enjoy our cruises.

We are excited to take two one week cruises in January 25. One on new 175,000 ton Princess Sun which will have a dedicated suite area and a myriad of specialty dining, entertainment options. Then onto HAL Nieuw Statendam where we can't wait to enjoy BB Kings and Rolling Stone music venues. All in on these cruises is under 10k combined. So we remain pleased with some mainstream cruise options as they exist understanding that the quality/value propositions are limited. As stated we like the newer and larger 100,000-175,000 ton ships for the things to do and even if Daniel Boulud was preparing all my meals personally would not be interested in the small ship luxury segment. Well maybe if they served Caymus and Nickel and Nickel included with premium package I would reconsider..... X is the only mainstream line that has failed us to date but cruising is a dynamic industry and I would not be surprised if our evaluation was different several years from now. JMHO