kris816

I am on the same cruise. I am also doing the Avila. I looked at that and the Marriott, but I decided on the Avila as I like more local vibe and will likely go for a few hours in the morning and head back to the ship. I contacted a local taxi company to arrange transportation. They suggested I download their app, 24/7 Taxi Curacao. From what I can tell, it looks like Uber and you can arrange taxis in advance or on demand. This is my fourth time in Aruba and Curacao and my second time in Bonaire. Most recently I was at all three in September 2022 on the Equinox. Previously in Curacao, I’ve gone kayaking through a cruise ship excursion, an independent open air bus tour that went to the liquor factory and Mambo Beach, and most recently a private tour with Gone Caribe. It was one of the most comprehensive and best private tours I’ve ever done. Previously in Aruba, I’ve gone snorkeling through a cruise ship excursion, to Renaissance Island, and to Eagle Beach via taxi. This time, I am doing the ultimate Jeep tour by ABC Tours. In the past, my ships have always docked too late to hop on this tour, which is over eight hours. In Bonaire, I am going on a snorkeling excursion through the ship. I looked into the Lady Bellais which is an independent snorkeling excursion run by the same folks who run the golf carts, but I really don’t care for the lunch and Congo dancing. I just want to snorkel and then get back to town so I can explore a little bit. The last time I was there in September 2022, we had a very short port day from 8 to 2. I did a bicycle tour through the ship and it pretty much took the whole time. This snorkeling excursion through the ship is about three hours and starts at 8:15. I should have plenty of time after that to explore.

The website says to plan for 2 to 3 hours for dinner at Le Voyage. This is the only specialty restaurant on the Edge class that I have not tried and I plan on eating there when I am on the Beyond. I am curious if that timeline of 2 to 3 hours is accurate.

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Our very first cruise in 2000 was in a Veranda what was called a 1A   -   They later turned them into Aqua Class Rooms-   Marketing ploy as they weren't selling well.  

 

Next cruise was in a Sky Suite.    Since then we have sailed in CS, RS and PS.    Our original plan was that once we hit Zenith we would sail in Aqua  and enjoy all the free perks.   That happened once and then they eliminated Zenith Access to Retreat.  

 

Yikes -- General Population.... is that like the exercise yard in prison when not confined to solitary.  LOL      We sailed in Suites long before they had a Suites Dining Room and a Suites Lounge.    At that time for the extra price all you got was a bigger room and a Butler.

Thank you for the insight. I’ve done suites twice when we’ve gotten good deals. Once on Infinity and once on Reflection. Reading about the experience on the E class, which I’ve sailed in Gen Pop only, I don’t think I will seek it out.  

Have you always sailed in suites or have you also spent time in gen pop (i.e. interiors, ocean views, verandas)?

Hello: I am new to Azamara and upgrading the drink package is not specifically listed as an allowable use of OBC. The FAQs on the website say OBC can be used for a variety things on board like spa services, specialty, restaurants, and shore excursions. Is upgrading the drink package an allowable use of OBC? 

Thank you for your review. I have the same independent excursion in Bonaire planned for May when I am there on the Beyond. I was wondering if you ended up going on the excursion to the caves yesterday? And if so, what are your thoughts? 

I am wondering if anyone else is having difficulty paying the difference for a better class of cabin after final payment date. I’ve never had any issues doing this in the past. However, I was just told it is no longer allowable by my TA. I originally booked an ocean view cabin. At the time, the balcony cabins were about $500 more than the ocean views. The rates for balconies are now only $100 more than what I paid for the oceanview. I asked my TA if I was able to pay the difference and move up to a balcony. He said he called Royal and they will not allow it. They said I have to pay a prevailing rate which would be $350 more dollars than what I paid, not the current rate of only $100 more that that is showing on the website. My TA told me that Royal is becoming very strict about changes after final payment. It seems to me Royal is wanting me to pay what the minimum Royal Up bid is for a balcony instead of the rate that’s on their website, if I want to move up. Has anyone had any luck lately with Royal allowing them to pay the difference between the rate they paid, and what is now on the website to change cabins after final payment?

The airport was scheduled to open at 5 am tomorrow morning but about an hour ago they announced it would be a 9 am reopening. No ships were scheduled to be in port today but RCCL’s Liberty of the Seas is scheduled for tomorrow. The Park N Go was not open, as of today. 

Hello: I am new to Princess and read Vines has food available for a charge. Is this still a thing post restart or has that offering been cut back? 

For those that have done partial transit to Gatun Lake and taken the canal ride by boat excursion that goes to the Pacific side, can you provide some insight about the light lunch and drink that are provided. Also, what is the restroom situation. It’s a rather long day; and, I want to be prepared. 

I am new to Princess and will be doing a partial Panama Canal cruise in December. Is it worth it to book the sanctuary for that day or our their better vantage points on the ship? 

I am new to Princess. I will be going on a 10 night Caribbean Princess cruise in December. Is there a way to see all of the MDR menus in advance so that I can plan the nights I’d like to go to speciality dining?  

Back in 2018, we were on the Silhouette. There was an awesome server in the buffet who manned the coffee cart every morning. He was super positive and friendly. We’ve been trying to think of his name and cannot remember it. Does anyone know who this is and what ship he might be on now?

Does anyone have the 9 day MDR menus for the Equinox, in order? 

I will be cruising to the eastern Caribbean in a few weeks. Now, that Florida is on daylight savings time and the islands we will be visiting are an hour ahead, does anyone know if the ship will change to local time or keep ship time? Thanks!

Hi: I’ve been assigned cabin 7660 on the Jewel. I found a great video of 7662 and have no issues with the semi obstructed balcony. However, I see that the Safari Club is below these cabins. Can anyone who has stayed all the way aft on deck 7 on the Jewel comment on the noise or vibrations from below. 

I was on this same sailing and couldn’t agree more. It was an unforgettable trip. The crew was fantastic! 

How was it in Aruba and Curaçao? I am curious if everything is open and how crowded they seemed. Also, did you have to bring proof of vax with you when you got off? Thanks! 

On 8/27/2021 at 12:55 PM, bajathree said:

On Odyssey in 2 weeks. Last week everything was available and did all my dining choices. Since beginning this week this is all that shows up:

• Chefs Table
• Solarium Bistro
• Such and Saki lunch

• Taste of Royal lunch
• Teppanyaki 
• Wonderland

I am on that sailing and noticed that as well. I purchased the 3 night package a few weeks ago and it doesn’t appear it’s an option, anymore. I am really hoping the restaurants aren’t full or have very limiting openings; since, with the package, I can’t make reservations until I’m on board.

33 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Have you looked at the current sailing? It has every night's menu listed.

What a great tip. Thanks! I didn’t realize I could look at other sailings. 

Hello: Would it be possible for you to post the MDR menus, in order, for the 8 night cruise? The app only shows nights 1 and 2 and I am trying to plan what nights would be best do specialty restaurants. Much appreciated! 

Did you have any trouble making or changing reservations for the specialty restaurants, once on board? The dates/times I am interested in booking are not available online so I plan to go directly to guest services once I board and try to adjust them. 

Do those that have been there before recommend water shoes? 

Have you made it to the Schooner Bar to hear the piano player? If so, how is he? We usually enjoy the singalong atmosphere. 

We are very interested in the Luminae and Main Dining Room dinner menus, in order of day. We are trying to figure out what nights to do Sushi and Tuscan; so, if it is not too much trouble, can you please post pics of the daily menus? TIA