WisCruiser2

Five years ago we had a bunch of OBC for some reason, so did the Tour on the Crown -- I would highly recommend it if it's offered! We had to sign up once on board. Thought it was interesting to see the areas of the ship and all the crew you don't think about. We did get to go on the Bridge, and had a group photo taken with a couple of the Officers.

The page I was taken to when I clicked on "sign up" showed having to pay for a one, two, three, or lifetime membership. Oh, then instead of clicking on the photo icon on the deck plan, I found the box with "Looking for actual photos" and they all showed up there. Weird.

Interesting, when I clicked on the photo icon for the cabin, it took me to a page that said only members could get all the photos. Will try again.

However, to see actual photos, you have to join and pay. If you just want to see the cabin layout, use the Princess website...

It's just added to your OBC account and used like any other. Also, if you don't already know this, once you (or your husband, in this case) has it, it will be automatically applied to any future booking!

Going on Enchanted in February. The one time each we were on the Royal and Regal I really liked the Crab Margharita that Ocean Terrace did -- don't see it on the menu now, so guess I won't be going there! And it may just be me, but I don't find that the burgers in O'Malley's sound that appealing...

I often tell people that one of the reasons I enjoy cruising (besides getting to go to different places while staying in one "hotel") is that you can do as much or as little as you want to!

We put ours in the alcove outside our door, so they don't impede the hallway.

We always enjoy playing Trivia - if we can fit it in between reading, eating, playing Cribbage, eating, doing some walking, eating...you get the drift. Really, it depends on what YOUR interests and enjoyments are!

Interesting. When I checked what it would be to upgrade now at $60/day, the total for the two of us is $1348, not $1200. If you add the Plus fare onboard, they do not increase the amount for insurance?

Don't forget, too, that if you get the Princess Vacation Plan (insurance), that cost will also go up with the packages adding to your fare.

Yes, I think everyone can figure out if the Plus or Premier package makes sense for them and their budget, and choose accordingly. At least we have choices!

No, I think iced tea is available at no charge in the MDR, but we haven't cruised since 2020 so I'm sure someone else can either confirm or deny this.

Isn't the login for the app the same as your Princess login? When I deleted the app and reinstalled (to get rid of a cancelled cruise), it wouldn't accept my password.

Coffee (non-specialty), ice tea, and lemonade are available anytime in the buffet, along with water. You can bring a refillable bottle and fill it up there. Also, you may bring a twelve-pack/pp of non-alcoholic beverages onboard (soda/pop, seltzer, etc.) and keep in your room refrigerator.

It sounds like from the press release that this is something you have to request ahead, like with allergy accommodations or low-salt. It would be nice if they are just added to the nightly menus. It would also be nice if Princess would lower the sodium in all their foods!

We also received the flyer shown from Princess, thought it was odd, too!

And NOT having to pack up the last night of the first leg! 😁

We had to cancel the cruise (😭) so I will be following along to see what we're missing - hopefully can do it next year!

I'm sure more will chime in with their experiences and preferences but here's my two cents. As I stated in reply to your other post, we liked having everything taken care of for us on the cruisetour and enjoyed staying at the lodges. On the train there was a "guide" doing commentary in each car. We also did some by bus so the bus driver provided that. Doing the land portion first gave us an opportunity to meet others who would be on the ship with us, which was nice. With the cruisetour you can opt to have meals included or not - we didn't and that way we weren't tied to the lodges for meals (except for Copper River), which suited us. Tha Alaska rail goes to Whittier - I don't know if the railtour includes that or if you can book it separately. I think it might depend on your comfort level for a first trip to Alaska, along with your budget. We figured if we were going all the way to Alaska we wanted to see more than just the cruise part.

FYI, I don't think that Denali is actually visable from the Denali Lodge, just the Mt McKinley one (if he decides to show himself). The Princess Cruisetours (2) we've taken included a bus tour into Denali, and the second time we could see the mountain briefly way in the distance at one of the stops. OP, if you are planning to do a cruisetour, I'd recommend doing it pre-cruise if possible. We liked having everything taken care of for us, but others are more comfortable making their own arrangements. IF we have the opportunity to ever go again, I would look into the rail tour and stay at the lodges.

Thanks for your information, blue_water! We hope to go back there in February! 🙂

Back to the OP's question - we have enjoyed going to Secret Harbour for the day. It's going on 4 years since we've been there so I don't know if this is still accurate, but we were able to rent loungers, eat, and drink there. The first couple times we could plunk down anywhere but the last time they had an area on the side for non-resort guests. Check their website, there may be more info. The bay is beautiful, decent snorkeling, and not crowded.

You *should* be ok if you walk off (with your luggage) as soon as you can, and yes, get a taxi! We usually opt for 11/11:30 flights and haven't had a problem. Do you have TSA PreCheck? That might help, too.

We print at home and take along the clear packaging tape, Tape along the whole tag, with extra at the end to tape together on our bags. Never had a problem!