vakamalua

Q: How does this new Mexican port tax compare to port taxes in other countries, for example Australia, & countries in Europe, Asia & South America?

Doing a 6 night on the Caribbean Princess soon—happy with our lower price guarantee mini-suite & traditional late sitting dining. Did reserve on longer cruise before P went back to the traditional option; was worth it to us for the quick seating & service.

There is always something going on in the Piazza--often music--and it's LOUD!

Anyone recently able to order the Elite tea on the Caribbean Princess?

We will be on a Princess transpacific cruise from Tokyo to Vancouver. The Alaska portion's itinerary is Whittier, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan (4/28-5/4). I understand every year is different. If anyone has cruised early in the season about that time recently, would appreciate any information about what you experienced--including the weather, wildlife (including whales), any tours (ship's or private) that weren't available, percentage of shops & restaurants that weren't open, whether you would do it again, etc. Thanks.

Late seating shared was not an option for our February '25 cruise, only private.

We don't drink & go with standard fare. We have definitely noticed that with the proliferation of the drink packages & so many people trying to get their money's worth, the cleanliness of the public areas has suffered. On our Enchanted cruise last month, there were empty, half empty & almost full glasses left all over the ship--on tables, in the bathrooms, on chairs, on railings & countertops, by the elevators. The staff can't keep up with taking orders AND circulating around to clean up. Makes for a wasteful, unsanitary & disgusting situation...

We just booked a mini-suite on the Tokyo to Vancouver segment. Been wanting to go back to Japan & have never been to Alaska plus only one long haul flight. We looked at similar North Pacific crossings on other cruise line--Viking, Oceanic--but Princess is a better itinerary at an ok price.

Where will this cruise & segments appear when posted on line? How would you search for it?

Where will this cruise & segments appear when posted on line? How would you search for it?

Next cruise is a 6-day o the Caribbean princess. Do you think they will offer a Chef's Dinner on this short cruise?

We haven't traveled without Medjet Assist for many years.

Just standard fare, no packages for us. We don't drink alcohol, soda or sugary coffee drinks. We buy the wifi package with the 50% elite discount. We might do one specialty dinner a cruise--not impressed with Princess steak, Italian, etc specialty dining. In addition to base tips, we tip dining & room staff directly for excellent service. For us, we save $70-90 pp/per day. One thing we have noticed is that with the proliferation of people trying to max out the alcohol consumption allowed on the packages is that the staff cannot keep up with the countless empty, half empty & barely touched drink glasses that are left all over the ship--on tables in lounges, in the public bathrooms, in stairwells....

We were on the Enchanted last month & an officer told us that the entire Take 5 (except for the bar) on both the Discovery & Enchanted will eventually become part of the casino to generate additional revenue. : (

Our local Denny's restaurant has had these robots that deliver food from kitchen to table for a couple of years. They play soft music so you can hear them coming & they navigate obstacles & people perfectly. Like it of not, these bots are here to stay.

I worked as an accredited instructor in the fitness Industry for 20 years. Group classes are a challenge BUT it's incumbent on any well trained professional instructor to take into consideration & give alternate position & pacing instructions to cover all fitness levels the class. To be honest, many instructors are on autopilot & are often doing the class as their own workout. Many people are intimidated or embarrassed & will try to keep up with a challenging class at their own risk. When you take a class anywhere (not just on cruise ships), be sure to arrive early--ask about the class level & let the instructor know your level & any physical issues. If the instructor isn't amenable to offering advice or alternate instructions, leave for your own protection. You might want to talk to the manager about your experience; many feel the fitness industry's goal is to keep the fit, fit.

We were on the Enchanted a few weeks ago where Take Five was cut in half with slots on one side & the bar & some seating on the other. An officer told us that there is a plan to eliminate all of the seating in the remaining half of Take Five & expand the casino leaving only the bar in order to generate as much revenue as possible from all available space.

Obviously, it means that you can't generalize about a cruise line on the basis of one cruise. But myself & probably others on this thread are referring to experiences based on multiple experiences withe two lines being discussed. It seemed expedient to just reference our last cruise on each line. Very sorry you had poor entertainment on your 21-day Enchanted cruise; sure you provided specific feedback.

Recent 7-day Enchanted had 2 don't miss production shows--Rock Opera & Spotlight Bar--about the best we've seen in over 35 cruises. Plus a Whitney Houston tribute, guy from Cirque de Soleil in theater, comedy 5 out of 7 nights in lounge. Last Celebrity the entertainment was pathetic except for a great Irish music duo.

They refitted it to half slots / half lounge. But the plan is to further eliminate all the Take Five lounge area to just slots & a bar.

Just off the Enchanted. We were told by an officer that the remaining lounge space of Take Five will be converted on the Enchanted & Discovery to more slot machines leaving only the bar to service the casino. Very unhappy about the demise of Take Five; was great quiet place to hang out during the day & to listen to great music in the evening. Theremaining glass cabinet display of Jazz memorabilia looks so sad in there. Looks like every square inch of Princess ships will soon have to be revenue generating or face the chopping block...

Rock Opera & Spotlight Bar are don't miss!

Had a fun evening at Swing 46 a few weeks ago before our cruise. Wasn't very crowded on a Thursday. The combo headed by John David Simon (on saxophone) was great & included some numbers with a really good female singer. We just happened to be sitting next to another jazz singer who did a guest number. We reserved a table in the main room (not the bar) online--$15/pp cover charge. The food was good: shared grilled asparagus app & we both had the really tender short ribs. Would definitely recommend & go back.

Just off the Enchanted Princess. We tendered in Halifax. It came in at the farthest point on the dock away from the Boardwalk—at least 20 minute walk before reaching the boardwalk. Made for a long hot walk to even get part way down the waterfront.

Last November, as we were leaving Ensenada, the Discovery (LB theme) & the Disney Magic (When You Wish...) saluted each other with their horns. Hundreds of passengers were on the decks of each ship cheering, clapping & waving. That kind of instant brand recognition is just good business--a marketing exec's dream.