good42n

Those suites are way out of our price range, but I agree there are deals. We’ve booked the 14-day Alaska trip for $738, and there’s some 7 days at under $400. 
 

We prefer Princess for Alaska, especially so we can hit Glacier Bay. We also do just fine in an inside since we’re out on deck, or in the observation lounge if the weather’s crap. Headed up again in September, this time on the Sapphire because of her size, Promenade Deck, and the observation lounge. This will be our second time doing a B2B, which takes more time (which we can afford) but saves a bit on airfare. Gives us lots of time to relax and see the towns. 

One way to save money, if you’re doing Princess, is to get a Future Cruise Deposit while you’re onboard, which will include OBC. Free money if you’re planning on cruising within a year or two. We bought 2 deposits while we were on our BI cruise and will be using the money on our Alaska cruise. 
You’ll love the BI, but get your walking shoes ready! 

I took Earth Breeze sheets (cut them into quarters and used 2-3 per load, depending on how full. Got the clothes clean, and was easier to pack than powder or pods. I use them at home also. 

We ended up booking the Sapphire, since it was a pretty clear favorite. Thanks, all! 

Looking at the 14 day Glacier Voyage next year on either Grand or Sapphire. Same itinerary, which would you choose and why? 

I had AA cancel our flight and had to rebook since the change they offered was impossible. 

On 6/2/2023 at 8:43 AM, Btimmer said:

I see on the APP that they are selling disembarkation transfers to Heathrow & Gatwick. $139/pp.

Wow! For our September cruise, the shuttle is only $59pp! That’s a heck of a difference. 

Wrongway—that’s what I’m beginning to get. Contrary to the report on another site which shall not be named….

too bad, but in that case, I just buy what I want when I want. Still cheaper for us than picking up the plus. 

So, one of the cruising sites put out an article a few weeks ago that the coffee package was coming back, called the Grounds package (not New Grounds) and would save about 20% if  a pax took advantage of all the drinks. Our next trip is very port intensive, so I’ll probably not use it, but waiting to see if it’s true or if it’s a misunderstanding. 

On 3/25/2023 at 6:31 PM, jeromep said:

The thing about accounting and finance is that anyone can take the numbers and bend them any way they want to make something look good or bad.  I say this because, depending on what you value and how you do your own calculus, Princess Plus looks to be a very good deal for most cruisers.  Even if you do not drink alcoholic beverages, the included gratuities, Internet and beverage package will cover everything non-alcoholic, and if you drink enough coffee, or juices, the package still pencils out for most folks.  The beverage packages just don't pencil out for me any more compared to what you can get with Plus.

Unless you have no need for internet, one of you drinks no alcohol or fruit juices and little sodas, and the other drinks little alcohol, and no sodas. I figure after gratuities, I have $35/day to deal with—Neither one of us would drink that much. I’ll get the new coffee package for me and nothing for my husband, and pay gratuities on their own. 

So, I may be cutting it close, but we are docking at 6:00, flying out of LHR @12:50. I’m assuming it’s T5, since it’s an international on BA. Am I okay? Am I okay with th Princess transfer, or should we book a private car? 

It’s been a while since we’ve cruised. When you boarded the Solstice, we’re you able to immediately drop off your bags? If not, when did you get to go to your cabin? 

On 11/14/2022 at 5:15 PM, NownZen said:

We are good up to the "nice shoes" part. That means bringing two pairs of shoes. I do wear my dress running shoes. Traveling with a carry on limits puts strict requirements on what you bring.

My husband has a nice pair of comfortable solid black shoes for daily use. He’s not a flip flop guy, and these are the shoes he wears to fly or walk about. He has an older pair he wears daily at home, and the same in new condition when we vacation. They work for “formal” night. 

I have a free balcony because I’m a California resident, so, yes, it does matter at least on occasion. 

We did the bus line. I don’t recall how long the lines were, but I guess that means it wasn’t a big deal. We wandered around on our own. There were good guide signs and the rangers were out to answer any questions. 

I’ve booked that trip for September and have found many excursions online. All of them suit me better than the shop tours, and are considerably cheaper. Found a nice trip for LeHavre which also includes the beach a peek at the Bayeaux Tapestry, so that’s on my list. 

No guarantees, but generally, the southbound trips are smoother than northbound, since the ship runs with the current instead of against. 
 

Per the contract—sealed cans or cartons, except for distilled water for CPAP or baby formula. 

We just booked the Christmas Market tour. Haven't heard anything about the Countess, but have seen great reviews for the other ships. 

It will also depend on whether you will have a car. Economy hotels in the Waikiki area have very limited parking, and you may be parking out on the street somewhere. When I travel for work, I stay by the airport--not a great atmosphere, but I'm usually there just to work. There is public transport to the sites in the area, and you can park a rental car easily enough on site.

I would add 2 hours for morning rush hour traffic. You will almost always run into delays on the 10 and the 91. The HOV lanes now require the transponder, so they won't be accessible unless you're bringing a compatible one from home. Evening traffic, if you go all the way to Long Beach, won't be nearly as big an issue because you will be going against traffic for the most part.

Ahh--missed that--I thought they wanted to see Pearl before boarding the plane. In that case, I would suggest Waikiki. Lots of touristy sites and shopping. Stop in at Duke's for a Mai Tai, look at the newly refurbished International market.

I think you should be able to do Pearl Harbor, but not much else. It will depend on how quickly you get off the ship, though. Traffic in Honolulu is the worst I have seen, and i'm from LA area. While Honolulu airport can be a zoo, it's a relatively small zoo, and 2 or 2 1/2 hours is plenty of time to get through clearing your luggage for USDA and TSA. Your carryons will get cleared by USDA after you go through TSA and before you get to your gate. Be at the USDA checkpoint by 2 and you should be fine. What are you doing for transport?

Also, think about changing the flight to a day later, stay the night--you'll have a full day for Pearl harbor and can then enjoy a leisurely evening before flying home the next day. Pearl really deserves more than an hour or two.

Was just there yesterday. Yes, there is construction, but even if you need to go over to the other terminal, it's just a 5-10 minute walk. Not a big deal.