quelah

Sounds like the Coral is the way to go. Thanks everybody for some good information.

Dennis

I was getting ready to book a Panama Canal cruise on the Island, but then I read some of the complaints about the alterations that have been made on that ship. I"m wondering if the Coral would be a better choice. I've never been on either ship. What's to choose between the two? Any opinions?

Dennis

I filed a trip cancellation claim with Nationwide last year when my wife had a medical emergency a week before our cruise. The adjuster emailed me the necessary forms, I filled them out and had the doctor certify that she was unable to travel, returned the forms by email, and Nationwide mailed checks for the full amount within a few weeks. No issues or problems at all. I was very satisfied.

I've booked several cruises with a discount TA that gives me good service and low prices. Never had any problems.

It is not safe. . . . snorkeling from a beach 101. Never ever under any circumstance should you walk in fins, either front or backwards.

Why do you think it isn't safe? I've snorkeled from a beach many times. I put my fins on and walk backwards into the water until its deep enough to swim. That works just fine and I have always felt perfectly safe.

We had a good experience last year with Nationwide. We had to cancel a cruise at the last minute due to a medical emergency. Making a claim was easy. I called Nationwide and they immediately emailed me the necessary forms and instructions. It took a few days to assemble the documentation for the airline and cruise ship cancellation charges and the doctor's verification. I scanned and emailed the paperwork to Nationwide and received a check for the full amount in about 14 days. We were really happy we had the insurance.

Well, I suppose there may be some thieves who watch ATMs for distracted tourists. But really, you just have to aware and cautious just like you would be any other place. I have withdrawn money from ATMs many, many times, including in both Barcelona and in Rome earlier this month. Before stepping up to the ATM I look around for any suspicious characters, then I remain watchful until the cash is in my pocket. I've never had any problem.

As others have said, there are cruises down the South American coast that allow an expensive multi-day excursion to Machu Picchu. However, they really don't do justice to a site as remote and magnificent as Machu Picchu, and a longer land trip is really a better option. There is just so much to see, you don't want to go all that way then feel you didn't have enough time there.

It's always fun to read great reviews by first-time Princess cruisers. Sounds like you might be hooked!

Hmmm, well, I guess we have just been lucky in AD. We always ask for a table for two (and never make reservations nor offer any bribes:)) and we always get in. The head waiter sometimes acts as though we are asking for the moon, gives us a pager and warns it will be up to an hour...but even then, we go off to get a glass of wine at Vines and before we can eat the sushi, the pager buzzes. We have never had to wait longer than 15 minutes.

That's our experience too. No big problem getting a table for 2 in AD, just a short wait during peak times.

Great upgrade -- your lucky day!

Do you know if the Crown Princess has had their mattresses replaced?

We were on the Crown earlier this month. The mattress in our Emerald mini suite was an old lumpy one with a padded topper. My wife found it uncomfortable but I thought it was OK.

I visited the graves on Jan 15 and they are in about the same condition as shown in the most recent pictures in this thread. It was a very nice little hike over there and well worth the effort. Once I got around the point, there was nobody else in sight even though Princess Cays was so close by. It felt like I was the only person on the island.

The graves are very close to the ocean and easy to find. If you walk along the water don't see them, it means you haven't gone far enough.