KeepCalmBearOn

We have done this a number of times and we park at the North Berkeley Station and never had an issue. We chose Berkeley because we will spend a day or two in Berkeley pre or post cruise (because we like Berkeley for the obvious reason. Go Bears!). We've never had an issue. I can't say if Walnut Creek or Concord would be better for sure, but my gut says I'd prefer Walnut Creek.

There are dozens of responses to this question in the WC Departures. There are many varied responses based on a) what you are WILLING to pay b) how many people c) are there mobility issues d) how much luggage you have e) time of your flight. The answers will vary from cruise company transfer (maybe cheaper), Uber on the low end (inexpensive), taxi a bit more and limo/private shuttle (most expensive).

This topic pops up any time someone responds because I am following it. As I said in my other response, I think you are too far out to get a good idea of what prices will be 9 months from now. Seattle is a big city, it will not be sold out months in advance. I seldom book more than 14-21 days out for my business trips (sometimes as little as 7 days) and I've never had an issue getting a room. Day of the week matters a lot too. One hotel I loved and have loved for years is the Kimpton Hotel Vintage. Not knowing your exact dates, I checked August 4 (a Friday) check-in for a Saturday cruise departure and the Kimpton was $308. I checked August 7 (a Monday) check-in for a Tuesday cruise departure and the Kimpton was $208. As I said before, if you are worried about getting a room and just can't wait, book something acceptable (but fully refundable) now and keep checking for something better.

Disney enforces rules, unlike Princess. The adult pool and adult areas are for adults (16+) only.

Well if you aren't going to enforce formal wear on Formal Nights....

Look at the image below. https://goo.gl/maps/U9n3btSGpvgSTcJF6 There are some metal benches on the "waiting island".

Have one person walk it with no luggage and circle back to pick up everyone. I think a cabbie would be very unhappy for a 1 mile fare when he gets to the head of the taxi line.

Hopefully BruinSteve or AtSeaMyLife will see this and respond. They both have recent experiences at the DoubleTree. If I recall, the shuttle is free, but you need reservations and if you don't get them, you could be out of luck. I think ASMY just used an Uber.

Just because the ship "doesn't leave until 4pm", doesn't mean you don't need to be onboard well before 4PM. I wouldn't show up at the dock at 3:50PM and expect to be okay. That said, if you have carry on luggage it should be easy to get to the LAX-it Lot and get an Uber before 12PM and arrive at San Pedro at or around 1PM. If you walk off and get a cab or Uber, getting to LAX for your return flight should be easy.

I've been using Uber in SF since they started the business 10+ years ago and never had an issue. I had far more issues with cabs the previous 25 years; so had most people. That is why Uber succeeded.

"Winging it" is a very bad idea on Kauai, on Maui and in Hilo. You can wing it on Oahu and in Kona.

I think Princess is "okay" for school aged kids, but it isn't Norwegian or Royal Caribbean. If you are not used to it, 10 sea days is a lot. I'd do a two island, land based vacation.

I suppose it depends on a few factors; what is the family composed of (number of people aprx ages), how experienced at cruising are you. what is most important on a vacation. I love the Hawaii cruises, I love sea days, but I grew up on Oahu and go there on business 4-6 times a years, plus land based vacations. I cruise and do land based vacations for different reasons. My inclination for you would be to fly and split between two islands, Oahu and Kauai, and split the time relatively equally, 7 nights for Oahu, 8 nights for Kauai. Oahu has the most to do, Kauai is most like the Hawaii of my youth because it is the least crowded/most beautiful. I would not do more than 2 islands in a 16 day vacation.

We stay at Hyatt Place too pre-cruise usually. Last time we stayed at the Embassy Suites it was tired, which isn't a big usually, but when there is a nicer alternative practically next door, it is a no brainer.

LBC and "Cali" are hip hop/gang culture things. LGB is the airport code for Long Beach Airport. Uber from LGB to San Pedro, where NCL is, is $30-40.

Uber Black & Uber SUV can pick up curbside, any regular Uber can drop off curbside.

This is the sum of the issue. Princess wants to play both sides of the street. Some leadership from Leadership would be welcome and refreshing.

The discussion is around what is a demand, vs an alternative, not what other alternatives there might be.

A demand would be "if you will not dress up you MUST dine in the buffet".

I'd park in the BRIC Parking Lot directly across the street. https://parkwayparking.com/property/details/ace-cruise-ship-parking-bric-complex-san-diego-south

That isn't demand, it is a suggested alternative.

That seems a rather nasty and unnecessary response. The poster you quoted didn't "demand" anything. They are addressing what Princess says are Princess's guidelines. I think the poster was pretty clear they do not like dressing up, but will do it because it is requested.

PS if the cruise starts at San Pedro, I'd drop my bags off at the cruise ship then walk over to the USS Iowa before getting on the ship.

Your flight better leave at 11:30PM two days later if you want to see the USS Missouri, which is in Pearl Harbor 🤣🤣 I think you mean the USS Iowa. But in any case, I'd think I'd go to LAX to get the car and see LA sights (Griffith Park first, then Santa Monica, then maybe Manhattan Beach for dinner).

I have not, but I've stayed in the same area (Hyatt Regency, InterContinental and Kimpton) and the area is great. I am curious where you are seeing "mixed" reviews? It gets very good reviews on Google and TripAdvisor.