karen_g

I am trying to get E729, the very end mini-suite on Emerald deck. So, pretty unique. If bookings open on March 19th (which is what I have heard also), does that mean that I can get online at 12:01 am that day (before travel agents are at work), and it should (in theory) be there?

Hi. I am planning waaay ahead for an Alaska cruise in 2016. The 2016 Alaska itineraries have not even been published yet. Still, I have read that the Golden Princess will be doing 10-day round trips from San Francisco, and that is what I would like to do. With that in mind, I have studied the deck plans for the Golden and I have my ideal mini-suite "preselected" in my own mind! LOL. Now, how do I make the Cabin of My Dreams mine? Do I wait for the bookings to open up online and try to snag it myself? If I call Princess in advance of the bookings officially opening up, can they "pre-reserve" it for me (if I give them an acceptable date range)? Am I better off getting a Travel Agent involved? If so, how do I go about finding a good travel agent? I have never used one before... I usually just book online.

Ok, I know that this is all a little (lot) OCD, but I figure that since I have the luxury of time on my side, why not use it to my advantage and get exactly what I want (if I can).

Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you.

Thanks for the info! I didn't know what you meant by "W" or "X" codes, but I looked at the website again, and there they are! Cool. I think I'm going to book a W!

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When browsing the Royal Caribbean website, I was pricing a Junior Suite for a cruise next September. I noticed that Junior Suites fall into the category of "Deluxe/Suites". For about $230 per person *less* than the cost of a Junior Suite, I can get a "Deluxe Stateroom Guarantee". I don't really care about location of my cabin, so this seems like a good deal, but I want to make sure I understand what it means.

If I choose this "Deluxe" Guarantee, I will not be assigned anything "lower" than a Junior Suite, correct?

Also, is there a chance I could get something "better" than a Junior Suite?

Thanks for any info!

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Thanks for the good advice!

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On my upcoming 5-night cruise, we have dinner reservations for Palo on the last night (when tips are normally given). How do I make sure my tips get to my regular dining room waiter/assistant/etc?

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Hi. On our upcoming Wonder cruise, we have reservations for both a Brunch and a Dinner at Palo. I believe the up charge for each of these meals is $25 per person. Could you please tell me what an appropriate tip amount would be? Thanks for any info.

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Oh good, thanks so much.

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Are clean, nice jeans ok in the main dining rooms for dinner (for adults)? I know Palo is dressier, just wondering about the regular dining rooms. Thanks!

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Thanks for the advice! We'll wait till we're on the island. Waiting in line a little bit longer is no big deal to me. I like to just "wing it" and see what I feel like doing once I'm there...

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Do these have to be booked/reserved in advance, or can they be rented once ashore if I decide to?

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Thanks for the replies. I'm going to be lucky, no hurricanes for me! : )

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What should I expect in terms of weather? Will the water be warm enough for swimming?

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Actually, they still won't hold the ship at the dock even if the ship purchased excursion runs late. They will, however, take responsibility for getting you to the next port so you can board. The ships pay a mighty high fee for docking for a specific amount of time. Going over that time is not a consideration since there are other ships that may need that slip. So, while you do have the intellectual insurance that you will rejoin the ship, don't go into it thinking that they will just hold the ship for the tardy group. Stay aware of the times, make sure your watch matches the time on the ship, and just use common sense if you do decide on a DIY excursion.

Actually, I have seen the ship wait for a late ship's excursion. On my last cruise (we're back just a week now), the Sapphire Princess waited about an hour for the return of a late tour group in Astoria.

Extremely interesting, thanks!

Thank you so much for the excellent and detailed review. I really loved seeing all your photos! I almost feel like I had a mini-vacation just enjoying your review!

Thanks so much!

Can you tell me where the tenders from the cruise ships land? I am considering taking a Segway tour that leaves from 16 Helena Avenue. Is this easily walkable from where I get off the tender?

Having read this I am wondering. 'If my new card gets stolen in the mail can that person use it?'

Ohhh yes they certainly can. That very thing happened to me!