Sandpiper13

We're planning on flying in the day prior to our October ' 22 cruise and would appreciate any suggestions for hotels in the San Francisco cruise port area.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks folks - all great suggestions!  The photos from the San Pedro Cafe make me want to fly down for breakfast cruise or no cruise!  Lol

Would appreciate recommendations for a Mexican restaurant for dinner the night before our cruise out of San Pedro, CA.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hello There:

We live just outside Vancouver and my choice of hotels (in order of preference) would be: Pan Pacific; Fairmont Waterfront; Four Seasons; Sheraton Wall; Bayshore. They are all fairly pricey though - if you're looking for something a little more economical I'd suggest using a travel search engine for the downtown Vancouver/Coal Harbour Area. Depending on when you're in town you may be able to get a half decent price. The nice thing about the Pan Pacific and Fairmont Waterfront is that they there are right at the Cruiseship Pier. No hassle with taxi's etc. And, you can easily reach them if flying into the Vancouver Airport by taking the Skytrain from the airport to the waterfront station (end of the line). Easy, peasy and very economical (and safe). Lots of room for suitcases on the train. Lots of nice restaurants in the downtown area.

You will want to take do the Hop On / Off bus for a tour of downtown and surrounding area; there is a free shuttle to the Capilano Suspension Bridge; Stanley Park is a nice walk or short public bus ride from the area and if you have time look into a day trip to Whistler.

If you have several days you may want to consider taking the ferry to Victoria and spending the day walking in the harbour area. You can grab the SkyTrain / Bus and walk onto the ferry and take a bus from the terminal into Victoria. Much more economical. If however you would like to do Butchart Gardens, over on the Island, than you're probably better off booking a bus tour.

Hope this helps with your searching and decision making.

We've done the Chef's Table and four out of five times we've been successful in getting a seat. I would suggest, as you posted, phoning the dining line or stopping at customer service as soon as you board to get your name on the list. I believe they need twelve people before they will schedule a Chef's Table. We feel it's always been worth the cost. Great fun, conversation, food and wine!

Hello fellow cruisers,

Is it true that on your 25th Princess cruise you are rewarded (for this cruise only) by being able to take part in the breakfasts normally only open to passengers in suites?

Also, if it's your 25th but your DH's 24th, would he be able to join you?

Thanks :D

We normally dine twice at a specialty restaurant on a seven nite cruise but no will not be if the cover charge is doubled.

Thanks for sharing - appreciate the information as it helps with our plans.

We live in Vancouver and have done several BVE's. Two in the past month: one with RCL on the Radiance of the Sea and one on the Star Princess.

I would suggest calling your TA or Princess to see what is available, in all likelihood it would be next year as most ships have already sailed south.

My understanding is that not all ships offer it but the cruise lines do make accommodation for a few each season on select ships.

They are great fun!

I'm too am disappointed in the poor quality of toiletries that Princess now provides guests (whether elite or not).

I have short hair and by DH has very little hair (LOL) and believe me we are not hair product/shower gel snobs. We've never had a problem with the various lines of gels, shampoos, etc. that various hotel chains provide.

However, the products in the 'new' pumps are horrible (if you can even get enough out to even lather up) and it is just a pain having to pack shower gel; shampoo, etc.

I think Princess should hang it's head in shame, admit they've made a mistake and correct it. Cheap, cheap, cheap and tacky. I feel like I'm staying in a Motel 6.

Is it really too much to ask that guests be provided with a useable bath products?

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your wife. It’s obvious from your tone that you had a warm and loving relationship – what wonderful memories you must have of your years together. Cherish them as they will help you through the dark days.

Traditional or Anytime dining - whatever you prefer is just fine. If you wish to dine in the Buffet that’s fine as well but don’t feel that because you’re a single you are banished there. You can always touch base with the Maitre’D and let him know your preference (small or large table), they are very accommodating and if you feel comfortable you can always mention that you are a recent widower.

I can tell you from our past experiences (20+ cruises) that some of our best dining companions were singles so don’t hesitate for a moment to eat in the traditional dining room.

I hope you enjoy your cruise and feel comfortable enough to reach out and talk to your fellow cruisers. While life will never be the same for you it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself, have a few laughs and enjoy the conversation and company of new friends.

Thanks Dana, I appreciate your feedback.

Has anyone stayed at the Best Western Plus in San Pedro?

We normally stay at either the Doubletree or Crowne Plaza however the Best Western came up on Expedia with good reviews and pricing so I'm considering it.

Any insight/first-hand experience would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Has anyone stayed at the Best Western Plus in San Pedro?

We normally stay at either the Doubletree or Crowne Plaza however the Best Western came up on Expedia with good reviews and pricing so I'm considering it.

Any insight/first-hand experience would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I agree with others - I wouldn't go to the MDR specifically for the lobster. It's okay but not the classic Atlantic lobster tail I'm guessing your imagining. I would however go for their seafood grill skewers or the Alaskan Crab legs. Alaskan crab legs were offered as an appetizer last week on the Pacific Princess . . . OMG . . . delicious. I could have (and should have) ordered two or three and made that my dinner along with a salad.

I don't know how the upgrade fairy works but we booked an Oceanview (specific cabine / not a guarantee) on the Pacific Princess for an Alaskan Cruise for mid May 2013 and a week before sailing had a call from our TA that we'd been upgraded to a Balcony! It was wonderful . . . . This is the first 'true' upgrade we've had in the 20+ cruises we've taken with Princess so who knows how they are assigned. I just know when it happens it's a joyous occasion!

One suggestion is to phone dining services and book immediately upon boarding. On the small ships,they only do one or two per night so they book up quickly!

We did the UBD last week while sailing away from Skagway. We started around 6:30 and finished up around 9:30. It was so beautiful that it was actually breath taking. The dinner and service was excellent however far too much food. Try to save a little room for dessert. A memorable experience with an unbelievable back drop.

Hi Sandpiper13! Alaska I'm assuming! Did you purchase internet minutes to be able to post this? Are you using the internet cafe computer or your own...just curious!

 

 

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Yes we are (correction were on an Alaskan cruise). Just arrived home an hour ago, it's so nice when the port city is your home town.

We are Elite so received 150 free minutes each for,the 7 day cruise. I brought my iPad and it worked well. No problems with it being slow but then I'm up early so likely was finished most of my business before others were even out of bed. Ha!

There is a nice little Internet Cafe on the Pacific Princess so no need to bring your own device if u don't want to.

Can't say enough about the staff and food, wish we were able to jump back on board for another sailing.

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Enjoying your posts. We are sailing the Pacific Princess in August. There really isn't much activity on the boards about her. So, thank you.

We are currently on the Pacific Princess and as Jim has said the weather is picture perfect and the seas are smooth as glass.

Yes, they have the Elite lounge most days. I think there is a total of 20 Elites on board so pretty quiet.

I think the ship looks great for an old gal, sure there are some areas that could do with a spruce up but nothing that would prevent us from booking her again. I do miss the aft pool on the Grand Ships but not all that important for an Alaskan cruise. We too thought the food better on board Pacific compared to the Star and love never having to wait for an elevator.

All in all we'd book this girl again without hesitation!

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The all inclusive drink pkg is available on the Pacific Princess. I know this because we're on her right now, sailing back to Vancouver after seven beautiful sunny days.

We didn't opt to purchase it as we don't drink enough to make it cost effective but it was offered.

Hope your Alaskan cruise is as smooth and sunny as ours has been!

Looking to do a BTB on the Star November through Dec 2014 but don't see a voyage for Dec 9th.

Is she scheduled for a 10 day dry dock?

We had A712 on the Coral to Alaska last year and the noise from the Youth Centre was, on several nights, very disruptive.

Nineteen cruises and this was the first time we'd ever experienced that level of noise. We phoned the Purser's Office but not much happened and it went on until 11:00 p.m. most nights.

Now I don't know if there were large groups of families on board or poor supervision in the Centre but I'd stay clear of the area if possible.

Just my humble opinion and like I said I've never had a complaint about noise on any of our previous Princess cruises but then I've never been that close to the Youth Centre before either.:(

We stayed there last year and while not 'posh' it is comfortable, clean and a great location for walking around downtown Seattle. Oh, and if you want to catch a quick meal try the restaurant attached to the hotel. It is a simple diner but my goodness the food is to die for! Don't miss the opportunity just because it is a small independent.

We did this cruise in October and while we booked the Sanctuary for the entire cruise we were only able to enjoy it about half of the days (due to the weather being cool). We were actually surprised when we received a voice mail the second to last day and Princess refunded half of the cost - since we had only used the facilities 7 of the 15 days. Not expected, but very good PR.

We also love to relax and read our books so between that, doing some DIY trips in the ports, taking advantage of some of the Hawaiian activities planned on board we never found ourselves at a loss for something to do. And, we enjoyed every moment and would book it again in a moment notice!

Enjoy yourselves . . . .