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Buy it now or buy it later… If you trust Princess not to raise the price between now and then.

They have changed. I can't say change as in an improvement. Still won't eat the canapés. Pretty to look at, but sketchy at best.

Mahalo @mikjr for the video...missing a video of Leialoha and her graceful hulas.

I am so happy you are all posting warm and sincere memories of ELUA. I forgot to add that they exemplified A-L-O-H-A. Always kind and welcoming. Two absolutely wonderful people's people.

I realize this may not end up on the Princess Board for very long. I know that Leialoha and Tiki Dave are too modest to toot their own horn. But I wanted to make sure that everyone who cruises with Princess to Hawaii are aware of @Elua decision to retire as Hawaiian Cultural Ambassadors. David, Leialoha, and CD David Cole gave birth to this program decades ago. They developed and refined it to be the most excellent experience one could have on their way to and from Hawaii. They brought with them their talents: ukulele lessons, hula lessons, entertainment, port lectures, and their love for anything Hawaiiana. They shared their program with Princess and it was expanded to include a few other couples. I have been on cruises with them. And even though I am a Kama'aina, I still enjoyed what they brought to our sea days. They will surely be missed. It is hard to duplicate unique...and that is exactly what they are. I won't get into the details that were posted on their Social Network account. I am sure they will miss visiting the islands and indulging in the foods that every port stop made (Hamura Saimin/Lilikoi Chiffon Pie, Liliha Bakery coco puffs, Highway Inn poi plate, etc). They are a legend and leave a legacy for others to try to replicate. A Hui Hou Malama Pono Leialoha and Tiki Dave. May you continue to share your talents with a new and exciting group of admirers.

I also had a difficult time a couple of months back. Decided it was my provider. Some of the blame could be for Safari too. Crossing my fingers, things have been better.

The very few times I’ve used the tile beds, I wore shorts and a t-shirt. I stopped taking a swim suit on a cruise a long time ago.

I recently saw a beet sandwich. Does that count? I do miss the watermelon/feta cheese dish.

I wish Princess would assign better locations for their suites. I was in a Grand Princess suite. It was moved over to the Regal. Then changed to the Sky. The cabin ended up being way forward, way high, and f a r away from lounge. I'm not a drinker. I am not a walker. The combination (plus the "suite" seemed more like a mini suite layout than the suites on older ships). I may be wrong, but the concierge lounge did not offer enough to make the long trek to the lounge from the bow of the ship worthwhile for me. I am not trying to discourage anyone from a Royal Class ship suite. Just not for me.

Not interested in food...interested in who your servers will be. It's been a while since I was on the Grand. Fond memories of those that worked the dining rooms. Sorry about the pigeons. Maybe you will see eagles teaching eaglets how to do touch and go landings on the water.

I have requested to keep my original when the battery died. The didn't put up a fuss. Is the Medallion a keep sake for you? Then $5 is worth it. For me, no one ever sees my medallion unless I am walking on/off the ship or getting something at the bar.

It's too early for the pigeons. Looking forward to your live on one of my favorite ships. Envious... Please report on Assistant Manager for Reserve Collection and staff at breakfast. Also Maitre d'. HA HA...all food related!

I have been the one that walks in at 1 PM on embarkation day (I was running late/doors closed at 1:30). We did order on time and had a nice lunch. The staff was very patient with the person I was dining with/slow eater. They did actually have to ask us to leave so they could set up the tables for dinner before the staff was released. Another friend/another cruise, got on board late. Tried to get into the MDR on embarkation day at 1:30....denied. On another cruise/another evening, we had a very longer than/later than usual dinner. Our group of 6 were the last in the dining room. The staff was cleaning menus and "polishing silver". I encouraged the group to move on. A regular day allows the wait staff to have about 90 minutes off before they are required to report back to the MDR (3 ish to 4:30 ish). They work very very hard and I do fill guilty about lolly-gagging in the MDR when there are other places you can socialize. Self appointed guilt.

Will you be on a Royal Class ship or a Grand/GEM class ship? On a Royal Class ship, you will have access to a Concierge Lounge with refreshments. On a Grand/GEM class ship you will have access to a concierge, upon request. On a Grand/GEM class ship, you will have access to their Thermal Spa (not much to write home about). As another poster wrote, if you had considered PLUS with a Mini-suite, then you will enjoy the benefits while in a suite. Recently found out that if you don't have a PLUS package, all room service (one time $14.99 fee) and phone calls ($5 per call) to room service will incur a charge. Correct, crew appreciation isn't a "mandatory" charge. It is an auto addition daily. There are those that will remove/reduce this amount. I, personally, find that to be offensive and would not think about doing that. Others boast that they do. They have their right to do so (and no other comment from them is necessary). If you do, you do. If you don't, you don't. Not open for discussion. The OP asked if they should retain the PLUS package if in a suite. On a 16 day cruise/on a Grand/GEM class ship/with 10 sea days....I would purchase the PLUS combo package. Included in (Grand/GEM) suite: minibar, 2 bottles of water daily, specialty coffee at breakfast, embarkation specialty dining. These are the items that would overlap the PLUS package. Will that be enough for you?

This doesn’t sound like it is weather related. What an awful way to end a relaxing cruise. So sorry. Wasn’t clear if you were booked with EZ Air (sort of sounds like you were). I am surprised that they will only reimburse you for air and not a hotel. Hotel might have fallen under trip interruption. Do you have documentation that says no pilot? I’d write to American.

Forgot to mention that you would also receive a complimentary specialty dinner on embarkation evening. With Plus you would get 2 casual dinners. With so many sea days to Hawaii, I would take the Plus package and enjoy your cruise (more). Net cost would be minimal if you intend to separately purchase WiFi and crew appreciation.

That’s your call. You will get a complimentary minibar and 2 bottles of water a night. You will not get Medallion Net (internet/wifi) and will still be charged $18 a day for crew appreciation. i have done with and without, but: Had 2 minibars for being Elite in a suite and tons of OBC for WiFi and crew appreciation. 16 days is a long cruise.

Do you also have trip insurance? I do not believe you will have any protection from EZ Air getting to the ship IF you didn’t book a flight with them (to get there). I do believe either insurance and/or EZ Air will assist you with a hotel due to your delay. Weather may be the determining factor if you are reimbursed.

Interesting. …. Low sodium “used to be” an option on the old app. I don’t see it on the new one. And why should it take 3 minutes to open the app? You can still request low/no sodium with the Assistant Manager in the MDR.

I haven't been able to book a specialty dining reservation for the Crown Grill. I get an error message. If I do "get in" it will say no availability.

In the past (haven't seen it lately), I have labeled myself low sodium. I know, not a serious life threatening problem. I have always received a card on board to take to the dining room. That lets me know that land base communicated with the ship. Of late, I have not seen that card. But the Assistant Manager in the dining room has always been able to accommodate my needs. I sometimes traveled with someone allergic to tomatoes. We did mention it to the waiter and it was immediately removed and a replacement dish arrived. It was not an ingredient listed on the menu. To be fair, travel mate did not let anyone know. After that....no more tomatoes. I also traveled with someone allergic to strawberries. Friend won't touch the plate if a strawberry appears. Taken away in a blink of an eye. Those with severe allergies need to always proactive. Even after notifying the correct source, I would still question if it were a life or death situation. Think of the doctor that died at Disney World when she at a dish with peanuts. https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/26/business/new-york-doctor-dies-at-disney-world-restaurant-after-staff-confirmed-food-was-allergen-free-lawsuit-alleges/index.html

Reserve Collection Mini Suites are specially designated stateroom types. You are not able to "add" on this perk.

This looks to be a round trip cruise. I’m sure there must have been…a live thread last season.

Were you able to board any faster? Separate lanes? Easier? Anything that might be encouraging?

I am guessing that many passengers embarking on a Princess ship leaving from Southampton will NOT have a medallion (pick up at port). Has anyone from the US or Canada boarded/checked in with a Medallion in hand? What was your experience? To be specific….from the Mayflower Terminal (as of current).