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Some airlines are more restrictive than others. I could pick my seats for Air Canada when I booked, if I paid the fee. But if it was a code share with another airline, I could do it for free? Go figure. American Airlines allows you to pick your seats without a fee. For a codeshare with another airline I was given back of the plane options. It all depends.

@KarenS001 You will enjoy your time on the Crown Princess. She has a full wrap around Promenade Deck as well as nice observation areas on the Lido+ decks. Which cabin category are you thinking about? If interior, then Plaza midship, behind the Art Gallery or Aloha Deck aft/footsteps away from Aft Pool and outdoor area. Cruise should be fairly comfortable since most of it will be the inside passage or along the coast. Balcony cabins will have different amount of space with some more shaded than others. It doesn't matter which side of the ship you will be on since it is a round trip. Getting around Vancouver is so simple with the trains. There are some great free walking tours.

Isn't it fun to plan? I have been to Alaska a few times and have done a cruise tour. *. Round Trip Seattle - too much time coming and going. *. Cruise Tour to Denali was my first introduction to Alaska. It was just okay. Train ride was scenic. Next time, I would like to do the Kenai Peninsula instead. *. Now, I cruise just to be on a ship and enjoy the beauty. One way North or South has many issues with coming and going. Air Fares will be expensive as well as transportation to airports AND timing of flights. So this is what I would do: 10 days round trip Vancouver. Fly in a few days early (or stay a few days later) and enjoy Vancouver. It's a wonderful port with so much to see and do. Use your first cruise to survey your likes and dislikes. It will just be a taste of Alaska. Glacier Bay will be the highlight of the cruise. Enjoy whichever voyage you decide on. You can't go wrong. There will be another time. Is the Crown the only one doing this itinerary? There's nothing wrong with the Crown, but if one of the smaller ships is available, I'd jump ship in a heartbeat.

Thank you @lbfluffyfor being there in the time of need for so many. Glad to see that Princess recognizes the dangerous work you and your fellow first responders put yourself at risk every day.

So refreshing to read a fun thread. Thank you for sharing with all of us. Would you describe the process for doing a RAT test that got you on the Majestic. Does it fall under the "self attest" unproctored test?

More reasons NOT to cruise Princess' MEGA ships. Princess should think about designing smaller ships. I know, I know, I know...in my dreams. Hey, let's call the next class of ship: Dream Ships. Less than 2000 passengers, Window Suites on Fiesta Deck, no class distinctions, Alfredo's, an International Cafe, walk around Promenade Deck, and a no smoking casino. My apologies. I just connected the thoughts: holding Princess accountable for "Best Wifi at Sea". Now back to regular programming.

It's called the Inventory Department. And can only be reached by an phone agent texting them, then waiting for a reply. Right hand does not talk to the Left hand.

I really need to learn to read. I "saw" your title as: Cruise shows - sold out. My next thought was that Princess had sold an abundance of Premium/Premiere Beverage packages that reserved theater shows. My mind sometimes gets ahead of myself. So back to reality. Princess may have stopped selling mini-suites so that they can start assigning guarantees. It's the dominoes effect. Someone in a suite may have had to cancel...they move someone from Club Class up to the now empty suite...AND you score a Club Class mini. The "worse" that could happen is that they downgrade you to a balcony with refundable OBC or.....offer you a move over offer. Have a wonderful cruise. Enjoy !

And just for fun: https://www.tokyolocalized.com/post/japan-cherry-blossom-2023#:~:text=Based on the cherry blossom,is expected on March 30 This is a good time to visit Japan. I bought YEN at ¥133 a little while back. Today's rate is ¥131.68/US $1

Now the unknowns. As of today, my information is that you do not need a covid test to enter Japan. Only your vaccination card (with 3 qualified shots). As for embarkation - I am not confident I have the correct, most up to date information. The latest and greatest is that all you need to do is "attest" to a negative test WITH PROOF. Not sure what "WIth Proof "entails. The last update said a photo of the negative (self administered/home/free/over the counter) test along with: time date stamp and photo identification. I am hoping those that precede me will verify what is required. I am taking some extra tests with me for those passengers who are not Cruise Critic members and may not be informed.

There are 3 bus companies at Narita that alternate departures. They all charge the same. 3,700 Yen - Standard Fare 2,200 Yen - Senior Fare (65 plus) 4,000 Yen - bus and Taxi voucher from hotel/charged to your hotel account I asked about the benefits of reserving a seat on a bus. This was the reply: Hello(Konnichiwa), R-San On-line reservation has merit and demerit. Regarding merit, Airport Limousine bus has seating capacity system. When you make a reservation, seat will be guaranteed for you. The bus will sometimes get filled up. Regarding demerit, if you make an on-line reservation, and then you can’t catch the bus due to the delayed flight or the congested customs, the bus should not wait for you and start on time. All the bus fare is not refundable after the departing time of the bus. Moreover, your on-line ticket is not valid for the next bus. All you can do is cancel or change the bus departure time up to 5 minutes before the bus leaves. It isn't compulsory to book in advance through our web site. Even without on-line reservation, the day ticket is available at the bus ticketing counter or the ticket vending machine on your arrival at airport. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me anytime. Kind Regards, Tomohiro Ohta/Mr.

I am flying into Narita Airport. There are multiple ways to get to Yokohama. I am flying in a few days early so am unable to use a Princess Direct Airport Transfer. I'm too old to deal with trains and luggage. Private cars are too expensive. So I opted for the Airport Limousine Bus. https://webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en/ Narita to the 23 wards of Tokyo (Kanagawa Prefecture). It will drop me off at the bus terminal (YCAT) where I will get a taxi to my hotel. I have been in communications with my hotel and they have been very responsive. I asked them to send me something that I could print out, in Japanese, that said to take me to THEIR hotel. Word of the Day...."Chotto". I learned that 50 years ago when I got into a taxi and the hotel forgot to tell him where to take me. Chotto matte kudasai. / Please wait a moment. PS.. If you are flying into Haneda, I understand that their buses "may" drop you off at certain hotels.

Specific to my voyage, we will dock at Seogwipo, Jeju Island. I used the following information: zip code: 62563 Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Terminal Diamond Princess 290 maljil ro (is the address I found/that worked...it was on page 14 or 15 of th scroll down menu of addresses) Hotel or host phone number: 826615936071

Then there is the K-ETA e-document to enter Korea (Jeju Island or Busan). This is required. I read different time lines. Anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 days. It cost me $8.80. You can fill this out for everyone in your family. https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do I started the process using my computer. I was later told they improved the app. It was then very simple to take my photo with the app. It resized the photo to fit. I had a little bit of trouble taking my selfie. Had to try several times before I actually was able to complete the registration. I received my QR code within the hour.

Let's start with the simple. You DO NOT NEED any pre-documents to enter Japan. You will speed up your immigration and customs time if you fill out an e-document. https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001 There are two parts to this. One for Immigration and the other for Customs Declaration. Be sure to complete both (do not hit the return to home button). Use the one on the bottom right to continue. You will see a QR code for both. Take a screenshot. Save as a PDF to print. These are the sections that need to be completed.

I have thought deeply into whether I should begin this thread under Princess...or Asian Ports. I am hoping that I will be allowed to keep it under Princess since it is my hope, that it will help many more on this site. The Diamond Princess will finally return to her home port (Yokohama). A group of passengers will escort her from San Diego in a few days. Their adventure will take them across the WIDE Pacific Ocean. "Fair Winds and Following Seas" I have done extensive homework. I found bits and pieces in many different roll calls. My hope is to consolidate everyone's findings under one thread.

I have been waking up every morning for a month to see if I am able to pick an arrival time. No luck so far. When it does happen, will I fall out of my bed? Times a ticking.......

I have never been the lucky recipient of a casino offer. But, from my understanding: 1. Casino Offers are NOT a function of Princess Cruises but offered from the casino that is a concession on board Princess Ships. 2. You want them to hire more and pay more to a company that is giving away "free/or nearly free" cabins. 3. They offer mass produced offers in hopes of getting a few. This is a way to "show" their "loyal" base that they are being "rewarded". If I wanted a cruise bad enough, I would pay the full price. Everyone wants a bargain. It comes with the price. I will complain if I have to wait on hold for a full priced cabin. That is why I have a very responsive travel agent.

Place a post on their roll call. Maybe there is someone who is on the same ship AND catching the same flight home. Keep posting. Maybe someone will see or spread the word.

@Mike45LC Interesting tack...I wrote about free and you included things that cost money. I guess I am one of those passengers that marketing hates...the cruiser that only takes advantage of the "free" and rarely spends more money on the ship. In my early days of cruising, I was out to purchase at least one piece of jewelry from the then great (not EFFY) store. I even bought something from the Princess at Sea Art company. I am now "tainted" and cruise just to be on a ship.

It would help to pinpoint what would be considered "free" if you named the ship. Some stateroom such as a suite will include a stocked mini bar and free laundry. Self Serve laundry usually has a minimal charge. Some have reported $3 wash/$3 dry and some ships have had it for free (malfunction?). Lemonade is free in the buffet as well as complimentary coffee/tea (iced/hot). Brewed coffee, hot chocolate, and specialty teas from IC/bars have a charge. International Cafe (on some ships) have a range of breakfast items to lunch, to cookies. to late night snacks. Some ships have Alfredo's a pizza place that is free. Slices, Salty Dog Grill, and cones are free on the lido deck. Be careful ordering room service from the television. Some items do come with a surcharge. Pizza, guacamole, etc ... sometimes. The majority of room service is free (even for delivery). There is tea service on sea days, sometimes British Pub lunch. Effy jewelry shop will have free champagne sales. Art auctions have champagne, but you have to "register". If in doubt, ask. The SPA and Gym have a few free services. I don't know since I don't partake in ether. Most Cruise Director activities are free. It's free to pose for photos but steep charges if you want to purchase them. BINGO has a charge. There are "free" demo games in the Casino.

An average to good ukulele will cost about $250. One made of Koa will run into the thousands. Please do yourself a favor and do not buy one from Costco or Walmart. If you are just tinkering with the thought, use the ukuleles onboard the first 5 days. Most of them are Kala brand. When you get to the islands, go to a reputable store and get yourself a good ukulele that will last you a lifetime. Some good brand names: Kamaka, Kala, Kanile'a, Martin

I will admit that I did not provide op with enough assistance. I am not sure a medical assessment will avoid a PVSA penalty. I have used wheel chair assistance at airports. LAX is difficult at best. Some airlines do not have curbside check in. Someone would need to go to the ticket counter and ask for assistance. I have not used this service before, but my sister had a good experience with them. https://curbsideexpresslax.com/book-us/ Having a pre-arranged pick up service is probably better than trying to catch a shared ride or taxi. It will be more costly. Traffic at San Pedro is bad if two ships are at the terminal. There is a small window of time between everyone who has disembarked and before the next wave arrives. Normally, disembarkation is an easy walk off with face recognition technology. Again, I know of no service that will accompany your friends from the ship to the airport. It would involve 3 separate hand offs: ship to car service to LAX. It would help if the op would return with more details. We are searching in the dark for ways to assist her friend. I wish your friend well. Will she be okay enough to travel on the plane home?

@Hlitner Duck tape it the cure all to everything that is wrong in this world. Unfortunately, it is a permanent fix to a temporary problem. I have had my run in with removing duck tape. Not pleasant. But you missed the most important item in the buffet. They don't have trays and covers to carry your food safely (air borne particles) back to your room since Room Service will not deliver your specific buffet plate. If you had a tray, you wouldn't need a plate with an extra inch. Just pile up two plates.

I'm not sure what you mean by end their vacation. Is this the end of the cruise or are were they doing a back to back? Princess most likely will assist them in getting off the ship, but that's about it. I have never heard of them escorting someone to LAX. This might be covered under their insurance. This is an interest to all thread. Please keep us updated. Good luck to your friend.