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Driving on Oahu is simple, but bring along your patience. Renting a car from the airport will cost you an airport fee. Parking near the cruise ship is expensive. Watch out for one way streets. Try to drive opposite flow of traffic. It recently took me 90 minutes to go from Downtown to Pearl City (East to West/17 miles) at the peak of rush hour. Handicap placards will still cost you parking meter coins (10 minutes for a quarter or more Downtown). Factor in twice as long as miles during normal driving times (15 miles = 30-35 minutes). Still driving on Oahu is the best way to get around the island. NONE of the islands have a round that circles the island. Like any other state, there are some places that "only" the locals go. Order your online tickets for Pearl Harbor for $1.

It is rare that tables are shared. But I have "invited" myself to another's table (friends I've met on my cruise) when we arrive around the same time.

Glad you endured. Enjoy your 14 days on “my” wonderful Grand Princess.

INTRAnet vs INTERnet Medallion Class App vs Medallion Mini-suite vs Full Suite Princess needs a new PR department

Thanks for the reply. But a star will let you know that there are new comments. If you click on it, it will take you back to where you left off. But if this method works for you, then more power to you. I will disregard any further blank comments from you. Always curious.

Did you mean to send a blank comment, again?

If this is the cruise, you are out of luck. I think it’s been sold out for awhile. You could maybe waitlist him or keep checking. Something might open up after final payment.

There "maybe" inside sideways cabins (not verified). My preference is inside/ocean view Plaza Deck mid-forward (not forward forward) or inside aft on the deck below lido...which will take you up a few steps to the aft lido deck. I think there is a porthole ocean view on this same deck too. I am not a balcony user either. Size wise is the same square footage. Stay away from 3/4 person cabins. The bunks are attached to the walls and are horrible!

The Grand sort of had a bread and butter type dessert for MDR London Pub lunch. It wasn't the same either. They seem to be messing with the desserts. Haven't noticed the big changes in the entrees.

My sister initiated the claim. They accepted the one letter as far as I know. They did not want FCC which would have been faster. They received everything back except the insurance. Fair enough. It was complicated because it was a three party reservation with different fares. They got a check from AON and credit card credit from Princess. I did not have to pay a solo supplement. Good luck.

You can fill out an online form. You will be asked for a note from the doctor. It will apply to everyone in that cabin (not sure if linked bookings apply). Then add patience. It took my sisters 3 months. I continued solo seamlessly.

Advantages of booking Princess: covered by pvp insurance includes transfers and baggage handling

Thank you for reading my story. Yes, my sister will cruise with me again. I was mistaken, she said that her short scene was included (Magnum episode 19. Legacy from a friend can be watched on Apple+ and several other streaming channels/all of which I do not have). No, that is not me in the vintage photo. No, the peanut butter cookies are not the same as before, but still better than me making them.

You should be able to get on board within 30-60 minutes after initial boarding begins. Once they call boarding, groups move rather quickly. It will all depend on how many passengers have a higher priority than you. You will be on board in time to have lunch in the Club Class Dining Room (if it is open).

That's what I initially was thinking. But I don't think poster was handing out $10 bills daily to the room steward and MDR wait staff. I understood the poster to say that the crew appreciation was reduced to $10 (instead of $16.50) daily for all. Putting poster into Level 2. And if I was not clear, Level 3 included the Premier or Premium Beverage package (wifi, crew appreciation, and 15 beverages, plus more) that you could not remove the crew appreciation. But as I stated, passengers are going to do what they do. I am happy to hear that as many as 73%-75% of the passengers fall into Level 3. Thanks.

I'm sorry, I still don't understand your "tipping". It's not you, I need to have it pretty basic for me to understand.

There are four levels of passengers: 1. Those that remove crew appreciation all together. 2. Those that reduce crew appreciation. 3. Those that leave crew appreciation (including the ones that have the beverage packages) 4. Those that leave the crew appreciation and tip above to individuals. It's as simple as that. It is my opinion, not backed by any scientific/mathematical survey, that the majority of the passengers fall into level 3 followed by passengers in level 4. I would like to think (hope) that levels one and two are outliers. Nothing will change the thinking to any one of these levels. I know where I fall. That's all that matters. ...not sure what you mean by "tipping out".

Suites has a standard rate of $16.50 per day. Which, by the way, will include/but not limited to, and may not all be related to crew incentives: * a mini bar for the suite; in addition to being Elite/delivered by room service * same day laundry; in by 9 am out by 9 pm….which the steward does the extra work. * the wait staff at the suite breakfast; including the coffee barista * the florist who took care of the orchid plant and/or floral arrangements * cleaning a cabin that is twice the size of a standard cabin * changing bed linens daily * delivering bottled water daily

You are correct. I’m just splitting hairs. The correct term is Kanaka Maoli means Native Person, where as Kanaka Hawai’i means Hawaiian Person. Although I do not reside in Hawaii full time, I do have my born and grew up in the island State ID card that gives me Kama’aina discounts. Well, technically, I was born in the Territory of Hawaii….heehee.

And now the current voyage has norovirus cases (reported to me by a current passenger). if it’s not one thing, it is another.

I believe Rowena and Brian on on the San Francisco runs. Both are Native Hawaiians. BTW….just a little trivia. One is not ‘Hawaiian’ if born or raised in Hawaii. That makes them a kama’aina. @JoRoy218got it right using native Hawaiian. 🤙🏼

Front is moving from West to East. Diamond is heading for Ensenada (a day early/cancelled Hilo). Ship needs to sail northeast. ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST FRIDAY... WHAT...Northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with localized gusts up to 50 mph. Hope to hear from the folks on board. Stay safe. I think the Captain made a wise executive decision to skip Hilo. Looks like the system will dissipate in the next few days. https://www.passageweather.com

@NobbiThank you for a detailed report. It is sad to hear that the Diamond Princess could use a little bit of extra work. If you were all in the same suite ("We have the Cannes suite"), your cabin mates should have had priority tender boarding, regardless of elite status, too. Why do you think your sailing was capacity controlled? I love the Loreta/La Paz itinerary. Hope you enjoyed every port.

Even I don't venture to Chinatown much anymore. But if you do go: Mei Sum for dim sum http://www.meisumdimsum.com Little Village Noodle House http://littlevillagehawaii.com Lee's Bakery makes the very best custard pie (whole), but you need to order one ahead of time. Chinese Candy Store (candied: Pineapple, coconut, lychee, etc) https://www.facebook.com/singcheongyuanbakery/

Kona has some advantages (although not my favorite). Book a car and explore the 3 National Parks on that side of the island. I can give you a link to a vanilla orchid farm (small/local). I rarely do commercial places that charge a large fee. Drive to Waimea. Enjoy some local museums. Have a great cruise.