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Hershey chocolates bought out Mac Nut Factory. Haven't been there in years. The last time I was there, the "self guided" tour or a non-working factory was not available. There is a little bit of ground to walk around. Lots of samples of the different mac nut flavors. Stuff to sell you. It was one of the last places you could buy mac nut kisses. It is on the way/or back from the Volcano National Park (main focus). It may be too late to rent a car. But if you can find one, then you could stop by Volcano Village and do some wine tasting (if they are opened). It is worth spending the day at the Volcano. Lots to see and do. If they offer a "botanical garden/or orchid nursery, that might be a better option. For me....it' would be a "no go" for the Mac Factory. Did they say why? And it is not an emergency! The fact that Mauna Loa is rumbling and that the residents are put on high alert...NOW that is an emergency.

Lucky you. I would have been happy with those activities. On my Wine Coastal (3 sea days): Adult coloring Origami Making paper snowflakes

There are threads and threads of non-smokers chiming in. Very few smokers ever comment on those threads. In my opinion, the majority of smokers in the casino are NOT there to gamble, but a convenient place to light up. I was okay when Formal Nights were smoke free. Why or why did Princess think it was okay to remove that one policy???? !!!!!!

@L11Listen to her words of wisdom. There is no greater testament to Tiki Dave than someone who has taken his classes. He and Leialoha are the consummate Hawaiian Cultural Ambassadors.

Smart to do the cruise tour first. I've done it. Had beautiful hot, clear, summer days in the park.

I don't think loyalty level is taken into consideration. Princess really could care less about their loyal passengers. Much has been speculated. The bottom sentiment seems to be to book what you want and are most comfortable with. If something "better" comes along, then be happy. Bid if you want to.

On the Grand Princess since restart: Casinos are smoking ALL days. There is a no smoking "section" for slots and table games. As if this is really going to help. No more "no smoking' on formal nights. Yes, You can order your FCD by form or device (app). But your OBC amount is dependent on category and days booked. British Pub Lunch was held in the MDR. I've only attended one British Tavern night in the Explorer's Lounge. I was told that is Cruise Director "specialty". There is still Movie Under the Stars.

Thank you for your kind words. Regardless of which cabin category you picked, you will have a wonderful trip to Alaska. Will this be a roundtrip Vancouver or one way? Glacier Bay is absolutely beautiful. Yes, I am a Grand Princess cheerleader...rah rah rah.

Thanks for chiming back in. I would suggest "getting" in line early (at least 30 - 15 minutes early). It will be a zoo, but well worth the effort. If he played the guitar, then he is steps ahead of most. You will see the die hards with their fancy ukuleles. Tiki Dave is an excellent instructor. You should find a corner of the room to just sit and listen to his presentations. Fun, enjoyable, and a great way to spend thd morning. Be sure "you" go to the hula lessons too. Great exercise.

Things are changing with this new "Dine My Way". It "seems" as though some higher upper makes an announcement in the dining room around 6 PM. "Let's thank those that served you throughout the cruise". clap clap. I did not see the parade on my last cruise. Previously, they did have a sort of parade of people that has gotten smaller and smaller. Even the baked Alaska was smaller on my October cruise. It is another domed individual replica. Neapolitan ice cream on a cake bed, covered in meringue. Chocolate sauce is poured on top at table side. All of my recent cruises have been on the West Coast so can only make comments on menu from the Grand Princess.

@auntem I just received notice from Tiki Dave that he has a contact on Oahu. If you can't find (google) Tiki Dave...let me know and I will send you my email address.

The $10 rummage sale in the MDR's are a thing of the past (covid). Princess changed store vendors. If there are any $10 items, they will occasionally appear in the Calypso Cove Boutique on "special sale days". Many of the items are not around anymore (wallets, watches, ties, t-shirts, wraps, swim cover ups, etc).

I wouldn't know what it is called on the Royal Ships since I don't have any desire to sail on them. I did hear that (whatever the sit down pizza venue is called) has a lot more options than the Grand Class ships. Again, Princess fails to distinguish between services. People who have experienced the Royal Class Alfredo's will be disappointed if they sail on a Grand Class. Couldn't Princess think of a different name??????

I understand you are new to Princess and trying to gather information. But, my recommendation, is to sit back and enjoy your new experiences. On some ships (I can only speak about the Grand Princess) there is an Italian night. The menu options include fried calamari, eggplant parmesan, veal something, tiramisu, and a few other choices. This is no charge for eating in the MDR. There is a $25 cover charge for dining at Sabatini's. It is a upscale experience. The service is excellent. You pick one item from each of 5 sections on the menu. I was never a fan of this restaurant, but have to admit that the menu was better than I had anticipated. I ate there several more times. Still a fan of the Crown Grill, though. You can see both menus on the Princess Website. https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/food-and-dining/specialty-restaurants/ ALL cruise lines are at the mercy of their suppliers. If the ingredient isn't available, they will have to change the menu. Even options week to week will change. I have my favorites and have "rarely" been disappointed with my MDR meals. I am not a buffet person. I love Alfredo's on the Grand and heard that GiGi's on the Royal Class ships have a more expanded (free) menu. If you have access to "Mighty Cruise Ships" on your paid television subscription, it gives you an idea what happens behind the scenes to make a cruise ship float. Food is very subjective. Leave room on your cruise to be surprised.

Ukulele prices have a very wide price range. You should decide if you want a soprano (small/regular), concert, tenor, or baritone. A "good" one will run you between $100 - $200. I think Jake Shimabukuro ordered a custom made curly koa ukulele from Kamaka for a price tag of over $1000. I saw it on a tour I took of the factory. Here are some questions you should be asking yourself: 1. Have you played an instrument before (string or other)? 2. Are you serious or just curious/introduction? 3. Do you have a good ear (also get an instrument tuner)? 4. Do you have coordination? (changing chords can be challenging). Do you have arthritic fingers? Do you have short fingernails? 5. Do you have musicality? 6. Will you continue after the cruise? Are there support play groups in your area? 7. Wood will effect the quality of sound Kala and Kamaka ukuleles are brands that I have heard of. Tiki Dave will have recommended stores once you are there. But he is also suggesting that you bring your own if you really want to be guaranteed a spot in the class. I believe they have Kala ukuleles on board to loan out (check in and out daily). If you want to get in the mood before the cruise, check out Tiki Dave's YouTube Videos (search). https://www.youtube.com/c/TikiDave/videos

Did your cruise have a Hawaiian Cultural Experience (ukulele classes/hula/port talks/enrichment lectures)?

Thank you for setting me straight. I was only reading the first post. Misunderstood the thread title. And here lies the teacher in me problem (me alone), The first paragraph should include the premise of the title.

I have the same problem. Formal nights are usually the first sea day (prime rib/lobster on second) and never the sea day before disembarkation. I always seem to “miss” Italian night (usually a port day). That’s the night they serve eggplant Parmesan and tiramisu. Last night is American….turkey, meatloaf, baked Alaska.

I have put a booking on hold, let Princess know that my TA will pick it up, and then notified my TA. It’s been a while since I’ve done that so not sure if it still possible. I think, as long as no monies have been exchanged, you can still do it.

Sorry if I misread your post, I was just trying to help.

I'm not clear. You only wanted 4. I understand that part. Did you receive 6 and charged for 6? Or received 4 and charged for 6? If you were given 6/charged for 6: You could try live chat and maybe "cash" the other two in. Princess will refund FCDs at any time. If you were charged for 6 and only received 4, then you will probably need to go to the resolution department. A call can eventually be patched through to their department.

FCD's are for new bookings only. It can be used to pay down your fare but will not give you any OBC. I have tried a couple of times to "add" an FCD.

The story is even longer. But the bottom line was that the form showed half on one page and half on the other. This is why it is CRITICAL to follow up with Princess on anything, After figuring out what the problem was, my TA and I were able to correct the error. Lesson learned. I don't make that mistake anymore.

Be sure to fill out the form as a PDF and send it as an attachment. I learned by making the mistake of adding it to an email (not attachment). Princess wants the form on one page. Mine showed up as two and Princess rejected it.

I was just comparing her cake to the square complimentary birthday cake.