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In my opinion, you made the right decision. That's a lot of sea days for a city and a town, both overnights. I am shocked that they didn't try to port in Kahului, Maui. Maui would welcome their contributions to the economy. There isn't enough to do to warrant an overnight stay in a tender port (Kona). The same for Honolulu. Passengers are doing this itinerary to get a feel for each island since each island brings with it its own charm, beauty, and differences. I've recently been on the Emerald. Enjoyed my cruise. Staff was great.

Suite breakfast was in Sabatini's on the Caribbean Princess as late as August 4th. Never heard of any changes coming up. Crew said their goodbyes and said they would see me again in a few months.

Weather will be your main concern. If it were the other way around, Hilo and join the ship in Kona, I would be a bit more worried (Kona is a tender port and we all know how that could play out). Hilo is a very sheltered bay and harbor. It would be very unlikely that the ship would not be able to port in Hilo. With that said, the Grand Princess had a fire that prevented her full control and thus the Coast Guard would not allow her to port in Hilo. Instead, she limped her way to Honolulu. She stayed there for three nights until she was "fixed" enough to limp back to CA. It would not be considered a violation of the PVSA because passenger embarked in LA/SF and disembarked in the same city (closed loop). It would be the same as "missing" the ship and catching up to it. Passengers do it it all the time when overnighting in Cabo San Lucas. Some stay off the ship for the night. Here's a back up. Get a hotel in Kona for the night for all the family. Knowing that the ship will be in Hilo, you can all drive back over the Saddle Road to meet the ship in Hilo. Great stay vacation for Hilo family. Very safe for you all.

There was a dedicated. concierge on the Caribbean Princess in July 2022. Her previous responsibility was the Loyalty and Events person. She is now a staff position and behind the scenes (no "office"). But I could meet with her and was was in constant contact by phone. There really wasn't anything that I needed or had a pressing problem. I just wanted to get to know her and had questions she could answer. I will meet with her again in October to question the $5 room service fee for MDR dinners in my suite. A very long time ago, I did experience help from a dedicated person/supervisor from Tours and Excursions who was able to help me out with a problem. This is/was listed as a suite perk.

I have received iMessages from friends while they have been onboard a Princess Cruise and DIDN'T have an internet package. I always purchase internet so unable to tell you yes or no. I have been with friends (on a cruise) who have hit and misses with iMessaging without a package. Would that be user error? Possibly.

I have been cruising for a "few" years, but have never had "free" internet until I reached Platinum. Since then, they have removed this perk and provided a discount for your devices. You will have free access to Princess.com I wish they would provide free access to a few news channels. You may use the INTRAnet for iMessaging, FaceTiming, and the What's Up app (not 100% sure of this since I am not a user). I also believe there is a daily (more expensive) rate.

@Steelers36 Always appreciate your comments and clarifications. Yes, I am aware that TSA is a US term. I had asked why (silly me) I only had TSA precheck in Montreal and not Quebec. Obvious answer. But did not pay attention to the answer.

I left from Quebec Airport. They had no US immigrations/customs facilities. I had to use Global Entry in Montreal when I transferred to a US bound carrier. Fortunately, there was no line and I breezed through. Also, I had to do TSA in Quebec and again in Montreal. I also had prechecked TSA. I would not chance a one hour layover at any major Canadian Airport. My sister just returned from Victoria to SEA and she said it was simple and quick.

I do not take using a wheelchair lightly. I can't do long distances, elevation changes, ramps, and with carry ons (not jetways) . In most airports, wheelchair assistance is a third party concession. These pushers know where to go; often putting in 10,000 steps or many miles a day. I know I don't have to suggest to @Ombud, but to others, please consider a well earned tip when they successfully get you to your destination. Be kind is an added bonus.

I am a planner and a worrier. This does not apply to your arrival but will give you my perspective. I had EZ Air on a return flight. Air Canada cancelled my perfect flights. I worked with EZ Air until they could "get" me something out of Quebec. It ended up being a 5:40 flight with a one hour connection in Montreal. I knew I wouldn't make it. People on cruise critic said it would be tight. EZ Air had no concerns....Not enough to change me to a 3 PM flight. I ordered a wheelchair. I made it because my pusher ran me through the terminal, and kept yelling coming through. We cut in front of so many lines. Here's the part from EZ Air. IF...I don't make my flight, will you put me up at a hotel for the night (last flight out of Montreal)? They told me to call them back if I don't make the flight and they would take care of everything for me. Not very reassuring, but I was on my way home and really didn't care. I don't think I would have felt as confident getting to my destination. You are wise to do it a day before. But you have to ask yourself how many flights will be available for you? Little known fact: EZ Air commissions x number of seat on certain flgihts (not all). If they have to rebook you, it may not be on the next flight. They did absorb my fare increase (of about $150). They would not put me on the 3 PM flight because it would cost them much much more. I do not blame EZ Air, since it was Air Canada that cancelled many flights. You are paying a reduced rate and will be at their mercy. If EZ Air will not get you to your destination, Princess Vacation Protection may have trip interruption. As others have recommended. Get an early flight so you have room to wiggle. Are you doing Victoria to ???? to Texas? The bigger the airport, the more difficult to navigate. And ... will you have to do US immigrations at that busy airport. Lots of factors. Do you have Global Entry?

I have seen a dish with three lobsters dropped. It was quickly replace in Reserve Dining. That may not happen in the MDR, IDK. In one of our Meet and Greets, the DRO mentioned that Princess does not plate ahead of time. Each plate is created when ordered. I also heard that Reserve Dining gets head of the line privileges. I have never had to return a dish because there was a hair in it. Princess MDR has never "run out of food". You will always get your first choice of dish. I do a low/reduced sodium diet when on the ship. My sauces are modified and always served on the side. I have to "beg" for cheese on my Caesar salad and French onion soup. Your Assistant Manager (Head Waiter) will accommodate your meals. If you have a really good one, he/she can actually create something special for you, if the ingredients are in the store.

And this is why the Captain is deciding to shelter in place. https://www.passageweather.com

But your $60 pre-cruise cost will have insurance added to the total.

We skipped Newport due to unsafe tendering. We were given a compensation for a missed port. I think it was $50. What time are you arriving in Brooklyn? Why can't they do immigration on Thursday so that you can at least enjoy NYC on Thursday night? Hurricane Lee is expected to make landfall in Nova Scotia this weekend. I can see why the Captain wants to get out of "her" way.

That means they will be rushing passengers OFF the ship. Better for embarking passengers. Risky for same day arrivals. No room for error (ship arriving late into FLL).

I only did this once. But I think it was because I was getting the elite discount and my sister was not. So it was "cheaper" to buy the 4 device than 1 device for elite and 1 device for newbie sister. But that was this spring. Who can remember that "far" back.

Would it be cheaper to buy 4 device for the 2 of you? Then you could order it on your app.

Planks and Steamers are the included venues. Don’t think Crab Shack was mentioned. Alfredo’s and I think Salty Dog too.

They still have the parade. Different times for different MDRs. Not the same. I think we waited and waited and waited. Finally happened at 7:30. Then we didn’t get the dessert. No loss.

Are you asking to see the menu for that day or in advance? For that day, it will show up on your television and on your app. Days ahead, the Assistant Manager carries around a printed schedule of dishes. I always want to skip Italian night, but stop in for my tiramisu.

I was on the CB in July/August of this year. Reserve Class was on Deck 6 Starboard. Interesting that they would move the Reserve Class dining room around. I, personally, like having it on Deck 6.

Let me add to @NavyVeteran. You can book it when you first reserve your cruise. All of the above apply. You can add it to your booking later and pay the cost of the package plus insurance. By doing this, you are able to cancel without affecting your fare and/or penalties. You are also at risk of the rate going up. Normally....Princess gives you months of notice. Lately, they have been making changes that take affect days later.

I do that often. Glad other's understand.

I was not charged for my medical visit invoice paper work. It included date of visit, office visit, medications given, and final diagnosis. It did not include isolate dates (noted on my Medical Records). To get a formal medical records with diagnosis AND dates of isolation, it required me to pay them $28. It was highly recommended by many on these boards not to get off the ship without an itemized copy of my medical records (verses billing invoice for visit). I'm glad you could process any claims without paying for any documentations. I can only speak to what I needed and what happened to me. I started my AON claim and it IS going to be a very long period of time until it is resolved.

You need to be formally tested by Medical Center. You need to get a medical records report for $28 while onboard. It will state the times/dates you were insolation. Without that, it is difficult to "prove" you were in isolation by Medical.