Treasure Hunter

I think so. We were on the Emerald in September and she looked great. Dated for sure but still a joyous atmosphere.

The old Star was a wonderful ship. We took her around the tip of South America in the 90s followed by an NCL ship for safety. And then to the Baltic when St. Petersburg was just opening up to tourists. No stores or restaurants! We bought stuff out of people’s car trunks. Great memories of a comfortable friendly environment with great food. All Italian kitchen and wait staff who were having romances with the British hairdressers. The gossip was very entertaining.

11:30 or noon to be panic free. We are on the Island June 4 from Brooklyn. The signage is really bad for car services to find the place so give a little extra time.

I have been on 35 Princess cruises and over 50 total on multiple lines and the only one I hated was Viking Mississippi . For $25,000 you stood at a machine to make toast in the morning like a motel 6. When I see the Sea Witch logo on the Princess hull I get goosebumps. I guess , just put me on the ocean and I’m happy.

The hamburger and fries in the Haven restaurant are much better ( quality of meat etc.) than in the American Diner and I believe the diner is open air on the Getaway so with NY winter departures it’s a no go. You can make changes to the Haven burger and other menu items if that helps

We took The Emerald from LA to Hawaii and has a fabulous time. Last year we did NY round trip to New England/ Canada. Both times the service and CDs entertainment was great. It has a cosy, friendly feel. Would definitely cruise again.

American diner. Mediocre except for the ice cream sodas that you have to pay extra form

We eat in the Haven restaurant. Best food on the ship. They only do that because everyone wants to eat when they board.

There are lots of people behind the scenes that make your cruise. We pay the suggested and give cash to those that went above the expected.

No. We don’t drink alcohol so swap out our mini bar for waters and sodas. The plus never pays for us. We send out laundry every night and love it. Also love reserve dining with no reservations needed and the breakfast in Sabatinis ( usually).

And full suites are included. But we once used the upgrade program to move from a regular mini to a reserve ( club class) mini two weeks before the cruise.

We are on Crystal Symphony in September (600 passengers) and we are docking in Rouen for three days. Tours offered are Paris ( we have two overnights) Giverney, Normandy etc. We plan the D-Day beaches. For your Oceania trip , I agree go with Oceania for safety if you choose Paris

We have always gone to the port at 9:30 am. If you are in the Haven you do not need a boarding time any longer. You will be kept in the Haven lounge with snacks and drinks until boarding. You will be the first on the ship,usually by 11:00.

We have cruised Princess 35 times. You will have a great time. The reserve class dining service is wonderful. Too many kids, crowds on Royal. Food is much better on Princess. You won’t have the big Broadway shows but the entertainment is still very good. And Princess CDs are better with lots of fun evening game shows, trivia and other things to keep you busy. Don’t miss the Chef/ Maitre ‘d cooking class ( hysterical). And if they have Voice of the Ocean on your ship. We are on the Island Princess in June ( old as the hills and the Enchanted in January.

Yes you are right, and service is better, greeted by name, no wait but the food is really the same as MDR . They usually add a shrimp dish and a crepe for dessert. It’s the no wait that I like. Looking forward to true suite dining on the Sun with a separate dining room. A reason for the prices to become closer to Retreat and Haven. Right now, suites on Princess are still much less than Celebrity or NCL