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We ALWAYS choose our own cabin and book the Plus package with it.

However, do we KNOW that the "crew appreciation" funds ARE being distributed? That is the detail that is worth knowing. I am fine with paying them as long as we are not being lied to. And, of course, doing as you do, reward extra to those we please.

Thank you for informing us! I love that you will be doing a blog regarding Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess. Happy travels! The link would be very helpful.

I understand. However, it would be helpful to know the details regarding HOW the gratuity issue is now handled. @antsp stated that DD is onboard and has a contract. That IS a perfect source, but what are the details? We prefer for crew members to be treated and rewarded properly. Knowledge is power. I liken it to someone saying that their brother is a tour guide in Scotland. Ok............... please expand on the tour details as far as stops, price, etc.

Please share your "100% up to date information". We are inquiring minds and CC is about informing each other and sharing experiences. Thanks

Exactly. One needs to think it through and do the numbers.

Why do you think it is out of date? It seemed like an honest and accurate report from a past cruise ship employee.

@Bgwest - Thank you so much for quoting @rideev! Somehow, I missed that and love it! It is quite an eye opener and very helpful. Our last cruise was on the Sky and we had the worst cabin steward ever and did not tip him extra. And @rideev is so correct about mentioning the issues regarding restaurant gratuities. We may pay by credit card but tip in cash. I worked as a server to get through school and the cash was so helpful.

So true. If we ever book the Sun, then I know it will be sorted out by then.

Absolutely!!!

When in Skagway one of the times, we took the White Pass Train up and then we took the bus/ coach back down. This provided some variety of scenery. Both were very worthwhile.

The "original" mystery involved debates regarding if the 3 levels were pertaining to the type of food and/ or requested attire.

I remember that port! When we were there, there were two U.S. Coast Guards ships docked.

I swear that we did that about 3 times. The lines were long but moved quickly. We were constantly showing our passports and medallions.

Welcome to Cruise Critic! As a newbie, select an itinerary that appeals to you. We loved Hubbard Glacier and most people also love Glacier Bay. We book excursions from companies onshore, typically not through Princess. However, be aware of Viator as they are brokers and we know many people who had there excursions cancelled basically the day before. I know nothing about the Royal. Many love that ship and many don't. Princess does not care when you book. It only benefits you because you can select your cabin. The WiFi works great for us. We love booking an aft balcony with the larger balcony. Balconies are not created equal. The captain does a 360 so everyone gets great viewing, however, you will be wanting to move around on the ship and not need to stay in your cabin. There is also a ton of information on the Alaska forum.

We arrived early, went through the lines and then boarded after being placed in the Platinum section. We felt like we went through repetitive customs and ID Checks several times. I think it was the most convoluted boarding systems.

@Host CJSKIDS - Thank you for posting that (again). It is nice that the mystery has now been solved about the 3 Main Dining rooms on the Sun.

Actually, one of my neighbors traveled in Australia with one of her good friends several hears ago and loved it.

I think it is the pits that it is not included for you. If we did things separately, WiFi would also be half off but it still makes more sense for us to go with the Plus. I do not ever see us going with the Premium, but who knows??? We almost made it to your beautiful down under twice; but we all know what happened. 😒

Thank you for your kind response and mathematical breakdown. It seems strange that gratuities would not be included in a Plus Package for a cruise that takes place anywhere else but Australia and/ or New Zealand.

Either way, the math adds up to the same, whether paid in a package or separately.

Please clarify for me. If a customer is from a non tipping culture, then regardless of the cruise itinerary, gratuities are not part of the Princess Plus?

This could be a dry dock time.

@skynight is absolutely correct. Sit down with lad and pen and do the math. You do not need to drink alcohol to make the numbers work out for you. Add up the daily fee for Gratuities, WiFi, ANY beverages including bottled water (especially to take onshore) and yummy coffee or tea, a Lin hat Alfredo's, etc. You would be surprised at the outcome.

We tip whatever we feel is warranted. I have never seen this Princess "guideline". We did not tip at all for an excursion in Iceland for many reasons.