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We have always enjoyed multiple staff asking us for any beverage orders in the buffet; pre-covid and in 2022. Unlike on the Celebrity Reflection in 2018 when they could not have cared less. That was a real disappointment for us.

We also ordered drinks in the theater when on the Grand, Golden, Crown and Regal.

I understand the frustration regarding those who think they can identify the music of a decade/ generation. I have also found this ignorance in the other entertainment venues for shows and games. We went to one Pub Lunch and found it mediocre at best. And now that we have had Fish and Chips in the British Isles, there is no way we will even consider the Pub Lunch again.

Yes, we were very fortunate. And the tour company was owned and operated by a local family who did a fantastic job.

We LOVE Hubbard Glacier. People always want to go to Glacier Bay, but Hubbard Glacier is kind of a secret and noir favorite.

DH has some of those pants that you can unzip the bottoms and then you are wearing shorts.

Be prepared. My BIL wore shorts virtually every day. Shoot, everyone was in shorts and swimsuits when we pulled away from Ketchikan in September when it was 75 degrees. Bring layers from summer to winter clothing.

What are some of your favorite ports?

We choose Rome as a starting and/or ending port because we like to spend time in Italy pre- cruise.

We have boarded twice in Vancouver and each time is a mess or takes forever with lots of unnecessary repetition.

Thanks for sharing you journey with us! We boarded at Canada Place last September and it was HORRID and very repetitive (showing the same documents over and over and over......). Please tell your Mom that she is correct about the Limoncello on Princess... YUK! However, if she has a chance to try it in Italy, it is wonderful! We bought bottles to take home from the farm we toured which was close to Naples. Your itinerary looks great. Happy Cruising!

I do not need to. I have read this entire thread. I am just responding to the OP.

Good to know. I thought that the two were similar.

From one of the pics, it looks like you have the same Naturalist we had on the Grand last September... she was amazing and very friendly. Enjoy!!!

Thanks!

The OP may want to check this out on the Princess Website. You can enter your information on their "Cruise Health Tool" https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/

I understand your points. My original statements were regarding DH and myself NOT needing to be vaccinated nor test to enter and board in Canada last September. Believe it or not, I understand the difference between a US citizen and a Canadian citizen.

@LibertyBella brought up the issue of airfare. I will mention that many people use EZAir through Princess and save quite a hefty sum. We have used it a few times and the prices have saved us thousands of dollars. However, the method is to book your air as soon as it is available on the Princess website, which is about 300 days before the cruise. This provides the opportunity to change if you see you can book for a lesser cost and different flights. This works up to 45 days before the cruise after which time, there would be penalties. You can even take a look on the site before booking a cruise and do a "mock" booking.

Our very first trip to Europe was a Greece and Italy itinerary. We fell in love with Italy, not so much with Greece. We are very wimpy from the Northwest so we went in October and even then in tended to be a bit warm sometimes. But, we generally had great weather. A friend visited her son in Italy in the month of July and said it was horrid! It may not bother you as you are from Texas. So, I would suggest April, May, October. As @gottagocit stated, if you are beginning in Rome, the port is actually Civitavecchia. We flew into the airport in Rome and took a transfer to our Rome hotel and spent 3 nights there which barely scratched the surface. We had a blast and walked everywhere due to the location of out hotel. We booked a shared transfer to the port and the same back to the airport from the port. Sorry, I have no experience with MSC.

Thanks so much, Tom! What do you mean by "PSD"?

DH and I love the IC, but we have always noticed that the concept/ staff need some training and organization. Whether you like or not the famous coffee chain, they do have a system that works well moat of the time.

Thank you for answering my question about the 360. You might consider the Chef's Table for your next cruise since you would not have the 360 opportunity, assuming you will be on Princess.

Thanks @Steelers36; I think you have corrected me on this before and I continue to be off. My main point is that a boarding time means nothing as you also stated in your next post. All I could remember from boarding in Vancouver is that Handicapped went first, then Elite, then Platinum is how they grouped us. I am sure Suites were in there with Elite.

In our experiences from last year, it does really matter. You will be put in a group: 1st to board is disabled Then Elite Then Platinum Then Suites ( unless they are Elite or Platinum)

Fellow Washingtonian- What a sweet telling of your experience! I know not of being "invited" to the 360 Experience however, thank you for sharing. It looks totally lovely. Maybe someday..... Somehow, we have always had good WiFi on board and we are usually aft.