nini

Score!!!

We sailed the British Isles last May and it was a fabulous trip; all that we had hoped it would be. My first thought was about your genealogy/ heritage. Both DH and I have our majority of heritage from the British Isles (me, mostly Scottish). So, we really enjoyed doing a bit of research and then exploring when in port. We visited some "Campbell Clan" castles and I purchased a Campbell tartan scarf to bring home. Regardless of heritage, I think your nieces are old enough to learn about England, Ireland and Scotland. Edinburgh is enchanting. Your nieces could do some separate research and then be instrumental in booking your shore excursions. Obviously, I do not know them, but they are old enough to appreciate the ports. BTW- We love the Regal! Have a great trip.

Thank you for sharing your cruise with us. I am glad you had a positive experience with Princess and also enjoyed Mexico. Safe travels home.

We have never noticed things disappearing on our Princess cruises; however, "post- covid", there have been supply chain issues or financial issues involving the ability to purchase. The main example is wine availability on our two 2022 cruises. I was excited to try some new wines, but it was "slim pickin's".

Wow! That is too bad about your bank. We also have our credit card that does not charge us if and when we go to any ATM on the planet. However, we wanted to be prepared for when we landed and not have to search for an ATM machine while our transfer was waiting. If we had been late, then he may have had to cancel. We did not have to pay a percentage fee at our bank... we are just in a tiny town on the Washington state coast. Also, AAA also now charges for the foreign cash exchange.

Wow! That is very disconcerting. I appreciate the heads up for January cruises. We were on PC full transit in January 2018, and groups were not an issue and our friends were on a Caribbean itinerary in a January and it was fine. I would assume that the groups book 7 day itineraries, mainly for the Mexican Riviera and Caribbean?

We tipped our BlackBerry cab drivers- in cash of THEIR currency. We always get the proper currency before we leave home - you order it from your bank. If you get it there or on the ship, it will cost more.

Sitka and Icy Strait are on the longer than 7 day itineraries. I am sorry Thrak had a rough time in Sitka. Our stop there was really good. (Last September).

This is a nice aft cabin. Some of the aft balconies are very small, but this one is a nice size. You may never go back to the "side" of the ship.

Transfers through cruise lines are on embarkation disembarkation days... You board the coach at Victoria Station for embarkation day.

You need to go to the Blackberry Cabs website.

It may help you to post this on the Alaska Forum. Then you may get more detailed responses.

Princess has a fantastic kid's program. It is very helpful for parents and free.

You will be fine on the Emerald. We were on the Emerald last May.

This is great to know! I am surprising hubby with a Vista Suite on the Caribbean Princess in 2024 on a Transpacific!

It does not matter. You will be directed when you arrive. We were on the Emerald last May.

We have learned to book ASAP what you want, because you can always "change" to a better deal if it improves!I We keep an eye on the rates and have saved a ton of money. It is just a phone call away. This way, you get the cabin you really want!

Please tell us what city to which you are referring. Basically, Princess will provide the transfer if you booked that package with them. Otherwise, you are on your own. There are other boards/ forums where you can research this issue.

We used Blackberry Cabs for that transfer. We could not have had a better driver!

We booked with two other couples for our transfer from Southampton to LHR; using BlackBerry Cabs.

They are usually ready pretty darn quick; however your luggage may not yet have arrived.

We love the Regal! I am sorry that the Irish Music convention caused frustration for you. Princess really needs to figure out how to deal with groups while honoring the other guests.

Laundry machines on the Grand were free ( September 2022). They were not free on the Emerald last May.

Believe me, we were ordering lots of wine! However, our cruises were last May and September. Maybe things are returning to sort of normal.

No electric teakettles are permitted in the cabins unless you are on a British itinerary. No coffee makers are in the cabins.