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You may get more detailed information on the "Baltic: board. The link is below. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/116-northern-europe-amp-baltic-sea/

Before booking, I make a habit of checking deck plans on the Princess website AND then look up the ship on the "Images" tab so I can see what the balconies look like. The Princess website will show you how large the balconies are. The Images tab will show you the outside of the ship so you can determine if the balcony is covered or not.

The balcony is not covered, if that is of concern to you.

Having an arrival time does not matter. When you get there, they sort you into groups. Disabled board first, then Elite and Suite people, then Platinum, then everyone else.

As soon as you board, call the Dine Line and ask to be on the list for the Chef's Table. There is no guarantee that there will be one. they will let you known if and when as well as the price, which is about $99.00 per head.

We were on the Emerald last May and on the Grand in September. No tapas were available, but We did get crackers once in the Emerald.

Thanks for the tip on the pizza!

Pre- covid, tapas were offered when wine was ordered. That has kind of gone downhill, but maybe they will return.

We are booked on this ship in 2024. However, this ship is one of the "older" styles that we really like. 1. For suites, you can dine in Club Class in one of the main dining rooms which is supposed to have better service and a few more menu options. I also believe that suite passengers can dine in Sabatini's for breakfast each morning which is supposed to be wonderful. 2. I do not see an Alfredo's on this ship which is a bummer! The pizza is fantastic. 3. There is a Vines Wine Bar which offers very good wines and is a nice hang out place. 4. Many love hanging out t Crooners Bar and the Explorer's Lounge. I am not sure about Tito's. If it is not included, then you can still get it and pay the difference of what the limit is on the package. Many people do that when they want a more expensive wine.

Nothing is available right now The main page does not mention about a systems update. Strange....

Mini Suite, one of the small balconies. The Regal is one of our favorite ships.

That is only available on sailing day.

LOL! I will need to figure out how to post some pics. BTW- I love my Instant Pot and swore I would not buy another appliance. It is so handy and well used... that is how I now cook my artichokes.

Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Due to a genetic predisposition, I need to eat Vegan on steroids (WFPB) which is very challenging. Your posts are at least encouraging as far as what is beginning to be offered. I love what you said: "There’s a common misperception that many carnivores make and that is that vegetarians just want plain cooked vegetables." I am glad that I am a very good and creative cook. A few staples are black bean chili, homemade veggie Marinara Sauce over whole wheat pasta, Navy bean and veggie soup, lots of salads and roasted veggies with black beans. Dressings are made with a true balsamic vinegar, Dijon Mustard and real maple syrup. We are on the Sky in June... and I thank God that wine is Vegan.😆

Thank you so much for taking the time for your fun reports! I am glad you had a wonderful "Do- Over". We are looking forward to being on the Sky this June even more.

The OP is not bidding. They purchased a mini guarantee.

Actually, I agree. Butchart Gardens is amazing, basically, anytime of year.

Most likely. It is interesting because we use the term VRBO more than the other.

Our preferences as well. We look for the deck with the larger balcony and overhead coverage.

We experience the vibration typically when the ship is docking or departing a port. Otherwise, we really do not notice any.

Absolutely! We are not fans of insides either.

I understand what you are saying. I have found that when looking for a cruise and possibly booking it, it seems that often there only Guarantees available if I am looking on the Princess website. However, if I look on my TA's website, there are actual choices of many cabins.

Moral to the story... Book the cabin you like.

We usually book an aft balcony. Those on the Emerald deck will have very small balconies compared to the Dolphin deck. We do not book those. You most likely will not be bothered hybrid Vista Lounge. We had an end port side balcony on the Coral and had no noise from the Vista Lounge. I really can not vouch for the Sky. But we would not book that small balcony... And I mean SMALL!

We enjoy a covered or partially covered balcony regardless of how port intensive our cruise is. It is actually important to us. If it is not important to you, then save quite a bit of money and book an inside.