nini

We left the Grand Princess at the port of Vancouver in September and we were the first ones off of the ship. Our group handled all of their own bags and we got off about 7:50 am. We immediately got a cab and arrived at the parking lot of the hotel where our car was parked, about 8:05 am. We then walked to our car. I do not know how far the airport is but this will give you a reality check on the timing. Are you prepared to haul all of your own luggage to your transfer? I really do not think that you will make your flight; with possible traffic, customs, etc. An afternoon flight is doable. Taking the Princess transfer is also a good idea.

I have organized two M&G's. They were enjoyable and fairly successful. We are on a current Roll Call and there appears to be very little to zero interest. It is strange and this is a 14 day cruise. Oh well.

Thanks for sharing. We are your neighbors on the coast.

These were all also closed on the Emerald in May. It was disappointing as we had never tried them before.

As I recall, when on the Grand in September, it was around $90.00 to $100.00 per person. DH was charged less because he does not drink alcohol. They were very sweet and accommodating and served him other beverages. There were several courses with the Chef explaining the courses we were served. The table could accommodate 12 people but we had less so that was surprising as people are usually placed on a waiting list. We were in a private room in the Crown Grill. Basically, the first thing I did when we reached our cabin was to call the Dine Line and told them that we would like to participate in a Chef's Table if they were going to have it. They took our names and cabin number and placed us on the list because they did not know at that point that it would be offered.

YAY!!! Enjoy. We all look forward to your report. The crew on the Grand gave us a photo with all of the diners and a signed cookbook!

Thank you @dfields1814 for expressing more in an improved manner of what our Emerald experience was in May. I am surprised (but not) that this ship has not become more together since then. Albeit, there were many bright spots as meeting new friends, a friendly and efficient cabin steward, and some lovely dining room experiences. We had a rude staff member snap at us in the buffet area (this had NEVER happened) and unfriendly crew members. It was like they did not want to be there. Our experience on the Grand in September was much improved and more like the Princess we enjoy. A bartender told us he had just transferred from the Emerald due to the atmosphere on that ship and was so happy to be on the Grand. He said that the crew on the Grand wins awards and honors and I can see why. So, yes: "My fear is that first time cruises on this cruise would assume that this cruise is the norm for all Princess cruises. It wasn't."

We always go to the International Cafe first thing in the morning. Then we determine where we will have breakfast. But, sometimes they also have some good breakfast items.

Thank you, @skynight.

Not so true. We have sales post Christmas... Maybe not the kind you are looking for. Stereotyping is assuming.

We did a full transit in January 2018 on the Coral. We moved around the ship and also hung out in our cabin; mainly because we had A/C and we wanted to touch the walls of the locks. Our itinerary did not have any stops during the canal transit which was fine. Our commentator was FANTASTIC during the 10 hour transit!!!

Tipping is a very personal issue... It is a willing act and is optional. We usually have the Princess Plus and will tip for above and beyond service which usually includes our room steward and room service. If we have become a regular at a certain bar and the bartender knows us by name and our favorite drinks, then yes, we tip close to the end of our cruise.

WOW! Are you ever correct on that! We really enjoyed Alfredo"s on the Grand. The food was wonderful.

Correct. I was talking about the Emerald. Regarding testing, the requirement was lifted in June 2022; a few weeks after we flew home from Southampton.

I understand your frustration with the Emerald. Please know that this craziness has to do with the Emerald and NOT Princess as a whole. We were on the Emerald in May and the Grand in September and believe me, they is a stark contrast in many areas. It took constant reminders from many guests to convince the Emerald that they needed to follow through with their promise to do covid testing the day before disembarkation. (This was when it was required by USA to fly home). They did come through for us and it appeared very organized.

Excellent! Maybe we will eventually ave a chance for the tour. It was not available in September on the Grand when we enjoyed the Chef's Table.

We have been in a bow cabin on the Regal. For me, the negative is that I can not see out, due to the railing being metal. If I sit in a deck chair, I can not see out because I am on the short side. I read that you can stack the deck chairs and maybe see out. As has been stated, you need to keep your blinds closed at night. If you easily get seasick, this would not be a good location for you. Our balcony was HUGE!

Actually, the TV's on the Emerald are on the wall across from the bed. They "updated" the cabins by removing the older tv sets from the corner shelf.We were in a corner aft cabin in May.

@Chefwoody- Thanks for sharing. I love your idea about the water! We would be totally willing to purchase a souvenir water bottle and refill at water stations. This is truly a no brainer!

I totally agree!!! We are on the Sky in June.

Fairbanks is quite a distance from the cruise itineraries. Summer is typically not when you see the Northern Lights. We were fortunate as we saw them on August 28, 2000 after we left the port of Haines. In term of a ship's age, it really depends. We were on the Grand in September and really enjoyed the ship and the crew. OTOH, we were on the Emerald in May and it was a different vibe.ship's We loved the Golden (on it 3 times) but it has been sold. We have never been in the Royal.

I love your statement about "beer snob"! My family and friends call me a wine snob, so I can really relate. We are not snobs, but we are afficionados.

We did the Chef's Table in September on the Grand. It was better than we ever thought it would be! But we did not have a meeting for Chef's Table info. I am intrigued and hoping you will fill us in on your info meeting. DH was very pleasantly surprised at how fun and yummy it was.

This is so sad that this would happen. We have also experienced a very heartbreaking situation on a ship which required us, per maritime law, that all of the ships in the area would do a search. We were going to totally miss a port, however, the Captain was able to get us to the port that evening and the town had basically waited for us. It was dark, but we still had a good time.

Do you know what a "Vista Suite" qualifies as? SHUSH... It is a secret that I booked one for us on the CB for 2024.