Wishing on a star

It would have to be one of the SANCTUARY mini-suites to have access to all of these benefit.

"some of us who purchased a premiere package might feel slighted as this is now standard. " I can see how that might feel... but, the thing is, there has been no 'slight'.... You have been given access to all these Sanctuary areas... I would be happy and see that as a gift.

Are we sure that the RESERVE dining is gone? Or could it be an (per as usual) error in the IT department. Do not some parts of the web-site still show the RESERVE. I don't know how they can take that away, when guests actually PAID for it. They will have to honor something for these bookings. Yes, I can see this disappearing, upon some tba date, and the RESERVE dining room being changed to another, revenue producing restaurant/venue. OR, with the increase of cabins in the new SANCTUARY category/class... I can see that they will need two dining rooms that are Signarutre/SANCTUARY. If people are worried that the SANCTUARY will now be crowded... try getting into the SANCTUARY/Signature restaurant. So, the Reserve dining room will simply become a second option for SANCTUARY guests.

Dog, since you have already booked the cabin, are you not 'grandfathered in'. That is what I was understanding. While the official SANCTUARY thing begins Oct. 14, and also begins with all bookings made after this announcement... I thought that all existing bookings were granted SANCTUARY access... Just not the included package.

I will make no determination about this new ship-within-a-ship.... Many will abhor it, and many will be excited. What I will pass judgement on is how Princess has handled this. It not only shows complete incompetence, but a lack of respect for all guests who have been booking. Not to mention a complete lack of transparancy. This seems to be another example of how the roll-out on this new ship exposes huge problems and incompetence and shortcomings all the way up to Corporate. NOTE: Those who had booked Signature suites are not benefitting... Those whose cabin has been reassigned just got a 'gift'. I don't understand why those with Suites might not be happy, as they have lost nothing at all. I can't believe I didn't see all of this coming, when watching this roll-out and seeing the confusion about those D0 premium balcony cabins. I am usually pretty perceptive. it seems clear that 'RESERVE' will disappear. Princess could either have two choices of SANCTUARY (signature) restaurants... which might be necessary with all of these new SANCTUARY cabins... Or the Reserve Dining Room will be changed over to a different, revenue producing, restaurant/venue.

About the RESERVE thing.... That could be another IT problem.... OR... is the next notice we see going to see a revenue producing venue/restaurant where the RESERVE dining room is. With Princess... one never, ever, knows.

Yes, this whole thing is another example of how this roll-out of the Sun Princess has been a HUGE MESS.... I place this fully on Princess.... All of this should have been decided and made clear, months ago. No excuses here.... I am happy for anyone, such as those who had booked a D0, who benefit. But, otherwise, this is a huge MESS. The price increases are incredible.... I am wondering if those who got the email notice, who are sailing before the change is fully implemented, are those who are booked into Suites. True, it might not give them any real benefit. (unless they had not booked a package, and now the upgrade notice does, actually, give them the package - do we know that for sure???? Can they cancel the package they paid for??? Does their booking show two packages?)

I am not so sure that there will be an 'availability' problem... The way the Sanctuary is now, much of the time it can be fully booked, but many of the loungers are not occupied.... It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. I booked our cruise on the Sun with the hope that, somehow, we would be able to have some chance at booking the Sanctuary by the day. But, that will not be a possibility. Will we cancel??? I don't know. I am still excited about the cruise and seeing the new ship. But absolutely NO other adult area... That is huge... And, might be a bigger issue when cruising when schools have Fall Break. Apparently Princess feels it is more important to have a ship-within-a-ship than it is to provide a nice area that is available for adults, even pay-per-day. All the discussion and disappointment that has been online, with those who were concerned about the Sanctuary situation, must not have carried much weight.

Ohhhh, voljeep, I enjoy the Sanctuary, and will admit to a whisper of 'jealousy'.... Now I know for sure that they will not be allowing daily access to any other non-Sanctuary folks. Somebody on my sailing in a Sanctuary Cabin/Suite can add me to their booking, just so I get that 'Sanctuary indicator'!!!! Looks like we will have to play the early a.m. lounger game!

What category had that person on FB booked? Was it a suite??? Is Princess sending out notices. (in error) on non-suite bookings before October 14??? That kind of 'error' would not be surprising, actually.

Hey..... Hahahaha!!! With 3rd and 4th guests free promo... Can somebody on our next sailing, in a SANCTUARY cabin, add me as a third guest????? Name your price!!!!

I am happy for you Dog!!!! Sad for me and others who this does not benefit... But, I know you have been round-and-round about your D0 cabin. Great!!!

Yes, this seems clear that this is like the Haven or the Retreat... ship-within-a-ship that the other lines are offering. NO access to the sanctuary area for me now!!! : (

No, I believe that all of the ones on the Sphere still remain 'Premium Deluxe'. I think it is ONLY that handful of D0 category cabins. (AFT, with the very very extended balcony) that are now SANCTUARY cabins, with full ship-within-a-ship benefits and access. These are the ones located AFT that had brought about such specific discussion, as the description online had mentioned Signature, but then that was removed. Now we see why, as most of the Suite and Sanctuary staterooms and exclusive areas are located AFT. Note: Deck 14 doesn't seem to be available / loading... Not sure if they might still be working on that deck, with these new cabin categories. Princess has kept silent, and also brought about a LOT of confusion with the roll-out of the new ship... NOW it all makes sense.

Wow... Now it all makes sense... Now we know why Princess was keeping completely silent, and not committing to anything regarding Sanctuary access. I had thought about booking one of those D0 balconies... That would have been a HUGE 'gift' from Princess!!!! But, sadly, now I know that there is no way I will step foot in the Sanctuary when we board, as this new system/categories will be operational. : (

A new video by a couple who are Cruise Vloggers says that the breakfast menu in the dining room is very very limited. Is this true? I enjoy a nice breakfast served to my table from time to time on a cruise, so this would be disappointing.

Not seeing any photos or video.. But, trying to help. I think you can be sure that the sofa will convert to one bed/berth, and there will be a drop down that aligns just over the sofa, for the 4th berth. On Princess, inside cabins have had the fold out beds that are attached to the walls on either/both side of the main bed. But, I can't see this being the case on the Sun Princess in an ocean view.

I believe it is already improving!!! Word is that the shows, and hopefully Park 19, etc.. will all be up and running soon. I am looking forward to October, with very few worries. (except that personally, for me, the new modern look and feel won't appeal like my favorite Princess ship. ) I had heard about the ship being warm, needed some AC temp. improvement. I would love to hear that this is no longer! And, a few comments about noticing stray smoke that is not limited to smoking areas.... I don't think that can be addressed easily.

Sanctuary... Martini... Sunshine... Seafood in broth... You do know that you are making us SO jealous!!!! ENJOY!!! I am so glad to hear the good reviews on the ship, even though it will be months until we board!!!

I wonder if the shows in the Theater will change anytime soon? I am seeing Rock Opera and Spotlight Bar... (which I might also skip based on the comments) Any other shows/entertainment to note?

Yes, they now have umbrellas for rent, according to the excursion/rentals shown online. - Personally, I like to go over onto the island early... If you want to get a good spot, and plan on spending any amount of time, then I would go ahead and go early. - Last time, we rented a bungalow, and I really appreciated that! (book as excursion in advance) - The crew heads over to the island first, with all of the gear and food for lunch. They do grill the food there behind the line at the lunch pavilion. They will get lunch opened up at some point, maybe sometimes all the prep goes quicker than others? At noon, yes, there will be a line. They have burgers, dogs, wings, grilled chicken or maybe fish for your sandwich. It really isn't bad. The Packages do work on Princess Cay. They should have water, tea, lemonade.. Just like onboard. Sodas, and mixed drinks are all available, if you want... Yes, a towel from onboard might be a good idea. It is always nice to have an extra regular towel, along with the beach towel that might get wet or sandy. - Cash? You should not NEED cash to visit the Island. Of course Lunch and the basic drinks are all included. ( I think your medallion works on the Island) But, you might bring some csh for tips. (which I did want to tip a couple times) or for anything from the Island vendors. Cash only. It is not the most totally spectacular beach, but it is a great Island Beach Day. Enjoy!

Yep, you have a real decision to make now!!! Knowing that your niece wants to stick with Caribbean Princess, for the larger mini-suite and reserve... So, if you change, you will break up the group, the 'girls trip'. It sounds like your niece had a different preference, and felt the Allure was too much, too big, etc. Different strokes for different folks!!! It seems that the relaxed vibe, larger suite, smaller ship.. promenade, etc.. are what she is hoping for. I imagine that you have been talking about this with your daughter. Unless she has already said that she is happy with either cruise... She might be caught in the middle. In this case, I might set aside what I thought would be the better ship, and let your daughter decide. Kind of open up both options, and let her decide - group girls trip on the smaller older shop, or time for the two of you on Royal Caribbean. Planning a trip like this, with four women, can be a little like herding cats!!!! hahaha!

rjack, how recently have you been able to do this?

I am NOT an expert, but will try to answer, as I have also looked into this. Yes, the balcony will be big enough. The C2 category cabana mini suites (the ones that are not directly on the open cabana deck) look to have a bigger balcony than the C1 category. (the ones that are actually ON the open cabana deck) Yes, they will bring a larger table, table cloth, flowers, etc. (at least this has always been) The balcony will be big enough, for sure. You will have the higher blue glass wall on all these cabins on deck 9. And, of course, if you are in a C1 category, there could be a few people out on that open cabana deck enjoying the evening, which could be fairly close as you have your UBD. I believe that these balconies on deck 9 are not covered. They will still be able to do the UBD in your 'cabana' or maybe even your stateroom, if the weather does not cooperate.

PG, we have. not had any luck lately having our TA or Princess let us get a Deluxe Balcony cabin assigned. It is a big problem... and Princess 'corporate' knows this. This is totally wrong and makes no sense, as a couple can book a mini-suite but not a deluxe balcony... Again... Princess knows this... They want it this way. One work-around that has been mentioned is to book for three... just add in a family member or close friend... and cancel them just before final payment. That could possibly work if all else fails.... Princess can always move your cabin... Everyone should check their booking regularly... But, it might help to have your cabin marked NO Upgrade. That way, once that third passenger is cancelled, Princess might be less likely to see that booking with two guests, and try to move you. If they moved you with an upgrade, to make use of your Deluxe Balcony.. that would be a mini-suite. But, that would be a gamble.