Wishing on a star

We usually drive when we cruise from Florida, here in U.S.

It is more than can be done in one day, so we sometimes take even the third day.

We are big on being the first at the port, as we want to board early.  So NO driving on day of departure.

If you fly, I would still do this the day before, as we all know how travel, and especially air travel, can go.  

You can always keep looking to see if cabins open up, or if you want to put a deposit on a Mini-Suite before prices increase.  (if you are not cruising soon)   Most cruises seem to be going up and up...  as they book up close to final payment.

The Plus Package can really add up on a longer cruise.

As you mentioned before, and you are doing 12 days.

You really have to 'do the math'...  How much will Gratuities, WIFI, and the number of drinks and special coffees, casual dining. (we love Alfredo's) be likely to add up to.

If it is anywhere close -  the 'no worries, enjoy!' factor could make it well worth it!

You might NOT want to do the Plus package if you are a wine drinker.

The selection and quality of wine included in Plus seems to be lacking.

Happy Planning!

The real sale/benefits have been thru one of the huge online travel agencies.   Not sure if checking with any other TA or Princess PVP would the thing to do.

The prices have gone up on our bookings.. so, based on current prices, I don't think there is any way that this will help us.

If anyone is looking at a booking where this is far in advance, it could be helpful.

Not so long ago,  at breakfast in the MDR, our table for two was that close to another table....

OMG, that guy.. at breakfast, first thing in the morning...  the 'loud and obnoxious' one... talked about everything that one might not want to bring up at the table...  

We were like...  "whoa...  glad we are not traveling with them!!!"

The web site seems to be screwed up a lot lately...

I think the APP is working.

Canker,  are you sailing soon???

I understand that Princess is going to be bringing back some 'Traditional' dining, (as the OP is wanting).  The new SUN Princess has a three level dining system..  TRADITIONAL,  by Reservation, or by waiting upon arrival...  and Walk-Up.

Has Princess not said that they are going to be doing this on their other ships.

It would be kind of like when they had one dining room as TRADITIONAL, and the other two as AnyTime...  But more of a focus on being able to make Reservations.

I can see how there is a lot of confusion and lack of hard information right now!

If this is not ironed out before you board...  If you request a large table,  and then get to know some of the others on that first night...  Staff would probably try to accommodate a TRADITIONAL reservation for those that want, for the next night and forward.

Those that end up at a large table, like you, might be looking for the same kind of dining.

Here is a photo of this cabin, D220 :    I can also post a video from the cabin just two doors up.

Not sure Regal has a 'Family' cabin.

With the additional space. (two connecting cabins together??) one would def come with the higher price.

Would you mind telling us which sailing you are considering???

You are right...  the Balconies on this Royal Class ship are small... no doubt.

The Deluxe Balcony will be slightly bigger than the small standard balcony...  Just enough to squeeze in the little two seat 'love-seat'.

the mid-ship bump-out balconies can have a bigger balcony, but as you mentioned, there might not be any available, as these get booked up more quickly!

Have you tried searching by putting in THREE guests?  Perhaps this will show more available cabins.  Princess is known for holding these back for more than two passengers.

If you might consider a AFT wake-view balcony, on some decks, these have nice large balconies.  Not convenient for walking to any forward venues...  But many love the wake-view.

The only other option for a larger cabin would be to pay the higher fare for a mini-suite.

These have a larger cabin, a larger bath with a small tub. (no small corner shower with curtain).

They should also have an actual table on the balcony. (not just the small side/footstool table)

I don't know how far you are from final payment..  but could consider putting a deposit on a Mini-Suite, as the price could increase....  And keep that option open.  

Pull up your cruise and keep checking for any cabins that might open up.

Don't worry too much about your Deluxe Balcony not being full mid-ship.

You should still be fine where you are...  and I think you will find that there is no life-boat down below you in your view.

Which cabins would you hope for???

At $20. per day, the length of the cruise is a big factor, since, to me, the benefits do not match up with cost for the number of days onboard....

We would def. consider Premium for a short cruise, as we would like to do the Casual Dining...

That and the more expensive special coctails and liquors..

We could do Alfredo's twice, easily...  and then two visits would be used up.

On a short cruise, two specialty restaurants on a short cruise is about the break-even point.

So the other perks then become well worth it.

On a longer cruise, you pay more to upgrade...  you would have to know you want to take advantage of all the other benefits.  A longer a more port intensive cruise, it becomes harder to come out ahead.

They need to have more Casual Dining options on the Sun...  maybe sushi?  They don't have a Casual option for that, right....

Just FYI...  I just looked at a cruise, months out..  and it is showing Deluxe Balcony cabins to select for 2 passengers.   Just a 'thing',  or is Princess addressing this issue a little bit.

We have a regular balcony booked..  and will stick with it, as we like the location and the larger balcony.  But, not being able to book a Deluxe Balcony is a big problem!!!

D220 is fine!!!!

Regal is one of our favorite ships!  Before all of the changes that began after her.

ENJOY!!!!

Thank you for posting!   I am hoping that the Enchanted continues to be this great when we board.

What foods or dishes did you like most?

Any other tips?

Yes,  we had info that there was a VIP/TA only cruise before the 10/14...

Not sure of the dates...  I am not remembering that it was fully 10/9 - 1014.

I think it is planned to be a short cruise, maybe for busy VIPs and TAs???

We are considering doing this for the first time, when we board Enchanted.

Hoping the odds are that the ship is pulled in, not backed in, at St. Thomas to enjoy the wonderful view, and possibly some sunset!!!!   

I am quite sure that the Captain would be oblivious to my request !

I have become quite good at enjoying the best of what is there and leaving some....

I, too, hate waste...  and try to make sure that nothing is wasted at home... The two of us often split larger entrees when we dine out.   (Did this every single time on our last vacation...  partially because the incredibly high cost there...  never went hungry.)

But, in this case...  Eat, Drink, and enjoy!!!

Wow!!!  I think this more than just random luck..

Did you find time to enjoy the spa?

Great info...   Thanks again Dides!!!

We have not canceled our upcoming cruise on the SUN Princess....  Did find out that the additional $500 FCC we have on it can be transferred to another booking, on Enchanted.  At least, for now, Enchanted has the Sanctuary that we can hope for.  (If they start changing this during dry-docks, I do not think Enchanted is scheduled soon...  but can't find info.)

Not that I want to spend another $500.00,  but I am wondering if Princess might make the Cabanas available, if they are not selling out to Sanctuary Class guest????

I would love to know a TA that can/will do this.

This is a real problem with Princess, and I agree with others who are saying, this and other issues combined are making me re-think Princess, as a corporation.   It is just not okay.   Lack of available adult area (which even Carnival and Disney have) is also another non-starter.

I find it interesting that there are those who have these magical TA's,  but they never seem to be able to give any details, or offer any tips when I mention that I would appreciate a contact.

If I am correct, Parents/Families can have play time and space with the youngest.  It is probably true that only potty trained 3 years and up can be dropped off and left with staff.

"Firefly Park also invites families with babies and toddlers, ages six months to three, to crawl and engage their senses with a dedicated play area.

Excellent tip for anyone booking more than one segment!!!

If you are on Deck 9, Port or Starboard...  great!!!!

If you are wanting AFT wake-view, make sure that you have chosen a deck with the 'deeper' larger balconies!

You are doing you homework and planning!!!!  You will, hopefully, love your cruise!!!

Navy makes a good point...  they hold back SO many cabins for those who are booking two or more segments together, leaving the choices for any one segment to be seriously lacking.

Another problem is the well known issue with Deluxe Balconies not being available to select for less than three guests.  There might be work-arounds for that.  But it is a HUGE problem.

I do not know if some better Travel Agents or Princess Planners might have a bit more ability/luck with knowing how to find more cabins 'available'....  But, not in my experience.

As far as voicing these concerns to Princess...  This is NOT new....

I do not, for one moment, think that they care.   I have no more affinity or respect for PRINCESS as a corporation.

Is the department that handles this not part of the 'Revenue' department.

Ugggghhhh.

If you are considering a Mini-Suite, then this might be the way to go.

A Deluxe Balcony cabin will a bit larger than a standard Balcony, with the little two seat 'loveseat'.

A Mini-Suite will be quite a bit larger, it will have a larger bathroom with a tub/shower, not the very small shower with the 'friendly' shower curtain.

a Mini-Suite will also have a small dining table (not just a side or footrest table) on the Balcony.

As mentioned, the biggest thing with Club/Reserve Mini-Suites is the separate dining area and entrance to the Main Dining Room, with no Reservations and very little if any waiting... Should be one additional special entree each night.

On the Sky, you can book the Premium Deluxe Balconies that have the larger balcony.

But, something tells me you are wanting the larger cabin/bathroom, etc.

We have actually booked D226, which is a small regular Balcony cabin with a larger balcony.

NOTE:  the video link above is specific to the new SUN Princess.

Process is not known for being consistent...  But, all else fails... order the included dessert without the big lollipop and extra toppings.  Hey, your gelato will be in a fancy glass.

Happy Planning!!!