Wishing on a star

I like to get out early, before the heat and crowds of mid-day. But wonder how soon everyone begins to head back to the ships? Of course, I am assuming decent weather! Any good insight?

I like to get out early, before the heat and crowds of mid-day. But wonder how soon everyone begins to head back to the ships? Of course, I am assuming decent weather! Any good insight?

Thank you so much! 15 minutes is very doable. I often walk along the shoreline where the surf keeps the sand wet and even! You are right, that would be an issue for me!

Yes, if you are concerned about motion, get mid-ship, as low as possible. I don't know which ship you are on, but know a 'sideways' inside cabin can be different that a regular layout, where the cabin is laid out horizontally (port to starboard orientation) and not vertically (aft to forward orientation) I am also one of those who are sensitive to vibration. That is what can be felt in AFT cabins, as they are above the engines. It is so funny, because you realize how much you really feel it when you are sitting on the toilet, or like leaning against a wall or 'headboard'.

I did finally get thru! But, they said they could not tell me how many children are booked on our upcoming sailing. I have assumed that this information should be available?

Wondering if it is working lately?

I saw a Ship Tour video where they showed the actual schedule of classes... Posted two months ago on you tube by TomMae. There were sign-up sheets on the table. It looked like it said that signing up was not a guarantee that you would get in to the class. Maybe at some point, if you don't show up at some point before the class begins, it is actually first-come-first-served. (which is confusing? why go all the way up there and sign up?) Of course, the access could have been changed some, or change before you board.

Thank you dides! We have been super excited to see a new Princess ship! These changes have changed expectations. How busy, and how easy/difficult to find loungers that weren't all packed in like a main pool deck? I am sure it is beautiful... But wonder if it does not come off as 'institutional' Maybe if it had shaded areas, barriers with plants, etc... There are sure to be a lot of kids during Fall Break here. I am not sure we will see how all of this goes until we see this all unfold. Caribbean might be a different experience.

My problem is deciding which one of these great beaches to visit!!! We are planning far in advance. I wanted to consider Lindquist-Smiths Bay... I am all about the beauty and clear blue/turquoise water! We might have umbrella, but wonder if there will be any locals renting those loungers. Since we would be the only ship in port, and Magen's might not be overcrowded, that seems to be the 'easiest' choice. Then there is Coki, for the fish... First world decisions!!!

nydney1, Glad to see an old-timer and expert here! We will be on Grand Turk in mid-late October for the first time. Planned on just making it a beach-day, and check out Jack's. If it is hot, or if we do not feel energetic enough to walk up the beach.... How long does it take to walk up there, at a moderate pace. Should we consider grabbing a taxi for such a short ride? Maybe walk back?

Are six seaters available. That would probably cost more, but might guarantee plenty of room and 4 forward facing seats.

Amber Cove, as the entirely of the secured Cruise Port, actually IS a destination. There is the large freeform pool and bar. A couple ( I think ) water slides. zip line... In that respect, it IS like a cruise line 'private island' or 'private area'.... The DR is of course a large island nation. Check google maps and do a bit of research to see where one might go in the nearby area.

Yes, your description "diluted the experience and increased costs"... You nailed it. Know there could be similar changed coming to other Princess ships.

Sox Fan, I am happy to see you mention other 'outside spaces'. Looking at the deck plans, I am not sure I am seeing them. I would love to hear recommendations as to the best areas to check out. You could even contact me, with specifics. I wonder if your perception was because of a less than capacity ship and cooler weather. The main (continuous MUTS) pool deck, leading up to the Dome. I would imagine these areas would be fairly crowded all the way up and down deck. The Sun Deck in front of the Dome is large, but again... packed in, only shade is the tint of the blue glass. Just not a 'cruising on deck' experience. The wake view bar is a very small area... Not even sane on a ship this size. And I am seeing/hearing that it is packed as well. I am sure all the kids just love the one shallow pool there on deck. Which is not large. In example: In addition to the Main Pool Area, the Regal Princess has a larger Wake-View area. The areas of deck and loungers on promenade AFT Port and Starboard. A large, all the way from Port to Starboard, adult Retreat pool area. (which, even with its large size, is very full on sea days in warm weather) Endless upper raised-deck area on those top decks. And the Sanctuary. SUN does not have these. There is no denying the obvious. I think that comments that are coming in now that the weather in Europe is warm, are reflecting this. Just wait until the SUN gets to the Caribbean!

I beleive you are correct about Princess leaning towards GTY bookings. They did not charge a higher fare to choose your cabin until fairly recently. And, it seems that many 'promos' that show these low 'starting at' fares ONLY apply to a GTY in the lowest subcategory of each category. I might not have that completely correct. But, something along these lines. Princess is very much aware of what they are doing here.

Yes, I think if you got out the old calculator, you would find that the difference IS the port charges. No.. this has been going on for quite some time. Not intended 'discrimination'. But this IS discriminatory. I believe it is some 'suit' in some cubicle, trying to insure that as many people as possible, to max capacity, are booked on that ship in the available cabins. Used to be Travel Agents could request that a couple could request to book a cabin like this... And it seems that this possibly goes to some office in 'Revenue'. We tried that once. And our Travel Agent told us 'no'. It is a problem. In fact, for example, during some High Season cruises for families, like the Holidays, they actually have to limit the number of kids. They have to go by regulations as far as the number of berths for each lifeboat muster station. And, the kids clubs can only handle so many.

Yes, this does seem to be dependent on the sailing, and whatever 'system' they use to predict demand???? One one booking, we CAN book for the two of us. But we had selected another specific cabin with a larger balcony, so kept that. On the most recent, we booked for three, and we only paid two deposits. But, there are so many booking codes and different offers... Maybe this had something to do with the fact that this was during Third and Fourth Free promo? Then again, the agency had to add the fare for the third person, because of something in THEIR system. I am glad we only paid the two reduced deposits. But, that fare for the Third Passenger will still be on the total amount due until we cancel that third guests, before final payment.

Yes, these port fees will show up, as there is currently a third person. When you cancel that person, before final payment, those should go away. If you booked a Mini.. enjoy!!!! (make sure it has a covered deck)

We have not sailed on the SUN yet, but based on everything that we have been seeing and hearing, I am afraid the we will agree with the above post. This is a huge ship, with absolutely no areas that are free from bright screens and noisy speakers. No adult only areas for non 'exclusive only' guests. ( sad ) From what I understand, when the new Sanctuary Class system is fully implemented, beginning Oct. 14, there will be no access for any non-sanctuary class guests. I do wonder if many of the cabanas go unrented... As Sanctuary Class guests already have full access, and have paid a lot for it. (except some who got grandfathered in)

Thank you so much Itchy and Scratchy! Sorry for the delay! I am just now seeing this. Have you looked at the boards for these Islands on trip advisor? They have had ongoing issues with smells from the water treatment plant, just up from the hotel. It is pretty widely known... They are wording on solutions, updated facilities? But, this will likely be months if not years. I wonder if July might be less of an issue, as this is slow season on the Islands. The demand might not overwhelm the facilities?

Thanks I&S ! I had not noticed that comment before. Guess they are trying to keep the AC going in there. And, I love the idea of lots of deck space for relaxing and enjoying the cruise. (which is one reason I am looking at other cruise lines) But, it is the open-lawn concept that gets me. This is JMHO, (of course others will not agree) but areas limited to just open grass on a cruise ship seems odd, and some of that could be a much better use of space. I see a lot of photos/videos, in warmer locations, where the grass looks brown and 'crispy'. I love adult-only and relaxation areas on deck. (with at least a retractable roof) Enough shade is important too. Sadly, this is becoming impossible on our usual cruise line. And, newer ships in general. I have a hard time swallowing the price point on Ines that restrict this type of area to a ship-within a ship concept, with the $$$$$$$$ pricing. We are on 'retirement' income now. I don't think I have found a 'fit' in the next level up in 'premium' lines. But, our minds are open to any options right now!!!

Thank You! I think Aqua Class would be good, since a Suite does not offer an actual deck area. Not a fan of the lawn, on a cruise ship. We have enjoyed Princess because of their Sanctuary area. (which Princess is changing) It seems that these Celebrity ships do not have this kind of thing. The Solarium is totally enclosed, without a retractable roof, if I am correct. I think I am going to look at other options for now.

There are, RARE, cases of people getting move-over offers, sometimes very generous, to give up their cabin and take another future cruise. Brockman, this is not common. Booking a RESERVE or GTY does not mean that you have a risk of not boarding the ship. Move over offers are sent out to any given number of bookings, until the Cruise Line has the people who are willing to accept them. I would make no assumption booking a RESERVE / GTY is anything like flying 'stand-by'. Standby means you know that flights can be sold out, but you are wiling to be there at the airport, just in case. Unfortunately, it does seem that people are getting move-over offers at the very last moment. But the only reason that I would not book a RESERVE / GTY is because we can be picky about our cabin location.

Not sure if we would really want to do this. I understand that there is no really nice Retreat Area for Suites? Just the Lounge? Are any of the Specialty Restaurants included... or Just Luminae? (understand can order from Opus menu) Which Category would you book for a short cruise. With no nice Retreat Area, would you book Concierge or AquaClass.... Any insight is helpful! Also: How easy, or difficult, is it to get passes to the Adult Area at Coco Cay. I hear that there are a set number available each day. Maybe a certain Class/Category would be able to get them beforehand?

Great info and photo Dides... You are invaluable! Edub, you mention outdoor seating as well... I am not sure if there are any chairs or seating at all... but check out the forward facing, not promoted, deck areas over the bow on Decks 10, 11, and 12. Also, unless this has changed... The areas on each side of Love by Britto have been found to be open in the past. There have been photos posted.... but I would have to search for them.