Wishing on a star

Sprite... I do not know if anybody can say that they have seen Princess checking for age at the Retreat area. I am sure both of your teens would be fine to spend some time coming and going. My thoughts would be this... might they find that they would become restless and bored after a while anyhow? Also, with the limited loungers on busy days, I would hate to see loungers taken up, when there is not a person using them most of the time.

Those are not really 'cabana's on these newer royal class ships. Just frames or 'pergolas'. On other threads it is mentioned that they could not have the covers or drapes as it would be way way to windy up there on that deck. Many people like adult pools that are shallow, that they can stand in while they have their drinks in hand. I am NOT one of those, but as I am, well, vertically challenged, (okay... 'short'!). The shallower pools are good enough for me to take a dip and cool off. It is the deep ones where one is almost limited to the stairs or pool edge!!!

It has been a while, but last time we were on Regal, which we LOVE, we were on Deck 8, one of those that are sold as obstructed, but no real obstruction. The bed was our ONE complaint. It was insufferable. I know that they were changing out the beds on all ships, Regal was last, starting with suites, minus, and upper decks. I will SWEAR that the beds in these lower cabins had NEVER been changed out. You all remember the horrid mattresses, prior to the Princess Bed... Add a few years on to those... I actually sent feedback to several top management emails about that bed. I had even asked beforehand, to be sure, that all beds had finally been replaced. They had said yes. I SURE HOPE THEY DOUBLE CHECKED AND HAVE NEW BEDS IN EVERY SINGLE CABIN!!!!

Yes, Premium refers to that larger extended balcony. (cabin should be standard) And, yes, this balcony will be enormous. My only consideration would be the wind, in that location. In one of these that is forward facing, I am thinking like sticking your hand our the car window when driving down the road. You can go online to cruise deck plans, look up the P&O Iona... You should be able to see there that some of these have videos posted... click to view them on YouTube. Slightly different interior cabin, of course... but very very similar balcony. Here is a video...

I am no expert, but most flight bookings might have 'changes' with a FEE. I would hate to book this kind of international travel with a totally locked-in ticket, and no insurance.

Kiwi... I am sure that your plans were not big on spending time in Rome, in the winter... And, your flight 'changes' will be to. get you home. Perhaps there are some silver linings there, somewhere in these clouds.. I can see that a big 'strike' could have an impact. Perhaps Princess was expecting to take delivery? The ship is probably all but ready... But, close can be heartbreaking.

Assuming a 3:30 all-aboard... Would it be a risk to plan for the 2:00p.m. Ferry back from JVD, and pre-planned taxi/transport waiting to drive us back to Port? ( Sebastian's Transport )

For anyone who is considering doing the excursion on-your-own (because port times do not work, or because the other excursions offer such limited time on JVD.) These seem to be options to get to West End, and the link to the JVD Ferry. This transportation/taxi service seems reputable and recommended. Sebastian's Transport service. https://www.transportbvi.com Link to the ferry... https://newhorizonferry.com This video shows what seems to be a nice, large, ferry that makes the run to JVD But, does not indicate New Horizon Ferry service?

Yes, on the deck plans, when you pull them up, look for the place, on the left side center, where it says, show connecting cabins. This should show when you are looking at any deck that has staterooms on it. Of course, finding a suitable pair available, the way Princess has lost their mind with their evil and over-controlling system that only shows 'certain' rooms available. (and often these are every-other-room in a section... so connecting does not even show possible....) That is an additional problem all together.

Just, for those of us who might not be sure... I believe that there are three kinds of 'additional charge' restaurants' now, Casual - like Alfredos Specialty - like Crown Grill, Sabatini's Experience - like 360'. I think Love might be an Experience venue. Special Chef's Table, Wine Pairing, etc. must be 'Experience' Can we assume that The Catch and Butcher's Block are 'specialty'??? Therefore, they would be included for those who have this as a perk.

Have you been to St. John? There should be a ships excursion (if not sold out) a catamaran, with all included, that goes over to Honeymoon Beach.

I am not an expert... I will say that, since they are YOUR money, pre-paid... (not a 'non-refundable, this sailing only Promo) my guess is that they are refundable. But, I think that these will ONLY be credited back to the gift card. Which might be a hassle. If possible, you might want to use these in a way where there will not be any need for a refund.

If they are like Yellowjackets, they do not make nest, like wasps nests in trees... They are like their ant 'cousins' and their nest are burrows/holes in the ground. And, they know, from miles around, where the sweet drinks are!!!! And it isn't too hard to find those holes nearby. They are probably not around right now, because if they are like Yellowjackets, they swarm when it gets late Summer/Fall. Maybe even in Bahamas??? And, yes, when they swarm, they are bad!!!! We have had a couple of Yellowjacket nests here, and DH and DS took bottles, with a little something like wasp killer, or gasoline or kerosine, and dumped it right into the opening, and leaving the bottle to block the opening. That takes care of the problem, one easy step.

I still do not think Music Walk would get me to choose HAL over Princess. And, I wonder if it is true that the actual play-lists are that tightly controlled? The new Ascent does look amazing!!! And they do have that wonderful looking adult area. Checked out a comparable 10 day itinerary to one on the Enchanted, well over $1000. more. ( Leaning towards Enchanted with that being the kicker )

Speaking of the Sanctuary, it looks like that higher deck, with Park 19 and the jogging track could actually overlook down over the Sanctuary... I do not see that as a good thing. Will be waiting in line for the doors to open, get cleared, and rush to see I we can reserve loungers, just the same... But, no way can this be as great as the Sanctuary on the first Royal Class ships. Especially since the wake-view is Signature ONLY. Looking at the bright side... being located where it is, it might not get closed down so often due to wind!

Something tells me that the double-high blue glass has to be there for some real logistic reason. Perhaps it is only because that whole exposed open deck area would not really be useable when windy at all, or underway at any higher speed??? When you look at these photos, it is amazing. how wide and 'open' that deck is. Maybe some people would appreciate the more enclosed/protected space? When one is on the pool decks, or the Sanctuary, etc.. (except for the very AFT) there are always wind barriers to navigate and higher glass.

Wow, that seems to be a problem more specific to that cruise and ED/CD... The PTB onboard should have addressed that!!! Some of the best music we have seen on Princess has NOT been the onboard scheduled entertainers. But when the ships staff, those who play instruments and sing, get together and put on a show one night. The first time we saw this take place was on the Regal, pre-pandemic. They hyped up the show, they were gonna have ROCK music in the Piazza, and they were gonna play it loud, as god intended. OMG, it was great!!!!! Another time, it was a similar occurrence. They were setting up in the Piazza that afternoon, and doing 20 second clips of songs to make sure everything was good to go... It was like "More!!! More!!!...

I was interested when I first heard about Virgin... But, after seeing the feedback and videos the past couple years.. NOPE. One person mentioned the entertainment on cruise ships, Celebrity in specific, always had some aerialist 'twirling'..... Seems you might change that word for 'twerking' with Virgin. And, one TINY crowded pool for the entire ship.... I'll pass. I would love to try other lines, like Viking, but honestly, they are above our pay grade. I am looking forward to the new Sun Princess. (where, yes, the entertainment onboard seems to be ala-Celebrity)

Ohhhh my.... I am soooo sorry that you got sick! We are all sick here at my house... These viruses are at 'red' levels right now!!! And, sub-zero temperatures... NOT fun. January can not be over fast enough. But, I am so happy that you feel better enough to post such a great review. We have a deposit down for the Enchanted next year.

If you think you would prefer Princess... we have had no issues with kids, families as we choose the weeks where most all kids have to be in school... Are you really wanting to cruise during summer, spring break, or Holidays??? Which, of course, might be the date of choice for some.. especially if they are traveling with family. It is said that fewer families take longer itineraries. I will say this... Our last cruise, which was when very very few families vacation, there was ONE family, with a pre-school/kindergardener onboard... the Piazza was her 'playground' every night. To the point of running all around, interfering with the evenings entertainment and enjoyment, etc... Her parents must have been sitting to the side thinking that everyone must be so impressed with how cute and wonderful she was. Just know that sometimes it only takes one!

No, it was the system being 'wonky'. (don't you just love that word!!!) Anyhow, I am thinking that the current promotion ends after today. We went ahead and paid the deposit on that cruise, even though we aren't sure yet.. because we did especially want that room, which is kind of unique. It will be interesting to see what happens with the PROMO and pricing! At one point I swear I saw a banner that was. PROMO BEING EXTENDED...

I did pull it up real quick to check before I posted that... and I guess mine still looked more like it has been. I will go pull it up again! Yep, there is the banner across the top when I pull up the bookings, SUMMARY CHECK-IN EXCURSIONS. ONBOARD SERVICES DINING ...

I would like info on these options on the Enchanted... I have never taken advantage of Juice Bar or Smoothies... Where and when can you find these on Enchanted?

Seems it will have a small splash-pad... but NO slides!

Yes, Mali, you can water ordered to be in your room, possibly waiting there already, on boarding day. If you do not have a Package, then pull up your booking and click ONBOARD SERVICES.. The water is down at the end of that list. 12 bottles for $7.08 If you are not familiar with the Packages, then that example is a good one, to see if you might come out ahead by adding a package.. ( then no bottled water needs to be pre-ordered ) Yes, one of the dining rooms will be open, LIMITED TIME for lunch. There is a current thread here that is all about the latest lunch menu offerings. If they still have the soufflé, then that is a great way to get your first shuffle of the cruise!