Wishing on a star

I think you will be happy! As mentioned, the mini-suite balconies are often un-covered and totally exposed to the elements. If you bid, you will not be able to choose which mini-suite you get. And a covered one will probably not be available to move to. Also, If you booked last Fall, if you were to change now, that would be a cancel and rebook. You might have found that the price difference between the two categories, and any price increase, could cost quite a bit. That decision, of course, is up to you! It is correct that the actual cabin space in a balcony and premium balcony on Ruby is the same. The difference will almost surely be the larger (deeper) size of the actual exterior balcony. If you see one of those available that you like, then that might be nice. But, as mentioned, I think that until later in June, it could be quite chilly. And yes, it does rain a lot. There is like a marine rainforest climate along the coastline, which is of course where you will be cruising. We cruised in May, and the only place we saw real sunshine was when we drove inland on the sightseeing drive over the mountains to Emerald Lake.

Yes, some pools might be 'heated'. I would suspect covered 'indoor' pools on ships where these are available. (none on the Regal) Know that this will be what Princess calls 'heated'. We last sailed REGAL, and it was January... Even though the weather was reasonable warm for the first 2-3 days, the pools were chilly! (cooler weather at Fort Lauderdale than further south...) August should be the warmest month... Maybe that will help.

Yes, you need to make sure you understand... It could be confusing!!! You can get a Reserve collection mini-suite - And that gives you dining in the separate Reserve area. I think you are sailing on the Coral Princess? On the new Sun Princess, full Suites are 'Signature Suites'. They come with access to the Signature Lounge, the Signature area of the Sanctuary, and other benefits. One small thing to note is that Suite guests. (full Suites) get earlier Priority boarding. This would allow you to go immediately up to the Sanctuary and find availability, in case the loungers are all sold out. Neither suites. (either mini or full) come with the WIFI, Drink Package, Gratuities... You would have to add the Plus or the Premier Package, no matter what type/level of stateroom you reserve. If you have a RESERVE mini-suite, and are not sure you just have to have the Reserve Dining, then you can switch to any regular mini-suite, if you can find one available that has a better balcony. It sounds like you know you want to add the Premier Package, no matter what level of cabin you want.

Maybe an issue with the APP, and it not showing up onboard for staff???? We have all heard of these IT glitches with Princess! If one does want to be recognized, then yes it might be good to mention it when getting onboard.

I am not seeing any info, except for some old mentions of the deck plans being updated beginning with the next cruise here in April. Do any of you experts have any info? I believe the ship was in a drydock last year. Just curious!

I am hearing about the sundaes available on the Pool Deck on the Sun Princess. That is confusing, because the gelato counter is just off the Atrium. Would they not be available there as well?

Yes, sacrifices!!!! Just to clarify... If you can find a cabin with the bed by the sliding door, that can hold a third person on the sofa, you would be passing by the person sleeping on the sofa, but no maneuvering or climbing. The sofas are full length, and not pull-out. I believe the cushions are replaced by a mattress/topper to make the sofa into the bed. No obstruction of that walkway. I can see how they do not have the fourth pull-down there, as it would be really tight, and not meet emergency clearance/exit policies. Just for me, I am in the bed-by-the slider camp!!! On Princess, the Deluxe Balconies have the love-seat by the slider/balcony. But, when I saw the actual photos and videos of the Sun, it was clear to me that the floorspace and visual space was much better with the larger opening to have the bed near the slider/balcony. Looking for one of those, with the bed forward facing, became a mission!!! Hahahaha!

Thank you so much for the latest details. Enjoy your cruise!!!

Blue Water, I love your star ratings system! Could you also do ratings for Lindquist / Smith's Bay beach? I know that they have no food/drink/concessions. (maybe some lounger chairs). They do have restroom and shower facilities. But, I would appreciate a comparison on some of the other categories.

The key will be to let Princess know. (and perhaps remind them when you get onboard) With the medallion system, this might show up for the staff every time they are interacting with you. Is the Anniversary Cake the same as the Birthday Cake? Has that changed in the last year or so? We sailed on my birthday, and the cake was actually quite good... ended up being a nice touch. I do not know if they tend to sing 'Happy Anniversary', as they might 'Happy Birthday'... When we cruised on my Birthday, it was after a long Port day, and we kind of told them I didn't want any big to-do. But we had the best waiter!!! Just by himself he did a little understated "Happy Birthday" as he brought the cake. It was really sweet!!! If you want to have a special dinner, and not the usually busy MDR, you should make those plans at one of the specialty restaurants onboard. I don't know if this is true on your ship, but I tend to think that Sabatini's tables are not as tight and possibly less busy than Crown Grill. Let the Head Waiter know that you want this to be an anniversary dinner, and they should take care of you and reserve you a good table. Another thing to consider. (unless the weather is a factor in Alaska - which it might be very cool in May) is the Balcony breakfast or Balcony Dinner. I understand they will do this inside your cabin in cool/wet weather. Not sure how you might like that, and if you have a larger cabin. Congratulations! and enjoy!

Glad that you made it onboard!!! Yay!!!! Thanks so much for any information and input that you might be able to put out. Will you be doing any videos? I realize that your situation, with this 5-day, might be different... But, if you can find out if any one day passes to the Enclave are available, and the price???? I am not remembering seeing good info on this topic posted yet. Same question about passes to 'the Sanctuary'.... especially if the weather is warming up while you are onboard.

There is the Signature (Suite Guests) lounge ! But nothing similar, all-day, for Elite and Platinum. This is more like an 'event'.. I have seen where there has been some light music there as well.

Well, unless they are. alcoholic pro-biotic drinks!!! People bring on soda, water, and other things!

If I am seeing correctly, it looks like all the balcony cabins that can accommodate 4 have the bed by the entry, and the sofa by the sliding door. That would make sense, as it looks as if a pull-down berth over the sofa would be too tight, when the sofa is at the entry, and would block the exit of the cabin too much. A third passenger on the sofa would not really block any of that floor-space pathway.

infok, since nobody has posted yet... I believe that the sofa can be turned into a bed... and/or the drop/down berth would come down just above the sofa. ( in rooms that can have 4 guests ) There may be photos out there, but I would not be aware of any.

Wow Jamie, great photos and info!!! I don't the glass in the Sea Walk would be a huge issue... People looking straight down as they walk... But, that photo at night, that shows the lights at night, excellent! Cyndyga, I don't know what other mini's might be available. That might be a factor in deciding to change. I do like a lower deck. But, that larger balcony is a big plus.

Yes, of course... as always with food, there are some good and some bad reviews... some dishes and experiences are better than others! I also mention the good reviews.

I will try to chime in. The slightly larger angled balcony should be nice! Since there is no opening there for those on the SeaWalk to look down thru, (like previous Royal Class) then the privacy is not as much of an issue. Just be aware that the overhang cover, the marina deck above, will be extended. Good for shade.. not so much for sun. And, aren't there the lights along the bottom of the SeaWalk, and those could be just one deck overhead. Maybe two slight issues that I can see.

Not sure when your final payment is coming up... But, remember... The first couple of sailings did have these 'new ship' growing pains... Also, dining reservations have been slow to become available... Yours should show up soon. This might be because of the new 'system' and the new venues on the Sun. Well known that they are working on this. ( I don't think that 'status' is a factor?) There is probably a lot to like about the new ship! I would wait until the last moment, and consider only the latest reviews. I have seen reviews of not-so-stellar food... but also positive reviews! Mention of better beef onboard... And, yes, some dishes and recipes might be adjusted. I understand Rudi has been onboard and has been receptive.

I totally understand how you feel... Princess has a way of being this way. And, it isn't good. We received notice of a little extra OBC.. Great!!! Our TA had somehow put a hold on a full 14 day cruise, instead of the one 7 day. Well, we went to correct that 'hold' and book the 7 day that we wanted... BECAUSE OF THAT 'HOLD' THEN THIS WAS NOT A 'NEW BOOKING' AND THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY THAT PRINCESS WAS GOING TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR GIVE ONE LITTLE BIT. The problem is not the selective marketing... but it is HOW Princess is handling this kind of thing. To be lame enough to 'take-back' an OBC that was there... That is a real problem, and shows a serious lack of respect for the loyal customers. We have enjoyed the Princess product onboard (for the most part). But Princess CORPORATE has a lot of issues. Totally unacceptable lack of decent customer service, look at the fiasco that was the roll-out of the new ship. etc.... I don't know what is going on with at a corporate level, all the way up to a man whom I will not name... But, something is very very wrong.

Katie, I am NO expert... But, to make an educated guess, Magen's Bey, of course, is developed and run as a St Thomas 'Park'. with chair rentals, drinks food etc.. (Should be $40. for one setup - two chairs with umbrella) If there is Sargassum at Orient Bay... (which, I am so sorry to hear that you are seeing this.. It was reported as mostly clear recently). then Magen's is also the best bet to avoid the Sargassum. Sapphire beach seems to be another beautiful beach. Does have some rock/coral/ironshore. Magen's Bay will be more of the sandy bottom. PS: I would love if you could, someday soon, post some photos or info, like on TripAdvisor listing for Orient Bay Beach! It would be nice to see the current conditions. We are hoping to visit next Feb... and I believe it will be hit or miss for the Seaweed.

We also like a good Moscato.... Do you have a specific favorite or two? Or just one's that are found on almost any wine aisle? It would be interesting to know what the Moscato is that is showing on the wine lists! If anybody happens to be able to get that info. I know, quite some time ago.. it was cheap and not-so-good!!! But, hopefully that has improved a bit. We do bring our own... Each person can bring on a bottle... Supposed to be for enjoyment in your stateroom. If you wish to have this at supper, there is a corkage fee. Each bottle over the allowed per person would automatically be subject to the corkage fee.

I would want to know I had my spot booked on that one. There is a chance this one can fill up! If you are booking thru Princess, and they have it available... go ahead and go for it ! I am sure that you could cancel if you did need to for some reason. Don't worry about what 'sounds' crazy!!!!! Own it !!! 🙂

Thank you so much! One reason that we might consider the Traditional type of arrangement would have been to be on Deck Six, as that seemed more open to that window view. We will def. consider Deck 7, Anytime w/Reservations as well. First world decisions!! Hahaha!

Hey, maybe just a poor choice of words.... No problem or judgement here!!!! Enjoy your AFT balcony! ( and, as mentioned, I did think I saw one on a deck just above that had a slightly deeper/bigger balcony. All AFT balconies are not created equal on these ships.)