Wishing on a star

THANKS!!! What about deck areas and the very very limited pool space???

Yes! Those little mini-tarts with berries... just perfect!!!!

NO... I would say that two visitors in the morning and two in the afternoon is not really allowed. As loungers can be rented by the 1/2 day, then two different 'visitors' for each 1/2 day would be allowing non-paying guests to be there with the same consideration as paying guests. I would not consider doing that. There seems to be some uncertainty about whether the cabana is for 2 guests, or 4 guests (per stateroom). I can't say that I know for sure. I do not know if there is any specific info to be found on Princess???? Perhaps those that say it is for 2 guests, for sure.. can confirm that again. Perhaps they have seen policy or they have asked if 4 guests are allowed.. AND, if it matters if it is guests who are all in your same stateroom? Perhaps those 3rd and 4th guests have been visitors for a little while? Or perhaps they have actually reserved loungers, but are also cruising with the couple that have reserved the cabana. We do know that it is not that uncommon to see 3 or 4 people. If you want to have a couple of your fellow cruisers stop-by for a while, I would definitely clear this with the staff. I have seen that they can be accommodating. But, will want to uphold the main policies about paid access only, and 'relaxation area'.

State taxes... and taxes on the part of the fare that is NOT 'Princess'. ????

I do not know if you are booking thru some organization that is putting this together, and that looks like what they are offering with PLUS in their price... But, generally, no, cruises do not always include the PLUS package. As mentioned, PLUS and/or PREMIER are added on at a per day charge. If you are booking thru an agency that is organizing this cruise, double verify with them that PLUS is indeed included in the fare shown. Yes, there are fewer quick serve options on Princess... you have quickly seen that difference. With this being a music cruise.. this is likely how you will see this unfold on the ship. There may be music from this band/bands/genre playing, from the Spillway on deck, public areas, music sets on pool deck. The performances in the Atrium might lean towards that music. Any band/bands might perform in the theater... which would mean that Production Shows might be skipped. (I do not know about longer cruises, but the short '80s cruises, the production shows were not onboard at all. Maybe some time off??? Any special events or performances, of course, are up to the organizers of this cruise event. As you can see, the adult pool area is limited... most of this is open deck space, high on the ship, that overlooks the pool on the deck below. The Sanctuary is reserved, first come first served, when you board. Loungers book up very very quickly with any back to back cruisers from the previous sailing, and those with priority status/boarding. If loungers are booked up, one might find a Cabana available, as pricing means that these might not sell out.

You might be perfectly happy with the beverage (soda/coffee/water) package... Do take advantage of it, including the specialty coffee beverages. The one perk for many of the Plus package, other than an alcoholic drink or two, is the uncharge for the casual dining restaurants. Highly recommend Alfredo's Majestic is different than the other similar ships.... The Noodle bar, which most really like, instead of the Pizza Counter on the pool deck. Look for pizza on the buffet... and Alfredo's of course. The Catch by Rudi, and Harmony, are onboard. This cruise does a fjord, Endicott Arm, and not Glacier Bay... So, especially with limited Glacier opportunities, I would highly recommend the excursion there, the Endicott Arm Explorer. IF IT IS NOT BOOKED UP ALREADY. I hope you have a wonderful family cruise!

Enjoy!!!! Cabanas are more often available, probably due to the cost... You might be pleasantly surprised!!!

I find it interesting hearing the details of how the ICON went into service. Especially since Feb. is still winter, and def. not a high demand time to cruise Europe... I am with those who are placing responsibility squarely with Princess, even if the shipyard was a big factor. They should NEVER have tried to go forward with these Feb. sailings, especially if there was any question that every detail was not worked out and approved.

It might not have been well attended... And, I don't believe it is still offered, but the Royal Tea always looked super nice!!! I was tempted a couple of times, but never did it. Would be great for mother daughter grandma opportunity!

The cabanas do only have two loungers in front of each, but there is seating inside. I have always understood that they can accommodate four... If one is respectful, and there is only two of you, they might allow you to have a couple to visit with you for a while when you are there. Technically, four adults could be in the same stateroom. This is expected to be a quiet relaxation area... So any louder conversations and social interactions are to be quiet and low-key.

Ship66, Yes, some will have priority first available tenders, if they choose to leave the ship early. As soon as there is no line for that, everyone else can get ready to board. I am assuming that this has not changed.. as last time we were there, there was no real line or rush as it was still rainy that morning..... you can check the App, or your Princess Patter schedule and info for the day, to see where and when to go get your tender tickets, and wait to go board the tender. Should be some convenient mid-ship public area... Unless this has changed, staff will call for tender tickets, for example, 200-300.. and those who are called then go down to board the tender. Many repeat cruisers who have been there before do not choose to get up and head to Princess Cays... You could find that getting tickets and any wait will not be a big issue.

Muffins.... do not jump to a quick opinion... remember, these have the exact same amount of private balcony as all regular staterooms, plus that extra extended area. Plus, an actual real table for your morning coffee, pre dinner drinks or snacks, etc. I don't think you would regret it. Just trying to hep!!!

Honeymoon... how devastating!!!!!! I truly feel for you. It does bear mentioning, however, that scheduling a meaningful, perhaps one in lifetime event, with a brand new ship roll-out can be a risk.... Again, I am SO sorry!!!! I know you did not really foresee this happening!

We ARE John Doe..... That is so simple and profound. Love that!

Wow..... seriously????? Those would be completely unforeseeable and possibly tragic issues. Corporate mismanagement... a whole 'other thing.

The system here is showing A308, which is mid FWD, and between the mid and forward elevators. Mid AFT, there is. A618 and A622 on Port. A619 and 623 Starboard. There are several nice Premium balconies located right at the mid-ship Elevators. C430, C432, and C434. Port, and C433 Starboard I would highly recommend one of these on Caribe.

Yes, GK95, I have posted about this and I agree.... This whole thing goes from bad to worse, to almost disturbing.

I would never, ever, criticize anyone for having a package, or for NOT having a package. I have not been seeing that here, at all. However, when somebody asks, and is automatically told "NOT WORTH IT"... That is simply not true.... And, as somebody who participates here, I think truthful objective info is important. It does not take many waters, coffee drinks, casual uncharge dining, alcoholic drinks, etc... to be WORTH IT. And come out ahead. The value and worth of any package is determined by what benefit somebody expects to get from it. Not from another persons opinion.

Most people know that the loungers can be all sold out very very quickly... especially since those who are sailing back-2-back, and are onboard the prior sailing, can book beforehand. People literally line up to board as soon as they possibly can, and take the quickest route directly up to the Sanctuary, hoping that the days and loungers they want might be available. The cabanas seem to have a better chance of availability, possibly due to the cost. We do not wish to pay that much per day for a cabana... but with very slim chance of loungers being available on our next cruise on Enchanted (boarding for the second half of a 20 day voyage). we will definitely consider that if any are available. If you rent a cabana, make sure to get to know the staff and be ready to let them serve you.... They will be more 'available' based on the perceived message from the guests. Enjoy!

We have the total incompetence and issues with the new APP... We have the total incompetence and issues with Princess customer service... ( reps who know NOTHING.. CHAT that does not work for days... etc... And, the latest seems to be all of the confusion ad incompetence with the way Princess has handled the roll-out of the new ship. On... and on... and on.... (why is this refrain from that song stuck in my head now!!!!) Of course, all of us here know the realities. That there are huge issues with this corporation, from the very top down. Unfortunately, 90 something percent of people will remain oblivious and continue to book up these cruises.... Princess knows this and that is why they are doing EVERYTHING in their power to keep these negative comments and information away from the general public eye.

Rex... I find it interesting that this rep from Princess. (Glad she was helpful and knowledgable!) asked you to take your post down. Again, assuming that you are very sure that you heard correctly, is more 'control', 'backpeddling', and most importantly censorship... Does she not know that you can not even edit posts here after they go out. I assume that you would have to try to contact Cruise Critic and make a request to take the post down. And, they would do it... But, if you shared information that you are certain that you heard/understood correctly.. I would have second thoughts about doing that. Princess can try as hard as they might to control the PR on all of this.... But, we live in the age of instant information, and as we all know... once something goes out there, it can be forever. You had stepped out there and identified yourself as one who would share as much information as possible... And, I can understand your commitment to stand on that.

Uggghhh.... the 'very friendly' curtains... Tip... WET the curtain down first, so that it isn't light and breezy and dry.. It will 'behave' and not be too clingy!!!!!

Will anyone else admit that they might consider booking the first inaugural cruise, expecting to get a full refund plus the additional amounts offered when it gets cancelled.... Just thinking' out loud !!!

I just wanted to make sure you know that only the extended part of these balconies are visible. The space of the standard balcony is covered and not visible. Best of both worlds... More space.. Sun if you want it... and the standard covered area. Also, I have not double checked... but it is possible that these balconies have an actual table on them, not just the two chairs and little footstool side-table thing. Hope this helps!!!!

Please consider bringing a few bills for tips! We are not huge tippers, but there have been some times when I wanted to. One time when we happened to not have any cash! Do the vendors that are in the Port take medallion now?