BEAV

Thank you, Kerry, for beautiful South Pacific photos. 👍 I’m reliving our 2014 Papeete-Auckland cruise on Symphony on this thread! 😉

A generational thing, perhaps? I tried to steer my 50-yr old friend to the boards here at Cruise Critic for her upcoming Princess cruise (she uses FB to learn/research/connect). But her response was “I never use a computer. I only use apps on my phone”. While she can use her phone to read Cruise Critic, my 65-yr old self just took the comment as more of a generational preference. 🤔🤷‍♂️

SCORE, Lois! 😉

I don’t hang out on those sites, either. I just know others get more action/response from companies than through other types of sites. They definitely don’t want negative stuff like that calling them out on things that can seem discriminatory toward solos.

That’s insane. Can’t help but think it’s a mistake. Post the experience on their Social Media pages and see if/how they respond.

The OP’s B2B is two 7-nighters. So while there’s no formal nights (as far as attire is concerned) does Crystal still do a formal-type menu a night or two on these shorter sailings? 🤔

I used this company for private transfer Civitaveccia to FCO in 2022 with no issues. I’ve also booked/prepaid three different transfers this coming April for friends traveling in the region. https://www.rome-chauffeur.com/

I’ve had the same experience over the years; their on-line booking system won’t book a solo into a guarantee category. But, finally, out of frustration, I called the Captain’s Club reservation line and learned they WILL book it, it just has to be done manually. Ridiculous, yes! As to guarantees, I almost always book after final payment time when fares drop (no guarantee, but happens very often) on their weekly “Exciting Deals” sales. These sales are always for guarantee categories, so a phone call to book a solo is always required. I generally book direct, secure the booking, then turn over to a Travel Agent if there’s going to a benefit of onboard credit or other incentive.

It’s a common misunderstanding/question of why would Princess offer to accumulate upgrade bids on a sold out sailing. Although sold out at the moment, it might not turn out to be the case 24 hours before sailing. Example: My brother/sis-in-law were booked in a category just below the top suite. They ended up having to cancel the day before departure (on a technically sold out sailing). Their cancellation set off a chain of upgrades when someone won a bid of their now-vacated suite. Then someone won an upgrade to that person’s just-vacated stateroom or suite. And on and on the chain of upgrades go… It’s a brilliant program. Princess has your bid, and more importantly your credit card number, complete with your authorization to be charged.

😂😂😂

Much enjoyed on all four M-class ships. United States Restaurant on Infinity was my favorite decor-wise, as I gravitate toward art deco. Many enjoyable memories of fine dining.

I’ve never subscribed to brand loyalty, so I flunk cheerleader 101! I just like what I like and I do enjoy variety. My one cruise on Silversea was wonderful. I almost got lost in the entry level stateroom, it was so spacious! I never once used the veranda on my port-intensive itinerary. While I totally understand there’s a segment of folks who like real estate (aka square footage), the smaller size staterooms and older ships of Crystal simply “work” for me.

As a long-term East Bay resident, and who’s sailed north to Alaska many times in May/June, it’s always been cool, and often overcast the first few days leaving SF. Certainly not Caribbean pool weather by any means! Blankets are in good supply poolside. 😉

Absolutely. But until any one of those (or other) scenarios transpire, I’m “scheduled” to stay.

Of course the Feb 28 is “scheduled to sail”! I’ve got a Hilton hotel room booked tomorrow night. I’m “scheduled” to stay. That is until I decide whether or not to cancel! Welcome back to the starting point in your dilemma. 🙄

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1pK7ymM33-/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Praying all us oldies get carded for the RIGHT reason on Valentine’s Day. 🙏❤️ And get some rest…

Agree. The quiet space away from hectic embarkation is very nice.

In agreement with the majority here. I’ve rarely indulged in the Grand Buffet aside from viewing/photographing as something of a spectacle! Now the old poolside lunch buffets of days past? I still really miss those!

Another vote for 14 days. A no-brainer for me. Now the real challenge is going to be securing a stateroom on a 2006 voyage!

Saw this on today’s hike 👍

@History&Wine and @Jinn, those of us ashore are with you in spirit. Enjoy the get together 😉

Calm (and beauty) has returned after the wild California wind/rain of the past few days.

Kudos, Dwight, for taking the baton from Rob. Little did @ryndam know he created a monster in his gift of community service!

A HUGE “Amen” from the onshore peanut gallery.

Forget the nightly trifle desserts in Waterside… Stick with See’s and book the World Cruise for your 100th birthday. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1ndxRZvoWp/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==