LACruiser88

In Honolulu, we found the lowest car rental prices at the airport. We take an Uber there and back.

February 28, 2024 4:29 PM EST It's Time to Soak Up the Sun! Next-Level Sun Princess Debuts on Maiden Voyage to the Mediterranean Most Impressive, Luxurious and Stunning Love Boat Ever Created Sets Sail ROME, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sun is shining! A celebration is underway as the next-level Love Boat from Princess Cruises – Sun Princess – set sail today on the cruise ship's maiden voyage. The new 177,882-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess is the most impressive, luxurious and stunning Love Boat ever created and introduces an innovative new ship platform designed exclusively for the world's most iconic cruise brand. A true engineering marvel, Sun Princess officially started the inaugural cruise season on a 10-day Grand Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Rome, taking eager guests to the marquee ports of Naples, Italy; Crete, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus); Athens, Greece; Sicily, Italy; Mallorca, Spain; and Barcelona. "This is an historic day as our new Sun Princess sets sail on her inaugural voyage, and our guests get to experience our sensational, next-level, Love Boat firsthand," said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. "The ship is a magnificent showcase of advanced design, technology and craftsmanship, with elevated spaces and experiences all focused on taking the Princess vacation experience to a new level." Princess ships are renown for offering spacious venues and Sun Princess takes that to the next level. Sun Princess debuts new eye-catching experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Here guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living. "The Sun Princess is absolutely gorgeous and guests are going to love her. The architecture is unbelievable and the amenities on board are next level, especially the glass dome at the front of the ship which is incredibly stunning," said Monika Best, of Nova Scotia, Canada, the most travelled guest on the inaugural voyage who is sailing for the 141st time aboard a Princess ship. "Princess is evolving and looking more toward families and generational cruises, which I think is absolutely wonderful because more and more families are cruising together." Sun Princess offers an extraordinary cruise experience with not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations, including: The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea Sun Princess serves up 30 inviting restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences from: Spellbound by The Magic Castle: Blending the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary, innovative and immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure. Kai Sushi by Makoto: Reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa brings his 25 years of experience with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions . Love by Britto: A high-end boutique restaurant with the most romantic view from the ship celebrating love and art from world-renowned artist Romero Britto. The Butcher's Block by Dario: A new specialty pop-up restaurant from the world's most famous butcher Dario Cecchini, guests enjoy perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini's signature cuts. The Catch by Rudi: An exceptional dinner concept from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing delectable treasures from the sea. Good Spirits at Sea with Rob Floyd: Destination-inspired, one-of-a-kind cocktail creations from celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd. Debuting a three-story, main Horizons Dining Room with endless aft views, inaugural menus have been created in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America. While retaining what guests love about Princess, the ship also features favorites like Crown Grill, Sabatini's and Crooners with new design elements to impress. Showstopping Entertainment in Technically Advanced Spaces The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, offering showstopping and original productions including performances in the round. At night, The Dome astonishes audiences with acrobatic Cirque Éloize performances while the Piazza dazzles with a retractable stage and immersive Champagne Waterfall. Elevated & Welcoming Accommodations Sun Princess also features the cruise line's largest casino, two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with more than 200 premium brands. The retail space also includes several firsts a sea including an upscale showroom dedicated to luxury horology showcasing TAG Heuer and Breitling and more than 25 new brands available to cruise guests like Italian handbag brand, Pinko and athleisure favorites Beyond Yoga and Varley. The first-ever family activity zone, Park19, offers multi-generational fun from the top deck. Within decks 19, 20 and 21, guests can experience everything from the Sea Breeze, a glider ride that offers panoramic views of the ocean and breathtaking ports of call to the Coastal Climb, an engaging climbing structure where guests can take in the gorgeous views. With diverse accommodations to suit every preference and more than 1,500 cabins with balcony views, Sun Princess' re-imagined staterooms include exceptional suites and new Cabana Mini-Suites with extra space for secluded outdoor relaxation. Rooted in sustainability, Sun Princess is the first LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessel for the cruise line, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and features ingenious energy recovery systems for eco-conscious cruising.

A few months ago, a HGM told us to expect an increase to the Sanctuary pricing this year. The HGM did not know the new price structure at the time.

Looks like most of the photos are being posted on the main Sun Princess thread...

I definitely would not want a cabin where folks are walking right in front of my balcony. No privacy whatsoever! We booked a "regular" Reserve Collection Mini-suite on Deck 12 for our 50-day cruise in Oct/Nov of next year.

Same here? Any "Live" posters would have started the thread a few days ago??? 🤷‍♂️

We definitely prefer the Ruby over the Grand any day of the week! The Grand is now the oldest ship in the Princess fleet.

Same here, first time to see this.

February 27, 2024 9:30 AM EST Sun Princess Elevates Onboard Shopping Experience with 'First at Sea' Shops, Leading Brands, and Immersive Delights The Shops of Princess Deliver Premium Retail Experience at Sea with Chanel, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Shaun Leane and More FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Princess, the spectacular first Sphere Class ship from Princess Cruises, is set to offer an elevated, world-class shopping experience as guests sail to the most exciting parts of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Within the more than 5,800 square feet of retail space spanning two decks, guests can explore a wide selection of more than 200 premium brands from fine jewelry and premium timepieces to fashion and leisure wear, beauty and wellness, and accessories, all fused with an evolving blend of lifestyle and experiential activations. Sun Princess also will introduce more than 25 first-at-sea brands, including Chanel No. 1, Beyond Yoga and Varley, sustainable fashion from Neu Nomad, and Italian elegance with Pinko handbags. In addition, the first Princess-branded merchandise boutique – Waves – debuts on board, offering exclusive limited Princess Inaugural collection that celebrates the iconic new ship as well as new lines featuring the Princess Seawitch. "This expansive retail environment, created in partnership with Harding+, marks a new level of excellence for Princess retail," said Sabine Muhlberger, vice president of onboard revenue experience at Princess Cruises. "Our guests are going to love this new and unique shopping experience that will enhance the already spectacular cruise experience aboard Sun Princess." The retail design aboard Sun Princess removes traditional boundaries, creating open and spacious areas for extended discovery. Interactive retail and pop-up locations will also add an engaging and exciting retail experience. Deck 8 features The Premium Watch Lounge, featuring the first-at-sea Breitling Lounge concept and the latest TAG Heuer boutique design, as well as The Fine Timepieces Boutique, which features a selection of signature timepieces for both men and women from Longines, Rado, Tissot, Hamilton, in addition to pre-owned Rolex watches. Within The Beauty & Wellness Boutique on Deck 8 guests will find the world's top cosmetic and skincare brands, such as Chanel, Dior, Lancôme, Estee Lauder, Clinique, and a curated range of sustainable and organic skincare brands including Comfort Zone, Neom Organics, This Works, Rituals and unisex clean skincare by REN Skincare. The innovative shipboard shopping experience also includes: Professional-grade skincare education, products, and services from Chanel, Dermalogica and Prai Beauty. Three new fine jewelry brands, including the award-winning London-based jewelry designer Shaun Leane, Parisian-based jewelry designer Yvonne Leon as well as a diverse selection of gender-neutral precious metals and materials from John Hardy, and costume jewelry featuring the latest retail store concept design from Swarovski. Fine Spirits offering onboard experiences like Johnnie Walker Blue Xordinaire as a travel retail exclusive Engaging pop-ups with interactive brand displays, include designer eyewear activations from brands like Tom Ford, Prada, Oakley, and Maui Jim, pre-loved luxury leather and accessories from Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, and Pandora Jewelry. The 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess also offers an array of exciting new entertainment and experiences, the greatest assembly of culinary experiences from celebrated chefs and celebrity collaborators, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. With the most balconies on any Princess ship, guests can take in the sunshine and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean from the comfort of their stateroom. The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, is the perfect place to relax and the Arena is an evolution and the most technologically advanced Princess Theater design. Sun Princess also features the exclusive Princess Medallion that will extend Princess' leadership position in delivering exceptional personalized experiences typical of small ships while enjoying only the best large ship amenities.

The luncheon is now referred to as the MTG, Most Traveled Guests. On our recent TA on the Enchanted, the cut-off was 880 days. The most traveled Guest had 2,000+ days!

I think we will have to wait until they actually start sailing for the answer? 🤷‍♂️

His wines we do know! 🍷

He has been a busy man! Btw, I've never heard of him? 🤷‍♂️

Exactly how we feel about our TA. We have known her for over 20 years. We have referred several CC members to her (while onboard).

Same here, one of these days! 😊🍷

I see quite a few comments here about feeling rushed while dining in the MDR. We definitely have not felt that at all. We are usually in the Reserve Collection Dining Room and go to dinner around 7:30. On our first night, we always advise our servers that we are not in a rush, not going to a show, and like a spaced out dining experience. We usually have a bottle of wine with dinner and like to "enjoy" our wine. The wait staff will usually ask us if we are ready for our next course, not automatically bring it out. And, they have always provided the type of service that we enjoy.

February 26, 2024 1:36 PM EST New Experiences Added to Unprecedented Collection of Celebrity Collaborators Aboard Sun Princess Kai Sushi with James Beard Foundation Honoree Makoto Okuwa; Afternoon Tea with Royal Chef; Wine Tasting with Renowned Master Winemaker Among New Offerings Aboard Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. , Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As Sun Princess prepares for its February 28 maiden voyage, the newest ship from Princess Cruises is poised to raise the big ship culinary landscape by offering an unrivaled collection of culinary options from celebrated chefs and celebrity collaborators, as well as ingredients sourced from high-end purveyors, and a lineup of exciting and new experiences. Today the line revealed additional dining experiences exclusively available to guests sailing on the next level Love Boat. Spellbound by Magic Castle - the Next "Extraordinary Experience" from Princess The cruise line has announced that Spellbound by Magic Castle will be the latest in Princess Cruises' new category of "Extraordinary Experiences," following the wildly successful 360: An Extraordinary Experience, the remarkable, multi-sensory culinary journey that debuted last year aboard Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess. Spellbound by Magic Castle blends the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary innovative immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure. Just unveiled, the evening begins in an exclusive area of the Horizons Dining Room for a delectable, shared dinner before being escorted to the secluded Spellbound Bar, nestled behind a non-descript door where magic and mixology awaits. Talented, Magic Castle-sponsored magicians perform incredible feats of illusion in themed rooms and theatrical cocktails are delivered by sleight-of-hand servers. With three nightly offerings at 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm at limited capacity, advanced bookings are required with a $149 per person cover charge. Sushi Master Makoto Okuwa Comes Aboard for Kai Sushi Sun Princess guests eager to try something new will savor Kai Sushi by Makoto Okuwa – reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach. Through this exclusive partnership, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa, brings his 25 years of experience to Sun Princess with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions. Edomae-style sushi is a rather modern Japanese cuisine initially created by the Edo (old name for Tokyo) fast food businesses during the 1820's, combining fresh raw fish and cooked rice which is seasoned with vinegar. Chef Okuwa is proud to bring his own variation of sushi appealing to a wide array of palates to Sun Princess. With popular restaurants in Miami, Brazil, Mexico City and Panama and showcasing his skills on Food Network's popular Iron Chef, Chef Okuwa has been recognized by the prestigious James Beard Foundation. Cover charge is $39/person. Makoto joins other celebrated collaborators with dining options aboard Sun Princess. In addition to Kai Sushi by Makoto, guests can enjoy "The Butcher's Block by Dario," where the world's most famous butcher, Dario Cecchini, grills up perfectly prepared beef and steak; "The Catch by Rudi" a culinary odyssey curated by renowned chef Rudi Sodamin that showcase the ocean's treasures in an exceptional dinner concept; "Love by Britto" which will offer exquisite cuisine against a backdrop of breathtaking views curated by world-renowned artist Romero Britto; and destination-inspired one-of-a-kind cocktail creations at Good Spirits at Sea from celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd. Royal Afternoon Tea with Royal Chef Darren McGrady Chef Darren McGrady, personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Prince William and Harry, plus serving five U.S. presidents - leads a sophisticated Royal Afternoon Tea with Sun Princess guests in the Good Spirits at Sea Lounge. Chef McGrady shares his experiences and stories via visual media, interacting with the live host while guests enjoy a spot of tea and the traditional fixings of scones with clotted cream and jam, tea sandwiches, cookies and pastries. Tea pairings include Earl Grey and English Breakfast, along with more exotic varieties like Lapsang Souchong, Assam and Matcha, and guests may request a glass of bubbly for an added charge. Priced at $30 per person, Royal Afternoon Tea is offered on select sea days and can be reserved in advance. Sip Wine with Master Winemaker of the Year*, Gérard Bertrand French winemaker Gérard Bertrand, known around the world for his Cote des Rosés, award-winning rosé and several top-selling French wines, hosts a special wine tasting designed especially for Sun Princess wine enthusiasts. At this special event hosted in the Good Spirits at Sea Lounge, Sun Princess guests will be immersed in the flavors of these bio-diverse wines, the landscape and stories of the region as Gérard and his team interact with them through visual media. Guests can reserve this special event, priced at $40 per person. Inaugural Menus Created in Collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America Princess Head of Culinary Arts and Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has teamed up with the esteemed Culinary Institute of America (CIA) to craft all-new, delectable Horizons Dining Room menus for the inaugural Mediterranean season for Sun Princess. Under Chef Rudi's supervision, a team of CIA master chefs will be onboard Sun Princess training the brigade of 252 galley team members to serve up memorable dinner menu items. In addition to these new collaborations, beginning March 1 Princess will be serving some of the best beef steaks from Four Sixes® Ranch Brand Beef. Drawing from the traditions and legacy of the 154-year-old Four Sixes Ranch, Four Sixes Ranch Brand Beef is nurtured on the legendary ranch itself and across a thoughtfully chosen network of ranches. These locations prioritize quality, effective range management, and sustainability. The addition of Four Sixes Ranch Brand Beef takes place exactly one year after the world-renowned coffee brand, Lavazza, became the line's official coffee partner, ensuring guests will enjoy the essence and quality of real Italian coffee no matter where they sail with Princess. Sun Princess guests sailing on the first three cruises can now book dining reservations in Horizons Dining Room, Sabatini's, Crown Grill, Kai Sushi by Makoto, The Butcher's Block by Dario, The Catch by Rudi, Umai Teppanyaki and Umai Hot Pot. In the coming weeks, all guests sailing on upcoming Sun Princess voyages will be able to book additional dining experiences. "With its unrivaled blend of creativity, quality, choice, and expertise, Sun Princess will set a new standard for food and beverage excellence," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "Food and drink excellence is synonymous with experience excellence aboard Princess ships." Delectable dishes are found throughout the magnificent new ship, with an astonishing selection of 30 new and signature dining and lounge options offering everything savory journeys and entertaining eats to sumptuous sips and satisfying snacks. Not to be outshined, Sun Princess elevates the main dining room experience with a three-story Horizons restaurant boasting stunning aft views that serve as the perfect backdrop for unforgettable dining moments. The restaurant gives guests the ultimate flexibility when it comes to their dining preferences by offering three dining options - traditional seating with two dedicated dining times nightly (Deck 6), reservations and open seating (Deck 7) or anytime dining/no reservations (deck 8). At 175,500 tons, Sun Princess exudes the iconic and elegant lines Princess is known for, while delivering an evolution of the brand with new eye-catching architectural spectacles like The Dome, the cruise industry's first geodesic feature on the top deck, and The Sphere, the suspended glass Sphere Piazza at the center of the cruise ship. Sun Princess will offer an array of exciting new entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. Inaugural season of Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are on sale now. More ship details can be found at www.princess.com/sunprincess. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com. *The Drinks Business magazine named Gérard Bertrand as Master Winemaker of the Year, topping its list of the 100 most outstanding winemakers of 2023.

Maybe the Cruise Critic Insurance Forum might have an answer for you. Link below... https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/

We also take a photo of the laundry AND the laundry slip.

FWIW, we booked March of 2026, 54-day Island cruise, a month ago. We are also booked for 50 days on the Sun, for Oct/Nov of 2025. Now we are ready for cruises in the second half of 2026 to be released.

That is what we do when we drive to San Pedro for a cruise.

You should read thru some of the recent "Live" threads from the Discovery. There is one that will be boarding today.

Ditto for us! 🍷🍺🍸🥂🥃

Our Platinum Amex reimburses us for our Global Entry fees.

If I remember correctly the moderators moved it to another forum. 🤷‍♂️