Festerooni

Princess website shows menus for both Sabatini's... One shows the old cover charge of $29 and the other the new at $25 with the additional $10 per additional entree. Crown Grill has also changed to $29 and if you want an additional entree OR if you want their surf n turf it is an additional $10. Interestingly enough the Bayou Cafe, to add lobster it is only $5 and nothing additional for more entrees.

September is usually still quite warm for Vancouver. I haven't stayed in the hotel but been there several times for work functions and work just down the street. You might be able to use the pool still it shouldn't be too chilly. Still shorts and tshirt weather here then.

You will have no problems there at all. Very nice hotel and very accessible.

I'll be on her May 2nd voyage. I'll be sure to post some photos once we're back. Getting excited now!

I've done Alaska on both HAL and Princess, the amount of smoking on the balconies on HAL was definatley bothersome IMHO.

The food as well, I found to be better on Princess over HAL, Princess like an above poster mentioned you could get food at anytime in public areas and not have to order room service. HAL I also found to be limited on the selection of food as well as the times that the buffet was open.

The entertainment I found to also be better on Princess, similar to that of Carnival actually there is a good selection each night.

If the pricing and the ports are fairly equal, I would go Princess hands down.

Thanks everyone. I don't have to worry about shady spots as I'll be in Alaska and well it doesn't get too hot up there come September :)

Is there a cost per day to go to this area like there is on princess?

Cardero's is a wonderful place to eat, especially seafood.

The walk from the Mariott on Hastings is roughly 10 minutes on an easy pace. To get there from Hastings, walk towards the water and you will find the seawall, from there turn left and walk along it until you hit Carderos. Can't miss it, very easy to get to. You might want to phone ahead and make reservations as they can get quite busy at times, and request a table by the window.