The Window Suite...

[cr8tiv1]

Are taking this cruise on the Golden from Sydney?? If so, we will be neighbors. We are in F311 from Melbourne to Sydney (2 days) and then from Sydney to LA (28 days)..:) We also have friends traveling with that are in 307.

 

So you are the one that booked "my" Window Suite for the transit back to California. (HaHa).

 

I just wasn't fast enough. Enjoy your trip.

 

I am a former teacher too....

[teachergal29]

So you are the one that booked "my" Window Suite for the transit back to California. (HaHa).

 

I just wasn't fast enough. Enjoy your trip.

 

I am a former teacher too....

 

Yes, guilty as charged. We love the Window Suites. We book them whenever they have them on the ship.. Wish more ships had them..:D

[crochetcruise]

I'm going to change my Melbourne hotel, learned yesterday that the preferred choice is not safe for me walking distance to my preferred supermarket. The alternative choice is about 9 blocks round trip, and $40 per night based on current pricing cheaper. Which has promptly been earmarked for sampling 1 each of all the Mocktails and a Cocktail!

 

Hope to be at the Causeway Inn on the Mall (Bourke St Mall, not sure about vehicle access yet, need to find the Melbourne Street Directory I borrowed from the local library. Intend to photocopy the area I'll be staying, and the dock area for reference. Worked out that's a bit more than a 90% saving, so more money "earmarked" for souvenirs! As I make "savings" the money is put aside for Mocktails, Cocktails, souvenirs, photo (want at least 1 possibly 2), speciality dining, chocolates and gifts. Everything's been as thoroughly as possible costed with an allowance for inflation built-in (my uncle was a Bank Manager and a Cousin is a Chartered Accountant!)

 

As I think of ANYTHING whether purchase, photo to take, information to verify onboard, pre-cruise shopping, it gets written down on the Cruise Notebook and checked off when achieved. This Thursday will be 34% miminum paid off my Fare-for me an exciting milestone! I have a small carry-on suitcase dedicated to holding stuff for the cruise as I locate or buy it! Have so many clothes that what I want to bring can be packed ALREADY! Won't get sunscreen until Dec/Jan next year-Avon have some good value specials then, and I always stock up-sunscreen is lavishly applied-personal experience of cancer, and my aunt's battled assorted skin cancers for years-a gardener who didn't believe in using sunscreen until the damage was well and truly done! I'm fair skinned so have no option, but I look for the most convenient applicator-roll on or tube for preference and buy on special!.

 

Please don't laugh, but even with food shopping, I'm "earmarking" the discount when buying on special for the cruise! There's about $18 of savings Thursday on good "bulk freezer buys" so a friend will be getting Captain Bear to cuddle-she loves the 1 a friend brought back from her Sea Princess cruise for me-just quietly so do I!

 

Crochetcruise:cool:

[SoCal Cruiser78]

...Won't get sunscreen until Dec/Jan next year-Avon have some good value specials then...

 

Be sure to check expiration dates if purchasing sunscreen well in advance of your cruise to ensure effectiveness!

[tiggerrr]

My wife and I just returned from a trip on the Grand in a Window Suite (F305). I thought I'd post a few observations and thoughts. Then, I'll follow with a couple of posts filled with pictures of the suite.

 

Overall, we loved it. In fact, when we walked in for the first time, we had an immediate reaction of how great it was. Our comment to each other was "Uh Oh. We're always going to want one of these." There is so much space for a cruise ship cabin. And the storage is awesome.

 

We had a big bowl of fruit on the table, plus a plate of canapes and the two mini bottles of champagne. The cabin was spotlessly clean and the decoration felt just right for Princess. And the bathroom was awesome. Okay, enough of the initial reaction.

 

We did smell a bit of smoke in the hallway outside the room, but never in the room itself. The door at the end of the hallway near passenger services was always closed, but the door at our end (nearest the Theater) was often open, no matter if we closed it ourselves. So the smoke did get in the hallway a bit. I'm pretty sensitive to smoke and it didn't bother us in the room or the hallway, but you did have to walk through smoke from the casino to get to the elevators or Piazza once you left the hallway.

 

There was no traffic noise from the hallway, as no one walked through except those in the cabins. There was noise periodically from the Promenade deck above when a runner came by, so you may wish to use earplugs if you are a light sleeper.

 

The two big windows let in lots of light and the room was big so it always felt light and bright. As mentioned before by others, the storage in this suite is huge. The TV is mounted on the wall between the two windows and is on a swing arm so it can be easily seen by either the bed or the couch.

 

The bathroom had a jacuzzi tub and a separate shower with a glass door!!! No attacking shower curtain! The amenity kit with lotions and stuff was appreciated (more by my wife than me) including the jar of bath salts for the tub.

 

And breakfast at Sabatini's is everything it's cracked up to be. Stay tuned for pictures.

[tiggerrr]

Bathroom Pictures First

(Please note that this room is a mirror image of the diagram posted earlier in this thread)

 

Window Suite Bathroom by hockeytiggerrr, on Flickr

The above is the photo of the bathroom taken from the bathroom doorway. Two sinks and storage shelves at each end. Extendable magnifying mirror attached at the left end of the counter.

 

 

 

Window Suite Bathroom by hockeytiggerrr, on Flickr

The above photo shows the two large, deep drawers built underneath the counter.

 

 

 

Window Suite Bathroom by hockeytiggerrr, on Flickr

The above photo was also taken from the bathroom door toward the right side of the bathroom to show the deep jetted tub and a part of the shower stall.

 

 

 

Window Suite Bathroom by hockeytiggerrr, on Flickr

The above photo shows the shower stall taken from inside the bathroom. It's generous room for one person, with a real glass door that won't attack you while you shower. The shower head itself is adjustable up and down and pivots side to side nicely. It also removes from the slot to be a hand-held. Pressure and temperature control were excellent.

 

 

 

Window Suite Bathroom by hockeytiggerrr, on Flickr

This final photo is of the counter taken while standing in the bathtub. All of hte photos are a bit dark, but we found the light in the bathroom to be quite good. There are two light switches - one for just a couple of small lights if you don't need to see a lot, a second one for the two bright flourescent lights mounted on the wall on either side of the mirror which made the room much brighter.

[Kenswing]

Thanks for the write up and great pictures.. We just upgraded to a WS from an Emerald Mini for our British Isles cruise.. Can't wait now!

Edited March 25, 2015 by Kenswing

[tiggerrr]

Room Pictures

 

 

Window Suite Room Area by hockeytiggerrr, on Flickr

The above photo is taken from the sitting area looking back toward the cabin door. There are two floor to ceiling closets on the left side. One has an upper and lower rod for hanging shirts, short jackets, etc. The other has a single upper rod for hanging pants, dresses, long coats, etc. This also where the robes are.

 

The closet on the right has shelves behind the upper door and drawers below. Behind the doors, you will find the cabin safe and your lifejackets. Behind this closet is the short hallway to the bathroom. In that hallway is a floor to ceiling mirror on one side and another full closet with two closet rods. (Did I mention huge storage?)

 

 

Window Suite Panorama by hockeytiggerrr, on Flickr

Panoramic photo of the cabin, showing the bed, the desk/counter running along the outside wall, two large windows to the outside, the television and the sitting area.

 

 

Window Suite Bed by hockeytiggerrr, on Flickr

The above photo is of the bed area, with the nightstands on either side, as taken from near the doorway/closet. The bed is, like most cabins, two beds put together. The lamps are plugged into European style round plugs underneath. This is one of the only drawbacks to the whole suite - no NA-style plugs near the bed, which may be a problem if you have a CPAP machine or need power. The desk area along the wall has another chair, shelves and more drawers. The phone is on the night table on the right as you face the bed. A digital alarm clock is on the left night table.

 

Hope you enjoyed the photos. We certainly enjoyed the suite. It won't always be in our budget to travel in them, but it is something we will be looking for.

 

If you have questions about anything you see or about the suite, I'll do my best to answer.

 

 

Window Suite Sitting Area by hockeytiggerrr, on Flickr

Moving to the right, we can see the rest of the long desk/counter, with the TV mounted on the wall. The TV is on a pivoting, swing arm so it can be moved to be seen from anywhere in the room comfortably. The mini-bar setup and ice bucket were underneath the TV and the mini-fridge is in the cupboard underneath that. In the foreground is the table, chair and couch (which is also a pullout bed).

 

 

Window Suite Desk by hockeytiggerrr, on Flickr

Our final photo is taken from the bed area, looking back toward the entrance, so you can see the regular desk next to the sitting area. This desk is where you will find the set of both NA and European plugs and the hair dryer mounted on the wall. There are lights and lamps everywhere for good lighting in the room. There is a phone on the desk.

 

I hope you enjoyed the photos. I'll try to answer any questions that you might have. We really enjoyed this suite. It may not always be in our budget, but we will look for it as an option. The room to move around and not trip over each other is great. As is the ability to not have to sit on the bed whenever you want to sit.

[candide333]

Thanks so much for the pictures. We are sailing on the Caribbean Princess on a TA in 2016 in a WS, our fourth time. We have loved every time except for F301 on the Grand.

[tiggerrr]

Thanks so much for the pictures. We are sailing on the Caribbean Princess on a TA in 2016 in a WS, our fourth time. We have loved every time except for F301 on the Grand.

 

We're on CB this fall for a New England/Canada cruise. When we experienced the WS on this cruise on the Grand, we asked our travel agent if there were any available for this fall on CB, but definitely all sold out by this time. Oh well.

[caribill]

 

The two big windows let in lots of light and the room was big so it always felt light and bright.

 

Was the outside of the windows cleaned at all during the voyage?

[mikefang]

Thanks for the pictures. That's our room for the next cruise.

Mike

[crochetcruise]

Tiggerrr (hope your name is spelt correctly) THANK YOU! I am Legally Blind with only 10% usable vision in my left eye, so your careful description and EXCELLANT photos are a miracle of anticipating a future question. Just how big was the step going into the shower cubicle please? With a small hand rail for security, although I am booked in a Window Suite F315 which is designed for Disabled Accessibility (and eagerly counting down the days until I sail!), should I be able to manage to get safely into the shower cubicle, it would open up more ships and itineraries for me. While I avoid steps wherever possible-even 1 step can be challenging with my Rollator Walking Frame, I've been shown an exercise to do which should improve my ability to safely get over a small obstacle.

 

Your specific directions on where I will find the safe and lift jackets is tremendously helpful and extremely appreciated. Thanks to many Cruise Critic posters, I've amassed a tremendous knowledge of what to expect. On another form of which I am a member, someone who is going on their 1st cruise asked if it was necessary to get off in each port. I answered with, "No, unless you need to go through Customs and Immigration formalities which, as the cruise is in Australian waters, to the best of my knowledge doesn't apply. Some more experienced cruisers confirmed my knowledge was correct, you can remain aboard ship while in port. 1 recommended watching for Spa Specials on Sale as a Port Day is often a slow day for the Spa, and to take advantage.

 

I will be using a camera where the charger takes Australian currency. I can get US/Australia adaptor plugs, both 3 pin and 2 pin style at my local Motoring Organisation-non-driver but a financial member for discounts in the Travel Shop, have saved up to 60% on a hard sided suitcase too. Would those Adaptors be appropriate please? I will certainly need to recharge the camera, many photos will be taken to share with friends.

 

My 2-night cruise between Melbourne and Sydney is a straightforward port-to-port with many new experiences between leaving home to travel for embarkation, and returning safely home after the cruise, flying to my State Capital for Medical and family commitments then returning home. It's going to be a very busy week-have already noted to leave a purse with money ready in the unit so I can walk over and have a hot, cooked meal provided to me.

 

The close-up photos were REALLY helpful, I felt like I was actually standing in the Window Suite myself. Cruise Critic members have a real knack of providing the very information I need BEFORE I've even realised the need myself-happens at least once a month someone either asks a question themselves or posts a comment "sharing" just what I suddenly realised I wanted to know!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

[Mindy97]

There is NO step into the shower in Cabin 315, the ADA cabin. It slopes very slightly so that hopefully you don't get water all over the bathroom. There is a built in fold down seat on the back end or side of the shower. Get extra towels from your room steward, and place a folded up towel just beyond the drain on the side by the toilet, cause that may be where the drain overflows while showering.

 

There are grab bars in the shower and by the toilet, and they are set well for use. The entrance to the bathroom has no step as welll. You will find the cabin well set up for your use, I think.

 

I forgot to mention that the bathroom in 315 is different than the one in the drawing. It is much larger and open spaced. There is only one sink, and it has no drawers, just the small shelves above the sink (it is open under the sink so a wheelchair can pull up to the sink). There is also no bathtub, because the shower is HUGE. No glass door on the shower, but a very effective curtain.

 

Oh, and don't forget that you can have breakfast at Sabatini's, since you are in a Suite. It is a nice perk.

 

M.

Edited March 25, 2015 by Mindy97

[jrobinso]

Cruising to Alaska out of San Francisco in July in a WS. We are cruising with friends that will also be in a WS. One of them uses a CPAP. Since there are no plugs under or around the bed what is the solution? Has anyone cruised in a WS and used a CPAP? Will housekeeping supply the long extension cord that will be required?

 

Thanks in advance for the input.

[JF - retired RRT]

Cruising to Alaska out of San Francisco in July in a WS. We are cruising with friends that will also be in a WS. One of them uses a CPAP. Since there are no plugs under or around the bed what is the solution? Has anyone cruised in a WS and used a CPAP? Will housekeeping supply the long extension cord that will be required?

 

Thanks in advance for the input.

Be a Boy Scout - "be prepared".

Best to bring: extension cord, duct tape (for patching holes in the hose), an extra mask cushion/pillows.

Don't bother bringing water: if they are determined to use distilled, get it from the ship. But FYI tap water is fine for short periods. The only reason distilled is used is to prevent mineral crust build-up. If any develops give a real good 1:1 vinegar:water soak.

[tiggerrr]

Was the outside of the windows cleaned at all during the voyage?

 

We were only on the LA to Vancouver repositioning, so there were no port stops along the way. I will say that it looked like someone had attempted to clean the windows in LA, but very sloppy. There were long streaks that filled the window where a squeegee had been used.

 

I would say that the windows would not have been called clean by anyone up close, but were sufficiently clean not to be bothersome if you were just staring out the windows from the bed or sofa watching the ocean go by.

[SoCal Cruiser78]

...Has anyone cruised in a WS and used a CPAP? Will housekeeping supply the long extension cord that will be required?...

 

Yes, housekeeping can supply an extension cord--I had one placed in my cabin by mistake by my steward on the Golden last year that was meant for another cabin.

 

I might, as another poster mentioned, bring my own just in case the ship runs out of them. Many people seem to be traveling with CPAP devices days, so not sure if they always have enough cords onboard for everyone.

[tiggerrr]

Tiggerrr (hope your name is spelt correctly) THANK YOU! I am Legally Blind with only 10% usable vision in my left eye, so your careful description and EXCELLANT photos are a miracle of anticipating a future question. Just how big was the step going into the shower cubicle please? With a small hand rail for security, although I am booked in a Window Suite F315 which is designed for Disabled Accessibility (and eagerly counting down the days until I sail!), should I be able to manage to get safely into the shower cubicle, it would open up more ships and itineraries for me. While I avoid steps wherever possible-even 1 step can be challenging with my Rollator Walking Frame, I've been shown an exercise to do which should improve my ability to safely get over a small obstacle.

 

Your specific directions on where I will find the safe and lift jackets is tremendously helpful and extremely appreciated. Thanks to many Cruise Critic posters, I've amassed a tremendous knowledge of what to expect. On another form of which I am a member, someone who is going on their 1st cruise asked if it was necessary to get off in each port. I answered with, "No, unless you need to go through Customs and Immigration formalities which, as the cruise is in Australian waters, to the best of my knowledge doesn't apply. Some more experienced cruisers confirmed my knowledge was correct, you can remain aboard ship while in port. 1 recommended watching for Spa Specials on Sale as a Port Day is often a slow day for the Spa, and to take advantage.

 

I will be using a camera where the charger takes Australian currency. I can get US/Australia adaptor plugs, both 3 pin and 2 pin style at my local Motoring Organisation-non-driver but a financial member for discounts in the Travel Shop, have saved up to 60% on a hard sided suitcase too. Would those Adaptors be appropriate please? I will certainly need to recharge the camera, many photos will be taken to share with friends.

 

My 2-night cruise between Melbourne and Sydney is a straightforward port-to-port with many new experiences between leaving home to travel for embarkation, and returning safely home after the cruise, flying to my State Capital for Medical and family commitments then returning home. It's going to be a very busy week-have already noted to leave a purse with money ready in the unit so I can walk over and have a hot, cooked meal provided to me.

 

The close-up photos were REALLY helpful, I felt like I was actually standing in the Window Suite myself. Cruise Critic members have a real knack of providing the very information I need BEFORE I've even realised the need myself-happens at least once a month someone either asks a question themselves or posts a comment "sharing" just what I suddenly realised I wanted to know!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

 

You're certainly welcome for the photos and descriptions. I've gotten so much from CC over the years because people are so helpful. I've resolved to try to contribute a bit more myself to keep that going.

 

On the answers to some of your questions, Mindy97 gave the best answer on the bathroom since you are booked into the accessible room, the configuration is different. I will say for anyone else using the other non-accessible rooms, that the step into the shower is very small (2-3 inches), it is less than the step into the bathroom, which looks to be 6-7 inches. But in the accessible, no step.

 

If you have a US adapter, you will be able to plug it in to the two US plugs at the desk area no problem. You may already be aware of this, but I always repeat it just in case: "Adapters" are used if your device is capable of all voltages (your device should say Input: 100-240V) and just needs to fit the shape of the new plug; "Converters" are used is your device is not capable of all voltages (e.g. Input: 220-240V) and the voltage needs to be changed (US plugs will provide 110-120V only).

[SoCal Cruiser78]

...You may already be aware of this, but I always repeat it just in case: "Adapters" are used if your device is capable of all voltages (your device should say Input: 100-240V) and just needs to fit the shape of the new plug; "Converters" are used is your device is not capable of all voltages (e.g. Input: 220-240V) and the voltage needs to be changed (US plugs will provide 110-120V only).

 

Good to mention this for those who aren't aware! I used to think they were one and the same, and found out the hard way that they are not.

[Mindy97]

Try to have your friends meet the room steward midafternoon before the muster drill. At that point they can ask the room steward to provide and extension cord, a gallon of distilled water (not sure if it comes from him, but he should know where for you to get it) and tape to tape down the cord. Show him which side of the bed (or which bed if they are twins) to put the cord to, and tell him you want it taped so nobody trips in the middle of the night. Some of the room stewards are brilliant and figure out to run the cord under one of the beds. Some are not so brilliant, but work it out another way.

 

BTW, never in my 30-plus cruises have they run out of extension cords. I wouldn't bother with my own. And a heavy duty one is too heavy to carry.

 

What I would worry about if they have ipads, kindles, etc. that need to be charged, is enough outlets. There are only one or two in the cabin which are accessible to you. I bring along a "squid," which is a type of electrical expander which turns one outlet into five.

 

---edited to add: If you want/need extra pillows, you can ask the room steward for them at the same time. That's not a problem either. Or is getting hypoallergenic if you are allergic to feathers as I am.

 

M.

 

Cruising to Alaska out of San Francisco in July in a WS. We are cruising with friends that will also be in a WS. One of them uses a CPAP. Since there are no plugs under or around the bed what is the solution? Has anyone cruised in a WS and used a CPAP? Will housekeeping supply the long extension cord that will be required?

 

Thanks in advance for the input.

Edited March 25, 2015 by Mindy97
to add stuff

[jrobinso]

Try to have your friends meet the room steward midafternoon before the muster drill. At that point they can ask the room steward to provide and extension cord, a gallon of distilled water (not sure if it comes from him, but he should know where for you to get it) and tape to tape down the cord. Show him which side of the bed (or which bed if they are twins) to put the cord to, and tell him you want it taped so nobody trips in the middle of the night. Some of the room stewards are brilliant and figure out to run the cord under one of the beds. Some are not so brilliant, but work it out another way.

 

BTW, never in my 30-plus cruises have they run out of extension cords. I wouldn't bother with my own. And a heavy duty one is too heavy to carry.

 

What I would worry about if they have ipads, kindles, etc. that need to be charged, is enough outlets. There are only one or two in the cabin which are accessible to you. I bring along a "squid," which is a type of electrical expander which turns one outlet into five.

 

M.

Thank you Mindy, (Rhydam and JF, too) for your input. I will pass the info along to my friends. I am very worried about them tripping on the cord during the night so taping in down and running it behind furniture is an excellent idea. I do think they bring IPads and Kindles so I will recommend they bring an "electrical expander". Thankfully they are driving to the port so they won't have to worry about airline luggage restrictions.

[cr8tiv1]

There is a wall plug behind the television. The television and DVD player are connected to this window wall outlet. You can either disconnect the DVD player or bring a Belkin power unit to plug into this socket. Less distance and chance of tripping over the extension cord.

[crochetcruise]

There is NO step into the shower in Cabin 315, the ADA cabin. It slopes very slightly so that hopefully you don't get water all over the bathroom. There is a built in fold down seat on the back end or side of the shower. Get extra towels from your room steward, and place a folded up towel just beyond the drain on the side by the toilet, cause that may be where the drain overflows while showering.

 

There are grab bars in the shower and by the toilet, and they are set well for use. The entrance to the bathroom has no step as welll. You will find the cabin well set up for your use, I think.

 

I forgot to mention that the bathroom in 315 is different than the one in the drawing. It is much larger and open spaced. There is only one sink, and it has no drawers, just the small shelves above the sink (it is open under the sink so a wheelchair can pull up to the sink). There is also no bathtub, because the shower is HUGE. No glass door on the shower, but a very effective curtain.

 

Oh, and don't forget that you can have breakfast at Sabatini's, since you are in a Suite. It is a nice perk.

 

M.

 

Thanks Mindy97, I was aware the Disabled Accessible Cabin is shower only, have seen photos. I did read the hint about asking the steward for extra towels to try and keep water from causing a slipping hazard-most undignified to fall in the bathroom! I do use many towels to prevent trouble when staying at a hotel, I had 4 towels and a bathmat and used 2 towels and the bathmat to contain water spraying from the shower. I apologised to the Housekeeper when she came to do the room, wasn't quite ready to leave for the day but let her in, and explained about using all the towels for safety-she organised a 2nd bathmat for me-the modified bathroom-Georgian building so quite challenging to modernise!-has always had that problem because of the walk-in access requirement, so the staff are well used to puddles in the bathroom! I did make a point, on the Customer Satisfaction Survey, of detailing her assistance to control a possible safety issue for me-the Reception Staff were also praised for their work-always greeted me by name as I came back from shopping or appointments-I wasn't just a room number!

 

My friend has already started teasing me about having a Mimosa with my breakfast! He says 8.00 am is FAR too early to start drinking alcohol!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

[DoulaAnn]

Am just trying to be sure I understand one thing. In reading the "suite perks" page on Princess, it says suites have 2 televisions. I'm seeing (in the diagram and in mentions on responses) that there is only one in a Window Suite. Do I have this right? It wouldn't change my thinking on whether to book one or not, just would have my expectations at the right level.

 

Ann