Inaugural AFF Cruise 25 - 29 Jan 2018

[Flashback]

We were on Golden Princess this year for Australia Day and it was an AWESOME party. Incl a Pie eating contest for the guys and a Pavlova eating contest (no hands) for the women. View attachment 90025 View attachment 90026 View attachment 90027 View attachment 90028 View attachment 90029

Sure.. But it's not the Perth activities and atmosphere I grew up with and know/love That's what she wants to experience!

 

[straitman]

For normal people the Crown Grill on Golden Princess ($29ea) is worth a visit as they do awesome Steak & Sea Food.
For JT they do awesome chocolate deserts.

I would expect that to be free!

To clarify.

As well as the regular restaurants and the horizon buffet there are several 'speciality' restaurants that for a cover charge do 'speciality' dining. That's what I was referring to.

As a sideline on our last cruise we organised, via one of the head waiters, that we would all (6 of us) get Creme brûlée desert on the last night. They really are quite accommodating.

 

[JessicaTam]

To clarify.

As well as the regular restaurants and the horizon buffet there are several 'speciality' restaurants that for a cover charge do 'speciality' dining. That's what I was referring to.

As a sideline on our last cruise we organised, via one of the head waiters, that we would all (6 of us) get Creme brûlée desert on the last night. They really are quite accommodating.

And I was referring to the original version of your post which mentioned "Steal and Sea Food".

 

[straitman]

And I was referring to the original version of your post which mentioned "Steal and Sea Food".

You are forgiven then.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Ok have booked; budget didn't stretch to balcony only ocean view.

 

[sinophile888]

I am very excited to have made a booking for the cruise with my +1. We have made the slight variation of Melbourne to Melbourne over 6 nights, leaving Melbourne two days earlier on Tuesday, Jan. 23[SUP]rd[/SUP]. This suits us for family reasons.

Whilst contemplating the booking, I wondered about evening dining options. Would choosing Anytime Dining work well?

It would mean that individuals or couples could meet outside the Dining room at a time which suited them and be guaranteed to be on the same table as other AFF members. This wouldn’t stop another AFF group deciding to meet at a specific time that suited them for that evening.

The other option would be to ask Princess if a section could be set aside for our group and diners could arrive as it suited them. On my last Princess cruise, I was in a slightly raised section at the back corner of the dining room where there were about 5-6 tables.

The numbers already booked make it seem like the cruise will be a memorable addition to the AFF calendar. I can’t wait to finally meet some AFF members.

 

[straitman]

I am very excited to have made a booking for the cruise with my +1. We have made the slight variation of Melbourne to Melbourne over 6 nights, leaving Melbourne two days earlier on Tuesday, Jan. 23[SUP]rd[/SUP]. This suits us for family reasons.

Whilst contemplating the booking, I wondered about evening dining options. Would choosing Anytime Dining work well?

It would mean that individuals or couples could meet outside the Dining room at a time which suited them and be guaranteed to be on the same table as other AFF members. This wouldn’t stop another AFF group deciding to meet at a specific time that suited them for that evening.

The other option would be to ask Princess if a section could be set aside for our group and diners could arrive as it suited them. On my last Princess cruise, I was in a slightly raised section at the back corner of the dining room where there were about 5-6 tables.

The numbers already booked make it seem like the cruise will be a memorable addition to the AFF calendar. I can’t wait to finally meet some AFF members.

We are happy with anytime dining for the reasons that you have outlined.

 

[Bazzi]

I am very excited to have made a booking for the cruise with my +1. We have made the slight variation of Melbourne to Melbourne over 6 nights, leaving Melbourne two days earlier on Tuesday, Jan. 23[SUP]rd[/SUP]. This suits us for family reasons.

Whilst contemplating the booking, I wondered about evening dining options. Would choosing Anytime Dining work well?

It would mean that individuals or couples could meet outside the Dining room at a time which suited them and be guaranteed to be on the same table as other AFF members. This wouldn’t stop another AFF group deciding to meet at a specific time that suited them for that evening.

The other option would be to ask Princess if a section could be set aside for our group and diners could arrive as it suited them. On my last Princess cruise, I was in a slightly raised section at the back corner of the dining room where there were about 5-6 tables.

The numbers already booked make it seem like the cruise will be a memorable addition to the AFF calendar. I can’t wait to finally meet some AFF members.

Anytime dining sounds good to us

 

[Major]

We have also selected anytime dining. I hate to be tied down to a particular time, especially if I am enjoying a few drinks at happy hour.

 

[sinophile888]

I've sometimes thought about inventing a fictional second pax and then just saying at the dock that they're a no show, but I'm not quite brave/silly enough to try it in case I get denied boarding.

I once had a travel agent suggest that very idea when my daughter was booking a cruise which was charging more than 100% surcharge for a single interior cabin. The agent's idea was to book me as well and then I would be mysteriously absent on the departure day.

 

[Bazzi]

I once had a travel agent suggest that very idea when my daughter was booking a cruise which was charging more than 100% surcharge for a single interior cabin. The agent's idea was to book me as well and then I would be mysteriously absent on the departure day.

I originally planned to travel solo on this trip as the cruise date was a bit too far in advance for my partner to be able to commit due to work but the difference between booking as a single or couple was $50 so I put my partner on the booking. I thought there might be a chance that if I had paid for a single occupancy and then added my partner in closer to sailing they might try to re cost the cabin. I contacted Princess and was told to just notify them within 24 hours of sailing if I am travelling solo.

A friend had a similar scenario with RCCL cruise and was given the same info.

 

[Anna]

I have confirmed anytime dining and also $50 onboard credit

Only 278 days to go

 

[Princess Fiona]

I'm like 4 months late to the party here, but following with interest as I have never been anywhere near a cruise and this sounds like a terrific introduction

 

[Anna]

I'm like 4 months late to the party here

You're not late, the party doesn't start for another 276 days

 

[JessicaTam]

I'm like 4 months late to the party here, but following with interest as I have never been anywhere near a cruise and this sounds like a terrific introduction

Neither have I - the more the merrier I say!

 

[straitman]

Interesting that 'Golden Princess' is one of the five ships named in the lawsuit against princess cruises.

Princess Cruises fined $40,000,000.

 

[JessicaTam]

Interesting that 'Golden Princess' is one of the five ships named in the lawsuit against princess cruises.

Princess Cruises fined $40,000,000.

Thanks for the confidence boost. :shock:

 

[Pushka]

Interesting that 'Golden Princess' is one of the five ships named in the lawsuit against princess cruises.

Princess Cruises fined $40,000,000.

Those are serious charges. And a blatant abuse. I'm surprised their license to go into Glacier Bay hasn't been revoked.

 

[straitman]

If anyone is interested the VA Happy Hour today includes the dates of this cruise. (MEL-ADL)

 

[Anna]

I got an email from Princess this week saying that bookings are open for shore excursions for this cruise, but they all seemed to be NZ excursions. Has anyone seen any for our ports yet?