PRINCESS “CLUBBING” ON THE HIGH SEAS
Before the crowning euphoria that’s in store for any ship traveler, there looms the money decision affecting the booking in a guest’s future. Does the soon-to-be adventurer desire an interior cabin, a balcony cabin, a mini-suite, a mini-suite with “Club Class” amenities, full suite or full suite with “Club Class” amenities?
Warning: cruises can be addicting. As I write this explanatory piece about selecting the right cruise option for the voyager, I am being prodded with an instigation about another potential cruise for us from my partner Susie. Oh, the life of an inveterate cruiser!
In my own case, previous excursions aboard cruise ships have featured – first – the Carnival Cruise line, followed by an exclusive reliance on Princess Cruises. How many in toto? Ten (10)… I’d say that about covers it!
Where have we stayed on board? Well, a couple of bookings with interior cabins (couldn’t resist the great deals that were offered) and plenty of staterooms with balconies as well. The Reeses have also dabbled in the mini-suite arena and lately have chosen “Club Class” for an added layer of pampering.
It is this latter category that I choose to detail going forward. In short, from our perspective, what are the advantages of signing up for “Club Class” designation which is likely to set the traveler back an additional several hundred dollars?
Comfort matters, of course. In addition to the deluxe bed as well as distinctive touches of special robes, expedited boarding availability, and plenty of attention from the cabin steward, there are other notable plusses. How about a fruit bowl, nightly canapes delivered to the room, as desired, a couple of bottles of wine waiting for the eligible and even a welcoming glass of quality champagne in the stateroom on arrival.
The real, enticing allure of “Club Class” status, though, is the upgrade in food service. It is anytime dining with no wait “anytime”. Guests arrive in a designated area delineated from the regular passengers. A separate entrance presents with a bushel of amiability, featuring greeters who attempt to remember one’s name from the outset of the trip. The dining table may even offer ready views of the ocean directly, especially if a 2-person party. A waiter, ably abetted by an assistant, services just 2 or 3 tables as the guest is escorted through the dining experience. The passenger feels like a royal personage as these professional “eager beavers” serve one’s every need, at the same time displaying a cheerfulness accompanied by smiles a-plenty. These waiters may hail from the Philippines, Mexico, Croatia, the Netherlands or other places around the globe. Their use of the English language, nevertheless, proves to be commendable without uncomfortable challenges for the guest.
The menu is likely to be slightly expanded beyond the majority of the passengers, too. Special pastas, “Cherries Jubilee” or “Bananas Foster”, for example, may tickle your palate during a typical week navigating the ocean. Vegetarian and vegan travelers also receive the full attention of the staff to their expected, specific needs. Prompt service always remains the asterisk on each dining experience.
Plan on some discounted cocktails plus bar snacks and a Captain’s Circle party as other embellishments to your itinerary while on board.
In the final analysis, the potential passenger may wish to consider the upgrade to “Club Class” according to one’s own preferences and financial limitations. In any case, though, the Princess cruise adventure promises exceptional service even if a traveler does not choose the above option. Happy cruising! Caribbean? North Atlantic? Alaska? Hmmm.
