First Cruise Scheduled!!! Questions Galore!

[huckerdoodle]

HI Gang,

First of All.... to each of you --- THANK YOU! I have been getting lots of good info from all of your posts. I am scheduled to take my first cruise on the Saphire Princess Aug 7, 2005, Inside 7 day passage.
( I am organizing a group - still room if anyone wants to take advantage of the group price!) I am also taking my mom for her 60th birthday. She has never cruised before either.

A couple of questions -

1. We want to get the most bang for the buck on our cabin and I know we won't spend much time there. I really want a private balcony. Can anyone recommend a deck or cabin grade that meets those 2 requirements? Privacy and price?

2. Are there any excursions that are not to be missed?

3. We are not formal people. I find no joy in dressing up for formal occasions. I dress in a suit every day. When I vacation, I want to avoid this. ( I am a girl - ok 32 year old woman!) Can I avoid formal night somehow and still get dinner and have some fun?

4. How is the spa? Is it worth spending a few hours relaxing and getting pampered? I do love facials! But is it any more special than at home?

5. Personal choice dining... Do you have to make reservations if there are just 2-3 of you dining? Or can you just show up? I have heard and seen mixed answers on this!!!! Also - is there an extra charge for the personal choice?

I think that is it - for now! Again - thanks to each of you! I have learned so much and you all have made me super excited!

Thanks
Huck.

 

[Cruise cutie]

:wave..=welcome to cruise @ddicts..on the treks for Alaska..check out the "Alaska Forum" at the very top of the banner John has and post there too...Cabins..people tend to do extra well midships on Caribe or Baha deck..for balconys..sigh..you will see no end of messy opinion on Formal wear..JMHO..Princess tends to be more Formal and My DH Mark and I enjoy it..since you asked I will tell you..a plain dressed down outfit will pass muster..if you want to ,but linen pants and top, or plain little dress will suffice to eat in the Dining Room..however you will be in the minority for dressed down look..=shrug to each their own.. ...as you will be comfortable and tend to be dressier in everyday life..if you can weather the feeling of "wallflower" different from others dressed..more power to you...:grin..have fun doing what you feel good with....I do not do spas..have heard wonderful things about them..others may chime in..personal choice does not cost extra..specialty restaurants DO COST MORE....you can either make a standing reservation or just show up on Personal choice dining..specialialty restaurants I think you need to book ahead..have not done these on our cruises..not sure....post lot's of ?'s.."Nice to meet you."and please post on the "Main Community" board as ?'s get answered much faster and a huge group there through out the day.....have fun researching!!....Joanne