we just have been notified that we have been upgraded to E731 {Mini suite,} from A505, would this be a good move on crown princess ? we have 48 hours to let princess know if we prefer to keep A505. thank you {p.s. we are new to cruising)

E731 is a Cat AD mini-suite, 277 sq ft. A505 is on a higher deck but is a Cat BC balcony cabin, 168 sq ft. The only advantage to the balcony is being mid-ship. The mini-suite would be my choice. Its larger and has a larger balcony but is an aft cabin (toward the rear of the ship). I'd take the upgrade unless someone in your cabin has a serious problem with motion sickness. Pretty good upgrade and rare to get it complimentary.

Cheers, Neil

When the "upgrade fairy" shows up with an offer like that, jump at it. Don't worry about motion; you are low enough it will probably be smother there than midship on Aloha.

I've got E731 on Sapphire Princess in October. Maybe I'll get an upgrade to a Penthouse Suite . . . . .RIGHT!

This post is a good example of Princess upgrade system. A first time cruiser got an upgrade, not just to a higher balcony but to a Suite. Many loyal Captains Circle members don't like that PCL assigns upgrades randomly and that a first timer can get one when clients who have sailed 25 times or more may not. It is purely a lottery. Some lines do take into account the number of sailings or number of days sailed when assigning upgrades. With HAL, if you're a Mariner with lots of sailings, you'll be the first upgraded. Different lines have different rules. I think the random selection is the fairest but understand why those with long loyalty don't like the system. Rick, I hope the upgrade fairy visits you soon!

Cheers, Neil

The "most traveled" passenger on our last cruise had 67 cruises with Princess. Makes my 40 look pretty insignificant. At least with the lottery system, I know I have as good a chance as he does.