Good afternoon to all.

I have walked the plank and booked a Christamas cruise on Sea Princess out of Manchester on 13 Dec.
I don't know whether i've got a good deal, as I've avidly followed the regular insights in the HT Cruise deals topic. But I'm constrained by dates so took the plunge, consoling myself that I've paid less that a Thompson cruise(which I enjoy) to the Carib or indeed for Christmas 7 dayer to Las Canarias. and on a superior vessel, as some would argue.

1. After bits of research I felt confident that flying from Manchester would not involve using T.Cook airline. Has anyone done the trip previously? And can they confirm the airline used? I know that this is not a guarantee that they won't employ T.Cook in future. My flight deatils are yet to be confirmed.

2. We have elected to take freedom dining (there is time to change this). This our first Princess cruise and our first Caribbean cruise. We are taking the 'classic' island hopping tour. Any general tips and hints to take benefit from previous experience would be most welcome. I have heard that Princess allow guests to take some wine on board but not spirits? Would you recommend the soda card? Also which excursions are best done/missed. We actually like the 'run of the ship' and the lack of queues etc when guests leave for trips, we enjoy the space and facilities more than a lot of the excursions we have been on.

Your comments and tips will be very much appreciated.

Ps Luci , I apologise in advance if there are already multiple threads on this topic, I did look but couldn't decide on an exact match. Please merge as you see it