First Day of Third Leg - Dinner at Crown Grill

Oh I hardly slept at all.  Why? I really don't know why.  I think the last time I looked at the clock it was 2:30 and we dock early and I know that will wake me up.

Sure enough around 6:30 I start hearing the sounds of pulling into port -- the pilot boat, the thrusters, and then docking and lots of movement outside our cabin.

Thank goodness for ear plugs.  I would not leave home without them.

First thing is we go and get a load of wash into the washing machine.  Yes we get free laundry on board but doing a load gets things clean and to square one for the next voyage.

Back in the cabin we pack up our stuff for our new cabin.  We are moving again.  I know some of you hate that and sure it would of been nice to be in the same cabin all three legs, but it just was not possible to do.  So it is the price we pay for booking last minute and getting a great deal. 

But truthfully it is not hard to move cabins and in all it takes about an hour of our time for packing and unpacking and it also allows us to clean up and reorganize.  Yes even our cabin tends to get messy with papers, purchased item and stuff.  

For breakfast we head up to the buffet just before 8 am.  It is good right now.  We get a plate and a table easily.  But just after 8 it is very crowded.  I am guessing this is due to the fact that people have to be out of their cabin at 8.

Of course many are frustrated.  They have their carry on bag, their documents, their kids, their food, their spouse and patience is at a minimum.  Some interesting people watching went on.

Once again we head to deck 5 and grab a coffee and relax for a bit before we head ashore.

I review our bill once again to add up what our drink cost was last week and it only came to $200 total for the both of us.  What! That seems low.  But we didn't really feel like we did without.  Last week it was $450.  We did carry over two bottles of wine from last week so that helped.

So for us the drink package just would not have been worth it for us again.  The price of the package is just under a $1,000 total for the two of us for 7 days (includes gratuity). But it is important for you to weigh out how much you drink and whether it would be worth it for you.

We head ashore around 9:30 and we are hit with the heat and muggy temperature!  Oh not sure if I could get use to this.

We walk over to Ross for Less and do some browsing.  Then over to Publix for some items.  Then of course we need to go to Total Wine.

Our friend Elkie is from Austria and we promised to bring her a bottle of Austrian wine from shore.  But we needed help finding Austrian wine so we asked a nice man.  Miguel is his name and he is from Portugal, he chatted with us for a bit and said he use to work for Princess.

Further conversation and we find out we know a quite a few similar people.  Including Antonio Pimpao who was Executive Housekeeper and lives in Portugal.   Small world! So here is a picture of him and he says hi Antonio (I know you are reading).

So after all the errands -- including Bernie getting his hair cut -- and lunch we walk back to Pier 2.  

The lines are not long but there is a bit of a wait for the initial security check, then the security screening (maybe 10 min).  Note we had wine, but it was only two bottles and they said that was fine for two.  Also you are not allowed to have any open liquid so empty those water bottles.

The gangway line is short and we take two pictures.  One for the new Medallion system and one for the old hand held system.  Fingers crossed it works and we don't have a repeat of last week (see some of last week's port stop blogs).

Today embarkation has a bit of a new look.  Crew that are in designated areas to assist with boarding are wearing sashes with Welcome Aboard in the Medallion Class Royal Blue color. Honestly I did not like them.  Felt very pageant like.  I wanted to take a picture but felt odd about asking so sorry everyone.

Ocean Medallion appears to have rolled out to more cabins.  I had heard that Riviera deck was being added the Lido deck cabins but need to confirm. A lot more people have the medallion in a lanyard around their neck.

Once on board we make our way to our cabin and unpack.  We have to do a bit of housekeeping items with the front desk.  As I wait for Bernie to attend to these things I take some pictures of the Atrium with all the new banners.  Looks very regal. 

I will say that the regular banners that they have hanging all over the banisters and poles normally with the Caribbean designs seems a little cluttered to me and something I would find at Grandma's house. Yes it is cute for an event but all week up seems a bit much.

The Atrium has tables and stations set up for what people can expect in the coming week.  A lounge chair from Mutts, the flying shark, the production show posters, trivias, Detourist, also the drop off for the scavenger hunt form and more. Two crew staff are there too. But no one is really engaging with them.  I like the idea of this.  But I think it needs to be tweaked.

Back in the cabin we relax.  Muster Drill is just about to start.  No we don't have to attend the drill as we are In Transit but it is piped into our cabins so we have to listen to it.  By 4 pm we just can't keep our eyes open so we have a good nap until 6 pm.  

I awake and feel so very rested.  

Tonight is dinner at Crown Grill.  

We are sat at a booth at a window.  Although I like booths I often find there is too much space from the bench seat to the table and have a hard time eating or sitting comfortably. Normally we just move the table towards me but this would cause one of us to have a big space between the seat and table.

So Bernie and I move to the same side and adjust the table ourselves.  Plus it is nice to sit side by side and we can easily chat without raising our voices as it does end up getting loud later.

Our assistant takes our drink order but fills up our water automatically.  Normally we like sparkling water but we did not get a chance to order it as the glass was filled already.  

It is busy and as tables around us fill up we can't help hearing two separate tables near us.  One is an older couple who seem to be so angry with each other.  Often he raised his voice to the point she almost cried (from what we could see from a few feet away). Boy and this is only the first day of the cruise.

Then a father son couple came and sat at the deuce right in front of us.  The father was very loud.  His son in his early 20s I would guess and both proceeded to slam everything about the ship and service and basically life.  They did seem to enjoy their food though.  Thank goodness they have something positive in their life today.

Argh.... I try not to let how others act affect how I react but it did require some patience.

Our meal was very good.  In fact I think the black and blue soup and the spinach and beet salad was one of the best we have ever had.

We paired our meal with a bottle of Pacific Bay and it went very well with the Sea Bass Bernie had and the filet I had.

I had a side of Bearnaise sauce and well, it looked like a thick pudding.  I say this because this is probably the fourth time I have had it since we have gotten on board (either Bearnaise or Hollandaise sauce) and it has always had this gross thick consistency.  This is not the norm on board ships though and not sure how these chefs are making it or how long it is sitting but it is horrible.

Our server started out very good but he then got busy.  They did have extra staff brought it which impressed me but we seemed to have gotten forgotten.  Normally we have a great banter with our wait staff and we did see this happening with other tables, but did not happen with us.

No one checked on how our meal was until we were almost finished - and we did not eat fast.  

Dessert order took a long time.  And once we had finished dessert we sat and sat and finally gave up and just left.  Note we had settled the bill prior to arriving.

The head waiter here - Diego we know from the last two sailings but even he seemed to check in on us only once for a very short time and never attended to assisted our table even though he walked by often.  I know on the Royal this year the head waiter in Crown Grill was very attentive and stopped often at all tables.

So I have to say sadly that the Crown Grill on board was a miss. Food was quite good with a small miss but ambiance (no fault of Princess) and service was poor.  

We are looking forward to going back to Sabatinis in a few days though.

Off to Vines to catch up with Dominique.  It is very quiet right now - it is 9:30 and I guess most are at the show or eating or resting after a long day.

While sitting here a follower came over - Juan and his spouse and it is lovely to meet them.  We have mutual friend so it is great to connect.

Later we chat with some other guys for a long time about pretty much everything.  Three are from England, two are from the US.  I learned a lot from them and I really enjoyed the conversation. 

Back in the cabin we decide tomorrow will be a room service breakfast. 

We anchor off Princess Cays and we really want to go ashore this time.

Check out the new look of the Princess Patter

Bonaire

We don’t arrive until noon and I had ordered breakfast for this morning. It is nice to take our time today.  Bernie gets coffees and I stay in waiting for housekeeping to arrive as our safe is acting up again.  Twice this trip it has been locked up preventing us from opening it.  Housekeeping supervisor attends to us quickly and fixes the problem.

Our voice mailbox does not work either.  It did not work last cruise either (different cabin). This time we did mention it to them.  Usually not a big issue but our friends tried to call and leave a message yesterday that they could not.

Today we are renting a golf cart ashore so we can go all around the island and stop when we want and snorkel, swim and sun tan.  The company we have booked the golf cart with is Bonaire Cruisers Golf Rentals.

We actually dock early and we wait for the crowds to head off first.  I am guessing we were off around 11:30.

When I reserved the golf cart I was told to meet the representative at the tent areas to the left of the new pier. He was very helpful with directing all of us the office which was a five minute walk away.

They require you to have a driver’s licence and be 19 years and older. You have to leave a $100 deposit and pay the $90 rental.  We paid with credit card. Grabbed a map, got our cart and we are off. 

The cart was easy to drive, room for two people and a bit of storage in a basket. Note it is very windy when driving so make sure you have everything closed or tied down.

We head the North route first stopping along the way for pictures.

We stop and snorkel at a spot. It was necessary to bring water shoes as the rocks (which are actually broken coral) are hard to walk on.

We drove up to lake Gato and took pictures of all the flamingos.  

On the way back we stop in the other town on Bonaire (Rincon). We stop occasionally to give some of the kids Canadian tattoos.  Amazing how no matter the language kids love the temporary tattoos.

When we arrive back in Kralendijk we notice a lot of the roads are closed off.  Today is the kids Carnival parade.  So driving thru the town is a bit of a challenge but we manage.  Thankfully it is a Sunday.  Locals are lining the streets waiting for the parade to start.

We drive past the airport and the beach there called Windsock that we once snorkelled at and really enjoyed.
  

The nice thing about having a golf cart is you can stop wherever you want and get out easily and back on the road.  Even just pulling to the side of the road to take pictures is easy.

We go all around the South End and it is just after 5 pm when we return the cart.  Again some of the roads were blocked off when getting back into town but staff from the office were driving ATV around the town and helping us get back thru the road closures.

Overall we really enjoyed the golf cart and the freedom it gave. Getting to see the entire island was what we wanted.  We have been here around ten times prior and we have seen parts of it but this time we saw it all.  

The next time we would probably see less but stop and snorkel more.

Back on board we head to the cabin and shower and get ready.

ice sculpture for Superbowl

Tonight is Super Bowl and a lot of venues are hosting parties.  Club 6, Vista Lounge, Movies Under the Stars (which was the busiest).  Lot of tailgate foods, drink specials and games.

But we are not football fans so we enjoy the tranquility of the rest of the ship.  We get some wine in Vines and meet up with Dylan and Ben and decide to see if we can get into the Crown Grill.

No problem.  We are sat at a booth.  It is 8:30 and the place has a sprinkle of tables.

The meal was amazing!  And the company even better.

 

Grenada and the Sanctuary with Crown Grill

We pull into Grenada a little later today so there is no rush to get up and get going and we find ourselves relaxing in the cabin for quite a long time.

When we finally get moving we head to the International Cafe for tea and coffee and we are shocked at how many are dressed and ready to get off the ship and are queuing up.  

Wow the ship is decorated for Easter! 

It is only 10:30 am and we don't dock until noon and it takes a bit of time to get clearance. But people are anxious, but I would rather spend my time not in a line. One beautiful thing about arriving in Grenada is it is considered the spice island and they say you can smell the spice as you come in.

We are docked with another ship and as we look across we get the lovely sight of laundry on a clothes line - kind of tacky.

So we done our bathing suits and head up to the Sanctuary to enjoy the sail in. The upper decks are quiet and the sail into port is stunning.

But today we are going to hang out at the Sanctuary.  As we melt into the thick cushioned chairs we both agree if we were any more relaxed they would have to throw dirt on us.

We enjoy lunch up there in the Sancturay ($3 fee per person for delivery). It is quiet, not crowded and well worth it. 

Sure there are many times we manage just fine sitting out on the open deck but we also enjoy the Sanctuary too.  For a nominal fee it is worth it for us.

Bernie leaves around 3 and our friend Vida comes up to join me and we enjoy afternoon tea up there together. So civilized.

Back in the cabin to shower and dress for drinks and dinner.

We are in the Wheelhouse Bar for pre dinner drinks and it is very busy in here.  The Liberty String Quartet is playing and they are very enjoyable.

Tonight the buffet is featuring German buffet which would definately be where we would be going but we have reservations at the Crown Grill with Dylan and Ben, and Michael and his family.

It is so lovely to enjoy a dinner all together and I have especially enjoyed getting to know Michael's kids much better.

Service was outstanding and we were not an easy table.  She (the server) had to serve champagne first, water, red and white wine and mocktails for the kids but she handled it like a pro. 

Tonight I changed course starting with the lobster/crab cake, then the spinach salad, then I had the prawn dish served with a fried rice.  Dessert of course was the chocolate molten dessert.

Franklin goofing around acting like a wine snob

We were all stuffed after our meal and such great company.

I think Bernie was asleep within ten minutes of putting his head down.

Lots happening tonight though: Night Sky Lounge, The Movie Jackie in Vista Lounge, Master Illusionist Hawley Magic in Princess Theater, Who Sang What, Where in the World Am I game show, Hot Latin Nights Disco Deck Party and more.

Evening of Second Sea Day

One thing I love about the Royal is the On Demand TV system. It gives us the chance to watch a movie and then stop it and start right back where you left off.  So that is what we did in the afternoon. Watched a movie - I know, I am on a cruise but for us that is relaxing and it is not something we get to do at home very often.

The Princess Cruise Lover's group had a slot tournament that was a $15 buy in and was very well attended. In the end we walked away with $7 each so not too bad and nice to meet up with others.

We got the Enclave for this cruise.  Bernie and I really enjoy the spa atmosphere and the whole experience, it truley relaxes us and it is just what we need to come back new. Bernie went this afternoon and since his shoulder has been acting up he took advantage of the hot jets to ease the tension and the steam rooms to assist with the muscle aches.

We also went to the BOGO event in Crooners from 3 to 4. As I approached the bar they have a cornered off area where passengers can line up and order and pick up drinks. Sort of like at Starbucks but with alchol.  

While I was waiting for my drinks to arrive this older gentleman approaches and looks around and asks the lovely bar steward "is this where they sell the t-shirts"?  He was serious!  The steward looks confused and asks him to repeat himself, yup he thinks they sell t-shirts here. She patiently responds "sir this is a bar" and points him over to the shops so he can get a t-shirt.  Oh my the crew here are so patient.

So after two Captain Bounty's we are feeling good and back to the cabin and rest (cause gee cruising is exhausting) until we dress for dinner.

But we really want to see comedian Robbie Printz who won Entertainer of the Year with Princess this year.  Amazingly I don't think we have ever seen him.  We head to the 6:30 showing and laugh our heads off.  He is very good and I can see why he won.

When we exit the theater the Atrium is hoping and the Captain's Welcome Aboard Party is just starting at 7:15.  They are doing it a bit different here now, before they would do the champagne waterfall first at 7:15 and then around 7:45 they would do the officer introductions. Now they did the introductions first then the champagne waterfall.

We get a coveted seat in Vines (it is busy) and enjoy some wine until MIchael and his family and Dylan come in and we all take seats at the Stammisch table. 

While sitting there this woman approaches and asks "I am curious what is the name of the Captain's Little Brown Dog that he mentions in the Princess Patter?"  Ahhh we don't know we respond.  That was kind of weird and certainly not something I would ask if I was starting up a conversation.  We should of just made up a name.  Spot - yeah that sounds good.

At 8 we make it to Crown Grill for our reservation. Our waiter and assistant there are amazing.  Love that the Crown Grill here actually has assistants, for some reason it is not that common on other ships and it really shows.  But again we find the Royal shines and is really the benchmark of how other ships in the fleet should be run.

I start with the spinach/goat cheese with beet salad.  French onion soup and then the filet mignon for my entree served with potato, mushrooms and asparagus.  All was great but I will say that the steak was not up to the "normal" standard I am use to in the Crown Grill.  But everything else was amazing.

While dining Maitre D' Silvio pops by and we quickly share a glass of champagne with him - poor guy is running all over the ship but he does such a great job on board. He comments that we are doing the Super Tuscan Dinner and we say YES we are excited.

Michael, his wife and son and Dylan stop by and we all toast with a glass of champagne.  

It is now just after ten pm and we are full - but not crazy stuffed -

that we have to undo the top button stuffed - we were good.  We wander around and Bernie says hey I haven't had my Bugsy so off to Crooners and a Bugsy.

We run into Timothy and Chelsea on the way back to the cabin and chat for awhile with them.  So cute how so many recognize Timothy from the Cruise Show and want pictures - bettter get mine in too.

Sea Day - Crown Grill - Heading to Mexico

This is the first sea day on our way to Costa Maya. The weather is perfect! Iam slow to get moving (so what is new). I officially have the cold that everyone seems to be getting. But hey it could be worse - I could be suffering a cold at home and at work! So I take cold meds (thank you Bernie for always being prepared).

Bernie heads up to the Horizon Court and brings me back some mixed fruit and yoghurt.

I have message Tracie (who is doing a live thread and who I have sailed with just over a year ago). We arrange to meet for lunch.

It is so nice to see Tracie again and even better to have another cruise addict to talk to. 

We have a lovely lunch and then sit and enjoy a coffee together. She was the coordinator of the meet and greet with Cruisecritic and originally I wasn't going to go but since Tracie is going by herself and I would be going by myself I agree to join her.  And I am glad I did, it was nice to meet other cruisers. But it is a small gathering and short, but I did meet some nice people. Thanks Tracie for coordinating.

This afternoon a nap is required (I can blame it on the cold but really this afternoon nap is a usual occurrence at sea).

Yesterday evening when we were getting ready I clearly smelled cigarette smoke. I did look out to see who was smoking on their balconies but could not locate it.  This morning we again smelled it and after looking again we saw that the people below us and one over were the culprits. 

Bernie heads down to ensure we have the correct cabin number (they are blue carders). Since this is their first cruise on Princess they may not be aware of the smoking policy. Even though it is laid out in your cruise documents and stated over the PA during Muster Drill. 

Once he knows the cabin number he heads down to the Purser's desk to report and show the picture I was able to take from our balcony.  Clearly they are smoking on it. They promised to send security. And about an hour later I guess they were informed as they came out and cleaned their balcony of the ashtray and packs of cigarettes.

Tonight is formal night and a lot of people are dressed up. I would guess just over half the ship. But the demographics of this cruise are very different from the crossing. For the crossing it was older and more seasoned cruiser and very few kids. This sailing it is much younger and a lot of new cruisers and a lot more kids/families. Both are great but different.

For formal night many are very fancy, some are formal and some are not formal at all. It is key to do what is right for you. But if you dine in the dining room make sure you are adhering to the dress code.

Tonight we are dining with Larry and Amy in the Crown Grill. We specifically requested either Ramon or Ricardo as our server. We are sat in a lovely booth in Ramon's section. 

Service again is top notch. Again the ship understands that the specialty restaurants are special and ensure they have enough staff to accommodate our needs. 

Assistant waiters are in place to ensure all our beverages are topped up, plates are cleared and everything else is taken care of. 

Food was outstanding - I had my usual - spinach salad, onion soup and filet mignon.

Production show tonight is Sweet Soul Music but we missed both shows as we were at the Crown Grill. Tonight being with great friends is more important.

Third Sea Day - Crown Grill Here We Come

I am just too lazy to get up early and head out for breakfast.  Bernie does bring me a latte so it is safe for me to venture out and talk to people as I have had my caffeine.

But when I do get up and moving we wander around and sit outside Princess Live for a bit.  Ron Goodman the Cruise Director stops by and sits with us and we catch up. After sailing with him a few times it is great to get to know him better this voyage. He certainly has a great team.

He fills me in on the reason there are so few big production shows. Apparently one of the lead singers (there are four - two males and two females) became very ill and was taken off the first day to head to Rome for medical treatment. There are no understudies for the main singers. They tried to get someone to join the ship before the crossing but it just couldn't find someone. They are working hard to put something together for the passengers. 

There is the big On Board Outlet Sale going on - but I pass on even entering.

We meet up with Ana from the Cruise staff for lunch in Alfredos. It is busy today (as it is a sea day) but the meal is excellent and the company even better.  

Like I mentioned yesterday there are still a lot of external workers on board. It is beginning to be a bit annoying. You can certainly tell they are not Princess employees.  

While in the cabin this morning someone banged at the door. Since I was alone in the cabin I looked thru the peep hole and wasn't sure who it was as they are not wearing uniforms and if they have some kind of ID I certainly did not see it. I ask thru the door "what do you want" and he is seeing if our tv is working. I open the door to him reluctantly and I tell him yes it is working now.  He closes the door and bangs on the cabin next to us.  

Tonight dinner is in the Crown Grill at 8 pm.  We relax at the Wheelhouse Bar for a drink prior to dinner where Sanja and Marty join us. 

We are sat in Pedro's section at a nice table for four.

This was a special dish of Halibut

I had my usual - Beet and Goat Cheese salad, Black and Blue Onion Soup, and then the Filet Mignon! 

Service was excellent. Again this ship has figured it out. The specialty restaurants are well staffed with assistants to clear plates, fill wine/water glass, get condiments and clean tables. I wish all ships did this.

After dinner we sit at the Wheelhouse Bar where we enjoy the Prestige Quartet Players who are amazing!

It was a wonderful day and amazing evening.

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