Saint John New Brunswick and the Night Prior

We are a little slow getting up today.  You see last night we were busy.  First it started with Multi Media Trivia with the theme being 60s and 70s music trivia.  We joined up with some ladies we met earlier Mark hosted.  He played a bit of a song and we had to name the song and the artist.  Wow we actually tied with another team and we were each given a bottle of sparkling wine.  We left it for the women to enjoy.

At 7:45 we had the Most Travelled Passenger Party. 

This is a party to honour the top 40 travellers on this voyage.  For this trip we are number 8 and 9 and we are happy to attend.  The Captain was surprised to see us and we posed for the picture, for which I will scan and put here when I get home. Oh and they had only one door open for the Most Travelled Party, remember last week I stated here that the queue was long and awkward to get in and looks like they have fixed it.  It ran much smoother this time.

Tonight we sit by ourselves and we both get a drink and then the appetizers start coming around.  This week we thought the tapas were much better than last week’s party.  Loved the goat cheese balls, the drumettes, and the sirloin.  Dana the CSD came by and we caught up with her.  Bernie even stopped and chatted with Captain Pomata for a bit and asked him about the Bay of Fundy and asked how difficult it was to sail it. 

Dana and Jasper

After the party we went to Sabatinis for dinner with a friend.  The meal was very good, I started with the calamari (which I couldn’t finish) and then had the lobster three ways.  It was done a bit differently and I enjoyed it more this time.  We had a few bottles of wine and Sicilian Kisses drink for dessert – yup my dessert is a martini drink.    Alberto came down and surprised us for a bit and we didn’t get back to our cabin until midnight!  And with the clocks going forward ouch!

So I am back to the morning of St. John and well a bit of a hangover!  Little sleep and it is overcast with a light drizzle and all I can think of is more sleep.  I didn’t go to breakfast I just took my time getting ready.  We wandered ashore around 10 am and walked to the mall to pick up a few things and then crossed the street to the dollar store and then wandered into the city market again.  Oh and went to the Starbucks in the mall too.  I am feeling a little bit more alive now. 

We decide to walk the boardwalk along the Harbour which is lovely and it has stopped raining.  It is rather cool and windy but I really enjoyed it.  As we make our way back towards Uptown we agree a bite to eat is in order and we enjoy a relaxing meal before walking a bit more.  This is a nice city.

We are back on board and I try to stay awake but I am so tired.  I crash and I sleep until 6 pm (2 hours)!  Guess I needed it.  Tonight is the Captain Circle Party.  Captain Pomata welcomed us as we came in and even hugged me!  Wow guess since we have sailed with him five times this year he feels comfortable with us.   We make our way to a seat near the back, we have learned we prefer these seats near the back cause it is away from people and we feel okay chatting throughout it and it doesn’t bother anyone.  A quick cocktail but no food for us even though the wait staff are trying to get us to take something we are good.  We chat with Dana again, and she joins us for awhile and she is a hoot.  I like her, and if she lived closer I know we would be friends.  One thing we noticed is they didn’t show the Royal Princess christening like they did last week.  Maybe they read my blog and how I didn’t enjoy it…. Anyways just glad they didn’t.

Down to the dining room for dinner.  Douw is waiting for us and we enjoy a lovely dinner with Remil and Jerwin serving us, I am going to miss these guys when I get home. 

We then head to the Princess Theater and watch the Born to Be Wild show.  Amazing again!  I took lots of pics will try and post some here now or at least when I get home this weekend. 

Corey the Deputy Cruise Director is a hoot - he got a hold of the camera and well he let out his artistic side

After the show we head down to say hi to Delmarie in Facets – she is happy to see us as she didn’t see us yesterday.  We catch up and a few other crew come in and chat and well lots of laughs were had.  Time for bed.  Halifax tomorrow.

All Aboard the Caribbean Princess

We walk down to the lobby to get breakfast but the prices are out of this world!  $30 for the breakfast buffet, and $26 for the continental breakfast – ouch.  We both agree to head out and see if we can find a dinner somewhere.  No problem there is one right across the street, Lindys.  Now this is more our style.  Food was good, and hit the spot. 

We don’t have a whole lot of time but again we want to take advantage of being in New York so we head towards 5^th Avenue and then Rockefeller Square.  We are both surprised at how small the square is.  There is no ice there now but a lovely outdoor café but again we both figured it would be bigger than it is. 

We walk towards Broadway and they have an outdoor market happening and the street is closed off for pedestrians.  It is really nice, and I actually end up buying a few scarves 3 for $20! 

Back at the hotel and we pack up our stuff and stick on the luggage tags for Princess and head out.  Our car is waiting for us.  Again we booked with Carmel Car Service, for $38 they take us to the pier.  Plus we had a $3 coupon so it worked out to $35.  The driver was great and pointed out some of the sights as we passed.

Red Hook Pier parking

the Red Hook Pier.  The building on the left is the check/in.  the curved awning in middle is the pick up location for people with car services or friends picking up.  The middle two awnings are for taxis and shuttles.  The far right is for buses.

When we arrive at Brooklyn Pier the traffic is very heavy and we inch forward to the drop off area.  The pier is very nice but there are a lot of people here trying to get on too.  We arrived around 12:45 and we had a quick line to get thru security.  Then there was quite a long queue for those boarding but the Preferred check in was rather quick and after about 10 minutes in line we were given our cards and directed to board right away.

Those that are not preferred were given a boarding number and had to wait for their number to be called.

In all the boarding process was very efficient and thorough and all the staff we had to deal with were very helpful and friendly.

This is our 40^th Princess cruise, wow how time flies.

We are in an inside cabin this trip, C725 and that is okay since this is an extra trip and it is a back to back and all we could justify.

After boarding we drop off our bags – gee I love that we can access our cabins right away not like some other lines.  We head to the International Café and grab a tea and latte and a small bite to eat from the International Café.  We recognize a few people and we are shocked when they remember us. 

We are excited to see Douw the Head Waiter on board.  In fact he and Delmarie are the reasons we booked this trip so we could see them.  Douw is in the Island Dining room right now answering questions about passengers, dining arrangements.  We have a quick catch up and then we are off to explore the ship.

We have never been on the Caribbean but it is very much like the Emerald with a few minor differences.  For instance Sabatinis is on the Promenade Deck here and there is no Adagio but they do have a Café Caribe.

The muster drill is scheduled for 4:15 and it is currently 4 pm and we still don’t have our bags.  I am sure they will arrive soon. 

Wow just had a knock at the door and flowers were delivered!  No card so not sure who they are from.  Will have to scout out who they are from but no matter who they are much appreciated. 

I should add that as we wandered around we ran into Conrad a waiter we have sailed with three other times, he is also from South Africa.  Then we saw Jose from Mexico a waiter we sailed with on the Star.  Jay the Art Director is also on board, a fellow Canadian from Ottawa who we have sailed with numerous times.  When we dropped into Sabatinis we saw a waiter there that recognized us from the Emerald last January.  This is why we consider being on a ship coming home, cause we get to see our Princess Family! 

There are a lot of new cruisers on board, as we walk the hallways we see very few elite door tags, and a lot of blue ones. 

We are both tickled to be back on board and spend the next 14 days on board the beautiful Caribbean Princess.

Movies Under The Stars for this voyage are:

Dirty Dancing, The Princess Bride, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Top Gun, The Internship, Iron Man 3, Now You See Me, Oblivion, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Great Gatsby.

Production Shows:  Welcome Aboard Show, Piano Man, Born to Be Wild, Do You Wanna Dance.  Comedian Steve White, Tribute Act Horizon, Comedy Magic with John Ferrentino.

Production show times tonight are 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm.  Muster is at 4:15 and sail away is scheduled for 5:00 pm.

Ship’s Officers:  Captain Giorgio Pomata, Staff Captain Gavin Pears, Chief Engineer Andrew Carney, Hotel General Manager Adam Gorst, Cruise Director Neil Roberts, Senior Doctor Christine Visage, Food & Beverage Director Michael Glass, Customer Services Director Dana Ionescu, Executive Housekeeper Liliana Antonesei, Executive Chef Antonio Cereda, Maitre d’Hotel Mario Propato.  

Canada New England - Woo Hoo

We decided to head to New York and head out on a back to back cruise.  Yup back to back, same itinerary too.  But since we haven't been to most of the ports and we have to travel so far we thought why not! 

The price was very good too.  Limited cabin selection but that is okay we took an inside since we are in port every day except one so we won't be in each much.  Plus who knows what the weather will be like.

Look forward to seeing Douw, Delmarie and Alberto on board!

Follow along.

And We Are Home

How can so many days away go by so fast?  Explain please?  Answers?

I am now home and I feel a little melancholy.  I know someone else is in our cabin, Douw is serving someone else, Peter is welcoming new Captain Circle Members on board, Felipe and Delmaire are selling their little hearts out.  But we are not there!

I will back track a bit to last night.

Being the last night on board we knew we wanted to have a nice dinner and remember the great voyage.  Trust me, everyone should do this, actually you should do this every day, share with that special person the wonderful things that happened that day and what you are thankful for.  It is always easier to remember the horrible things but sit down and remember the great things.

Last night we were truly blessed, and we remember the past four weeks together.  Peter joins us and we share a lovely evening together dotted with friends (aka new family members) coming to the table to chat and say good bye. 

Will I make it thru the night without crying?  I hope so. 

Delmarie and Felipe want to join us for drinks after dinner and we meet up with them and Dilion and Peter for drinks in the Wheelhouse.  Felipe presents us both with an Hawaiian Lei - ahhh Felipe you make us feel special. 

It is around 11 pm and we need to say goodbye - hugs, kisses, tears welling up in my eyes.  Till we meet again!

Both of us are lying in bed in the dark with the ship going up and down (yes it was rocking and no it wasn't from us) and we again say how blessed we are.  We know this trip wouldn't be the same if we weren't together to do it.  We have been married 17 years and I am so happy I have a best friend who loves to cruise too and his positive caring attitude only adds to the experience.  Thank you Bernie for sharing in this journey.

Okay I am really getting sappy now, I know I know, but if you know me well you know I am kind of sappy and I say how I feel, the good and bad... and it is hard to shut me up.

We don't sleep very well, maybe it is the dinner not sitting well (too much food), maybe it is the drinks, maybe it is the movement of the ship, maybe it is the events of the trip going thru our minds, or maybe it is the worry of "how big will our bill be when we get it tomorrow" kidding.

I awake early, around 5:30 and we have just cleared the Golden Gate Bridge, I throw on the robe and slippers and head out on the deck, yeah sure I am freezing my ass off but I want to be outside looking at the water as it is one of the last opportunities I will have to do it for a bit.  I sit out there till I hear the alarm go off in the cabin around 6 am.  Bernie is stirring - and I know I have to get in the shower and get ready.

We head down to Amafi dining room for breakfast and see Douw, Hugo and Marianna serve us one last time.  What was so nice of them is that I wanted my latte but in a to go cup and said I would just wait to get it as we had to leave soon so we could head to immigration.  They said "no way Vickie we will go get one for you" yup they travelled all the way to the International Cafe to get me my latte in a to go cup.... now that is nice.

We make our way to the Portifino dining room to clear immigration into the US as Non US Citizens, the line is snaking its way thru the casino.  But it appears that many people are in the line early and I mean really early, like 45 to an hour earlier than they should be.  Our time is 7:15 but the couple behind us is 8 - now people there is a reason there is a time for you to show that means you are to show at that time.  The line wouldn't be so long if people just followed directions.  They must be the same people that line up for the dining room doors to open a half hour early.

It does take a bit to clear the immigration line, about a half hour and since we are just passing thru the United States on our way to the airport and home we have no problems.  Back up to the cabin to grab our carry on bags and then head down to the Vista Lounge which is the Platinum/Elite and Suite lounge for this voyage.

It is packed, I mean packed, not a seat available.  Now we are yellow 1, we are like the fourth group of about 20 groups to be called.  We arrive 5 minutes before our designated time, but once again people seem to want to get there early and make their claim. 

What is worst is there are a lot of people in the lounge who are there that should not be there because they are travelling with a friend who is elite etc.  Now this would be fine if there was a lot of space but there is no space.  You would probably be better off going to your designated area, at least you may get a seat. 

Peter does try to inform people that sorry this lounge is for those passengers only who qualify, but people get mad at him, and many push right past him and insist!  A few said some nasty things too.... we would of gladly have gone to our "assigned lounge" if it would not have been that we wanted to see Peter one last time.

Our tag is called right on time, we are directed out to the Promenade deck and directed all the way to mid ship and down two flights.  Not an issue for us as we are able bodied, but many people had trouble with this and maneuvering their bags.  I felt for them, but when I hear the man behind me complain about having to walk so far and that he should of went to his designated lounge instead, I was thinking "yeah youvprobably should of".  I do hate when Princess assigns the Vista Lounge, or Club Fusion as the Elite lounge as you have to head all the way mid ship to get off.

No biggie, we are off very very quickly, very smoothly and find our bags and are out on the street in less than five minutes.  We are in a taxi right away and on our way to the airport.  At first we were going to take the BART, but I said nope I am not dragging these bags for a half hour to the station.  The ship was offering Princess airport transfers for $26 each, but the taxi for the two of us was $47 and with tip of $5 and we paid the same as Princess and we got there much faster and just the two of us. 

The flight home was delayed a half hour and we had lots of time.  We flew right home and after the short flight we were on the skytrain to pick up our car and were home by 5 pm.

Laundry is in, bags are unpacked (still lots needs to be put away), groceries need to be purchased, paperwork needs to get done but it can all wait.

Life is great and I am blessed in so many ways.  I want to say thanks to all my followers, and especially my facebook fan page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cruising-Princess-Cruiseline-with-Vickie/240526055979098 

Thanks for following along, till our next journey.

Love Vickie

Another Sea Day – Fourth in a Row But Still Love Sea Days

Jasper with his new Ribbon Lei

I will recap about last night – we showed up in the dining room last night and Douw had prepared a lovely antipasti dish.  It was huge, and we each got one.  For our entrée I had the chicken dish with a side of the polenta and it was very good, very crispy. 

Of course no Italian night could be complete without some Limocello and for $5 a glass (and you keep the souvenir glass) it is well worth it.  But after sharing a bottle of wine and then the limocello I am feeling the effects.

We check out the game “The Quest” in Explorer’s lounge, sort of a scavenger hunt game for adults.  Looks like everyone is having a great time. 

We then head to the Princess Theater to check out the impressionist and he is very good but we thought Martyn the CD’s comments after the show to be even funnier than the main act.

Clocks go forward again and we are awake and heading for breakfast at 9 am.  I have the eggs bennedict, yummy.

This morning I have my ribbon Lei making session.  It is being held in Sabatinis at 11:15 and it is well attended.  I sat with two nice ladies and we introduced ourselves and enjoyed getting to know each other.  I did have a little fun with one of the ladies as she went on and on and on about how many cruises she had been on and how much she knew about travel.  My comment to her was “wow you seem to have cruised a lot, how many cruises have you been on?” she responded “oh eleven now” proudly.  I just smiled back and she went on and on again.  Finally she asked me a question “is this your first cruise” my response “oh no this is my 37^th, 33^rd with Princess” that shut her up for a short while.  I get that a lot, people think because of my age (47) that I haven’t been anywhere.  I explained to her that Bernie and I love to travel, that when we are at home we save for our next adventure and sacrifice so that we can save.

Bernie and I have dinner in the dining room again, I start with the fried calamari, but sadly it was way overcooked and rubbery.  For my entrée I had the stuffed pepper and that was very good.  I even indulged in honeydew frozen yoghurt which was also yummy.

 

We wonder about for a bit and make our way over to Peter’s desk to catch up with him.  He is starting his preparation for the next voyage and we chat while this older gentleman approaches the desk who appears angry.  Peter asks if there is something he can help him with and this man states he wants his military credit, that he was never told about it when he booked, he is very adamant.  Peter is patient and states that sorry it is not his department but that he would have to talk with the purser’s desk as it is something you have to apply for prior to boarding.  This man is not happy with this response and asks where the purser’s desk is.  Peter directs him to the purser’s desk (funny I think, considering he has been on the ship for just under two weeks but doesn’t know where the purser’s desk is).  He starts to walk away and I say “you are welcome” well that ticks him off and he starts yelling at us.  I really thought he was rude to not only us but to Peter especially how professional Peter was.  Bernie is upset at this man and as this man heads down to the purser’s desk I state we need to let this go, this man obviously is upset and nothing would make him happy.

But in the end I know we are more upset at how badly he treated the crew, not only Peter but the Purser’s desk because we walked by and he was screaming at them.  Again, Princess offers a military credit but it is something you need to apply for prior to boarding, not once you are on. 

I am trying to focus on all the great people we have met, and not let the one or two nasty people get to us.  And we have met lovely people on board from all over the United States.  That is one great thing about cruising it is a chance to meet other people from all over, yes this cruise is mainly Americans but I have enjoyed learning more about their area and I am sure they have learned a bit about Canada from us. 

At 3 pm is the wine tasting and I head down to meet up with some friends to enjoy the tasting.  Douw was so funny, and he is so light hearted and comical that he makes it fun.  Again the second guy took it a bit too seriously and actually got upset that people were talking and not listening to him. 

I run into Mark on the way back to the cabin and we catch up, told him I missed him not having a lecture today as I needed a nap… lol…. He is a sweet man and look forward to his next lecture.

Oh I forgot to mention that our steward came to us this morning with the mixed matched socks and said we had to go the purser’s desk to fill out a claim form.  Bernie took care of it and we will see what comes of it.

Also what is funny now, but was frustrating at the time was we had received a call a few days ago asking at what time we wished to be scheduled for disembarkation.  I stated one of the first independent.  We got another call later the same day asking the same question and I responded with the same answer.  Then again we got another call asking again…. (not sure why but really appreciated the attentive service) and again we said early group but that others had called. 

Well last night we got our luggage tags and we were one of the last groups!  We decided to deal with it today and Bernie went to the Purser’s desk to enquire.  We requested one of the first independent groups and he was told sorry they are full.  Now he is saying to them, but you asked us which group we wanted, we told you, and then you don’t even put us in it!  In fact our group we had been given was 1.5 hours later.  After getting no where with the Purser’s desk he left and went and talked to Jasper the Customer Services Director and was given the group we originally asked for. 

We have been truly blessed this voyage with all the amazing people we have met in the crew and the wonderful treatment we have gotten.  But the one and only area we have gotten poor service, below standard from what we normally get is from the Purser’s desk.  From our initial issue with our cabin above the stage, our issue with the chairs being dragged above us, to the luggage tags fiasco.  Not sure why service at the Purser’s desk has been so bad, normally we have wonderful service here but seems like either they don’t understand our issue or are just skirting around the issues.  In the end I would have to rate the service poor, but the service everywhere else to be 150%.

Tonight is dinner in Sabatinis, we haven’t eaten here for dinner since last voyage.  I am really looking forward to it.  It is also formal night and the Captain’s Farewell Party, the show tonight is British Invasion and then the Grand Piazza Party which I always enjoy.

I am already getting emotional knowing I will have to say goodbye to so many new friends, no let me correct that saying goodbye to so many new family members.  Okay I better stop or I will cry.

Till tomorrow.

Review of Last Night - too funny

Jasper meets Jasper the Customer Services Director

Last night was the Captain Circle Party for the Platinum and Elite members.  We originally were given a 5 pm cocktail party time but since we don’t eat until around 7:45 we chose to go to the later party at 7 pm. 

You can see lots of seats still available in the Vista Lounge.  I don’t know if this is because it is just Platinum and Elite members or if it is because most attended the earlier party.  Whatever it is we are sitting with a nice gentleman who I see every time we play Sudoku.  He is travelling by himself and when I saw him sitting alone I invited him over.

Most travelled is just over a 1,000 days – WOW, Mr Fivel I believe is his name.  We have travelled with him a few times now.  He is rather demanding, in fact he didn’t bring a tie on this voyage and since tonight is formal he needed on for the party.  Peter the Captain Circle Host actually lent him a tie from his own closet!  Now that is service that goes over and above.

We sip vodka and soda water for Bernie and Cosmos for me and say hi to many of the crew that we know.  The Captain (Todd McBain) is so hilarious, again his quick wit are making us laugh so hard.  At one point he is walking around the audience looking for volunteers to draw names out for the champagne and he sits down next to a woman and chats with her.  Priceless.

After the party we head down to Portifinos and meet up with Mark Harris the lecturer for dinner.  He looks lovely in his tuxedo and we are sat at our usual table.  Tonight the chef is preparing a special Thai dish for us.  We didn’t specifically ask for it but we had mentioned how we were craving Thai food as it has been a while and Douw said tonight we would have it. 

I don’t think Mark knew what to make of all the staff coming over to say hi, it was non stop, all the head waiters, many of the waiters and a few of the assistant waiters, then the Maitre D came over – we comment to Mark since we have been on for so long we know quite a few people.

We really enjoyed dining with Mark and learning about his travels and his life.  He is very funny and am looking forward to his lecture today on sharks.

Emilio - Hotel General Manager - Celebrity Liar's Club

Pippa - Future Cruise Consultant - Celebrity Liar's Club

Dr. David - Celebrity Liar's Club

Peter - Captain Circle Host, and Jasper - Celebrity Liar's Club

After dinner we head to Explorer’s Lounge for the Celebrity Liar’s Club which consists of Dave the Baby Doc (aka crew doctor), Pipa the Future Cruise Consultant, Emilio the Hotel General Manager and Peter the Captain Circle Host.  I don’t want to give away all that was said, cause I don’t want to ruin it for others plus I was laughing so hard I can’t remember it all.

we did up signs to flash to each of them, this was Emilio's sign

Dr. David performs what the word means

 

They all played off each other and each had they little tricks.  Peter even took Jasper up on stage and had him sit on the table in front of him – he was very excited as you can see.  Pipa did a great job playing the ditzy blonde, Emilio made us laugh so hard with his serious comments and his talk about his neighbor Gianfranco, Dave had props and we couldn’t stop laughing.

After the show we head to the Wheelhouse for port with some friends and we close the place and well pretty much the entire ship too!  It is just after midnight and we don’t see a single passenger.

I want to thank Felipe for giving me the lovely pineapple earrings – I had been joking around with the shoppies on how I have been looking everywhere for a Pineapple on a t shirt or earings or just a pineapple!  Guess what he found some, beautiful gold earrings.  He gave them to me last night, how sweet.

Cabo San Lucas Overnight

Time to catch up, it is actually the second day we are in Cabo but I need to catch up on my blog so here it goes in a nutshell.

We are to arrive around noon and we both wake up too late to make it to the dining room for breakfast, which closes at 9 so we head down to the International Café and grab a lovely yoghurt/granola mix.  Of course my latte is necessary again.

Wanted to add that the morning show is great.  We have had our share of bad morning shows on board.  We love to watch them and find out what is happening on board, catch the trivia question and have a good laugh.  Martyn and Matais do a wonderful job each day putting on the show.  The questions are very good and the prizes are even better.  The recent prizes have been dinner for two at Sabatinis, Crown Grill, two half day passes for the Sanctuary, coffee card and other stuff. 

 

We are meeting up with Delmarie a friend at around 2 pm to head ashore together.  The tender process is very smooth and since we are going ashore rather late no need to get tender tickets.  (note with Elite status you get priority tendering when getting off)  The ride ashore is quick and easy and the views are wonderful.

It is freakin hot and humid – I know I shouldn’t complain but we are sweating up a storm and we haven’t even started walking around yet.

Beautiful Delmarie

 

For those that have been following my blog for the past few years you already know that we have been here many times.  We love Mexico especially the West Coast of Mexico, but Cabo is our least favorite, yes it is beautiful, yes it has all the big hotels, yes the stores are amazing but for us it doesn’t feel like the “real” Mexico.  Actually our preference is places like Huatulco, Ixtapa and even Mazatlan.  But to get that “real” Mexican feel we head away from the main street for about 12 blocks to one of our favorite little Mexican restaurants.  We are the only gringos there, little English is spoken here.  They don’t serve alcohol but if you want a beer just cross the street and buy a beer and enjoy it at the restaurant.  We all have a great meal and we are stuffed.

 

We walk back towards the Marina stopping at a few shops, checked out some stalls and even bought a necklace and pendant. 

Back on board around 5:30 ish and in the cabin relaxing – we know it is around 5:30 because yup they are rehearsing in the Princess Theater and we can hear it all.  At around 6 we see they are showing the movie the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on the tv in the cabin.  We love this movie, one of our favorites so we snuggle up and watch it again. 

Dinner tonight is in Portifinos again and we are down there around 8 pm.  We bring a lovely Argentinean Malbec  to dinner.  I had a new item I have never seen on board a watermelon lycee salad with ginger and mint, gazpiacho for the soup, and for dinner a really good shrimp dish.  I tried the strudel for dessert but it wasn’t for me. 

We wander around the ship after dinner, not a lot going on but then again a lot of people are off the ship enjoying Cabo this evening.  We see they showing the movie The Artist at Movies Under the Stars tonight, we wander around up on the top deck checking out the lights in Cabo, can even hear YMCA playing at one of the local bars.  It is cool being anchored in the bay, reminds us of being anchored outside of Panama City, but of course Panama City is much much bigger.

Not much else to do so we head back to the cabin and start watching the movie “Brave” but can’t stay awake.

 

It is Tuesday – still Cabo

We head down for breakfast and meet up with Douw and arrange for a meeting time for going ashore together. 

We head off just after 10 and whew it is HOT… we walk the main drag and I pick up another pendant, the reason… my lovely husband surprised me last night with a beautiful pair of earring and I thought I should get a pendant to match the earrings. 

 

Douw and us stop for a cold beverage before we start walking towards our favorite restaurant which is on Benito Juarez about 10 blocks from the main drag.  The restaurant is called El Burro Loco.  We order some beverages, Chorizon con queso, chicken mole, chili relenos and tortillas.  All was very good. 

We head back towards the marina area and every ten feet you are asked, tour, drinks, taxi, silver… you name it.
 

A beautiful little restaurant facing the marina is offering two for one drinks, the guys get beers and I get a mango margarita.

 

We make our way back to the ship and board the next tender.  We are hot and sweaty but oh what a great two days we have had in Cabo.

 

Tonight is Italian night in the dining room, we probably will head there for dinner.  Tomorrow is a sea day and we have lots planned including the Most Travelled Luncheon.  Will report on that tomorrow.
 

 

Thursday Evening

Catalina Island

We are relaxing in the cabin, enjoying a glass of Norton Reserva from Chile.  But we know we have to get dressed and head out.  Our evening starts with heading down to Explorer’s Lounge to participate in the TV Theme Trivia, we join a lovely couple from the San Francisco area and we don’t do too bad but we did have fun.  Zara hosted and we love Zara.

Douw, Jasper and Bernie

We decide to get some dinner now and head to Portifinos for a meal, this sailing Portifinos is being used for early traditional dining at 5:30 but opens for anytime at 7:45.  We have no problem getting a table at 8:15 and Douw takes very good care of us as usual.  Our assistant waiter is on his first cruise on his first contract and you can see he is nervous but does a great job.  I skipped the appetizer and salad and went straight for a lovely chicken dish that was served with carrots, asparagus and zucchini.  Then of course dessert of cream Brule! We also enjoyed a bottle of Wolfe Blass, and corked the remaining wine for another time.  Princess now gives you a little ticket that states the wine and your cabin number and where you dined.  They have done this for awhile now but we always seem to loose the little ticket, but they still are able to locate the wine.

We discuss options for dinner tomorrow and decide since tomorrow is formal night we would try and get a reservation for Sabatinis – Douw runs off and comes back with a confirmed reservation for Friday at 7:30.  Wow thanks for the personalized service Douw!  But all the head waiters are amazing and bend over backwards for all passengers.

 

We decide after dinner to check out the comedian Jim MacDonald in the Princess theater.  We join Murray and his friends (cruise critic friends).  Jim MacDonald we have sailed with before in fact we have probably seen his shows about 5 times but we love his video montage he does at the end.  My favorite line was “all the teens sailing, trying to be cool, yeah dude it is spring break and I am on a cruise”  yeah but not so cool that you have to share a cabin with your grandmother.  Laughing!!!  So if you are on a ship with Jim make sure you check out his show. 

 

It is now 11 pm and it is rather quiet around the ship except for the jazz band in the atrium and lots of people listening, they are very good.  We wander around the outside Promenade and then head back to the room.  Clocks go forward tonight and I swear as soon as our heads hit the pillow we are out!