Morning of the Day at Sea

I wake early.  The seas have us bobbing up and then down, up and then down.  I can see many people not liking this movement.  But for us we love it.

Room service arrives and I got what I added, a bagel with cream cheese.  The crew that delivered was surprised we had not ordered tea or coffee so he brought it just in case.  Nice and very considerate and shows real initiative to take care of the passengers but we don't need it.  Oh I should add I did have my soy milk latte earlier.

I write up my blogs for yesterday and get them posted.  I will add pictures once I get home.

It is cool out, the Patter says 54-59.  Seas are calm but breezy.  You need to buddle up to stay outside.

I see there is a Speedy Sudoku at 9:30 and attend that and did not finish first, but it was fun to participate.  As it is later when we attend trivia.  We did not score high but we did have fun, and learned something too.

Oh guess what!  As we sat in Crooners a large pod of whales swim by.  There was at least 20 of them.  We saw them break the surface and shoot from their spout.  So cool.

There were numerous events happening including Zumba, line dancing (which I did take part in for a few songs), Movie Coco on MUTS, Martini Show, Digital Scavenger Hunt and so much more.

At 11:15 in the Atriuim they held a ceremony for Anzac Day from Australia and New Zealand - similar to our Rememberance Day in November.  Many even wear poppies like we do.  The entire ceremony was quite nice and appreciated that the Ruby Princess honoured it.

For lunch we were going to try the dining room but the queue was so long and they had just opened the door so we ended up heading upstairs to Horizon Court for a nice meal. Plus I love the salad bar.

Oh forgot to mention that we are the Most Travelled Guests on board.  The Captain Circle Host - Rachel calls us to let us know.  

She confirms that we get a dinner for two at a specialty restaurant but the Crown Grill can not accommodate us as they are totally full the next two days.  We are offered Salty Dog, Crab Shack or they would cover the added fee if we dine in the dining room and select the filet and lobster.  

We agree to the Salty Dog for tomorrow at 7 pm.  We also get a commemorative box - which we decline (remember we are getting rid of all our possessions) and she offers to send us chocolates in lieu.  Also a bottle of champagne is also an added treat.

We spot Gidea and she is shocked to see us, we did not even know she was on board. Then Lisa Ball is shocked to see us too.   We feel so blessed.

  

Mazatlan

We once again sleep soundly and are woken to the sound of room service knocking.  They are 15 minutes early (8:15 - requested 8:30-9) but they are busy and probably just getting a jump on things.  I roll over and wait for alarm to go off while Bernie sips his tea.

Today we slather on the sunscreen (using the 60 SPF now) so we don't get fried. There is a light breeze and the sun is out in full force and it can be misleading.

We meet Lydia and Marco at Vines and we head ashore.  Here in Mazatlan you dock at their industrial pier.  So you will see containers ready for shipping all over the dock.  Becausse of this it is not safe to walk to the gate so there is a small train shuttle with benches that shuttles people back and forth.  It is very efficient and fast and we have never had to wait for one. 

Once we jump off the shuttle we are ushered into the maze of the shops and people selling tours, taxis, tastings for tequilla, and time shares.  We focus and just keep walking to the gate.

We are heading back to Stone Island and we are heading there independently.  We exit the gate and turn left.  Keep walking till the end of the street (maybe 10 minutes if that).  You will see a Naval Base on your left when you come to the end and a path with fences on both sides. 

There is a sign that says Stone Island Water Taxi.  Just walk down the path and buy your ticket from the booth.  Today I paid more attention to the cost.  Written right on the wall is the price 30 Pesos for a round trip.  Which technically should be $1.50 US at the bank exchange rate of 20% but we rarely get that.  Here the conversion is $2 US for 30 Pesos.  No biggie we will survive.  Last week we paid with a $5 bill and got change back so that makes sense.  Again we wish we would of had more pesos instead of being hit with the exchange twice for the 3 weeks.

We walk to the Carmelitas again and we are welcomed and take four lounge chairs and two umbrellas facing the beach.  It is so beautiful here.

We get a bucket of beer and two margaritas! 

We spend the next four hours or so chatting with Lydia and Marco and enjoying the tranquility.  We do get some food but not much.

One tip is make sure you get the menu and keep it to track what you are spending. Again when you see the bill you may want to double check that they have not overcharged.

Aroung 2:30 we start making our way back to the ferry and there is a ferry that is just about to leave but waits for us.  The ride across the channel takes maybe five minues.

Note you can take a taxi to Stone Island (which is really a peninsula).  But a taxi will take a long time as it has to travel all away around the harbour and will cost a lot of money.

If you want to travel into town it is easy too and walkable.  In fact they have made it easy for tourists to head into town by painting a Blue Line on the sidewalk as soon as you exit the pier that leads you to downtown. 

Also there are many expat volunteers at the gate that can answer your questions without any pressures - seek them out.

Once back on board we shower and decorate the bottom of our shower with sand.  Bernie falls asleep while I read.

Tonight is the Most Travelled Cocktail Party and this voyage we have moved up again we are the fourth most travelled couple.  The party is like the other two, but the best part about the party is Colleena who is a hoot!  This time we get a picture wtih the new Captain who just came on board Captain Pomata. 

We head to the Horizon Court afterwards and the theme tonight is Italian Night.  It is busy up here even at 8 pm.  Food is very good and the waiters are quite attentive and helpful.

After the meal we are up on the sun deck to partake in the Love Boat Disco Deck Party that is always a good time.  We dance the night away and even make it onto the Kiss Kam - and Lisa Ball even calls out our name when we appear!  She is a sweetie.

Sidenote: the Intertaional Cafe is improving.  The other day I noticed a Head Waiter down there directing staff and overseeing them.  It improved imensely.  The staff are good but they need direction.  Lets hope it continues.

Duke our Cruise Director has fallen ill a few days ago and Lisa Ball the Entertainment Director had stepped in to take over. But today in Mazatlan Duke was sent home due to illness.  We wish him well.  A new Cruise Director will be coming on in Los Angeles.

Princess Cays January 28, 2016

My oh my why can’t I sleep thru the night. Like most nights I am awake at the wee hours.  As I wander around the cabin trying to make as little noise as possible I attempt to read until I am ready to fall back asleep.  So after an hour and a half of reading I am back asleep around 4:30 am. 

At least today is a later arrival to Princess Cays (9 am) and it will be a restful day on the beach too.

We both wake for the day around 8:30 am and I am groggy and just tired.  I tell Bernie just to head up to Horizon Court and get his breakfast and not worry about me.  I relax in the cabin for quite a while and hear the tenders dropping getting ready to take everyone ashore.

It is a bit overcast but still quite warm.  Looks pretty good with regards to wind and it appears the Captain has positioned the ship in just the right spot to use the ship to assist with safer tender operation.

By the time Bernie comes back from breakfast and we are in bathing suits and lathered with sunscreen we head to the pontoon around 11 am.  Which ended up being a very good time as they just made the announcement that there are no waits.  

Being elite we get priority tendering but we are not sure if we go to the dining room and get right on the next tender or do we head to the pontoon.  We no longer get the elite letter at the beginning of each cruise so we don’t know what the procedure is here.  But history warrants that we ask.  So as soon as we head down the stairs at deck five a purser staff is there and we ask and they tell us to just join this parade of people to the tender boat that is heading forward. 

The ride over is a bit longer than what I remember because of a few swells.  Nothing horrible but we all manage. 

Once ashore we agree to head to the right side this time.  

Normally we always head to the left side and head down to where the bungalows are.  This time we cross over the bridge and past the grill.  There are now some food carts over on this side.  This is brand new this season.

hot dog cart

Bar cart in the Taco Cart

Jerk Chicken Cart

Wraps

There is a taco truck, a wrap truck, jerk chicken truck and a hot dog truck.  Also a bar truck is there too.  This is a great idea!  Easy to see, no lines, and great variety. 

Taco Chart - but no signs identifying it as the Taco Cart

Although the bar truck is set up in the taco truck as it has signs all around it saying it is a taco truck.  The actual taco truck has no real identifiers of what it is or what the menu is.  I believe this is going to be corrected though for the future.  The staff who service each truck have colorful t shirts with the name of their truck on it.  Great concept, worked great today, hope to see it spread out to the other side too.

We both ate at the carts today.  I started with an Italian Hot Dog which was loaded with onions/peppers, pepperoni, a tomato sauce, cheese and probably more.  It was very good, hot and messy - but a nice alternative.  Bernie had a fish taco and he loved it, said it was very spicy and the fish piece was huge.  We both went and got a wrap at this point, they are not very big and I found my BLT wrap to be rather dry and bland with very little sauce in it (but maybe there was not suppose to be any sauce), Bernie didn’t care for his either.  The wraps are very small so they could be a nice snack.  Bernie got a piece of jerk chicken with rice and he really enjoyed it he said.  They still had the grill lines too with hamburgers, chicken, and salads and of course dessert which consisted of cookies and banana bread. 

We make our way to the beach and grab two chairs and we are happy cruisers.  Bernie does go in snorkeling two times and he really enjoyed it.  It is being affected a bit by the high winds as it is making visibility a little poorer than normal.

For me I am happy just reading.  The wind is great because it doesn’t feel too hot then, but be warned the sun is still strong so keep lathering on the sunscreen. 

My eyes are so heavy… I end up napping in the lounge chair - I am sure it was not a pretty sight but a necessary one. 

Around 2 pm (last tender was at 3) we gathered our items and started to make our way back to the tender pier.  The line was very long as we walked to the end of it. Yes of course people in it were grumbling but I have to say I was quite impressed at how quickly it moved.  We were on a tender within ten minutes.  I especially liked that the staff were handing out cold face cloths to us in the line and cups of water.  The waiter handing out the cups of water was joking around by saying “free water, find the hidden treasure in one of the glasses, who will get the little frog”.  Had us all smiling and puts people in a better mood.

Once on the tender I chatted with a lovely couple from Montreal to pass the time.  The wind has cause a bit more of a bumpy ride.  I have no issues at all with the motion but you could see many were suffering.  So if you suffer from motion sickness I highly recommend you take something prior to heading ashore or just stay on.

 

One poor woman was doing all she could to not throw up - I handed her my towel just in case. 

Once along side the ship we were quick to get off but we are bouncing up and down and it is banging beside the ship.  It can be very very dangerous and in fact when I step onto the ship about two people behind me the process stops as something crashes behind me and a loud noise scares the crap out of me and others around us.  Not exactly sure what happened but the tender pulled away from the ship right then with many still on. 

I have to commend all the crew who worked the tender operation during this time.  They were very professional ensuring everyone got on and off safety.

Back on board we do our ritual of rinsing off all the snorkel gear, washing bathing suits and then showering for Bernie and a long hot bath for me.  Have to say I love this bath!

We decide to watch the movie the Martian as it has just come up on the tv on demand and we have both been waiting to catch it.  But it is a long movie and we are both tired, but neither of us can nap that well and we need to get ready early tonight to do the things we hoped to do.

Dressed casually we head up to the Horizon Court for dinner.  Tonight they are doing the Fondue meal in one portion of the Horizon Court.  This is a great meal to try if you haven’t tried it.  For only $20 it is a great value.  We did it last year and really enjoyed it.  But it is not very busy there tonight.  Many don’t know about it and holding it on the last night doesn’t help in attendance either.

It is busy up here - first it is only 6 pm and many people who do early seating (which I would say is most on this ship) are up here because of the last night. 

I am excited to try the Asian Soup Bowl feature.  I have seen it a few times on various ships but have never had it.  So I place my order, requesting my meat, broth, vegetables and flavouring with the crew member there.  I take the paper they hand me and place it on the table where I am eating. 

After over 15 minutes with no one picking up my paper - mind you it was crazy busy up here today and staff are run off their feet -- I take my paper myself to the station and see my blow of soup sitting there.  I just grab it and take it back to my table. 

It was very very good - not too hot because it has been sitting for a while but very good.  I highly recommend this as an option.

Of course they still had a large buffet line of many different food options and of course probably the best salad bar I have ever seen on Princess.  Plus their cheese station here is wonderful with so many options of cheese, dried fruit, crackers, and breads. 

Have to comment (and will say this on the survey too) the cheese plate in the dining room has gone downhill fast in the past few years.  On board now if you order the cheese plate for dessert -- which I love to do to finish off my wine -- you get only three pieces of cheese and only two varieties.  Sometimes you get some dried fruit, sometimes you don’t.  Usually there is a piece of walnut bread too.  

The cheese is very cold too where before it was served room temperature.  But the entire plate looks sad and wish it was better so I could enjoy that as my dessert.  So if you like cheese plates I would recommend getting your own at the Horizon Court.

Right after dinner we head down to Concerto dining room to get the rest of our wine so we can enjoy it during the show.  Yes The Voice of the Ocean is tonight.  However tonight the show is at 7:30 -- much earlier than last sailing’s 10:30 time.  I much prefer the later time as 7:30 is very early.  But last sailing it was held on the second to last night, and this sailing it is on the last night.  Again much prefer it on the second to last night.

We take our seats up front about a half hour prior to the show.  The place is packed with only limited seats on the sides, which is hard to get to with no side access. 

Tonight show has HGM, Michael Prasse, singer Rebecca and comedian Steve as judges.  It is fun to watch them play off each other in those big seats.  Also tonight there are six singers (last time I believe there were 8).  Preferred tonight’s smaller group as it was finished within an hour. 

Now if only I could of gotten the couple behind us to shut up!  They were an older couple who basically talked thru the whole thing!  Then she sent him out to get a voting device just prior to the time when it came to vote.  REALLY…. I bit my tongue but I so wanted to turn around and say “are you ever going to shut up”.

Congratulations Brian in winning the Voice of the Ocean.

After the show we met up with Lisa Ball and the new Cruise Director Marahscalh Stanton who takes over for Lisa on turn around.  We have drinks together in Vines and it is lovely to spend some time with Lisa and it is great to get to know Marahscalh some more.  We have sailed with him before but he was Deputy CD then and he has been Cruise Director now for awhile.  We sailed with him as CD back in May of 2010 on the Golden.

  

It was nice to get to know him and his background, I personally just loved his spirit and you can see how much he truly loves his job.  His last ship was the Pacific and this is first time on the Royal so it is a big change but he is very excited about it and I know he will shine.

After drinks we make our way back to the cabin.  We still have not received our in transit information.  Last cruise we got it the day prior.  A letter, our cards, and the in transit documents.  I know I saw the envelopes for others in their slots but we had not received anything.

So back down to the Purser’s desk to find out what is happening.  A long queue is there, of course.  But thankfully we can enter the elite line. 

Note for those reading this - I would say that 75% of those in the line have issues that could have been dealt with more easily prior to the last night or with more knowledge of what will happen on the cruise.  So because you are reading this blog, or you follow my facebook page you are more aware of what to expect on board.

What are those issues you might ask? 

• What is the hotel gratuity charge?  A good agent or reading your pre cruise information would of provided you with the info about the daily hotel gratuity charge.  Also it shows up each day on your folio so ask prior to the last night.  Also don’t remove the tips, it is part of the cost of cruising.

• An issue with a charge on their statement from a few days ago.  It is so easy to check your folio regularly.  You can print it out at the Purser’s desk.  You can print it out from the many machines located usually near the Purser’s desk where you just swipe your card and an itemized statement prints out.  But I highly recommend checking the Princess At Sea daily to check for any discrepancies.

• Disembarkation questions. These can easily be answered by reading the four page pamphlet that is sent to your cabin with your luggage tags.  Remember you fill in the time you wish to get off at much earlier in the voyage, your disembarkation time is reflected based on what you requested.  

• If you have an issue with the time they assigned you there is usually a time/desk set up on the last day for you to be able to enquire about changing.  Don’t wait till 11 pm the last night.

I would say those are the most common questions that I have heard about.

So back to not getting in transit information.  We head down and right away they print out our new cards.  We ask if we can also get our in transit cards to use when going ashore, he returns and gives us this.  Then sorry, but what time is the in transit meet time and where… 10:30 Princess Theater.  Since I know there are well over 600 in transits we are heading ashore just prior to that meet time.

One thing I notice is that our folio numbers have changed.  Usually we keep the same number but I am sure they will just carry over the old bill to the new account as usual.  I just hope our wine card that shows our old folio will not have an issue with this new one.  But again, by checking your on board account regularly we will be able to spot and issue as soon as it comes up.

Back in the cabin we reset our alarm clock to reflect the hour we gain tonight and we settle in to watch the rest of the movie -- The Martian.   It was okay but I am glad I didn’t have to pay for it.

Once again around 4 am I am wide awake and take the time to write up my blog and post it. 

Room service is set to arrive at 7 am - note because we are in transit we are able to get breakfast delivered to the cabin.  Note:  this is not always the case so just check, but I have found on our last Mediterranean cruise and past 10 day back to backs we have been able to get room service on turn around day.  But if it is not offered I don’t push it, they are already crazy busy as it is.

Our two days at sea

Well we really did not do anything memorable, or at least I doubt it is all that exciting for most of you to read.

Both days started out with breakfast.  Have to say I love the fresh squeezed orange juice, which is $2.75 a glass but so darn yummy.  Note you get free orange juice but the fresh squeezed is a nominal fee and it is a big glass.  We are loving the breakfasts each morning.  The food is excellent, hot and presented beautifully.

We attend the Wake Show taping in Princess Live.  We get to meet the new Deputy Cruise Director Kelly from Australia.  She is lovely and very knowledgeable and it is hard to believe she just flew to Florida and then joined the Royal the next day.  It is seamless here performance and she shines.

Lisa of course is professional and makes everyone so comfortable.  I love how she asks all the guests about their first contract and how it they felt.  It gives us as passengers a glimpse into their lives as crew.

The meet and greet is at 10 am in Club 6, I thought it was 11 and showed up late but there were still some people there.  It was lovely to see Louise and Brian again.  We sailed with them a while ago.  Brian just retired and this is his trip to celebrate a well deserved vacation. 

Our afternoon is mixed with reading, sitting on the deck getting some sun, watching a movie and later in the afternoon we invite our neighbours over for a drink.  We met them the first day and they are lovely.  They haven’t cruised in a while but they are so excited to be on board.  Lynette and Dan feel like old friends now.  It is so enjoyable to see the cruising experience thru their eyes and why we still love to cruise.

They did share a funny story that I have to share here (I did ask them if it was okay to repeat it here).  At dinner they were sat beside a couple.  The woman did not seem to like a single thing that was brought to her.  And I mean everything, every course!  She made a face after each bite and of course the waiter notices this and makes every attempt to remedy the situation.  The Head Waiter comes over and is concerned about accommodating her.  The Head Waiter asks “what he can do for her”.  The husband pipes up and says “trust me there is nothing you can do!  She is the problem, not you”.  Oh my, I break out in hysterics when Lynette tells me this.  But then she said the husband later says to the waiter “I may need a new cabin now”. 

It is key to remember there are just some people you can never satisfy and obviously this woman is one of these people.  I think she would of found the ice to be too cold too.

Okay back to our day.  We want to head back to our table tonight.  We arrive just prior to 8 pm and we are happy to see our wait staff again.  But the whole area is noticeable busier.  Our waiter is busy but he still shines - Dragaisa is excellent.  We have a new Head Waiter now - Jorge who we remember from the Star and the Crown. 

Tonight we start with the chicharones (I am sorry can’t recall the spelling) they are sort of like chicken nuggets (but 100% better) with this spicy/sweet dipping sauce.  I have the corn and sweet potato chowder as my second.  For my entrée I get the Pad Thai.  I normally would of gotten the surf and turf but we have had beef two nights in a row so we both want something different.  I love the Pad Thai and again it doesn’t disappoint.

But as the dinner progresses we discuss the idea of giving up our dining reservation.  You see we have this table every night at 8 pm.  The Concerto dining room is great and is used for traditional early seating at 5:30 and then it is used for those that want standing reservations.  So there is a definite feel of traditional late seating too. 

We just don’t do traditional well.  We have been feeling a bit confined to a set time and restricted.  Sometimes we want to eat earlier, sometimes later, sometimes we meet up with friends and it goes late and we don’t want to be late for our table.  Also tonight’s meal was just too noisy and busy and we agree that we will give up this table for the rest of the voyage.

Also tonight is the German Buffet upstairs and we missed it last cruise and we are missing it again.  But we won’t miss it next voyage. 

Now we will just show up in the anytime dining room when we are hungry and ask for a table for two and I know they will take very good care of us.

For the second sea day we sleep in a bit and after breakfast we are relaxing down in Vines where we run into Brian and Louise and catch up with them.  We need to plan a dinner together with them. 

Tonight is the first formal night and again we are not doing formal but I did take pictures of the menu for the person who was curious so check out my facebook fan page for the pictures which I will post once I get home.

We are planning to have friends Sanja and Marty over to the cabin tonight for dinner and wine.  We will do room service and relax and have fun.  This is why we love to cruise!

Curacao January 13, 2016

We wake to the sounds of us pulling into Curacao.  It is a beautiful sail in.  Arrival is 7 am and we hear the clearance to go ashore but we are not in a big rush.  No set plans so we take our time getting up and ready.

 

First stop is the Horizon Court for a breakfast.  It is not too crazy we have beat the rush.  One downfall of eating when it is quieter is often some of the food like the bagel I picked up has been sitting for a while and is basically a hockey puck.  I could of easily have gone back and asked them to toast a new one and they would of but I found the Christmas Stolen in the Pastry shop.  I read Pescadillo’s blog and I know she loves the Stolen so I grab one to try it out.  OMG it is like raisin bread but even better.  Thanks Jeannie for the recommendation.

I also have a small almond pancake and some chorizo sausage - both were very very good. I order a fresh squeezed orange juice that is squeezed right away and is $2.75 a glass but so good.  It is included in the All Inclusive Drink Package so don’t forget to try it out.  I have only half of it and return it to the fridge to save for a screwdriver with the vodka from the mini bar.

We head ashore around 9:30 and it is warm.  I see that a few things near the port have been built up since we were last here.  The hotel right near the pier was just being built the last time we were here.  Right behind it is the bus terminal and there is a Starbucks there too, for those that need their fix.

But we walk along the water (some great photo ops) up to the fort and thru the fort Amsterdam area (some nice shops/restaurants).  Right up to the floating bridge across to the downtown Willemstad.

Once in town we walk along the water called Gouvernementsplein to the end and walk by the floating market.  It is a bit different this time, the boats are still floating alongside but they have set up stalls on the sidewalk now all in a row with all kinds of fruits/vegetables.  Still nice but definitely not as interesting.

You will walk past a bridge and you will come across this large round building, walk in.  It is like a flea market but this is where the locals buy many of their products for everyday use.  Remember that the local currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder also called the Florin.  You are able to pay in US currency but be prepared you will usually get Florin back, especially coins.

While walking around we run into Lynne and her husband Dave.  I had been chatting with Lynne on my Facebook Fan page for a long time and it is so nice to meet her and put a face to a name.  They comment that this is the first time they have seen us.  Well guess what we ran into them two more times today, funny how that works.

I really want to see if the old market building is still there and if they still have restaurants in there.  I finally remember that if you walk past the market building you will see this really non-descript building with a blue roof - king of looks like a warehouse.  There are food vendors to one side and picnic tables for sitting.  The smells are amazing as we walk past. This is where you are going to find authentic foods of Curacao.  Prices are reasonable and large (easy to share). 

We talk with a man who owns one of the restaurants called Grasias di Dios.  He told us all about his place and what they offer and how fresh the items are.  If we wouldn’t of recently eaten we would of definitely eaten something.

We wander around a bit more for around two hours.  When we get back to the floating bridge it has just opened.  Note when it is open you can just walk down and catch the complimentary ferry across to the other side.  We spot Dylan and Ben, with Gina who are out for a quick bite before heading back to work. We decided to wait for the bridge and as we wait as we see Ken and Darlene from the roll call and we chat with them.

Once the bridge opens (took about 20 minutes as a large freighter goes by).  We travel en masse across.  I wanted to take a picture of the traffic jam but were afraid to stop and cause an accident by banging into someone.

We are back on board at 12:30, all aboard is 1:30.  The dining rooms are closed for lunch as it is a port day so we decide that Alfredos would be a great option.  Obviously others are thinking the same thing as there is a line to get a table. But it moves fast and we are sat at a table for two.

The place is hoping!  It is nice to see two head waiters down here and they have brought in extra waiters and buffet stewards to help out.  Today we decide to start with a salad for Bernie and I get the marinated roasted vegetables (which were amazing).  We share a Calzone which was so darn good! 

After lunch we head to the Purser’s desk as Bernie received an on board credit gift from someone but we don’t know who.  Normally you get a card with the gift item on it but we hadn’t received one.  Vicky who works there was so helpful and informed us that Ted and Nancy sent Bernie a credit for his birthday.  How sweet of them.  Thank you both, we enjoyed some wine tonight with it. 

Vicky taking care of us at the Purser's desk 

Bernie recognizes some of the Beatle Maniacs - the Paul and John and we tell them what a great show they did last night.  I ask about their schedule and if they will be back before Feb 8 when we get off and they say yes!  Excellent - as I know our friends Simon and Angelique will love the show.  We see the Paul character later in Vines before dinner and talk some more - and we had to buy him a drink cause we truly appreciate the show they did and how difficult it must be to be away from home for so long.

The sail away is a party up on deck called Jamaican Me Crazy with the band Atomic Party and DJ Shea.  The cruise staff are there, including Lisa the Cruise Director -- she is truly everywhere and a great face for Princess.  So helpful, so approachable and sincerely cares that you enjoy your trip.  We are dancing when she comes up to say hi, and we pose for a picture cause I we look so much alike.  

Here is the picture, what do you think?  Do we look alike?  Don’t you just love the costume they have to wear.  Must be hot.

Even the bar staff are dressed up in Caribbean Pirate outfits.  They are also having a drink feature of buy one get one free for some special drinks, rum punch, and two others. 

The party was a lot of fun and certainly more fun than just the usual sail away.

They are also doing a Stammtisch table this afternoon at 3:15.  I like that it is at this hour.  When we have done it in the past it has been in the evening and often interfered with dinner.  Having it at 3:15 is perfect, you can do this in the afternoon then you can do your evening activities.  Plus Vines isn’t too crazy at this hour and they can deal with the demo and have enough crew to deal with the passengers wanting wine here too.

We head back to the cabin for a bit of relaxation as we haven’t stopped all day.  We watch some tv and read.  We dress for dinner and head down to the Elite Lounge - which is allowing us to get any drink we wish from the elite lounge menu for $5.  I don’t want anything here tonight so at 7 we head down to Vines and enjoy the remainder of our wine we bought yesterday.

Tonight we are back in the dining room for dinner.  We are seated at our reserved table which is lovely and can accommodate four if we wish to ask others to join us.  Our waiter and assistant are very attentive and friendly.  I especially like that waiters around them help each other out.

Our Head Waiter is very helpful too.  Sorry I haven’t gotten down their names as of yet but trust me I will and make sure to report back.  Also I really like to recognize them in the end of cruise survey.

For dinner I start with the roasted beet and green salad with the Balsamic vinaigrette.  I have the pesto pasta as my appetizer and then we both get the beef tenderloin for dinner served with Béarnaise sauce.  All was very good and we don’t really have room for dessert but they talk us into getting some black forest cake - which I liked but there was not a lot of cherry flavour.  After a few bites I was full!  Bernie had the café late ice cream - so cute was our waiter asked if he wanted the decaf version!  Funny.

We have the wine card and we arranged to order a bottle to be sent to our cabin as well as a bottle of sparkling water too.  When we come back after our evening both are in the cabin.  We also ordered another bottle of Clois du Bois - note it is more than the $29 Silver Package amount but what they do is charge your account the full amount then the next day they credit your account the $29 so you just pay the difference.

We stop in to the Princess Theater to see what is happening.  The Hollywould You Gameshow is going on. Although it would be fun to participate it is kind of boring (at least to us) to just watch others play so we don’t stay long.

Wandering around we stop in the boutiques and ask if Marcin the Shop Manager could be called as we wanted to see him again and he is stuck in the office doing paperwork.  When he comes up it is big hellos and hugs.  It has been a few years since we have seen him but it is like no time has passed.

Alice is in the Casino chatting with the Louisa the Casino Host (she was here last year too) and we catch up a bit with her.  Louisa is a sweetie and so helpful for those wanting to play, but we are not gamblers and the $100 or so I use to play every cruise is not happening this voyage with the low Canadian dollar.

In fact we have decided to reconsider a tour we have planned for our last sailing in Grenada.  It isn’t that we don’t want to do it, it is just at $60 each plus tip it works out to almost $200 Canadian.  Sure we could afford it but we have been to Grenada a lot and we love the island and we would be seeing a different area but we have to be smart.  We are on for 30 days and our Med trip was the big trip where we didn’t spare any expense and did what we wanted.  But for this trip to the Caribbean which we have been to a lot it is more about relaxing.  And where we spend our money is going to be on things we really want to do.  Sad, but smart.

The Princess Theater is showing What The World Needs Now show -- there are two shows tonight 8:15 and 10:30 and they are singing all Burt Bacharach songs.  We get there at 10 and sit up front with Alice in between us.  A cute young couple in their 30s sits beside us and we chat.  When the show starts this couple are confused and ask “isn’t this the game show called the Blank Gameshow” nope that is in Princess Live not Princess Theater. They don’t recognize these songs and are not interested so they leave right away.  Yeah I officially feel old.  But they were cute.

After the show we chat with the Lisa the Cruise Director about how much we loved the show.  It is a different show, more singing and the dancers highlight the singers and  act as backup singers.  It is simple but beautiful and we really enjoyed it.  We especially love that they have live musicians playing.  This is something that doesn’t happen on many other cruise lines, sadly.  So if you get a chance to catch this show on board or another ship make sure not to miss it.  The singers on board are Willis White, Regina LeVert, Jose Rosario and Rebecca Elliott.

Other things happening tonight are:  Into the Flow water fountains that run every 15 minutes during allotted time, LGBT get together, Majority Rules Gameshow, Live Music and Dancing with Atomic Party Band in the Piazza, Movies Under the Stars:  Bridge of Spies, Karaoke, Perry Grant plays in Crooners, 70’s & 80’s Name That Tune, Evening Grooves with Tyrone Babb, Live Music and Dancing with Orphea Quartet, 70’s Party Line Dancing Class, Bing, 70’s Night, Hits from today and yesterday with DJ Shea, The Blank Gameshow, Atomic Party Band in Vista late at night and of course the Production Show What The World Needs Now. 

At Sea

As you already know I woke up very early and with a gift, yeah a gift of a hangover!  After relaxing in bed suffering for an hour I got dressed and I head downstairs to the International Café with my computer to write up my blog and post.  After a while the ship starts to come alive and Bernie joins me.

The weather is lovely, it is clear and getting hot and the seas are so very very calm.  Probably some of the calmest we have ever seen.

After two lattes and a small bit of muselix I am feeling a bit better but oh I really don’t want any alcohol.  I am also glad at this moment I did not get the all inclusive drink package because I know I would of overdone it and I would be suffering more often.

We head up to Horizon Court for a small bite to eat.  I love the fact that as soon as I arrive there is someone there to direct us to wash our hands at the sinks.  I love that this ship has sinks that we can use instead of the hand sanitizers cause those sanitizers dry out my hands.

Oh it is so nice to be up in the Horizon Court and enjoy it’s flow.  Even though it is busy it is not too crowded.  Sure there are areas where you may have to wait a minute to get to the food but what I usually do is see someone at the food I want and I just turn around and get something else and come back.

So after picking up some fruit (banana, apple and some watermelon) I am back in the cabin and get ready for the day.

Our Cruise Critic Roll call was very popular with regular posters.  I was especially impressed with Ken who posted often and made sure the group was informed and welcomed.  The group met up in Club 6 and was well attended.  The gentleman (sorry forgot his name) made sure that everyone was introduced and was so nice for him to arrange the invites for the officers.  

Many officers attended including Hotel General Manager Michael Prasse, Cruise Director, Maitre D’ Hotel, Executive Chef, F and B Manager, Customer Services Director, Executive Housekeeper, Bar Manager, gee I hope that is everyone. 

Michael the HGM really shines here, he talks and puts everyone at ease with his sense of humour and friendliness.  He explains about how sorry there are no mid ship staircase for public access but did mention that there will be changes during dry-dock with a possibility of changing the mid ship stairs to public – but a possibility not confirmed.

I get to see Federico the Maitre D finally and it is so nice to see him again.  We have sailed with him many times recently.  He offers to get us a table for every night and we agree that perhaps a table for two for later would be great.  I also asked him about reserving the Wine Maker’s 

Dinner for the last night for Bernie’s Birthday.  I have nine confirmed and possibly more so we have our fingers crossed he can do that.

At 11:30 it is the shopping show and since we are so close to Sanja and her partner Martin Frost.  We promised we would come down and see the show.  We have never been to the shopping show but they are worth it and want to see them. 

Have to say I was very impressed by Martin, he is very at ease with the passengers and it is like we are chatting directly with him he makes it that comfortable.  Having never been I am quite surprised at all the detailed pieces of information we have received.  I especially am impressed with the checklist.  Write your name and cabin number at the top and then check off the things you are interested in, diamonds?  Watches?  Cameras?  And they will prepare a detailed package specifically for your needs and where to buy what items you are interested in.  Wow.  Also the theater is very full. 

We lasted just over 30 minutes but neither of us are into shopping at all.  In fact we are probably the opposite of shoppers we are trying to get rid of things.  When Martin starts to discuss each individual port we leave.

Since I didn’t have very much for breakfast we agree to head to the dining room for lunch.  Concerto is open for lunch and we are sat at a table for two.  I get the Thai soup to start – and I LOVE it, I always love this soup, but today it is extra flavourful.  I have the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich with fries and it was also very good.  Service was top notch and the meal hit the spot. 

I need a nap!  After getting up so darn early I need to rest or I won’t make it to the evening activities.  And after a two hour nap we are both rested and feeling refreshed.

Activities today included:  Zumba, Trivia, Clay Pigeon Shooting Simulation, Bible Study, Digital Photo Seminar, Line Dancing, Book Club, Lawn Bowling, Fruit and Vegetable Carving, Traditional Pub Lunch, Swim with the Sharks Competition, Knitters and needlepoint get together, Ballroom Blitz, Mardi Gras Dance Class, Wii@Sea Resort Sports Challenge Cycling, Veterans and Military Get Together, Stammtisch table, Culinary Demo, and an afternoon Zumba class.