Happy Holidays to all my Followers

I wanted to take some time today to wish everyone a very Happy Holidays.  This year has been an amazing journey. 

I have been blessed to have been able to explore even more of the world this year.  Our trip to South America rates as one of the best trips we have ever taken.  In fact we often think of going back but are concerned at how it will rate when compared to this year's amazing voyage.  

Being on board the ship for such a long time enabled us to make so many new friends in the passengers and also the crew.

Then to be lucky enough to get to see the Crown Princess every other week docked at Canada Place in Vancouver while it did it's Alaska run was fun.  We often found ourselves down at the pier welcoming some of the crew to the city and a bit of a tour of our city.

Because of all those great friends on board we managed to squeeze some days off work and do a California Coastal cruise in September on board the Crown.  Which we often say was a week away for just the two of us.  It ended up being a very relaxing, romantic, restful get away.

In November a trip to the Mexican Riviera on the Grand enable me the opportunity to return to Disneyland.  I had not been there since 1970 and it had always been a dream to head back.  Three days exploring the two parks was a highlight of my year.  

Then the ten day cruise on the Grand with our friends ended up being a highlight and really enjoyed it.  We were concerned about the ports and the ship but in the end they scored highly and want to do that itinerary again. Especially La Paz.

The two three day cruises that followed on the Golden were a disappointment (read earlier blog to find out why) and left us with some major concerns about the Princess product. But in the end we knew that the time of year and the length of the trip and itinerary may have played a bigger role in the results.  

Although we have not booked any further cruises, other than what we already have planned until we sail this year, to make sure we are still happy with the product.

2015 is going to be another exciting year.  As many of you know my job is unique, a transit driver in Vancouver.  Our holidays are chosen in October for all of 2015.  So we already know when we have time off and what we have planned.

The new year starts back in the Caribbean on our favorite Caribbean itinerary, the ten day.  Which is now being done by the Royal Princess.  This will be our first cruise on the new class and we are both excited about it.  We will be spending a month on the Royal and getting away from the rain in Vancouver.

In June we are heading to Las Vegas!  Apparently no cruise ships sail into Las Vegas but we are still going.  My sister in law is a huge fan of Las Vegas and when she told us she was getting tickets to Brooks and Dunn we wanted to go too. But with no vacation scheduled it will have to be a short get away but filled with great memories.  

This summer is our 20th anniversary and my 50th birthday and since it is very hard to get vacation time in the summer with my job we are moving the celebration to the Fall.  We have booked our very first Mediterranean Cruise.  We are off to Rome baby!  We will spend five days there before getting on the Island's inaugural season in the Med. and then it's Trans Atlantic cruise back to Fort Lauderdale.  This cruise excites us cause we are getting to do lots of research and learn so much.

And finally this coming year represents Princess' 50th Anniversary too and lots of great things are planned. It will also see us doing our 50th Princess cruise in January.  I look forward to reporting back all that that will entail.  

So thanks again for following, happy travels to everyone, and especially a Happy New Year.

Vickie

Recap of our California Coastal on the Crown Princess

 

I always have good intentions on doing a recap of a cruise but seems once I get home and get back to "normal" life I don't find the time and then it is just too late.

This time I wrote it on my to do list and that list has been staring at me for a week since we got back so here I go.

If you know me, or have been reading my blog for a while you know I am glass half full kind of person. And this review will be like that too.

Embarkation:

Very smooth, very easy when arriving at the pier, easy to find porters, easy to find the appropriate lines.  Security was quick and relatively painless.  We were there later and missed the mad rush so we were able to go right on with our Priority Boarding.  Although I think if we had not been Priority we would of had to wait cause I did hear in the background them calling out a group to board.  In all I would say it was a half hour from dropping off our bag to walking into our cabin.

Cabin:

We had an oceanview cabin on Emerald Deck and it was just right.  The layout is exactly the same as an average balcony cabin, except where the door is there is a large picture window.  Lots of storage, big tv, great view out the window.

But the cabin did look tired.  The mattress was in bad shape with a very noticeable sag in the middle. Steward said he would work on getting a foam for the bed and said they were bringing on new mattresses in San Diego.  For some reason Princess can't seem to provide good mattresses, if hotels can do it not sure why Princess can't.  Carpets, bedding, walls, and furniture look old and tired, but not horrible.

Food:

This is a personal thing and I have to say I thought the food had improved considerably since we were on the ship for 49 days earlier in the year to South America.  On that trip many items were way too salty, cold or no flavor.  This trip we found the food to be quite enjoyable.  When we did encounter an issue with something being cold it was quickly remedied.

We dined at the Crown Grill and the experience was lovely. We did have an issue with the soup being completely cold but it was quickly remedied.  All other items were great and the wine recommendation was perfect.  We tried to book into Sabatinis but had such a hard time getting the reservation line on the first two days.  We even stopped by there at dinner time the first day to be told they weren't taking reservations at that time but to call the dine line. And since we couldn't get thru to the dine line we just gave up.

Overall I love the variety of food that Princess offers and all the different venues you can get a meal from.  Sadly I just didn't find time for pizza, afternoon tea, room service during the day, Crab Shack or Sabatinis but hopefully next time.

us goofing around with Mark and Lorelie

Dining room was the highlight of our trip.  Being able to be served again by Lorelie and Mark Joseph was the best.  They are some of the best servers we have ever had on any Princess ship.  I can see them both going far within Princess.  Mark is so attentive and patient and so willing to assist people. Personally I think he would be great in the Purser's Department helping passengers.  Lorelie definately should be promoted to waiter now, she is the sweetest and most caring person.  Miss them both so much already.

Internet:

We had been warned that the ship was in the process of running new wifi cables.  And yes we did notice the guys doing this, but for some reason the wifi signals I got were never that great.  It seemed slower than normal and gave up trying to connect a few times.  I am just thankful I have a free internet package and don't have to pay for it.

Entertainment:

I wish we could report more on this but this trip we did not attend a single event in the Princess Theater or Explorers. But they did have numerous Production Shows and game type shows in Explorers and we heard a lot of people speaking highly of those events.

We really did enjoy the Mariachi band that played every day in the Atrium.  They were great and really got us in the mood.  Also enjoyed the variety of Movies that were shown up on deck with MUTS and also in the Theater.

I have to say that the Cruise Director Billy Hygate was out and about much more on this voyage than he was the last time we sailed with him.  He even said hi to us a few times. Still don't really care for his morning show, just too boring but I am sure others liked it.

I will say his staff were outstanding, always around, lots of activities, always a friendly hi or even hug from a few we knew from past sailings.

Bars:

We noticed a lot more people enjoying the All Inclusive Drink Package this trip.  We personally did not get it, but friends Mark and Lisa got it and they liked it.  They did comment that it was inconsistent with regards to ordering two drinks and they would sometimes put the order on one account or sometimes one on each.  Sometimes they had to sign a bill sometimes they didn't.  

They did have a Clean Sweep Bar Bill draw but not once were we offered a card or asked if we had a card.  So after two days we just decided to forget about partaking in the draw.  

Fletcher

We loved a few bars on board. Skywalkers at sunset is amazing. Fletcher took very good care of us there. Crooners bar for a pre/post dinner drink was a highlight. Victoria the bartender there made the best Brambles.
  

And finally Vines! Anthony and Red took such great care of us, welcoming us by name each time we stopped by. Great wine recommendations and great service kept us coming back. Oscar the sushi chef we can easily say was one of the best we have ever had.  

We loved the Stammisch table we did on New World Wines. What a great venue and experience.  Monica and Red hosted it and the food parings really did enhance the wines. We fell in love with a new wine this way.  

Ports:

San Francisco:  what is not to love about this port.  With an entire day and evening here we got to really explore.  The new pier is amazing and with still a few hiccups to rectify still, but it will be top notch soon.  Everything is close by or a short taxi away.  

Santa Barbara:  this is a tender port and this would probably be the only downside about this port. But once ashore it is easy to get around.  Lots of sights to see, shopping, tours, restaurants and just walking is close by.  

San Diego:  Docked right near the heart of the city, close to public transit and many sights.  Easy to get around and easy to spend a lot of money.  

Ensenada:  We love this port, it is nice to be in a foreign port and experience a taste of Mexico.  Head ashore even if it is just for a meal or a nice walk.

Overall the ports are not what drove us to book this trip, but they were all lovely.  

Disembarkation:

We did self disembarkation and we were the third group and it went very smoothly.  We cleared customs and were outside the port building about a half hour after getting off the ship.  

The main problem we encountered was there were minimal taxis.  The queue was long and it appeared that many taxis were loading up at the other ship that was docked in port along with us before getting to us.  We ended up walking over to the Super Shuttle stand just past the taxi stand and we were able to join others in a van going to Long Beach Airport right away.

Overall this was a lovely trip.  It is a great trip for a quick get away.  We much prefer getting away to more foreign ports and experiencing different cultures but for a great vacation to really rest and pamper yourself the 7 day California Coastal was great.

San Diego Evening - Formal Night

We wake just in time for sail away.  We pour ourselves a glass of wine and sit out on the balcony for the beautiful sail away from San Diego.  The sun is setting, the reflection of the sun on the water and on the buildings creates a stunning landscape.  Everyone is out on their decks doing the same.  And as what happens on board we are all one big happy family and we chat with each other.

Oscar made us "special treat"

Tonight is Formal Night and we dress and head to Vines to see Anthony and Red and our great sushi chef Oscar.  I decide tonight we deserve a special treat and order two glasses of champagne.  Oscar has made us a spicy tuna roll for us to enjoy while we sip our drinks.  He keeps trying to get us to eat some tapas too but we have to save room for dinner too.  The Mariachi Band is playing and we are taking it all in.  It is hard to believe the trip is almost over.

We head to the dining room and sit and Mark and Lorelei welcome us.  The dining room is busy but not full.

 

The bottle of wine we had last night is brought out and we finish that off with some lovely cheese that is waiting for us at the table. 

There is something about cruising that gives us the time to relax and enjoy the evening with few distractions.  We sip the wine, enjoy the cheese and chat.  I know Princess says “come back new” and we certainly do but truly this is the time for us to reconnect with no distractions.  Time for us to enjoy some great food/wine, to share our day, to hold hands, to look in each other’s eyes and toast another wonderful day.

Okay back to reality ---

I order the spring rolls to start, the goat cheese with tempura soup and the braised short ribs for my entrée.  I enjoy all the dishes but the ribs I just eat a bit of, they are good but I wish I would of got the ravioli like Bernie got.  Of course Mark wants to get me an order but I say no I am okay, and I am okay.  Bernie had the escargot to start and then the tomato soup and the ravioli as his entrée.  Of course the lobster is a big hit tonight too and many around us get that.

 

This trip is a way to celebrate my birthday.  Since my birthday is in August and I can’t get away from work in August we celebrate on board in September.  Mark and Lorelei surprise me with dessert and sing Happy Birthday to me.  What a great treat.

Today I brought my phone to dinner so I can play a song and we can sing to Mark/Lorelei.  So once the dining room has quieted down we make them sit down and we play “Thank You For Being a Friend”, you know the song the one that is played for the show the Golden Girls.  Okay we don’t sing great but we want them to know that we love them.  And they truly are friends.

So after all that we are ready to check out what is happening around the ship.

We head over to Facets to see Ju Ju and he has his Polar Bear called Oregon there who gets along great with Jasper Moose Jaw.  Check out the picks.

The big balloon drop in the Atrium is happening.  The band is playing, people are dancing and we head to the dance floor to dance away some of that dinner. 

Up in Crooners we sit and enjoy a drink with Laura and she fills us in on what is happening with her.  She is quite excited as her honey is coming on board for a visit in LA for two sailing. 

It is just after midnight and well I wanted to go to Skywalkers but Bernie is dragging me back to the cabin.  He is the smart one, he knows I am better off just going to bed, and sure enough within a few minutes I am asleep.

Here is what was in the Patter for today’s events:  70s Cult Classic in Explorers, Production Show Blame it on the Boogie (8 and 10 pm), Football on MUTS, Movie Maleficent in the cabin, Music Trivia 70’s Disco, Big Band Ballroom Dance Date, Liam Stewart in Crooners, MUTS Godzilla, Princess Pop Star Heat #2, and the Balloon Drop Dance Party in the Atrium.

 

With regards to sales on board here are just a few of them:  Lotus Spa 20-20-20 3 treatments for $99, Contemporary Watches up to 35% off, Drink of the Day is the Hawaii Five-O.

Tomorrow is Ensenada, Mexico.

Wednesday Evening

Tonight we have the Stammtisch table.  Stammtisch is a German term for regular’s table or communal table and is traditionally the focal point of entertainment, events and creating ambience within the bar environment.  It is held at the big table in Vines and on this cruise they are doing three different ones.  

Monica and Red

Tonight’s theme is New World Red Wines and Tapas.  The cost is $15 per person and well worth it.  

We are joined by another couple and the hosts tonight are Monica and Red (appropriate name). 

Oscar, Anthony and Red Goofing around

Our first wine is a Pinot Noir – Wild Horse from Wild Horse Valley in the US.  Second wine is a Merlot – Ancient Peaks from the Margarita Vineyard in the US.  Our last wine is Cabernet Sauvignon – Simi Landslide from the Alexander Valley also in the US. 

I can't resist - I will say Red made me do it

We all enjoy trying the wine with the different tapas, while Monica and Red explain the wines and how to pair them.  They are great hosts and make the environment relaxing and fun.  

What is great about the Stammtisch table over the normal wine tasting is that is much more casual.

 

Bernie and Red

Even Oscar the Sushi Chef (from Columbia) comes over and chats.  It feels like a gathering at a friend’s house not a wine tasting.  I love these events.  Thank you Monica and Red, Anthony and Oscar for a great night. 

Off to dinner and Mark and Lorelei welcome us again and we so happy to see them.  Tonight is the Chef’s Dinner and we aren’t really hungry after the tapas so I just order the fried chicken, also known as the KFC dinner.  Bernie orders the scallops and when it is brought to us Lorelei has made sure Bernie gets a double order! 

The dining room is quiet (it is 9:30) and Lorelei shows us the beautiful pictures of her boys and we are amazed at how big they are getting.  She only has ten more days till she sees them.

Beatrice (Assistant Waiter) comes up to say hi to us and we jump up to give her a big hug.  Ahhh I have missed her and we hope we can see her off in Ensenada at least.  She is from Huatulco Mexico and we love that area.  She too is going home soon.

So after a great wine tasting, great meal, more wine and great friends we are spent.  We wander around a bit but most things have started so we just stand at the back and watch. 

Tonight’s events:  Comedian Carl Banks, Dixieland Concert in Princess Theater, Country & Western Themed Trivia, Country & Western Night, Majority Rules Game Show and Karaoke and more.

Tomorrow is San Diego.

Saturday Night Recap

As I lay here on Sunday morning sipping my latte that Bernie brought me and thought I should update what we ended up doing last night.

We agreed to meet at Crooners.  You see Bernie is always ready way before me so he heads to the lounge and then I finish getting ready and I go meet him.  As soon as I sit down the bar staff come over and they recognize us from earlier this year.  So hard to believe how many have been on since we got on last February, but they are going home soon.

I had my first Bramble martini of the trip and we sat there listening to this amazing Mariachi band in the Piazza, and have to say it was lovely.  Hard to sit still and not dance in your seat, in fact everyone I look at is getting into the mood.

We head to Da Vinci and we are lead to table 449 and we are looking for Mark and Lorelei who are hiding behind their station and surprise us.  Huge hugs and kisses.  Lorelei is such a dear, a lovely woman who is from the Phillipines and is married with two young boys.  She is missing her family so much but knows that the kids are in good hands with her Mom and will see them soon.  It is amazing the sacrifice that she is doing (and many others here) to provide for her family. 

Bernie hands Mark a big bag of Pistachios cause he loves them, and hands Lorelei a little bit of pampering with some nice bath gels and a hair treatment mask, so she can indulge and relax after a long day.

Laura joins us for a meal, which is great!  We really got to know Laura well and had the pleasure of hosting her in our city in August and then again when she returned to the ship in September.  She is looking great but boy does she work hard. 

We order a lovely bottle of wine – Sancerre.  I ask Mark for his recommendations and giggle cause I am pretty sure I know what they will be and tell Lorelei in secret what they will be and see how well I will do.  Of course he recommends the Spring Roll, ding I am right, Mushroom Soup, ding I am right, Prime Rib, ding I am right three for three.  Mark is blushing, saying oh you know me too well. 

Bernie had a three melon cocktail, the mushroom soup and the ricotta/leek tart and enjoy all three.  I had the spring rolls, Caesar salad and the ricotta/leek tart too.  Everyone was great and tasty.  For dessert I had the cheese plate and the last of my wine.  Mark kept trying to get me to enjoy something sweet but I am happy. 

We are blessed, truly blessed as we sit there so many staff come up to say hi and hug us.  Word has passed down to the Michelangelo dining room that we are here and even a few have come up from there to say hi to us as the dining room quiets down.  Wow – I know our Princess family is what keeps us coming back time and time again. 

As we head out of the dining room I realize oh I am tired, it has been a long day and I have had a few drinks.  We chat with Anthony in Vines and see Mark and Lisa at their usual table.  We met them earlier in the day.  They are from Washington State just south of us and they have been following my blog and Anthony introduces us.  They are a lovely couple and look forward to getting to know them better.

Off to the cabin…. And we see that we have received our invitation for the Most Travelled Party which is going to be held on Tuesday and it is a luncheon.  Not sure what the cut off number is what number we are but just happy that we are included.  If I happen to get a chance to talk to the Captain Circle Host I will ask but she is very busy every time we pass her so not sure if I will be able to get that info.

I forgot to mention that they are laying new wiring for the wifi on board and there is a warning in the Patter that internet could be intermittent.  The signal is poor into my cabin currently and I am having issues with uploading pictures so that may have to wait until I am home.  

Last Night of Cruise - SAD, VERY SAD

Can you believe it!  This is the last evening.... 

We decided to tackle the packing just prior to dinner and amazingly we did

it together and we had only a few stern confusing looks at each other but we did it very well and we still loved each other at the end of it.  

We got everything in the three bags and the carry on.  We left one small roller bag to store my camera stuff and then store the necessities for the evening.

The hallways are filling up with lots of suitcases but they seem to really be on top of things and are collecting the bags constantly.  

A last drink in Crooners to toast the cruise.  Of course the place is busy, many others have had the same idea as us. Here is my last Bramble drink.

We wander around the ship to say goodbye to all our new friends.  A few tears are shed, lots of hugs, and promises to keep in touch.  It is easier to say goodbye tonight than to say goodbye tomorrow in the midst of all the craziness.

A last night with Mark and Lorelei in the dining room.... even they are emotional.  We have been blessed having had the chance to be served by such an amazing team.  I hope they realize how special they made our cruise and how they added to the joy of it.  You are both welcome to contact us in Vancouver for a tour anytime you are in port.

After dinner we try to hook up with Johan but he is not in his office.  I know we will see him tomorrow though.

The International Crew Show is tonight, it has been a long time since we have been to one so we walk in and grab a seat last minute.  

It was a lot of fun and of course Dan and Lisa certainly make a great comedic pair.  

The finale is the If I Were Not Upon the Sea and to see Dan in his ballerina outfit was priceless.  We are so glad we decided to attend.

We crawl into bed and snuggle and feel sad it is over, but happy to be heading home too.