Last Day of the Cruise

Clocks were moved forward last night. This feels weird as for the entire crossing we kept gaining an hour, then we got another hour when we sailed towards Mexico. But we are now on our way back to Florida and we lost an hour. Reality is setting in.

We have our disembarkation information. There was no offer of Easy Check. I am sure it is because it is only a five night cruise which just is not enough time to offer it.

We are assigned Cream 1 for a 720 meeting time and disembarkation shortly after. Most people on board have walk off as most don't have much in the way of luggage for this short voyage.

Bernie has gone down to the Enclave. I did go down the first sea day but I am frustrated there as so many people reserve the heated lounge chairs or leave their towels there when they are done. Really people be respectful!

I will put this in my final survey how I think they should somehow address this problem. It certainly has deterred me from booking the Enclave in the future. 

Today's Patter shows the Most Travelled who have 1396 days with Princess. This voyage we were #11 and #12 Most Travelled - slowly moving up.

Lots happening this final sea day:  Culinary demo, Mardi Gras festivities, line dancing, wine tasting, Bingo, Pub Lunch, Trivia, Cha Cha class, art auction, on deck for the cure, and so much more. 

Something tells me it will be a relaxing day. 

I know it sounds boring to read but there is  nothing better than having no distractions from home. Reading, writing and watching a movie or chatting with friends. 

Life is good!

In the evening (after doing most of the packing) we make the rounds to say goodbye. 

We stop by Facets to say goodbye to Ju Juaq and Valeria.

We enjoy some wine in Vines to say goodbye to Larry and Amy and then we head up to Horizon Court for a quick meal.

We arrange to meet up with Sanja and Marty in Vines later for a last drink. This is hard. We love them both so much and hate to say goodbye. We don't know when we will see them again; hopefully at their wedding but we just don't know.

I feel so sad and I am holding back the tears. This is just too hard.

When we get back to the cabin we pack up our final clothes and put the bags out.

Tomorrow will be a busy day and long flight home. It has been an amazing trip.

Toulon, France

After a late night of dancing I wish we could of slept in more but sadly we are awake at 7 am.  We both comment that that overhead flashing light is still not fixed!  With all the lights off it is annoying. Everyone keeps telling us it is fixed but it is still happening. We need to address this problem today.

I should add that yesterday someone came by (I am assuming he was an electrician) and looked at the problem and said oh that is suppose to be like that.  I don't think so I replied - unless a light show in the middle of the night is normal. He then says it is a router.  Again I respond I don't think so as I doubt they would have routers in the cabin and even one in the washroom.  (I know Princess is trying to improve wifi but really the washroom.)  

Obviously this man is not aware of even what this is let alone what is wrong. Plus with the lights on in the cabin it is difficult to really see the blue light being emitted. But when it is all dark it is like - pitch black - then FLASH FLASH FLASH. It is like being at sea and staring at a lighthouse.  

Bernie commented to me he is waiting for the dance to start when the light flashes. We will have to discuss the problem with the Front Desk again.

The Horizon Court is again our spot for breakfast. 

We are heading ashore today but we are keeping it light. 

Remember we don't actually dock in Toulon.  We dock in another town called La Seyne-Sur-Mer. I have heard great things about this town so today we are going to explore it more. 

The ship is offering water shuttles right at the pier to downtown Toulon.  The cost is $20 US per person, note last year on the Island it was only $10 US per person - it has doubled!  But you can easily take the local water bus for 2E each. If you want to read more about heading into Toulon by local water bus click here. There is a local bus too.

We walk to the downtown of Seyne Sur Mer which in itself is lovely. The walk takes about 15 minutes and all you have to do is exit the port and turn right and walk along the water. 

this is the path

Today is Monday and many of the shops closed. Here the shops are closed Sunday and Monday. Very civilized if you ask me. But many restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops are open.

We stop at a small restaurant that many of the local school kids are at and get a cappuchino and I a croissants (of course we are in France). 

We walk all over the place, and after about three hours we make our way back.  Bernie comments he is sad cause he didn't get a pastry from France. I say if we pass a place on the way back that is a sign that we are meant to eat one. Well guess what!

I really like this town and I am sure if the shops were open there would be a lot to see and do. 

There is a casino here too that is not far from the port.

The town also has a Fort called Fort Balaguier that was built in 1634 that you can visit for 3E but it is closed today. They also have lovely beaches (Sablettes village) with some lovely shops. 

In town there a few things to see - Shipyard Gate and bridge, Church of Notre Dame du Bon Voyage, a Lovely market that is run everyday (except Mondays), Bourradet historical houses. 

There is a very good tourist information booth right at the pier with maps and details on what to see.

this is the little train

There are other options for getting around too. There is a train (5E) that takes you to Toulon. You can rent bikes. There are taxis too.

Back on board we head to the Enclave (cost is $245 for one person, $399 for a couple for the 14 days). Yes we have the Enclave package. This is so good for my shoulders. So relaxed that when I get back to the cabin we crashed for two hours, but I think we needed it. 

Dinner tonight is with our friends Michael, Leanne, Craig, Ron, Kelly, Dylan and Ben. Where we celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. Many of us wear our Canadian items in honour of the day. It was a great time.

We head to the Vista Lounge afterwards to see Kory Simons' show which we have seen many times but love it like it is the first time we have seen it. 

Also happening are:  Production Show Spectacular at 8:15 and 10:15; Muts is showing Star Wars; Who's the Cuckoo Game Show; Passenger Feud and Karaoke 

Dominica - February 4, 2016

No exciting events this morning - no rescues, no calls for blood.  When we wake around 9 we are docked - on the starboard side.  We are once again at the more industrial pier which is about a mile from down town.  There is a shuttle for around $2 each way.

We relax in the cabin watching the culinary demonstration all about Norman Love Chocolate desserts on board.  It is hosted by Executive Chef David as well as the Executive Pastry Chef.  They are so fun to watch.  David is quite funny too - he makes it enjoyable to watch. In fact I would love to see more of him and his demos. 

I write up my blog from yesterday and “thought” I saved it.  I don’t bother to post it right away because the signal is poor here and will down to Vines later to post.

We decide to head to the Enclave to relax.  OMG we are in love with this place. 

They provide you with sandals when you first arrive along with a robe but these sandals don’t fit me.  I wear a size 9. 

Quite a big size I know but many women wear this size.  But I can’t slip my feet into these sandals at all.  No big deal I just wear my own flip flops anyways, probably a good thing too. 

Even the change rooms are well appointed and relaxing.  There seems to always been an attendant in there cleaning up.  Lovely soothing sounds are piped in and the shower is huge. 

We get the Enclave for ourselves today.  Not a single soul joins us.  We move from shower to steam room to the caldera (aka as freakin hot room) but I have learned to just turn on the shower head and keep dousing my body to cool down.  I last only around 5 minutes but the max is ten anyways.  Then cool shower then the next room.

The pool is so relaxing but after a while I begin to feel pickled, but Bernie can stay in here forever.  I am lounging on the tiled beds feeling the warmth penetrate.  I can hear the spa music being piped in but very low, so low I have to concentrate to hear it. 

I move to the warm water bed and fall asleep for a bit on it.  Ahhhh I am coming back new!

We shower back in the cabin and decide to stay out of the sun today.  After a full day yesterday and again tomorrow we need a break. 

I am hungry (no breakfast again) and it is just after one pm.  We venture down to the International Café where we grab a sandwich - found my new favorite (chicken with pineapple) and some salad. 

We sit in Vines (no wine - surprise) and I go to post my blog.  But NO I obviously didn’t save all that I typed earlier today!  Damn…. That is at least an hour of writing.  So I am back at writing it all over again.

Sail Away today is at our friends Angelique and Simon’s cabin for 4 pm.

January 30, 2016 - At Sea

Probably my favorite days -- sea days.  And after a good sleep - only woke up once and managed to get back to sleep.  Woke up at 6:30 and felt rested.  Bernie heads up two decks to Lido Deck - at the Pastry Shop - to get our coffees. 

I shower and dress and head to the Atrium to write my blog.  But shortly after I arrive Brian and Timothy arrive.  

We have sailed a few times with them.  It is lovely to see them again.  They are a lot of fun and hope we can get a chance to do dinner or something with them this voyage.

The guys leave and Bernie shows up and it isn’t long before Louise and Brian stop by.  We catch up with them and plan dinner with them tonight.  They both look very relaxed!

I give up on writing the blog as it is now 11 am and I want to do the Super Tuscan Wine Tasting (cost of $40) at 11:30.  We did it last year and really enjoyed it, you can read more about that experience last year here.  Bernie isn’t going though, but Simon joins me at Sabatinis.

We are sat at a table for six and Federico the Maitre D’ welcomes us.  He introduces the two Head Waiters who will be introducing the wines as well as Chef Lee who prepared the food pairings.

Our waiter is Milos who pours us the Princess 50^th Anniversary Prosecco.  We have had this Prosecco quite a few times this year and really enjoy it. 

Head Waiter Constatine is introduced to the Star Wars Soundtrack and he enters with a table cloth draped over his shoulders.  Well he is discussing Super Tuscan Wines.  He introduces Remole (bin 222) which sells for $27 a bottle and is served with carpaccio with a lemon dressing.  Second wine is Bin 218 Pietraregia Dell’ Ammiraglia at $29 a bottle and is served with a duck terrine with cranberry relish.

The next Head Waiter (sorry didn’t get his name) discusses Lamaione (bin 204) at $89 a bottle and is served with a risotto ball with a tomato sauce. Next wine is Luce Della Vite (bin 141) at $115 served with a chicken skewer.

Federico comes back and finishes off the wine tasting with the piece de resistance Solaia (bin 204) at $230 a bottle and is served with a lamb lollipop.

Have to say this is the best wine tasting I have ever been to on land or sea.  At a cost of $40 it is a steal.  The wines, the food, the service and the education make for a wonderful event. If you like wines try the Super Tuscan Wine Tasting. 

It is held only one time per voyage and it is only on the Royal and Regal. 

After the wine tasting we join Bernie and Angelique and Joan and go to our first Pub Lunch this year.  Now this is not my favorite but it is a nice change.  Plus the company is delightful.  The fish and chips were okay, my fish was very very salty for some reason.  But it was hot and the fries were yummy.  And of course at my age eating greasy foods never seems to agree with me and I know I will regret it later.  So with a full tummy from the food pairings at the wine tasting and then pub lunch I am stuffed - good thing I skipped breakfast.

Back to the cabin to change into our swimsuits and head down to the Enclave.  This is located at the spa on deck 5.  The ten day package is $229 per person for unlimited use.  Make sure to ask for a tour of the spa area and check it out.

The Lotus Spa on the Royal is the most beautiful at sea in my opinion.  The whole area is a sense of calm, with soothing colors, flowers throughout, calming scents in the air, stunning procedure rooms with ocean views in some.  Even the change rooms are well appointed.

To learn more about the Enclave, here is a link to Princess' site all about it.  

We arrive at the Lotus Spa desk and there are quite a few people waiting.  The two staff behind the counter are attending the people at the front, discussing procedures and appointments.  We wait patiently and was impressed to see that after about five minutes more staff came out to see how they could help.  When we said we were here for the Enclave she took us aside and took our cards and gave us bracelets.

Now these bracelets are made of rubber and have a chip in them that give you access to the Enclave.  But not only that, once in the change rooms the lockers are locked by placing your bracelet to the chip reader that locks and unlocks the lockers.  No more remembering combinations or carrying a key. 

In each locker is a robe and sandals to use.  The robes are plus and so comfortable.  I change and go to enter the Enclave where a staff member says to me “enjoy your relaxation”.  Ahhhh I can feel the stress leaving - who am I kidding I am not stressed but if I was this is the place to go.

The Enclave consists of three steam/sauna rooms with different scents and temperatures.  Go in one then come out and use one of the four showers (each has a different shower head experience and temp to enjoy) to cool off.  

Head into another steam/sauna room.  And repeat.  I giggle to Bernie and say “do you think all the toxins from the wine are leaving my body?”

The pool in here is, well how can I say it - to die for - the steps lead you down and under a large rain shower head.  On each side of the steps is a pulsating head with three jets that focus on your back and neck.  Also on each side is an area to focus on overall body jets.  Then that isn’t the end, at the back of the pool are more jets where you can lay back and let the aches and pains leave your body. 

But that isn’t all  -- lay down on the tiled beds. At first I thought now how comfortable can these be?  Really the guy next to me is sound asleep!  How could someone sleep here.  Well let me tell you - very easily.  Apparently I was asleep and snoring according to an unreliable source - also known as Bernie.   

After about 15 minutes on the bed I move over to the water bed that is warm but not hot, just right.  I lay down and bam!  I am asleep again.  What are they doing here - are they piping in relaxation gases?  Nope it is just the environment.

They also have chilled flavoured water for you to enjoy.  Lots of towels including chilled facecloths. 

Now the experience is lovely.  I did notice that there are speakers but no sounds.  I think it would be lovely to have some relaxing sounds in the Enclave.  

There were not enough hooks for the people in the Enclave, Bernie and I shared a hook.  Then Bernie noticed his wrist band had lost it’s cover and the chip in it.  Who knows where it is, probably at the bottom of the pool.  So when he exited he had to go to the front desk for a master key.  But that didn’t work on his locker either, back for another but that didn’t work either.  Finally they got a male attendant to come in and help Bernie open the locker.  None of these things were a big issues just my observations.  I can’t wait to go back.  In fact I have been back in the cabin for an hour and I am ready to go again.

Bernie is napping -- see that relaxing has put us both in a trance.

I am writing the blog and pondering a relaxing bath and a facial - gee life is tough. 

We are meeting up with Louise and Brian at Vines at 7 pm for drinks then dinner.

We have both encountered some interesting - okay who am I kidding - some complainers today.  Again this is the ebb and flow of the first few days on board.

I witness one of the paramedics getting his coffee in the Atrium.  The woman beside him was having difficulty accessing the Royal Princess Account and intranet.  He must of spent a half hour helping her set up her account and access the patter.  Now that is service and I want him to know that it was noticed and appreciated.  Princess Crew go the extra distance.

At breakfast Bernie sat with a couple who complained for a long time about how they showed up at the pier at 10:30 and felt Princess did not treat them well by making them wait to board.  That they felt like second class citizens while in transits, then preferred boarded and that they had to wait till noon to get on.  Bernie tried to explain that even your boarding pass says boarding starts at noon.  But they were not happy.  So how do you answer that.  Not sure why they thought they could show up an hour and half early and be able to get on.  Crazy.

My experience is going up the elevator after my blissful time in the Enclave feeling like jelly.  I board on deck five and then a woman gets on on deck 6.  I ask “how is your day going?”  Her response “well it is cloudy!  I am going to go up on deck but it could rain!  I just had lunch and I am full!  And I am bored”. 

“oh” as the doors open on my floor “well I feel GREAT, hope you have a better afternoon” and left. 

People you have saved up for a long time, your vacation is precious, you are with loved ones, this ship is magnificent.  Now you can choose how your day goes, good or bad -- you decide.  Go with an open mind and be open to what comes to you and embrace it.

Lots happening today:  Zumba, Trivia, Majhong, clay pigeon shooting, bible study, line dancing class, Nikon Camera Sale, MUTS is showing Minions and then Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol, Gaming Lessons, Basic Digital Photo Seminar, Enrichment Lecturer Bill Rickett presents The Real Pirates of the Caribbean, Book Club, Spa Seminar introduction to Acupuncture, Enrichment Seminar 30,000 years of art history in 30 minutes, Lawn Bowls challenge, fruit and vegetable carving demo, bingo, shopping spotlight show, Super Tuscan Wine Tasting, Pub Lunch, Brunchtime Trivia, Ballroom Blitz Dance Class: The Merengue, Afternoon Movie Ant Man, Princess Pop Choir, Art Auction, Pitching Cage, Future Cruise Presentation:  The Caribbean, Knitters and Needlepoint gathering, Mardi Gras Dance Class, Afternoon Tea, Zumba again, Culinary Academy Specialty Showcase, hole in one competition, and Watches and Scotches.

Now if you can’t find something to do…. Well -- no comment.

Clocks will be set one hour forward at 2 am tonight.

Tonight Hawley Magic is performing in the Princess Theater, the Yes No Game Show, Martini Demo, Karaoke Hour, MUTS is showing Bridge of Spies, Orphea Quartet presents from Argentina with Love in Vista Lounge, Perry Grant in Crooners, Big Band Sounds with Sarah and the Royal Showband in the Piazza, Steve Mehaffey sings and plays in Wheelhouse.