Lisbon - Heck Why Not

If you have been following along you know we are heading to the Mediterranean in the Fall.

One of our dear friends Antonio Pimpao is retiring from Princess.  Antonio has been with Princess forever! We first met him on the Diamond many years ago at the Most Travelled Luncheon as he was the officer at our table and we hit it off.  

Since then we have sailed with him numerous times. In fact we specifically seeked out which ships he was on and jumping on board. A few times we even met him in Vancouver when he docked here.Delivering Portuguese special treats to him.

When he informed us he was retiring we were happy for him, but sad we may not see him as often. His response: "Why not come and visit me." "Why not come see me this Fall."

So we discussed it and agreed we should add a few days to our Fall trip and fly to Lisbon to spend some time with Antonio.

So after the wedding in Sardinia we are now flying Olbia to Lisbon via Rome.  

We will stay at Antonio's for five nights before flying home from Lisbon.

We are excited, neither of us has been to Lisbon!

Mediterranean Booked

We didn't know what our plans would be for the Fall of 2017 but we did know we had a wedding to go to in Sardinia, Italy.  Great friends Franco and Laura are finally getting married and we were honoured to be included in their celebration.

So as we do, we started working at seeing how we could fit a cruise into the planning.  

In the end we decided to book the Royal prior to the wedding that starts in Barcelona and ends in Civitavecchia.

This works great!  We get to spend some time in Barcelona prior to the cruise.  

Also when we get off we have time to explore Italy before heading to Sardinia.

Our current plan is to travel by train to Lucca.  I have been wanting to explore this area of Tuscany since we first decided to come to Italy and now we will spend a few nights there.

After Lucca we will travel by train to Venice for five nights to explore and enjoy fully.

A short flight to Sardinia from Venice for the wedding!  Boy I can't wait.  And every time we get more details about the wedding we just get more excited.

After the wedding we initially were just going to fly home but Antonio (Executive Housekeeper on Princess) is finally retiring this summer and he wants us to visit him.  Where does he live?  Portugal!  So well what is a girl to do?  But go to Portugal for a few days.

With Princess' easy air we secured good flights with reputable airlines for a decent price.  

Now the countdown begins.  But first we have to move.  Yes we sold our condo in record time at a record price!  We have been busy selling stuff, donating more stuff and getting ready for the move early next month.

At Sea After Victoria - Evening

As Bernie returned to the ship we both knew where we would be eating.  Alfredo’s!  Bernie’s favorite.  On the Island Princess Sabatinis opens at lunch as Alfredo’s Pizzaria.  

We are seated by the window where we watch our departure from Victoria.

Our server Rosa surprises us as we just sailed with her on the Royal at the beginning of this year.  Since then she has gone home to Argentina and come to the Island. 

Bernie gets the vegetarian and I get the Margarita Pizza.   Note the menu is more limited than the larger ships dedicated Alfredo’s but it is still very good.

The afternoon calls for a nap.  Two nights with little sleep is catching up with me.

After a short nap we head off to Crooners to meet up with friends from my Facebook fan page as well as the Princess Cruiseline Lovers page.  

Pat and her Mom, Diane, Monika, us and Mary Jane and Peter.  I should say that we first tried to get into the Elite lounge in Explorers but it just had Bingo and they need to clean and set up for elite lounge.

Even at five after five they were still not open so we gave up and went to Crooners and paid full price for the drinks.  This is the downfall of having no Universe Lounge As normally bingo would have been held there.  So with fewer lounges events are difficult to plan and also set up and take down.

So take note if you have early seating it could be an issue if you attend the elite lounge.  We did end up here eventually for a cosmo and some munchies and it was quiet as early diners had left already.

After a great visit with everyone we head back to the cabin for a quick shower To meet up with Antonio, Diane and Jorge and Nice.

But finding them is difficult at 7:30 as the Atrium is quite busy.  They are doing the champagne waterfall right there and crowds are all over.  Not to mention all the photography backdrops all around cutting off the minimal space you already have.  Oh and then they have the sale item tables outside the shops!  

This seems crazy to me.  Sure I understand you want people to pose for pics,  you want people to buy items, you want people to participate in  the champagne waterfall.  But now you also have people queuing for second seating, and those trying to get into the dining room. I really miss the larger ship now.

Someone asked me today if I had to choose between the Island and a Grand class ship which would I choose.  Hands down the Grand Class.  Sadly the Island is our least favorite due to the recent changes to the ship with no aft lounge.  Dark and windowless gym.  No International Café.  Two dining rooms right off the Atrium which always have issues with passenger flow.  

If I had to choose between Island and Coral for Panama I would choose Coral (that has not had the changes, but still has issue with dining room).

But I wouldn’t turn down the Island, it just would not be my first choice.  The ship overall looks amazing and the crew are top notch.

Okay back to tonight.  We have reservations for 730 and we are taken upstairs to the traditional dining room and sat at a lovely table for six. 

It is the Italian menu tonight and I start with the salad, then the penne pasta as my appetizer, then the scallop and shrimp dish which was good but too heavy. 

After Dinner We (Bernie, Diane and I) make Our Way To Explorers Lounge To Play Majority Rules and have some laughs.  We stay for karaoke and the Happy hour which here is at 10:30 to 11:30 – buy one get one for a dollar.  Pat and Monika are here with us and when the dj starts we are up dancing.  And we barely sat down. 

We crawl into bed around 1:45 and smile … oh what a great night.

First Evening - Sabatini Dinner

First stop is Explorer's Lounge to the Platinum Elite Lounge to try a Cosmo.  Maribel is there to quickly take our order – two Cosmos please.  Bernie rates them right up there with some of the bests.  That says a lot.

Yes we are able to order any drink that is part of the special loungers menu for $5. 

A card was delivered to the cabin with the itinerary and what is featured each day.

We sit with two couples from Edmonton and a short while later Monika joins us for a drink. 

Oh did I tell you Monika is the Most Travelled this voyage.  We are in the top 40 but don’t know where we fall. If I can get to see the Captain Circle Host I will find out. (I later find out we are number 5 & 6).   

In lieu of a most travelled luncheon or cocktail party we have been given dinner for two at any of the specialty restaurants.  We will be dining at the Bayou Cafe with Monika on the last night.

Bernie wants to check out the stores as he saw a great Tommy Bahama shirt and t shirt he wanted.  So we get those items and I found a great shirt that I will have to get too.  I will post a picture of it below.  

Jackie from South Africa serves us and we discuss a mutual friend Delmarie who recently got off the Island and is also from South Africa. 

Back to the cabin to shower and dress for dinner.  Our amazing steward Cyrus has done up our cabin already and our few requests have been done already.  We find out later he is getting promoted, and we understand why, he is good.

Once ready we set out to find Qi, a cabin stewards we had last year, or was it the year prior, who is back on board.  Big hugs and a little pampering gift for her.  She has just started here third contract.  Wow does time every fly by.

Tonight dinner is at Sabatinis.  Antonio is hosting a table with us, his cousin Jorge and wife Nice, along with Diane (who we find out is from Alaska and is on my Facebook fan page and also the Princess Cruiseline Lovers page).

Dinner was probably the best meal we have ever had at Sabatinis.  Food was outstanding, our server Ryerson was very attentive and I especially was impressed how other servers helped out when needed.

Bernie's soup

My meal started with a salad which was good but I found a little over dressed, but I think most would find perfect I just prefer little less salad dressing.

My pasta course was the cannelloni which was outstanding and could of had that as my entrée.

The entree was the stuffed chicken which I had numerous times and can be hit or miss but tonight it was the best I have ever had.  The asparagus served with it were crispy and not overcooked and seasoned just right.

Dessert was the tiramisu.  I had not had the tiramisu since they changed it to the Norman Love version and again it was outstanding. 

And of course we had to finish off the meal with my favorite drink from Sabatinis a Sicilian Kiss.  Which is Amaretto, vodka and Baileys served over ice with a bit of milk.

The meal is very large so I never finished any of my dishes.  But there is no way I could. I highly recommend Sabatinis to anyone getting on the Island.

Maitre D’Hotel Neville came by and spent some time with us. It was lovely getting to know him better.

We spent the evening chatting, raising our glass in a toast, sharing our travel adventures and by the end we were all family.

One thing I like to remind people of, this is not a dinner at the Olive Garden.  The meal here is an event that takes time.  It really is like being in Italy where the evening is based around a table with good friends, great food, and even better wine. 

After dinner we walked around and ended up at Explorers watching the Quest Game Show which was an Adult Scavenger Hunt and quite funny. 

Cruise Director Mike Witte was there and we caught up with him and what he has been up to.  He is looking great and his team seems well put together and happy. 

While chatting with Mike, Mark Harris came by.  Mark is the Naturalist on board and he is getting off in San Francisco.  But he did mention he will be getting on the Grand then Star to do the Hawaii cruises as the Naturalist so watch out for him if you are doing one of those.

Observations tonight:

Because of the lower age demographics for those on the repo portion Explorers lounge is busy with the Quest Game show.  And there is a lot more drinking and gambling going on.  Now not excessive drinking but more people out enjoying themselves.

The Wake Show is on and they are even doing a question of the day for the short cruise which I think is great.

For those staying on to do the Panama cruise the Shorex has in transit tours for San Francisco.

Short Weekend Away on Island

A great deal happened and we just couldn’t pass it up.  A three day repo from Vancouver to San Francisco.  Timing was perfect as it fell right during our weekend.

We left home with small carry on bags, two bottles of Vino Verte for dinner with Antonio tonight.

See Antonio is from Portugal and we thought he might enjoy it.  However as we swung the backpack on one bottle fell out and smashed to the ground.  Oops…. Thankfully there is a liquor  store two blocks from the pier where we buy a. new bottle.

We arrive at the pier at 1230.  We are directed upstairs to the conference center where we are divided by ship.  The Volendam is in port with us.  We fill out our health forms.  Then quickly get our cruise cards.

We snake around like we are in a parade heading downstairs to go thru security.  The line is long but it moves very efficiently.

Normally we would go thru US customs but since the ship is heading to Victoria first we don’t go thru customs.  We will however have to clear US customs when we arrive in San Francisco .

In total it took 15 min from when we got to the pier to when we boarded.  Very efficient.

Last year we sailed the island for a month, and we had been on her quite a few times prior so we know the ship.

This voyage we are in Plaza 529 which is an Oceanview cabin.  Great location midship and close to atrium and coffee bar.

We notice the cabin looks very fresh and clean.  They haven’t got the new bed/bedding but the bed we have is very comfortable.  We are told that the new bedding will be happening soon though.

There is this great little nook in the closet with an extra closet space.  Haven’t seen this in other cabins on this ship.

A beautiful bouquet of flowers and a bottle of champagne awaits us as a gift from Antonio.

Again we feel blessed to call so many crew friends who feel like family and Antonio is definitely family.

Up to Horizon Court for a quick bite to eat.  It is a zoo up here, so I quickly grab a salad and meet Bernie outside where he is grabbing a hot dog and fries.  He couldn't handle the crowds in the buffet.  I tell him how they are queuing up for food at one of the stations in Horizon Court.  
One man tried to get food at that station where no one was and was told off by another man.  I bit my tongue.  If you wander around and get food from area that are not busy it works.  Lining up doesn't as there are different stations and you can't line up for each.  If one area is so very busy I just pass it up and I survive.  I like to go with the flow.

The sun is shining and it is in the high 20s.

We both comment that the demographics of this voyage are very different than the May repo we did.  Very few kids on board, maybe a handful compared to a lot of kids in May.

This cruise carries on thru the Panama Canal so many are on for the entire voyage so there are quite a few older passengers  (my age and older).

Bernie called room service and got thru rather quickly to change out our mini bar for two coffee cards, and they delivered them right away.

Ships officers:  Captain Andrea Poggi, Staff Captain Vincenzo Lembo, Chief Engineer Vito Torre, Hotel General Manager Ivano Calandri, Cruise Director Mike Witte, Customer Services Director Carla Ramos, Food and Beverage Director Sandra Belchior,  Executive Housekeeper Antonio Pimpao, Executive Chef John Convery, Maitre D’Hotel Neville Saldanha.

Muster is at 345 with sail away at 4pm.  With Victoria being so close I wonder where we will sail as we don’t dock until tomorrow at 7 am.  Tonight we are joining Antonio for dinner in Sabatinis at 7:30.

Things I have noticed:

• Prices have gone up.  All specialty restaurants are $29.  Drink prices too have gone up for some items.   Coffee card is now  $31 plus tip.  They may of gone up earlier and I just didn’t notice.  I later check my notes and prices for special restaurants went up in May.
• Ship looks great.
• Embarkation was very smooth and well organized.
• Staff on board are very helpful, friendly and very patient.
• The water pressure is very strong.
• Many people are staying on for Panama portion.

Friday Evening – Sea Day – Formal Night

 

After a very restful nap we shower and get dressed for the evening.  The Captain’s Welcome Aboard Show is happening.  The Atrium is busy but manageable, but the sight lines are difficult but I do get a few pictures.

They are handing out the champagne and the Norman Love Chocolate pops!  Yummy.

We run into Antonio and we meet with Sheila and say hi to her from Monika and Rick – she says hi back.

Everyone looks lovely and many are posing for pictures. 

This is a great sight, families, couples – young and old, children, friends all smiling and creating memories.  Isn’t that what life is all about, and what better way to do it than on a ship.

Tonight we are dining at the Bayou Café.  I love this venue.   Right beside it is a small bar and a dance floor and the band Pastime Duo who are from Brazil.  They are perfect for ballroom dancing, but we find out they are getting off in Venice and not sure who will be replacing them.  Listening to live music while you dine here only adds to a great evening.

Bernie's Catfish

We meet up with Antonio who joins us for a meal.  We start with some champagne to toast the evening.  Then a bottle of wine – sorry didn’t get the name. 

Marvin is our waiter – also known as Marvelous Marvin – and we remember him as he served us in Alfredos the other day at lunch.  He gives us his recommendations and he continues to surprise us with treats throughout the meal.

My appetizer is sausage grillades, Bernie had the seafood gumbo, for my entrée I had the filet and for dessert the Normal Love Peanut Butter Bar.  Marvin served us gator ribs to start with too and grilled prawns as well.

Everything was great, even better than what I remember.  Service was top notch and attentive and Marvin can sing and he performed and had the whole restaurant singing along and clapping.  What could be better.

It is around 10:30 when we leave and the ship is quiet.  They are setting up Halloween display in the Atrium.  Looks amazing!

Entertainment going on around the ship this evening:  Jewish Sabbath Service, Latin Fiesta with DJ Tin Tin, The Music of Frank Sinatra with Cosmic Band in the Wheelhouse, Movies Under the Stars is Jurassic World, 50^th Anniversary Love Boat Trivia, Showtime in Princess Theater is An Evening with Celine Dion staring Tracey Shield, Majority Rules Game Show, Who Sang What Series: Motown Edition, and Wild Bunch Party in Explorers.

Tuesday – Day at Sea

Ahhhhhh – yup that is the first thing I say when I wake.  Even though I love visiting amazing ports, there is nothing better than those forced relaxation days that sea days bring. 

As I lay in bed sipping my latte and reading a magazine I can feel the stress of work easing away.  There is nothing I have to be at, there is no reason to dress and head out, heck I am not even hungry.

We spend the entire morning doing really nothing noticeable.  We read, we enjoy a coffee, we watch tv.

 

I wanted to tell you about a great new show we ran into on the tv.  One of the channels shows Jan Swartz introducing a show called “Destinations In Depth” which is a show where they team up with experts from The University of California Los Angeles.  They discuss history, architecture, culture, food and a huge variety of places.  We watch a few and really enjoyed them.

We need to get dressed though.  Today is the Most Travelled Luncheon.  Today’s lunch is being held in Sabatinis.  We are sat at a table with two other couples (six passengers in total) with our table host Antonio Martins Pimpao the Executive Housekeeper.  We recognize him as we sailed with him on the Diamond.  He tells us he is from Portugal and he joined Princess 35 years ago.  He is hoping to retire in the coming years.

We were the youngest by far at this luncheon.  When we see Francesco at the door, we laugh and say maybe we should be sitting at the children’s table, and he laughs and points to a table outside. 

The meal was, well how can I describe it but by saying amazing!  Bernie chose more of a seafood theme where I went for the beef.  Bernie started with a Trio of Crustace, Marinated Tiger Prawns, Lobster, Scallops with an Exotic Salad and a Citrus and Basil Emulsion, entrée was Seared Sea Bass Grenobleoise with Mediterranean Vegetables and Baby Potatoes.  For me I started with the Mushroom Risotto, a delicate Risotto with assortment of mushrooms and Parmesan Cheese.  For my entrée a Combination of Beef and Veal Medallions served with Gratin Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables and Red Peppercorn Sauces.  Dessert is a light White Chocolate Parfait served with Strawberry and Blueberry Coulis.

We had the choice of red or white wine.  And I finished my meal with a lovely cappuccino. 

Oh I almost forgot to tell you how lovely it was to see Ricardo serving us.  He is the guy who served us in the Crown Grill.  What a great guy.

We leave the luncheon and head back to the cabin to change out of our Smart Casual clothes into shorts/t-shirts. 

We wander around for a bit.  We run into Laura and chat with Anthony too.  We sign up for the Stamasich table tomorrow which is a wine tasting at Vines.  We wander thru the stores but in the end we head back to the cabin for an afternoon nap.

Lots happened today and here is just a few of the things that happened:  Zumba, Veterans Get Together, trivia, onboard outlet sale, Movie The Princess Bride on Muts, Culinary Demonstration and Galley Tour, table tennis, line dancing, pub lunch, swing and jive lessons, bar wars, art auction, 60 second frenzy game, Afternoon movie in Princess Theater – Chef, horse racing, tap dancing class, On Deck for the Cure, Muts: Mamma Mia, Maitre D’ Wine Club, and Navigation at Sea.