Sea Day – Friday

You would think I could sleep in.  Nope!  I am awake as Bernie heads out to get a tea.  After a half hour of him being gone I head out too to find him.  

I find him chatting with Monika and we all head to the dining room for breakfast.  A quick bowl of cereal and a fruit plate and we are good to go.  Note the dining room is only open until 9 so make sure to arrive before then.

I missed Mark Harris’ lecture yesterday but we make a point of getting to it today.  His talk is all about dolphins.   Quite enjoyable and Mark keeps it light and fun.

After the lecture we sit in Crooners and catch up with Mark for over an hour.  So nice to see him again.

Of course if Bernie has any say we are heading back to Alfredo’s for lunch and sure enough that is where we end up.  

Today it is much busier but just as good as yesterday.

I am able to get online and check in for our flights tomorrow.  

We have around 500 in transit staying on for the Panama and pretty much all those getting off tomorrow have walk off.  There is a large group who has a set time and they have luggage (I am guessing they had some tour prior). 

We got walk off group one which is like 7:40 am.  So plenty of time. 

I go in search of a quiet place to read but finding it almost impossible.  I try the sitting in the area outside Sabatinis but three couples sit next to me and are talking loudly.   

I move to the indoor pool but right away it won’t work as it is very noisy with sounds echoing all around.

Okay let’s try Horizon Court.  It is relatively quiet As it is around 330.  I grab a tea and scone and sit and read.  

But within ten minutes a group arrives and sits nearby so again I have to move on. 

Back to the Atrium but it is very busy here.  I give up.  I am rather frustrated, and being tired doesn’t help.  I know I need to head back to the cabin and rest and if Bernie is still asleep hopefully I won't wake him.

So I return to the cabin where Bernie is still napping.  I decide I need a nap too, for everyone's sake.

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.

Friday May 31st – College Fjord

We are not scheduled to arrive in College Fjord till much later but the morning is filled with numerous events but we are happy to lounge in bed watching a movie.  

Happy that the coffee bar is so close by as we can get a coffee and bring it back within five minutes.  Now if only we could train Sanoi the barista there to deliver it. 

Today is the Most Travelled Luncheon which is being held in the Pacific Moon dining room at noon.  The most travelled is a couple from Texas with 579 days which is one of the lowest number of days we have ever seen.  But still just over 200 more days than we have.

We are sat with Nigel Stewart the Hotel General Manager along with a lovely couple from Abbotsford BC that we actually met on the hike in Juneau at the glacier.  The lunch was very good with an avocado/seafood starter, sea bass with lobster risotto as the entrée and then a very yummy dessert.

After lunch we just relaxed for a bit until the wine tasting which was held in the International Café.  Again it was nice to see some new wines.

After the wine tasting we changed into warmer clothes so we could head out and enjoy the College Fjord.  We are scheduled to arrive late afternoon and many people are heading to dinner and it is a formal night.  Thankfully we are anytime dining so we can dine later.  It is cold out though, well it is mainly because of the wind.  As we sail up College Fjord Mark the Naturalist comes over the speaker to explain what we are looking at.  As we approach Harvard Glacier we are in awe, stunning! 

As we retreat from the glacier we make our way back to the cabin to dress and head to the International Dining Room – yes this is the traditional dining room but Irma the head waiter has told us to come see her around second seating as there is lots of space.  Boy is she right.  The dining room is half empty, not sure if it is specifically because it is the last night or cause it is College Fjord but we it is quiet. 

I have the turkey as usual and it is a bit different than what we have had before, no polenta and the corn bread is there now but the meal is very good.  And then the Baked Alaska came out but not to the usual Hot Hot Hot but to Gangham Style – totally cool and fun.

Not much is going on tonight that we are interested in so we are back in the cabin around 10 pm and we are fast asleep.  We dock at 11:30 pm in Whittier and many of the crew are getting off to go to the local pub and even though they want us to go too I have no interested in going anywhere at 11:30 let alone to a bar.

Sunday Morning May 26

It is a day at sea and we are sailing up between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia.  This is some of the most beautiful scenery ever.  Since I am up so darn early (5 am, which is really sleeping in for us since we wake normally at 3:30 for work) I quietly get dressed so I don’t wake Bernie and head out.  I walk the promenade deck and just stare and the views. 

After awhile I know I need some food so I head up to the Horizon Court and grab a small bite.  A bit of Musselix, half a bagel and fresh fruit. 

Around 6:30 I head down to deck five to the coffee bar and curly up in a chair near the window and read.  The coffee bar on this ship doesn’t open until 7 am and the staff here are just setting things up.  But around 6:45 the bartender says I can get you your beverage now if you wish.  I buy a new coffee card $29 plus 15% gratuity $4.35 total of $33.35 which gives you 15 espresso beverages.

Bernie comes and meets me and he gets his tea and then heads upstairs to get his breakfast.  On this ship the dining room serving lunch and breakfast is the International Dining room that is normally the Traditional Dining room at the aft of the ship.  Princess is smart they have set up a person on deck 5 and deck 6 near the dining rooms there to direct passengers to the dining room that is open for breakfast – smart thinking Princess.  And trust me there were a lot of people looking.

Seas are so calm, in fact I swear we are docked it is so calm.  Weather is lovely, sunny and clear, and cool but not cold, but if you head outside you do need a jacket as the sea breeze sends a shiver down your spine.  But really you couldn’t ask for better weather.

Lots of things going on around the ship this morning.  There is a Welcome to Princess gathering so people can learn about the loyalty program and that is followed by Future Cruise Presentation.  Goofy Golf Putting in the atrium where you had to put around the elevators, then past the future cruise desk, then into the library.  Looks like they had fun.

I attended Zumba led by Walter and boy was that fun and very crowded!  Worked up a good sweat.  Now it is time to shower then head to Mark’s first lecture on Glaciers All Around.

Mark Harris’ lecture on glaciers was very popular and I learned a lot. 

We are both hungry, it is 2 pm and we haven’t eaten for about 8 hours so we head up to the Horizon Court for bite.  And I wander around the ship afterwards, stopping to watch the last hour of the movie Big which is showing up on the pool deck.  The warm sun on my face is very calming and I am struggling to keep my eyes open.  The weather is perfect, the seas are so very calm that the sun is reflecting off it and blinds us. 

We see quite a bit of wildlife today, a huge school of dolphins played at the bow of the ship.  This morning there was a pod of whales, not sure which kind of whale because they were too far away.  Then this afternoon just looking from our cabin we see about four separate pods of whales in the distance.  We follow them with our eyes and just enjoy their majesty. 

With so many first time cruisers on board a lot of people are lost or trying to figure things out, but the staff are very helpful and many of the seasoned passengers are assisting too. 

We have a great cabin steward (Sherwin) who is very attentive.  A light was flickering in the bathroom and within an hour of telling him it was fixed.  

Today for activities they had the wooden horse racing, slot tournament, Gemstones Around the World lecture, Bingo, Cruise Long Scavenger Hunt, another Zumba class (I popped my head in and again it was packed), golf chipping, line dance class, the movie Argo, carpet bowling and a medical professional get together. 

Tonight is formal night (but we are not dressing up but will head to Horizon Court instead).  Events tonight are a LGBT gathering, Captains Welcome Aboard Party, Majority Rules Trivia, Princess Popstar, and the Production Show tonight is I Got the Music.  What is odd is there is nothing in Explorer’s Lounge except for U2 and then a James Brown Concert. 

I am back in the cabin and it is around 6:30 and I am relaxing while Bernie decided to head up to Skywalkers for a drink at the Platinum/Elite Lounge.  Tonight’s Drink is the Chairman of the Board served with Smoked Salmon with Toast Points.

Tonight we put our clocks back an hour and we dock in Ketchikan early but we leave at 2 pm.  We don’t have any set plans in any of the ports but because it is a short day tomorrow we are just going to walk around.

Saturday May 25, 2013

We arrived at the pier around 11:30 and made our way with our bags to the baggage drop off.  Key was to find the right spot to drop off the bags as there were three ships in port.  We dropped off the bags, and made our way back out to the street and two blocks away to a restaurant where we met up with Connie and Derrick who we have sailed with a few times.  They were in town for a few appointments so we took the opportunity to see them and catch up.  

After lunch we decided to try and board.  It was just before 2 pm and with three ships in port the line for security was longer than normal but it moved continuously and took about 15 minutes to clear security.  Now we wanted to test the wine policy so we purposely brought on three bottles (one more than is allowed without paying the corkage) to see what they are doing at the Port of Vancouver.  When the bag carrying the wine was scanned we were directed to the table just off to the side where we had to show them our wine and they took our cabin number down and we signed a receipt for the $15 corkage fee.  Note you are allowed one bottle of wine/champagne per person to consume in your cabin.  Over that amount you are automatically charged the corkage fee no matter where you consume it.  They took one of the three bottles and put a stamp on it which identifies that we paid the corkage.  So if we take that bottle to dinner we don’t have to repay the corkage.  However if you take one of the other bottles that we didn’t pay corkage on to the dining room we would have to pay corkage.  Seems reasonable to me and I don’t mind, I am just glad Princess allows us to bring wine on.

After security it is customs and again another long line but this moved swiftly too and we maybe spent five minutes in this line.  Then the customary health form, and then we went to the check in counters to get our key card, which took maybe two minutes.  We walked up the gangway and were on!  In all the process took a little longer than normal because of three ships.  Please take note that none of the delays were Princess’ fault but had more to do with not enough security screening and custom agents, and three ships in port.

Once we arrived in our cabin – P330 our bags had arrived.  Sure helped dropping them off early and then coming on board later.  

I should say that we originally booked an inside for this cruise but about a month prior to sailing the price dropped and because of the fare type we booked we couldn’t get a rebated amount but we were able to upgrade to an obstructed oceanview for the same amount we paid.  In the end we were upgraded to an unobstructed oceanview cabin on Plaza deck very close to the art gallery and down a hallway that is a dead end.  It is a great room with a large window and much more space between the bed and cupboards and it is very very quiet.

We meet our cabin steward Sherwin and put in our requests for a few items that we will need, like the top sheet, extra pillows, and extra towels.

Muster was suppose to be at 4 but an announcement was made that they were delaying the muster because of late boarding passengers, and that we would be departing later too.  

So we head out to explore the ship and who do we run in to but Steve the Bar Manager who we have sailed with a few times.  Then Peter John the Captain Circle Host sees us and comes over fast for a big hug.  Oh it is so nice to see him again.  Then we turn around and who do we see but Mark Harris who was the Naturalist on the Hawaii cruise on the Star last fall.  He tells us he just got on 7 days ago and he is on until September.  We loved his lectures and trust me that is saying a lot as we have only come across one other lecturer (Jay Moore) who we enjoyed seeing the rest we couldn’t stand.

As we head up to the Lido deck a bar staff comments to us that he remembers us from the Star Princess in the fall.  We don’t really remember him but we are glad to see him again and we catch up with who is on.

The crowd on board seems really much younger.  There are a few large groups sailing from different parts of the world and it is fun to share this cruise with them.  For many this is their first cruise, and many don’t speak English.  There is a large group from China and we are impressed when they announce the Muster Drill information in both English and Chinese.

The Muster drill is finally held and we attend and yes they scanned all the cruise cards of those that came.  It is nice to have the drill just one floor above ours, certainly made it much easier to return to the cabin afterwards.

As I was saying there are quite a few first time cruisers, and in fact when we walk down most of the hallways all we see is blue cards, and gold too.  We later find out there are only 81 elites, and the most travelled only has just over 500 days.  Boy that isn’t much as we are use to days in the 1,000s.  We do qualify for the Most Travelled Party, we are #10 on the list.

Sailaway is held outside as the skies cleared and we actually had a lovely sunny evening which made for one of the most beautiful departures ever from Vancouver.  There is sailaway party on the Lido deck and we are impressed to see Brett Siborne in attendance.  I say this because for the past six cruises the Cruise Director has not been there.  But I know Brett loves the interaction with the passengers and he is really hands on and it shows.  We don’t hang around the party much mainly because the band – Superfly – is really not to our liking at all, to the point we can’t handle even listening.

Dinner tonight is going to be in the dining room.  At first we try to find where my friend Sandudee – Junior Waiter is and he is Savoy Dining room and we say hi to him but his station is full and we promise we will be back another night.  Instead we head to the Sante Fe Dining room and we are given a lovely table by the window.  Our servers – sorry I forgot their names – but they are a married couple from the Philippines were amazing.  We ordered a bottle of wine and I started with the ricotta/leek tart, then the salad and for my entrée I had the Basa Fillet.  

After dinner we decide to try and catch the Welcome Aboard Show in the Princess Theater. We get a seat up front as we came in kind of late.  It is busy but not full.  Again we are impressed to see Brett there and he really did a great job introducing the ship and welcoming so many first time cruisers on board.  The Princess Dancers and singers performed as well as Sarge the comedian who we thought we had seen but as soon as he came out and started talking we realized we had never seen him before.  We really laughed hard at his show and we look forward to his full show on Monday night.

After the show the ship is dead, really dead, I thought everyone had gotten off!  It was only 11 pm but it was hard to see anything or anyone around.  So we decide to hit the hay.  
 

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

Jasper with his new Ribbon Lei

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Till tomorrow.

Third Sea Day

Jasper hangs out in the displays in Facets

hello Ryan! 

Weather is not as nice coming back as it was going, very wind, moderate waves and cooler.  You can still wear shorts and t-shirts but I wouldn’t say it is sun bathing weather.

Since the clocks went forward again last night we wake and the clock shows 9 am!  We decide to just head down to the International Café for coffee and pastries and I take part in the Sudoku challenge at 9:45 (came in second) and I then get a ticket for the ribbon Lei Making – trust me that line is long and for some reason they decide to hand out the tickets in the Atrium so the line snakes all around the tables and it is noisy.  Personally I think they should move this ticket handout elsewhere like down by the aft in front of vista where people normally line up for the bingo tickets.

We head to the Princess theater for Mark Harris’ talk on Oceanography and see that the theater is empty, hmmm must have the time wrong so we head back to the Atrium and check the patter and sure enough it is an hour from now at 11, not 10.

We do make it back to catch his show and Bernie really enjoyed it but I found it a little dull, I rather learn about whales, dolphins, fish etc.  Tomorrow’s show is on turtles so I am happy about that.  We have really enjoyed Mark’s lectures, in fact we rarely attend this many lectures by one person but his shows are informative, funny, great pictures and about a half hour, enough to keep our attention.

I forgot to mention the exact number of days the most travelled had well he is on the front page of the Patter and it is Mr. George Feiwel with 1201 days at sea with Princess.  Wow!

Pippa the Future Cruise Consultant is very very busy – lots of people wanting to get the future cruise deposits in and bookings made. 

Still missing the socks, it has been two days and our cabin steward Ivonne has not come to us with any information so this evening we track her down and ask.  She states that the laundry can’t locate the missing socks.  I ask her what the next step is and she says she will have her boss contact us.  One thing I have found that when there has been some issues on board it seems we have to keep pushing the matter (as it seems they just wish it would go away) to get an answer, no one is forthcoming. 

Lunch is in the dining room again, and I start with the broth soup with Matzo balls, and then for my entrée I have the chicken Korma again and it is so good… love it!  I have the rice pudding for dessert and a nice cup of tea. 

We run into Mark the lecturer and chat with him for quite awhile, then we run into Anna a lady we met and chat with her for quite awhile.  Around 2:45 we are back in the cabin and we both feel the need for a short nap.  We sleep for about an hour and then head to the Atrium where Frank (Bartender Supervisor – who we met last Feb on board) is entertaining everyone with his Hawaiian Ukulele Music and singing.  Very nice.

I want to get to the gym this afternoon and head up and it is relatively quiet, seems to be more crew working out than passengers.  No issue with getting a machine.

Lots of things going on around the ship today:  Ukulele Workshop, Movie The Hunger Games, ballroom Blitz Dance Lessons – Cha Cha, golf putting contest, Bingo, Peer Factor, Trivia, Line Dance Class.  Tonight:  Indigo Light String Quartet, Maxman Duo, Big Band Sounds, Vocal Impressionist Michael Wilson, Who Sang What Trivia, A Night of Cabaret with Pianist Eric Stone, Vocal Impressionist Michael Wilson, The Quest in Explorer’s, and the MUTS is showing The Avengers.

Tonight is Italian Night (one of my favorites) the dress is Smart Casual.

Review of Last Night - too funny

Jasper meets Jasper the Customer Services Director

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emilio - Hotel General Manager - Celebrity Liar's Club

Pippa - Future Cruise Consultant - Celebrity Liar's Club

Dr. David - Celebrity Liar's Club

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

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

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

Dr. David performs what the word means

 

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

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

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

Can You Hear It? The Sound of Waves – A Day At Sea

After four days in ports I am in desperate need of some sea days and pure relaxation.

The clocks go forward an hour but for some stupid reason I am awake at 6 am, what is really 5 am, what the heck is with that!

But we relax for a bit and then dress and head down to the International Café for a coffee and some reading before heading for breakfast.  Surprisingly there are quite a few people up and about at this hour.

The seas are moderate and we can definitely feel the movement, more so than the trip to Hawaii but still very reasonable and it is not affecting us much.

We head back to the Piazza after breakfast and sit and chat with Mark Harris the Naturalist on board – his stories are very interesting and we arrange to meet him for dinner tonight and will attend his lecture later on.

Sudoku is back at 9:45 and it is a harder one and I am doing fine but I have to go to the bathroom so bad and I can’t concentrate as there is a huge number of people in the atrium.  I soon figure out that it is people (mainly women) lining up for a ticket to participate in the Flower Lei Making Workshop.  There must be at least 150 people getting tickets.  This is distracting me and after 15 minutes doing the Sudoku I give up and head straight to the nearest washroom. 

As much as I would like to make a Lei, there is no way I am going to line up for a number, especially considering they won’t last long and we can’t take it off the ship either.

They have Zumba at Sea (apparently one of the passengers is certified and they have gotten the okay for them to do it) but since I can’t do it because of my shoulder I will pass.

Bingo is up to $2,000 and there are a lot of people doing it, but I will pass.  I want to attend Mark Harris’ lecture on Whales.  Both of us attend and it is interesting and I do learn a few things, especially about sperm whales.  Mark is funny and I am enjoying his lectures.

Bernie is tired and heads back to the cabin for a nap and I head to the Vista lounge for the Photography@Sea class, and even though I have taken in this lecture before there is a lot to learn here and I take in some more details on picture taking. 

Laundry came back today and we are missing a pair of socks, what is funny is we have another pair that is one of mine and one of Bernies, so the pair missing is one of mine and one of Bernies, size medium and size large of the same brand... wonder if we will ever see it again? 

I feel like sitting in the sun even though the wind is blowing and watch some of the bar wars happening.  I grab a slice of pizza but after eating the slice and reading for maybe five minutes I rub my eyes and oh MY!  Note to self don’t rub your eyes if your fingers may have come into contact with chili peppers.  I have to head back to the cabin and rinse my eye for like five minutes, silly me!

Time for the gym, surprisingly it is busy but I get on the elliptical for a half hour then the treadmill for 20 minutes and then do my shoulder strengthening exercises. 

I am back in the cabin and I spend a good hour on the balcony reading and enjoying the sound of the waves.  I could so spend my life at sea, it is where I belong.

Tonight is the Captain Circle Party, there are two parties one at 5 and one at 7.  These parties will be only for Platinum and Elite members as the Gold Members had their own party early on.

Dinner tonight will be back in Portifino and Douw has promised us a wonderful meal, can’t wait.  Mark Harris the lecturer is suppose to join us.  After dinner we will be heading to Explorer’s for Celebrity Liar’s Club for which Pipa and Peter are to participate in along with Emilio and the Crew Doctor David. 

Thanks for following along.