Wake Show Appearance

As many of you know I am currently in the role as the Destination Expert on board the Royal Princess currently.

Loving It!!

This morning I was on the Wake Show! 

Here is the video.  Sorry sound is low.  I recorded it right from my tv in my cabin.

Martinique

We are not docking till 11 so I enjoy a lovely sleep in. 

After a shower I gather my computer and some books and head out to find a quiet spot to enjoy my coffee and do some research.

But the ship is busy.  People are dressed and ready to get off and are meeting up with friends to plan their days.

I sneak up to Club 6 which is quiet.  The Veteran’s get together is just ending and I take a seat at the opposite end of the lounge.  So proud that Princess does these gatherings.  I also thank them for their service, no matter what country you served for.  It is appreciated.

It is now very quiet and the air conditioning is strong in here but I like it cool but it would be too cold for some, so bring a sweater.  It is a perfect temperature for those dancing at night though.

I am reviewing a Chilean tour book for more research for my destination presentations.  The book comes from the library and I only have a few more days to review it before I have to return it.

The room is starting to fill up.  I finally figure out that they are hosting trivia here.  Matt hosts the trivia and again he is just so funny.  He makes attending a regular trivia even more fun and trust me I need something to keep me going when playing as I just don’t know most of the answers.

We dock and the clearance is stated and the ship feels like the drain has been pulled from the tub.  People funnel out and I feel like I am all by myself.

I too want to go ashore in Martinique.  Last time we were here we took a taxi to a resort and enjoyed the beach.  Read about it here.

Today I am going off by myself.  Bernie is at the Sanctuary relaxing and resting.  He still has that cold so he is doing exactly what he needs to do.  That is the great thing about cruising, a couple can do that and we each know the other is okay.

When I step onto the pier it is very humid and the wind is kicking up.  Make sure you hold onto your hat as you walk along the pier as the wind will pick it up and take it away. 

There are some pedal bikes you can hire to transport you to the pier entrance for a small fee.

As I get to the end of the pier the skies open and a massive shower hits.  We all take cover wherever we can.  I am under the taxi/tour information tent where I chat with some of the other cruisers.  I also help out by translating for some of the passengers with the locals.  Glad I can help out too and I get to practice my French.  Although many locals speak a bit of English it will help if you can help with a few words, or hey maybe a bit of hand signals.

The rain stops a few minutes later and the humidity goes up.  I take a quick picture and as you can see the humidity is not being nice to my hair and it is hot.  Make sure to bring water ashore and keep hydrated.

There are some lovely artisan shops right there at the pier in some tents. I buy a lovely pair of earrings. They take credit cards and will give you a bit better price for cash – note prices are in Euros but will let you know what the price is in US.

I walk by the water taxi stands which are a very short distance from the ship’s pier.

We are very close to the downtown and it is easy to get to. 

The city is lovely.  I walk along and check out the shops. 

There is a lovely three story mall that has some nice stores inside.

Once outside again I see the local market.  I always enjoy the local markets.

After wandering about the city for an hour or so I wander back on board.

I am up at the Sanctuary in no time and totally relaxing.  

Those serenity stewards are the best.  Again I find the Royal’s Sanctuary to be the best in the fleet – but I am a bit biased.  I even get in a small nap!

We are slow to get moving in the evening and are only out of the cabin at 8 pm. 

Of course you all know where we start out our evening – VINES. 

Bernie and I agree we are due for a pizza at Alfredos. 

Tonight’s buffet theme is Bavarian Night – or German Buffet.  Although we love the German buffet we agree a pizza is more of what we want tonight.

Oh and it was so yummy! 

It is the Love Boat Disco Deck Party and we were not sure if it was going to happen tonight but thankfully the weather cooperated and it is a go!

Todd and Sue are with us and boy did with have a fun night.  We dance all night long – yes I am quoting Lionel Richie!  We were up on the stage too dancing with each other and the cruise staff.

When the dancers come out to perform I watch and try to follow.  Hey I will never see these people again.

The electric slide comes on and Matt O is leading us in the steps.  At one point he turns around and cracks up when he sees that most are facing all different directions!  Yup we are all going by the beat of our own drum. But hey the key is to have fun and we ARE!

There was a few technical issues tonight.  The Mutts Screen was not working.  I joked that one bulb is burned out and the whole lot goes out just like a string of lights on a Christmas Tree!  Just kidding but hey might be!

What is great is seeing how the crew come together to make things work even when not all things work.  That is a great team!

We end the night at the Retreat Pool where BOGO is happening (Buy One Get One for a Dollar).  So glad to get this venue up tonight.  This is the first cruise in four that the Retreat Party is happening tonight.

Overall today rates as one of the best days on this voyage.  

A big shout out goes to Todd and Sue for being a part of making that happen.  

Premier of Stephen Schwartz’ The Secret Silk

I have to start out that this whole cruise has felt extra special.  Every day the buzz of the premier of The Secret Silk is seen and felt.

So many production people are on board from all over to make this show happen.  We have spoken to many of them and their excitement has been contagious.  

Then there is Matt O the Cruise Director talking about the show at every event and on the Wake Show.

The energy has been building and tonight is the night!

Last night the show was performed at 11:30 for Crew Only.  Love that Princess does these kinds of things for their crew.  Most crew would never get a chance to see the show in regular day to day activities because they are so busy working.  So for those that could stay up and enjoy it a special show was performed for them.

We have been getting little tidbits for what makes this show special from video interview clips that Matt O did for the Wake Show. 

For Bernie and I, we are so looking forward to it.  We love live theater and have been to numerous plays, Broadway Shows and concerts.  

The first show was at 8:15 and I know it was packed.  We decided to aim for the second show.  Note they are doing another show tomorrow at 7:45.  Again isn’t that great.  So there is no reason why you could not get in to see it.

Our evening started with us dressing up for Formal Night. 

Then drinks in Vines, which was very busy with everyone dressed lovely.  Many of the staff brought on for the Premier are celebrating in Vines to their accomplishment.  I am not sure how many are on for it but I am guessing at least 20.  Some have been on since January 9, but most came on for this last sailing.

We are heading up to the Horizon Court for dinner tonight. 

Bernie grabs a glass of champagne and once at the buffet he starts his meal with caviar on toast.  Yes there is a caviar station in the buffet tonight.  OMG do you know how much this would cost at home!

It is very quiet up here.  I am sure most have decided to dine in the dining room.  

It is only 9:30 so we walk around for a while before the 10:15 show.  

The theater doors were closed right after the first show for cleaning and resetting.  We head to deck 6 forward – in Club 6 and we can see a queue is forming for the show.  Instead of lining up we take a seat in Club 6 and get drinks from the Casino Bar and relax for a bit.

When the doors do open around 10 we walk in and get two seats easily in the lower section in the middle.  It is already very busy and anyone who does not show up soon will not get seats.

There are theater programs on each chair and makes a nice souvenir.  Very nice!  

Here is a video that was shown on the Wake Show that features the Secret Silk. 

For those who are not aware of this production show it is called The Secret Silk which was Produced by Stephen Schwartz, who composed for the Broadway show Wicked and is a four time Grammy Award Winner.  Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is also involved with puppets that appear in the show.  

The story is based on an ancient Asian fairy tale with a beautiful message. 

When the show starts the stage seems dark and ancient looking. Dancers enter carrying poles with cranes on them and it looks like they are flying cranes. 

Costumes throughout the show are very dramatic and dark at times but then shine and are magnificent.

The puppets make appearances and after a while they don’t seem like puppets but real characters. Oh and then the huge life size creatures!  Heck even larger than life sized! 

But I don’t want to ruin it for you.  But it is very cool!

The music is recognizable with songs like Believe, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, I Believe I Can Fly, Taking Chances, All Night Long, and so many more. 

This is the third unique production show for Princess.  Just think about it….  This show can ONLY be seen on Princess.  

Other lines bring on Broadway shows, but Princess has their own shows developed specifically for their ships.  Shows like The Secret Silk would cost over a $100 a ticket on land (if not more), but it is included in your cruise ticket. 

A big shout out goes to the singers and dancers of the Royal Princess, the Royal Princess Show Band and the Audio/Technical team!  Great job, you should all be proud of yourselves.

We are just so honoured to be able to see the show’s premier and I know we will be seeing it again before we get off.

So book a cruise on the Royal Princess and come see The Secret Silk.

I wrote about the show again the next sailing and posted lots of pictures.  You can read/see more here. 

St. Lucia

We dock early (8 am) and I am sure many people on board are happy that they can go ashore.

Although once again the weather looks a little unpredictable.  Now as you all know I am a glass half full kind of girl and I prefer to look at the blue skies, instead of the grey skies in the distance.  Sure we will get hit with rain but hey this rain will be warm and I am not at work!

We stepped off the ship around 11 am and walked through the port area to the ferry dock (go to the left) that takes you right down town.  The cost is $3 one way or $5 return, per person.  It is a short ride and they drop you right beside the other pier in the heart of down town Castries,  St. Lucia.

The downtown is bustling with locals out for their lunch breaks and workers rushing around.

I have always enjoyed being a part of the “real” city.  Where we stand out as some of the only tourists around.  We weave our way around the streets, popping our heads in stores and saying hello to passersbys. 

We once again brought our Canadian temporary tattoos and we hand out around 50 of them to the local kids.  Some kids are excited and want to put it on right away, others are hesitant and not sure what they are.  But all are polite and thankful, even if Mom or Dad has to remind them to say Thank You.  Kids are the same all over the world.

As we were strolling a passing shower hits, and it hits hard with winds taking the rain sideways.  We take shelter under the awning of a store.  The store workers are trying to cover up their tables on the sidewalk.  As they struggle to try to move a small table with stuff Bernie grabs one end and helps her move it into the store.

After about five minutes the rain has passed and we ask for a recommended local restaurant.  We are directed to Carro’s two blocks away.

It is a small little establishment with maybe six tables and a counter to order your food.  A chalk board identifies the specials.

I order the baked chicken and Bernie gets the fish with salad.  We also add a drink and we are surprised that the entire meal only cost $20 US.   Note prices were in Eastern Caribbean dollar, but they converted to US (of course not the best exchange rate but beats getting EC).

After lunch we wander back towards the large open air market and look at the numerous stalls with for sale items. 

market

Again the skies open and we take shelter till it stops a few minutes later.

Here is the view of the ship from the market when the rains hit! 

We walk back to the ship from here – about a 15 minute easy/flat walk. 

Once back at the port we walk around the shops and stop at a bar that is offering some rum with a little bit of punch!  Boy were they strong and a good deal – 2 for $8.  Free wifi allows us to update our phones, download podcasts, and connect with family and friends. 

I am thankful for this as I have an aunt back in Quebec who has been unwell and we are quite worried about her.  You are in our thoughts Aunt Ginette.

Back on board, Bernie is feeling little pain and heads back to the cabin to crash.  I head upstairs and run into Margaret and we sit and enjoy scones for her, and a cupcake for me.

I love these impromptu meetings and chats with fellow passengers.

For dinner tonight we meet up with Michael, his Mom Margaret and niece Jennifer.  The theme tonight is Greek night and they are also hosting the Crab Shack.  Again if you like crab you really need to sign up for the crab shack.  Amazing deal and so much food!

After dinner we wander around handing out some Valentine treats we have. The crew are away from home and missing loved ones and if we can make their days a bit brighter we are happy to. 

They are decorating for Valentine’s Day (which is tomorrow) and looks lovely.  I will get some pictures and post later when I get fast internet.

It has also been decided that the Love Boat Disco Deck Party is moving inside to the Atrium.  The winds and incumbent weather makes it unsuitable to have the party on the open deck. 

We take seats in Vines and watch the action.  I even got up to dance to a song.  Big mistake as ankle swelled up very quickly after that jumping around.  Silly me!  Well it has only been a month since the cast came off.

The Cruise staff really get things hopping!  They danced non stop from beginning to end! 

The music kept the Atrium pumping and people danced in all areas creating a party atmosphere.  Sure it is not the open deck but it was a good time! 

Matt O the Cruise Director got really involved too.  He was even leading the Congo Line and many of the dances.  

Passengers Love HIM!  And so do I.

We are in bed just before midnight.  Tomorrow is Barbados. 

It has been a lovely day!

Antigua? Nope!

We were suppose to dock early; however instead we have Captain Nash in our cabin.  Well not exactly in our cabin but in our cabin through the Public Address Speaker.  You know something is up when that happens.

The winds that are affecting the entire Caribbean and many cruise ships is preventing us from entering the channel.  It is just too dangerous to enter the channel and dock. 

It is a narrow channel and we appreciate that the Captain is keeping us safe. In all the times we have sailed into Antigua we have never missed it due to weather!  This season weather is affecting a lot of locations.  Not only the Caribbean but the Pacific too.  Eastern and Western and now even Southern Caribbean is dealing with weather.  

So it is a SURPRISE Sea Day.  You know that the crew all received calls very early and told to hit the ground running to prepare for this day.

If you are registered on the Princess @ Sea app on your phone or tablet the updated Patter is very quick.  Many events have been added, including movies, seminars and games.  The Dining room will now be open for lunch too.  The updated paper Patter takes a few hours to get printed and distributed.

Our original plans today was to spend it in the Sanctuary. We head upstairs and even before I can lay down on the lounge chair the skies opens up.  I take cover and after about a half hour we agree to head back to the cabin and we cancel our day up here.  With the rain and the wind all morning we made the right decision.  Note the afternoon did bring bright, hot skies and the Sanctuary would have been nice but by this time we had different plans.

here is a pic of Ricardo in the Crown Grill 

For lunch we agree to head to Alfredos where Ricardo serves us.  Boy is he good!  So professional, attentive and kind.  He remembers us from the Star Princess many years ago. He has been on the Royal for a few contracts now and works every evening in the Crown Grill.

love the Sangria at Alfredos

I get some Sangria and the Calzone minus the ham.  Today’s Calzone had way too much Ricotta for my liking.  I ended up scooping a bunch of it out and eating it with less cheese.

The entire day was very relaxing (just what we needed).  We read, did puzzles, chatted with friends, participated in some trivia, watched the Scategories game.  Which was hosted by Matt who had me laughing most of the game.  

By late afternoon I was back in the cabin watching a movie called Table 19 – cute and glad I could watch it here for free.  Bernie watched the new Blade Runner and said the same thing as I did "glad I could watch it for free".

We meet up with friends in Club 6 for drinks and some good laughs.  Always nice to start the evening like this.

At 7;15 Bernie and I head to Princess Live to take part in the “Before they were Stars” trivia.  We only got 12 out of 25.  Not good, but it was fun and again Matt the Cruise Director makes us laugh.

Again dinner is up at the Horizon Court and it is German Night.  Ari the Buffet Steward sees us and directs us to his station and he has two soda waters waiting for us.  What a great guy. He takes care of us in the Sanctuary and then again at night.   We later sit with Michael, Sandro, Mom and Jennifer to catch up with them.

Colours of the World is being performed tonight at 8:15 and 10:15 but we are not planning on going to see it (it is very good though).  We instead head to Majority Rules where Ryan and Matt host over 50 teams in this game.  We have a good time by handing in obscure answers and laughing with the responses.

After the game we head to Vines for a glass of wine where we run into Lew and Nan and we all sit and chat.

Again I have to say this is what cruising really is about. Meeting people and getting to know them better.  We have sailed with Lew and Nan numerous times before but this trip and it is nice to get to know them both much better.  

In the cabin we watch the Wake Show then turn on the Sleep Soundtrack and crash.  I did try to see if the shops sold the sleep cd but they do not.  I will look at home for the sleep app that they recommend.

Tomorrow is St. Lucia which the Captain says we should be able to get in to.

Third Cruise on Royal Princess

As I wake after a very restless night.  For some reason I just couldn’t sleep.  I was awake until 5 am!

When I do wake Bernie has already gotten the wash in and I grudgingly get up and pull out the bags.  We need to change cabins today.  We don’t mind changing cabins, it is easy.  It allows us to pack up items we do not need and to clean everything and organize again. 

We are in a sideways inside midship.  Wow the storage in here is amazing.  We were in a deluxe Balcony and I find those cabins just don’t have enough storage.  This one has an extra bank of drawers, shelves on the side of the desk, an extra cupboard with three shelves!

Check out the cabins video I did that has all cabin types on the Royal/Regal/Majestic 

In transit passengers (meaning those that are staying on for the next leg) for which there are almost 400 of us, are told to meet in the Princess Theater at 9:30.  Disembarkation is running ahead of schedule and they make announcements that everyone should go to their lounge early.  

Bernie has gone off to get a haircut, a manicure, pick up some wine and some items we have run out of – sunscreen, conditioner, and some sleep aid for me.  I am staying on as I really need to rest and I would be way to grumpy. 

All us in transits head off the ship, going off the ship with our old car.  In the terminal we are taken downstairs in the terminal and told to take a seat.  

While waiting they inform us that it is taking a bit longer due to a medical emergency, and they are waiting for an ambulance.  

Of course the people in the lounge start to grumble and complain that they disembarked them already last night!  I mention that there must be a new patient as they would not say that unless it is true.  

Later I did find out that one of the in transit passengers was trying to head to the lounge and called 911 on board and said their spouse was not breathing.  Medical attended right away and the patient was taken away in an ambulance.  We wish them well.

Once the ship has received the zero count a custom agent is there and all we do is open up our passport to our photo page and show the agent and walk right by. Back up the elevator and right on board.  In all the whole process took about an hour.

Take note that they have free wifi in the terminal so it was easy to update my phone and also install an app from CBC Olympics so we can follow the results of the Olympics while on board.

Once back on board I head straight to the new cabin and unpack and fold everything and get thing straightened out.  Bernie walks in the door soon after.

I still need a nap so Bernie leaves and I crawl into bed.  I manage to sleep for a short while (about an hour) until the announcement comes on for Muster.

We meet up with Roy and Sandra who have just gotten on for 20 days in Vines.

Stefan our wonderful server in Vines

So nice to see them again.

Tonight we already know we need to have an early night.  We head upstairs for dinner in the Horizon Court.  They had Pho soup!  You just let them know what you want in it and they prepare it for you and deliver it to you too.  So yummy.
We then attend the Welcome Aboard Show where Matt hosts and wow there are 800 Canadians! The comedian A.J. Smith does a segment and he is hilarious.

met up with Helga who follows my blog

After the show we stop in the Essence Boutique to buy some cologne for a friend.  If you buy $100 in the shops the first three days you get an extra 10% off, also elites get an additional 10%.  Should note too that the cologne we bought was charged at the wrong price. I thought the total price was high and looked at the bill when we left and yup the scan put in the wrong price than what was on the tag.  We returned to the store and the staff corrected it immediately - of course these things can happen but check your bills

It has been a difficult day, with being so tired, but Princess makes it effortless.

Monday Morning - Arrival into Antigua

Had such a good sleep last night.  There is just something about being at sea and the rocking of the ship to help me sleep. Much better than last night.

I actually sleep in until 9 am and did not even notice that we had docked.  What! 

Weather looks good.  Forecast says it will be 26C/78F and a possibility of showers. When I look out the window it does look nice but there are a few showers and then sun.  So be prepare for everything.

I turn on the wake show and watch Matt O. I am really enjoying him as a Cruise Director, especially all his energy.  

It is cute today because the new, and by new I am mean BRAND NEW Cruise Staff Ryan.  First contract and first cruise ever!  He is smiling and he is being thrown in head first.

  
Yesterday I saw him in the middle of the line dancing trying to learn the steps.  I think it is exciting for him and look to see him progress in the next few cruises.  I like that Matt brings different cruise staff on the Wake Show every day and we get to learn about them.

I finally get my blog posts updated this morning.  With so many people ashore it loads a little bit faster. But have to admit I have to be in the right frame of mind to write and post.

So today we dock at 8 am and all aboard at 4:30 with sailing at 5 pm.

Today we don’t have major plans, our thought is to head off and get lunch but other than that we have no major plans.  We have two busy ports coming up and knew today we did not want to plan anything big.

But for those who have not been here I highly recommend one of the many beaches here.  They say there are 365 beaches here, so one for every day.  Or if you are not into beaches Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights is a great site to check out.  Or just walk off and check out the town St. John’s. 

So I will continue to drink my soy latte (yes all coffee bars on board have soy) and finish watching the Wake Show.

Events this morning:  Bible Study, Walk a Mile, Knitters and Needlepoint Get Together, Basketball Around the World, Team Trivia, Pickle Ball Open Play, Concert Billy Joel on Muts, Golf Putting.