soccergang

We just returned from a cruise on the Ruby, and the cruise director, Peter Tredgett, performed the non-denominational service. We were impressed with him overall, and he did an excellent job. (helping him was one of the performers, Rob Watkins who later in the week entertained us)

Just a comment about San Pedro/LAX. We just returned from a cruise, and was surprised that we couldn't check our bags from the ship directly to our home airport. Also, we are currently waiting for an interview for Global Entry, but a person told us that LAX doesn't use that. I'm sure it will help in other countries, but wasn't sure why they didn't use it there. Anyone know anything about that?

We are doing the 28 day cruise in March of 2018 to Hawaii and South Pacific, and looking forward to it.

Paul, that might normally be OK for us, but for a longer cruise, not sure we could handle to the luggage. Any other thoughts?

We'll be on the Ruby in another nine days--getting me thinking about the wonderful oatmeal cookies already.

You can check your cruise personalizer, and put in EZAir flight request. It will show you the time they suggest you depart. We are on a TA next year, and it says 11:00 would be the earliest.

Tracie, I always enjoy your "live from" posts. They will have to hold me until next month for our cruise to the "Mexican Riviera". (we got a better deal on air and cruise from LAX than FLL. Enjoy your voyage!!

Thank you Bob and Holli for allowing us to see your beautiful cabin, and to share the voyage with you. Travel safely home--I'm sure Misha will be happy to have you both home again.

Jan

Thank you for posting your insight. We have been on both lines, and they each have their strong points. Overall, we do like Princess best.

That doesn't look good. Maybe I need to re-think this cruise we have booked for next year on the Crown....

Bob, I know you and Holli must be very disappointed. Missing Lerwick (Shetland Islands) two years in a row is a big drag. We are doing this cruise next year, so I hate hearing that. Hopefully, the cruise will be all positive from here on out.

Jan

I am enjoying reading about your trip. Nice job and keep it coming, please!

We applied and were approved last week. However, the earliest we can get an appointment is mid-December in the Atlanta area.

Following along with all your adventures. Have a great time!

I'll be following along, as we are doing this similar itinerary next year on the Crown. (my husband is an educator, and will be retiring at the end of the school year. So, our first chance to do a transatlantic) I enjoyed your "live" last year. Enjoy the anticipation of soon being on the way.

Jan

Enjoying your photos and commentary very much. (as always) We were doing the PC cruise on the Island around the same time. I agree with the motion sickness. Not sure if it is always that way, but we were really rocking and rolling on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. They had to move the party from the deck to the atrium. There were many people suffering on New Year's Day--not due to being hungover, but motion sickness. All in all, a wonderful cruise, and I would do it again.

We love Princess, and are now Elite. It is hard to go on another line, and lose out on the benefits, which are very nice. However, when traveling with our adult children, we usually go on Carnival, since Princess doesn't do the Caribbean in the summer anymore. We tried the Oasis of the Seas, but it was during spring break week. (husband is an educator) We were disappointed that they didn't have any tables to share during dinner. We enjoy meeting other people, since it is normally only the 2 of us eating dinner together. The only time we shared was with the Catholic priest they had on board for the week. Also, I missed the afternoon tea. We are big coffee drinkers, but enjoy the mid-afternoon break, and the scones are delightful on Princess. We also tried Holland this past April, and we thought we'd love it, but were disappointed. Older crowd, food decent, but otherwise not a great time. I will say that Holland does have many great itineraries that we would like, but we probably won't go back again. So, our #1 choice is Princess and #2 Carnival. We did go on a cruise on NCL back in 1978, when The Love Boat was on TV. We did enjoy that--had a porthole back then (no balconies, minis, etc) Everyone has their favorites, and Princess suits us. We've met many great folks while traveling. That said, I've enjoyed every cruise. I love not having to pack and unpack, as we often do when doing land trips. No cooking or cleaning for a week+. Can't beat it!!

Normally, they usually have opened up the bookings in March for the following year. However, last year, we booked Europe 2017 in December of 2015. So, not sure if they were be early again this year.

Our daughter & family have been waiting for over 2 hours. We have been on for 2 1/2 hours. No luggage being brought on board yet.

Maybe it is time for us to find a new travel agent??? That is a great deal from Princess and your TA!

That sure is a quick turnaround!!

It is on deck 5, midship. Yes, a much smaller version of the International Cafe. There were times on our last cruise that there were no pastries available. So, a little disappointing compared to what we've had on other Princess ships. However, we had a great cruise through the Panama Canal. We probably gained less weight in the 15 days, since we weren't stopping by that area as often.

I agree with previous responses. Captain Hook probably told Princess, not the other way around. We were there for such a short period of time, and never even ate at the hotel. (so many local places to try) The Hilton is also very nice. Take the $50.00 and enjoy it!! Don't let this hamper your Princess cruise experience to Alaska. It is beautiful--we are heading back for our 5th time in 2017.

Yes. We were on the Island Princess recently, and enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the MDR. It is so much nicer to enjoy a quiet venue, compared to the crowded Horizon Court.

I wonder how many passengers are on the ship. I know the majority will embark today in FLL.

Sounds like someone is pulling my leg, since it is April 1. Also--the new Princess 'motto' is Come Back New.