LadyL1

7 hours ago, Crown Cruiser said:

I have read that some of the ships have a new menu for Sabatini's.  Has the menu changed on the Royal?

 

Thanks

As we have never been on Princess before I cannot comment, so here  are a few photos that might or might not seem new to you.

4 desserts

3 different mini lasagne 

Tiramisu

All delicious.

I am on a Princess ship right now, and the room access and technology is light years ahead of Cunard. I hope the QA embraces the new age.

Last night I went to the theatre to see the show  “The Secret Silk”. Quite avant gard for a cruise ship production, which was pulled off well with the technical challenges: much appreciated by the audience.

It has been quite a strange day after docking in glorious sunshine this morning. Lunchtime saw thick fog descend upon Mazatlan, the temperature plummeting. Folks who we spoke to got very cold out on tours, especially if they were on small boats. Fortunately this only lasted a couple of hours.

This evening we watched the Navigator of the Seas depart, which had been berthed directly infront of us, before a second visit to Sabatinis.

Cabo San Lucas tomorrow, and our plan is to find a lovely restaurant for lunch and have a lazy day in the sun, and wander around further back from the shore. This will be a tender port so 🤞that the ocean is kind or us.

@muffin asked about laundry. We are in a suite, left a bag of laundry yesterday morning which was returned this evening when cabin was serviced: this was just marked as regular and not “express”.

3 hours ago, Redwing55 said:

Hope you heat those pools up for us boarding in San Fran on Friday.  More than likely, just wishful thinking on my part.  Thanks for your "live" though!

Redwing55

I have swam every day: the first 48 hours I was mostly alone. As the pools have warmed with the air temp, the less hardy have emerged! The hot tubs are always busy, but they are not for me.

I am sure you will have a wonderful cruise on Friday: I would happily stay on ship.

Ibfluffy - Crown Grill $25.

Yesterday, Puerto Vallerta was hot and interesting, but not a place I would wish to stay on a prolonged vacation. Manzanillo was charming, lovely beaches near the port that has a mountainous backdrop.

Last night on the lido deck, at 10.15pm there was a “Hot, Hot Music Session” live band, dancing and the Terrace Grill open. Perhaps not quite for my age group but all seemed to be having a great time in the evening warmth.

My first negative of the cruise so far, was that at lunchtime, the service was appallingly slow in Alfredo’s. Such a pity as our first visit was impressive. Albeit the wait time, the meal was tasty, with profuse apologies: probably our last visit!

As I write, we have commenced our voyage northwards, and that means SFO bound, but we still have 2 more ports of call to look forward to, and no doubt some good evening meals.

Hopefully I will get a good workout in pool in the next hour or so. Earlier the The Retreat pool was packed with those just cooling off from the intense heat, and no possibility of a good swim. Maybe these cruise lines should have smaller pools for “bobbers” who can sit themselves in with drinks and for a chat!😄 Always a first for everything!!

Another perfect sea, with the temperature rising by the hour. Mid morning the whales gave us a display of breaching and blowing, then around lunchtime we sailed past Cabo San Lucas with a pretty good view of the rocks and ships at anchor.

The sun is bringing folks out onto the decks and by the pools. I had another good daily workout in the Retreat pool, and have to say this is one of the best ship’s pool I have swam in: depth ideal! It is pleasing to see that the crew really seem to adhere to the “adult only” theme to this area.

Tonight we ate in Sabatinis, which we feel is certainly the best eating venue on board. Each morning breakfast has been a pleasure, and this evening the meal was superb. Afterwards as the air temperature was 72 degrees it was fitting to finish the day with a stroll around the open deck. There were certainly more people watching the movie under the stars and a beautiful moon.

Below is the exquisite tiramisu, I had tonight.

We passed by her this lunchtime from a distance, sailing south!😊

We are on the Royal Princess ( first time with this line) and at lunchtime we were passing the rocks of Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Look what we did espy! The photo is very grainy because of distance, but the weather is gorgeous here off the Mexican coast.

On the Royal  now. The earliest we have been to the Concierge Lounge is about 3.00pm, and drinks were available. Good quality sprits

, beer and wine all served by an attentive steward. A great shame this venue lacks an ocean view, but the ambience is lovely. We have met some interesting travellers to converse with.

 Corrine is definitely on the ship for this cruise.

As has been said, the internet seems very good on this cruise. We have forward accommodation and connectivity has never been a problem.  Extremely impressed with the Medallion App, which works a treat and so useful: so much better than continually signing for drinks etc.

A little about the food. The first night we ate in the Crown Grill, well after 7.00pm. We found it manic at first, although it did rapidly quieten after our arrival. This rather spoilt the ambience of a “premium” restaurant, although the steak and lobster mains we had were good. Club Class dining certainly seems to be worth the premium as we have seen a few queues outside restaurants, and this is when the e ship is not full. This lunchtime we tried Alfredo’s (Italian) and will certainly go again.

it is so pleasant being at sea with perfect conditions: the Mexican coast can be seen at times quite clearly, on the port side. Another sea day tomorrow before Puerto Valletta.

Plenty of enjoyment for all tastes on board. A formal night this evening, and hopefully we have the correct attire!

6 hours ago, KLM3164 said:

 

@LadyL1I know you said in our roll call you have CC dining but I haven’t met you yet. What time do you go down for lunch and dinner? We have been sitting at tables covered by Samuel and Maria as we really like them. 

KLM3164

We generally do not eat before 7.30 in the evening, and hence take a late lunch. So far have found that we have had numerous waiters!

We boarded Royal Princess yesterday in SFO: very efficient process checking in and through security. What did amaze me was, when the first announcement was made for boarding of “full suites” it seemed to have slipped many people’s mind at what level they were travelling, by the numbers rushing forward!

On QE there is not a unit in front of you and the bedroom area can be partitioned with thick curtains. Loved the space!

21 minutes ago, LittleFish1976 said:

 

It seems that I have indeed booked the one in the middle - 5198 - so it's a Q6 in fact. ……….

 

We have had 5198 on QE; the space is wonderful and would have no hesitation booking again. Enjoy your cruise.

Agree with Sue-B about aft suites. We ask for no upgrade because prefer the layout compared with Q4. Our next cruise on QV later this year is in a Q4, as even 18months out when we booked, all Q5/6’s were sold out, so a lot of people must like them!

Absolutely not possible in UK. The USA has far better T&C’s (ad prices) than across the pond for most lines.

20 hours ago, memoak said:

……..But it sounds like the next ship coming out the Sun is more of what you are looking for. Some of us do not care for the Cunard style classes

Wow, that is a bit harsh! Have had many pleasant trips on Cunard, and it is not at all obvious around general ship who pays at what level; mainly so in the smaller dining rooms that are allocated. Compared with modern Celebrity, NCL and MSC ships, Cunard are way down on segregation! Do you not fly main stream airlines because they have separate cabins?

We sail on Royal next week, and looking forward to their experience. It would be boring if all lines proffered the same: after all, variety is the spice of life, so will enjoy whatever.

From Cunard….

Please ensure that you book a tour ticket for your infant via My Cunard.

Note that all minors (those under 18) must be accompanied by an adult on shore excursions.

We ask parents and guardians to note that children must not be left unaccompanied on the ship while the ship is in port. There is no facility offered on board to look after your children if you go ashore.

1 hour ago, Lynnewob said:

We used the Steigenberger and caught a taxi to the join QM2 which took about 10 minutes. 

 

The hotel is on the watersedge and a short walk into main area where the Town Hall is.

Also stayed here and would recommend. Great city location.

7 hours ago, bjkTX said:

I hear you.  When we got back the lines in Houston were almost as bad - 20 booths available but only 2 with operators...  I have been looking at the TA - we'll see 🙂  Thanks!

Princess have some fab cruises to  Norway (and the northern destinations) from Southampton, if you could make it work for you! Hope you get something sorted and the Atlantic crossings from NY all year (another line) are wonderful to avoid the tedium of long flying hours.

On 1/8/2023 at 3:58 PM, bjkTX said:

I have been looking at that cruise - it's on the top of my interest list since it's an area we haven't been to.  But I can't make myself agree to travel to Southampton (through Heathrow) again after doing it for a British Isles cruise last October.  Heathrow was a disaster and the lines went on forever and then emptied into other lines that went forever.  But it sure looks like a fantastic cruise!!!

For us from the UK, lines are the same for entering USA! Have you thought of taking transatlantic crossing from NY to Southampton and return to tie in with a Northern Lights cruise? Can highly recommend if you have time.

The Lofoten Islands are very special, and the bird life magnificent. You have booked a wonderful cruise on a lovely ship, so hope you enjoy every moment!

Great choice! Enjoy👍

It would help if we knew what number cabin you are talking about, regarding light and space.