Northern Light

Our second cruise but first of many with Princess.  We did a Mediterranean Cruise on the Emerald in  2008, first time to Europe.   Loved Europe with it's beautiful architecture and so much history to experience.    It was quite sobering to look out over the Colosseum and realize what horrible events happened here.    
 

First of all, thank you CruzeQueen2 for your comments about the symphony which sent me online to search for the video.   Apparently it took two days to put everything together.   It buoyed my spirits watching it so promptly started to forward to friends.  In these strange times, we need positive things to help us thru.  Just finished a cup of tea along with a Princess chocolate from our last cruise in September.    DH gave me his every night so I squirreled them both away to bring home (his and my chocolates not him!).  I enjoy a piece of chocolate every once in a while to remind me how much we have enjoyed our cruises.   At this point we are unsure whether we will cruise again but count ourselves so very lucky to cruised many times and to see so many amazing places.    Also lucky to have maintained some of the friendships we developed on board.  

I am also grateful that we are heading into spring and not the beginning of winter.  It is good to step outside and have a walk.   Social spacing happens (like crossing the road) when encountering others and just give a wave and a smile.  While my cataract surgery was cancelled, I am fine to go longer.    Again, grateful that I am not dealing with something more serious and treatment being on hold.

We will very much miss not being with our grandson when he turns 4 in a few weeks but grateful to have Facetime.   I read him books but running out of material.  L0L!   Our 18 month granddaughter is oblivious to it all.   Sure do feel for their parents though as are both trying to work from home and keep the kids occupied.  Again grateful that they can do this and have not lost their jobs (and hopefully won't).

This thread was great idea.  Stay well everyone.

Sandy

Have only read a few pages when a poster mentioned this youtube video of members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra playing Copeland’s Applacian Spring. Watch and enjoy.

Forgive me if it has already been posted.

Sandy

Personally, first time in Paris, would recommend that see what you can but not spend it at the Louvre. It is a three hour trip into Paris and the same returning.  This was in 2012.  We took the Princess shuttle into Paris and then spent around 3 1/2 hours on our own.  We had three things on our list we hoped to see:   The Eiffel Tower/Trocadero, Notre Dame (sadly, can't do that now) and l'arc de triomphe.   We caught a taxi at Notre Dame to drop us off at l'arc and then, luckily, got on a bus to take us back to our Princess pick up spot.   Should mention that the Avenue des Champs-Élysées  was in full rush hour mode and we were on pins and needles that we wouldn't get back in time....we did but it reminded me to always take a contact number.  Everyone in Paris takes taxis so they are not easy to grab especially in rush hour.  Friends took the excursion that gave them a cruise down the Seine with lunch and then shopping.  They were happy with the cruise down the river but would have have been happy to do something other than shopping.   Definitely go see the Eiffel and then you if you just want to feel the flavour of Paris, find an outdoor cafe and watch the world go by.    Any excursion into Paris  is basically just a teaser.   To do Paris proper, you must return some day.  The drive in is beautiful with fields of yellow canola.  Keep your eye out for a miniature version of the Statute of Liberty in the river on the drive in and feel your excitement as you finally glimpse the top of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.  The excursion may be brief but it can be enjoyed.

Thank you.

I am considering a solo cabin.  Is there a grab bar in the shower and where is the toilet. Thanks for posting photos.

There is usually a photo display near passenger services which shows names of some you might wish to invite to your M&G.  It is always better to address envelopes and invitation with the names of invited guests.  We have always enjoyed having many crew attend our M&Gs but it is not always possible for them as duty will call.   Some captains aren’t that personable while others enjoy meeting Cruise Critic passengers. Would also suggest that if you see the cruise director, invite him/her personally and ask they can find out if others received your invitation.  Sometimes crew simply does not receive the invite.  This has happened a few times.  Also on two occasions have had to pay for a microphone so be aware.   Having a micophone can be quite helpful.

Sandy

Thank you h-sar for your kindess in taking photos of the chairs.  Unfortunately they tell me that I will never get DH on this particular ship. It is what it is.  Thanks again and have a Happy New Year.

Sandy

I have a question about the chairs in the Marketplace.   From the photos, they all look the same.   When we were on the CB recently the did have those chairs but also another choice.  The back was more solid down to the seat with just a vertical cutout in middle.   Are there any on the Sky like this?  Thanks for posting all the pictures and the comments of life onboard.

Sandy 

On 10/14/2019 at 9:17 PM, 4cats4me said:

Leaving Puerto Vallarta 

 

Fabulous photo.  Love that one can see all the layers and colours in the clouds.

Sandy

5 hours ago, ONT-CA said:

Currently aboard the Caribbean Princess I was greeted at the entrance of the buffet area by two staff members "inviting" me to use the newly wall mounted and installed open sinks to wash my hands before proceeding.  The well placed and easily used sinks supply ample soap, running hot water and immediate disposable paper towels.  An excellent idea especially for those who are returning from tours who proceed directly to the buffet area.  Well done!!!

Unfortunately, crew only does this for a few days and then they give up.  We were on the CB last month and was happy to see the hand washing stations.   One time a group walked right by without either using Purell or the sink to wash hands.   Then I saw the man swipe his nose with his hand.  Called him on it but it was like talking to a brick wall.   Do my best to take sanitizer with me and use it after going thru the Markeplace and before eating.  

 If you are on the royal class ships like the royal, the showerhead in the nini suite is on a hose that you can pull down.  You can request a bath seat for the tub which you should do ahead of time.   I used to do that until I had a bad experience of a provided seat which belonged in the garbage as it was defective, old and in horrible shape so it was an accident waiting to happen.  Thankfully on that particular cruise we spent time in London before hand and since the hotel did not have bath seats available, we took one with us.  Since then I purchased a bath stool instead of a bath bench, both of which can be taken apart and assembled without the need of a screwdriver and packs easily into our checked luggage.   If you want to discuss further details of getting in and out of the tub, please feel free to email me at  Soaring2005 at yahoo dot ca

sandy

When we were on The Royal, most trivia games were in Club 6.  Evening games were in Princess Live.  You are correct that Princess Live is not a comfortable place nor the best place for trivia IMHO but it is what it is.

2 hours ago, Mackenzie1 said:

I just got on the CB for the Canada/Greenland cruise. I’m very excited about this cruise, but was surprised that Princess no longer offers the Korbel champagne splits. The only champagne by the glass offered  now is Prosecco, and for $10 a glass.  Other champagnes are offered, but only by the bottle.

Hope you post along the way.   Have been patiently waiting for the CB to leave port...sure is late. Listening to the chatter.  A bit ago it was mentioned about meeting two guests and wonder if they were going on the CB.  Now they are about to weigh anchor and get underway.  Have an awesome cruise.

18 minutes ago, rdsqrl said:

It was super easy to get a taxi this morning; they were lined up ready and waiting when I disembarked (my time was 9.15, although they were running about 30 minutes early, so I was outside in the taxi line by about 8.50am or so).  The line moved quickly.  One caveat:  the walk to the taxi line is very long and seemingly circuitous  -- it's not like in FLL or some other ports where it's only a few yards from baggage claim to the curbside.  There was a stage set-up for the comedy festival in town, so I don't know if the walkway had to be routed around that outdoor stage or if it's always like that, but if you have a great deal of luggage, you might want to plan on a porter just in case.  There were plenty of those available, too.    

 

Had dinner down in Vieux Quebec this evening and the CB was all lit up and looked lovely.   

Thank you very much rdsgrl for your kindness in letting us know about the taxi situation.   We so very much appreciate having this knowledge beforehand.  My luggage is on spinner wheels, DH's isn't so a porter will be worthwhile.  Enjoy your time in Quebec City and safe journey when you head home.

Sandy

1 hour ago, Ombud said:

Oh Northern Light what a dreadful injury! Did you have Princess Insurance or absolutely none? (If you dont mind my being nosey)

I guess my words weren’t correct...I broke my ankle a long time ago and not when cruising.  Just understanding what 1stCruiser is going thru.

sandy

If it is convenient, I have a favour to ask.  If anyone plans on taking a taxi upon disembarkation, would you be so kind as to post your experience in this forum.  Taxis are a dime a dozen in Ft. Lauderdale but suspect QC will be very different so would aopreciate knowing how difficult this was.  Thanks a bunch.

Thanks CruiseVA for posting the Patters...most helpful.

Sandy

1 hour ago, 1stCruiser said:

Well, I won't be disembarking tomorrow as planned as we are already off the ship. On Sunday (Saint-John) while visiting the Bay of Fundy, I fell and broke my ankle. After xrays at the emergency showed it was indeed a break (requiring surgery), my DH had to go back and pack up our bags. Customer service was very helpful and someone helped DH get all our things together.  They even packed up the 2 dozen water bottles.  My DH gave them to the security people - he had enough bags to lug on his own!  After spending the night at the hospital, we decided to drive home to Montreal (10 hour painful ride) so that I could have the surgery here at home. 

 

We always think these things happen to other people… well, they don't. Although I have medical insurance, we did not have trip insurance, so no possibility of recovering part of the cost of the cruise. I guess some will say the moral of the story is to have trip insurance, so we'll see for next time… 

 

Thanks CruiseVA for posting the Patters. I have kept all the Patters from all my cruises but unfortunately my DH forgot to take them during the kerfuffle of packing.

 

Well, we did have 8 fabulous days out of the 13 planned. We will definitely have to do this itinerary again - hopefully all 13 days next time! 

 

Safe travels home to everyone and happy future cruising.  

I am so sorry that your trip ended this way.  I have broken my ankle so can emphasize what you are going through.  You will be happy that you are home for the surgery and recovery.  Take care.

I enjoyed following along on this journey and thanks to all the on board posters.  So sorry that your day in Quebec City is a soggy one...guess you will just have to return some day.  Safe jouney home and if you are continuing on the cruise, enjoy the rest of your voyage and hope you still post along the way.

Sandy

Halifax has many port webcams so it was super easy and fun to watch as the CB sailed into port. Looks like a lovely day so hope everyone enjoys it.

Very much appreciate all the comments, either good or bad, of experiences of those on the ship.  We board in September.

20 hours ago, Pepper0074 said:

Clingstone will be seen easily from the ship. It is in the East Passage just off of Jamestown and the ship will sail right passed it. In fact, you should be able to see Clingstone from the ship when she is at anchor.

 

That being said, a sailboat tour of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay is fabulous. I highly recommend Sight Sailing. They are on Bowen's Wharf.

Thank you very much for all of the information you provided and will look into the sailboat tour.

Sandy

A request please if it is convenient and you think of it.  We are on the CB Canada/New England cruise in September that includes Newport.  We can't make up our minds what to do there but considering the land/sea excursion. I would really like to see the Clingstone House on the Rocks and wonder if you will cruise by it going into port where the ship will anchor.  No sense going on the sea cruise excursion if the same thing can be seen from the ship.  Thanks a bunch.  Bon Voyage everyone and wish you calm seas and blue skies.  I will love watching the ship leaving Ft Lauderdale today knowing we will soon be on it. 

Sandy 

52 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

 

The free internet minutes are still provided to Platinum/Elite passengers & I had the option to exchange them onboard for an additional 25% discount off the advance purchase price..

 

I’ve never seen a complimentary gift for an unlimited plan & I’d check with Princess or my TA to explain the gift.

That relieves my mind about the free minutes and will certainly contact Princess to explain the gift. Thank you. 

Need some clarification.  Will be on the CB for 10 days so I should be getting 250 minutes free.   Then I read in a post that free minutes are no longer there for Platinum and Elite but info on the personalizer doesn't say that.   In addition, this is a medallion ship and the following is according to my personalizer.  Do not know what it means.  My head is spinning.

2 minutes ago, CruiseVA said:

The medallions are actually magnetic, I held two in one hand once and the snapped together.  The cards on Medallion cruises do not have a magnetic strip, they're RFID. Some hotels use those type of cards as well. In those hotels they sometimes let you use your phone to unlock the door.

Thank you very much, CruiseVA for that information.