2old4this

On 9/25/2022 at 3:05 PM, Hlitner said:

So hear is my amusing Vet story.  A few years ago, while on a HAL cruise, DW and I decided to go to the MDR for lunch.  When we got to the door, the hostess asked if we would mine joining an elderly gentleman (we were young seniors) to which we said, "yes."  The man was well into his 90s, a widower, and a WWII veteran.  He entertained us for over an hour with WWII stories.  As we were leaving the MDR, that same hostess asked how we enjoyed our lunch.  We said it was enjoyable and his stories were quite interesting.  She just laughed and said, "he always tells those same stories"So we need to keep finding new companions for his table.

 

Hank

P.S.  I am also a vet (Vietnam) but do not tell war stories :).

A Great story, Hank, can make a good dinner.  The best end with the guests all crying and hugging one another.

44 minutes ago, rbtan said:

We did this on Oceania in 2018. We ordered "Foie Gras" and our tablemates had never had it before(I was surprised) I let each try a small piece. 6 orders were immediately placed(including another to replace mine) What was it that "Auntie Mame" said? Ah, yes: "Live! Live! Live! Life is like a banquet & most poor suckers are starving!!"

You have a giant headstart on we who seldom cook, rbtan, but we do enjoy what we eat.  By headstart, I mean you make it known you're a chef and then say that what you are eating is great; "Here, try this,!" you say, and they naturally assume you know the difference between great and decent.  So everyone at your table samples your plate.  I point to my dish of crab apples dipped in something gooey, and suggest a try; my offer falls on deaf ears. I'm no chef and I am best to eat my Crab Apples silently and ignore the rolling eyes. I have never eaten Crab Apples . . . and won't.  Jack Morris

On 8/13/2022 at 11:56 AM, Cruise Raider said:

I love escargot but cannot never get anyone at the table to try them.  If they were made with mushrooms, I'm sure they wouldn't mind it at all.  Heck, they might even like them ... and me, too, as a matter of fact.  I think it would be great to have a choice.  

I'm guilty of asking people near me to try something.  Escargots come to mind.  Why do I do this?  I mean, try to temp anyone to try something on my dish?  What prompts this need of mine to be a food missionary?  Seem crazy to me now having read Cruise Raider's remarks.  I shall no longer want people to taste something on my plate that they appear to be avoiding.  Jack Morris  

10 hours ago, judyjudy56 said:

We were on the Ruby September 24 to October 1. There were 2 production shows Stardust and Color of the Wind. Stardust was just ok. We didn’t go to the other as we had seen it before. There was a comedian in the theater 2 other nights. He was not very funny at all. We didn’t go back. The other entertainer was a singing impressionist who was great. We went to both of his shows. If we are going to the theater we like to have dinner between 5 and 5:30. The shows start at 7:30. 

I certainly agree with your dinner first and then theater schedule, Judy. I'm sorry to read of your disappoinment with some of the theater programs.  For me, going to the theater afer a fine dinner, in a great restaurant and with service beyond belief, is the civilized way to go.  Then, to have a low-grade theater performance . . . how deeply disappointing.

I sail Ruby on 2 December 2022 headed for Galveston via the Canal.  The below Internet photo shows Port Huatulco, Mexico, and the vessel is the Emerald, sister to Ruby.  Kinda makes you 'wanting to go again,' right Judy?  Jack  

On 9/11/2022 at 12:20 PM, LawDog61 said:

After 3 sea days, we arrived in Juneau early today.   The Grand Princess and a Celebrity ship are also in port.   It is truly a beautiful day here, nice after a few days of heavy weather.

Went to an ABBA tribute show last night in the main theater and it was great fun.    We are in port until 8:30 tonight.   I think a lot of people are doing multiple tours.  

I'm on Ruby on 2 December for 16 days to Galveston. How would you rate the theater shows on your cruise.  Professional? Entertaining? A worthwhile devotion of time?  What?  Do you see the show first and then go to dinner? - -  or just the opposite?  Jack  

On 6/28/2022 at 7:00 PM, kiwimum said:

Yes they do have Veterans get together.   On our last cruise FLL to Southampton we had a spry 96year old WWII veteran who was out and about, traveling alone and having a good old time.   

Great Scott!  96.  The poor bugger's outlived 5 morticians, all of whom kept a table open for him. I'm 94 and I know a few things regarding getting old.  Being old, as he was at 96, sex was still alive in him when he was carried aboard.  Inactive, surely, unable, for sure, but frolicing girls in see-thru lace was what was implanted in that man's mind; don't deny him what his fantasies scream night and day (mostly at night with the glass of Merlot).  It is all he's got.

I'm being pushed aboard on 2 December 2022 from SF and determined to see Galveston again.  Don't ask me why.  I never really liked the place.  For me, Galveston is just as bad as spending a 2-week honeymoon in Bakersfield, Ca.

Like my 96-year old elder who made it up the gangplank, I'll be the guy everyone will point to while recalling the white-haired guy with cane and earplugs who wanted to tell everyone what he had done during the Korean War.  Yup!  I'm your guy and please join me over wine some evening, I have some war stories to tell.

On my pending cruise on Ruby, (come on Ruby!) slated for December 2 out of SF, I shall attend whatever the cruise line provides regarding Veterans.  I will be 94 - spry as one can be with cane and hearing buttons - and eager to exaggerate my Korean War experiences to some new listeners. Kids at home have heard my recounting 3 and 4 times.  They just walk away. What I need is a new war so I can spew with fresh stuff.  I got a war wound, too, you'll want to see.  It's below the beltline so we will have to go somewhere we have privacy.  You military nurses might like to see, too, what staples, jelly, and rolls of tape can do.

I uploaded my latest snap.  See below!   I was kinda cute in my AF corporal's uniform in 1950.  If you beg a tad, I might show it in a future post.  Call me Jack.

I have cruised a number of times and I remember that on my Grand Princess cruise between SF, Hawaii, and SF a veteran's coffee and snacks hour was hosted in one of Grand's lounges.  Can someone respond advising if Ruby Princess will do this during its SF, Panama, Galveston cruise set for 2 December 2022?  As it happened on Hawaii cruise, the crowd of vets was large with only two vets claiming the Korean War (I was one of them).

2 minutes ago, 2old4this said:

No laughing matter, Parkinson's, I did a 'last' cruise with my wife, too, we cruised well together and shared lives for 66 happy years.  I have done one cruise out of SF to Hawaii and back by way of Princess with my sweetheart.  For certain, cruising alone does not bring on the exciting moments I once enjoyed.  Just thought I'd jump in here regarding a terrible disease we share.

 

See the attached snap of Freda and me in happy times.  Jack  

I must correct my last quote to replace 'with' and make it 'without' on trip to Hawaii

6 hours ago, ger_77 said:

Yes, that was us!  I'm right beside the divider with my hand extended (there's a wine glass in it in case you can't see it), and my husband is doing a 2 handed wave to the webcam.  We did have a wonderful time on that trip - it was the last one we were able to take with our dear friends before Parkinson's took her from us.  Thanks for the precious memories this photo brings back!

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

No laughing matter, Parkinson's, I did a 'last' cruise with my wife, too, we cruised well together and shared lives for 66 happy years.  I have done one cruise out of SF to Hawaii and back by way of Princess with my sweetheart.  For certain, cruising alone does not bring on the exciting moments I once enjoyed.  Just thought I'd jump in here regarding a terrible disease we share.

See the attached snap of Freda and me in happy times.  Jack  

Going to Hawaii..See this:790287237_1a_HAWAIIWITHKIDS_2.pdf

I book 'suite' at mid-ship.  I sleep well and I don't give a hoot about the activity on the deck above.   What I do always enjoy, no matter where ever I am on a vessel, is the slight tremor of the deck under my feet as the vessel travels about.  I imagine my suite being in the middle of a country club;  this CC, however, is moving and offers me all that CCs provide and foreign ports, too.  A honeymoon at sea and in a HAL suite, too, is bound to be everything two lovers seek when getting to know one another.

See the attached photo of my wife, Freda, and me on a HAL ship as we depart for dinner.

San Francisco has all the qualities of a major port for we who worship deep-water cruising.  All it needs today is a well-managed transport system to and from the port.  If it had a bus line dedicated to moving passengers for a number of cruise lines, this port would rival Seattle, San Diego and Los Angeles in popularity.  Those of us who have always flown to reach our cruise ships want to avoid the flying part in the future.

Here's my plan conceived by a travel experienced person who wants to get going right away.  The Port of San Francisco (SF) contract with a bus company to provide transportation for the passengers for all cruise ships departing and returning to SF.  A decision is made where the pickup and delivery sites would be and the hours and days of their operations.  These 2-hour away initial sites might be Chico, Roseville, and Stockton.  A per passenger fee charged and the luggage rides for free.

To reduce the expected car and passenger congestion at the Port, a brief scan of immunization documents, passports, et al, and the parking of passenger vehicles, are done at the bus stop.  A member of port security might do the initial passenger review.  To further encourage the use of these transports, passengers would be given a small sweet roll and coffee once underway.  The creature comforts of the cruise begin a few miles from home and 2-hours from the waiting ship.

In November 2019, I had a marvelous ride on the Grand Princess out of SF to Hawaii and back.  The Covid-19 hit within days of my return and I feel so very fortunate to have had that satisfying experience.  Now, I want to be bussed to SF from Roseville for a cruise to Mexico and back.  Princess has several headed there this Fall and I want to go!  No bus line yet.  

4 hours ago, 2old4this said:

My last cruise was in November 2019 to Hawaii.  A long sweet voyage to paradise on a Princess.  Just before China released the global bug.  I did a report of that trip and you can view it here.  Jack  

1a_HAWAII WITH KIDS.pdf 1.78 MB · 3 downloads

I'm hoping those of you who have downloaded my photo/text essay re: Hawaii, will comment on my recall of trip.  Jack

My last cruise was in November 2019 to Hawaii.  A long sweet voyage to paradise on a Princess.  Just before China released the global bug.  I did a report of that trip and you can view it here.  Jack  

1a_HAWAII WITH KIDS.pdf

Just now, 2old4this said:

I'm feeling cabinized!  Meaning too many months in my cabin.  My home is fairly large but has become small thus I'm cabinized and need to cruise even if I must do the rowing.  A cruise to Alaska will get me beyond the feeling of 'closed-in', cabinized, and frankly, I can't wait.  I lost my precious mate, Freda, nearly 2-years ago, and the loneliness of that abrupt separation makes my cabinization even more difficult.  This rule of 7-days is not helping one bit.   Pray we get the vaccines in time and all things change.  I'm willing to warmly endorse all sorts of health protocols once aboard, bring them on, and let's 'Go to Alaska'.  What say?

Don't mind me regarding my adding brand new words to my vocabulary: Cabinize and the offshoots, cabinized and cabinization.  Another about to be uncovered is Cabininary; one who polices those who are forcibly cabinized.  Words are fun, so bear with me.

I'm feeling cabinized!  Meaning too many months in my cabin.  My home is fairly large but has become small thus I'm cabinized and need to cruise even if I must do the rowing.  A cruise to Alaska will get me beyond the feeling of 'closed-in', cabinized, and frankly, I can't wait.  I lost my precious mate, Freda, nearly 2-years ago, and the loneliness of that abrupt separation makes my cabinization even more difficult.  This rule of 7-days is not helping one bit.   Pray we get the vaccines in time and all things change.  I'm willing to warmly endorse all sorts of health protocols once aboard, bring them on, and let's 'Go to Alaska'.  What say?

Since the cruise is designed to be for 10 days and not 7, it tells me Princess is speculating that the vaccine will be changing conditions come May 2021.  I think Princess will also ask guests to be tested within 3-days of boarding.  Proof of testing might expedite boarding, as well.

I signed on to the 10-day Alaska with Princess.  I was surprised they were even going to Alaska when I did.  I'm not holding my breath it will even leave SF in May.  So much hangs on getting the vaccines.  I will not be surprised if they require taking the vaccine before boarding.  And the 7-day limit for cruising is a little stiff.  What, pray tell, was their reasoning behind such a short travel allowance?  Also Canada's tie up of her ports is not an easy snag to get around, either.  I paid my reservation fee and, like you, I'm pacing my little room while I wait.

3 hours ago, staygulf said:

When did you cancel and under what circumstances?

I was afraid cancelling early might impact refunding.  I am in no hurry now and will wait until the last possible minute to wrap it.  Truth is, I'm determined to go and I want it to happen.  When they report they can't fulfill the contract and Island Princess remains idle, I will request cash back.  Losing cash is a bad way to close out a cruise.  Sorry to read of it.  Jack 

6 hours ago, AF-1 said:

Thanks for the great trip report.  Safe travels back to Toronto

Some passengers on Island recently listed complaints about the ship.  You never mentioned any that I can recall, staying positive from day 1 to the end.  Your mindset appears to have been high and enthusiastic . . . which rubs off on me and your many readers.  I pray your return home to Canada will be comfortable and safe.  Jack 

6 hours ago, AF-1 said:

Thanks for the great trip report.  Safe travels back to Toronto

1 hour ago, tcmagnum said:

I have to admit, this is pretty dang cool.  What a great trip you are having!!

Indeed!  Nice to have the health, time, and the cash to take on such a lengthy adventure, Weynetor.  The part I really dislike is the night just before you reach your departure port when the ship's passengers are ALL busy getting luggage packed and doing the cabin's drawers and closets for missing socks.  I hate to leave luggage in the hallway all night, too, given my years of police investigations and drug trafficking.

I believe I have read and enjoyed everyone of your daily reports, and later, your photo coverage.  As you know, Weynetor, I did the daily reporting while on Grand Princess last November and then assembled that reporting in an overall paper (see below).  So I understand the discipline one must have to keep writing as you have faithfully done - and done well.  I thank you for the coverage and for the several times you responded directly to me.

I will take Island Princess out in July across the north Atlantic.  I feel I know her a little bit better all because of you.  Welcome home!  Jack

 1a_HAWAII WITH KIDS.pdf

15 hours ago, mayleeman said:

Nary a peep from the OP?

 

Many similar posts in the Celebrity forum about people cancelling Millenium cruises before Celebrity did, then griping and threatening ("I will never cruise with them again!") because the cancellation fees were not waived. Which they were, retroactively, just as done by Princess here.

 

And, as here, the biggest gripers never came back to admit the cruise line had acted pretty generously, indeed, far more than required under the contract. 

Mayleeman:  Too many of we cruisers write our first words of complaint on any given cruise-related subject emotionally and not delay much to gather further evidence.  Too often we strike out while hoping we will gain a following and thus can demand change through supporter numbers.  You and I sometimes read these initial remarks by the swift complainers, think about them, and frequently find our own delays were worth the pausing.

The various cruise and airlines don't want to offend and drive away their loyal passengers.  Given a few days into a crisis in travel like Corona, the various lines scramble to save their businesses, make adjustments where they can, and make offers few of us can refuse.  I am naturally positive on such things and expect my July cruise on Island Princess to be all it can be.  Jack 

1a_HAWAII WITH KIDS.pdf

You are getting the most out of your 59 days aboard Island.  That's for sure!  Was the climb to the tower worth the effort?  Have any idea what one of those boats would cost should you have been in the market for one.  Finally, was the visit to Easter Island as great as I have long imagined - I always wanted to see it as one of my bucket list destinations.  Jack  

58 minutes ago, Waynetor said:

Boats were judged close up out of water and then by sea trials

 

first pic won

second pic was great but declined to do sea trail

Great write-up and sharp photos, too.  Thanks.  Jack