2old4this

Just now, SiliconCruiser said:

I noticed that you're in the Sacramento area.  If you're on a Zoe's tour package, Zoe's husband Luigi, is sometimes the Maître'd on the Grand (if he hasn't retired.)

No, no tour this time.  Private purchase and off we go.

1 minute ago, SiliconCruiser said:

Prime Rib tends to be on the first night's menu on most Princess cruises.  Lobster is usually on the menu on the last formal night except on Alaskan cruises where they have King crab.

While I have you . . . Formal nights for dinner.  Are most people in their best attire or what?  I like the Cunard approach of black and white, low lighting, and quiet enjoyment for the grand moment that all of we seated have before us.

1 minute ago, SiliconCruiser said:

 

I'm not sure what areas you mean when you refer to water in the walkways.  You can expect water on the outside decks anytime, as well as on your balcony on occasion.  After all, it's a ship ... in the ocean ... 😁.  As for your suite, it should be adequate for your needs, perhaps close to the size of a small studio apartment (minus kitchen) in a congested urban city.  I'm sure I saw some people playing chess, though it does not stand out clearly in my memory as to where.  As I recall, November would put you on either a Mexico or Hawaii cruise on the Grand.

 

Hawaii!  As for the water in the walkways, another person mentioned it on another ship and I made the error here.  I like your description of a 'congested urban city'.  I have my son with me and he goes to chess matches no matter where, such is his love for the intellectual challenge.  I'm hoping he will chess-down, stay busy, and be content for those lovely sea days.

8 minutes ago, Gimer said:

Always eat in the Main Dining room on the first night,  I order the End Cut Prime rib.  Outside is crusty/salty and the other side is rear/pink.  Out of 8 cruises, I've returned it once.  I was over-medium rear.  

8 minutes ago, Gimer said:

Always eat in the Main Dining room on the first night,  I order the End Cut Prime rib.  Outside is crusty/salty and the other side is rear/pink.  Out of 8 cruises, I've returned it once.  I was over-medium rear.  

Does that mean that End Cut Prime Rib is hard to get later in the voyage?  When you write rear/pink, do you mean rare/pink?

1 hour ago, Lyndonn said:

What condition is the Grand in now?  We’re booked on her for Oct 2020, LAX to Shanghai (30 nights).

 

 We just disembarked the Golden last month and she still has a lot of leaks...especial in the hallways.  I heard the Golden will be going to PO at the end of next year.  

Hello Lyndonn.  In what ways does the ship Grand compare with your Holland-America cruise ship?  I liked Holland vessels and this future Grand vacation is first time  with Princess for me.

12 minutes ago, dara90210 said:

We loved the aft adult only pool and spent most afternoons in it.  It wasn't warm enough until the third sea day at the beginning to use it, and we were only able to use it on the port afternoons and first sea day back to San Francisco.  We enjoyed every second we got to use it!

Were you two the only ones using the aft adult pool?  What is there about this pool that makes it for adults only - other than the sign saying so?

1 hour ago, SiliconCruiser said:

 

The Grand is an old ship, first of Princess' Grand class.  It is due to be moved from it's home port of San Francisco to Singapore in 2020, and the Star Princess (another Grand class ship) is supposed to replace it with San Francisco as it's homeport.  Presuming that you will be embarking from San Francisco, be aware that traffic around Pier 27 is a incredibly congested when the Grand is in port, starting with disembarking passengers early in the morning and embarking passengers later in the morning.  Traffic is controlled by off-duty SFPD officers on the street side, but union porters control everything on the dock.  Mix that in with the usual traffic congestion in the City and you pretty much have a nice mess that you'll have to be patient with.  Avoid driving into the City and parking your car there, use a public conveyance or have a friend drive you to the pier; auto burglaries are common in San Francisco, especially in lots that are recommended for cruise passengers.

 

Contrary to any information (or misinformation) that you might get from Princess, you can usually start boarding around 11AM.  If you get on board early and can drop your carry-on bag in your stateroom, you can go to the DaVinci  dining room for a sit down lunch (ship personnel will try to steer you to the buffet and may fib about the dining room being available.)  DaVinci does close at 1PM for lunch service.  First night dining in the three dining rooms is usually mass confusion, go early (5PM) or late (after 7:30) if you can.  The Horizon Court (14th floor buffet) is good for breakfast, okay for lunch, and absolutely horrid for dinner.  Unless there have been major changes, use the dining rooms for dinner.  If you have Anytime Dining, and plan on eating between 5:30 and 7:30, make reservations in the morning otherwise you'll probably be holding a pager for a while before being seated.  Bars are a big money maker for the cruise lines, you'll find them all over the ship.  Waiters have also been trained to offer you "exclusive" wine tastings (I think they must get a commission for each sale.)

 

Princess has a nasty reputation for trying to sell you something everytime you turn around, and they do live up to that reputation, so be aware.  Also do be aware that much of the merchandise (clothing, souveniers, etc.) that they sell on the ship is made specifically for Princess.   If you're going to Hawaii, do be aware that the first couple of days out of San Francisco can be a little rough, so you might want to pack some OTC motion sickness medications/remedies if you are prone. 

WOW!  All I can say to you SiliconCruiser, is Wow as I reflect on your great answer to a traveler's questions.  Nice response.  Thank you, thank you.

I'm a first-timer on Princess and I just now learned a lot.  I have cruised many times with other lines and I love cruising.  I go SF to SF in late November, 2019.  Do you, SiliconCruiser, remember guests playing chess anywhere?  And what about the water in the walkways?  I have C-424 on Carrib Deck - can you speak to it's interior space at all?  Jack

On 8/13/2019 at 2:33 PM, cougaraz said:

We were under weight on each bag, but we did not pack lightly. 

As you began your travel to Paradise, the preparation and all, I began to get antsy to be off and gone, as well.  I take the same cruise on 18 November and wish my bags were going aboard right now.  First time for me on Princess and new to Grand, as well.  I am hoping your coverage (text and photos) will be as complete as you have already texted.  Jack Morris - Cabin 424, Carrib Deck.

11 hours ago, ian441672 said:

Hi

 

Firstly thanks for all your comments and observations from my last thread about 'Dressing Gown questions and other observations'. Thought some people might want an update as to what happened now we are home, dry, safe and sound!

 

In brief, we booked the large aft Owners Suite at the very rear of the boat. We don't take what we can afford for granted and are very appreciative and grateful that for the hard work and saving well that we do, so we can just about afford this luxury. We were looking forward to relaxing in this room with the sweeping views that it affords. We were escorted on as suite/Elite guests, had a nice CC lunch since all the doors leading to the rooms on each floor are closed off until 1pm, booked the Sanctuary for first day (waste of money, since it was blowing such a gale and was quite cool, they only charged us $40 rather than 80$ for whole day which was good), and acquainted ourselves with the ship.

 

Anyway, on the morning of our second day, my wife was in the shower and I was wondering around the room, then I felt a drip of water on my head, followed by several more. I saw water seeping through the smoke detector, as fair and steady flow. Then looking around I counted 6 other 'trickles' of varying degrees coming through the roof. Quickly scrambling for ice buckets, bins, glasses I tried to capture the water to save the carpet from getting sodden. Shouting out to the wife, I called front desk to explain what was happening. Within 5 minutes our brilliant steward Sandrie turned up, followed by a plumber and carpenter to assess what was going on. Sandrie looked up... "Oh dear....". The ceiling was taken down and they initially thought it was the overflow of the aft small swimming pool getting overloaded with water and coming through. We would go for breakfast and get an update after such.

 

Our first CG (Suite) breakfast was as good as ever, and it is really special where after a day they know your names, rush to get your speciality coffee before even asking, joke and have a chat; it really is a great perk and we are grateful to have it, especially with 2 mimosas (mostly) a day!  Are we the only ones?? I only saw 1 in 3 or 4 tables have them. Felt greedy, but hey, its vacation time!

 

Back to the OS, the ceiling was part down, drilling and sawing going on, and by late morning we were told it was fixed due to the overflow. Thinking no more about it and a minor inconvenience, we went and braved the afternoon in the sanctuary. The stewardess was lovely and brought afternoon tea and sandwiches over, so much just for the 2 of us, but I think she was pleased with something to do! The front desk supervisor, when we checked on how things were going, advised we could swap rooms permanently. I advised I would not want to do that as it was a slight (S2 to S4 cabin grade) downgrade. She said no, no, the room might be slightly more squashed but it is all the same, and she didnt really understand the difference between the OS and a PS. I didnt want to come across snobby by saying there was a bigger difference than that, so I just said no, we would want our original room back.

 

I will speak about other stuff after I have completed this tale, so back to the room about 11.30pm, tired and happy after our first day at sea, excitedly sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge, feeling special and blessed that we could do such an amazing thing, looking forward to sailing up to Alaska, we retired just before midnight. Around 1.30am, something stirred me, in the back of my mind I could hear a small sound. I dismissed it thinking it was the rocky boat making noises and even initially forgot about the original leak. It became more persistent however and it woke me up fully. My wife was still asleep, so I tentatively got up, put a small light on, and ta daaa, another persistent flow of water just at the end of our bed. Looking around there were 2 more others near by. Still a bit dazed I rung front desk to explain. They were aware I think of what had happened and sent the duty night manager up to look. He immediately called a plumber and carpenter and within 15 minutes my wife and I had our dressing gowns on, half asleep, with 3 members of staff in our room taking the ceiling down, discussing the next move!

 

I overheard them say we would need to be moved and I got some immediate wash gear and underwear for the next day, when the night manager confirmed our move. Luckily, he said, there was a mid ship suite one deck below free which was unusual, and we should spend the night there and wait for an update tomorrow. So we had a restless few hours sleep, had breakfast before another day at sea and went to the front desk for an update. It turns out the problem was bigger than first thought, it was not repaired by the first man and it would need substantial reparation to be done, by building a new bespoke pipe in their workshop and fitting it, and then deep cleaning the room and drying the soaking wet carpets and could take at least 2 days!

 

My wife was upset by this as we were building ourselves up for 18 months looking forward to this room and the views and Alaska, then to have all the middle of the night upheaval, inconvenience and minor distress, she was not happy. I wasn't to be fair, but I have a more pragmatic outlook I guess, to my wife's annoyance! The Customer Relations Manager, Predrag had come out by this time to apologise to us. He was great to be fair, took responsibility of the issue and his opening question was "what can I do to help put this right and take the stress out of the situation" which I thought was a great opening line. He offered a meal and wine, and I suggested a spa treatment each. No problem, he would arrange both, plus some immediate $300 OBC to spend as we saw fit. For our CG meal that night, I sneakily looked at the notes by our booking (I like doing that!) and it said 'Focus and Wine' and a code. I took that to mean extra attention and free wine. The deputy Maitre D' came over, no mention of anything, but entered an unusually long chat which was nice, and I mentioned to the waiter we were here complimentary because of a problem with our room, and could we have this ($130) bottle of wine? (thought I might as well ask....), and the head waiter came over..."Of course, no problem...we will decant this for you". I was impressed.

 

We felt a bit more calmer after this earlier interaction, and went back to our OS to get some more clothes and wash gear and carried on with our day in our temporary room. That afternoon the captain (John Smith, same name as the Titanic captain, ironically, and he made some good jokes about that), came over the room speakers to announce a passenger was seriously ill and needed life saving treatment, and would be airlifted off. We would be going slow for the next hour until an emergency helicopter was scrambled from Vancouver. This happened right outside our window and the helicopter was hovering in full eye view. Quite scary and surreal to see it, and put our little problems into perspective I guess. Because of this (saving a life) we missed Juneau, which was sad in itself, but absolutely a life must come first, the captain made the go to Tracy Arm instead. It was amazing and I am glad that was the default choice as it was beautiful, almost Jurassic like in places, gliding effortlessly through the calm waters, observing nature at its very best, so small gasps of equal awe from the other balcony guests. It was a pleasure to see and share this moment, and something to always treasure and remember.

 

So the second night in the cabin, and after the evening was out we got back to our room, where was ready for bed, but realised my contact lenses bits were in the other room. With my dressing gown on, barefoot at midnight, traipsing down the corridor to our other room, carpets up, doors open, blowers a blowing, no bed, I made the way to the bathroom to get my bits. I can laugh about it now.....

 

Mentally prepared to go back to our room today, I was happier and went to speak to the front desk. "I am sorry Mr C, we cannot let you into the room. It is still damp, wet and not quite ready, it would not be right to let you back in". I felt deflated and a bit (wrongly I guess, no-ones fault) angry about the situation and said that I hoped further compensation would be looked at. I was assured by the calming Predrag that it would be. We went into Ketchikan that day, so that would pass the day and when we came back it should be ready....

 

….and it was! Three days later, deep clean, fully dried out, fresh curtains, still musty, but it was our room again. We could settle and relax and start to fully enjoy. People might think that we should have enjoyed it and not made a fuss as we had a nice second room anyway, and perhaps that is right, but as I said, we paid for the OS and was really looking forward to it, and we really wanted to enjoy it for 10 days, not 7, plus there was a lot of inconvenience and upheaval. We enjoyed a balcony tea and bottle of champagne given to us on the first day as a suite welcome.

 

That brings that end of the story to a close. We received 2 more follow up 'care calls' and an offer of $$ was made, which was more than I thought considering we still had the cruise, entertainment, ship, food etc., just a different (smaller room) for 3 days and some inconvenience and relative stress. I accepted thankfully (it is in $, we are in the UK so I will have to wait 2-3 weeks and pay the cheque in and convert it to £; a small inconvenience with a rubbish exchange rate, but it is all they could do , and as I said, I was grateful with the outcome).

 

To other things in brief (sorry for long email):

 

Boarding: Escorted on - new to us, but nice touch. Mini bar now does not contain cognac (shame) but 2 of Canadian Whisky, and 2 Dewars. We swapped sparkling to still water, coke to diet, extra tonic etc. Rather than the small bottle of champagne we used to get, we got one larger bottle of a different brand. I sound ungrateful, but it was tasteless and at 10% proof, wasn't up to much. Honest opinion. All in all 9/10.

 

Entertainment: Subjective of course, but we felt it not that great, overall. An American comedian cum rock singer, another American comedian (sorry USA folks!), Stardust fell flat (never heard of many of the tunes and I have quite an eclectic range), and Motown is not our thing. We did enjoy a magician comedian, a Scottish singer/piano/raconteur and the Invasion of the Brits show (I knew all the songs!!). Overall, a bit flat, and I don't thing the bar/lounge singers are that great to be honest. Shoot me know!  The Cruise Director Steve grew on me, though seemingly bland at times, very scripted in places, he had a good voice for the staff end of cruise talent show, and became funny at times! 6/10.

 

Crooners: New menu, a lot of the old favourites gone, very sad. They managed to do a couple of what we liked and had remembered, but it was a shame and there is less choice by far - AND, only one Bond cocktail! Great staff as usual though. 7/10.

 

Captain: Very good; cocktail party was one of the best we had been to. Witty, informative (Interesting to hear a bit about behind the scenes when the ill passenger was taken off - luckily we were updated he was doing fine now, but the split second decisions and thought involved for that and the subsequent itinerary change was very insightful), interesting - all in all, very good. He is British, and it was his last cruise for 3months. His Q&A in the Princess Theatre was very interesting too - the first we had attended and I enjoyed it. 10/10

 

Dining: CG upped their game since last time I think, and we had 2 nice meals there with a decent steak, Surprisingly pleased with it. MDR CC is a great add on for anyone in my view. Giovanni and team were attentive on the whole, friendly and fun and remembered our preferences. One waiter I didnt take to "Another splash of wine, love?" she would often say, but apart from that, a great crew. Food was generally OK. One or 2 very good meals, 2 poor meals, but the rest certainly enjoyable. The specialities were OK, 3 vegetarian options (we are not veggie, and I was told it saves costs of meat!), so that was a shame for us, but there was a couple we liked. I don't think many people enjoy the cherry thingy he cooked as I saw him hardly prepare any! 7/10 (CG 9/10).

 

Ship: Our issues not withstanding, and a recent refurb, it did look a bit creaky and older, needing further touching up here and there for sure. It is a smaller ship, it is nice and overall we enjoyed it, but I do prefer the larger, newer ships I guess. Personal choice though. 7/10.

 

Overall cruise (issues aside) - 8/10. Scenery made it for us, lovely room, good service, food ok-ish, service consistently good, entertainment OK, good ports (Victoria lovely). Sad to be home, but Med cruise on the maiden Enchanted voyage next June. Hopefully more calm and stress free!!

 

Thanks for reading - any questions, happy to answer.

 

Ian.

 

 

 

We had water in our mid-ship suite on a Holland American cruise to Alaska several years back.  All large suites our size were occupied and they claimed the blowers would only by blowing night and day for one night.  We could go to a smaller cabin and we elected to stay put.  We had blowers for two nights and all we got out of the arrangement was $100 in the store and a large coffee table book on techniques for making drinks.  A great voyage with a ton of issues all because of storm water coming through the balcony glass.

On 2/27/2019 at 3:20 PM, satxdiver said:

 

I think it started around 2013 give or take a year or so.  Alan Buckelew not only served in Viet Nam but did so as a common infantry soldier tromping through the rice paddies.  In other terms he was a grunt.  Once Princess records your status as a veteran, then it is on every cruise after that point automatically.  It indeed is a great benefit.  In addition on most cruises the CD staff will host a veteran's get together with champagne.  Princess very much supports our military and veterans to which we owe a great big thanks. 

I'm posting my DD-214 with Princess for my 15 day cruise to Hawaii and back.  $250 doesn't buy a lot at the company store but the mere thought Princess does this is worth using the cruise line in the future.  I switched hardware stores over the same issue.  When merchants support me and my Korea service, I shall support them.

5 hours ago, skynight said:

Nice cabin, nice location. Your balcony will be very large, believe 18' wide and 9' deep, and half covered. Being in a full suite you will be able to have the mimosa breakfast each morning an club class dining for dinner and sea day lunches. There are many additional benefits.

Thank you Skynight.  What else should I anticipate in the way of benefits?  I don't want to miss a thing on this 15 day gig to and from Hawaii.  Space, large balcony, location, and the benefits really make this reservation worth the cash.  What about laundry and WiFi, Skynight?

I'm booked on Grand on Carrib deck, in 424, a large suite, almost dead center of the vessel.  Anyone know this particular suite or that small cluster of suites?  I've never cruised with Princess before and wanting to know more.  Advise!

15 minutes ago, wdwfan22 said:

Thanks all! I will try to get there by 10:30. I'm so excited for this cruise!

What is your embarkation date?  You write above as 'this month'.

4 hours ago, MickeyandLV said:

We just got back from an Alaska cruise on Coral.  This trip seemed to be the dressiest I have seen guests dressed compared to other recent cruises.  Of course there are many new cruisers on an Alaska cruise.  Maybe they want to dress up for their first cruise. There were many men in tux and a few women in formal length gowns. I had packed a few dresses but only wore one of them. Husband wore long sleeve dress shirt and tie for formal night. We did not feel out of place.  We were trying to pack light because we had 7 day cruise and then we drove around Alaska for 7 days.

Looks like you have pretty well ridden the Princess fleet . . .except for Grand Princess.  Were you surprised at all that the guests were more formal than other formal dinners you've attended.  If you were doing the Coral gig one more time having experienced that formal evening, would you dress the same?

On 5/20/2019 at 9:21 PM, chefchick said:

 

I liked your rant.  A suitable and encouraging rant.  Maybe I like it because I agree with the rant's message.  A small code sign that says 'Formal Attire' is simply a guide meant to alert one to what is planned and will be orchestrated is just ahead.  The ship's management and the restaurant's servers have gone to great trouble, training, and expense, to make this one formal night, often with lobster, so memorable it is the high point of our hours at sea.  To complete the gilded setting, they ask their gorgeous guests to help with the ambience by wearing dark suits and colorful gowns.  Management's intent to help we guests feel fortunate we are on this vessel, at this very moment, and absolutely nowhere else.

Those who come to dinner in T shirts and sneakers for the lobster have missed the performance.

12 hours ago, nooptere said:

Sounds wonderful...I hope you enjoy your next cruise on Cunard...

It does sound great and thank you for the well wishes . . . I think!

On 5/20/2019 at 8:51 AM, dchan865 said:

Hey everyone,  just a quick question, its been almost 12 years since I cruised on Princess so not sure how strict/flexible they are now in 2019 with attire.  Is long sleeve dress shirt(light blue, white, ) with slack, no tie and sport jacket still good for formal night dining?  We  want to travel as light as possible during our travel on the upcoming British Isle cruise on the Regal Princess.

Thanks!

This segment’s discussion about formal attire vs ‘come as you desire’ on our Grand Princess vessel, has become lively, and like politics, none among us seem willing to change positions.  Those willing to comment manage to stay away from personal attacks all the while locked into their choices.  We all know it is easy to become defensive and toss in a curve.  As it stands, our pending cruise will have a mix of shorts and tuxes, sneakers and black shoes, and we will grin, eat, and ignore our differences in sign interpretation: Formal Attire.

Allow me to explain how one cruise line controls Formal Attire at dinner time.  Cunard has maintained the British protocols of the past right down to nanny services for the children, cigar room, bell ringing when afternoon teas are served, and ALWAYs, black and white suits for men and gowns for the ladies.  There are more Royalty-related things, too.  I liked it the first moment I stepped onboard a Queen and I’m proud to be a recognized a Cunarder to this day.

Dinners in the main restaurant were formal every evening.  Freda had three formal outfits with two of them easily changed about between jackets and skirts.  I brought one tuxedo and one dark suit while remembering we would be taking the Queen to NY on the way back.  Country Club level clothing was worn throughout the ship.

Here’s an experience I witnessed at the entrance to the restaurant at dinner time.  It relates to coming casual but dressed sharply in Country Club level clothes.  I was behind a man and his wife and waiting my turn to be escorted.  The manager glanced at the man in the cream-colored sport coat and whispered something in his ear.  He pointed upward and the man stepped back.  He was offended and insisted on seeing the restaurant manager.  The manager replied and this time he spoke loud enough for me and others to hear, “Sir, you can order this dinner in your stateroom or pick one of our other restaurants.  Tonight, Sir, it is formal only.”  The man and his wife disappeared and, though I looked for them, I never saw either of them again.

3 hours ago, Potstech said:

No. If you do not like who is seated with you there is always the option to move yourself to a different table/venue.  Who knows the people who are dressed the way you dislike may have taken more cruises than you have on Princess. Could be.

Frankly, I could care less who has cruised the most, Potstech.   I simply wanted to make clear I have long preferred a tux code for that one special formal night and I pack accordingly.  I have long experienced diners who don't see the colorful surroundings  of a restaurant, black and white clothing, low lighting, and servers in white gloves, as impacting their joy of eating their lobster . . . Or whatever it is they want before them.  Be sure, I don't dress in dark suits at home and my wife is in her street clothes, too, when we eat.  Please bear with me when I say my dinner in my tux in surroundings I can hardly afford, followed by performances in the theater, a stop for red wine in a cozy bar,  and then a few steps to my cabin, is worth the weight of my 'dressy' attire.  I realize much of the feeling I get when I have my way at formal night is little more than fantasy.  I try to live it fully.

As this attire discussion grows in numbers of players and our opinions become highly divided, why not ask the cruise line to put as divider in the dining room?  On one side of this wall guests come as they wish no matter the attire from overalls to swimsuits.  On the other, gowns and dark suits are strictly required for entry.  Everything else in this fabulous dining room the same for all comers.  

I, for one, a frequent cruiser, will not be pleased to be seated at a large table dressed to the nines with several guests wearing shorts and flip flops.  The combination would be off balance for me.  My evenings on board these magnificent vessels are geared to take me to a special night out that begins with dinner and theater.  Afterwards, still dressed in what I deem as evening attire, I stop for a drink, some guitar, and say goodnight.

Does my thinking seem agreeable to anyone?

On 5/20/2019 at 8:51 AM, dchan865 said:

Hey everyone,  just a quick question, its been almost 12 years since I cruised on Princess so not sure how strict/flexible they are now in 2019 with attire.  Is long sleeve dress shirt(light blue, white, ) with slack, no tie and sport jacket still good for formal night dining?  We  want to travel as light as possible during our travel on the upcoming British Isle cruise on the Regal Princess.

Thanks!

On 5/21/2019 at 7:43 AM, c-boy said:

where ?

I say pack as light as you dare.   Treat your cruising how you will.  Visit the theater only when you have nothing to read.  Go ashore only when the weather is absolutely perfect.  Think this way and be assured your cruise may end up being nothing special.  Plan on the voyage of your life, and it may become a form of travel that draws you back time and again.  If your daily life is what you want to leave behind for 15 days, and this is your first time to wonderful Hawaii, then leave the yard clothes at home, promise yourself you plan to live openly and fully, wear something classy for dinner, amd suck in the sea air.  Be alive with smiles and greetings, and make some friends who you might have no interest in back home.  

On 5/20/2019 at 8:58 AM, denmarks said:

 

This is what Princess says.

Cruises five days or longer include at least one formal dining night: evening gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies and tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits for men.

 

You can always go to the buffet on formal nights. Just remember that many in the dining room on formal nights may give you stares if you are not dressed up but I doubt that you would be kept out.

On 5/25/2019 at 9:40 AM, CAZephyr said:

Most comfortable chairs on the ship are found in the back wall of the Library.  If you like community puzzle they are found in the conservatory above Calypso Cove.  Sheltered ping pong also there.  One of our favorite ships because of covered pool area and wrap-around Promenade.

 

Did you note chess playing going on anywhere on the vessel?  I was told chess playing boards are in the library.  Is it only one ping pong table you saw?  I saw a photo snap on an old Grand Princess showing a large chess walk around chess on the sport deck.  Is there one?

We entered the harbor at St. John's Antigua early in the morning, and, as with Barbados, found the island to be absolutely beautiful. Seriously...it was an incredibly gorgeous entrance into the port, and we enjoyed the experience immensely. However, there were storm clouds overhead, which forebode some bad weather for the day.

 

Having been to Antigua a couple of years ago, we weren't interested in an island tour (we'd done that already), so we opted for the catamaran and lobster tour. We were concerned, however, because the weather looked so hinky. But we decided to go ahead and do the tour, and we are so glad we did. Even though the catamarans are those huge monstrosities designed to hold 80 people, we only had 45 on board, so it was actually quite pleasant (apparently 34 tickets were turned in right before the excursion because people were worried about the weather). After hobbling to the boat (I was really proud of myself for making it there on my broken foot!), I found a spot on the front where I could actually get some sun and enjoy the view (those who chose to take a bench seat in back did not have nearly the photo opportunities that I did). We set out, and only hit rain once on the way to the first beach. The scenery was fantastic, and it was one of those "Oh, I am so glad I did this" experiences. We were allowed about an hour on the beach (Mike and I opted to head to the restaurant and sample their conch fritters, which were really good) and then re-boarded, only to be taken just a bit off shore for the lobster lunch. The lobsters were cooked in their shells on a grill on the back of the catamaran, and, quite frankly, were better than any lobsters we've gotten on board the Mariner (hello...we don't need all the butter and fat added to a decent lobster for it to taste amazing). The sides were actually good as well, and their hot sauce was, in a word, dangerous. I added a bunch of it to my rice without tasting it first, and that was a mistake. There were definitely ghost peppers in there, and I'm not sure what else. Whoa...not enough alcohol in the world to make that easy going down (although they did start serving beer, wine, champagne, and rum punch once the lunch started...and it kept flowing until we made it back to the port). Super nice experience, and then we headed back to the port.

 

We had one more stop at another beach, and were able to watch the most amazing sunset from there. Our camera apparently had some sort of malfunction and Mike didn't get a couple of really nice shots, but he did get a few, which I will hopefully post when I get home. It was a short stop, but well worth it just for the sunset.

 

We were the last ones back on the ship, and luckily had called our butler ahead of time to just have pizza delivered to our cabin. We knew we'd be too tired to do anything after that tour, and figured we'd just have a pizza party with some of our trivia players instead. The pizza was so good we finished it and had to call for more!!! How awesome is it though that we have the ability to do that???

 

I went to the show while Mike went to bed. It was another guest singer...she was really very good, but had little interaction with the orchestra or the audience, and so was a bit boring. I just headed back to the cabin and went to bed...San Juan was waiting.

 

Unfortunately, the seas were in a bit of a bad mood and we were rocking and rolling all the way into Puerto Rico. It wasn't an issue for us, but I could see how someone more sensitive to the movement could have some problems.

 

With my foot issues, I had cancelled our rain forest hike tour in Puerto Rico. I was hoping to just walk into town and see the fortresses, but that wasn't to be. I think perhaps I overdid it the previous day, and realized my foot wasn't going to cooperate for a long walk to and within the forts. So Mike and I stayed on board for the San Juan stop. It wasn't a problem, as there were several activities on board the ship. But I had hoped to do a bit of hiking around the forts, and my stupid clumsiness prevented that from happening...I'm not exactly happy with myself these days. But I think perhaps that is just a by-product of being on a ship for so long. I have found that as the cruise goes on and on and on, I have much less tolerance for little issues and snooty people. God help me (and everyone around me) if I ever choose to do a world cruise.

 

We ate a hasty dinner at Sette Mari (as we arrived a bit late, due to enjoying the hot tubs at 6:30...hey, we're on vacation, right????), and then headed to the show right as we were sailing out of San Juan. The show was amazing...and even more so considering the swells. The captain had made an announcement that we were going to encounter some bad rolling due to the swells as soon as we left San Juan, and she wasn't kidding. I have no idea how the production crew managed to pull it off, but they did a great job. Seriously. I was so concerned someone was going to do a Tami (euphemism for having an accident) because of the swells, that I almost couldn't watch the show. But they ended up doing great, and it was truthfully our favorite one of the whole cruise (it was a tribute to some popular movies and their featured songs). Those kids deserve some serious kudos for all the work they do...although I wish the dancers didn't look so much alike (we honestly cannot tell the difference between the four female dancers when they're on stage...they are all tall, blonde, and exceptionally skinny. Where is the cake? There needs to be cake for those poor starving girls).

 

After dinner, we went to the Horizons Lounge to listen to dance music by the Regent Signature Orchestra. As I've already mentioned, we are very impressed with them, as have been many other performers who have worked with them. We talked to the bass player afterwards, and found out that he joined the ship the same day we boarded...yet to hear and see him, you'd think he'd been on board with the other members for months. They are an amazing and talented group, and we are lucky to have them on board.

 

Got lots of miscellaneous info to pass along, but it will have to wait until tomorrow (I promise I'll actually post then!!!). It's 1am here and I'm beat. Can't wait to get home to get some rest from this vacation!!!!!

Enough text in your combined reporting to create a travel article of this one cruise. Anhyone planning to make this same cruise would certainly benefit from your detail and observations. For the life of me, why can't I get you started on your own book of military adventures? Why? You have the skills and, most important, you have the grist for a real woman's war story. On top of all this, you still have the recall and the military conacts to work with. No, more vacationing on Regent, stay home and write. Jack

"Very successful" means I walked out with a couple hundred more than I put into the machine. And I agree...missing Devil's Island is terribly upsetting to me. My foot is a bit better this morning, so I am going to re-evaluate in the morning. If I think I can navigate the tender and even just a small portion of the island with my crutches, I'm going to do it. Heck, the only reason we had to get the yellow fever shot was because of Devil's Island (French Guiana). Speaking of which, we were amazed at how slack Regent was in determining whether or not anyone had gotten the required shots. They didn't ask for our immunization records at embarkation, and only had us fill out a form stating whether or not we'd had the shot, and if so, what the lot number on it was. No double checking or anything. We could easily have not bothered with the shot and no one would have been the wiser.

Is it possible for you to at least go ashore? Maybe they have a watering hole there where you can lolly-gag until Mike gets back. Wear some decent shoes, for God's sake. Jack

Sorry for the very late posting...things have been a bit crazy the last couple of days.,

 

Mike and I opted not to get on the tenders yesterday and go to Alter do Chao. Although it is considered the "Caribbean of the Amazon" thanks to the beautiful beaches and water (it is not on the Amazon, but is on an adjoining river, the Rio Cupari, which is much clearer), we just really didn't want to spend the time and effort getting there and back for a simple beach stop. It looked like a lovey little place from the ship, and perhaps had we been more "beach" people, we would have enjoyed it. But apparently the stingray were in full force there, as we heard of at least 3 people who got stung while walking in the water (and one lady was in the infirmary this morning because her sting looked like it had gotten infected...I certainly hope she is okay).

 

So instead of going ashore, we did a bunch of on board activities and had a great day. The evening show was actually a 6:00pm James Bond 007 Martini event, which is something Lorraine honchos. It was an absolutely fabulous bit of entertainment, and was so well done. It was our favorite "show" by far, and kudos to the entire staff for pulling it off.

 

Because there was no 9:30 show, they had a movie playing in the theater. We never go to the movies, but we headed there and watched the movie Jason Bourne and ate horrible popcorn (seriouslly...it was the worst popcorn ever!!). It was such a great night...until I decided to head to the casino after Mike went to bed. The casino wasn't the problem...my shoes were, apparently.

 

And thus we come to accident number three. As I was heading back to the cabin around midnight after a very successful night at the casino, I rounded a corner, and somehow my foot slid in my strappy sandals (with heels)...and went sideways. I heard a snap and knew I'd done something bad. Luckily I was just about 5 feet from our cabin, so I was able to hobble in.

 

Long story short, after a rather restless night with a very painful foot, I headed to the infirmary this morning...where x-rays confirmed that I have broken a bone in my foot. It is extremely painful, and there is little anyone can do about it. I have it wrapped up, but cannot walk on it at all. I did try crutches, but with the sea swells (especially with no stabilizer out yet, as the water is still too shallow), I am afraid I'm going to fall and break or hurt something else. So we got a wheelchair and Mike is now wheeling me everywhere. I have become quite the celebrity on the ship, as the resident cruise klutz. Somehow I should have known this would happen. 2016 has been the absolule worst year of my life (Mike went through a tremendous upheaval in his job in January, I lost my dad in May and my nephew in October), and why in the world I thought it would get any better once I got on board the Mariner, I have no idea. But I was so hopeful!!

 

Anyway, it looks like Devil's Island is out for me, as it involves a rather rocky trail and some steps, but if Mike heads there I will try to report back his observations.

 

We had dinner with Anatoli Makaev, the GM, and several other very nice couples tonight. We are having dinner with Lorraine in Setti Mari tomorrow night, and with Captain Serena on the 15th. We have also asked the head chef to prepare a special German dinner (Mike's German, so this is something we always ask for) for us and 6 of our closest friends (not sure who they are yet!!!) on the 16th. So I may not be able to walk, but I'll darn sure be eating well the next few days!!!

 

I have honestly had the most fun just being on the ship and doing the activities. I have met the nicest people and cannot believe that I haven't even finished one chapter in my book yet!!! It has been a fantastic cruise, accidents and all.

 

Sorry this is a bit truncated, but I am tired, my foot hurts, and I need to hit the sack. Hopefully I'll have more to post tomorrow.

I hate to see you miss Devil's Island, Tami. So much French prison history evolved from this terrible place. Some say there really is not much to see but just being there is half of the story. I've read so much about it and then there is the movie that brought it to light most recently. A broken bone in the foot would be the only reason I'd skip the place. I just hate to see you miss one of the key stops along the way.

Have you noticed that two of your accidents have resulted from your choice in shoes? Both times you really were hurt and with lasting consequences. Maybe you should think shoes for the rest of your cruise.

You mentioned the casino and said that it had been a 'very successful night'. What exactly is the meaning of successful when gambling in games in which the odds are so stacked against gamblers. Could it mean not losing as much as expected? Breaking even but having a great time? Maybe, winning a few dollars over and beyond the money you brought to the game? God forbid you won enough to pay for the return flights to Nevada.

Your reporting is first class. You should be a professional writer and turn this pastime of yours into another of your incomes.

Jack

Is there not a 'security' setting on your door lock? We just got off Riviera and there is a small, well, knob, for lack of a better word, at the bottom of the handle on the inside (cabin side) which can be rotated after we closed the door.

 

I thought this was a lock that meant the door couldn't be opened with only the card key, which would require the butler to knock to gain entrance.

 

I figured that in an emergency there was some type of override key that would click open the security/safety lock.

 

Now I'm thinking I was wrong about that extra lock.

Whatever lock there might be for we who huddle in cabins can always be simply and quickly breached by staff. It has to be that way otherwise emergencies requiring swift entry would require breaking down the metal door or crawling over balconies.

One night on a HAL cruise to Alaska, our Port side suite received a flooding on the 7th deck from rains and wind. Our carpet was wet from balcony to the door to the hall. We were in bed at the time, our door secure, and a Don't Distrub tag outside; we were unaware of the flooding. Early in the AM we awakened to a door knock and before we could sit up, three staff members apologized as they walked past us to the balcony. It was dark in the room and the men sloshing by in the soggy carpet were but shadows. They stepped outside, establish a tarp outside, and reentered. A fourth man walked in, still in the dark, carrying a large heater floor fan. Moments later, after another brief apology, the four disappeared from the cabin. We never saw their faces, didn't catch their names, and were stuck with an expensive suite that swooshed when we walked and a fan that did funny blade clicking noises as it spun all night.

We joked about the experience the next morning. Freda laughed saying, "I thought you were going to be gang raped and I might get the hell kicked out of me."

We did complain and HAL gave us one of their coffee table books on travels in Alaska for our troubles. Big deal!

Jack