cr8tiv1

Good way to spend OBC. Thanks for the information.

WoW....that's really interesting. https://www.portsamerica.com/locations/portoflos-angeles-california Life as we knew it, doesn't exist.

20 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said: It's the steep angle take off that is something like the vomit comet. I still like Long Beach (LGB). The city was stupid to let JetBlue leave and replace it with Southwest.. The attitude is the same target pitch we always use, only kept to 3000' rather than 1500' on a "normal NADP2 departure. Jet Blue wasn't using all their slots year round so SWA was able to "use" those when JB didn't. LGB didn't want to open a customs/immigration facility so that put the nail in it for JB. Yes, I knew about the "spat" between LGB and JetBlue. It was LGB's loss. That was a horrible decision by the city. But then again, as "progressive" as Long Beach wants to project, they still are not in the major league. I love to fly in and out of Long Beach (thank you for Hawaiian Airlines).

Anybody still around? Sorry for the break between the reports. It was a busy weekend. Day 4: San Francisco. (7 AM to 10 PM) We had a very leisurely breakfast although the Crown Grill closed at 9:30 AM. Chatted with George about the Chef’s Table. He said it is very popular and this cruise had it scheduled twice. His advice was to book it as soon as you get onboard. I don’t drink and so have never attended one. Did watch the parade of dishes once while dining at the Crown Grill. That was interesting. I asked him if he could duplicate James Beard French Toast for me. He would check into it with his chef. There was not much scheduled for this port day. It looked cold outside. After breakfast we went out on the Promenade Deck. By the time we left the ship, the weather was warm and beautiful. We returned to the cabin to take care of an assortment of “business” since my sister’s daughter was tied up with a conference call until 1:30. My niece is a Captain in the San Francisco Fire Department. I’ve always been really proud of this (not so young anymore) kid. My sister has been trying to read a book. Neither of us ever got past the title page. She wanted help with her iPhone, iMessaging, and computer photos. Happy to say that most of that was successfully completed. We enjoyed lunch at a dim sum restaurant near the port. San Francisco is definitely a progressive city. I was impressed that they had an “All Gender Bathroom” that also had handicap stalls. Women don’t have to wait in long lines, although today, the office building was empty. Guys will never understand this. It was very clean and I felt very safe. Then the shopping began. I had ordered beef jerky from Jackson Market. It has been a place that I’ve gotten beef jerky for more than half a century. It’s a small shop at the top of some hill on Jackson Street. I was in contact with an employee. After placing my order, he said that I could pick it up at the Ferry Building Village Market, just blocks from the terminal. This stuff is delicious, but the prices have really skyrocketed. Such service. “Bob” told me he was made my jerky the night before to assure freshness. On to Molinari Delicatessen to pick up (5) “salame”. It is very near the Columbus salami place, but this one is better. Eastern Bakery, Jackson Market, and Molinari both “recommended” cash to avoid a credit card fee. Coffee pick up was next (unknown not a chain). We parked ourselves at a new beautiful park overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. My niece was trying to tell me that this park just opened. It has something to do with the open green space being built above the tunnel access near the bridge ???? We were dropped off in time for dinner (not memorable) and an early show at the Princess Theater. Marty Thomas was the singer. He was more in line with our interest including music from Broadway tunes and the Great American Songbook. I really enjoyed his performance. We were hoping there would be lots of passengers enjoying the city at night. “My” favorite seats were occupied so we looked for another area that was in the less desirable real estate. We were in our cabin before sail away. The Bay Bridge (between San Francisco and Oakland) was lit up a couple of years ago. It was so popular, they decided to make it permanent. I cropped out the multitude of seagulls sitting in the cold water outside my window. We enjoyed visiting with family in San Francisco. Some of you may be wondering why I chose to do this repositioning cruise if I have been there/done that before. For me, cruising is rarely the destinations. I love the concept of cruising where you unpack and do as much/as little as you want to do. I love Vancouver and all of the ports we stopped at. This was the perfect cruise to introduce my sister to Princess.

It should be in ALL cabins. It has been a hit and miss since the restart.

I forgot...oops. As I was standing outside of the terminal for my ride, a lovely Australia couple was asking about an UBER to LA. When I told her how much it might cost, she asked about other things to do in the area since they were going to get back on the Grand. I mentioned the USS Iowa. Then directed them to hotels in the walking area. I even told them to walk the couple of blocks uphill to Gaffey for lunch. Personally, I do love to visit Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, The seal rescue center, the Korean Bell, Palos Verdes Lighthouse and interpretive center, Point Fermin Lighthouse, and so many other lovely areas. You have a lovely "backyard."

Your presentation is so professional. I look like an amateur compared to your blog. I'm awed by your talents.

There are several threads about Casino bookings being cancelled. From what I am gathering, the Casino (a consignment department) didn't pay Princess when final payment was due. Princess treated it like any other non-payment of final. Seems as though everyone is blaming the casino department.

I'm just being ornery it's been ONE of THOSE days. Yes, Princess will embark from San Pedro.(World Cruise Terminal) But if Princess is coming in for a day, she may port in Long Beach near the Queen Mary since there is more to do in Long Beach FOR THE DAY.

I just returned from shopping at Trader Joes. Took 3 bags in (2 Princess). On the Grand a few weeks ago. I asked my steward...Nope, none on the ship. I "remember" the days that suites had those nice canvas bags.

It's the steep angle take off that is something like the vomit comet. I still like Long Beach (LGB). The city was stupid to let JetBlue leave and replace it with Southwest..

I think that is as accurate as you can get! According to Marine Traffic, she is entering the harbor. As you well know, it is not very far from Honolulu to Nawiliwili. And usually the Captain won't take her out to International Waters to open the casino. https://hawaii.portcall.com/#!?date=2022-10-15 She left HNL at 10:42 PM (near normal time)

i agree with you regarding pb cookies. But they are still better than me trying to bake a batch. They are hidden in the back of the IC. You have to ask for them. Peanut allergy policy?

The app is very particular about the vaccination format. It’s been a long time since I’ve uploaded anything. Can’t remember if it has to be .jeg or .pdf. I know it did not like Apple’s HEIC format. Not sure if it accepted a screen shot. I’m sure someone will correct me.

Princess has been using the outer pier for some time now. You would think someone at Corporate would put out communication on what to do. The Sapphire wasn't the first ship to do this.

Most Club Class mini-suites (which do not include any Suite Perks and is mis-named) are midship. Premium Suites (S5) are usually forward (at least on the Royal Class Ships). Given the choice of a CC Mini or a Full Suite, for almost matching fares, I would take the Suite. Full Suites https://www.princess.com/learn/ships/staterooms/suites/ Club Class Mini https://www.princess.com/learn/ships/staterooms/club-class/ Depending on the amount of cruise days and your drinking habits, you might be able to skip a beverage package. You can get specialty coffees with your suite breakfast. You will get 2 bottles of water daily. You can exchange your mini-bar for like items. You may need/want to purchase the Princess Plus beverage package to include your wifi, crew appreciation, and beverages.

Hmmmm. "Watching" the pianist or closing your eyes and listening to the music? I bring along a collapsible beverage carrier for my hot drinks (thank you In 'n Out freebie). Really hard to carry drinks and a plate of peanut butter cookies.

Wednesday: First Sea Day I requested a complimentary birthday special for my sister. Our birthdays are in the same month, 10 years apart. My two brothers are in the same month, 10 years apart. Then there is that HAL sister who is randomly in between (haha). I stopped by the Loyalty and Events Officer’s office on the way to breakfast this morning. She was less than happy to give me these numbers. I was not planning on being crammed into the Vista Lounge to hear them announce these numbers or give a mini-advertisement for the new Sun Princess. Total passengers on the Grand: 1232 out of 2600 capacity with 1150 crew Blue: 338 Gold: 220 Ruby: 154 Platinum: 283 Elite: 237 Most Traveled Luncheon: 421 days (I will never be invited to one of these). Sis went to Tai Chi. On the way to breakfast, I showed her the table by Leaves Tea & Library that had Sudoku and other printed games. Our morning included a brief run through all of the shops since none have really been open during normal waking hours. I really miss the $10 rummage sale in the MDR. I miss the tables on Deck 7 that captures everyone’s attention as you try to walk past the crowds. Instead, there are a few counters in the Calypso Shop with some marked down/end of season items. Even with the 10% off the regular priced items did not entice me into a shopping frenzy. I bought one Stanley Bear Alaska t-shirt for my grandson for $4 and change. That was the extent of my shopping spree this cruise. She bought nothing. Our big event of the day was BINGO with Fortuna Luck. Oh, that was a painful hour. Your free ticket is only good for the blackout last round. They will draw 25 balls (card only has 24 squares). If no one wins, black out is continued on the next BINGO day. I was preparing to leave when someone told me to stay. They would do one more “game” worth $200. Sis likes BINGO. For me, it’s like pulling teeth. We did not return to any more BINGO games. By the way, the Vista Lounge Bar has a few golf type pencils for non-diehard folks like me. Of course thee was the mandatory registration for the Art Auction, lunch and go back to pick up our print. New is the Pandora raffle. Yup, we were there. Someone from the store mentioned that it would be quick and dirty since there was a wedding to attend. I saw the decorations going up in the Piazza and thought it was strange that the couple didn’t get married in the chapel. It turned out to be officers: Kimberly Shay Shannon (Guest Service Supervisor) and Callie Smit (Entertainment Director). So we plopped ourselves down at a table in Vines and I enjoyed a glass of Gewurztraminer. The crowd grew. Officers in formal attire showed up everywhere. It was supposed to begin at 3. Around 3:20 the bride descended the marble staircase to the theme from Star Wars. That wasn’t as strange as the groom with his blinking colored bowtie. By this time, it was getting really close to the end of tea time. Hurried over before they closed the doors at 3:23. Sat down and was served a cold scone. Got my hot water but never the lemon slices. Oh well, that was the one and only time we made it to tea. Formal Night. Wore my “little black dress” that is really comfortable. I have these wonderful shear overlays that take up so little room when I travel. Menu on the first formal night was Prime Rib. Huge slice, perfectly cooked, about a half inch thick. Stuffed but always room for a bite of dessert. Tonight they served my sister’s square dark chocolate birthday cake. With anytime dining, I have missed every Champagne Waterfall event since the restart. It was listed in the patter from 6:30 to 7:15. Sis was not too excited about this event either. It’s another photo op. Skipped all of the photograph events. Don't miss the crowds, but miss the lollipop cakes. When I go “home” to Honolulu, I sometimes play tourist with my friends to places they don’t frequent often. My sister’s novice standing wanted to see what “Queen’s Sea Poker Demonstration” was all about. I’ve never done this. In fact, never even heard about Pirate Queen. We were given free chips and invited to play her version of poker. I can’t explain it without going into a dissertation. But it did draw an audience. We played for about 20 minutes before giving our winnings to other guests. If you look hard enough, you may find something that only a newbie will spot. Looking back at the Patter, I didn’t realize how many events we did go to and the many more we really missed. We missed the pre-show for Stardust: the 50’s and 60’s Music Trivia followed by Rock and Roll night in the Explorer’s Lounge. I prefer to get a good seat in the Theater for Stardust. After Stardust, we stopped at the Piazza to watch Dave Rave, the juggler. After his short 15 minute show, I stopped to chat with him. He was a local boy from Hilo (Puna/Pahoa) who later moved to Japan. While in the Piazza, I will use my app to order water or tea since both are convenient for the runners. It worked. We called it a night

Daiso is a Japanese store. It used to be comparable with America's 99 cent or dollar stores. You know how that goes. Most prices are now up to $1.75 per item MIXED with higher priced items. You really have to be careful and look for the corresponding price.

If security is in a public area and I am nearby, I will often drop off chocolates for security. I love catching people off. guard. Not sure if you can read it but if you look at the upper left under #4 – Somebody spelled Ice “Straight” Point instead of “Strait”. That’s embarrassing to have that mistake on a major cruise line and broadcasting to all. Guess since the port was a late substitute, there was no review of the screen info. This is really sad. The teacher in me has such an issue with errors like this. What an awesome app. I love it! Is it "free" ????

Thanks for the clarification. I did NOT see that LGB (Long Beach was not an option). But as I had commented, I avoid LAX, unless absolutely necessary.

How about considering Long Beach? They might not have non-stop flights. Southwest Delta American Airlines i try to avoid LAX at all costs

Thank you very much for the clarification. I am a "get out of my way" computer instructor. But I make a terrible technical writer. Someone at the Medallion Desk on board the Grand did it for me the first time. Someone on Cruise Critic wrote instructions on what to do. I don't remember those steps. Just know how to work my way to the finished product through trial and error. But...ever since learning how to use this Ocean Concierge, it has been so much easier than the Medallion Class app on my device.

ship.princess.com when you are on board. Then add Ocean Concierge to your home page. You will see an almost identical patter instead of the journey view with is useless. I have found that SPA events and other "seminars" will show up before your cruise. Other than that, I have never had entertainment options visible until boarding. I once shadowed a CD (no ED at that time) around. S/He had a template ready to go at any given moment that "they" could click and change any given day. Think teacher planning. I had to plan for a week/month but could make quick changes as needed. A good ED will have such a plan, especially if the itinerary repeats. There is absolutely no reason why they can't publish events ahead of time.

Day 2: Astoria from noon to 9 PM Lunch was served in the MDR since it was a late arrival. Don’t ask what I’ve eaten. I rarely remember what day it is unless I look at a calendar. All in all, food quality has been good. But then again, my meals do not include a lot of flavor. Sauces are usually served on the side, no/little salt, and even the presentation is different. Skipping ahead to what was pre-ordered for dinner, I can tell that I opted for Fettuccine Alfredo. Assistant Manager (aka Head Waiter interchangeable since I take a long time to get it in my head) offered me a cheese basket. Of course, I happily accepted. My sister was not thrilled about the menu and leg of lamb. He offered her lamb chops instead. I believe the special was some kind of meat. I accepted a second dish. Caesar salad was that strange one with Kale. That green Asian vegetable that the chef calls bok choy (white cabbage in Chinese) is actually Shanghai Cabbage according to my sister. Ramil offered it every night to my sister, sautéed with garlic. It was a nice alternative but she also requested cauliflower (one vegetable I do not eat). The morning was very wet and “looked” cold. By afternoon, the weather improved. I was prepared for rain for each port. Never happened. Suites do include those huge umbrellas but I brought along my smaller travel ones. Not needed once. Although the website said the trolley wasn't in operation, it WAS working, but it was further out and did not go all the way into town because of some damage to the tracks. The Historical Society was very friendly and offered all of kinds of advice. We opted to take their bus into town. One stop was on 10th Street, then on to the Boat Museum, before returning to the ship. We just missed a bus and boarded the next. During our 20 minute wait, a member boarded and began to share a wealth of information. He provided a narrated tour all the way into town. He apologized for the rate raise to $15. They were having difficulties finding drivers. In fact, our driver came from an hour outside of town to drive for them. We opted to ride the bus all the way to the Museum to check out the gift shop. By now, it was getting late and I didn’t think we had enough time to do the museum and accomplish our goal for the day. We started our walk back along the riverfront. Nothing really exciting, but do love the small town vibe. I’ve been to this area on several RV trips and did not need to be a tourist. Same for sister since her son lived (and is moving back) to Oregon. Her contribution today is to avoid picking wild berries below your waist. We were on a quest: to find some white wine from the Willamette Valley. On a side hunt, she was looking for a small plier like water bottle cap “unscrewer”. The later was found after our cruise a couple of miles from my house. The Historical Society recommended three shops. 2 were closed. We lucked out on the third one. The WineKraft Wine Bar owner was so helpful. Offered us a couple of pours AND a 20% discount per bottle. Sis ended up buying 3: Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and I think a Chardonnay. My worries for buying wine in Oregon, carrying them back to the ship, and then taking them off in San Francisco were all for not. Sent them through security scanner and walked back to the room. No questions, no one cared. It was a leisurely day in Astoria wandering in and out of the small shops along the main street. We arrived a few minutes before the bus picked us up at 6th and Commercial Streets. I had a few moments to chat with the members regarding how I appreciated them setting up this for visitors. They were so informative and friendly. We must have spent a good 3 to 4 hours meandering through the town. Dinner was enjoyable. Absolute no/little wait if you arrived between 6:15-6:30. The first wave is just clearing out. I was able to be seated in Francisco’s section for every meal. Maybe not by a window, sometimes not at “my” table, but always with Francisco. If there was no table available in his section, Ramil set me up in the overflow section and Francisco would come over to make sure he served me. There was this random waiter Jesse that I’m sure I should have remembered. He would stop by to chat. He would see if there was anything I needed. Never figured him out. This is probably the thing I will miss most when I “return” to the Main Dining Room on my next cruise. After dinner, we checked out the Massage Tester on the Spa Deck and a brief tour of the spa area/pool. 10 minutes of bliss. My therapist introduced me to hot rocks. And then it was over. Not enough to really get me to shell out the big bucks for a massage that I get for “free” at home once or twice a week. Again, an introduction to cruising for my sister. We attended the “Yes and No Game” in the Explorer’s Lounge. It was fun, but I have seen better engagement with other cruise directors. We left about halfway through to attend the “Tribute to Elton John”. Jeffrey Allen.was the headliner in the Princess Theater. He was good but I am not a big Elton John fan. Once would be enough. He did return another night and we did not attend. Princess Theater was never really full for the 9:30 show. Here is my soapbox rant. I have a special section in the theater that I go early enough to get a seat. I don’t mind others sharing this space with me. But to come in a minute before the show starts, sit down in front of me without a mask when one is required, is not right. This happened more than once. The second time, the maskless person was coughing. We chose to get up and move. My other rant is why do passengers go to an entertainment venues and then talk/converse throughout the performance? This is rude and really shows that someone is not cultured or well mannered. This happened in the Princess Theater AND the Vista Lounge. One was right behind me. The other was loud enough that I could hear them 10 feet away. Yes, I am a theater snob. This happens at theaters on land too. I don’t understand why people can’t sit and be quiet for 30 minutes. I did meet an Australian couple on the last night of the cruise. They were there first, seated, and masked. I joined them and introduced myself by mentioning that I appreciated that they wore masks. They had come from the 12 day Alaska round trip from Vancouver, on this leg, before taking the ship back to Australia. She had mentioned that the Captain announced that there were 125 cases on board on the previous cruise. Some passengers were taken off the ship in Vancouver. Others were in quarantine since they would be going to Australia. Like minds who didn’t understand why people were not wearing masks when the letters in our cabin on embarkation day required masking in indoor spaces. Sometime in between events, I looked out from my window. It was dark outside and must have been a potty break before going to the theater (love this reason for being in a Window Suite). It was dark. I saw a taxi drive up, but it didn’t seem to be a passenger. The gangway was retracted and we were getting ready to leave. There were no late runners at any of our ports. Disappointed!