On 11/20/2023 at 4:52 PM, Jim_Iain said:

 

Thanks much.    It is hard to believe so my years have gone by.    We are like the Odd have say that he is first my Best Friend in the world.   Of course I am Oscar  (Jack Klugman).  

 

I never really came out .    I had fraught my inner self because I didn't want to be Gay.  Of course everything including ---- Oh NO Conversion Therapy.   Trust me it is the worst quack "medical/physocologic torture that could ever be done to and Individual.  

 

I finally figured out at 32 that with  3 kids I love dearly that I had to finally let my Wive of 12 years that I couldn't live a lie for the rest of my life.    The response was almost a mirror of the 1982 Movie "Making Love" with Michael Ontkean and Kate Jackson.

 

My wife was so angry she outed me to the world including my boss, parent and friends.   It was tough because  because I didn't yet know what it meant to be a Gay Man and also got fired from my job.  

 

I probably shouldn't be sharing all of this.   I met a wonderful hulk of a Guy that was 6'9"  he was my everything -  He Died of Aids 37 years ago today.   In those day there were no drugs or treatment and when diagnosed was a death sentence.   My next try at a relationship was also a failure -  He committed Suicide. 

 

I swore off relationships.    Eventually I met Iain after deciding to get my head back together and saw a Counselor for just 4 visits.   He was a very results only counselor and describing all my terrible relationships he gave me my assignment -  

 

Make a list of everything  of importance of Values, Character, Qualities and Things I enjoy   in your perfect mate.  Took me a full week to compile and I came back with the list.   He took the list and sealed it.    Now let's talk where you will meet that perfect person.  

 

I met Iain on what they called a Bulletin Chat Board.    I'm was not looking for one night stands nor was Iain.   We chatted and chatted for over 6 months and then finally met for a cup of coffee.   What can I say -   I already knew him and he was exactly as I dreamed and had everything on that list.   

OK i'm stubborn - I said I really like him and love our dating but for me I need to live alone for 6 months before committing to a relationship.    He was certain of what he wanted so he hopped in his car (and he can barely drive) and rented an apartment 3 blocks from my home.   

 

We almost made the 6 months but the Big Loma Prierta Earthquake hit the day his Concert Grand Piano was delivered to my house.    October 17, 1989 5:04PM. 

 

I spent 12 hours of terror -  He works in the city and was walking from the Federal Reserve to the Train Station at that exact time.    I started hearing of buildings collapsing on his route then on the highway collapses.     This was before cellphones and the few payphones had lines miles long to make a call .    I sat at the trains stations with no news and no trains until I saw a single engin coming down the tracks at 15 miles an hours checking the tracks and bridges.

It wasn't until early morning that the first train arrived.   We were in tears by the time we finally knew each other were ok.    

That became the day we moved in together.  

Thanks for sharing your story!!

Loved your comparison. Will you be doing an overall comparison?

1 hour ago, pretty princess said:

Loving your photos. BringS back memories of sailing our sailboat from Mackinac to Cleveland a few years back!,   Thanks for the photos!!

If you are interested in the history of Detroit, and it's close proximation to Canada, read Jeffrey Eugenides books. He is an author born in Detroit, and while his books can be controversial, (as any good book is), he does give some history on prohibition and how bootleggers would drive across the lake Canada. 

5 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Detroit

 

 

 

This looks like Grosse Pointe or the nice northern portion of the detoirt 

11 hours ago, Stem to Stern said:

Our Story - Original Murdick's Fudge (originalmurdicksfudge.com)

I know the owners. It is actually a decent american fudge

On 6/23/2023 at 9:26 AM, Bimmer09 said:

Mike and Mary, thanks for your kind comment-"entertaining and informative" is what I strive for.

I hope you are sitting down when I tell you the price (I've seen much cheaper)...it was E 270 for each leg and we thought the efficiency, communication and the service was worth the splurge.

You could get an Uber for less. Train is cheap cheap but we can't schlepp luggage off and on trains then wait for taxis and such. We got what we paid for-professionalism, Mercedes E, on time, car and driver ID with the link to the driver's phone number on the day to advise delays etc-youvcan also request an extra stop, such as the Markt in Rotterdam. The E Class sedan cost more than the minibus price but we like sedans.

Hope this helps!

Norris

Years ago, when I was younger, we would do the trains. It is very doable, but as I have aged and been able to afford private cars too and from I can't imagine going back. However, life can throw you a curveball and I would certainly do it again if needed. 

19 hours ago, bigAWL said:

I explored this question a few months back.  Based on responses from those who sailed Concierge in the past, this is the best list I could come up with for what the Concierge staff can do for you (or presumably for anyone, since they are not actually there exclusively for Concierge class guests):

 

• Dining reservations and changes
• Print boarding passes
• Tender tickets
• Help with general problems
• Help with Guest Services issues with a shorter line

 

Of course there are other benefits that go along with your booking, but I was specifically looking for services performed by the Concierge staff.

 

If you're interested in reading the responses I got, here's the thread:

 

We have done all of the classes and only do CC if the price difference isn't great. 

Didn't realize we could use them for guest services issues. Thanks

Funny, because my partner got the same offer and he never goes into the casino, but I do. So I thought it was really a way of filling up the ship. It's sad because we love Celebrity and would hate to see them leave the West Coast. But if they cant' fill the ships, they don't have a choice. 

I am happy to receive the offer, trying to figure out why the price is higher if I wait until the April cruise to book. 

We got a blue chip offer today for Mexico cruise from LA. 7 day. Says a $7 deposit but only the ones leaving asap. The ones leaving later in the month are at a higher price. Any clue why?

On 12/11/2022 at 6:17 AM, Jim_Iain said:

 

With the exception of the Captain's Toast and Top Cruiser there have been ZERO events or recognition of Zenith's.    I was rather put off that we received a not to show up 15 minutes early and no one even came out to bring us in.   By the time we got in other CC members had taken all the reserved spots.   

 

I'm not usually one to complain but felt compelled to write Andrea and let her know my feelings about the liquidation of Zenith recognition.   Within 30 minutes the CC host called me acting like she hadn't heard from Andrea.   She acting like a white elephant in the room and was apologetic saying she couldn't find us.   She is on her second cruise and is new to Celebrity.   She told me they only have lunches and events if there are 16 Zenith's or more.    I told her she needs to check with other ships as many of us have been to lunches with as few as 6.

 

Andrea did respond with a nice letter of apology and a nice bottle of wine and strawberries to the room.  

 

After that suddenly the Excursion Manager Called me and personally greeted us on our first excursion, The Hotel Director dropped by Luminae to welcome us aboard, followed by the Restaurant Manager and the Maitre' d.     It was very uncomfortable as no one mentioned the issue and just pretend like I had not written her.  

 

I didn't expect anything but felt they should have just acknowledged their mix up and move on.

 

As usual I wrote to Mario, HD and complimented crew members that made our trip memorable.   That night he again dropped by with a parade of the other management team but again nothing mentioned.   Happily when I returned to our room there was yet another bottle Mum's and a nice hand written note from Mario thanking us for our compliments an apology for the missteps and hoped he could win us back as a valued loyal guest.   It was nicely done.

 

With the changes in the Zenith program we have decided after 22 years to try some  other cruise Luxury cruise lines.     We of course have about 9 cruises already booked with Celebrity but right now unless we cancel will be trying out Ponant.

I can only understand how you feel. It sounds like there are so many new staff members and some don't know the proper way to acknowledge a misstep. As a business owner, we are always conflicted how to acknowledge a misstep. Do we say "we f'd up or just try to make it right". I agree since so many f'd up, someone should have acknowledged it, but I have a feeling no one wanted to admit to the mistake. Especially since you both are so kind and aren't screaming about your experience. 

7 hours ago, dlh015 said:

I'm stunned. That might have sent me to GS to see about removing it...I might even have made mention of it in the survey. That's just unprofessional.

Everybody had bad days. Maybe that was his. Give people a break 

10 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I agree.

 

I spoiled it for  Iain.   I was in Modesto visiting our daughter and we watched Jeopardy on Monday.   For some reason it wasn't blacked out there and I spoiled the TOC  and when I called him I said how surprised I was with  the bidding that gave Amy the win.

but awesome our Girl Amy won. It is a move forward for man kind and she is a local gal.

3 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Pretty straight forward.   I use a firestick.    First plug into HDMI of TV then use the instruction I posted on shifting Sources   CC - Menu - go to bottom item press enter then go to bottom - Sources and select your source (using room remote).

 

Then on firestick   Go to Settings and select Celebrity Guest Wifi -  It should pop up a captive portal to log on.

 

We cut the cord years ago and use YouTube TV.     You can access both live TV as well as your "VCR" virtual recordings.     I just record all episodes of our favorite TV shows and watch when we want.   Because Monday Night Football pre-empts Jeopardy it is usually captured around 11 PM so we are usually a day behind.    Depending on ship you may need a VPN via Firestick to spoof your location.

You are the best.  Thank you 

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Pretty straight forward.   I use a firestick.    First plug into HDMI of TV then use the instruction I posted on shifting Sources   CC - Menu - go to bottom item press enter then go to bottom - Sources and select your source (using room remote).

 

Then on firestick   Go to Settings and select Celebrity Guest Wifi -  It should pop up a captive portal to log on.

 

We cut the cord years ago and use YouTube TV.     You can access both live TV as well as your "VCR" virtual recordings.     I just record all episodes of our favorite TV shows and watch when we want.   Because Monday Night Football pre-empts Jeopardy it is usually captured around 11 PM so we are usually a day behind.    Depending on ship you may need a VPN via Firestick to spoof your location.

LOL Hate when they preempt Jeopardy and our own SF native Amy won !

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Pretty straight forward.   I use a firestick.    First plug into HDMI of TV then use the instruction I posted on shifting Sources   CC - Menu - go to bottom item press enter then go to bottom - Sources and select your source (using room remote).

 

Then on firestick   Go to Settings and select Celebrity Guest Wifi -  It should pop up a captive portal to log on.

 

We cut the cord years ago and use YouTube TV.     You can access both live TV as well as your "VCR" virtual recordings.     I just record all episodes of our favorite TV shows and watch when we want.   Because Monday Night Football pre-empts Jeopardy it is usually captured around 11 PM so we are usually a day behind.    Depending on ship you may need a VPN via Firestick to spoof your location.

Thank you so much!!!!

We will try this. I think we have a firestick in the house somewhere. 

37 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Comment on StarLink.  Still mixed opinion.  I called our daughter.   The call VOIP was choppy.  May have been I was walking laps and being passed between routers. 
 

last night watching Jeopardy had a bit of buffering.   

I am very curious how you stream live shows. I am have tried to read through but can't figure out it. Can you do a "for an idiot" version of how to do this. I am of the age I watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune every night along with ABC7s and my Golden Girls at bedtime. Would love to figure out how to do this. I don't love the programs available on Celebrity. 

47 minutes ago, Mike45LC said:

Mex Riviera is my usual cruise out of LA.  First day out of LA and last day before LA are usually chilly; not pool weather for those of us from warm climes!  The rest of the cruise, even in Dec and Jan, is usually perfect for daytime shorts and tshirts.

This is one reason we like the ships with the enclosed pools. Lol even though princess sometimes heat the pools, they are still chilly. 

9 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

It is really nice having a ship on the West Coast.    It is so nice not to spend a full day traveling to join a cruise.  

 

 

It is nice. 

We actually took three Princess ships this past year for that reason. The first two were out of SF. Great to just take a taxi from our house to the ship. Went for five days, then a ten day. Next a princess to Hawaii for 15 days. 

Looking forward to getting back onto Celebrity and our perks. LOL

I am SO EXCITED to see this review. I love your reviews and we booked this cruise for New Years!  Can't wait to read through it. 

On 11/20/2022 at 1:49 PM, ORV said:

Not necessarily a positive change IMO. Nothing against the cartoon restaurant, but in my experience certainly not better than Silk Harvest. 

We all have opinions. Never went to Silk Harvest but love Le Petite Chef. It is forward thinking and I guess that isn't really for everyone. It's the same dinner over and over but it is fun, relaxing and different, which we prefer. 

1 hour ago, travelin.sisters said:

answers to questions

          I decided to switch & take this chance to answer the many questions people have asked & do both days of Cabo San Lucas together.

          First the ones that are already answered: The officers board has been posted (I think both by me & by someone else earlier), I have talked about how I think the Sapphire compares to the Grand (basically similar but roomier & better maintained—also feels like more elevators). MDR embarkation lunch menus & food photos posted. International Café is open 24/7, Promenade Deck is not closed for crew smoking. & Calypso pool is covered on deck 14.

          Princess Theater show times are 7:30 & 9:30 (45-minute shows). We have not been to one so I don’t know how crowded they are.

          Balcony doors have not dislocated our shoulders to open/close, but yes, they are pretty hard to move!

          There was absolutely no problem boarding with vaccinations but no testing. We tested at home just for our own peace of mind (& brought some tests with us) but they were non-proctored ones. They did ask to see our vaccine card & the only health question on the Medallion app & at the port was “in the past 7 or14 (I don’t remember for sure) days have you had any symptoms of COVID” much easier than in January.

          The Movies Under the Stars pool is the uncovered one (Neptune’s Reef) on the Lido Deck midship. It is where Swirls Ice Cream, Trident Grill & Prego Pizzeria are.

          Mario Propato who is on the board as the Restaurant General Manager introduced himself to us at dinner as the Maitre’d.

          I haven’t had time when they are open to check on the point & shoot cameras but I will try before the cruise is over. I also don’t know yet about the assistant cruise directors, laundry or pickleball/table tennis but I will let you know if I find out.

          I have all the Patters & most, if not all, the dinner menus photographed, but with the internet issues those & more food pictures will have to wait either until our trip home or after I get home to post.

          If I missed your question or there are any more, please post & I will do my best to get answers. I haven’t heard an official announcement from the Captain (probably at the Captains Circle party on Friday) but I have heard we are sailing from 70-80% capacity depending on the source.

                   

 

My posts in this LIVE:

pre-cruise musing—post 1

photos of berth 46—post 2

ready to go—post 23

onboard & ready to report—post 60

embarkation day—post 67

embarkation photos—post 68

embarkation lunch photos—post 70 & 72

exploring the ship—post 80

ship photos—posts 82, 84, 88, 89, 100 & 101

day 2—at sea—post 102

day 2 photos—posts 109, 110, 111 & 112

Thank you so very much for this report. As someone else said appreciate your kind tone.  We sail in a week and I am beyond excited. Third cruise with princess. We are celebrity people but have had a great time because of the crew. We did this same cruise a few months ago and enjoyed the ports. Cabo especially. 

We will be in Waikiki in October and wondering if there are any suggested hotels for day passes?

What a wonderful review!!!  

Your writing style is awesome. I would have assumed you were a teacher based on your writing style. But I see you do research papers, etc. 

Truly enjoying your review. We would love to do the Beyond, as we have sailed on Celebrity most of our cruising lives. But they prices are far Beyond what we want to invest at the time 

We rarely participate in Rc Activities but love reading through them. I hope they don’t go away. We have meet people we had had the pleasure of  enjoining excursions with, as well as transportation to our hotels etc.

We are very liberal and rarely agree with many of the political views of some participants and yes, people get divisive. But I would hate to see thero calls go away. They are a great source of info not only on the ships, but also a way to share and relate info to new cruisers and people new to a certain cruise lines.
 

I am very appreciative of what I have learned through the years by joining rolls calls.