lynwar

I'm so happy that Bert Stratton was mentioned as a favorite. I was all prepared to give his upcoming dates on the Caribbean Princess cruises, too. :) I was told that he's put in Crooners for the shorter cruises and into the Explorer Lounge for the longer ones. He was in the Explorer Lounge for one evening during our Sept. 2014 nine day cruise but in Crooners the rest of the time. I would say that he might appreciate a larger venue because there aren't so many distractions like people walking by the window (wave hands)-although, he's worked it into his act, and folks walking by and talking, especially while singing a more serious song. Yes, twofer!! And, so good, so good, so good!

We also enjoyed Barrington "Barty" Brown, a different type entertainer, more into Broadway and the history of some of those composers. We first met him in 1998 on the Sun Princess and caught up with him again on the Emerald Princess in 2010. I have no idea where he is now. Does anybody know his location?

Lynne

PS. We just made a short run down to Ft. Lauderdale and the Caribbean Princess was in port. She was facing the bridge so that Crooners was on the "right" side to be seen. :)

Hello,

I'm still here. It's good to see you. As I told scubacruiserx2, I'll check out the webcam in awhile to see some sail a ways...it's the closest I'll get to a ship in awhile, but, I hope to see a couple while down in Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday and part of Friday. We will be meeting a cruise friend from Massachusetts at the airport, have dinner and then deliver him to his motel. He will shuttle to Miami on Friday for his "free" cruise. (not counting air fare and other extras). It will be nice to see him after 5 years. That's the time we sailed out of Miami with him and his mom. We first met him, Mom and Sister on a cruise in 2005.

The sun is shining here and it's about 70 degrees in Central Florida. What do we do between cruises? Watch football! Today, it's Green Bay and Seattle. Later, it will be Indianapolis and New England.

Take care for now. Lynne

We were on this ship in September 2014 after a 10 year hiatus. We had no trouble with our cabin or our TV-except that there weren't many channels-but that was no biggie.

We really enjoyed ourselves, and had good food and a great singer in Crooner's.

No complaints here. Yes, we saw the man varnishing quite often, but that almost got to be a private joke-. I will agree that the railings were tacky at times.

There will be no perfect ship for everybody. I would sail on her again, too.

Lynne

This is a wonderful offer for you and your mom. I'm glad it a good fit for you.

My only beef about our move over was, that we didn't have the chance to find out the details before our pre-booked cruise was automatically canceled -the week before we were to sail. If we hadn't have been on an active roll call and been hosting an activity, then we probably would have jumped at something like this, too.

Go, and enjoy yourselves!!! What a treat!!!

Lynne

I had no problem with the Royal Princess when we sailed on her last year. Yes, Hubby thought it was too big for him-it was just that there was more room. I had fun, once I found the Wheelhouse Bar/Crown Grille area on Deck 7 (after I realized I'd been in the hallway for Muster Drill :D) was about in the same place as on other ships. I would point out that "the photo gallery used to be here"-on the other side, and that led us to the Atrium and saw that the photo gallery had that open space. I did miss having the Art Gallery on the Plaza Deck, though. There was enough going on in the Atrium/Piazza that I didn't miss Crooners (which wasn't quite as intimate as on other ships.) All this to say--a cruise is what you make it. The balcony we had was behind the Sea Walk-we didn't go out there often, or eat out there. We never use the steam room/saunas, or go to the fancy restaurants. Our major activities were trivia and the casino, as usual.

For those interested in the Royal-Dave 1959 did a marvelous expose on the Royal Princess and got many people interested in sailing on her.

This thread isn't to lament the older/vs newer ships.....all it said was that the Emerald is going to Australia. As soon as I got over the "shock" of the difference between the Caribbean Princess (Sept. 2004, Sept. 2014) after being on the Royal, it was a cruise!!

It didn't need a lot of bells and whistles for US.

We can only afford to cruise every year, or year and a half, and generally Hubby goes for the best, and least expensive deal. We just enjoy the ride. If we do splurge and go on a more expensive ship.... it has to be for a very good reason.

I'm enjoying this conversation....but the end of 2016 seems like a long way away to be so upset at the moment. As mentioned earlier, in another post, we've been on the Emerald Princess twice and enjoyed it. Our first cruise was on the Sun Princess and we enjoyed that one, too. The only thing I will say about the newer ships is that many more things are at a cost- and even if some of us retired folks wanted to try them, we wouldn't be able to afford them--like the Retreat, Sanctuary, Specialty Restaurants, Steam Rooms....etc. It's almost getting to be like a class distinction--although-that would be an entirely different discussion. I don't use the pools, either. We did miss the promenade.

This is enough said from me. We all have our likes, dislikes, expectations on each ship and we'll miss some things while embracing some new ideas.

The most important thing is that we are all on here because we enjoy cruising!!

Take care. Lynne

My only question concerns on of the prime entertainers on the Emerald and Ruby. Barty Brown has been a staple in Crooners on both of these ships-I wonder if he'll be tagging along to Australia? :D He could remain on the Ruby but we haven't seen him since 2012.

Enjoy your cruising! (Also, I found that you really learn the scheme of the Princess ships-they are basically the same-only some are bigger or stretched, and some are smaller! A303 is basically in the same place-by the forward lifts. Club Fusion is in the back and Princess Theater in the front. :)

Lynne

Our very first cruise in 1998 was on the Sun Princess and I thought SHE was large. :) Since then we have advanced to the Royal and have plans to sail on the Regal in Jan.2016. We were on the Caribbean Princess in Sept. after a 10 year absence.

All this to say, that a cruise ship is a cruise ship. We've been on the Emerald and Ruby twice, too.

All of us will still have the Ruby Princess-. We loved the Golden so would be happy to have her back in Ft. L. The Crown never caught our attention after the 15 degree list back in her early days-(human error).

I believe that Australia should have a newer ship. There's been a lot of attention given to the country in recent months that has opened the world to her good possibilities. Unfortunately, we won't be able to go down there because we don't fly so rely on the Caribbean cruises. Why not let them have one of our ships? Let's share our "toys".

Many cruisers fly to our shores from distant countries to be able to enjoy our ships. Maybe it's our turn to fly somewhere else to enjoy their hospitality.

Hubby believes that the Royal was too big for him-after being on the smaller ships- but we'll sail on the Regal, as stated, because of a good opportunity for us. We are all loyal to our ships, which is okay, but a cruise is a cruise is a cruise.

We've never had a bad one. However, I would put in a vote for the Grand to be located elsewhere. ;)

Take care.

Lynne

I'm happy that you are celebrating your good offer.

Back in 2007, we were on a roll call with a great group and were due to sail in a week. An offer came through to change our cruise to another date and get some good OBC. We didn't plan to cancel our original cruise--(I was at work and hubby was home). All he did was to call and inquire about it and BINGO--our original cruise was automatically canceled on us-just for making the call. We were in charge of one of the roll call activities and had to transfer materials and instructions. The new date was from the end of October to the beginning of December-because it had to be on the same itinerary. That was a TERRIBLE time to be gone for work... but... I was allowed to go. I still lament about missing the original cruise.

The silver lining was that some of that same group were sailing on another ship's inaugural the following year. We booked the cruise and then the inaugural date was moved up a week. Ultimately, we switched the week, too, or else those people would not have ever spoken to us again. HA HA. They'd included me in the old roll call from 2007 and the new one of 2008. We met some of them and a few of us are still corresponding.

I want to wish you a wonderful time----you know what is good for you----a cruise is great anytime.

Lynne

Hello,

That's terrible about not being able to get the channels. Our satellite did a self-check at the beginning of the game. All of a sudden everything stopped... and the reset began. Grrr. It's a good job it wasn't the 4th quarter. The Rose Bowl ended being one sided and may Floridians weren't happy. The Sugar Bowl with Ohio State and Alabama was a nail biter down to the end. :D

We watched the parade on our NBC affiliate, although, I had Hubby check it on HGTV and it wasn't listed on the Guide. We should have checked, anyway. We even tried to find it on the 3-D channel but it wasn't there, either, so we had Al Roker and Hoda? as our commentators.

I was so surprised, but happy, to see the Princess float. I missed most of the floral details, though, because I was engaged in watching the Love Boat crew. LOL. I'll have to catch it in pictures. Dave did send us a splendid one, though. Thanks, again.

So, for me, I've started to save my pennies and change, literally, towards the payments for our Regal Jan. 2016 cruise. Every cent counts!!! LOL.

Lynne

Hi

I turned the parade on late but did see our Princess float. It was quite the surprise because I hadn't seen this thread yesterday. It was gorgeous and I was so proud of Princess when I saw it. We have plans to be on the Regal in January 2016 but were on the Royal Princess last year.

Back in my college days-in the 1960's, our college choir tour went out to California and I had the chance to see where the floats are made, as my roommate was from Pasadena. That was cool. And, we all got to see the actual Rose Bowl stadium. All in all, it was a thrill to drive down Colorado Blvd when we entered the city. We sang at a local restaurant there, too. Watching the parade gives me fond memories of that time.

The entire parade was beautiful and well presented, as usual.

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Lynne

Yes, I recognized that tall red building in the Costa Maya area, and that pool in the middle. There was a production that started and the dancers kind of did a conga around it way back when.... There are always lots of jewelry stores in those places, and T-shirt shops. The first or second photo you showed looked like the store we went in and learned that they didn't set the prices, the cruise ship company did. We didn't buy what we wanted there, but saw the same things in the little store by the Cozumel pier.

Speaking of that, yes, the Senor Frogs was right across the street from the pier in Cozumel that was destroyed. That white building at the end of the pier was the duty free shop we had to go through, and that's where we bought our little bobble head animals. This last cruise we were at the one further up that also has a plaza area before getting out to the street-(Cozumel) The Paradise was at the old one. But, we haven't been in Costa Maya for awhile because the ship stopped in Grand Cayman.

Thanks for the photos! They give me lots of memories.

Lynne

Dave-we were in E 114 one time, right at the top of the stairs, where the promenade deck continued around. It was billed as an "obstructed" view-but we could see right over the railing so it was "unobstructed" to us! And, we didn't hear any noise from the theater or anywhere-I think we actually chose this cabin because there weren't too many choices left. The most noise came from late-nighters returning to their cabins. It worked out OK for us.

I don't know why we have chosen guaranteed on some cruises-maybe it's the price. However, we're learning that it's better to choose our own cabin. In this case, the TA guaranteed the cabin because of the price and then told us. It was after that when we made the deposit for the cruise because the package was one we could accept (afford).She wanted to make sure we had a spot.

We were on a cruise once where we opened the shutters of an obstructed view-and sure enough, there was a lifeboat right in front of our window! We could see around it and below it but not through it. LOL.

Anyway, I'm sure that we all have some great cruising stories. Outside of our wonderful A303 cabin back in 2001, we have been the happiest on the Plaza Deck over behind the art gallery, on the older ships. We've had ocean views both times. The water came up just about to the window! That being said, we had a nice balcony on the Royal Princess last year. A606, or close to it. I think you sent me a picture of it with an arrow pointing to it, Dave. :)

Bye for now. Happy Cruising or thinking about cruising!

Lynne

We were in Senor Frogs in Cozumel several years ago and recall that it was upstairs. There was also a store attached to it. Yes, we did buy a T-shirt!! :) I was also in the line of dancers as part of an audience participation game. That was fun back then.

We have been buy there since then, and actually went in to sit down at a table on the main floor (Carlos and Charlie's? )...but Trevor wasn't hungry so we left. I didn't notice that one of the waiters I remembered was still there. He looked like an older version of Barry Manilow-back then.

We've also been in Senor Frogs in Puerto Rico. Three or four ships diverted there because of Tropical Disturbance Alpha in 2005 so the place was really crowded. Yes, the cost is tourist rated--pretty high. It was very loud. We also found another one on one of our travels but at the time we were there, the place was pretty deserted.

The combined restaurants always tend to be a tourist destination, but now Margaritaville is right up there with them.

Lynne (It's island weather here today in Central Florida-79 in the house with everything open and the sun is shining brightly.)

Hi, Dave,

Just dropping in to say hello. Our cabin on the Regal is an IF-inside forward, guaranteed. It will be interesting to see where we land, as the cruise isn't until Jan. 2016. There is no designated deck listed, so, since it's a specific type cruise for us (special booking) I wonder it there would be an upgrade opportunity. It doesn't really matter but it's going through a TA, this time. Trevor and I are always happy just to get on the ship. :)

Take care. I hope you had a great Christmas. It's warm down here; I hope the weather isn't too bad in your neighborhood.

Lynne

We're really going to have to indulge ourselves sometime. We went to Costa Maya before it was built up to what is now, and it was an okay time. But, we rarely stray from the port area because we don't invest in excursions or extra trips. We have once or twice. I remember going out of the armed gate behind the Belize shopping area and mingling with the vendors back there. I even got my picture taken with an "Indian Chief", LOL. He shared with me, after the $2 photo op, that he was trying to put his daughter through college. :)

We did buy a couple of necklaces, then, but didn't venture into the actual streets, where some others did and discovered art galleries and other neat things. When we re-entered the shopping compound, we had to go through a preferred gate and through tight security.

Costa Maya is okay for a couple of retired folks like us. There were a couple of places to sit down for a "preferred beverage" and relax. (and people watch).

Lynne

Hi!

Have a great post Christmas Day weekend, and may you all recover enough to work up to a glorious New Year's Eve and beginning of 2015!

(I enjoyed leftover chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy, cranberry sauce and am now working on some apple pie and ice cream. Coffee will be coming next! :)

Have a great time, Gang. Lynne

We sailed on the CB in September after a 10 year break. Yes, we had to adjust to the "older" look, after being on the Royal Princess last year. However, after we acclimated ourselves to her, it felt like home and we had no real problems, nor did we look for others. The two things I did notice were the wet floors up on Lido, either after a rain or wash down, and there was a maintenance man continually varnishing the rails. That seemed like his job. LOL. So, the rails were tacky some times. Other than that, we had a great cruise and no big complaints. We were aboard her for nine days.

I was trying to figure out how to get back aboard next spring , until another opportunity opened for us.

Happy Cruising. Lynne

Nice shots. I liked the "artsy" ones of the pier and ship. We usually walk through the plaza area because we have no idea where to go from there. It seemed to have some different or additional stores in September than the last time we were there. We've been going on the Eastern itinerary.

I would send you some of my photos if I knew how to do it!! We stopped by the little band on the corner area, and sat in a restaurant by Fat Tuesdays. And, I had my picture taken with a couple of "statue people". LOL.

I look forward to your escapades very much. Thank you!

Merry Christmas!! Lynne

Yes, I remember several Disney paintings, like Mickey, etc. The new ships have less of those "traditional" type ones, and offer newer artists. There was even one on our ship (Royal) last year who demonstrated his painting methods and produced one during the week. I may still have hid name and that of a different chap, if you are interested.

I always enjoyed walking through the art gallery on my way to our cabin tucked behind Vines on a couple of recent cruises. And, it was designated "Home Base" by me-as to what side of the piazza/atrium we were on. ;)

Lynne

Bert departed the Caribbean Princess today and will return in February. He will switch to the Star Princess out of Vancouver during the summer and fall months to mid-October 2015. There will be a break before the fall tour begins.

Lynne

Hi,

I also read from another cruiser whose thread I've been following that he is home, and catching up on all the necessary chores like laundry and Christmas wrapping. He and his wife were on a b2b2b2b2b. LOL.

I'm glad to hear that all is well. And, the entertainer in Crooners got to start his Christmas break!

Have a great holiday week, Everyone!

Lynne

Hi,

We only went to one show. There were two Latin looking male dancers who were really good. One looked he could have been one of the singers. I didn't think the blond guy's voice was that great, and one of the female singers had a much stronger voice. I think she was brunette. See how much we paid attention? We were further down front than usual, like on the first tier by the side door to the right-which I think was too close for us. It didn't look as "showy" as farther back to get the more overview look. It was enjoyable, but we're in the casino most nights and miss the shows.

Yes, those coins add up in the machines. We were playing the penny slots with the little devil-on the front. If the right combination was pushed then the furnace would open and go around and you could get more times the amount you'd one, like 1x, 2x, up to 5x or, I'm not sure if anyone hit higher than that. It became quite popular by the end of the week. The poker slots back by the wall were unused some nights. No big payouts, I guess. I did return with a bundle of cash last year on the Royal, so there could always be a "next time". lol. ;)

Cruises are casual and slow moving for me, usually. They used to be one week of my annual vacation from work-where I could be pampered and not be serving others. (retirement community=activities dept. As much as we talked about getting up early, we seldom made it, except for me on the very last day coming into port.

Goodnight for now. I'll be looking forward to your next report. Lynne

They were on the Royal Princess last year. I saw them in Club Fusion and also in the Piazza. They are very good. Enjoy!

Lynne

Hello,

The Pastor's party and the choir cantata are over. Check. This will be Christmas Sunday and I will be helping to serve communion during the service, and need to find a prayer for that. Then there is a special congregational meeting after church. The next event will be Christmas Eve. Yes, there are many logistics at this time of year.

I found the cruise ship departure line-up awhile ago. Drat, I missed "our" ship going out. (CB) I didn't read the list but the bar was across the back and figured it must be going on the 4 day leg. This will be the final weekend before Bert's winter break from his Crooner's gig.

I'm loving being along with you. I trust your holiday season is going well.

Lynne

Hi,

You and Mom really look nice in your pictures. It's great to see you all dressed up like that. Looking great!

As for those mirrors, we never even thought of "selfies", lol, but if we have some it's by mistake. :D.

The champagne pouring event might be more for photo ops than actual pouring. I'm sure many of those ladies could have been very strong with that bottle and wanting to take control!! LOL. Those glasses were probably measured for stability. Just a thought.

I just looked at the actual departure date for our next cruise in January 2016! It's on a Sunday, so that probably means I'll have to miss two church services; I'm in the choir. So, I'll give the director fair warning, a year in advance and she can choose more unison music rather than parts. I'm an alto. However, there are more northerners back down here, then, so the section won't be so sparse. Ah, the logistics of cruising!! LOL.

Again, super shots! We're attending an open house at the Pastor's house today as part of the holiday festivities, but my mind goes back to the ships and reviews. Ha Ha. I'm continuing to sail with you.

Take care. Lynne