LIVE from the Sapphire - 33 days from Seattle to Sydney

[mmwc]

Midge and Michael,

 

The iPad has been working really well, it is handy when my DW is on the MacBook Pro, I can be on the iPad checking my work email, (still have to work, even though on holiday:() so it is great.

 

We are right at the stern and have noticed the WiFi is much better here than the rest of the ship, don't know why though.

 

Pia, maybe you could try posting while enjoying a nice drink at the Outrigger bar:D

 

Happy cruising

Chris

 

Thank you very much Chris for posting this.

 

Closer than ever to buying one thanks to this info. Already have an Itouch but think this would be great on trips for all sorts of things.

 

Happy cruising to you too.

 

Midge

[mmwc]

No parfaits that I have seen and cappuccino is available at the bar on deck 5.

 

Thanks Pia. Good to know that we can still enjoy our evening cappuccino. We will keep fingers crossed that we might find yogurt parfaits.

 

Have great day.

 

Midge

[t60]

Hi Pia,

would you check this out for me with the photoshop staff please (if you can find a free minute or 2 between quizzes;-))

Is this offer below still available on this B2B cruise and if so are the photo staff and/or computer staff giving relevant tutorials on how to do it?

Thanks

Sandy in Spain

Info from Fall Captain's Circle magazine...

 

For a limited time only, the Princess Photo Journal is FREE — with the purchase of photos in the Gallery — just five photos for Gold Members, four photos for Platinum Members, and three photos for Elite Members. A $9.95 shipping and handling fee does apply. Valued at $65, the Princess Photo Journal is customized to your itinerary and includes your professional Princess photos, ship features, maps, port information, and much more. You can add to your Princess Photo Journal by uploading your digital snapshots, and editing layouts and captions online after you return home.

[Pia1913]

Thursday morning; 3 C's. Calm, cool and cloudy. Gym was quite crowded at 7:20, but thinned out considerably about 15 minutes later. There are only 10 treadmills in the workout area and more in the aerobics room. But you can't use that equipment when classes are being given, so as far as I'm concerned they don't exist. It's amazing how many people are running around in shorts; way too cold for that yet.

Our first M & G will be at 11:00 in Skywalkers. Our coordinator is Marianne from Australia, who tried, but couldn't get them to print an announcement in the Patter. No "private groups" they told her.

The Patter offerings du jour are the usual bombardment of spa stuff, featuring "look 10 years younger in 10 minutes". Wonder what they're selling for that. A lecture in the theater at 9:30 on oceanography and another lecture at 1:45 on "Golden Radio Days." The movie today will be shown once in the morning and again in the afternoon, both times in Explorer's. It's Jennifer Lopez - "The Back Up Plan." This sounds like I'm doing the Wake Show for you, but in print.

Trivia last night was somewhat difficult and we lost. We will know from now on that when a name is involved we need to give first and last. We weren't told that and answers were counted as incorect with only a last name. After the fact. Prize last night was baseball cap. Getting better. We listened a bit to the Vintage People; way too loud for us. They need to observe their audience which is not a "loud 80's music" group. People are supposed to dance to that? I think not.

 

Tonight's entertainment will be Glenn Smith in the theater. The only information given is that he's a "dynamic" entertainer. That lead me to believe he's a singer. In Explorer's there will be a comedian; Derrick Cameron. We'll probably check out both of them.

 

See you later.

[BayCalif-Ariz R Us]

Hi Pia - I'm the one interesed in the weather reports - along with everything else you're reporting of course. I've pretty much resigned myself to temps in the 60s and 70s in New Zealand and Sydney - but dare I hope for something in the 90s in American Samoa/Fiji? Didi

[Woobstr112G]

Thursday morning; 3 C's. Calm, cool and cloudy. Gym was quite crowded at 7:20, but thinned out considerably about 15 minutes later. There are only 10 treadmills in the workout area and more in the aerobics room. But you can't use that equipment when classes are being given, so as far as I'm concerned they don't exist. It's amazing how many people are running around in shorts; way too cold for that yet.

 

Our first M & G will be at 11:00 in Skywalkers. Our coordinator is Marianne from Australia, who tried, but couldn't get them to print an announcement in the Patter. No "private groups" they told her.

 

The Patter offerings du jour are the usual bombardment of spa stuff, featuring "look 10 years younger in 10 minutes". Wonder what they're selling for that. A lecture in the theater at 9:30 on oceanography and another lecture at 1:45 on "Golden Radio Days." The movie today will be shown once in the morning and again in the afternoon, both times in Explorer's. It's Jennifer Lopez - "The Back Up Plan." This sounds like I'm doing the Wake Show for you, but in print.

 

Trivia last night was somewhat difficult and we lost. We will know from now on that when a name is involved we need to give first and last. We weren't told that and answers were counted as incorect with only a last name. After the fact. Prize last night was baseball cap. Getting better. We listened a bit to the Vintage People; way too loud for us. They need to observe their audience which is not a "loud 80's music" group. People are supposed to dance to that? I think not.

 

Tonight's entertainment will be Glenn Smith in the theater. The only information given is that he's a "dynamic" entertainer. That lead me to believe he's a singer. In Explorer's there will be a comedian; Derrick Cameron. We'll probably check out both of them.

 

See you later.

 

Pia;

 

Sounds like a great day. Looking forward to reading more of your wonderful journey.....:):):)

[Colo Cruiser]

Hmmmm, baseball caps? Interesting. :)

[Thumper69]

Brad and Anthony!!! I just noticed that when you are getting off the Sapphire in November, my daughter, her fiance, my son and I will be getting on. Please leave some money in the casino and some vodka in the bars.

PS: I'd gladly trade my THX cruise for a chance to hide out in your luggage for the transPacific. LUCKKKKYYYYYYYYY

Sharon

 

 

Sharon,

Great to hear from you. Sorry no trade on the cruise but your welcome in my luggage anytime! I leave for Sydney in just over two weeks I just can't wait. You should see the place I rented in Sydney its just fabulous. Pia might be gracious enough live me in on her live to say hello, keep watching. They have not a clue what I'm like yet.:eek: Luckily the roll call is hopping full of fun party people. I'll keep my favourite bar stool at Crooners warm for your kids.;)

 

Anthony

[Thumper69]

Hi Pia, you might like to try this...or perhaps you have already. Sandy in Spain

Tim Tam Slam

Opposite corners of the Tim Tam are bitten off, one end is submerged in the drink, and the drink sucked through the biscuit. The crisp inside biscuit is softened and the outer chocolate coating begins to melt.

 

Ideally, the inside of the biscuit should collapse but the outside should remain intact long enough for the liquid to reach the mouth. Refrigerating them helps to preserve the outside coating while allowing the inside of the biscuit to melt. The thicker chocolate coating on the Double Coat Tim Tam offers a more stable structure to prevent a premature collapse.

 

Absolutely LOVE doing this.:D

[aaerobear]

Pia,

 

I am glad you enjoyed our little part of the world yesterday. We missed seeing you (I was working the airport busses and then check-in)

 

It was a very busy day with everything starting so late, but we got everyone checked in and boarded in time. (with a few glitches)

 

Pier 27 is where the new cruise terminal will be in 2014 (many of us think that was a misprint and it should be 2114, but who knows). Right now it is just a big warehouse with folding chairs and no lounges or facilities. (think porta-potties) but we are coping :D

 

Look forward to our trivia challenges starting the 23rd of Oct.

 

Ed/Jeff

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Looks like we have lost some of the pics on page 1. Tinypic has switched off the links for International clients, so the pics are no longer showing up. Looks like any posting of pics from an overseas address will have to use Photobucket ,or another site.

 

The image in my sig. has gone too.

[margord]

Pia,

 

Enjoy this cruise. Sounds like it is starting off well.

[quincytoo]

Great thread !!! Between Duckduck's and this I am so trying to get Mr. QT to book us another cruise really quickly. :)

I actually got to try the Starbuck's Via coffee and OMG YUM I think Pia posting about it made me want to try it and WOWZA.....it is now in my travel bag. Lovely stuff.

Do you stop in Puerto Vallarta??? My home away from home.

 

BillyandCharlie'smum.... Tim Tams were on sale here two weeks ago 2 for $6.00 Cand......guess I should say I bought 6 boxes of the caramel ones and am down to my last box. YUM

[Billy and Charlie's Mum]

Great thread !!! Between Duckduck's and this I am so trying to get Mr. QT to book us another cruise really quickly. :)

I actually got to try the Starbuck's Via coffee and OMG YUM I think Pia posting about it made me want to try it and WOWZA.....it is now in my travel bag. Lovely stuff.

Do you stop in Puerto Vallarta??? My home away from home.

 

BillyandCharlie'smum.... Tim Tams were on sale here two weeks ago 2 for $6.00 Cand......guess I should say I bought 6 boxes of the caramel ones and am down to my last box. YUM

 

Now don't you go blaming me for your clothes shrinking like Pia does :p;)

[quincytoo]

Now don't you go blaming me for your clothes shrinking like Pia does :p;)

 

 

ROFL I always thought Pia was wise beyond her years :D

 

You know one cruise we will all be together and the Princess Pastry chefs are going to be freakingcout cause their sweets and pastries are not going to be eaten and the garbages will be full with empty Tim Tam wrappers !!!

[Pia1913]

WOW! What a turnout we had at our Meet and Greet. There had to be at least 100 in attendance. Always nice to finally put the faces to the names. Our CD Richard Joseph attended and also the Deputy CD Jen and the Hotel Manager, Terri. Rich told us that in about 2 weeks he will sponsor another meeting for us with refreshments, and also invite the Captain. Our captain just happened to be a bit busy today. I wonder why? ;)

We saw the Jennifer Lopez movie this afternoon; cute no brainer "The Back Up Plan." Lost our chance at a medal again; can you hear the sobbing? :) Attended the Glenn Smith show; 1/2 way anyhow. He's a good pianist and not so good singer. We lasted until it was dark enough to sneak out. Went to see the comedian Derrick Cameron; very good. Back in our cabin now and time to just watch tv, read or sleep. See you in the morning.

Aerobears, we need you! :D

[HEINER]

Pia,

Always love your "live from" reports that you do. Looking forward to meeting up with you in Sydney and sail back to LA with you.

Have a fantastic cruise. See you in Sydney:)

Betty

[Billy and Charlie's Mum]

rofl i always thought pia was wise beyond her years :d

 

you know one cruise we will all be together and the princess pastry chefs are going to be freakingcout cause their sweets and pastries are not going to be eaten and the garbages will be full with empty tim tam wrappers !!!

 

lol :d

[Canadian Cruisers1]

Thanks Pia for the live updates! We look forward to meeting you and all the rest of our CC friends on the Sydney to LA cruise. We will be in Brisbane on Oct.10/10. Have a wonderful time!!

 

Randy & Bev

 

WOW! What a turnout we had at our Meet and Greet. There had to be at least 100 in attendance. Always nice to finally put the faces to the names. Our CD Richard Joseph attended and also the Deputy CD Jen and the Hotel Manager, Terri. Rich told us that in about 2 weeks he will sponsor another meeting for us with refreshments, and also invite the Captain. Our captain just happened to be a bit busy today. I wonder why? ;)

 

We saw the Jennifer Lopez movie this afternoon; cute no brainer "The Back Up Plan." Lost our chance at a medal again; can you hear the sobbing? :) Attended the Glenn Smith show; 1/2 way anyhow. He's a good pianist and not so good singer. We lasted until it was dark enough to sneak out. Went to see the comedian Derrick Cameron; very good. Back in our cabin now and time to just watch tv, read or sleep. See you in the morning.

 

Aerobears, we need you! :D

[caribill]

Pia --

 

Can you ask what enhancements will be done when the Sapphire goes to drydock next year?

 

Thanks

[Woobstr112G]

WOW! What a turnout we had at our Meet and Greet. There had to be at least 100 in attendance. Always nice to finally put the faces to the names. Our CD Richard Joseph attended and also the Deputy CD Jen and the Hotel Manager, Terri. Rich told us that in about 2 weeks he will sponsor another meeting for us with refreshments, and also invite the Captain. Our captain just happened to be a bit busy today. I wonder why? ;)

 

We saw the Jennifer Lopez movie this afternoon; cute no brainer "The Back Up Plan." Lost our chance at a medal again; can you hear the sobbing? :) Attended the Glenn Smith show; 1/2 way anyhow. He's a good pianist and not so good singer. We lasted until it was dark enough to sneak out. Went to see the comedian Derrick Cameron; very good. Back in our cabin now and time to just watch tv, read or sleep. See you in the morning.

 

Aerobears, we need you! :D

 

Pia;

 

A well attended meet & greet is a great thing. Thanks for your continued posts.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Pia1913]

Good Morning. It's Friday and getting warmer. Even though it's cloudy, there is little to no wind, the sun is trying to come out and the temperature is 70 degrees.

Something new this morning; a progressive individual trivia called Kwik Quiz. No teams. There will be a test with 10 questions, papers will be collected and marked. So here we are back in school. Today will be the first pub lunch and also the first formal night. Champagne waterfall too, which we will miss since we have dinner scheduled for 6:30 and waterfall is at 7:15. We can also look forward to an extra hour of sleep, since clocks go back one hour tonight.

Tonight's entertainment is the production show Piano Man and Derrick Cameron is back in Explorers. Will we go to Piano Man again after seeing it a zillion times before? That remains to be seen. There is/was a movie being show but conflict with trivia. It's Green Zone with Matt Damon.

Off we go to the next venue.

[Toto2Kansas]

Thanks for the update.....good luck on the new trivia (or whatever they are calling it).

 

 

Do me a fovor if you can please. See if anyone knows when MUTS is going to be installed on the Sapphire if you would please. I know that CC in all it's wisdom is saying not until January 2012, but someone on our roll call is convinced (by Princess and their TA) that it will be up and running by next fall, 2011. Just trying to find out from someone who is there and might be able to ask first hand. Thanks!

[zebra]

Hey Pia - another Trivia Fanatic here!!

 

I can't wait to read all ab out your ports of call and especially Auckland. What do you have planned for Auckland? We are looking at going to NZ/Aus on a cruise next year.

Thanks - Jackie

[DeepWaterMariner]

We had a similar trivia on the Emerald last year which was for the trivia champion of the ship...write down the answers and then the top scorers had a single elimination (miss one question and you were out) oral quiz. The prize was a fancier than usual key chain.