Pam in CA Posted May 11, 2012 #101 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Do they have this for any ships in San Pedro/Long Beach? How fun! :DI think it's available for any Princess cruise out of San Pedro (Princess doesn't cruise out of Long Beach.) However, after the Sapphire sails tomorrow, there won't be another Princess ship in San Pedro until September 20th (Coral Princess) and Sapphire (September 26th.) I might do this again on the Coral... :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeloreanGirl Posted May 11, 2012 #102 Share Posted May 11, 2012 I think it's available for any Princess cruise out of San Pedro (Princess doesn't cruise out of Long Beach.) However, after the Sapphire sails tomorrow, there won't be another Princess ship in San Pedro until September 20th (Coral Princess) and Sapphire (September 26th.) I might do this again on the Coral... :) Good to know. Thank you, Pam! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CA Posted May 12, 2012 #103 Share Posted May 12, 2012 We're on the Sapphire. Went right to the IC and had some "snacks", then a delicious lunch with wine, checked out the changes to the buffet and we're now relaxing in the Sanctuary. I've always liked the Sapphire but now, I'm in love. So many great improvements. I really want to book a cruise on her. :) Would definitely do this again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdsqrl Posted May 12, 2012 #104 Share Posted May 12, 2012 . . . I'll be the grey-haired lady with the pink Kipling purse. :) You have a purse made out of Rudyard Kipling?? Seriously, I hope you're having a fantastic time! Glad you got to use the Sanctuary. If you don't come back to report further, we'll assume you found a good enough hiding place to avoid detection and are on your way to Hawaii! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off2China Posted May 12, 2012 #105 Share Posted May 12, 2012 You have a purse made out of Rudyard Kipling?? :D:D Your sense of humor always cracks me up. LOL'd at this one! Seriously, I hope you're having a fantastic time! Glad you got to use the Sanctuary. If you don't come back to report further, we'll assume you found a good enough hiding place to avoid detection and are on your way to Hawaii! Ditto this, Pam. Green with envy here. :) Almost makes me want to move to FLL if we could do the BVE there--almost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CA Posted May 12, 2012 #106 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Had a great time. It was hard to get off and I wanted to immediately book a cruise on her. Loved the updates in the Atrium, Alfredo's looked incredible, far more seating space than before, and what I found interesting, is that they now take the embarkation photos in the Atrium, near the stairs behind the elevators (with backdrops) and out of the way rather in the passage to the gangway. I was on the Star in March and was disappointed in the IC. The chicken salad had very little chicken and lots of grapes. Today on the Sapphire, it was fantastic; lots of chicken. There was a much better selection of sandwiches other than just the tuna salad. I also noticed that they had small trays that you could use if you had more than you could carry. Another observation was as I was leaving the dining room after lunch. It was after 1pm and they were greeting people coming to eat and not giving them a hard time. I thought the BVE was worth the money. Delicious lunch, wine, photos, etc. I'd definitely do it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bralli Posted May 12, 2012 #107 Share Posted May 12, 2012 I'm glad I discovered this thread. We are leaving out of San Francisco on the Sea Princess next month and now my brother-in-law and his wife can join us on the ship. They have never been on a cruise ship before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovevacadays Posted May 13, 2012 #108 Share Posted May 13, 2012 You two are cracking me up. Y'all are in serious need of a designated driver on Saturday. We may all have to chip in for a limo, as the Princess board can't afford to lose both of you to the hoosegow. Too funny! I learned a new word today - hoosegow. Pam and I made it off the ship in tact. We ended up with just a glass of wine in the MDR. It was truly a lovely day. We also met up with the OP and her friend. Both lovely ladies. I would definitely do this again. The Sapphire looks fabulous. The atrium area is just beautiful. I love the sanctuary. The crew we encountered today were all very friendly and helpful. I had my favorite dish at the IC which is the shrimp salad. Just as wonderful as I remembered. All in all a great day with great company. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovevacadays Posted May 13, 2012 #109 Share Posted May 13, 2012 This is such a great idea! I had no idea this could be done (without joining a passenger). I think I'll surprise my husband for our anniversary in August, with the BVE on the Star in Seattle (we live about 45 min south of Seattle)! I wonder how buying drinks will be handled, since we won't be able to hand over our cruise card to the bartender. I assume cash? They do issue you a cruise card when you check in and you can use it for drinks just like you would do while sailing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 to cruise Posted May 13, 2012 #110 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Thanks Pam and chloedmom for the review of the BVE you had today on the Sapphire. We will definitely book that one of these days. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessM Posted May 13, 2012 #111 Share Posted May 13, 2012 OP - Thanks for starting this thread. I had forgotten about this program. My sister is visiting this summer (from Missouri) and I've booked us on the Golden Princess in Seattle on Aug 4th. While we won't be cruising to Alaska, she's thrilled that we'll have lunch and a tour of the ship. Her only cruise experience was a Caribbean cruise on the Emerald and she's looking forward to seeing another Princess ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsSoCalCruiser Posted May 13, 2012 Author #112 Share Posted May 13, 2012 The BVE was so much fun! My friend and I had one of the best days ever. We both loved the Sapphire. She may even go on my California Coastal cruise with me! Where do I start! We met chloedmom and Pam while we were waiting to check in. They are both a lot of fun and I am looking forward to seeing them both again. When we finally stepped onboard, well it was first things first...We went straitht to the IC for some PRE LUNCH snacks.;) I loved the Shrimp Salad, Greek Salad and Grilled Vegetable. Chloedmom told us that the mini cheesecake was very good and it did not disappoint! Then it was off to the MDR for lunch.....I think I gained 5 pounds:o I've been on a very strict diet for a few months and lets just say that I thought I died and went to heaven! I stopped by the stateroom that will be mine this October, small but nice. I really liked how the closet is open with no doors. My favorite area of the ship was "The Sanctuary". We know which chairs we want to reserve! I'm sure we will both book the BVE again. There was only one thing that we didn't like....they made us leave the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsSoCalCruiser Posted May 13, 2012 Author #113 Share Posted May 13, 2012 OP - Thanks for starting this thread. I had forgotten about this program. My sister is visiting this summer (from Missouri) and I've booked us on the Golden Princess in Seattle on Aug 4th. While we won't be cruising to Alaska, she's thrilled that we'll have lunch and a tour of the ship. Her only cruise experience was a Caribbean cruise on the Emerald and she's looking forward to seeing another Princess ship. You're welcome! It really is a great program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsSoCalCruiser Posted May 13, 2012 Author #114 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Had a great time. It was hard to get off and I wanted to immediately book a cruise on her. Loved the updates in the Atrium, Alfredo's looked incredible, far more seating space than before, and what I found interesting, is that they now take the embarkation photos in the Atrium, near the stairs behind the elevators (with backdrops) and out of the way rather in the passage to the gangway. I was on the Star in March and was disappointed in the IC. The chicken salad had very little chicken and lots of grapes. Today on the Sapphire, it was fantastic; lots of chicken. There was a much better selection of sandwiches other than just the tuna salad. I also noticed that they had small trays that you could use if you had more than you could carry. Another observation was as I was leaving the dining room after lunch. It was after 1pm and they were greeting people coming to eat and not giving them a hard time. I thought the BVE was worth the money. Delicious lunch, wine, photos, etc. I'd definitely do it again. I'm thinking of maybe booking another one. We get a $39.00 credit from the BVE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laraja Posted May 13, 2012 #115 Share Posted May 13, 2012 What a fun thread this has been! I only wish it had started sooner, as there will be no more BVE opportunities in San Pedro until September. I'm glad I managed to do one in April or I'd be really bummed! But, come next Fall/Winter/Spring, when DH says, "Where should we go for brunch?" I know what my answer will be! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CA Posted May 13, 2012 #116 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Here are some photos from the BVE yesterday, including the letter we each received when we checked in: For those who are sailing and wonder, "Where can I buy the soda or Ultimate card?", this was just inside the gangway after being scanned: Relaxing in the Sanctuary: The IC (BTW, a much better selection than I saw on the Star in March): One of the two photos we each received: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribill Posted May 13, 2012 #117 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Here are some photos from the BVE yesterday, : One of the two photos we each received: How cruel to give you a photo with the itinerary all the way to Vancouver and then make you get off the ship before it sails. (On the other hand, submit the photo to Princess as proof you should get a cruise credit and credit for the days on board added to your Captain's Circle account.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsSoCalCruiser Posted May 13, 2012 Author #118 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Pam...I like your new avatar. I have a great pic of you from yesterday. I will email it to you as soon as I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovevacadays Posted May 14, 2012 #119 Share Posted May 14, 2012 I'm thinking of maybe booking another one. We get a $39.00 credit from the BVE. I forgot about the credit one could get if you book a new cruise. What are you thinking of booking? How cruel to give you a photo with the itinerary all the way to Vancouver and then make you get off the ship before it sails. (On the other hand, submit the photo to Princess as proof you should get a cruise credit and credit for the days on board added to your Captain's Circle account.) I like the way you think! If only it would work.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvcdays Posted May 14, 2012 #120 Share Posted May 14, 2012 We're on the Sapphire. Went right to the IC and had some "snacks", then a delicious lunch with wine, checked out the changes to the buffet and we're now relaxing in the Sanctuary. I've always liked the Sapphire but now, I'm in love. So many great improvements. I really want to book a cruise on her. :) Would definitely do this again. Thanks for your trip report. I bet you had a hard time leaving her! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsSoCalCruiser Posted May 14, 2012 Author #121 Share Posted May 14, 2012 I forgot about the credit one could get if you book a new cruise. What are you thinking of booking? I'm not sure but it will probably be another 3 day cruise. Less time off of work that way. I have one booked for October 2013, maybe I will book one for either November or December 2013. Are you going to book any of the 3 day, West Coast cruises? I have a great picture of you from yesterday on the Sapphire. I will send it to you soon. It takes me forever to put my pictures on my computer. I have to retrain myself each time. :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsSoCalCruiser Posted May 14, 2012 Author #122 Share Posted May 14, 2012 I forgot about the credit one could get if you book a new cruise. What are you thinking of booking? I can't sleep so, I was looking at your 12/01/2013 Royal Princess sailing.....What do you think? I've never been to the Caribbean.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovevacadays Posted May 16, 2012 #123 Share Posted May 16, 2012 I forgot about the credit one could get if you book a new cruise. What are you thinking of booking? I can't sleep so, I was looking at your 12/01/2013 Royal Princess sailing.....What do you think? I've never been to the Caribbean.:) Well, I think if you haven't been to the Caribbean it just might be time:) I will say the Royal's itinerary isn't the best one I've seen or been on. Basically two islands and Princess Cays. I'm booked because a couple of my friends are going. Michelle (former CC name chloedmom) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovevacadays Posted May 16, 2012 #124 Share Posted May 16, 2012 I forgot about the credit one could get if you book a new cruise. What are you thinking of booking? I'm not sure but it will probably be another 3 day cruise. Less time off of work that way. I have one booked for October 2013, maybe I will book one for either November or December 2013. Are you going to book any of the 3 day, West Coast cruises? I have a great picture of you from yesterday on the Sapphire. I will send it to you soon. It takes me forever to put my pictures on my computer. I have to retrain myself each time. :o I'm sure I'll book at least one of the shorter cruises. Nice way to get away and also stack up cruise credits to become elite status Michelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CA Posted May 16, 2012 #125 Share Posted May 16, 2012 Michelle (former CC name chloedmom)Love the new name. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.