Live from Crown Princess 8/22-29/15

[gotta cruise again]

A little late getting around to a Live From Crown Princess but here now!!

 

Got to pier in Seattle just before 1100. Had had an enterprise rent car turned in at their 3rd street store. They took us to the pier, van backed into a spot at the far left side ( as you look at the building), unloaded bags, we walked down to the doors (3 & 4 I think) where they had it divided Princess on left and Holland America on right, we rolled our bags to be checked to the carts, tipped the guy, and headed to escalators.

 

Preferred line to security then a bit of a snafu: never noticed it in the rules of he ship but found out the hard way that tiny little electric fans aren't allowed! Had to take the bag to the naughty desk, get the fan out, got it tagged, given a claim check, and told I can pick it up when we return. Oh well: am surviving the nighttime hot flashes by having A/C fully cold and kicking off covers but DH is now freezing at night! Moral of the story: if you want to bring something on a cruise that you've never brought before, be sure to check the list first!

 

Easily checked in for cruise card. Preferred seating area wasn't too large and included Platinum--sometimes it's only elite/ suite. At boarding time, the area wasn't even half full! They didn't take us out from the area under the big TO THE SHIP sign at the far end of the room. The area was just inside security on left side of room. Had us line up just outside of door in a cordoned area then we walked to the walkway to board. On board a bit before 1130!!

 

Concerning past passengers: I'm sure there are a lot but not seeing too many on Emerald deck: mostly blue. The party later on will be interesting--will try to note the numbers.

 

Once on board, went to Crown Grill and made a reservation. Dropped off carry-on bags and headed to MDR for lunch.

 

Food was great but menu limited. I'm wondering if they only have the items most often ordered? There was a special luncheon for a group that helps seafarers going on in a different MDR, which may have affected regular menu. Still...was delicious and a great relaxing way to start the trip.

 

Suitcase at room by the time we finished lunch, unpacked, walked around a bit (2nd time on Crown and multiple times on Grand class ships so didn't really need to find our way around), then back to cabin to get life vests.

 

Don't know if this is a new regulation or if they expected a number of deaf onboard but there was a lady walking around the casino during muster signing the announcements. Also an interpreter during champagne waterfall. But haven't yet seen any passengers signing.

 

We went to the top of the bridge for sail away; took another couple up there that we met who were on their very first cruise! Was a treat for us to watch their exuberance and excitement at their first sail away!!

 

Freshened up a bit--had to comb out the tangles in the hair--then walked around a bit more. Went to Crooners and had a Baccarat martini: yummy! Couldn't find $100 of merchandise to buy to get the first day 10% off deal :(

 

Went to late traditional dining: meal was good, prime rib tender but lacked salt. Now for me to say that, it's really something!! I don't like salty things and don't salt my food. I don't use salt when cooking unless a recipe calls for it. I even said to DH that I didn't even know how to salt the meat! But in the spirit of trying new things, I tried applying salt! It worked and the meat was then tastier.

 

Didn't attend any show as we had an early morning planned (we thought!)

 

Well...the rolling started during the night. Not the seas with waves but big rolling swells that weren't breaking like waves do, but definitely moving the ship around. Took meds before going to sleep but unfortunately had to take a whole one this (Sunday) morning, knowing I would be sleepy all day even on this less drowsy formula. Felt yucky all day. Rolling stopped sometime during the night last night and that, paired with slowing down, has made for a wonderful Monday morning!!

 

So Sunday was a slow moving day for me. We had a 3 hour conference to attend in the afternoon. Fortunately, I wasn't the only one in the sleepy condition and the speaker allowed keeping eyes closed during his talk, which was MUCH appreciated! We did Pub Lunch, arriving at 1230 to no lines and getting seated & served immediately, which was good since conference began at 1300 (we weren't late!)

 

Back to cabin after conference to nap while Love Boat reruns on TV. I needed to sleep off the motion sick med; DH watched the shows! We got a 1730 snack from IC to eat while getting ready for 1st formal night. We still enjoy going to the champagne waterfall just to be with all the dressed up folks and experience the festive mood.

 

Very surprised that not too many people attending. 3rd floor was emptiest and 1st floor of atrium most crowded. But still easy to maneuver around, we thought. Easy to get a drink, if desired; same with canapés. Most surprising, it was EASY to get a Norman Love pop, if fact easy to get two (we did!). In fact, as we headed to dinner, they were still walking around with trays of pops, just waiting for people to take one! (Oh, for a little container in my evening bag!! LOL)

 

There seemed to be MANY more formal photo stations than we've ever seen on a Grand Class ship! It's always been hard to walk around but worse now. All 3 balconies had photos, even on 2 where the CD introduces the staff & Captain. It was open (no backdrop) but one couldn't just go stand there due to pics.

 

The biggest change was placement of the tower of glasses: usually faces the main levels with the back of it closest to the elevators. They put the front FACING the elevators meaning if you were on the main levels, you couldn't really see. When you analyze the placement, you see it's so no one can take their own picture of the tower when family/friend is pouring!!! You could photograph top of their head or them pouring with ships photographer between you and tower, or them pouring with maître d blocking view. I guess they weren't selling enough waterfall pics so view of event has been made less enjoyable for those in attendance in order to sell photos. That's a shame.

 

It was nice that traditional late seating is set at 1945 vs. the usual 2000 or 2015. We had the 50th anniversary dinner. All was very good! The beef was actually a filet mignon; the blueberry sorbet before main course was delightful. The Norman Love dessert was totally decadent and very rich.

 

Today, Monday, appears pretty nice weather, at least at 0700! A little overcast but may get some "scattered sun"! We're now in our conference, ship is moving slowly to dock in Juneau. From what I can see through the windows, way across the room, is clear-ish. We got room service for breakfast before the conference. Due to CC, I sent DH to IC to grab a couple of the croissant doughnuts as we've never had them--wow! We'll now avoid those in the future as just too yummy!!

 

Conference almost closing so need to pay attention! We'll head to lunch while the masses disembark in Juneau then we'll go walking around! More later. Please ask questions and I'll try to find out!

[Duffysmom]

Thanks for taking the time to share your cruise with us. With the ship rocking the way you describe I'm curious to know what cabin you were in.:eek:

Edited August 24, 2015 by DUFFYSMOM

[1925USA]

Whoops! We were bringing a plastic battery operated fan. Thanks for the warning 👍

We sail 9/12

Thank you for the review.

[atdahop]

I was on the Crown in February and had a fan ( a tower fan ) in my checked luggage. Had to go to security but they allowed me to keep it. Strange, same ship. I have always brought a portable fan with no problems. Is this a new rule?

[gotta cruise again]

Hmmm not sure about the fan rule beyond what security at Seattle pier said. Also, they did ask if battery or electric--not sure if battery ok and plug in not ok. Check the princess website for fan rules. And maybe each port different on how strict they'll be.

 

We're midship emerald & felt it here and everywhere. Conference in Sabatini so you know it was yucky up there!

 

GORGEOUS day today. Cotton trousers, light shirts, & jacket all that was needed to walk to downtown. We were 1st of 4 ships here today. Two Holland ships docked and an X ship using tenders. Don't know if bridge cam does it justice: I have it on in cabin right now & pic is fine but I know it's usually not great via computer. Sky is blue, those tanks are green in middle & white on right; lots of colors in buildings and equipment surrounding them. Saw only one bald eagle--glad we took pics of it instead of thinking we'd see more today!

 

Heading to happy hour, which, by the way, is now buy one get 2nd for $1...not for free! As ship departs at 2100 (all aboard at 2030), the dining rooms are all open seating: show up and they'll find you a table--even in traditional dining room. So we'll just stay casual tonight, go get dinner at Horizon to dine in room with wine we brought--saves a corkage fee!!

[kayred]

I am interested in where you went for sail away. I am so excited for my upcoming cruise. Thanks for sharing!

[gotta cruise again]

Go to lido deck. Follow passageway past all cabins to the very front. On Crown, there is a solid door (no window) at the very end of passage (don't take the turn in the hall!!). Go through that door and about 6-7 steps ahead is another door with a window. You'll go out & up some steps & are on top of the bridge!!

 

Windy!!! Bring something to keep hair out of eyes. No skirts! Hats likely will blow away even with a strap as wind direction might catch hat from the back. Have your camera. Binoculars are nice too--use you neck straps! Careful with cellphone cameras as wind could blow it from your hands. Enjoy!

[1925USA]

Thank you for responding to the fan conundrum...thinking we will give PC a call as well.

Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

We really appreciate your thread 😊

[Astro Flyer]

Thanks for taking us along on your cruise & we've enjoyed about 6 weeks on the Crown with our most recent cruise in January before her tuneup & we sail on her again in the fall.

 

Alaskan cruises attract many 1st time Princess cruisers & it's why all 3 of our most traveled events were cocktail parties on 7-day Alaska cruises.

 

We usually dress for formal night but have avoided events with free things because I hate crowds. ;) I've read about the Norman Love's pops & if they're chocolate may suck it up & go to the champagne waterfall...it'll be a crowds vs. chocolate decision. :p

 

Hopefully the remainder of your cruise is smooth sailing & my wife who is very susceptible to all types of motion sickness always takes her meclizine before rocking & rolling. It's the same as Bonine or Dramamine Less Dowsy & it has helped her enjoy dozens of cruises. :D

[suzyed]

Thank you for responding to the fan conundrum...thinking we will give PC a call as well.

Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

We really appreciate your thread 😊

 

We always bring a small fan. It can plug in, but we usually use the battery option since outlets are pretty scarce.

Most recently, we brought it on the Crown when sailing out of LA.

[gotta cruise again]

Ours was a 6" and confiscated. There was one even smaller on the security table. Also, was in our carry on...maybe different if in checked bag. Also seems it can be different for each person based on a huge variety of possible scenarios like who screens & if they see something, the port, etc.

 

We'll likely try it again on a future cruise & hope for different results :)

[April29]

Enjoying your posts as we are on the Sept 12 sailing.

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the live.

 

Was your fan in your carry on or checked?

[caribill]

Preferred line to security then a bit of a snafu: never noticed it in the rules of he ship but found out the hard way that tiny little electric fans aren't allowed!

 

No mention of this in the cruise contract.

[ILOVESHIPS]

I will be on the Crown Sept. 23. Just wondering who the Cruise Director is now.

[Colo Cruiser]

I will be on the Crown Sept. 23. Just wondering who the Cruise Director is now.

 

 

Check here....

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1684269&highlight=cruise+director

[April29]

Hello Gotta,

 

Can you come back & finish your wonderful report ? Thanks & Happy Labor Day !

[Crabby_Cruiser]

Also on the same ship and we seriously won the lottery as far as weather was concerned. Gorgeous and sunny for all our port days.

[suzyed]

No mention of this in the cruise contract.

 

I bring mine all the time...but mine is battery operated...maybe that's why?:confused:

[suznsundiego]

Hey Gotta Cruise....sorry we missed meeting you guys on the bridge @ sail away. With so few of us out there I'm surprised we didn't connect. We sure scored with the weather all week tho didn't we? We were so lucky.

 

Thanks for inviting us all from our Roll call to add to your thread here. I would be happy to add any of my thoughts or experiences or answer questions too. I did take a lot of pics but I'm not a photograper, all I used was a cheap Canon point and shoot.

[shredie]

I bring mine all the time...but mine is battery operated...maybe that's why?:confused:

 

Your cruise contract is battery operated?:p LOL. ;)

[Av8tor]

I will be on the Crown Sept. 23. Just wondering who the Cruise Director is now.

 

Bob Leininger

 

Also on the Crown for the 9/20 and 9/23 sailings. Got an e-mail "from" Bob yesterday for the 9/20 sailing. Perhaps the ones for the 9/23 date will be sent in a few days...

[emmak8]

Thank you for sharing.