Live From the Caribbean Princess Iceland & Norway Explorer Sept. 5th 2015

[Woobstr112G]

Yes, the sunset on the horizon is a sight to behold!

Now the horizon court for lunch is another matter, what about the regular dining room. Was that equally busy? We always eat as many meals as possible in the MD, breakfast, lunch and dinner. As most of you know, on embarkation day a main dining room is available as an alternative to the madhouse at the buffet in Horizon.

Did they offer the afternoon tea? We always enjoyed tea and scones at 4:00. Any opportunity to eat!! :D

 

We've actually never ventured into the regular dining room for lunch. We did enjoy the afternoon tea day before yesterday in Holli's sister's cabin. It wass great with a ton of food.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

Totally agree with your thoughts , for us a cold cruise and 5 sea days spells very boring. We love the pool areas and the activities around the pools and just enjoying the warm Caribbean sun.

 

That's the beauty of having a number of various itineraries to choose from. There is something for everyone. I live and work in the high desert north of Los Angeles. It was over 100 when I left home. I actually do not like the heat and love cold and rainy/dreary days as I grew up in Seneca Falls New York.

 

Sitting out by the pool all day and dealing with the Hogs is not my cup of tea. I know that others like the laying out by the pool concept, but I like colder weather.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Izabelle]

I wish there was a like button for your comments about not liking the heat.....there is something magical about being at sea on overcast cold days.

[High C's]

An interesting story from yesterday. After breakfast in Sabatinis, Holli and her sister went shopping in some of the Piazza shops. I had to take care of a few matters with passenger services and told Holli I would join up with them when my business was complete. Before we parted, I reminded Holli of our mutual promise to each other in that we would avoid going into the Effy store. When my business was complete, I dropped off some items in the cabin and then returned to the Piazza to look for Holli and her sister. As I arrived in the Piazza, I bet you can already guess where I found the two of them. Needless to say, both of our resolves were non-existent and I left the establishment planning the extra overtime at work that would be needed as a result of our vist:D.

 

Bob: What do you think about the Effy store, when compared to Facets? I think I read in your blog that Facets is totally replaced now. Does Effy offer a good selection? I realize it will be their brand exclusively. And what do you think of the prices?

 

Thanks - and thanks for doing the Live From. :)

[crochetcruise]

Please what is Effy?

[bobby3334]

I don't want to throw gasoline on the fire but why would anyone (as written recently) even consider going to London, Norway and ICELAND in September if they want to lay out by the pool? Your cruising would have to be confined to a very small touristy part of the world. Mike

[High C's]

Please what is Effy?

 

Its a jewellry designer. When the jewellry store was "Facets", they would carry some Effy products. But apparently now the store is exclusively Effy.

[RASHOPPER2]

Effy is a brand of jewelry that is sold on Princess ships as well as at other venues.

[bobby3334]

I wish there was a like button for your comments about not liking the heat.....there is something magical about being at sea on overcast cold days.

 

 

You have said it all in one sentence. Mike

[Woobstr112G]

Bob: What do you think about the Effy store' date=' when compared to Facets? I think I read in your blog that Facets is totally replaced now. Does Effy offer a good selection? I realize it will be their brand exclusively. And what do you think of the prices?

 

Thanks - and thanks for doing the Live From. :)[/quote']

 

The Effy store is just as good or better than Facets. Before I actually saw the store, I thought incorrectly that it wa some new kind of jewelry and not an actual store. I liked the selection and Holli really liked the selection.....:D:D:D

 

Bob

[High C's]

The Effy store is just as good or better than Facets. Before I actually saw the store, I thought incorrectly that it wa some new kind of jewelry and not an actual store. I liked the selection and Holli really liked the selection.....:D:D:D

 

Bob

 

LOL!! Good for Holli! :D I don't blame her a bit. Something from Facets usually follows us home - quite often an Effy piece! So I am glad you liked the store and look forward to visiting it on our spring TA cruise! :)

 

Safe travels home and thanks again for the thread.

[traveling1969]

Please what is Effy?

See above.

 

Harry

Edited September 18, 2015 by traveling1969
Already answered.

[scubacruiserx2]

 

Mornings at sea are the best.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

Great photo Bob , we agree with your observation . Would give you 2 thumbs up but CC only allows 1 ! Thanks for sharing the cruise and the cool weather - we're sorry that we missed it and meeting you and Holli and all the others we met on CC before the cruise . But sometimes you just have to count your blessings , including the things that we normally take for granted . Pat was happy to take her first bath yesterday - 6 weeks after her accident !! :) :D

[Skipper's Mom]

Effy is a brand of jewelry that is sold on Princess ships as well as at other venues.

 

Love Effy's, but usually purchase in Curacao from Gustavo! I believe the prices are good and Gus takes good care of you...:D

[Working 2 Cruise]

Love Effy's' date=' but usually purchase in Curacao from Gustavo! I believe the prices are good and Gus takes good care of you...:D[/quote']

 

But difficult to do in Iceland and Norway!

[Skipper's Mom]

But difficult to do in Iceland and Norway!

 

True, but the ABC's are fun to visit!;);)

[abbydancer2003]

Just got caught up sitting in a Starbucks in Halifax. It's great to see the cruise through your perspective. We walked into the Effy store today. Some beautiful pieces but pricy.

[crochetcruise]

THANK YOU to those who answered my question. I was interested as the Caribbean Princess has the Handicapped Accessible Window Suite, so is an option should I be lucky enough to win Lotto and be able to travel overseas, of COURSE after sensibly investing to provide funds for future cruises. I have a Bucket List-Alaska, this cruise which I hadn't previously thought about, but am now VERY interested in, and the Caribbean. Europe, I was told by a friend who also has mobility issues, can be challenging and I would need someone with me.

[Woobstr112G]

Good morning from the Caribbean Princess. It is 0635 hours (local time) as we remain docked in Halifax. The early evening sail in was interesting. A wealth of good picture taking opportunities. I saw the Celebrity Summit sailing out as we sailed in.

 

We didn't do muck last night before or after dinner. I am about 95% packed while Holli is about 95% organized to begin packing. After dinner I retired early while Holli went to her sister's cabin to watch a movie. Today Holli and I are scheduled to take a ship excursion to Peggy's Cove. I'm looking forward to it and to the picture taking opportunities.

 

A couple of observations about supplies that have run out since we began our voyage. While is is expected that fresh fruit would be the first to go, as it did, last night I found out that the ship had run out of Vermouth:eek:. The bartender in Crooners told me he did not think the ship would get anymore until New York. Oh well, at least I finished the 007 collection before the Vermouth ran out.

 

I'll check in later this afternoon when we get back from the excursion.

 

Hope All Are Well.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

Great photo Bob , we agree with your observation . Would give you 2 thumbs up but CC only allows 1 ! Thanks for sharing the cruise and the cool weather - we're sorry that we missed it and meeting you and Holli and all the others we met on CC before the cruise . But sometimes you just have to count your blessings , including the things that we normally take for granted . Pat was happy to take her first bath yesterday - 6 weeks after her accident !! :) :D

 

Very good news indeed about Pat:). Holli and I are sincerely looking forward to our paths crossing on a future voyage.....:):):)

 

Fair Winds & A Following Sea.

 

Bob

[BarbinMich]

Good morning from the Caribbean Princess. It is 0635 hours (local time) as we remain docked in Halifax. The early evening sail in was interesting. A wealth of good picture taking opportunities. I saw the Celebrity Summit sailing out as we sailed in.

 

. . .

Bob

 

Hi there from the Celeb Summit! We saw you sitting out there yesterday afternoon and wondered if you had had a change in itinerary, as we have on some on our northern TAs in the fall on Princess. Our tour guide said a ship was coming in for a 7-7 stay and I assume he meant for 24 hrs ;)

 

Hope you have as good weather as we did! The weather on our NE-Canada cruise has been quite warm & sunny except for a few days. We're on our way back to Bayonne, docking tomorrow.

 

I must say we prefer Princess to Celebrity! We're Elite on both now, but Princess's benefits are better.

 

See some of you soon on Princess (Royal, 1/19; Carib, Apr/May TA).

 

Barb

[NavyVeteran]

A couple of observations about supplies that have run out since we began our voyage. While is is expected that fresh fruit would be the first to go, as it did, last night I found out that the ship had run out of Vermouth:eek:. The bartender in Crooners told me he did not think the ship would get anymore until New York. Oh well, at least I finished the 007 collection before the Vermouth ran out.

 

It sounds like you did a good job with the martinis.:)

 

Please warn them that they better stock a lot more for the cruise next year. Several of us have the AIBP, and I expect you won't be the only one completing the 007 collection.

[sukibabs]

That's the beauty of having a number of various itineraries to choose from. There is something for everyone. I live and work in the high desert north of Los Angeles. It was over 100 when I left home. I actually do not like the heat and love cold and rainy/dreary days as I grew up in Seneca Falls New York.

Bob

Hi Bob, can't believe your blood hasn't thinned out. We're from Rochester, NY not too far from your hometown.

 

Been loving reading about this trip since we're on it with you next year. I sent an email to you probably just after you left and you'll have more than mine to deal with when you get back. I organized a second (afternoon) Seabirds and Seals - just an FYI - that will be part of your back home work.

I'm also interested in the Grand Circle Tour which probably is overbooked by now.

 

Enjoy the rest of your travels.

Barb

[Woobstr112G]

An early good morning from the Caribbean Princess. We are at sea headed for New York City. The dreaded last full day at sea is here:(. I’m pretty much done with my packing although I might have to do some last minute rearranging to find a place for some last minute purchases.

 

Yesterday was a great day spent in Halifax Nova Scotia. Holli & I were scheduled to take a Peggy’s Cove our, but opted to skip it. She wanted to go off with her sister and I had decided it was better if I struck out on my own due to a nagging cough and some sniffles that had started the day before. I didn’t want to be hacking all day and inconveniencing the other tour participants.

 

The Halifax Harbor area is very picturesque. We were docked at the famous Pier 21. For those of you who don’t know. This area became famous after WWII as an immigration point. It saw over one million people immigrate to Canada until it officially closed in the early 70’s. The harbor area itself is very modern. Inside the cruise terminal, there are a ton of shops where you can find a vast array of souvenirs and other items. Several of the merchants inside the terminal also ship to the US and Canada which I did take advantage of. There are also several tour operators both inside and outside the terminal building where you can book private excursions. I also believe there was free wifi in the terminal building as I saw a number of cruisers and crew members on their smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc. Just to the right (if you are looking out to the street) of the terminal building you exit to, there is a farmer’s market that had many tempting offerings. It also seemed to be a great way for the locals to buy fresh meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables

 

There is a long walkway along the pier. There are a number of shops and a number of restaurants. There was also a memorial to a restored WWII Canadian Corvette that saw action doing convoy escort duty. When it came time to walk back to the ship, I saw the RCCL Serenade OTS docking right next to the CB. She is a very beautiful ship and is also looking good despite the fact being a year older than the CB. All in all, I spent about two hours walking around the Halifax Harbor area and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The weatheer was also warm and sunny which made my walk even better.

 

Sail away from Halifax occurred shortly after 1800. What was really cool was about twenty minutes after pulling away from our moorings, we hit a fog bank where you basically couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. It was kind of mystical to having no visibility and hearing the fog horn being sounded.

 

Other than eating dinner last night Holli & I basically returned to our cabin where we continued our packing chores and I rested up a bit. I am hoping to be done with this sinus thing by Tuesday when I have to go back to work:eek:.

 

 

Today Holli & I, along with SIL & BIL (love these CC acronyms:D), will enjoy Sabatinis for the last time. I must say that after I started going there again, I experienced nothing less than excellent food and service. After breakfast, I might rest up or wander around the ship to look for some last minute picture taking opportunities. Holli will probably work on her packing. This evening we will attend dinner in the MDR for the last time and show our appreciation to our staff for the great food and excellent service we have experienced over the last 16 days. I am hoping to keep her away from the shops today, especially the Effy store. Our last visit to the establishment was good for her and not so good for the outstanding balance on my Princess Visa card:eek:.

 

I will probably check in later this afternoon. I also have enough internet minutes left so I will be able to make one last report tomorrow morning before we get off the ship. Take care.

 

Hope all are well…..:)

 

Bob

Edited September 20, 2015 by Woobstr112G

[Woobstr112G]

Hi Bob, can't believe your blood hasn't thinned out. We're from Rochester, NY not too far from your hometown.

 

Been loving reading about this trip since we're on it with you next year. I sent an email to you probably just after you left and you'll have more than mine to deal with when you get back. I organized a second (afternoon) Seabirds and Seals - just an FYI - that will be part of your back home work.

I'm also interested in the Grand Circle Tour which probably is overbooked by now.

 

Enjoy the rest of your travels.

Barb

 

Hi Barb;

 

I was born in Rochester.....:):):)

 

Bob

Edited September 20, 2015 by Woobstr112G