Naturalists on Coral Princess

[eandj]

What is the procedure for naturalists on Princess ships during the glacier park cruising? Can you hear them only on outside public decks? How long are they along for the ride? Do they offer any lectures? Where will they be stationed on this ship? DH has trouble hearing loud speakers...should he head to a better area than others?

 

Thanks for clarifying.

[lucky cal]

If I remember correctly from last year, the naturalist and national park rangers can be heard in many public areas of the ship including public decks and the Horizon Court, as well as through the TV in individual cabins.

 

The Rangers board the ship during the sailing through Glacier Bay and provide the narration while in the national park.

 

Otherwise, commentary is provided by the Princess onboard naturalist. On Coral in 2015, it was Mark Harris. He provided daily commentary in areas where wildlife sightings were likely and would often let us know when whales were spotted. He also hosted a number of worthwhile presentations throughout the week.

[RaiderCruiser]

To add to what Lucky Cal said, Mark was usually stationed at the front of the ship behind the"secret" door on Baja Deck. I say secret because there are signs posted " do not enter", but low and behold there he was with several other passengers. It is a great vantage point to see the glaciers. However, there are times that being on a deck where you can quickly walk around to see developing wildlife adventures may be an advantage.

Mark was a very personable and knowledgeable gut. He was extremely sociable and happy to talk individually about what we were seeing and about his experiences. His "talks" on board ship were very interesting as well.

[peety3]

A few personal observations:

 

The Patter will suggest that the naturalist will be heard on outside speakers, but do not assume that a balcony speaker counts as an "outside speaker". You MIGHT be able to hear them on a pre-determined TV channel.

 

If you see the naturalist speaking, but don't hear the naturalist speaking, and you're on the Promenade or the the Lido deck, CONTACT A CREWMEMBER NOW. On our 2014 cruise, the naturalist said that she would be speaking from the bridge during College Fjord if the captain would allow. We could see her on the port bridge wing, but couldn't hear her at all. After a while, we contacted a crewmember, and minutes later TA-DA! She apologized that she was unplugged for 30+ minutes....so, speak up!

[eandj]

Great info. Thank you all for your experiences.

[Wishing on a star]

Yes, great info!

Is there any way possible to listen to the narration on headphones... Wifi type setup?

 

With my hearing, the open speakers might be problematic. Not sure they will not be more annoying than helpful for me?

 

Perhaps Mark Harris will be onboard when we sail, that would be great.

Edited March 16, 2016 by Wishing on a star