Live From the Royal Princess 8 Oct. 2016 Transatlantic

[antsp]

Did they look almost finished & ready to be opened for general use during the day?

 

Blood and stone comes to mind

[Grego]

Looking forward to seeing the first photos of the finished stairway. Thanks for the updates on the crossing.

[lynze2111]

See the Captain's Circle host and detail what's happened, what you did to try to fix it, who you spoke to and the result. Make sure they take notes and report. Keep writing down who you spoke to and when. Document everything. If the CC host is unable to help you, write Princess when you return with all of the details.

 

Yes! We did this on a Princess cruise after a disappointing situation with no air in our inside cabin. We asked to speak with a supervisor, told her who we spoke to each time and what was said. Our air was fixed within an hour and we were given calls and apology chocolates. I do believe they try to be as accommodating as possible and some of the younger customer service representatives get quite overwhelmed very quickly.

[traveling1969]

Before I get started on today's events, I thought I might mention a few general points. The food has been superb. We are dining room folks so you won't be hearing about the Horizon Court from me. Perhaps others will post their impressions.

 

Last night we both opted for the oxtail pasta as an appetizer and the surf and turf for our main. We also shared the chicken and sweetbreads in puff pastry. It was a delight. The filet was done as we like it, rare, rare, rare. The desserts, especially the sugarless choices have been very good.

 

The casino gods did not smile on Joyce last night. Her slots were dead cold. I managed a $45 win at poker. It was a good table with friendly folks and no bullies. The game broke up around midnight. You won't be hearing much about the shows either as Joyce and I aren't "show" folks. The drink package is working out all too well. Five minutes after sitting down to the poker table, we were treated to a round on the house. Just what I needed...NOT.

 

On to today's excursion. For those who wanted to go into Toulon, the ship offered r/t water taxi tickets at $20 each. We took the ship's tour to Marseille and Aix en Provence. We were underwhelmed. Marseille consisted of a trip up to the Cathedral on the hill the a short stroll around the harbor. We thought that lunch would be in Marseille but instead it was shifted ti Aix.

When we arrived at Aix, we were to have a 45 minute walking tour followed by free time but we opted to head out and explore on our own. We expected Aix to be "charming" but it was just the usual medium-sized French city. It was nice, don't get me wrong but it wasn't what we would call special and certainly not charming. Since time was limited, we searched for just the right spot for lunch. We found a nice restaurant serving our favorite moules and frites with wine and bread included. We sat outside and thoroughly enjoyed the meal as well as the people-watching.

 

Once back on board, we freshened up and headed for Crooners for a martini. That the reason for any typos; it's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

Anyway, off to din din the maybe some more poker. Tomorrow: Barcelona and our favorite pinchos place. So long for now.

 

Harry

[sunsetbeachgal]

Love your thread and writing style! Keep it coming!

 

 

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[DrVegas]

Thanks for your updates! My stepson is one of the entertainment staff (he plays drums/percussion) on the Royal Princess for the next four months. We're booked on her Dec. 20th sailing and I can't wait to check the ship out myself. This is a great way to tide me over until then....

 

Bon voyage!

[vatausae]

We are enjoying the day by day (drink by drink) updates and are getting even more excited about boarding the Royal on the 27th.

 

Since you are dining room folks we hoped you could tell us if Godwin is onboard -- we heard that he was with Generoso through the summer and hoped that he would at least stay around for couple of trips in the Caribbean.

 

[floridalover5623]

By any chance have you seen this sous chef when at the Horizon buffet.

[Steelers0854]

We are enjoying the day by day (drink by drink) updates and are getting even more excited about boarding the Royal on the 27th.

 

 

 

Since you are dining room folks we hoped you could tell us if Godwin is onboard -- we heard that he was with Generoso through the summer and hoped that he would at least stay around for couple of trips in the Caribbean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Godwin was in our section on our Royal cruise in February, he is awesome!

[reedprincess]

 

On to today's excursion. For those who wanted to go into Toulon, the ship offered r/t water taxi tickets at $20 each. We took the ship's tour to Marseille and Aix en Provence. We were underwhelmed. Marseille consisted of a trip up to the Cathedral on the hill the a short stroll around the harbor. We thought that lunch would be in Marseille but instead it was shifted ti Aix.

 

Harry

Quick question regarding the water taxi tickets....was this a tender port? Or were you docked, and the water taxi was an option to visit another area? Thanks..

[IECalCruiser]

Quick question regarding the water taxi tickets....was this a tender port? Or were you docked, and the water taxi was an option to visit another area? Thanks..

In Toulon you actually dock in La Seyne-sur-Mer. The water taxi will take you across the harbor to Toulon.

 

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Edited October 10, 2016 by IECalCruiser

[reedprincess]

In Toulon you actually dock in La Seyne-sur-Mer. The water taxi will take you across the harbor to Toulon.

 

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Excellent, thanks so much!

[traveling1969]

We are enjoying the day by day (drink by drink) updates and are getting even more excited about boarding the Royal on the 27th.

 

Since you are dining room folks we hoped you could tell us if Godwin is onboard -- we heard that he was with Generoso through the summer and hoped that he would at least stay around for couple of trips in the Caribbean.

 

Much to our chagrin, both Godwin and Generoso left the ship in Rome for parts unknown.

[GonzoWCS]

Enjoying the write up so far.....

[traveling1969]

Ah Barcelona! We first visited Barcelona back in 1973. Europe was different then. No crowds, no cell phones, no worries. A word to the wise. Princess offers a r/t shuttle to town for $11. There is a local shuttle which offers the same service for 4 euros r/t. Just exit the terminal, bear to the left and there is the bus stop.

 

Today we went to our new favorite restaurant La Tasqueta De Blai. It's similar to a tapas bar but they call their offerings pinchos or pintxos. They are small bites skewered with a toothpick and served on a small piece of crunchy bread. The place opens at 12:30 pm and is soon packed. there are a few tables inside and other seating outside. There is a small 10% surcharge for the outside seating. The way it works is this; you order your drink, pick up a plate and help yourself to the many and varied choices. There were perhaps 20 or 25 different varieties. You choose what you wish and when you are finished, they tally the number of toothpicks and charge you accordingly. Most items are 1 euro with some specials (with red-topped toothpicks) at 1.80 euros. A large Estrella draft is 1.90 euros and the house red is 2 euros per glass. We typically choose 3 or 4 to start and go from there. They will bring out hot offerings and they circulate among the patrons with them. After 20 minutes or so they will bring out the sweets. Today they had a vanilla parfait with nuts and a dish with a chocolate whipped cream base with 2 chocolate filled cream puffs. Most everything was exceptional (we each chose 1 clunker; blood sausage for Joyce {yuk} and a not so tasty sausage for me} and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The final tally for everything was 28 euros (20 toothpicks and 4 wines). Do not, repeat do not eat breakfast if you plan on visiting. Too many sumptuous choices!

 

There are well over 2000 elites on this cruise so laundry service is dead slow. No hoo hoo though as we overpacked (as usual). The platinum/elite event is held in the Vista lounge. The steak tartare on the first night was the best ever. Tonight was soggy shrimp night. but we had a few olives and red pepper strips. Now it's off to din din and later a little casino madness. I'm up a bit at poker and Joyce is clawing her way back to even. She actually snuck in there as I was writing this and recouped $30.

 

Two sea days to come then Ponta Delgada. Until then Adio!

 

Harry

[lucksak]

We are on this TA. Sorry some people had trouble with TV'S etc. We are on Emerald deck and haven't had any.

Dining: The beef is the best quality we ever had in 12 cruises. Talked to the head waiter and he said it's from Argentina and the difference is the chef.The food in the Horizon court is excellent also. Haven't tried any other venues.

We did a Princess excursion to Aix. Beautiful scenery interesting town and had a great lunch. Good thing my husband and I shared a 3 course.

Missed the M&G today for the 1st. time. Exhausted after walking in Rome for 3 days and full day tours at the other ports.

Cooler weather than other years. 14 C in morning 18 -20 C. afternoon.

[AdoraBelle]

We are on this TA. Sorry some people had trouble with TV'S etc. We are on Emerald deck and haven't had any.

Dining: The beef is the best quality we ever had in 12 cruises. Talked to the head waiter and he said it's from Argentina and the difference is the chef.The food in the Horizon court is excellent also. Haven't tried any other venues.

We did a Princess excursion to Aix. Beautiful scenery interesting town and had a great lunch. Good thing my husband and I shared a 3 course.

Missed the M&G today for the 1st. time. Exhausted after walking in Rome for 3 days and full day tours at the other ports.

Cooler weather than other years. 14 C in morning 18 -20 C. afternoon.

 

Thank you. I'll be boarding the day you folks disembark in FTL, and the news about the food is heartening (although I wonder if they'll have to take on differently-sourced beef when they stop in FTL ... seems likely).

Edited October 12, 2016 by AdoraBelle

[Joanjingles]

Great read Harry. We're into autumn and cool temps. Lots of color and frost!

The Fl home AOK, but St. Augustine and north all along the coast has been hit real hard. Glad you stay positive and are enjoying the trip!

Edited October 12, 2016 by Joanjingles

[CruiseKing]

Hi Harry,

Can you confirm or deny reports about the demise of the Parmesan Bowl for the Fettuccini Alfredo when ordered as a main course in the MDR? BTW, great thread!

TY,

B

[floridalover5623]

Hi Harry,

Can you confirm or deny reports about the demise of the Parmesan Bowl for the Fettuccini Alfredo when ordered as a main course in the MDR? BTW, great thread!

TY,

B

 

They still offer it as a side dish & main course . I don't think it tastes as good as it did 4 or 5 years ago though.

[CruiseKing]

They still offer it as a side dish & main course . I don't think it tastes as good as it did 4 or 5 years ago though.

Thank for that. More specifically the question was about presentation. There have been reports, not on the boards but from someone sailing now, that it is no longer served in the bowl even when ordered as the main course.

[traveling1969]

Hello from the Royal Princess. Had a nice relaxing day today. Finished one book and started another. Seas were a bit bouncy overnight and this morning but they have calmed for the transit through the Gibraltar Straits. Expected to be off Gibraltar at 10:30 or so. Won't be much to see then.

 

We haven't tried the Fetuccini Alfredo yet so can't comment on the demise of the parmesan bowl. Over 2000 elites on this cruise so our laundry took all of the forewarned 3 days.

 

Captains Champagne Waterfall tonight but that's my posting time so I guess we'll skip it. We gain our first extra hour of sleep tonight with 4 or 5 more to come. It's one of the advantages of doing the East to West T/A's. That and the fact the beginning of the cruise is port-intensive so lots of time at sea to rest up from the hectic schedule. Once again, the food on this cruise has been just superb.

 

We had lunch today at Alfredo's and the pizza was great as usual. Another sea day tomorrow. The Texas Hold 'Em table has been a real pleasure with a great crowd. Had a bad beat last night with a smaller flush so gave some back. I'll get em tonight!

 

Harry

[CruiseKing]

We haven't tried the Fetuccini Alfredo yet so can't comment on the demise of the parmesan bowl. Over 2000 elites on this cruise so our laundry took all of the forewarned 3 days.

Thank You Harry.

[catsdinner]

Thank for that. More specifically the question was about presentation. There have been reports, not on the boards but from someone sailing now, that it is no longer served in the bowl even when ordered as the main course.

 

I was on the Royal in September and had the Alfredo with chicken a couple nights as a main course and got the cheese bowl

[jasbo49]

We haven't tried the Fetuccini Alfredo yet so can't comment on the demise of the parmesan bowl.

 

Harry

 

The parmesan bowls were alive and well on our September Regal transatlantic. In fact, the head chef (or whatever his title was) gave a demonstration on how to make them on one of the last sea days. I don't think they'd do that if they were 86ing them.

 

Jim