Diamond Alaska: making lemonade from Lemons.

[srphnx]

As some of you know, we were on the much discussed and "challenged" Diamond sailing 5/22 to 5/29.

 

Being eager we flew in day before (sage advice from CC) and arrived at port at 8:30 to watch them provision the ship and chat with those debarking.

 

When security first told us that Diamond was late, it seemed minor. We were the first pax for the next sailing, I mean the first. We watched as they scrambled to set up a pax baggage drop off and then waited about an hour for busses to take us to Seattle Center.

 

Once there, they laid out pastries, water and coffee, for a while there was enough of everything, about 2 hours. You checked in (got keycard and did visa swipe) and were then "encouraged" to go see the city, told to save receipts for incidentals such as tours and meals and shooed out the door. The facility could not and did not adequetely hold the ships capacity in pax.

 

We did leave for a couple of hours ate a fabulous Thai meal which were were credited for onboard and came back to see a mass of humanity, some of whom brought Norwalk with them as a bonus.

 

Delays kept coming in via the grapevine and about 5 P.M. we gave up hoping for return busses and took a cab to the pier.

 

Boarding was fairly easy, as we were again at the head of the line, and we even beat the ships fotog's to the punch sneaking past them as they scrambled. Dinging rooms were open but for some reason the Concierge was not and we had to get up midmeal to catch them to make reservations for the rest of the week. Sterling is now limited to 2 reservations per cabin per week. You can walk up but not reserve for more than 2 days.

 

Cabin (outside) was clean and fresh and we settled in the rush of new pax. Second sailing for us so it was easy to find our way again, and soon we had met up with some of the CC'ers from our roll call.

 

About 10 O'clock the announcement came that an adjustement to the itineary was forthcoming and sometime around midnite it showed up at the cabin door. Basically it removed Juneau and Victoria and offered a ship-board credit non-refundable credit of $500 per cabin. It later became $250pp and refundable. Also later it was announced that Victoria was again available but high winds prevented that docking but they did tender about 20 pax ashore who wished to debark in Victoria.

 

A group of many vocal and angry pax demanded that the hotel manager call Princess again with their news of their threatened "uprising" which was done and after much gnashing of teeth the offer was made to allow them to go ashore with full refund of cruise in cash not booking credit and also air and accomdations would be covered. 192 of them took advanatage of this option, we just put our selves on the upgrade list figuring that nearly 100 cabins just came open.

 

For the next two days, people who had slept through the option filed past the poor much abused purser and registered complaints, at the same time despite a high postion on the upgrade list, we were told we would not be moving, that only insides had vacated, a fact much contradicted by other sources. Bottom line those howling in the purser lines were molified with upgrades while the first come frist served list was ignored. I understand this from a business point of view but found it a bit unfair from a purely selfish point of view.

 

Debarkation was smooth as could be, we got in early, made the decision to carry own bags off and were at the airport by 8:30 AM, your mileage may vary. We did wait along time in the gate area but didn't mind that compared to doing so at the pier.

 

The cruise: Very nice. We had an extra two sea days which we used to hard core relaxation. Skagway was fun, the prices for shopping there are now the best on the route, Alaskan Shirt company being the Walmart of the North for souveniers. We spent a lot of time on the deck in chairs with a blanket watching whales which was a nearly daily event.

 

Tracey arm was pretty but ice prevented us from making the last bend, as will happen many times on Alaskan cruises.

 

Norwalk was a footnote as it was professionally contained and dealt with, all you do is wash you hands every 30 seconds all day.. no biggie.

 

We opted to make lemons out of lemonade, we didn't get told our 7 day cruise was reduced to 5 days, it was modified in a disapointing but not crucial way, we miss our ship BADLY already less than 24 hours off of her.

 

Dining was good to excellent, new menu for Alaska, including Halibut and King Crab legs, otherwise all the same, we ate at Sabatini's and loved it, some really exceptional items and service.

 

Entertainment was fun, Toni was hypnotized and barked on cue like a champ. The ship was clean, extra clean due to the virus, no smells and no problems.

 

Staff was doing well considering the load of angry pax who relaxed as the cruise progressed.

 

We booked two more opens while aboard and feel our confidences is well placed, we had a good time with these situations, using attitude and perspective for good rather than evil.

 

 

Life is at it's best when your address floats

Two MORE open Bookings.

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>

Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02

Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95

<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>

Diamond Princess 12/04

Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04

Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>

West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>

Ecstacy 09/01

<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>

Century 12/97

<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>

Century 9/96

 

[This message was edited by srphnx on 05-30-04 at 01:31 PM.]

[sue d. miller]

Dissapointing, Yes!! But it sounds wonderful!!

 

Sue

7 days on Star Princess 10/24

 

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[steveweese]

Hi, What other restraunts did you eat in? I am curious to know about the rest? Thanks Steve

[srphnx]

We ate in all of them, the most crowded being Sterling and Pacific Moon, more attentive and rapid service was to be had in Vivaldi and Santa Fe as a result, a little known trick is ordering off the other theme rooms menu from one nearby, if you waiter is ammenable, they can run to sterling for primerib from say Vivaldi, just ask don't expect, it is a hassel.

 

Life is at it's best when your address floats

Two MORE open Bookings.

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>

Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02

Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95

<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>

Diamond Princess 12/04

Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04

Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>

West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>

Ecstacy 09/01

<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>

Century 12/97

<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>

Century 9/96

 

[Boatnik]

Thanks for the interesting story. Good for you for "adjusting your attitude" to make it work. Did you at least get the $250 refundable credit?

[KAJOKG]

I always advise "go with the flow" when traveling. You certainly did more than that!!! Love your attitude!

 

KATY

 

NCL NORWAY - 2000

GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001

GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002

HAL NOORDAM - 2002

HAL VOLENDAM - 2003

ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003

HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004

CORAL PRINCESS - OCT. 2004

[srphnx]

yes, we got the $250 times two, had additional credits due to TA having group space and us booking aboard, we ended up having $$ refunded after all expenses. We still have cash we got in the casino.

 

Life is at it's best when your address floats

Two MORE open Bookings.

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>

Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02

Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95

<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>

Diamond Princess 12/04

Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04

Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>

West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>

Ecstacy 09/01

<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>

Century 12/97

<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>

Century 9/96

 

[Estelle]

I also appreciate your attitude on cruising (and life) - it's too short to waste time complaining.

 

We sailed to Alaska on Sept 21 2001 - we weren't even sure until the day before if we would be able to fly out of Philadelphia (sailed out of Vancouver and international flights were still cancelled). Check-in was a nightmare - the additional security measures needed created all kinds of havoc. We left our home at 4 in the morning (with 2 kids ages 10 and 12) and got into our cabin at 7 that night (7 west coast time so really 10PM).

 

We had nothing to eat all day except airline food and had late seating for dinner (8:30). At one point we sat on a bus in a parking lot in downtown Vancouver for 2 hours... the whole day was a mess.

 

Unlike others on board we heard complaining - we didn't let it bother us one bit - and had 9 wonderful days and got hooked on cruising for life.

 

Considering what other families had been dealing with over the past few weeks before our cruise - complaining about delays on your vacation that no one had ever anticipated seemed impossible. Everything needs to be kept in perspective! Absolutely make that lemonade!

 

Until the Golden Princess

 

 

 

Golden Princess July 2005

Mariner of the Seas April 2004

Celebrity Infinity September 2001

Disney Wonder June 2000

[marlinmike]

When life hands you lemons – ask for tequila and salt

[spongerob]

ROFLMAO, Marlinmike! I'm stealing that one.

 

Thanks, Steve, for putting things into perspective.

 

I've looked for the link, but can't seem to find it. I read a story last week that a small ship or tour boat had to be evacuated when it was holed by ice in Tracy Arm. Maybe there's someone out there whose distant relative swabbed the decks on an icebreaker and could take issue with the Captain's decision not to continue, but from my perspective it sounds like everything was done in consideration of the ship's and passengers' safety, in spite of the inconvenience.

 

Completed:

Sea Princess, Royal Princess, Grand Princess (3X), Caribbean Princess, Golden Princess

[srphnx]

Oceanic explorer, tiny by comparrison to Diamond made it a ships length (ours) further up channel. The big sell on smaller cruise ships is they can go "places the big ones can't", well this time the extra few yards didn't matter as no one made it around the last bend to Sawyer glacier.

 

Life is at it's best when your address floats

Two MORE open Bookings.

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>

Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02

Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95

<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>

Diamond Princess 12/04

Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04

Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>

West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>

Ecstacy 09/01

<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>

Century 12/97

<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>

Century 9/96

 

[Italy52]

srphnx Welcome back. Glad to hear that you were able to relax and get some enjoyment out of your cruise despite obstacles. I have a question for you. Noticed that you have sailed a variety of ships to Alaska. Did you find one line/ship was better than the other? Did all offer similar itineraries or, did they vary? We are going to do our first cruise to Alaska next year. We are presently holding a RCCL Radiance of the Sea reservation but want to change to Diamond Princess (just waiting for them to post their Seattle-to-Seattle prices). We just got off the Dawn Princess in April and loved our experience. Sailed RCCL quite a few times, but not recently. Never sailed Celebrity, but hear they are good. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

[Beryl]

How refreshing to read a review about a cruise that "went wrong" but was still enjoyed. Life is full of disappointments but packing a good attitude really helps to mitigate them! Thanks srphnx for sharing your cruise impressions with us!

 

Cruising! It's like being in the Garden of Eatin'!

[srphnx]

Italy 52,

 

Mixed answer. As a line I love Princess, best mass market food, nicest cabins etc. As a ship I love Diamond, really, really great ship.

 

As a matter of ships architecture, particualarily in Alaska, RCI is better, flat out. The more or less open top deck is much better for Glacier/scenery viewing. You can do the same thing on Diamond but there is always something blocked by super structure.

 

Overall, I think I will stick with Diamond or Saphire, I look at Glaciers for a two hour span at most, and am sneaky enough to get to the good spots early.

 

Celebrity is also a good choice, best food in a DR there is but the rest of dining is very blah. They too have the choppy toppy.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Italy52:

_srphnx_ Welcome back. Glad to hear that you were able to relax and get some enjoyment out of your cruise despite obstacles. I have a question for you. Noticed that you have sailed a variety of ships to Alaska. Did you find one line/ship was better than the other? Did all offer similar itineraries or, did they vary? We are going to do our first cruise to Alaska next year. We are presently holding a RCCL Radiance of the Sea reservation but want to change to Diamond Princess (just waiting for them to post their Seattle-to-Seattle prices). We just got off the Dawn Princess in April and loved our experience. Sailed RCCL quite a few times, but not recently. Never sailed Celebrity, but hear they are good. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Life is at it's best when your address floats

Two MORE open Bookings.

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>

Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02

Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95

<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>

Diamond Princess 12/04

Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04

Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>

West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>

Ecstacy 09/01

<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>

Century 12/97

<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>

Century 9/96

 

[Italy52]

srphnx Thanks for your giving me your opinion on your Alaskan cruises, I appreciate the fast response.

[marlinmike]

That's OK SpongeRob - I stole it from someone too

[yancycruiser]

srphnx,

 

Thanks for proving my and most cruisers point -you can have a great cruise regardless of the circumstances. What happened on your cruise was no one's fault and Princess did what it could to make it right. Glad you had a great time.

 

yanceycruiser

 

Carnival Pride Feb 03

Grand Princess Jan 01

RCL Enchantment of the Seas Jan 99

NCL Norway Jan 97

NCL Dream Jan 95

 

Sapphire Princess 8/22/04

[e095521]

Boy, I've been reading all of these posts about the good/bad/ugly happenings of the Diamond trip and almost want to just turn off my computer. We're on the 8/22 Sapphire trip (with yancycruiser) and can't wait for the adventure. What happens, happens and sometimes the unexpected is what is the best part! I've been to Europe twice on concert tours and the agency that booked our concerts, etc was named ACFEA..we always said it meant, All's Changed, Forget Earlier Announcements. Some of the best things that happened to us were when things changed. (Getting lost in Budapest on the way to Fot..and having a young man jump in his car and lead us there..was just one example). Anyway, what comes our way will be great..we are so blessed to be able to have the money to take a fancy ship out of Seattle in sight of many homeless people who sleep under the bridges within blocks of the terminal. Why us and not them? We don't know but if the food isn't perfect, the rain falls, the glaciers don't calve...who cares...we are going to have a ball!! Okay, off my soap box. Off to make lemonade!!

Linda

[prarie cruiser]

Are there any really good spots on the Diamond to view from? I know people sometimes have their "favorite" spot and am curious as to where you recommend.

[srphnx]

Deck 7 all the way forward. The balcony on Skywalkers all the way aft. Not giving up any more secrets. Want some room for me and mine.

 

Life is at it's best when your address floats

Two MORE open Bookings.

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>

Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02

Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95

<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>

Diamond Princess 12/04

Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04

Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>

West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>

Ecstacy 09/01

<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>

Century 12/97

<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>

Century 9/96

 

[edYYZ]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by prarie cruiser:

Are there any really good spots on the Diamond to view from? I know people sometimes have their "favorite" spot and am curious as to where you recommend.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

If you're cruising on the Diamond, there will be plenty of time to go exploring and I'm sure you'll find a spot that you'll call your "favorite"... there is lots of room out on deck and there are plenty of great places to view from.

[AmyBeth68]

Thanks Steve . I really appreciate your thoughts and great attitude!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mother, mother ocean, I have heard you call. Wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall. You've seen it all, you've seen it all." Jimmy Buffett

 

Cruises:

RCCL Song of America May 1994

Grand Princess April 2003

Golden Princess April 2004

 

Next Cruise:

Diamond Princess April 2005

[NitaBcruising]

Thanks again, Steve!

I so appreciate your great attitude! I know folks are disappointed, but when on vacation, we need to be flexible. On any kind of vacation!

And I appreciate you finding and reporting the facts. Good and bad, we need to know! We can all form opinions from there.

 

Nita

[srphnx]

Just a reminder for those of you about to sail her.

[NitaBcruising]

About 10 O'clock the announcement came that an adjustement to the itineary was forthcoming and sometime around midnite it showed up at the cabin door. Basically it removed Juneau and Victoria and offered a ship-board credit non-refundable credit of $500 per cabin. It later became $250pp and refundable. Also later it was announced that Victoria was again available but high winds prevented that docking but they did tender about 20 pax ashore who wished to debark in Victoria.

 

[This message was edited by srphnx on 05-30-04 at 01:31 PM.]

Steve, this is just what I was searching for, info on debarking in Victoria from the Diamond.

When I go in June, my friend and I would like to debark in Victoria, and spend 3 nights there. We would take the Victoria Clipper back to Seattle. But, we began to wonder if the Diamond had trouble docking in Victoria, how our plans would work out.

Do you think a call to Princess for their advice would be a good idea? Or does anyone have a thought about whether it isn't a good idea???