Come sail with me on a virtual cruise to Hawaii on Ruby Princess

[WAussieSFO]

We also love getting a team together for Trivia. On the Grand Princess Corona cruise we teamed up with a 4 wonderful CC members from Canada that we met at the M&G. We had a great time and were lucky enough to come out as winners on more than one occasion. We continued with our own trivia sessions once we were confined to cabins and also for a while once we were all back in our own homes. Unfortunately, the time difference for us and getting back to some sort of new normal life has put our trivia sessions on hold.

 

The cruise overall was wonderful! My husband enjoyed the ukulele lessons given by Brian Vasquez and I enjoyed the Hula lessons from Rowena. We both enjoyed the lectures that Rowena gave and the craft classes.

 

The sea days just flew by with all the activities and I can't wait to be able to do it again.

 

 

[TeaBag]

Keep it all coming, Ellie.  This will be the only taste of Princess we will get as they cancelled our Jun 1 cruise today.  They have also cancelled one in Oct on the Pacific Princess, so I'm wondering what is going on.  Maybe they are going to sell the ship?  Anyway, we're done with them and have booked a similar itinerary on Azamara in 2022.  I hope we get to sail on this one.

Edited November 21, 2020 by TeaBag

[ellie1145]

On 11/20/2020 at 10:23 PM, sfkaren said:

We also love getting a team together for Trivia. On the Grand Princess Corona cruise we teamed up with a 4 wonderful CC members from Canada that we met at the M&G. We had a great time and were lucky enough to come out as winners on more than one occasion. We continued with our own trivia sessions once we were confined to cabins and also for a while once we were all back in our own homes. Unfortunately, the time difference for us and getting back to some sort of new normal life has put our trivia sessions on hold.

 

The cruise overall was wonderful! My husband enjoyed the ukulele lessons given by Brian Vasquez and I enjoyed the Hula lessons from Rowena. We both enjoyed the lectures that Rowena gave and the craft classes.

 

The sea days just flew by with all the activities and I can't wait to be able to do it again.

 

 

 

I’m glad that playing trivia helped pass the time on your Coronavirus cruise. It must have been very difficult for you all being confined to your cabins. But I’m glad to hear that your experience won’t put you off. 

[ellie1145]

On 11/21/2020 at 1:48 AM, TeaBag said:

Keep it all coming, Ellie.  This will be the only taste of Princess we will get as they cancelled our Jun 1 cruise today.  They have also cancelled one in Oct on the Pacific Princess, so I'm wondering what is going on.  Maybe they are going to sell the ship?  Anyway, we're done with them and have booked a similar itinerary on Azamara in 2022.  I hope we get to sail on this one.

 

Will do, TeaBag. I’m so sorry to hear about your cancelled cruises once again. I know how disappointed you must be. But at least you can look forward to 2022. 

 

The prospect of returning to sailing anytime soon seems to be receding every day. There just seem to be too many obstacles at the moment, and even the much vaunted ‘Covid testing’ has been shown to be a bit of a red herring as it appears that it cannot be relied on to ensure that passengers don’t board whilst incubating the virus.

 

The vaccine is, of course, good news in the long term, but that is not an overnight cure. In the UK we are still being urged to ‘wash hands, cover face, make space,’ and at the moment that is the most important thing we can do.

 

It is going to take time and a whole lot of good fortune before normal cruising restarts, and when it does I think the chances of it resembling anything like we have previously enjoyed are few. 

 

But like so many, I live in hopes that one day we will be able to enjoy our favourite vacation again, but we must be patient. Starting cruising too early will just set things back if it goes wrong. Covid is way too rampant in either the UK or the USA for it to be time to restart cruising, and who will want us landing on their doorstep anyway?

 

I think you are very sensible to opt for your 2022 cruise, maybe we all have to dream of 2022 and be done with it? I’ve got everything crossed for you, and us!🤞

 

But rest assured, this cruise to Hawaii is not going to be cancelled, nor will you catch Covid, or have to wear a mask, and the buffet is ready and waiting! 😉

Edited November 22, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

 

 

For the active there is Zumba at 9.15 am, and a Free Stretch and Release Class at 9.30am. The Hula Class is at 10.00 am and the Egg Drop Challenge and Escape Room Sign Up is at 9.30 am. For some unknown reason we seem to have missed the Escape Room, but maybe someone knows what all that is about? Anyway, we wish we’d tried it. Maybe next time?

 

The Hawaiian themed activities continue today with a Destination Presentation on Honolulu - Oahu with Tiki Dave at 10.00 am. His Progressive Ukulele Class follows this at 11.15 am in the Explorers Lounge.

 

 

Later, at 6. 00 pm he presents Hawaiian Melodies and Steel Guitar in the Wheelhouse Bar.  The Hawaiian Duo Elua offers Hawaiian Melodies in the Wheelhouse Bar at 8.15 pm. Lei Making and Hawaiian Crafts with Leialoha of Elua is at 2.00 pm.

 

After a hearty breakfast we join our Triva mates for the Morning Challenge in the Explorers Lounge. This is one of our favourite venues, as it seems perfect for quizzes, as there is enough room for all six of us to sit and chat.

 

As usual we answer some questions correctly, guess others, and search our minds for that elusive fact that would win the game, not always successfully.

 

We sit and chat, then watch a little of the Ukulele Class. They are certainly making progress.

 

 

 

 

We need to visit the Excursion Desk as we thought we’d booked tickets to visit Pearl Harbour on the Princess website before we left, but when our tickets arrive DH is on one tour and I am on a completely different one! They tell us that the tour we want is sold out and we will have to wait to see if anything can be done as there has obviously been an error somewhere. 

 

We just have time for our daily constitutional around the Promenade Deck before the Progressive Trivia. It’s still very windy, but I love watching the ocean, and can’t take my eyes off it today.

 

 

The ship is sailing fast, and the waves sweep along the side of the ship, tumbling over in a cloud of white foaming spray.

 

 

 

 

Whilst it is wonderful to sail through seas as calm as a millpond, this is what cruising is all about, being able to feel the sea, and the movement of the ship. It’s part of what I love about cruising.

 

Edited November 22, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

The Explorers Lounge

 

Explorers Lounge is a venue used for a variety of activities, and shows. It is a comfortable lounge, and being able to sit at a table to play trivia is a definite advantage. However, it can be frustrating to find it taken over by the Art Auctions, which at times are set up  prior to a trivia session, and which majorly cut down on the amount of tables available due to parts of the room being sectioned off with pictures. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As well as tables and chairs there are comfortable sofas available. 

 

 

 

 

 

[JF - retired RRT]

54 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

We need to visit the Excursion Desk as we thought we’d booked tickets to visit Pearl Harbour on the Princess website before we left, but when our tickets arrive DH is on one tour and I am on a completely different one! They tell us that the tour we want is sold out and we will have to wait to see if anything can be done as there has obviously been an error somewhere. 

 

Too bad! If we'd known you could have gone with us. 

We did Pearl Harbor DIY. Booked tickets for Pearl online before we left. Walked to the bus stop a couple of blocks from the dock, rode to Pearl (took about 45 minutes). Walked around, did all the normal stuff, then rode back to the ship on the bus. Total cost $6.00 for both of us.

[ellie1145]

53 minutes ago, JF - retired RRT said:

Too bad! If we'd known you could have gone with us. 

We did Pearl Harbor DIY. Booked tickets for Pearl online before we left. Walked to the bus stop a couple of blocks from the dock, rode to Pearl (took about 45 minutes). Walked around, did all the normal stuff, then rode back to the ship on the bus. Total cost $6.00 for both of us.

 

Oh no, JF-retired RRT! If only we’d met you we would definitely have joined you if you’d been kind enough to allow us to accompany you. 

 

We did enjoy the tour, which was eventually sorted out on the ship, but it was ridiculously expensive and we felt under time pressure at each stage. It is one of the reasons we would love to visit Hawaii again, as we would love to be able to visit Pearl Harbour and see all the things we missed. It was a wonderful experience, but one marred by the constant need to be in a certain place by a certain time. 

 

Thank you for the information, anyway, as I hope that it may help others to go it alone. If we are lucky enough to sail to Hawaii one day we will definitely follow your lead. 

[JF - retired RRT]

4 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

 

Oh no, JF-retired RRT! If only we’d met you we would definitely have joined you if you’d been kind enough to allow us to accompany you. 

 

We did enjoy the tour, which was eventually sorted out on the ship, but it was ridiculously expensive and we felt under time pressure at each stage. It is one of the reasons we would love to visit Hawaii again, as we would love to be able to visit Pearl Harbour and see all the things we missed. It was a wonderful experience, but one marred by the constant need to be in a certain place by a certain time. 

 

Thank you for the information, anyway, as I hope that it may help others to go it alone. If we are lucky enough to sail to Hawaii one day we will definitely follow your lead. 

It costs a little more now...I think the bus & the cost of the tickets have gone up slightly. I think it would still be less than $5 each. You don't actually need the tour tickets ahead of time. You can also just take the chance that there's enough room and just show up. The tour is capacity controlled for the number of people who will fit into the theater and on the boat over to the Arizona.

[ellie1145]

45 minutes ago, JF - retired RRT said:

It costs a little more now...I think the bus & the cost of the tickets have gone up slightly. I think it would still be less than $5 each. You don't actually need the tour tickets ahead of time. You can also just take the chance that there's enough room and just show up. The tour is capacity controlled for the number of people who will fit into the theater and on the boat over to the Arizona.

Thank you for the information, that is really helpful. it is a fraction of what we paid! 😉

[ellie1145]

 

Secrets to a Flatter Stomach....

 

I have to admit that I am feeling a little down, as this morning I read in the Princess Patter that the secrets to a flatter stomach lie not in sit ups and crunches, but that these only ‘make your stomach bigger.’ So, those crunches and sit ups I did once in 1978 must be responsible for my flabby midrift. What a pity I didn’t know that then, as I could have saved myself the bother. Unfortunately I miss the seminar, so I will never know what you really need to do to achieve a washboard stomach....

 

Today is the very popular British Style Pub Lunch Experience in the Crown Grill at 11.30 am - 1.30 pm. We know from previous cruises that you need to get there early and queue, as it is usually very well subscribed. However, today we go up to the Horizon Court for a snack lunch (soup and a dessert) after meeting up with our Progressive Trivia team in Club Fusion.

 

We have normally enjoyed the Progressive Trivia, but this one is run slightly differently, as we aren’t allowed to know where we stand in the pecking order, something which gets progressively more frustrating.

 

Meanwhile, the Runway Fashion Show takes place in the Piazza at 12.15 pm.

 

There are several MUTS today, including ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’ at 10.00 am, and Concerts@Sea: Shania Twain: Still the One Las Vegas 2014 at 1.00 pm.

 

At 12.00 pm there is the movie, ‘Bad Times at the El Royale,’ in the theatre.

 

 

The afternoon’s MUTS is ‘South Pacific,’ which is one of my favourite Rogers and Hammerstein musicals. I have vivid memories of being taken to see it at a local cinema by my father in the late 50s. Many’s the time I danced round the room with my hair in a towel singing ‘I’m gonna wash that man right out of my hair!’ I loved the music and the story. 

 

Doris Day was offered the role of Nellie, but declined, Elizabeth Taylor tested for the role and was rejected, so it was Mitzi Gaynor who was ultimately cast.

 

The filming location of Bali Ha’i was actually the Hawaiian island of Kauai, which we will visit on Monday. We watch it on our stateroom TV and find the use of coloured filters during many of the songs very bizarre, although I don’t remember noticing it the first time I saw it.

 

What I do remember is that it was filmed in Todd-AO, and I was very impressed with it’s wide-screen format, the first movie I’d ever seen so wide. Todd-AO was developed to provide a single camera, high definition widescreen process, the first of its kind. Cinerama, its main competitor, used three strips of film simultaneously, Todd-AO needed just one camera and lens.

 

The parent company, Todd Soundelux filed for Chapter 11 in 2014, and closed its Hollywood and Santa Monica facilities.

 

This evening there is another MUTS at 7.00 pm and 10.00 pm called ‘On the Basis of Sex’ but I must reassure you that Princess have not resorted to porn, 🥴 but the ‘sex’ is actually referring to gender. The movie revolves around a struggling attorney and new mother, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who fights for equal rights for those facing gender discrimination. She eventually became only the second woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

 

Phew, glad I got that sorted.....

Edited November 22, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

There have been many activities for those who are artistic or who want to learn something, including a lecture at 11.00 am on ‘Whales, Largest Animal on the Planet,’ given by Mark Harris, Watercolours in the Piazza at 10.15 am, Spanish at Sea for Beginners at 10.45 am, an Advanced Photo Seminar at 12.15 pm, Ballroom Dancing Class: Merengue at 1.00 pm,  Arts and Crafts of the Day at 1.45 pm, and the Paper ‘Plane Challenge in the Piazza at 2.45 pm. 

 

This evening’s Spotlight Showtime is the Instrumentalist, Craig Richard in the Princess Theatre at 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm. 

 

 

 

French Master Magician, Julien Losa, performs his Magical Showtime ‘Abracadabra’ in the Explorers Lounge at 7.30 pm and 9.30 pm but I cannot tell you how good he was as, unfortunately, magic is probably one of our least favourite shows, so we did not attend.

 

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

Oh dear, I really have done something now. There is a message to say that my content has to be approved by a moderator! Not sure quite what I’ve done except maybe used the word ‘po.n.’  Oops! 🙀🙈 

 

Hope the moderators can sort out these duplicate posts with a naughty word. 

 

Apologies!

 

 

 

Edited November 22, 2020 by ellie1145

[AF-1]

I love magic shows.  

[Host Kat]

5 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

Oh dear, I really have done something now. There is a message to say that my content has to be approved by a moderator! Not sure quite what I’ve done except maybe used the word ‘po.n.’  Oops! 🙀🙈 

 

Hope the moderators can sort out these duplicate posts with a naughty word. 

 

Apologies!

 

Howdy @ellie1145!  

 

The duplication has been removed. Your posts were in the Approval Queue & one needed to be released. See this thread for more information: Posted just now - Hidden

 

Hope  this information will be satisfactory and glad to have you aboard Cruise Critic! 

 

Happy sails,

 

Host Kat 

 

[ellie1145]

On 11/16/2020 at 2:41 AM, azbirdmom said:

 

DH and I have selfish reasons for hoping that the Oxford (AstraZeneca) vaccine goes the right way.  We are in a trial for that vaccine and there's a 67% that we were injected with two doses of that vaccine.  Here's hoping that there will soon be lots of vaccine options that will allow us to get back to normal life and that there are a lot more wonderful cruises in our future!

 

‘One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.’

 

Good morning azbirdmom. You must be delighted at the wonderful news about the Oxford vaccine today. It is a great achievement which would not have been possible without people like you, and your DH, being willing to put themselves at risk for the good of us all. Thank you again for your courage. 

 

It is wonderful news, too, that this vaccine can be stored and distributed far more easily than those which require exceptionally low temperatures, and that will help those countries which would struggle with the refrigeration issues. 

 

The fact that we now have this vaccine means that we need to work even harder to follow the advice, which here in the UK is ‘wash hands, cover face, make space.’ I know that I have too much to lose to disregard this advice, as I am desperate to survive this pandemic so that I live long enough to see my new baby grandson, be able to hug my family, and return to my favourite vacation, cruising. 

 

Christmas (and Thanksgiving) remain danger times as, unfortunately, this dreadful virus has no compassion and will continue to rage through our families if we are not responsible. 

 

Let’s hope people remain sensible and focused on keeping the virus under control as the roll out of the vaccine is a Herculean task, and not an overnight ‘cure.’ But I am confident that here in the UK everyone will work together to ensure it can be rolled out smoothly. 

 

Once again, azbirdmom, thank you, and please let us know if you were given the vaccine or the placebo.

Edited November 23, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

8 hours ago, AF-1 said:

I love magic shows.  

 

I thought you did, as I saw you walking into the Explorers Lounge and gave you a wave, but you were busy looking for a seat at this popular event and didn’t notice me. 😉🤣

[ellie1145]

5 hours ago, Host Kat said:

 

Howdy @ellie1145!  

 

The duplication has been removed. Your posts were in the Approval Queue & one needed to be released. See this thread for more information: Posted just now - Hidden

 

Hope  this information will be satisfactory and glad to have you aboard Cruise Critic! 

 

Happy sails,

 

Host Kat 

 

 

Hi Host Kat 🙋‍♀️

 

Thank you for your kind welcome, and for sorting out my little ‘problem.’

 

I am very pleased to be off the ‘naughty step!’  😉

 

[ellie1145]

Aloha, Cruising Adventurers!

 

Well, after a night on the ‘naughty step’ I am pleased to tell you that I can continue our adventure. 

 

What a relief, as I was afraid I might be ‘keel hauled’ or made to walk the plank, and then where would you all be?

 

It’s time for dinner so I had better get right on with it as I’m sure you are all starving.....😉

[ellie1145]

🎶  Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer...🎶

         (Fastest finger first for the original singer of this little ditty)

 

This afternoon there is the Princess Pyramid Gameshow in Club Fusion at 1.45 pm, which passes the time gainfully after lunch.

 

We love these long, lazy days at sea, when we don’t have to rush to get up and get ready to go ashore. I know not everyone enjoys a prolonged period at sea, but we like how relaxed you feel after a few days on the ocean. The weather may not have been kind to us, but with so much to do and lots of lovely people to chat to, the time passes quickly.

 

 

Afternoon tea beckons at 3.30 pm and we make our way to the dining room to partake of this feast for the eyes (and the stomach!). Princess really do pull out all the stops for this most civilised of repasts. The only thing we do miss is the live music that used to accompany this treat. At one time there would be a pianist, or musical trio, or a harpist playing to accompany afternoon tea. Sadly, those days are long gone.

 

We make our way to Club Fusion for our 4.30 pm Trivia Challenge and are pleased to see our team ready and waiting. They are such fun, and a lovely team, so it is always good to meet up with them.

 

Tonight is Formal Night, so we make our way back to our stateroom to get showered and ready, before making our way to the theatre for the instrumentalist’s show.

 

Now, those of you who sailed with me on our Fijian adventure will remember that I really enjoy swimming and swam most nights in my own private pool on Majestic Princess (courtesy of the captain, of course!) but it’s way too chilly to go for a dip tonight, which is a little disappointing.

[AF-1]

I know it may be cold for swimming now;  but in a few days the warmth of the sun will be upon you

[azbirdmom]

8 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

 

‘One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.’

 

Good morning azbirdmom. You must be delighted at the wonderful news about the Oxford vaccine today. It is a great achievement which would not have been possible without people like you, and your DH, being willing to put themselves at risk for the good of us all. Thank you again for your courage. 

 

It is wonderful news, too, that this vaccine can be stored and distributed far more easily than those which require exceptionally low temperatures, and that will help those countries which would struggle with the refrigeration issues. 

 

The fact that we now have this vaccine means that we need to work even harder to follow the advice, which here in the UK is ‘wash hands, cover face, make space.’ I know that I have too much to lose to disregard this advice, as I am desperate to survive this pandemic so that I live long enough to see my new baby grandson, be able to hug my family, and return to my favourite vacation, cruising. 

 

Christmas (and Thanksgiving) remain danger times as, unfortunately, this dreadful virus has no compassion and will continue to rage through our families if we are not responsible. 

 

Let’s hope people remain sensible and focused on keeping the virus under control as the roll out of the vaccine is a Herculean task, and not an overnight ‘cure.’ But I am confident that here in the UK everyone will work together to ensure it can be rolled out smoothly. 

 

Once again, azbirdmom, thank you, and please let us know if you were given the vaccine or the placebo.

 

I woke up to the wonderful news today!  Our trial in the US still does not have results and even when it does we will stick with it to the conclusion which is almost two years off.  So it will be a while until we find out if we have actually gotten the vaccine or a placebo but I can happily wait that out knowing that the wait will be worth it.  And it will get us that much closer to being onboard a ship!

[ellie1145]

4 hours ago, AF-1 said:

I know it may be cold for swimming now;  but in a few days the warmth of the sun will be upon you

 

I hope so, AF-1! I can’t wait for a dip! 

[ellie1145]

1 hour ago, azbirdmom said:

 

I woke up to the wonderful news today!  Our trial in the US still does not have results and even when it does we will stick with it to the conclusion which is almost two years off.  So it will be a while until we find out if we have actually gotten the vaccine or a placebo but I can happily wait that out knowing that the wait will be worth it.  And it will get us that much closer to being onboard a ship!

 

It certainly will be great if this vaccine means we can eventually cruise again. Fingers crossed! 🤞

[Roger88]

6 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

 

It certainly will be great if this vaccine means we can eventually cruise again. Fingers crossed! 🤞

The problem is that not everyone will want to vaccinate themselves. Me for example. I wont take the vaccine. I have never been vaccinated ever and I feel just fine. SO its all up to you