Semi-Live - Discovery - CA Coastal - Oct 1, 2022

[MsSoCalCruiser]

1 hour ago, cruzin4us said:

Today’s options at the International Cafe 

Thank you so, so much!!!  I really appreciate you going out of your way to do this.  

[travelin.sisters]

1 hour ago, cruzin4us said:

wow this is gorgeous!!

 

[MsSoCalCruiser]

1 hour ago, cruzin4us said:

Beautiful shot!  I wish I was there!  

[Californian]

I'm enjoying your trip reports and pictures.  Thanks very much for sharing.

[1emerald1]

I will be boarding the beautiful Discovery on 10/29.  Would you happen to know which deck and location the isolation cabins are on?  Last I heard it was Dolphin forward, but that was some time ago.  Thanks!

[NownZen]

41 minutes ago, 1emerald1 said:

I will be boarding the beautiful Discovery on 10/29.  Would you happen to know which deck and location the isolation cabins are on?  Last I heard it was Dolphin forward, but that was some time ago.  Thanks!

With the elimination of the testing and vaccination requirements along with the desire to get a higher occupancy rate, they may have decided that this may be the time for them to no longer have a quarantine section.

[toofewcruises]

On 10/20/2022 at 2:45 PM, NownZen said:

With the elimination of the testing and vaccination requirements along with the desire to get a higher occupancy rate, they may have decided that this may be the time for them to no longer have a quarantine section.

That would really not be smart. 

[victory2020]

On 10/1/2022 at 4:41 PM, cruzin4us said:

I’ll post some pictures of misc things, with some commentary as the Wi-Fi allows.   
Embarkation was a breeze.  Got to the port of LA at 10:15 and was on the ship by 11:00

I have a balcony room on the Dolphin deck right above the lifeboats.   Room is nice, lifeboats beneath the balcony prohibits looking straight down at the ocean.  It’s room D306 for reference.   I booked late due to the Diamond cancellations, so I’m happy just getting any balcony.  Flying solo for 3 B2Bs.    
The ship is now leaving port at 10 instead of 4 due to a Corporate event (Real Love Boat Party)

I’m now snuggled up to the Good Spirits Bar with my favorite drink, the Sandra en Fuego.  All the Good Spirit Cocktails are priced at $12

more later if I don’t drink too many of these….

That's one of my favorite drinks. Do you know if they were able to make the "Starry night in Oslo" drink? They didn't have the aquavit on the Sapphire

[cruzin4us]

5 hours ago, victory2020 said:

That's one of my favorite drinks. Do you know if they were able to make the "Starry night in Oslo" drink? They didn't have the aquavit on the Sapphire

yes, I watched them make that one 🙂

They were substituting a lot of liquor in the drinks.   They ran out of Reposado Tequila and they used Patron Silver.   They were also out of Hennessy Gin and they were substituting Sapphire Gin.   They don't tell you, they just do it.   So, if you are looking for something specific, make sure that you ask.

 

Edited October 24, 2022 by cruzin4us

[cruzin4us]

On 10/20/2022 at 1:02 PM, 1emerald1 said:

I will be boarding the beautiful Discovery on 10/29.  Would you happen to know which deck and location the isolation cabins are on?  Last I heard it was Dolphin forward, but that was some time ago.  Thanks!

 

I don't believe there was any isolation cabins (I was in Dolphin forward).    I know every cruise is different, but on the 3 cruises I never saw a tray table outside of a cabin.   I walked a lot of the halls to avoid the madhouse on deck 7.   I also never heard of any covid cases either, but that doesn't mean no one caught it.   I never wore a mask, not once and thus far I'm still covid free.     I gambled, went to shows, etc. and never heard any bad coughing either.   Maybe I'm just lucky ☘️

[cruzin4us]

Final thoughts:

 

I set out with great intentions on doing a 3 week live report, but the Wi-Fi did not co-operate.   This is a bit frustrating seeing as I was on the newest ship and sailing the coast of California.    Moral of this story is NEVER anticipate you will have good service.   You may get lucky from time to time, but you will experience a lot of frustration trying to do anything.     I apologize to all those that asked questions which I never answered.

 

The Ship:

 

The ship is new and it sparkles.  Now that it's sailing at full or close to full capacity, it seems crowded at times.   It's also a larger ship and it's a LOOOOONG way from front to back.   It's also a long climb up to deck 16 (Lido) where the buffet and pools are located.   The elevators get congested at peak times (debarkation for example).   There is less of a crowd on the forward elevators but more in the rear elevators because people figured out it was a quicker way to the buffet.    

 

Guest Services only had a line on the last day when everyone checked their balance.

 

The Casino:    Smoking is permitted on the port side on all nights.   Tables and the starboard side is all non smoking.   There were a couple of big jackpots that I saw:   $19k and $14k both were minutes apart and on the Wonder Four Game (both were betting $12).   Saw a few Royal Flushes for $4k on 50 cent bet and a $7k on the machine that drops the red/gold/silver balls on $4 bet, $10k on a slot with $1.80 bet..........Me: $0

 

International Cafe:   A+

 

Midway thru the cruises the chef made the decision to offer more selections of sandwiches and to do away with the salads.    I was informed they will not be offering salads any longer on the Discovery 😞.   The sandwich bread has changed as well.   Now they have pretzel bread, etc. and not all the same type of bread on all sandwiches.   There are egg salad, chicken salad, tuna, caprese, mortadella, salami, etc.   Some have cheese, others don't.   They also have a variety of rolls, donuts, muffins, yogurts, smoothies (small) and some additional items such as avocado/egg toast, grilled veggies on toast and beets on toast for breakfast. 

 

Coffee Bar:   They were very fast and efficient with 4 people working.   One taking orders, 2 doing the coffee/steamed milk and another putting lids on and calling out peoples orders.   Only time I ever saw a line and it moved quickly was on debarkation day.    

 

Dining Rooms:

 

The first week I ate at the Ketchikan Dining Room (deck 6 aft) and the next 2 weeks I ate in the Skagway (midship starboard side).   The food served is identical in both dining rooms however I found the service and food much better in Skagway.    Not sure if it was my servers or the fact that my food was always (and I mean always) lukewarm at best.   I sat at a table for one in both venues.   In Ketchikan every meal was piping hot except for one order of pasta and it was promptly replaced with pasta that dang near burned my tongue!   I had excellent servers in Ketchikan (Natasha and Andre).   Drink service was slow in both so I suggest bringing a drink to dinner with you and ordering another when you get seated.     

 

Food:

Subjective as always:    I will eat and try anything (except black licorice) so I'm definitely not a picky eater.    I ate vegetarian, Indian, seafood, pasta, escargot, beef, turkey, etc.   Overall my meals were very good when they arrived hot.   When they were lukewarm, I didn't like any of them (cold escargot....gag).   I was impressed with their pastas (all made on the ship)....they were cooked al dente and the sauces were good.   The vegetarian lasagna was excellent.   A surprise was the turkey served on day 7.....shamefully I asked for another complete meal and ate everything on both plates.  It came with fresh green beans and sweet potato slices.  Both were cooked perfectly.    Turkey isn't something I order normally, but I'd already eaten that menu twice before.

 

And the rolls......OMG, the rolls.....the white crunchy crust with the soft center.....you know the ones that get crumbs everywhere?   Yeah, them rolls......Princess can keep their chocolates, just don't ever get rid of them rolls (and butter of course).     I'm so bad, I no longer eat dessert, I just eat another roll with butter.   They keep trying to pawn off a couple of other rolls in the basket, but I still grab the crusty ones.   

 

Room Service:   Yes, I even ordered room service late at night (no pizza after 11).   The healthy me ordered the fruit plate which always came ice cold and had pineapple, cantelope, honeydew, watermelon and orange slices.....perfect every time.    The sinful me ordered cheesy fries.....they came hot and gooey and I felt like I was in college ordering pizza after .......... I confessed this to some people I met and they had all done the same thing, so I'm not alone......they are so bad they are delicious.    On a bad note, I ordered a children's cheese quesadilla.   It arrived and is was full of chopped red onions and chives........No kid would ever eat that.   Description:   Tortilla with cheese.......no mention of onions/chives.     Oh, if you order off the app keep a watch to see the progress.   One time it will arrive quickly other times......nothing until I called guest services after waiting 1+ hrs.

 

Gelato:

I had it once, just because.   I think it was $2.50 for 2 scoops.   Salted Carmel and Chocolate.   It was good, but once was enough.

 

Sabatini's:

I ate there once.   As much as I wanted to love it, I just didn't.   Burrata Cheese & tomatoes - The cheese was good but I can't get excited over sliced underipe Roma Tomatoes.   1st course:  Linguine w/clams - Good but lukewarm   Entree:  Fish in Parchment - I've had this twice on the Ruby and it was delicious......this however was not.   I ate one bite, never ordered desert and just left.   Not worth the $25 surcharge this time.....on the Ruby, yes.

 

Sushi:

I ate there quite a few times.   The rolls are $3.25 for 4 pcs (blue crab was my fav) and sashimi or sushi 8-10 pcs if I remember correctly was $7-8, my favorite was the yellowtail with the ponzu, truffle & serrano peppers $7    The sushi was much better than I anticipated.   The rice was soft and the fish very cold and fresh.    Hours:   Closed for lunch in port, and open on sea days.  They won't allow you to order within 15 minutes of closing.    Dinners are open everyday from 5-9 (don't quote me on times)

 

Gastropub:  

Remember, I will eat anything and when I saw kimchi on a burger, I was all in.   There is an $18 cover charge for dining (no split charge).   They make the burger out of short rib and prime rib meat.   The burger comes with a nice soft brioche bun and has kimchi, deep fried jalapeno (hot), gruyere cheese, aoli......my oh my, this is the best burger I've ever eaten anywhere.     If you like burgers, try it.    You get to order 2 things off the menu.   There's short ribs, calamari, lobster mac & cheese, truffle mushroom something (I ordered this), and a few others.

 

Crew:  

As always they are pleasant and super nice.    They work super hard at a variety of tasks/jobs.   If you are waiting for someone to just come up and take your order while you are lounging in the sun, you can forget it......Use the APP.....it works well.    If you don't see what you want, order a water and when they bring it to you ask for another drink that isn't on the app.  (or you can go up to the bar).     I think I ordered off the app every time I wanted a coffee or cocktail and it works well.    Sometimes a little slower (late at night) and it might not find you.   99% of the time I had no problems.    The only drink I ordered at a bar was the Sandia En Fuego which they only sell at Good Spirits.   Fatima knows her drinks!

 

Embarkation and Debarkation were super duper efficient for getting 3,800 people on and off the ship in a matter of hours.   Sure, debarkation means a lot of sitting around waiting for your colored tag to be called, but mine group was called exactly on time, I was off the ship with only 3 people in front of me at customs/immigration.   My group was called at 9:35 and I was standing on the curb with my luggage at 9:45.....that's fast!    Embarkation:   I got to the pier at 10:05 and was sitting inside waiting to board by 10:30 and on the ship at 11:00.

 

Shows/Entertainment:    Can't talk a whole lot about this except for a couple of things:   Rock Opera, while I enjoyed the show and was happy to have watched some talented performers, it just didn't wow me.   I saw the Jersey Boys on the Norwegian Bliss and all shows I've seen since haven't wowed me to the extent I would like.   My 2 cents:   If Princess wants to build bigger ships, they need bigger performers/shows.    Enough of that.   I also went to 1 Trivia game and realized how really stupid I am.....not really, I was just way outranked by the real Trivia competitors.   Me 10, them 20.....oops

 

There were a lot of ballroom dancers on the Coastal Cruise.   These people can go and go and go......I mean every dance.   I was impressed.....(and then I see them in the gym the next day doing yoga)....I just headed for more rolls.   

 

I heard one of the most beautifully sung duets.    I was walking out of the elevator and I heard the first opening notes of The Prayer (Celion Dion and Andrea Bocelli).   It's that kind of song that just makes you stop dead in your tracks and walk over and watch them sing.   It was like that with everyone, all the balconies looking down on the Piazza where once empty became a throng of people.    Everyone was as quiet as a church mouse as they sang.    While I never thought I'd hear a version equal to Celion & Botecelli, I was wrong......they were every bit as good and they hit every note.....the goosebumps kind of song.   The applause was deafening.     Cool unexpected moment.

 

CA Coastal week 1:   Very few kids, average age seemed to be 50's-60's

Mexican Riviera week 2:   Lots and lots of kids, average age seemed to be 30's-40's  (I called this the Carnival Cruise)

CA Coastal week 3:   No kids (we maybe 2-3), average age 60's to 80's.   One gentleman celebrated his 100th birthday while onboard.

 

Smoking Areas:    Deck 17 far aft, Deck 7 starboard aft, Casino port side, Churchills.   The crew smoking area is located on deck 7 far aft

 

Covid - I did not see any tables outside of rooms, and I did not hear any coughing.   I also am unaware of anyone being quarantined.   Not to say it didn't happen, but I didn't see or hear of it.   It's a 7 day cruise, so if anyone caught it, they were probably on the way home.   I never wore a mask at all from the time I set foot on the pier to the time I got off 3 weeks later.   Lucky?   Perhaps, I'll never know.    Quite a few start out wearing masks but as the days go by I'd see less and less.....this was on all 3 cruises.

At the end of week 2 the crew was able to remove their masks.   It was amazing to me because I'd only seen the masked crew for 2 weeks and then all of a sudden I saw their smiles.    Hip Hip Horray for them.    The relief showed in all their smiles.

 

Had a fun cruise, but 3 weeks is a long time as a solo.   I left DH at home.....I was on a mission to become elite because we have some long cruises on the books and I don't want to do laundry 🙂.  

 

Well, that's all for now folks.......happy cruising!!

 

 

[1emerald1]

1 hour ago, cruzin4us said:

Final thoughts:

 

I set out with great intentions on doing a 3 week live report, but the Wi-Fi did not co-operate.   This is a bit frustrating seeing as I was on the newest ship and sailing the coast of California.    Moral of this story is NEVER anticipate you will have good service.   You may get lucky from time to time, but you will experience a lot of frustration trying to do anything.     I apologize to all those that asked questions which I never answered.

 

The Ship:

 

The ship is new and it sparkles.  Now that it's sailing at full or close to full capacity, it seems crowded at times.   It's also a larger ship and it's a LOOOOONG way from front to back.   It's also a long climb up to deck 16 (Lido) where the buffet and pools are located.   The elevators get congested at peak times (debarkation for example).   There is less of a crowd on the forward elevators but more in the rear elevators because people figured out it was a quicker way to the buffet.    

 

Guest Services only had a line on the last day when everyone checked their balance.

 

The Casino:    Smoking is permitted on the port side on all nights.   Tables and the starboard side is all non smoking.   There were a couple of big jackpots that I saw:   $19k and $14k both were minutes apart and on the Wonder Four Game (both were betting $12).   Saw a few Royal Flushes for $4k on 50 cent bet and a $7k on the machine that drops the red/gold/silver balls on $4 bet, $10k on a slot with $1.80 bet..........Me: $0

 

International Cafe:   A+

 

Midway thru the cruises the chef made the decision to offer more selections of sandwiches and to do away with the salads.    I was informed they will not be offering salads any longer on the Discovery 😞.   The sandwich bread has changed as well.   Now they have pretzel bread, etc. and not all the same type of bread on all sandwiches.   There are egg salad, chicken salad, tuna, caprese, mortadella, salami, etc.   Some have cheese, others don't.   They also have a variety of rolls, donuts, muffins, yogurts, smoothies (small) and some additional items such as avocado/egg toast, grilled veggies on toast and beets on toast for breakfast. 

 

Coffee Bar:   They were very fast and efficient with 4 people working.   One taking orders, 2 doing the coffee/steamed milk and another putting lids on and calling out peoples orders.   Only time I ever saw a line and it moved quickly was on debarkation day.    

 

Dining Rooms:

 

The first week I ate at the Ketchikan Dining Room (deck 6 aft) and the next 2 weeks I ate in the Skagway (midship starboard side).   The food served is identical in both dining rooms however I found the service and food much better in Skagway.    Not sure if it was my servers or the fact that my food was always (and I mean always) lukewarm at best.   I sat at a table for one in both venues.   In Ketchikan every meal was piping hot except for one order of pasta and it was promptly replaced with pasta that dang near burned my tongue!   I had excellent servers in Ketchikan (Natasha and Andre).   Drink service was slow in both so I suggest bringing a drink to dinner with you and ordering another when you get seated.     

 

Food:

Subjective as always:    I will eat and try anything (except black licorice) so I'm definitely not a picky eater.    I ate vegetarian, Indian, seafood, pasta, escargot, beef, turkey, etc.   Overall my meals were very good when they arrived hot.   When they were lukewarm, I didn't like any of them (cold escargot....gag).   I was impressed with their pastas (all made on the ship)....they were cooked al dente and the sauces were good.   The vegetarian lasagna was excellent.   A surprise was the turkey served on day 7.....shamefully I asked for another complete meal and ate everything on both plates.  It came with fresh green beans and sweet potato slices.  Both were cooked perfectly.    Turkey isn't something I order normally, but I'd already eaten that menu twice before.

 

And the rolls......OMG, the rolls.....the white crunchy crust with the soft center.....you know the ones that get crumbs everywhere?   Yeah, them rolls......Princess can keep their chocolates, just don't ever get rid of them rolls (and butter of course).     I'm so bad, I no longer eat dessert, I just eat another roll with butter.   They keep trying to pawn off a couple of other rolls in the basket, but I still grab the crusty ones.   

 

Room Service:   Yes, I even ordered room service late at night (no pizza after 11).   The healthy me ordered the fruit plate which always came ice cold and had pineapple, cantelope, honeydew, watermelon and orange slices.....perfect every time.    The sinful me ordered cheesy fries.....they came hot and gooey and I felt like I was in college ordering pizza after .......... I confessed this to some people I met and they had all done the same thing, so I'm not alone......they are so bad they are delicious.    On a bad note, I ordered a children's cheese quesadilla.   It arrived and is was full of chopped red onions and chives........No kid would ever eat that.   Description:   Tortilla with cheese.......no mention of onions/chives.     Oh, if you order off the app keep a watch to see the progress.   One time it will arrive quickly other times......nothing until I called guest services after waiting 1+ hrs.

 

Gelato:

I had it once, just because.   I think it was $2.50 for 2 scoops.   Salted Carmel and Chocolate.   It was good, but once was enough.

 

Sabatini's:

I ate there once.   As much as I wanted to love it, I just didn't.   Burrata Cheese & tomatoes - The cheese was good but I can't get excited over sliced underipe Roma Tomatoes.   1st course:  Linguine w/clams - Good but lukewarm   Entree:  Fish in Parchment - I've had this twice on the Ruby and it was delicious......this however was not.   I ate one bite, never ordered desert and just left.   Not worth the $25 surcharge this time.....on the Ruby, yes.

 

Sushi:

I ate there quite a few times.   The rolls are $3.25 for 4 pcs (blue crab was my fav) and sashimi or sushi 8-10 pcs if I remember correctly was $7-8, my favorite was the yellowtail with the ponzu, truffle & serrano peppers $7    The sushi was much better than I anticipated.   The rice was soft and the fish very cold and fresh.    Hours:   Closed for lunch in port, and open on sea days.  They won't allow you to order within 15 minutes of closing.    Dinners are open everyday from 5-9 (don't quote me on times)

 

Gastropub:  

Remember, I will eat anything and when I saw kimchi on a burger, I was all in.   There is an $18 cover charge for dining (no split charge).   They make the burger out of short rib and prime rib meat.   The burger comes with a nice soft brioche bun and has kimchi, deep fried jalapeno (hot), gruyere cheese, aoli......my oh my, this is the best burger I've ever eaten anywhere.     If you like burgers, try it.    You get to order 2 things off the menu.   There's short ribs, calamari, lobster mac & cheese, truffle mushroom something (I ordered this), and a few others.

 

Crew:  

As always they are pleasant and super nice.    They work super hard at a variety of tasks/jobs.   If you are waiting for someone to just come up and take your order while you are lounging in the sun, you can forget it......Use the APP.....it works well.    If you don't see what you want, order a water and when they bring it to you ask for another drink that isn't on the app.  (or you can go up to the bar).     I think I ordered off the app every time I wanted a coffee or cocktail and it works well.    Sometimes a little slower (late at night) and it might not find you.   99% of the time I had no problems.    The only drink I ordered at a bar was the Sandia En Fuego which they only sell at Good Spirits.   Fatima knows her drinks!

 

Embarkation and Debarkation were super duper efficient for getting 3,800 people on and off the ship in a matter of hours.   Sure, debarkation means a lot of sitting around waiting for your colored tag to be called, but mine group was called exactly on time, I was off the ship with only 3 people in front of me at customs/immigration.   My group was called at 9:35 and I was standing on the curb with my luggage at 9:45.....that's fast!    Embarkation:   I got to the pier at 10:05 and was sitting inside waiting to board by 10:30 and on the ship at 11:00.

 

Shows/Entertainment:    Can't talk a whole lot about this except for a couple of things:   Rock Opera, while I enjoyed the show and was happy to have watched some talented performers, it just didn't wow me.   I saw the Jersey Boys on the Norwegian Bliss and all shows I've seen since haven't wowed me to the extent I would like.   My 2 cents:   If Princess wants to build bigger ships, they need bigger performers/shows.    Enough of that.   I also went to 1 Trivia game and realized how really stupid I am.....not really, I was just way outranked by the real Trivia competitors.   Me 10, them 20.....oops

 

There were a lot of ballroom dancers on the Coastal Cruise.   These people can go and go and go......I mean every dance.   I was impressed.....(and then I see them in the gym the next day doing yoga)....I just headed for more rolls.   

 

I heard one of the most beautifully sung duets.    I was walking out of the elevator and I heard the first opening notes of The Prayer (Celion Dion and Andrea Bocelli).   It's that kind of song that just makes you stop dead in your tracks and walk over and watch them sing.   It was like that with everyone, all the balconies looking down on the Piazza where once empty became a throng of people.    Everyone was as quiet as a church mouse as they sang.    While I never thought I'd hear a version equal to Celion & Botecelli, I was wrong......they were every bit as good and they hit every note.....the goosebumps kind of song.   The applause was deafening.     Cool unexpected moment.

 

CA Coastal week 1:   Very few kids, average age seemed to be 50's-60's

Mexican Riviera week 2:   Lots and lots of kids, average age seemed to be 30's-40's  (I called this the Carnival Cruise)

CA Coastal week 3:   No kids (we maybe 2-3), average age 60's to 80's.   One gentleman celebrated his 100th birthday while onboard.

 

Smoking Areas:    Deck 17 far aft, Deck 7 starboard aft, Casino port side, Churchills.   The crew smoking area is located on deck 7 far aft

 

Covid - I did not see any tables outside of rooms, and I did not hear any coughing.   I also am unaware of anyone being quarantined.   Not to say it didn't happen, but I didn't see or hear of it.   It's a 7 day cruise, so if anyone caught it, they were probably on the way home.   I never wore a mask at all from the time I set foot on the pier to the time I got off 3 weeks later.   Lucky?   Perhaps, I'll never know.    Quite a few start out wearing masks but as the days go by I'd see less and less.....this was on all 3 cruises.

At the end of week 2 the crew was able to remove their masks.   It was amazing to me because I'd only seen the masked crew for 2 weeks and then all of a sudden I saw their smiles.    Hip Hip Horray for them.    The relief showed in all their smiles.

 

Had a fun cruise, but 3 weeks is a long time as a solo.   I left DH at home.....I was on a mission to become elite because we have some long cruises on the books and I don't want to do laundry 🙂.  

 

Well, that's all for now folks.......happy cruising!!

 

 

What was the name of the duo that sang The Prayer?  Hoping they'll still be on the 10/29 sailing, sounds awesome!

[gvre]

1 hour ago, cruzin4us said:

Final thoughts:

 

I set out with great intentions on doing a 3 week live report, but the Wi-Fi did not co-operate.   This is a bit frustrating seeing as I was on the newest ship and sailing the coast of California.    Moral of this story is NEVER anticipate you will have good service.   You may get lucky from time to time, but you will experience a lot of frustration trying to do anything.     I apologize to all those that asked questions which I never answered.

 

The Ship:

 

The ship is new and it sparkles.  Now that it's sailing at full or close to full capacity, it seems crowded at times.   It's also a larger ship and it's a LOOOOONG way from front to back.   It's also a long climb up to deck 16 (Lido) where the buffet and pools are located.   The elevators get congested at peak times (debarkation for example).   There is less of a crowd on the forward elevators but more in the rear elevators because people figured out it was a quicker way to the buffet.    

 

Guest Services only had a line on the last day when everyone checked their balance.

 

The Casino:    Smoking is permitted on the port side on all nights.   Tables and the starboard side is all non smoking.   There were a couple of big jackpots that I saw:   $19k and $14k both were minutes apart and on the Wonder Four Game (both were betting $12).   Saw a few Royal Flushes for $4k on 50 cent bet and a $7k on the machine that drops the red/gold/silver balls on $4 bet, $10k on a slot with $1.80 bet..........Me: $0

 

International Cafe:   A+

 

Midway thru the cruises the chef made the decision to offer more selections of sandwiches and to do away with the salads.    I was informed they will not be offering salads any longer on the Discovery 😞.   The sandwich bread has changed as well.   Now they have pretzel bread, etc. and not all the same type of bread on all sandwiches.   There are egg salad, chicken salad, tuna, caprese, mortadella, salami, etc.   Some have cheese, others don't.   They also have a variety of rolls, donuts, muffins, yogurts, smoothies (small) and some additional items such as avocado/egg toast, grilled veggies on toast and beets on toast for breakfast. 

 

Coffee Bar:   They were very fast and efficient with 4 people working.   One taking orders, 2 doing the coffee/steamed milk and another putting lids on and calling out peoples orders.   Only time I ever saw a line and it moved quickly was on debarkation day.    

 

Dining Rooms:

 

The first week I ate at the Ketchikan Dining Room (deck 6 aft) and the next 2 weeks I ate in the Skagway (midship starboard side).   The food served is identical in both dining rooms however I found the service and food much better in Skagway.    Not sure if it was my servers or the fact that my food was always (and I mean always) lukewarm at best.   I sat at a table for one in both venues.   In Ketchikan every meal was piping hot except for one order of pasta and it was promptly replaced with pasta that dang near burned my tongue!   I had excellent servers in Ketchikan (Natasha and Andre).   Drink service was slow in both so I suggest bringing a drink to dinner with you and ordering another when you get seated.     

 

Food:

Subjective as always:    I will eat and try anything (except black licorice) so I'm definitely not a picky eater.    I ate vegetarian, Indian, seafood, pasta, escargot, beef, turkey, etc.   Overall my meals were very good when they arrived hot.   When they were lukewarm, I didn't like any of them (cold escargot....gag).   I was impressed with their pastas (all made on the ship)....they were cooked al dente and the sauces were good.   The vegetarian lasagna was excellent.   A surprise was the turkey served on day 7.....shamefully I asked for another complete meal and ate everything on both plates.  It came with fresh green beans and sweet potato slices.  Both were cooked perfectly.    Turkey isn't something I order normally, but I'd already eaten that menu twice before.

 

And the rolls......OMG, the rolls.....the white crunchy crust with the soft center.....you know the ones that get crumbs everywhere?   Yeah, them rolls......Princess can keep their chocolates, just don't ever get rid of them rolls (and butter of course).     I'm so bad, I no longer eat dessert, I just eat another roll with butter.   They keep trying to pawn off a couple of other rolls in the basket, but I still grab the crusty ones.   

 

Room Service:   Yes, I even ordered room service late at night (no pizza after 11).   The healthy me ordered the fruit plate which always came ice cold and had pineapple, cantelope, honeydew, watermelon and orange slices.....perfect every time.    The sinful me ordered cheesy fries.....they came hot and gooey and I felt like I was in college ordering pizza after .......... I confessed this to some people I met and they had all done the same thing, so I'm not alone......they are so bad they are delicious.    On a bad note, I ordered a children's cheese quesadilla.   It arrived and is was full of chopped red onions and chives........No kid would ever eat that.   Description:   Tortilla with cheese.......no mention of onions/chives.     Oh, if you order off the app keep a watch to see the progress.   One time it will arrive quickly other times......nothing until I called guest services after waiting 1+ hrs.

 

Gelato:

I had it once, just because.   I think it was $2.50 for 2 scoops.   Salted Carmel and Chocolate.   It was good, but once was enough.

 

Sabatini's:

I ate there once.   As much as I wanted to love it, I just didn't.   Burrata Cheese & tomatoes - The cheese was good but I can't get excited over sliced underipe Roma Tomatoes.   1st course:  Linguine w/clams - Good but lukewarm   Entree:  Fish in Parchment - I've had this twice on the Ruby and it was delicious......this however was not.   I ate one bite, never ordered desert and just left.   Not worth the $25 surcharge this time.....on the Ruby, yes.

 

Sushi:

I ate there quite a few times.   The rolls are $3.25 for 4 pcs (blue crab was my fav) and sashimi or sushi 8-10 pcs if I remember correctly was $7-8, my favorite was the yellowtail with the ponzu, truffle & serrano peppers $7    The sushi was much better than I anticipated.   The rice was soft and the fish very cold and fresh.    Hours:   Closed for lunch in port, and open on sea days.  They won't allow you to order within 15 minutes of closing.    Dinners are open everyday from 5-9 (don't quote me on times)

 

Gastropub:  

Remember, I will eat anything and when I saw kimchi on a burger, I was all in.   There is an $18 cover charge for dining (no split charge).   They make the burger out of short rib and prime rib meat.   The burger comes with a nice soft brioche bun and has kimchi, deep fried jalapeno (hot), gruyere cheese, aoli......my oh my, this is the best burger I've ever eaten anywhere.     If you like burgers, try it.    You get to order 2 things off the menu.   There's short ribs, calamari, lobster mac & cheese, truffle mushroom something (I ordered this), and a few others.

 

Crew:  

As always they are pleasant and super nice.    They work super hard at a variety of tasks/jobs.   If you are waiting for someone to just come up and take your order while you are lounging in the sun, you can forget it......Use the APP.....it works well.    If you don't see what you want, order a water and when they bring it to you ask for another drink that isn't on the app.  (or you can go up to the bar).     I think I ordered off the app every time I wanted a coffee or cocktail and it works well.    Sometimes a little slower (late at night) and it might not find you.   99% of the time I had no problems.    The only drink I ordered at a bar was the Sandia En Fuego which they only sell at Good Spirits.   Fatima knows her drinks!

 

Embarkation and Debarkation were super duper efficient for getting 3,800 people on and off the ship in a matter of hours.   Sure, debarkation means a lot of sitting around waiting for your colored tag to be called, but mine group was called exactly on time, I was off the ship with only 3 people in front of me at customs/immigration.   My group was called at 9:35 and I was standing on the curb with my luggage at 9:45.....that's fast!    Embarkation:   I got to the pier at 10:05 and was sitting inside waiting to board by 10:30 and on the ship at 11:00.

 

Shows/Entertainment:    Can't talk a whole lot about this except for a couple of things:   Rock Opera, while I enjoyed the show and was happy to have watched some talented performers, it just didn't wow me.   I saw the Jersey Boys on the Norwegian Bliss and all shows I've seen since haven't wowed me to the extent I would like.   My 2 cents:   If Princess wants to build bigger ships, they need bigger performers/shows.    Enough of that.   I also went to 1 Trivia game and realized how really stupid I am.....not really, I was just way outranked by the real Trivia competitors.   Me 10, them 20.....oops

 

There were a lot of ballroom dancers on the Coastal Cruise.   These people can go and go and go......I mean every dance.   I was impressed.....(and then I see them in the gym the next day doing yoga)....I just headed for more rolls.   

 

I heard one of the most beautifully sung duets.    I was walking out of the elevator and I heard the first opening notes of The Prayer (Celion Dion and Andrea Bocelli).   It's that kind of song that just makes you stop dead in your tracks and walk over and watch them sing.   It was like that with everyone, all the balconies looking down on the Piazza where once empty became a throng of people.    Everyone was as quiet as a church mouse as they sang.    While I never thought I'd hear a version equal to Celion & Botecelli, I was wrong......they were every bit as good and they hit every note.....the goosebumps kind of song.   The applause was deafening.     Cool unexpected moment.

 

CA Coastal week 1:   Very few kids, average age seemed to be 50's-60's

Mexican Riviera week 2:   Lots and lots of kids, average age seemed to be 30's-40's  (I called this the Carnival Cruise)

CA Coastal week 3:   No kids (we maybe 2-3), average age 60's to 80's.   One gentleman celebrated his 100th birthday while onboard.

 

Smoking Areas:    Deck 17 far aft, Deck 7 starboard aft, Casino port side, Churchills.   The crew smoking area is located on deck 7 far aft

 

Covid - I did not see any tables outside of rooms, and I did not hear any coughing.   I also am unaware of anyone being quarantined.   Not to say it didn't happen, but I didn't see or hear of it.   It's a 7 day cruise, so if anyone caught it, they were probably on the way home.   I never wore a mask at all from the time I set foot on the pier to the time I got off 3 weeks later.   Lucky?   Perhaps, I'll never know.    Quite a few start out wearing masks but as the days go by I'd see less and less.....this was on all 3 cruises.

At the end of week 2 the crew was able to remove their masks.   It was amazing to me because I'd only seen the masked crew for 2 weeks and then all of a sudden I saw their smiles.    Hip Hip Horray for them.    The relief showed in all their smiles.

 

Had a fun cruise, but 3 weeks is a long time as a solo.   I left DH at home.....I was on a mission to become elite because we have some long cruises on the books and I don't want to do laundry 🙂.  

 

Well, that's all for now folks.......happy cruising!!

 

 

Wow thanks for the great review.  We get on Saturday and figure you didn’t post because the internet is so bad.

Thanks again!

 

[1emerald1]

Can you do me a favor if you have a chance?  I'm concerned about the lack of variety in wine that has been posted and am thinking of bringing my own for the 10/29 cruise.  Could you possibly take a look at the wine list and see if they have Decoy Chardonnay, either glass or bottle, in the MDR?

 

Thanks so much and hope you are having a great cruise!

[travelin.sisters]

17 hours ago, cruzin4us said:

Final thoughts:

 

I set out with great intentions on doing a 3 week live report, but the Wi-Fi did not co-operate.   This is a bit frustrating seeing as I was on the newest ship and sailing the coast of California.    Moral of this story is NEVER anticipate you will have good service.   You may get lucky from time to time, but you will experience a lot of frustration trying to do anything.     I apologize to all those that asked questions which I never answered.

 

The Ship:

 

The ship is new and it sparkles.  Now that it's sailing at full or close to full capacity, it seems crowded at times.   It's also a larger ship and it's a LOOOOONG way from front to back.   It's also a long climb up to deck 16 (Lido) where the buffet and pools are located.   The elevators get congested at peak times (debarkation for example).   There is less of a crowd on the forward elevators but more in the rear elevators because people figured out it was a quicker way to the buffet.    

 

Guest Services only had a line on the last day when everyone checked their balance.

 

The Casino:    Smoking is permitted on the port side on all nights.   Tables and the starboard side is all non smoking.   There were a couple of big jackpots that I saw:   $19k and $14k both were minutes apart and on the Wonder Four Game (both were betting $12).   Saw a few Royal Flushes for $4k on 50 cent bet and a $7k on the machine that drops the red/gold/silver balls on $4 bet, $10k on a slot with $1.80 bet..........Me: $0

 

International Cafe:   A+

 

Midway thru the cruises the chef made the decision to offer more selections of sandwiches and to do away with the salads.    I was informed they will not be offering salads any longer on the Discovery 😞.   The sandwich bread has changed as well.   Now they have pretzel bread, etc. and not all the same type of bread on all sandwiches.   There are egg salad, chicken salad, tuna, caprese, mortadella, salami, etc.   Some have cheese, others don't.   They also have a variety of rolls, donuts, muffins, yogurts, smoothies (small) and some additional items such as avocado/egg toast, grilled veggies on toast and beets on toast for breakfast. 

 

Coffee Bar:   They were very fast and efficient with 4 people working.   One taking orders, 2 doing the coffee/steamed milk and another putting lids on and calling out peoples orders.   Only time I ever saw a line and it moved quickly was on debarkation day.    

 

Dining Rooms:

 

The first week I ate at the Ketchikan Dining Room (deck 6 aft) and the next 2 weeks I ate in the Skagway (midship starboard side).   The food served is identical in both dining rooms however I found the service and food much better in Skagway.    Not sure if it was my servers or the fact that my food was always (and I mean always) lukewarm at best.   I sat at a table for one in both venues.   In Ketchikan every meal was piping hot except for one order of pasta and it was promptly replaced with pasta that dang near burned my tongue!   I had excellent servers in Ketchikan (Natasha and Andre).   Drink service was slow in both so I suggest bringing a drink to dinner with you and ordering another when you get seated.     

 

Food:

Subjective as always:    I will eat and try anything (except black licorice) so I'm definitely not a picky eater.    I ate vegetarian, Indian, seafood, pasta, escargot, beef, turkey, etc.   Overall my meals were very good when they arrived hot.   When they were lukewarm, I didn't like any of them (cold escargot....gag).   I was impressed with their pastas (all made on the ship)....they were cooked al dente and the sauces were good.   The vegetarian lasagna was excellent.   A surprise was the turkey served on day 7.....shamefully I asked for another complete meal and ate everything on both plates.  It came with fresh green beans and sweet potato slices.  Both were cooked perfectly.    Turkey isn't something I order normally, but I'd already eaten that menu twice before.

 

And the rolls......OMG, the rolls.....the white crunchy crust with the soft center.....you know the ones that get crumbs everywhere?   Yeah, them rolls......Princess can keep their chocolates, just don't ever get rid of them rolls (and butter of course).     I'm so bad, I no longer eat dessert, I just eat another roll with butter.   They keep trying to pawn off a couple of other rolls in the basket, but I still grab the crusty ones.   

 

Room Service:   Yes, I even ordered room service late at night (no pizza after 11).   The healthy me ordered the fruit plate which always came ice cold and had pineapple, cantelope, honeydew, watermelon and orange slices.....perfect every time.    The sinful me ordered cheesy fries.....they came hot and gooey and I felt like I was in college ordering pizza after .......... I confessed this to some people I met and they had all done the same thing, so I'm not alone......they are so bad they are delicious.    On a bad note, I ordered a children's cheese quesadilla.   It arrived and is was full of chopped red onions and chives........No kid would ever eat that.   Description:   Tortilla with cheese.......no mention of onions/chives.     Oh, if you order off the app keep a watch to see the progress.   One time it will arrive quickly other times......nothing until I called guest services after waiting 1+ hrs.

 

Gelato:

I had it once, just because.   I think it was $2.50 for 2 scoops.   Salted Carmel and Chocolate.   It was good, but once was enough.

 

Sabatini's:

I ate there once.   As much as I wanted to love it, I just didn't.   Burrata Cheese & tomatoes - The cheese was good but I can't get excited over sliced underipe Roma Tomatoes.   1st course:  Linguine w/clams - Good but lukewarm   Entree:  Fish in Parchment - I've had this twice on the Ruby and it was delicious......this however was not.   I ate one bite, never ordered desert and just left.   Not worth the $25 surcharge this time.....on the Ruby, yes.

 

Sushi:

I ate there quite a few times.   The rolls are $3.25 for 4 pcs (blue crab was my fav) and sashimi or sushi 8-10 pcs if I remember correctly was $7-8, my favorite was the yellowtail with the ponzu, truffle & serrano peppers $7    The sushi was much better than I anticipated.   The rice was soft and the fish very cold and fresh.    Hours:   Closed for lunch in port, and open on sea days.  They won't allow you to order within 15 minutes of closing.    Dinners are open everyday from 5-9 (don't quote me on times)

 

Gastropub:  

Remember, I will eat anything and when I saw kimchi on a burger, I was all in.   There is an $18 cover charge for dining (no split charge).   They make the burger out of short rib and prime rib meat.   The burger comes with a nice soft brioche bun and has kimchi, deep fried jalapeno (hot), gruyere cheese, aoli......my oh my, this is the best burger I've ever eaten anywhere.     If you like burgers, try it.    You get to order 2 things off the menu.   There's short ribs, calamari, lobster mac & cheese, truffle mushroom something (I ordered this), and a few others.

 

Crew:  

As always they are pleasant and super nice.    They work super hard at a variety of tasks/jobs.   If you are waiting for someone to just come up and take your order while you are lounging in the sun, you can forget it......Use the APP.....it works well.    If you don't see what you want, order a water and when they bring it to you ask for another drink that isn't on the app.  (or you can go up to the bar).     I think I ordered off the app every time I wanted a coffee or cocktail and it works well.    Sometimes a little slower (late at night) and it might not find you.   99% of the time I had no problems.    The only drink I ordered at a bar was the Sandia En Fuego which they only sell at Good Spirits.   Fatima knows her drinks!

 

Embarkation and Debarkation were super duper efficient for getting 3,800 people on and off the ship in a matter of hours.   Sure, debarkation means a lot of sitting around waiting for your colored tag to be called, but mine group was called exactly on time, I was off the ship with only 3 people in front of me at customs/immigration.   My group was called at 9:35 and I was standing on the curb with my luggage at 9:45.....that's fast!    Embarkation:   I got to the pier at 10:05 and was sitting inside waiting to board by 10:30 and on the ship at 11:00.

 

Shows/Entertainment:    Can't talk a whole lot about this except for a couple of things:   Rock Opera, while I enjoyed the show and was happy to have watched some talented performers, it just didn't wow me.   I saw the Jersey Boys on the Norwegian Bliss and all shows I've seen since haven't wowed me to the extent I would like.   My 2 cents:   If Princess wants to build bigger ships, they need bigger performers/shows.    Enough of that.   I also went to 1 Trivia game and realized how really stupid I am.....not really, I was just way outranked by the real Trivia competitors.   Me 10, them 20.....oops

 

There were a lot of ballroom dancers on the Coastal Cruise.   These people can go and go and go......I mean every dance.   I was impressed.....(and then I see them in the gym the next day doing yoga)....I just headed for more rolls.   

 

I heard one of the most beautifully sung duets.    I was walking out of the elevator and I heard the first opening notes of The Prayer (Celion Dion and Andrea Bocelli).   It's that kind of song that just makes you stop dead in your tracks and walk over and watch them sing.   It was like that with everyone, all the balconies looking down on the Piazza where once empty became a throng of people.    Everyone was as quiet as a church mouse as they sang.    While I never thought I'd hear a version equal to Celion & Botecelli, I was wrong......they were every bit as good and they hit every note.....the goosebumps kind of song.   The applause was deafening.     Cool unexpected moment.

 

CA Coastal week 1:   Very few kids, average age seemed to be 50's-60's

Mexican Riviera week 2:   Lots and lots of kids, average age seemed to be 30's-40's  (I called this the Carnival Cruise)

CA Coastal week 3:   No kids (we maybe 2-3), average age 60's to 80's.   One gentleman celebrated his 100th birthday while onboard.

 

Smoking Areas:    Deck 17 far aft, Deck 7 starboard aft, Casino port side, Churchills.   The crew smoking area is located on deck 7 far aft

 

Covid - I did not see any tables outside of rooms, and I did not hear any coughing.   I also am unaware of anyone being quarantined.   Not to say it didn't happen, but I didn't see or hear of it.   It's a 7 day cruise, so if anyone caught it, they were probably on the way home.   I never wore a mask at all from the time I set foot on the pier to the time I got off 3 weeks later.   Lucky?   Perhaps, I'll never know.    Quite a few start out wearing masks but as the days go by I'd see less and less.....this was on all 3 cruises.

At the end of week 2 the crew was able to remove their masks.   It was amazing to me because I'd only seen the masked crew for 2 weeks and then all of a sudden I saw their smiles.    Hip Hip Horray for them.    The relief showed in all their smiles.

 

Had a fun cruise, but 3 weeks is a long time as a solo.   I left DH at home.....I was on a mission to become elite because we have some long cruises on the books and I don't want to do laundry 🙂.  

 

Well, that's all for now folks.......happy cruising!!

 

 

thank you for this lovely summary 

[Auntiejo]

Thanks for all the great intel! Gets me even more excited for our 10 day Mexico sailing on 12/28. Appreciate you sharing all the great info. 

[cruzin4us]

On 10/24/2022 at 7:25 PM, 1emerald1 said:

What was the name of the duo that sang The Prayer?  Hoping they'll still be on the 10/29 sailing, sounds awesome!

 

Unfortunately, I don't know......wish I did, as it was amazing

[SwimCarrie]

By any chance, do you remember the movies they were offering for MUTS? Thanks! 

[SusieKIslandGirl]

@cruzin4us Thanks for the great report. My question is about the closet area in the cabin. We've only been on a couple of the older ships. Does the Discovery have the open area across from the bathroom like on the older ships? Love it so much better than the multiple closets on the Holland America ships. Thanks!

[that]

Yes it does

[SusieKIslandGirl]

Great-thanks!!

[cruzin4us]

12 hours ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

@cruzin4us Thanks for the great report. My question is about the closet area in the cabin. We've only been on a couple of the older ships. Does the Discovery have the open area across from the bathroom like on the older ships? Love it so much better than the multiple closets on the Holland America ships. Thanks!

I guess that's the only picture of the room I didn't take 🙂.     The closet is right off the bathroom and it is one open closet (no doors).   It's about the size of a closet in a normal sized home such as the kids room.....not a walk in master closet.   I agree with you about the multiple closets on HAL.

[cruzin4us]

15 hours ago, SwimCarrie said:

By any chance, do you remember the movies they were offering for MUTS? Thanks! 

 

The only show I remember off the top of my head was The House of Gucci.    I think there was another Avenger type of show as well (don't recall the name).

[3dispatch3]

Thanks again for your dedication for us all in keeping up this log of your trip and answering as many questions as possible. Great info for all future cruisers on Discovery including myself. 

[CruisnDeb]

On 10/24/2022 at 9:22 PM, cruzin4us said:

Smoking Areas:    Deck 17 far aft, Deck 7 starboard aft, Casino port side, Churchills.   The crew smoking area is located on deck 7 far aft

 

Does this mean there is no smoking around the main pool (Sky Pool)?  Every other cruise I have been on has had smoking on one side of the main pool.  I really like the idea of having the smoking at the aft of the ship.