Diamond - Hawaii Jan 6-22, 2023. Semi Live

[cruzin4us]

Wow, came back to my room to these goodies.  I knew the fig/cheese on crostini was coming but not the wine and the fruit.   I just was snapping some pics as Jean-Paul the head of food and beverage called to see if he could be of assistance with any reservations and asked how my food has been thus far.  About fell off my chair.  This is like days of old cruising with Princess.   Kudos to them.  
 

the fig/cheese doesn’t look that appetizing. But it tastes great and beats the canapés that they usually offer on formal night.   
 

and kiwis 🥝.  I have seen a fruit basket in my last 5 post Covid cruises.  

[cruzin4us]

First Formal Night.  Not going to bore you to tears on what people are/aren’t wearing.   There was a massive line, and I was grateful I could bypass it and walk right in

 

the only downer has been a young toddler has been crying/whining throughout the entire dinner.    Not sure why parents don’t take them out of the restaurant until they calm down.   😵‍💫

 

appetizer:  

Duck Pate and Crab :delicious and came chilled as it should be.  
Crab, Monterey Jack Cheese Quiche - first absolutely disgusting thing I’ve tasted.  It was crab with a K and tasted like Krab not crab.   Don’t try to pull one over on me.   
 

pasta:

Taglaitelle with herbed chicken:    Came piping hot and was delicious 

 

Main course:  

Medallions of beef - Princess gets this right almost every time but today it was exceptional.   Another meal that arrived hot and perfectly cooked (med rare) and beautifully plated.  Yum

 

I don’t know how the Diamond can serve nice hot food when some of the other ships are failing miserably on this account.   Again, I ate too much

 

too stuffed for dessert but I snapped a pic of the menu 
 

 

[cruzin4us]

Nice turn out for the Meet & Greet held at Skywalkers this morning.   We were informed there are 2447 people onboard.    Had a few officers answer questions and mingle with guests.   Captain was busy avoiding the large swells 😁

[HaveDogWillTravel]

11 hours ago, cruzin4us said:

The busiest place on the ship is Guest Services.   For the life of me, I don’t know why people just don’t go later in the evening when it’s not so busy.    It is the only place where people congregate with bad ju ju.    I know not all people are up there complaining, but heck we haven’t even been on board 24 hours yet.   Unless my toilet is overflowing or my air conditioner doesn’t work, that’s the last place I want to spend my vacay.   Me just ranting 

I seriously don’t know why they aren’t using Crew Chat on the ap. It’s the same on the Royal right now. 

[cruzin4us]

Slept like a baby last night instead of being thrown around the bed.    The ship is still rocking but now it's the rocking that I yearn for when I'm home.   I slept til 8:30 which is unheard of for me.   I'm usually up with the roosters before dawn.  

 

On the agenda for today......coffee first.   I haven't even glanced at the patter, so I'm not sure what's going on all day.    The casino comped me a free dinner and I can use it for Kai Sushi so I'll be visting there tonight.  This is what happens when you play the Pig slot machine all day (no I didn't win).   For those that are interested, it seems like when you hit the 5,000 pt mark, your host will offer you a dinner.

 

Maybe I'll wander around today and take some more pics.   It was too bloody cold outside yesterday for much picture taking.

 

Man, I love Princess beds......I really don't think I even moved last night.

 

Later.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cruzin4us]

It’s funny how one person can see the glass 1/2 full, the other 1/2 empty.    I’m thoroughly enjoying my cruise.   Thus far, it’s been my favorite cruise of the prior 6 I went on this year (all Princess).   I like this ship, crew have been great, it’s a little worn but it’s clean and comfortable.  I’ve been able to find my specialty coffees which was my biggest concern.
 

 For those upset regarding dining:   If you drive the freeway during rush hour, there’s going to be traffic.  Same goes for dining.  2,447 people can’t all want to eat at the same time, there’s not enough room.  Find out the sweet spot (not 6-7) and you’ll get seated much quicker.  

 

On to bidets:   They take a bit of trial/error before you figure them out.  It’s been kind of fun trying something new.  You have to position yourself correctly to get the spray to hit the desired area.  You might have to lean forward until you get the spray to hit you right.   The heated seats are really nice, never thought about wanting that feature until I sat down.  You can adjust the temperature of the seat, water and blow dry function.   The little wand does not stick out all the time, it retracts.   It was a challenge to even get a quick picture of it.    Hopefully this answers a few of your questions.

[cruzin4us]

I asked the Food and Beverage manager if there is anywhere to get warm almond croissants.   He said they have them in the buffet but they aren’t warm.   This is actually a saving grace for me because indulging for 16 days on a warm almond croissant is a beautiful thing but probably not a good thing 😁

 

Also, forgot to mention at the M&G someone asked if they had any plans to add an International Cafe.   He said that’s the most common question asked and the most commented item of the post cruise survey.   Princess is aware people want it added but at this time there are no plans to add it.    They have set up a couple of espresso bars so they did realize people weren’t happy without having a good coffee fix.  
 

Ordered a cappuccino off the app today at 9:00 and it was delivered steaming hot in 7 minutes.   I’m satisfied with that.

 

not sure if everyone knows this, but if you order the same item all the time, the app stores your past orders so you can order more easily.    Just click on the upper right corner of pic #1 (the thing that looks like a piece of paper with squiggles)

lastly, the internet has been working super.  Talked on the phone using FB messenger with no issues.  I’ve been browsing and posting as well.  Discovery needs to figure out what’s wrong with theirs.   
 

on to figure out my day….,

 

 

 

 

Edited January 8, 2023 by cruzin4us

[cruzin4us]

If you are in a mobility scooter or have a difficult time navigating stairs, don’t use deck 6 to access the theater.  There is a flight of stairs to get into the theater 

 

to access the casino, use the starboard side, there is a ramp.   Port side has stairs 

[hozelovr123]

So I am in a mini suite on the Diamond Princess the 29th. Are there instructions on how to use the bidet? 

[arizonaperson]

cruzin4us- nice information and photos.

how nice that you received “stuff” from the VP of food & beverage. Nice touch.

[cr8tiv1]

@cruzin4usMay I ask a favor?  With all of your contacts onboard, is there anyone you can ask this question?

 

What is Diamond (Princess) projection for Japan cruises Spring 2023 (in reference to how many Elite might be on board)?

 

I realize she has not been in Japan for 3 years.

I realize that she is running at near capacity.

I expect many more Japanese passengers (who are eager to sail).  Also know that some will be from Australia.

 

But I am curious to know if most will be seasoned travelers or new to cruising.  

 

If there is anyone else out there who has been on a Japanese cruise, please chime in.

 

Thank you

[ddeprez]

Just want to say thank you for such a detailed post so far! We'll be on this ship in 3 weeks (not to Hawaii, unfortunately), and its so helpful to see your pics, menus, tips, etc.  Cheers!!!  

[cruzin4us]

Here’s a few more pictures from around the ship

 

I’m not a big fan of buffets so I didn’t snap a whole lot of photos.   It was crowded with lots of people using the tables to play games.  It’s still pretty windy/cold outside.   
 

They had the usual stuff.  Some of the sandwiches that you normally see at the IC were offered (Cuban and another one).  Not sure if they were hot or cold.  The had salads, fruit, rolls, desserts, rice, mussel dish, lamb dish, carving station (not sure what, but it looked like beef), cold cuts and cheese.   It was about 2:30 when I went thru and only one side was open.  
 

The Aft pool

 

Good Spirits/coffee area

 

The dreaded art gallery is on deck 5 and goes down the hall towards the forward elevators.  At least it’s out of the way (kind of).  When the ship is a rocking as it has been, there are hand rails and it’s hard not to run into the art work.  I’m pretty steady but many people aren’t. 
 

The movie showing in the Theater:  No Time to Die 

 

The NFL game is being shown on the big screen by the pool - most people wrapped up in towels.  Didn’t snap a photo it was too windy and cold 

 

The Library had some books and was packed with games, some still in their original shrink wrap - haven’t seen that before.  Excellent selection.   Kudos Princess   There was also the daily Sudoku 

 

 

[cruzin4us]

Tonight I’m going to Kai Sushi again, but here’s tonight’s dinner menu

 

 

[cruzin4us]

Ok, while I understand the need for mobility scooters, those who have them need to understand that when they park in the aisles, not everyone can navigate around the.  These to scooter’s blocked a woman with her walker and had I not been behind her to catch her when she fell backwards it would/could have been disastrous.     There are other people with handicap issues besides yourselves.    

[cr8tiv1]

1 hour ago, cruzin4us said:

Ok, while I understand the need for mobility scooters, those who have them need to understand that when they park in the aisles, not everyone can navigate around the.  These to scooter’s blocked a woman with her walker and had I not been behind her to catch her when she fell backwards it would/could have been disastrous.     There are other people with handicap issues besides yourselves.    

 

I do hope you reported this to Customer Service or via Crew Chat.  It is a hazard that needs to be addressed.  Especially if your seas have been rough.  Thank you for being at the right place at the right time.  It could have been very disastrous.  

[Shelly97060]

7 hours ago, hozelovr123 said:

So I am in a mini suite on the Diamond Princess the 29th. Are there instructions on how to use the bidet? 

We spent 20 days on Diamond in November and our Bidet had some labels in English and some in Japanese.  I used Google translate to figure it out. Here’s the translated control panel incase you get a bidet that has limited English labels.

[cruzin4us]

Kai Sushi again for your viewing pleasure.    
 

Yellowtail Carpaccio (my favorite by far because it has a kick)

Salmon Carpaccio - excellent 

Sextant Sashimi - excellent as yesterday 

eel sushi (hot) - it was perfect 

Blue mackerel and octopus sashimi - didn’t care for the blue mackerel but the octopus was ok (not my favorites but I wanted to try them)

Blue Crab hand roll - it was also good but not my fav.   
Yellowtail Sashimi - why fix what isn’t broke?   Delish 

Yellowtail Roll - it’s yellowtail, of course it’s good - no, it was way beyond good

 

now for full disclosure:  I didn’t eat all of this by myself.  I had a couple people helping me

 

If you are used to ordering sushi and know the most common rolls, you can order them.  

 

 

 

[cruzin4us]

Brian and Rowena!

[cr8tiv1]

Brian is a wonderful musician.  Reminds me of Gabbi. 

[cruzin4us]

9 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I do hope you reported this to Customer Service or via Crew Chat.  It is a hazard that needs to be addressed.  Especially if your seas have been rough.  Thank you for being at the right place at the right time.  It could have been very disastrous.  

 

I did walk down to Guest Services and reported it.   When I came back 8 hours later, one of the scooters was gone.   The other still blocked the hallway.   Called Guest Services and said it needs to be moved.   Poked my head out of my room 1.5 hrs later and it was still there.   Almost drove it down to Guest Services myself and parked it there.    Instead I called again, this time I wasn't very pleasant.   Told them it needed to be gone in 15 min.   They've got 5 minutes more or I am driving it down there.      I had a delayed reaction to what could have happened had I not been in the right place at the right time.

 

 

[hozelovr123]

13 hours ago, Shelly97060 said:

We spent 20 days on Diamond in November and our Bidet had some labels in English and some in Japanese.  I used Google translate to figure it out. Here’s the translated control panel incase you get a bidet that has limited English labels.

Thanks!

[cruzin4us]

Today is another sea day and I had higher hopes it would be warm enough to get some sun.   I donned my bathing suit and went to deck 14.   Dang, it’s still windy and too cold for this CA girl.  People wrapped up in towels all wishfully hoping for warm tropical weather.   Nope,  just windy and cold.  
 

Brought the patter with me to lunch to see what else there is to do.  Might just talk a nap since I haven’t partaken in that luxury yet.   
 

Headed to the International Dining Room.    There was a already a line winding up the stairs.  Stood there for a few minutes and then the doors opened and we moved quickly.  Had no problem getting a nice table by myself.   
 

On the menu today for me is;

 

Dinner Roll - Seriously addicted to them 

 

Chimichanga with Salsa Cruda - Super Tasty - could have been just a tad warmer.  It was between lukewarm and hot

 

Sedanini with Tomatoes, mushrooms and Basil -  it wasn’t bad, arrived hot.  Could have used a little pepper flakes to make it a bit more flavorful.  If you don’t care for mushrooms don’t get this dish. Just got some Parmesan Cheese and that helped the dish a lot.  I devoured it. 

 

Nasi Goreng - one of my favorite lunches they serve.   Arrived hot and perfectly cooked, over easy egg and all.  I was happy 

 

Other pics:

Club Class Dining 

MUTS

Weather

 

 

 

 

 

[cruzin4us]

Forgot to include a picture of dessert.  I got the Rum Cake - it was a fail.   Plated nice but the flavor of the cake was more like a dinner roll?    Not a fan

 

 

 

[cruzin4us]

The food in Skywalkers.  Open to Platinum and Elite guests between 5-7 pm daily