Live From The Sapphire Princess October 15, 2023 R/T to Hawaii

[PacnGoNow]

1 hour ago, LACruiser88 said:

I spoke to Mario a few days ago.  He'll keep cruising for as long as they let him!

51 years

[JF - retired RRT]

6 hours ago, Musky Ike said:

Yes,  I did not see an option to to indicate both watching the video on the same mobile device. We each had to use our own device while logged into the app. Not a big deal. We thought check in was a breeze.

We watched it on our cabin TV at the same time. Medallions registered that we were both there.

[Woobstr112G]

2 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

3 formal nights.

You are right, my mistake…..

 

Bob

[cr8tiv1]

1 hour ago, JF - retired RRT said:

We watched it on our cabin TV at the same time. Medallions registered that we were both there.

 

I have had two in the cabin watch video while unpacking and getting the cabin organized.  I think it is a separate section from turning on the tv and selecting who is watching.  

 

If cabins are not ready, I watch it on my phone.

[Woobstr112G]

5 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Finally someone in a suite doing a live,  Do you have a beverage package?  You mentioned ordering from room service on the first night.  
 

Would you get clarification….

 

Will suite passengers be charged $5 for picking up the phone to order room service meals from the MDR and/or tea service (a suite perk),  

 

Thank you.

 

 

I didn't pay the delivery charge because I paid for Princess Premier. I was however charged $8.50 when I ordered a pizza (delivered to my stateroom) from the Medallion app. Interesting thing that I was charged sales tax (LA City) for my purchase. The Pizza was ordered about an hour and change after sailaway......

Bob

[cr8tiv1]

1 minute ago, Woobstr112G said:

I didn't pay the delivery charge because I paid for Princess Premier. I was however charged $8.50 when I ordered a pizza (delivered to my stateroom) from the Medallion app. Interesting thing that I was charged sales tax (LA City) for my purchase. The Pizza was ordered about an hour and change after sailaway......

Bob

 

Yes, I understand how it works if you have a package.  If you could find out how it will work for someone without a package, but in a suite, many would be appreciative.  

[Woobstr112G]

22 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

Yes, I understand how it works if you have a package.  If you could find out how it will work for someone without a package, but in a suite, many would be appreciative.  

No perk with a suite/loyalty level. It's all about the package you buy or do not buy.....

Bob

[1emerald1]

5 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

51 years

When I first met him he was the youngest Maitre'd in the fleet, 37 I believe.

[Woobstr112G]

An early good morning (0538 ship's time as I start typing this) from the beautiful Sapphire Princess.  Today begins our second full day (of four) at sea as we head towards our first Hawaiian port stop of Hilo.  I'm in my usual spot in the International Cafe as I type this. I gotta have my Americano every morning for a successful start of the day. 

 

Today the seas are noticeably rougher. The Captain came over the PA system yesterday afternoon and mentioned we be feeling the effects of a far off storm starting last night and continuing on through this morning. He was 100% correct. Nothing to worry about for me (I don't get seasick) ut it probably was uncomfortable for some passengers.

 

Last night was our first of three formal nights. Holli and I got dressed up and enjoyed an outstanding dinner in Sabatinis. The meal was out of this world good. I had the Oso Bucco and Holii had a chicken dish. Both meals definetely did not disappoint. My Oso Bucco was simply amazing. They prepare it differently since the last time I had it (probably 2018 on the Star). I could go on and on about it but suffice to say, I was not disappointed. I feel like a dummy for not taking a picture of it and posting it here. If I have it again, which I hope to, I'll definitely take a picture and post it here. 

 

A couple of observations about Sabatinis; they have a new wine list and they brought back the position of Wine Sommelier. I am a big fan of Tuscan WInes and the Sommelier was very helpful in assisting me in picking out an outstanding bottle of wine. Later on at breakfast, I'm going to ask our waiter if there the Sommelier position is also present in other dining venues on the ship. I'll also snap a picture of the new wine list and post it on the thread.

 

I have a funny story about getting ready for our evening events. Holli went to the saloon for her hair appointment. As I was escorting her to the salon, I reminded her not to fall victim to the usual sales pitches and end up buying a ton of products. When I picked her up, I noted her stylist had tried something different which looked amazing. I was talking to the stylist (a lovely girl from South Africa) about how impressed I was with her work. Turns out, I was the one who ended up buying the hair care products I warned Holli not to fall victim to😁. 

 

After dinner, we just headed back to the cabin for the rest of the evening. The later hour we like to eat many times plays havoc with being able to attend a production show.

 

As far as today's entertainment options go, Are you there God? It's me Margaret" will be shown on MUTS at 1500. The Diamond Strings Duo will perform in the Piazza at 1745 and 1845. Moondance Duo will be in the Wheelhouse from 1815 & 2115. The evening movie on MUTS will be Avitar: The Way of the Water. Vangelis Tzatos (Gitar-Vocals) will be in the Wheelhouse Bar between 1915-2000. The Princess Theater show will be an ABBA tribute with Ashley Rose Smith at 1930 & 2130. Andy Morris will be doing a Beatles tribute in the Piazza at 2015. Januez Bator will be playing the piano in Crooners at 2115 & 2215. Lastly, the ship's band Gravity will be playing in Club Fusion from 2115 onwards.

 

Well that's about all for now. I'll probably check in a little later.  Hope all are well.....😊😊😊

 

Bob

[c-boy]

                              .  Oh boy a Wine list

                    ...   Good to see you and Holli out and enjoying life. 

Edited October 17, 2023 by c-boy

[Woobstr112G]

 

Came back to the cabin and managed to get a pretty good sunrise picture.....

 

Bob

[XBGuy]

2 hours ago, Woobstr112G said:

A couple of observations about Sabatinis; they have a new wine list and they brought back the position of Wine Sommelier. I am a big fan of Tuscan WInes and the Sommelier was very helpful in assisting me in picking out an outstanding bottle of wine. Later on at breakfast, I'm going to ask our waiter if there the Sommelier position is also present in other dining venues on the ship. I'll also snap a picture of the new wine list and post it on the thread.

 

 

?????

 

@Woobstr112G you rhapsodize about the new wine list and the Somm and your appreciation of Tuscan wines, but you don't tell us what wine you had.  There are a lot of us wine geeks out hear who are living life vicariously through your reports.  Have mercy on us.

 

😁

[Woobstr112G]

Just now, XBGuy said:

 

?????

 

@Woobstr112G you rhapsodize about the new wine list and the Somm and your appreciation of Tuscan wines, but you don't tell us what wine you had.  There are a lot of us wine geeks out hear who are living life vicariously through your reports.  Have mercy on us.

 

😁

 I don’t remember the name. When I go down for breakfast in a bit, I’ll snap a picture of the wine list and post it…..

 

Bob

[Musky Ike]

We are in the sanctuary now. Cool and breezy. Only one other couple. Two of the breakfast items were not available. We rarely book it but had some OBC to use. 

[Astro Flyer]

2 hours ago, Woobstr112G said:

Today the seas are noticeably rougher. The Captain came over the PA system yesterday afternoon and mentioned we be feeling the effects of a far off storm starting last night and continuing on through this morning. He was 100% correct. Nothing to worry about for me (I don't get seasick) ut it probably was uncomfortable for some passengers.

Maybe you’re feeling some of the affects of the first north swell of the season from a massive storm dropping down from the Aleutian Islands. 🌊🏄‍♂️

 

“The National Weather Service says the first large, northwest swell of the season is expected to build rapidly on Tuesday and peak from late Tuesday through Wednesday. Surf is expected to build Tuesday to 25 to 35 feet along north-facing shores, and 18 to 24 feet along west-facing shores”.

[Woobstr112G]

 

As promised, here is the new Sabatini wine list. My choice was Gaga Ca’Marcanda Promis (Third up from the bottom of the last picture)…..

 

Bob

[1emerald1]

Do you know if they will bring back the Sommelier to all of the dining rooms, like they used to?

[chrysalis]

1 minute ago, 1emerald1 said:

Do you know if they will bring back the Sommelier to all of the dining rooms, like they used to?

They had them in the DR on the Enchanted earlier this year.

[LACruiser88]

16 minutes ago, 1emerald1 said:

Do you know if they will bring back the Sommelier to all of the dining rooms, like they used to?

It is a fleetwide program.  The majority of the "somm's" onboard are former Princess bartenders that passed the Princess somm "test."  🍷

[Woobstr112G]

23 minutes ago, 1emerald1 said:

Do you know if they will bring back the Sommelier to all of the dining rooms, like they used to?

We are headed to Sterling’s tonight for dinner. I’ll see what I can find out…..

 

Bob

[Astro Flyer]

1 hour ago, Woobstr112G said:

My choice was Gaja Ca’Marcanda Promis

Searching online the cost varies from $53-$63 (plus tax) so at $79 (plus tip) the markup is comparatively reasonable. 🍷

[XBGuy]

1 hour ago, Woobstr112G said:

As promised, here is the new Sabatini wine list. My choice was Gaga Ca’Marcanda Promis (Third up from the bottom of the last picture)…..

 

Bob

 

 

Agree, @Woobstr112G, this list is very interesting.  I don't know as much about Italian wines as I should, but your choice certainly looks like an interesting Super Tuscan.

[Woobstr112G]

Just now, Astro Flyer said:

Searching online the cost varies from $53-$63 (plus tax) so at $79 (plus tip) the markup is comparatively reasonable. 🍷

I thought the same thing. My bottle was 2017 while what I saw online was 2021…..

 

Bob

[tootsiescurly]

On 10/15/2023 at 4:36 AM, Woobstr112G said:

A very early good morning (0421pst) from San Pedro Ca.  EMBARKATION day is here. As expected, I didn't get much sleep. I woke up at 0400 and that was it. I absolutely cannot wait for this wonderful cruise vacation to begin. 

 

Last night for dinner we dined at the 22nd Street Landing restaurant. Service was excellent. I had a fillet that was outstanding. Holli had the lobster which unfortunately was very tough and chewy. Our waiter apologized and said since Holli had ordered the last lobster they had, the entree would be taken off our bill. We also received complimentary desert with our meal. I consider the issue with Holli's entree a minor hiccup and would still highly recommend the restaurant. I posted menu pictures below so anyone interested could see current offerings along with prices. Sorry about the quality of the pcitures. 

 

At 0700 I plan to avail myself of breakfast in the hotel restaurant. After that I'll get Holli up and we will ready ourselves for our 1030 shuttle ride to the port which is a very short distance away from the motel.

 

That's all fr  now. Hope all are well.....

 

Bob

 

Next time try J Trani's or Trani's Dockside. We like both restaurants better than 22nd Street Landing.

[tootsiescurly]

2 hours ago, Woobstr112G said:

 

As promised, here is the new Sabatini wine list. My choice was Gaga Ca’Marcanda Promis (Third up from the bottom of the last picture)…..

 

Bob

Woo Hoo they have Jermann! One of our favorite Italian wineries!