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

[MJSailors]

@Woobstr112G Bob-I have been interested in reading  your live review as the Sapphire Princess was our first Princess cruise in 2004.’It was a cruise through the Inside Passage-Seattle up to Skagway. We enjoyed that cruise so much that we became Princess regulars, sailing on the ships when we could,mostly to the Caribbean.

Our last Princess cruise was in 2017. Land vacations and a few Celebrity cruises were our vacation choices since then.

We considered the Hawaiian cruise , but we never enjoyed such a cruise.

I am wondering if Eula and Dave, the Hawaiian ambassadors are on your cruise.

Are any Hawaiian cultural activities being offered?

Will you be taking photos of the ship?

Any photos of the ports you will visit?

I hope Holli feels better by the time you get to Hawaii so that you can enjoy some of the lovely places there.

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

 

[PacnGoNow]

3 hours ago, Woobstr112G said:

Good afternoon from the Sapphire Princess. I'd like to point out a few personal observations. They are not rants or complaints, but rather just what I said; personal observations. Bar service at the two pool bars is extremely, extremely snail paced slow. This is due to a combination of only one bar tender at each bar, rude passengers, and the number of people wanting a drink. The Trident Grill was so busy, they are actually handing out beepers (same kind used at a restaurant). The buffet continues to disappoint as they love to only open only one side at a time. This causes huge lines/ques to form. One bright spot regarding the buffet is their coffee has gotten 1000% better.....

 

Remember, I said they were personal observations and not rants/complaints.....

 

Bob

 

 

A lot of waiters were used today for the all popular “Pub Lunch” in the Savoy MDR.

Was very good.

 

Again, Alfredos not very busy at lunch time.

 

[PacnGoNow]

1 minute ago, PacnGoNow said:

One bright spot regarding the buffet is their coffee has gotten 1000% better.....

Coffee up on Lido buffet is Lavazza.  Yum…

[Astro Flyer]

29 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

Coffee up on Lido buffet is Lavazza.  Yum…

☕️😋
 

They finally caught up with Celebrity…is it still made from concentrate or have they added the filtered coffee machines that use ground coffee like on the Royal-class ships.

 

[PacnGoNow]

3 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

☕️😋
 

They finally caught up with Celebrity…is it still made from concentrate or have they added the filtered coffee machines that use ground coffee like on the Royal-class ships.

 

The MDR is still the old coffee

stuff.  The only Lavazza is the Buffet and the IC on the Sapphire. 

[Astro Flyer]

3 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

The MDR is still the old coffee

stuff.  The only Lavazza is the Buffet and the IC on the Sapphire. 

Thanks 🙂

[cr8tiv1]

3 hours ago, RV Queen said:

Enjoyed your posts.  We are sailing on Sapphire next year. We are booked in a partially obstructed view on deck 8.  I’m seeing different diagrams of bed placement. Some pictures show the bed under the window (I really don’t want to climb up onto the bed )tand some show the window at the side of the bed.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated. 

I noticed that in the Diamond (sister ship) in an ocean view cabin.  Mystery was solved when I saw that is was a multi-passenger room…triple/quad.  
 

Double occupancy has bed on side wall.  Triple/quad had bed under window.

 

I’m not a professional sleuth….so this is my best solution.

[arizonaperson]

2 hours ago, MJSailors said:

@Woobstr112G Bob-I have been interested in reading  your live review as the Sapphire Princess was our first Princess cruise in 2004.’It was a cruise through the Inside Passage-Seattle up to Skagway. We enjoyed that cruise so much that we became Princess regulars, sailing on the ships when we could,mostly to the Caribbean.

Our last Princess cruise was in 2017. Land vacations and a few Celebrity cruises were our vacation choices since then.

We considered the Hawaiian cruise , but we never enjoyed such a cruise.

I am wondering if Eula and Dave, the Hawaiian ambassadors are on your cruise.

Are any Hawaiian cultural activities being offered?

Will you be taking photos of the ship?

Any photos of the ports you will visit?

I hope Holli feels better by the time you get to Hawaii so that you can enjoy some of the lovely places there.

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

 

@MJSailors According to another post not too far previous from yours -the Hawaiian ambassadors are Rowena and Brian

[PescadoAmarillo]

22 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

It's generic.  No more advance notice of ship personnel.  I think it used to be incorrect before at times, so perhaps they gave up since changes can happen and if they don't promise someone specific, then no one can complain.

 

I miss those emails. A lot. 

[chamima]

22 hours ago, Woobstr112G said:

A very good early morning from the Sapphire Princess. It is 0417 (Ship's Time) as we begin our third of four sea days en route to our first Hawaiian port stop of Hilo. It might seem I'm up a little early but nope; as last night/early this am was our second time change (getting an additional hour). I slept almost seven hours and didn't feel like laying in bed wide awake with my CPAP mask on.  So here I sit in the IC with my first of several morning Americano's. The IC's graveyard shift barista ("Romel") is a great asset to Princess. He always has a smile on his face and starts making your drink even before you actually reach the counter.

 

So last night we were scheduled to dine in Sterlings Steakhouse. Holli was feeling a little under the weather so we ended up skipping it with her staying in bed. I ended up getting her a Pizza from room service. The room service Pizza's (ordered off the Medalion app) are pretty decent. There are three choices (Margherita, Pepperoni, and Vegetariana) available. My favorite is the Vegetariana whiole Holli likes the Margherita. My only gripe (a small one) is you are charged $8.50 per pizza. It doesn't matter which package (Plus or Premier) you have, the pizzas still coste you $8.50 a pop.

 

Before ordering a pizza for Holli I ventured to the buffet for a quick bite. Before I go on, I know that food is very subjective so these are my SUBJECTIVE observations. First off service in buffet service was very chaotic. This is do to the fact they shut down one side to be the kitchen for the nightly Sterling Steakhouse offerings. I went to the buffet around 1800 and the lines were long, long, long. I saw several people, who obviously only wanted one particular item walk ahead of other people waiting in line. This caused a couple of minor arguments. Needless to say I stayed in line as I didn't feel like getting into an argument over buffet food.

 

As far as the food offerings go (Remember these are my SUBJECTIVE observations), they left a lot to be desired. Dinner was a German themed night (Schnitzel, etc) and I found every hot entree item I tired to be ice cold, boring, and pretty tasteless. I'm sure others found the menu items acceptable, but I personally did not enjoy them one bit.  

 

Enough about the food issues all ready. As far as the rest of the Sapphire goes, I continue to be impressed with her. She is aging gracefully and the great crew takes good care of her. I have absolutely zero complaints about the ship or the fantastic crew.  

 

Not sure what we'll be doing today as it's another "Do what you feel like sea day" aboard the Sapphire Princess. I'm thinking I might hit the gym a little later to work off some of what I've put on since the start of our vacation.

 

For the entertainment options, "Puss & Boots The Last Wish" will be shown on MUTS at 1000. The movie "Gifted" will be shown in the Explorer's lounge at 1200. The ship's band "Gravity will play a set at the pool at 1215. DJ Deep will take over fat the pool at 1315. The movie "Book Club the next chapter) will be shown on MUTS at 1500. A concert "Imagine Dragons: Smoke & Mirrors Live will be shown on MUTS at 1730. Moondance Duo will be performing in the Wheelhouse bar at 1815 & 2115. Diamond Strings Duo will be in the Piazza at 1845. The evening movie on MUTS will be Champions (2023) at 1900 and 2130. The show in the Princess theater will be Hawley Magic at 1930 & 2130. Comedian Robbie Printz will be in Club Fusion at 2030 and 2130. Gravity will be doing their late set in the Piazza at 2200. Lastly, Andy Morris will be in Crooners for two shows at 2100 and 2300. 

 

That's about all for now. Hope all are well.....

Bob 

 

 

Thanks again Bob for all of the details !!!!

Have you had a chance to hear Andy Morris? We're on the Sapphire for the 32 day cruise after yours and in the past I've really enjoyed some of the entertainers in Crooners. Last year the guy only seemed to have a 10 song play list so I'm hoping for better this cruise!

[chamima]

10 hours ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

I miss those emails. A lot. 

 

Me, too!!!

[Woobstr112G]

An early good morning (0450 ship's time) as I start typing this post from the beautiful Sapphire Princess. Today we begin our fourth and final sea day before our first port stop tomorrow in Hilo. So far this morning and a major part of yesterday, the swells have been very noticeable. I'm glad I don't get seasick but I do feel for those affected by the rough seas. 

 

Last night Holli was feeling better so we ventured out to the Reserve Collection (formerly Club Class) for dinner. The menu was "Princess Dinner." Our waiter and his assistant (both from the Philippines) were fantastic. I'm sorry but I don't remember their names. I'll ask Holli later and post them. Holli had the always available chicken while I had the additional charge Surf & Turf. Holli enjoyed her selection. With mine, the Lobster was very tasty but the filet was no better than average (subjective review of food). One interesting thing about the Reserve Collection is they are still using the old Club Class linens and table napkins (with the CC Logo).

 

 

SInce Holli is feeling better this morning, she definitely wants to later on avail herself of the suite perk of breakfast in Sabatinis. This continues to be our favorite suite perk and we always look forward to it on every voyage. So far the breakfast service continues to be outstanding on this voyage. I am looking forward to see how/if the suite breakfast perk will change next year when we sail on the inaugural T/A on the Sun. My curiosity stems from the fact with the debut of the Sun Princess there will finally be a dedicated suite restaurant ona Princess ship. 

 

Not sure what is on tap for today as yes, this is another lazy sea day.  I'm going to later head to the shore excursion desk and cancel our excursion in Kona. This is due to the fact we received notification the boat portion of the excursion has been cancelled. There really isn't much else Holli can participate in due to her mobility issues so it looks like we'll have to play it by ear in Kona. Yesterday I had bit of luck in the Casino. Of course the Casino also hit a lucky streak as my lucky streak ran out and I gave them back my good fortune. 

 

For today's entertainment options, the movie Once Upon a Deadpool will be shown on MUTS at 1000. Rise of the Planet of the Apes will screen in the Explorers Lounge at 1400. An NFL game (Jacksonville vs The New Orleans Saints) will show on MUTS at 1415. The two previously mentioned Hawaiian Ambassadors will be playing music in the Piazza at 1615. A Crowded House concert will be shown on MUTS at 1730. The Diamond Strings Duo will perform in the Piazza at 1845. The Movie The Eyes of Tammy Faye will show on MUTS at 1900 & 2130. Acoustic guitar and vocalist Vangelis Tzatsos will be in the Wheelhouse Bar 1915 & 2015. The Princess Theater will host Vocalist Ashley Rose Smith at 1930 & 2130. The house band Gravity will be performing in Cub Fusion at 2015 & 2115. Moondance Duo will be in the Wheelhouse bar at 2115 and 2215. Lastly Andy Morris will be playing in Crooners from 2100 onwards. 

 

Well thats about all for now. Hope all are well.....

 

Bob

 

 

[Woobstr112G]

 

This morning's sunrise.....

 

Bob

[Mary Ann 2]

17 hours ago, MJSailors said:

I am wondering if Eula and Dave, the Hawaiian ambassadors are on your cruise.

MJ🙋🏻‍♀️

 

We love Elua and Dave! We've been on two cruises with them. They have moved stateside from what I gather from Dave's Facebook posts. Occasionally he posts about a cruise, but not often anymore. You can search on FB for Tiki Dave. 

[karatemom2]

32 minutes ago, Mary Ann 2 said:

We love Elua and Dave! We've been on two cruises with them. They have moved stateside from what I gather from Dave's Facebook posts. Occasionally he posts about a cruise, but not often anymore. You can search on FB for Tiki Dave. 

They were a big part of why we enjoyed our LA to Hawaii cruises that we did for a number of years over the Christmas holidays. They still work with Princess and I believe they will be doing the Hawaii sailings on the Crown out of San Francisco this season. 

[CruisinLow]

1 hour ago, Woobstr112G said:

 

This morning's sunrise.....

 

Bob

All of your sunrise pictures have been so enjoyable. Thanks for sharing.

[Astro Flyer]

27 minutes ago, karatemom2 said:

They were a big part of why we enjoyed our LA to Hawaii cruises that we did for a number of years over the Christmas holidays. They still work with Princess and I believe they will be doing the Hawaii sailings on the Crown out of San Francisco this season. 

From Tiki Dave:  “Instead of doing the Crown Princess for the late-September cruise out of Seattle, we will now be doing the September 16 cruise from SFO to LA, Honolulu, Pape’ete Tahiti, Pago Pago and ending up in New Zealand.”

 

 

[JF - retired RRT]

On 10/18/2023 at 2:47 PM, RV Queen said:

Enjoyed your posts.  We are sailing on Sapphire next year. We are booked in a partially obstructed view on deck 8.  I’m seeing different diagrams of bed placement. Some pictures show the bed under the window (I really don’t want to climb up onto the bed )tand some show the window at the side of the bed.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated. 

There was a post a couple of years ago that told how to figure out where the beds would be...maybe @Essiesmom?

[JustAPrincess]

On 10/18/2023 at 8:16 PM, PacnGoNow said:

A lot of waiters were used today for the all popular “Pub Lunch” in the Savoy MDR.

Was very good.

 

Again, Alfredos not very busy at lunch time.

 

So happy to learn the Pub Lunch is back.  Was there a wait for tables??

[PacnGoNow]

11 minutes ago, JustAPrincess said:

So happy to learn the Pub Lunch is back.  Was there a wait for tables??

No wait.  12-130pm MDR Savoy.

 

It has been held in the MDR on a sea day lunch at least once during  our cruises.

[kluv2cruz]

5 hours ago, JF - retired RRT said:

There was a post a couple of years ago that told how to figure out where the beds would be...maybe @Essiesmom?

Cruisedeckplans.com?

[PacnGoNow]

1 hour ago, PacnGoNow said:

No wait.  12-130pm MDR Savoy.

 

It has been held in the MDR on a sea day lunch at least once during  our cruises.

There was also a Crab Shack pop-up lunch today in a MDR.

Extra charge, of course.

 

We also got a paper in our cabin:  Dinner at the Horizon Court, nightly specials. Tonite: Japanese 

Teppanyaki.

 

Nice to plan our dinners. Wish all ships would do this.

[Woobstr112G]

A very early good morning from the Sapphire Princess. It is only 0415 (ship's time as I type this. We got our final hour back time change this morning, Hence being up so early. I didn't remember this last night but found out when I wallked to the elevator and saw the time displayed😁. Today we are to dock in Hilo Hawaii. We are scheduled to pick up the pilot around 0630 with docking around 0800. All aboard for guests will be 1630. Holli and I have no tours/excursions planned so we'll be playing it by ear. 

 

Yesterday we didn't do too much. It was another lazy sea day so we just hung out. The seas were somewhat clam, but the swells still made for some decent rocking & rolling. I finally got my medallion issue straightened out. It had initially stopped working. They ended up rebooting our door panel twice and I ended up being issued four new medallions before the problem was finally fixed. Holli also had to be given a new medallion due to our panel being rebooted. 

 

We once again enjoyed our suite perk of breakfast in Sabatinis. The food and service were excellent. While at breakfast, we learned that Sabatinis would be open for lunch yesterday (same menu as dinner). Our waiter told us it was something new they were trying out. For dinner yesterday, we dined in Alfredos. We both enjoyed our pizzas and the service was very good. Since we both like eating in Alfredos, there is a very good chance we will dine here again before the end of the cruise.

 

Not sure I mentioned this prior, but we booked another cruise; quite by accident I must say. I was surfing the net and saw Princess brought back my dream Alaska itinerary (R/T from San Pedro on the Grand). The voyage is August 30, 2025 and there is only one sailing. A quick wifi call to my T/A and we are booked. Since the cruise had been open since August 1st ish, the only thing left that I might consider booking was a mini suite GTY. I pulled the trigger and also got placed on, what I expect is, a long waitlist for a suite. I'm kicking myself that I didn't know about this itinerary previously.

 

Here are today's entertainment options. Before I begin, I'd like to say there are a number of patter items (classes, demonstrations, trivia and other games, etc that I don't list. When we get back home, I will scan all of the paters and put them on my Flickr photo page. 

 

The Movie "The Whale" will be shown on MUTS at 1300. Diamond Strings  Duo will perform in the Piazza at 1745, 1845, and 2200. A Michael Buble concert will be shown on MUTS at 1800. Moondance Duo will perform in the Wheelhouse Bar at 1815 & 1915. The movie Fast X will be shown on MUTS at 1915. The movie Poster Trivia will be shown in the Explorers Lounge at 1930. Piano & Vocalist Andy Morris will be in the Princess Theater at 1930 & 2130. Pianist Janusz Bator will perform in Crooners at 1930, 2115, and 2300. There will be a Country Western night in Club Fusiona at 2015. Acoustic Guitar & Vocals with Vangelis Tzatsos will be in the Wheelhouse Bar at 2115 & 2215. The house band Gravity will be performing in Club Fusion from 2130 to 0230.  

 

Well that's all for now. I hope all are well.....

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

21 hours ago, CruisinLow said:

All of your sunrise pictures have been so enjoyable. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Ann.....

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

 

One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen (never have seen it before). A rainbow going all the way down to the water…..

 

Bob