Live from the Land of Princess

[Muckyduckway]

24 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

I don’t think I did a very good job capturing this sea day.

 

I really, really enjoyed the art auction. Cameron is outstanding and hilarious and makes the experience so fun.

 

 

 

There’s a Dali on board.

 

I didn’t buy anything because none of the art on board really appeals to me plus shipping to Canada is not free. My money tends to go toward cruising instead of fancy things.

 

I also really enjoyed and appreciated the two destination talks from Cathy X Heaven today. She covered our last 4 ports (Invergordon for Inverness, Edinburgh, Le Havre and Portland.)

 

On my bed a couple days ago was an invitation for today

 

I could tell it was a fun party with about 500 people in attendance. Free drinks were flowing, music was blasting, prizes were drawn and speeches were given by the CD, future cruises guy and the Captain. This was right after my experience with the bartender and I just felt sad.

 

It isn’t so much that the one incident brought me down, it is more that interactions keep cropping up that are disappointing or unprofessional. I loved the shipboard experience on the Island so much and am not having the same feeling on the Regal. I feel like I’m forcing myself to enjoy being on board and the truth is I’m done. I’ve loved the ports and am looking forward to the upcoming ones but overall the entertainment, the activities and the music aren’t for me. This is not a good ship for solos. There are no enrichment activities, no lectures and nothing beyond the same old acupuncture sessions. I look at the Patters and there is nothing that captivates me. Nothing. It’s just a daily disappointment. Tonight I went to the Watercolor Fountain Fantasy. It was listed as a 30 minute show. In reality it was 5 minutes and this was the grand finale.

 

To give credit, the food is excellent overall. I’m eating and drinking too much because there isn’t anything else to do.
 

After the new cruiser party I talked to Fernando, the Business and Brand Ambassador. He has been phoning and leaving messages and I have been calling him back at the Guest Services number but no one ever answers. He wanted to talk to me about the smoke in the casino. He was very firm and not kind at all.  He stated that the casino is a revenue maker then he said “the casino is not a designated smoking area. Guests who are actively gambling are invited to smoke.” 
 

I said “well that ends this conversation” and he repeated his first statement.

 

It is despicable that he flat out lied to me and tried to tell me the casino wasn’t a designated smoking area. If people are smoking there, it is a smoking area.

 

I said again that there was no point continuing the conversation. He had no intention of making me happy or doing anything to make things better. Obviously I have been avoiding the part of the ship where the smoke is most offensive.

 

That one moment, that one little interaction, has significantly impacted my impression of Princess. I’m tired and I’m actually stressed. I have a lot of sensory input issues and have been triggered since getting on board the Regal.

 

I NEVER watch tv when traveling but have resorted to watching a movie in the cabin at night. This is not like me at all.

 

Yes, I reported what the bartender said. It was in Wheelhouse which is connected to The Crown Grill and the restaurant manager was right there so I told him. By the time I arrived at the new cruisers party both the Bar Manager and the Bar Supervisor were aware. All I know is the bartender will receive retraining. 

 

 

Your disappointment and sadness is completely understandable. I wish I could reach through and give you a big squishy hug. I'm not going to even attempt to jolly you up because you are entitled to your feelings and you yourself know that you'll move on, and up and find your joy again, even on a ship that has crew with crappy attitudes. 😘

[latebloomer56]

3 minutes ago, Muckyduckway said:

Your disappointment and sadness is completely understandable. I wish I could reach through and give you a big squishy hug. I'm not going to even attempt to jolly you up because you are entitled to your feelings and you yourself know that you'll move on, and up and find your joy again, even on a ship that has crew with crappy attitudes. 😘

So sad to hear this I can't imagine dealing with crew members so poorly trained, rude, and inept at their job. Ok he can't change smoking policy but he really handled this situation poorly and he needs to find a different occupation. 

Sounds like an evening in the quiet peaceful Enclave is in order soaking in the warm pool, resting in the quiet room, no phones, no chatting, no tv. We spent many early evenings here after active port intensive days. At the very least they should give you a pass for a few days.

I'm disappointed in Princess.

[Eleanor Rigby 14]

Hi Yvonne,

I can tell that you’re having a low moment and I should have written way before this but I just wanted you to know how much I have thoroughly enjoyed your live reports from the Island and the Regal. I am resting/recuperating for several weeks when I am normally a person who is very active and loves to get out and about. You didn’t know it but I have been traveling right along with you these last few weeks, vicariously enjoying everything you have presented to us in your gorgeous photographs and vivid storytelling. They have been a true gift to me. I have a strong Irish heritage and have only recently learned that I also have a Welsh heritage. You don’t know how much it meant to me to be in Ireland and Wales through your posts! It was like I was right there experiencing it myself. I have never had a desire to be a vegetarian or vegan but the way you photograph vegetarian food items makes me at least want to consider Meatless Mondays in my future. I always thought my own photography was not too shabby but I can see now that the way to make things more real is to get in really close with the camera like you do. Your shots are amazing! I am dazzled by your vibrant flower photos, the little bit of greenery sticking out of a crack in a wall, a cute village dog longingly peering into a shop, the bright colors of mohair in gorgeous throw blankets, a bit of Irish lace still lingering on a finished glass of Guinness. You really speak to people through your posts and I have been sharing what you have said with friends and family each day as if I know you but of course I don’t. That’s pretty cool to have worldwide impact like that.

 

You have had some wonderful experiences, especially on the Island Princess. I am sorry to hear that not everything has been quite that rosy. But I liked the way you assertively addressed the issues with Princess. I think you have taught many of us here how to deal with similar situations if they should ever pop up. Thanks for that. Very helpful indeed.

 

One last thing that I learned from your writings. I am a big people person and on cruises when I meet people traveling by themselves I automatically assume that those people must be like me and want to be with other cruisers socially. I have invited several single people to join my group over the years and amazingly they have all accepted so far and seemed happy to be asked. I can see now that not everyone yearns for socializing and it was wrong of me to assume otherwise. If someone ultra-social like me ever invites you to join along and what you want most is some quiet time with a pineapple Prosecco and a good book, please know that this person means well and was just looking out for you in a kind way.

 

Thank you so much for all that you have shown us these last few weeks. I hope things get better for you on the Regal. Hang in there. As Scarlet O’Hara said “After all, tomorrow IS another day!”

[LoveThatCorgi]

On 7/23/2024 at 10:24 AM, YVRteacher said:

This drink? This is a 24K Margarita and I had to use two hands.

We just returned home from our first NCL cruise.  To wind down after a full day of traveling, we made a Princess 24K Gold Margarita.

[sharonsharona]

8 hours ago, WisCruiser2 said:

Sure can -- Island Princess, Aug 1 - 19. I found it by going to the Canada cruises and filtering for the Island.

Thanks.   I’m looking it up right now!!!!

[Muckyduckway]

7 hours ago, Eleanor Rigby 14 said:

Hi Yvonne,

I can tell that you’re having a low moment and I should have written way before this but I just wanted you to know how much I have thoroughly enjoyed your live reports from the Island and the Regal. I am resting/recuperating for several weeks when I am normally a person who is very active and loves to get out and about. You didn’t know it but I have been traveling right along with you these last few weeks, vicariously enjoying everything you have presented to us in your gorgeous photographs and vivid storytelling. They have been a true gift to me. I have a strong Irish heritage and have only recently learned that I also have a Welsh heritage. You don’t know how much it meant to me to be in Ireland and Wales through your posts! It was like I was right there experiencing it myself. I have never had a desire to be a vegetarian or vegan but the way you photograph vegetarian food items makes me at least want to consider Meatless Mondays in my future. I always thought my own photography was not too shabby but I can see now that the way to make things more real is to get in really close with the camera like you do. Your shots are amazing! I am dazzled by your vibrant flower photos, the little bit of greenery sticking out of a crack in a wall, a cute village dog longingly peering into a shop, the bright colors of mohair in gorgeous throw blankets, a bit of Irish lace still lingering on a finished glass of Guinness. You really speak to people through your posts and I have been sharing what you have said with friends and family each day as if I know you but of course I don’t. That’s pretty cool to have worldwide impact like that.

 

You have had some wonderful experiences, especially on the Island Princess. I am sorry to hear that not everything has been quite that rosy. But I liked the way you assertively addressed the issues with Princess. I think you have taught many of us here how to deal with similar situations if they should ever pop up. Thanks for that. Very helpful indeed.

 

One last thing that I learned from your writings. I am a big people person and on cruises when I meet people traveling by themselves I automatically assume that those people must be like me and want to be with other cruisers socially. I have invited several single people to join my group over the years and amazingly they have all accepted so far and seemed happy to be asked. I can see now that not everyone yearns for socializing and it was wrong of me to assume otherwise. If someone ultra-social like me ever invites you to join along and what you want most is some quiet time with a pineapple Prosecco and a good book, please know that this person means well and was just looking out for you in a kind way.

 

Thank you so much for all that you have shown us these last few weeks. I hope things get better for you on the Regal. Hang in there. As Scarlet O’Hara said “After all, tomorrow IS another day!”

Beautifully expressed and so true 

[dog]

To OP- you sound sad. And lonely.  Did you join and attend any cruise critic or Facebook roll calls and meet & greets?

Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and taking us along.

[www3traveler]

16 minutes ago, dog said:

To OP- you sound sad. And lonely.  Did you join and attend any cruise critic or Facebook roll calls and meet & greets?

Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and taking us along.

She is nearing the end of a very long adventure.  This is the 2nd of 2 Princess cruises and this one has had more downs than ups--mostly because of the attitude of staff.

[dog]

56 minutes ago, www3traveler said:

She is nearing the end of a very long adventure.  This is the 2nd of 2 Princess cruises and this one has had more downs than ups--mostly because of the attitude of staff.

Not necessary. I am aware of this.

 To OP:

I have enjoyed following along and thank you for sharing your photos which brought back many memories  for me.

[tcmagnum]

17 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

That one moment, that one little interaction, has significantly impacted my impression of Princess. I’m tired and I’m actually stressed. I have a lot of sensory input issues and have been triggered since getting on board the Regal.

 

I NEVER watch tv when traveling but have resorted to watching a movie in the cabin at night. This is not like me at all.

 

I am sorry that you are feeling stressed/tired.

I think you did the best thing by staying in your cabin for the night and just chilling.

And to the person who lied and told you the casino wasn't a designated smoking section - he needs to be retrained.  What an idiot.  Either it's designated or those smokers are breaking the rules - which is it??

I hope you can find some things that bring out your sunny attitude that we've been enjoying.

[azbirdmom]

2 minutes ago, tcmagnum said:

And to the person who lied and told you the casino wasn't a designated smoking section - he needs to be retrained.  What an idiot.  Either it's designated or those smokers are breaking the rules - which is it??

Actually I think he's echoing the company line.  They consider a designated smoking area to be for anyone who smokes.  But in the casino it's only those people who are actively gambling who are supposed to be able to smoke.  Which in practice isn't the case because as a non smoking casino participant I have always observed people just coming in there to light up then leave.  The fact that the casino employees look the other way adds to the problem.  But yea, the Princess staff are splitting hairs when they say it's not a designated smoking area.  When there is smoke pouring out of a venue into other areas that should be smoke free that's a problem no matter how it's designated.

[www3traveler]

Hi Sweetie,

On this very hot smoke filled sky day in the Pacific Northwest, as always, I pray that all is as well as possible in your cruise world and with Dad a half a world away.

 

BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG HUG

 

Love and prayers always

[arizonaperson]

Yvonne, hope you are having a great day in Invergordon.Looking forward to seeing your photos .

[schmoopie17]

In addition to the crapola you've had to put up with on this portion of the cruise, your thread has slipped off page one and onto page 2. There...fixed it.

 

When you embarked on the Regal, I told you I once owned a Buick Regal and it was a lemon. Sounds like the Princess version is just as much of a lemon. But knowing you, I know you'll turn that lemon into lemonade. 

 

After all, Princess should realize they have their namesake on board.

[JGmf]

Sorry for the turn of events.

 

I'm pulling for a strong rebound for you @YVRteacher!  It's safe to say we're all hoping you finish strong on this final leg of the cruise. 

[BabySarge]

While it certainly doesn't justify the unacceptable rudeness you've experienced, it's possible that many crew members are nearing the end of their contracts, putting them at the end of their rope in dealing with the public many of whom are not anywhere as nice as yourself.  This, coupled with being understaffed, overworked, homesick, and just plain worn out can obviously affect service quality.

Plus, I would be willing to guess there might be a leadership issue on board, starting at the top and rolling downhill, resulting in a negative atmosphere for the crew that is, unfortunately, being passed on to the passengers, which should never happen.

[YVRteacher]

6 hours ago, www3traveler said:

She is nearing the end of a very long adventure.  This is the 2nd of 2 Princess cruises and this one has had more downs than ups--mostly because of the attitude of staff.

Nope. Definitely not more downs than ups. 
 

The ports have been incredible! Food is excellent, most bartenders are great, the ship is beautiful and I have had a fabulous day today.

[YVRteacher]

4 hours ago, tcmagnum said:

I am sorry that you are feeling stressed/tired.

I think you did the best thing by staying in your cabin for the night and just chilling.

And to the person who lied and told you the casino wasn't a designated smoking section - he needs to be retrained.  What an idiot.  Either it's designated or those smokers are breaking the rules - which is it??

I hope you can find some things that bring out your sunny attitude that we've been enjoying.

Thank you! I loved Invergordon today and have been go-go-go since sailaway.

 

 

[www3traveler]

2 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

Nope. Definitely not more downs than ups. 
 

The ports have been incredible! Food is excellent, most bartenders are great, the ship is beautiful and I have had a fabulous day today.

YEAH!!!   I am glad.  Maybe a land trip should be scheduled- so you can travel at your speed and not pushed by excursion times.

 

How  much time will you have to recovery once you reach home and your Jewel adventures?

Can not wait to hear about your impressions of The Jewel this time around.

 

BIG BIG BIG BIG HUG

 

Love and prayers always

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[dog]

43 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

Nope. Definitely not more downs than ups. 
 

The ports have been incredible! Food is excellent, most bartenders are great, the ship is beautiful and I have had a fabulous day today.

So, happy to hear this. It shows in your beautiful photos! You are an incredible photographer!!

[YVRteacher]

1 hour ago, JGmf said:

Sorry for the turn of events.

 

I'm pulling for a strong rebound for you @YVRteacher!  It's safe to say we're all hoping you finish strong on this final leg of the cruise. 

I rebounded in such a big way in Invergordon I took so many photos that my phone barely has a charge left!

 

Thank you for rooting for me! I’m back to my cruise-loving self today.

[ceilidh1]

2 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

I rebounded in such a big way in Invergordon I took so many photos that my phone barely has a charge left!

 

Thank you for rooting for me! I’m back to my cruise-loving self today.

I think the issue is that you are missing me...

[YVRteacher]

5 minutes ago, dog said:

So, happy to hear this. It shows in your beautiful photos! You are an incredible photographer!!

Thank you so very much! 

[YVRteacher]

Just now, ceilidh1 said:

I think the issue is that you are missing me...

yup!!!

I bought you something today!

 

I was in a grocery store and saw little bags of those treats you buy your kids for Christmas. I didn’t shop then because I didn’t want to carry the bag all day so I returned later in the afternoon.

 

I couldn’t remember where I saw the treats so I said to the grocery man,

”Hi! I was in here earlier and now I can’t find the satellites. Can you please show me where they are?”

 

Grocery man: Gives me a puzzled look and clarifies, “satellites??”

 

Me: “yes. Satellites.”

 

Grocery man: “satellites.”

 

Me: “they are candies. They look like this (makes a circle with thumb and forefinger) and they are like styrofoam that dissolves. They are from space.”

 

Grocery man: bursts out laughing and says “you mean flying saucers! Here they are!”

 

Me: “you’re going to tell this story at home over the dinner table, aren’t you?”

 

Grocery man, still giggling, “ay.”

[YVRteacher]

2 hours ago, schmoopie17 said:

In addition to the crapola you've had to put up with on this portion of the cruise, your thread has slipped off page one and onto page 2. There...fixed it.

 

When you embarked on the Regal, I told you I once owned a Buick Regal and it was a lemon. Sounds like the Princess version is just as much of a lemon. But knowing you, I know you'll turn that lemon into lemonade. 

 

After all, Princess should realize they have their namesake on board.

Only goodness! Not page two! That is a travesty!