Shogun Live From The Emerald

[staceyvols]

Luckily I haven't lost luggage but I have learned, though these boards of course, a packing tip. We pack 1/2 my clothes and 1/2 of his in each suitcase so incase one gets lost we still have 1/2. Now if they both got lost, we'd be out of luck.

 

Have a great cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!

[luv2travel2beaches]

Shogun. I will be on the Emerald in just 2 weeks. I would love to know the information about the princess ferry from Crown Bay to St John's as well as info on the wi-fi card. It would very much be appreciated if you find out that info and pass it along to us. Good luck with your luggage. Hope it returns safely to you.

[Michele M]

Hi Shogun, I am also interested in the boat from Crown Bay to St John. How much does it cost? When/where did you purchase tickets? Thanks.

[bob&sharon]

Hi Shogun

Great reports...sounds like you are enjoying your adventure despite the lost luggage issue. I like your attitude.

We will be on the Emerald in 15 days. Did you run into anyone who did the Dominica Rain Forest Aerial Tram on their own? I'd like to know if it is easy to get there and back by taxi.

Thanks for any help.

Bob & Sharon

[Hulagirl]

Pam:

 

If you see this, I hope you and your family are having a good time. Read your post on this thread and I'm sure you will have a good time no matter what. We like the anytime dining, so hopefully it has worked out for your family.

 

Susan

[Shogun]

Hi Folks,

 

Just a few hours before ballon drop and all that, jazz band playing away just now on deck 5,

 

Princess has given me a free outfit for tonight, legs were 10 inches to long so hone the front desk, minutes later bus boy arrived took them to ships tailor within 30 minutes they were back.

 

Princess gives me daily updates on how search is going, who they have asked etc, which is nice.

 

Tram thing in Dominica is middle of nowhere, might cost a bit for a taxi, would need to keep meter running as there are no taxis there, did this last year, nice if you are into trees if not do not do it. PS it rains every day.

 

Today was Grenada, took a bus tour right round island as never been to far side , best thing was tour guide talked non stop got so much info from him.

 

Saw one of the wild monkeys at one stop.

 

Ship is lettinng us feed ourselvs so end of bug insight.

 

Went to Sabalongwait last night, very good food but three hours, one couple left before the end of the meal, I did complain and got my coffee and desert, while table next to me were still waiting for theres. We wewre served by 5 different people not good either under stafeed or to many tables.

 

Well feeding time so need to go

 

The boat to St John I was asking $10 but my feeling is this is unoffical.

 

 

Have a good new one and all

 

 

yours Shogun

[LTCOP]

Hi Susan and all,

The shipe is beautiful! It took some getting used to after the Royal, but now I have favorite places to hang out and know how to get around. It is huge! It is decorated just lovely. The atruim tonight is a buzz with people. They have tons of black and white balloons hanging at the top of the atrium ready to drop. There are all sorts of different parties in different parts of the ship. In the Explorer Lounge they are celebrating New Year's throughout the evening for different time zones. Neil is the CD here. I've won free drinks a couple of times for his Wakey-Wakey show! The boys are having a great time. There is a band on board they just love and they've participated in "Peer Factor", a game show thing they did one night. Alexandra had some wonderful spa treatment that involved red algae, but loved it.

Today was Grenada. We did a ship tour and sampled way too much rum! It burns the throat, but I bought a bottle to take home, along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and some hot pepper sauce (my son's thing). We loved, loved, loved, Dominica yesterday! Can't say enough good. Did 2 ships excursions (swim in cold cave type thing, followed by hot sulpher pool soak, and then an ATV exucrsion (sheer terror for me, but I did it and loved it!) Just an excellent time!

More tomorrow!

Pam

[qsuzi]

I read this thread first every day and it makes me wish we were back on the Emerald. Yes, it's a big ship but for us it has a special feel. Have a wonderful time :) A'int cruising GREAT!

[Hulagirl]

Pam, Mike and Family plus the others on board!

 

Happy New Year!!!!

 

So glad you are having a wonderful cruise. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get home.

 

Neil Chandler is a great CD. He was on the Tahitian Princess in 2006 when we sailed there. Was as nice as he could be to everyone. Loved the Wakey Wakey show every morning.

 

Have a great evening and rest of cruise.

 

Susan

[LTCOP]

Happy New Year from the Emerald! It's awfully quiet on here this morning:-) It was a lovely warm evening sailing. We get to Bonaire at noon, so everyone can sleep in! It's Italian night - so that means some Lemoncello! I agree that the ship has such a nice feel. I have only encounter polite and helpful staff - and I can't say enough how beautiful the various spaces are. We are in an ocean view with balcony. I really like what they have done with closet space. It is an open closet right across from the bathroom, so you almost have a dressing area. Lots of room in it and more than enough hangers! Our bed is super comfortable. The kids have an inside and seem to be co-exisiting quite well. Mom and Dad have a mini-suite and the welcome champagne was plentiful and such a nice treat!

We are heading out on an old Chinese junk for some snorkling and beaching on Klein Bonaire today. Should be an experience!

Pam

[mycruz]

Good Morning and Happy New Year to all on the Emerald today!

 

Shogun, I really hope that things turn around for you with your wardrobe come the second half of your cruise.

 

Can't wait to hear about everyone's experiences in Bonaire today, that island just blew me away. I can't explain it but it just keeps calling me back and I hope to someday return.

[geoherb]

Shogun: If you happen to play trivia and see a couple who take it seriously and win a lot, they may be our team mates from the Christmas cruise. Your cruise is their fourth out of six back-to-backs they're taking. Their names are Angela and Andre. Say "hey" from Sam and Neal if you see them. Thanks.

[lynwar]

Hi

Happy New Year on the Emerald!! We were on her Dec.6-16 with MyCruz. I'm getting nostalgic reading the reports but they keep me going.

I also learned my way around the ship by the 5th day of the 10th day--I really like the Atrium, with the strings, band, pianist, etc. A really concert feel, somedays, along with demonstrations and street performers.

We'll be on the Ruby in November-so this ship was good training for the new Sister.

Take care-and I hope you find some decent socks, Shogun!

Lynne

[Shogun]

Hi all,

 

Bonaire, is hot, hot, hot, did nothing today, OK did go ashore to buy myself a shirt, well one needs to you know. Never saw midnight last night fell asleep but did see new year in on UK time in some place with a big screen.

 

Lobster last night was great, now table mates ordered double lobster, so when plates arrived with two tails on them, they all sat around saying good job we did one tail would not be enough, but soon as they finished the two tails another two arrived, yip Princess gives two tails, where I understand most cruise lines only give you one, after eating 5 tails some were looking a bit green,

 

No word of any bug aboard so assume ship is clean.

 

Gave some money to Donkey place on the island so that is my good deed for the day, they fly horse feed and hay in from Holland, seems an expensive way to feed donkeys but trust they no what they are doing.

 

 

Might try out Cafe Caribe tonight for something a little different, trying Crown grill tomorrow.

 

Appears casino gives on night and takes with the other, was playing one cent slots and won a free spin which gave me another etc anyway won $136 now if I had been playing the $5 machines I could have retired, still to see anyone place these.

 

See you all latter

 

 

Shogun

[sunsetbeachgal]

Shogun,

 

I am enjoying your log...we go on the same cruise on January 15th, and I am looking forward to it when I read your review. Enjoy-hope your luggage shows up!!:D

 

Carole in NC

[EAC]

Shogun: Thanks for your reports. We're going to be on Jan 5 and it is good to know the ship now seems clear of the bug. Sounds like still no luggage - sorry. We have traditional early seating because we have 5 in our traveling group. Have you tried any of the specialty restaurants. How are the shows?

Again, thanks for your continued reports.

[AliceS]

Shogun,

 

Please tell me more about the Wacky Rollers in Dominica. We are on the Emerald in February. There would be two kids with us, one 10 and one 6. Do you think they would enjoy the tour? Did you get to swim? What did you see? Was it well done?

We enjoyed the Emerald in November, but we had our bags. I do hope that you find your stuff soon. You seem to be such a sport about it. Have a great cruise. Thanks for posting.

[LTCOP]

Had a gorgous day in Bonaire! We went on the Samur, a lovely wooden sailing "junk". They picked us up in Zodiacs at the dock in front of the ship and took us out to the ship. We sailed over to Klein Bonaire and spent the day at the loveliest beach and snorkled the entire time. There were all kinds of fish everywhere. You didn't even have to go deep to see plenty. There was a breeze the whole time and what a relaxing trip sailing back right up the ship. We seriously have had great weather everyday!!! I don't want to leave!

Tonight was Italian night Susan!!! We had more than our share of the lemoncello and dinner was fantastic! I don't think we got any waiter in trouble this time though:-)

 

Tomorrow is Aruba!

 

Pam

[luv2travel2beaches]

Had a gorgous day in Bonaire! We went on the Samur, a lovely wooden sailing "junk". They picked us up in Zodiacs at the dock in front of the ship and took us out to the ship. We sailed over to Klein Bonaire and spent the day at the loveliest beach and snorkled the entire time. There were all kinds of fish everywhere. You didn't even have to go deep to see plenty. There was a breeze the whole time and what a relaxing trip sailing back right up the ship. We seriously have had great weather everyday!!! I don't want to leave!

Tonight was Italian night Susan!!! We had more than our share of the lemoncello and dinner was fantastic! I don't think we got any waiter in trouble this time though:-)

 

Tomorrow is Aruba!

 

Pam

 

We will be on the Emerald in just 2 short weeks. On Klien Bonaire were there restrooms? Were the waves or currents very strong? Also, what is lemoncello???? Have there been any evenings that the meals in the dining room didn't have great menus? I'm trying to decide which night we should arrange for a specialty restaurant. Thanks for any input. Enjoy Aruba and the next few days!

[Hulagirl]

Pam:

 

Sounds like a wonderful cruise and Bonaire was a hit for you! The snorkeling would be wonderful. Love it when you can snorkel right off the beach and not have to deal getting on and off a catamaran. Glad you had a nice relaxing day. Amazing how you can get two completely different ideas of a place on the same thread.

 

Now the Lemoncello would be nice to have. When we had it on the Star Princess I thought it was the best I've ever had. Of course, we never were offered it on the Royal last summer!!!!:p Glad your table didn't get the waiter moved this time. Too funny. Also, no Cruella on this cruise either to bother you. What a shame. She would have added so much to the cruise.

 

Have a great time on the rest of your cruise. The link I pasted after my name is Lindsay's picture of the cruise last summer, minus the pictures of the Royal Princess. When you get home, be sure and check them out.

 

Luvtotravel: Lemoncello is a lemon liquor that is from Italy.

 

Susan

[Porshe]

[Hello:

 

I cruised on the Emerald over Christmas 2007. The virius did break out on the ship ship (check the CDC website the outbreak was reported) which is why you are not seeing snacks on the bar, salt & pepper shakers on the tables, no roll baskets etc. No one could even serve themselves at the buffet starting around our 4th day in. I heard that over 300 people were sick on the cruise, including me. Everyone had to get off early on 12/26 and your boarding was delayed because they brought 40 extra Princess staff members aboard to clean the ship. Also on the 26th none of the crew members could get off the ship. They had to stay on to clean.

 

We were told that the hand gel does not really work and that it gives people a false sense of security. I was told that constant hand washing with hot water is the best measure to take, especially right before eating. Also stay away from the hot tubs and pools with the kids and diapers. I saw dirty diapers in the pool and the staff did not always take action.

 

On Antigua there were 5 ships in port and I overheard that they all had outbreaks. The streets were so crowed, the illness could easily get passed. The taxi dispatcher told me that the local beaches could not take any more people. It was a mess.

 

Stay well, good luck

 

 

 

quote=Shogun;12753288]Hi Folks,

 

We made it on board, even with delayed flights and all that.

 

The important stuff, Shogun has no bags, they made it onto the bus to the cruise port, and have not been seen since, now as this is a 20 day cruise, this is a big issue.

 

I can not be sure but I would say the ship is running under special measures for the bug, why, because staff are standing at door ways squirting gell onto your hands, bread rolls at the table were handed out no help your self, even at the burger bar sauce was applied for you, to me this is not normal.

 

Now the good stuff, we were on a Virgin flight out, this was the first time we have had movies on demand, for all seats, the chance to watch big first run movies was great made the 10 hours fly past, (sorry).

 

Also the non stop food service of very good quality for an airline also made the time go in quickly.

 

Princess put us up in the Intercon. hotel, a nice hotel that I would stay at again, but nothing close by if walking.

 

Sailaway was good with plenty of toots and horns,

 

Will post from Princess Cays and may be tell you about my lost bags.

 

 

yours Shogun

[Shogun]

Hi Folks,

 

Wacky Rollers on Dominica is nothing like what I thought it would be it is just a bus tour in the back of an open 4 by 4 no off road stuff or that, took similar on Bardados a few years ago and could not sit down for a week it was all off road or a few feet in the air, The tour was nice enough good tour guide,

 

Aruba is a great place one of my fab islands, took the semi sub glass bottom boat that you sit in under the water, went out to the wreck and a small reef would say this is worth doing if you can not scuba etc.

 

Three ships in port to day, which made place very busy.

 

Show for tonight has been chanced as some one missed the ship. opps end of his contract ?

 

Ship expects to be fully clear of bug by next cruise, I was told today by crew person.

 

Casino has been good last few nights $20 in gives $150 out.

 

Trying Crown grill tonight.

 

Sad to think that this was last island for so many on board.

 

Seas are the roughest yet which is great first time it feels like we are at sea, up and down, up and down.

 

Opps there another kid going green.

 

 

Missed a few hours today as Shogun was ill, but a load of pills and we are up and around again.

 

see you all soon

 

Shogun

[LTCOP]

Hi everyone,

I'm not positive, but I do not think there are any restrooms on Klein Bonaire. There is a small shelter which was pretty much just a roof covering.

 

As far as which night to skip the dining room? I'm a bad person to ask, since I have not had a bad meal yet:-) And it would depend on individual tastes. Tonight was the Chef's meal. There was crab legs, lamb, pork, seabass, etc. There was a wonderful strawberry lemon sorbet before the main course. I'm always tempted to do a specialty restaurant, but enjoy the dining room so much, I never do it. I think the buffet has been delicious too. I love the darn hot dogs by the pool.

I'm sitting here in at the computer place and the street performers are coming in. They are pirates up on giant stilts. What a hoot!

 

It was raining as we got off in Aruba around 8 this morning, but by midmorning it had cleared and was another marvelous day. We went on the Mi Dushi excursion. We were picked up an open air bus, all painted wild and blaring music. It was kind of fun actually. The Mi Dushi looks like an old wooden pirate ship. Snorkled at 3 sites: the wreck of a German freighter, and 2 stops in shallow reef areas. All good sites and each somewhat different fish. Were fed an ok lunch and had open bar all day:-) Am pretty burnt tonight! The risks of a great day in Aruba:-) Aruba to me, was very different from our last 3 islands. Much more like Florida or other big resort areas. Lots of American fast food around and shopping. It certainly had beautiful water and soft beaches, but was more commercial. This is our last port, which is so sad, but we have 2 great days at sea to recuperate!

 

I don't think I'll do much tonight. Worn out after the last 5 days, but we made the best of them!

 

Susan - Anxious to hear about your cruise!

Pam

[mycruz]

Glad to hear your day in Aruba was a good one for those on the Emerald today.

 

I wish our itinerary had been the same as yours, ending with the two sea days. However it was kind of nice having the two up front to wind down. But, I have to say it would hajve been nice to have the two days after visiting all the islands.

 

Enjoy your two glorious sea days!

[bookworm1]

Hi Porshe,

We too were on the sailing of the 16th but fortunately did not get the virus. Hope you are recovered. We did get colds and are putting up with them now. It's interesting. We heard the same information but we also heard that crew members were effected. Perhaps that's why our waiter ended up working the morning buffet in the horizon court.

We had friends on the sailing just before ours and he, a festidious person when it comes to cleanliness got the virus, not once but twice. We too saw the diaper in the pool, and the staff did nothing to get them out of the pool, an adult only pool.

BTW on this line the stateroom mate of a person who had the bug was allowed to move around. Jeralyn was on an NCL cruise this spring and they took the cruise cards away from all occupants of the stateroom where someone was sick.

michael and jeralyn