Sapphire's Cruise of the California Coast Oct. 17-24

[CruisinHalibuts]

Just returned home this evening from our cruise along the California Coast-LOL!! I believe the Captain made an excellent decision by turning the ship around and heading north. We are originally from California so I was a bit disappointed to visit places we have traveled to many times before but we were on a beautiful ship and had a great time. Heard a rumor on board that a Sapphire crew member was in communication with a NCL Star crew member and the Star had 60% of the passengers and crew ill with sea sickness due to the weather. I think the Star may have visited two of the three ports of call. We had beautiful weather in SF, Catalina, SD and Ensenada and nobody was sea sick!! A few things we learned this past week about cruising and The Sapphire.


Sapphire Tips:

1) On day one of the cruise they had a sale on Opus and we purchased a bottle $40.00 off. Great deal for such an excellent wine and we enjoyed it very much with our Anniversary dinner

2) Chef's Table-OUTSTANDING!!!! The Chef spent so much time with our group and even served us!! Unlimited pours on the champage and wine and the Pastry Chef's creation of the dessert bowls was incredible. Awesome experience.

3) Attended the culinary demonstration with the Chef and MD. Very entertaining version of a cooking show. We participated in the Savenger Hunt and had a great time. We have never done this before but really, really, enjoyed it. Don't rely on the ships officers to know the correct answers for the Scavenger hunt. We received a couple incorrect answers from people we thought knew it all.

4) Dine at the Steak House and ask for Hector. We met him day one of the cruise and we so enjoyed our meal with him last night. The waiters not only performed one Anniversary song for us but two. The second song was a hoot and I didn't hear them perform it for another couple that was celebrating their anniversary.

5) Dolphin Deck balconies have no overhead cover and the balcony is totally exposed to those above.

6) UST was cancelled due to the itinerary change so we missed out on this activity but will do it another time.

7) The Martini bar serves a nice selction of stuffed olives to try!

8) If you are a gamer, be certain to play in the Casino the night they raffle off four prizes. I was the lucky winner of a $500.00 piece of art. I am still trying to justify, to my husband, my casino donations with the piece of art that is sitting on our dining room table.

Cruise Tips:

1) Always take comfortable closed toe walking shoes and a light weight jacket. We were determined to pack light this trip so after the Captain announced the itinerary change I headed to the gift shop to purchase some socks and a light weight jacket. Wish I had taken a few warm articles of clothing rather than cute sandals, comfy sun dresses and bathing suits.

2) If there is an itinerary change, don't take your frustrations out on the crew. It's not their fault and they are there to see that you have an enjoyable and safe time on the ship. The bartender in the Casino and the waiter in the Santa Fe Dining Room can't do anything about the port changes.

I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have!!

[mrsihopes]

Sounds like you had a great time. Glad everything worked out great. Will be on the Sapphire in Dec and can't wait. Thanks for sharing!!!

As far as the itinerary change, you are right it is not the staffs fault and princess made the right choice. If there is a problem in December I know they will make the right choice for our cruise also and we will have a wonderful time, after all you are on a cruise. Way to go Princess!! Thank you for the review!!!

[Cruisin' Chick]

Glad to hear you had a great time. Was on the Sapphire back when it was just three months old and found it a beautiful ship.

I wouldn't mind going on this itinerary as I've already been to the Mex. Riviera twice. Also have been to Ensenada too many times (IMO, one time was too many times) but wouldn't mind sailing to places like San Francisco. Every time I have sailed out of San Pedro (6 times), I've needed at least a heavy sweater or light coat, so maybe I would had to only worry about having enough slacks.

My one question is what is UST? Can't figure it out.

[Alessandrina]

My one question is what is UST? Can't figure it out.[/quote]

Ultimate Ship Tour.

Thanks OP for your review!
Cheers.

[mikjr]

Originally Posted by CruisinHalibuts

Just returned home this evening from our cruise along the California Coast-LOL!! I believe the Captain made an excellent decision by turning the ship around and heading north. We are originally from California so I was a bit disappointed to visit places we have traveled to many times before but we were on a beautiful ship and had a great time. Heard a rumor on board that a Sapphire crew member was in communication with a NCL Star crew member and the Star had 60% of the passengers and crew ill with sea sickness due to the weather.

We were also on this cruise, and I too believe the Captain made the right decision, but I also believe Princess needs to make some concessions to passengers. There were some very unhappy passengers, especially those from California. One couple was from San Fran, and were on their honeymoon. Obviously, they were deeply disappointed. Being from Southern California, I had no desire to visit Catalina, San Diego, or Ensenada... nor was I packed for the colder weather of San Fran.

I also heard a rumor... that Princess actually made the decision NOT to cruise down the Mexico on Saturday morning, PRIOR to the departure of our cruise. Obviously, had they made that announcement, and not made the effort to make it, they would have had a few more issues to deal with.

I will be posting my review of the cruise sometime soon. It will be interesting to see how everyone's experience differs.

[Cruise Junky]

Originally Posted by CruisinHalibuts

Sapphire Tips:

1) On day one of the cruise they had a sale on Opus and we purchased a bottle $40.00 off. Great deal for such an excellent wine and we enjoyed it very much with our Anniversary dinner

How the hell did I miss that!! ERRRRRRRR

[maxamuus]

Originally Posted by mikjr

We were also on this cruise, and I too believe the Captain made the right decision, but I also believe Princess needs to make some concessions to passengers. There were some very unhappy passengers, especially those from California. One couple was from San Fran, and were on their honeymoon. Obviously, they were deeply disappointed. Being from Southern California, I had no desire to visit Catalina, San Diego, or Ensenada... nor was I packed for the colder weather of San Fran.

I also heard a rumor... that Princess actually made the decision NOT to cruise down the Mexico on Saturday morning, PRIOR to the departure of our cruise. Obviously, had they made that announcement, and not made the effort to make it, they would have had a few more issues to deal with.
I will be posting my review of the cruise sometime soon. It will be interesting to see how everyone's experience differs.

Sorry that your cruise was re-routed, that no doubt was a bummer. Yet these things happen in travel.

Had you went to Cancun and it rained for the week would you likewise feel the resort owed you compensation because you purchased a week in the sun and not rain? Not trying to start a debate just not sure how you think you are owed compensation due to weather.

[Pam in CA]

Originally Posted by mikjr

We were also on this cruise, and I too believe the Captain made the right decision, but I also believe Princess needs to make some concessions to passengers. There were some very unhappy passengers, especially those from California. One couple was from San Fran, and were on their honeymoon. Obviously, they were deeply disappointed. Being from Southern California, I had no desire to visit Catalina, San Diego, or Ensenada... nor was I packed for the colder weather of San Fran.

I also heard a rumor... that Princess actually made the decision NOT to cruise down the Mexico on Saturday morning, PRIOR to the departure of our cruise. Obviously, had they made that announcement, and not made the effort to make it, they would have had a few more issues to deal with.

I'm glad you had a great time and that you felt the Captain made the right decision. I don't understand why people were so upset and feel they deserve something because there was a hurricane; even the honeymooners might have had to spend days in bed with only a barf bag for comfort. Pricing is often excellent in October because it's after the kids go back to school and it's still hurricane season. This is the time of year when you are likely to have itinerary changes, whether it's in the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera so I'm not getting why people got upset. They knew in advance that it's hurricane season so it shouldn't be a surprise that one actually happened.

FYI, rumors are just that: rumors, also known as giant games of "telephone," subject to change as told from person to person. Unless you've actually spoken to the person responsible for Operations, take what you hear with a grain of salt and discount 90% of it. Hurricanes are notorious for not following predicted paths so saying that Princess knew days in advance exactly where it's going to go is a bit facitious.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Originally Posted by Alessandrina

My one question is what is UST? Can't figure it out.

Ultimate Ship Tour.

Thanks OP for your review!
Cheers.[/quote]

Thanks for answering the question.

[mikjr]

Originally Posted by maxamuus

Had you went to Cancun and it rained for the week would you likewise feel the resort owed you compensation because you purchased a week in the sun and not rain? Not trying to start a debate just not sure how you think you are owed compensation due to weather.

At least it would have been warm rain .

We have been on several cruises, and this is the first time we've been diverted... so I feel very fortunate. But, I also feel it's OK to voice disappointment and displeasure, but for some reason it seems to bother some on the boards to do that. sorry...

[maxamuus]

Originally Posted by mikjr

We have been on several cruises, and this is the first time we've been diverted... so I feel very fortunate. But, I also feel it's OK to voice disappointment and displeasure, but for some reason it seems to bother some on the boards to do that. sorry...

It doesn't bother me in the least bit for you to voice your disappointment.
I wouldn't have been disappointed, but i don't live in CA. Yet i can see where you might be.

Yet i don't see how one would feel they are due compensation from their cruise line, resort, tour operator, etc. due to weather. They had no control over it. Given the choice they would have chosen to do the itinerary that they published.

Glad you made the best of your vacation.

[CruisinHalibuts]

Originally Posted by Cruise Junky

How the hell did I miss that!! ERRRRRRRR

On day one of the cruise the waiters from the Steak House were cruising the decks trying to sell the three pack bottle of wine. Well, they were also offering $40.00 off the Opus. Last night we heard from a head waiter that they ran out of Opus on the 10/17 sailing but were restocking with 80 bottles today. I inquired as to how many bottles they sell on a sailing and he stated that it varies. Sometimes its 24 bottles and other cruises it's well over 60 bottles. Apparently the Opus sale worked last week.

[Cruise Junky]

Originally Posted by CruisinHalibuts

On day one of the cruise the waiters from the Steak House were cruising the decks trying to sell the three pack bottle of wine. Well, they were also offering $40.00 off the Opus. Last night we heard from a head waiter that they ran out of Opus on the 10/17 sailing but were restocking with 80 bottles today. I inquired as to how many bottles they sell on a sailing and he stated that it varies. Sometimes its 24 bottles and other cruises it's well over 60 bottles. Apparently the Opus sale worked last week.

One of our favourite wines and it was our Anniversary on Sapphire! Oh well, next time!

[J&KCruisers]

Anyone who has sailed in a storm can appreciate being diverted. When there are barf bags taped to the stairwells and it is raining makes for a rotten cruise.

Since we sill be on this cruise in November, I have been following this trip. I clearly understand the disappointment of not going to mexico but can tell you that everyone benefited by avoiding the storm.

I am also one of those who does not like the culture that people want a bunch free stuff or refunds for going on this incredible ship and a great week just because of the diversion.

I hope everyone had a great week and a wonderful cruise.

[4cats4me]

I kept wondering when Princess might announce they were diverting the
ship because last Saturday morning it was pretty clear by the size and
path of the hurricane that changes might be in order, and ultimately they
were, but even though I live here near SF, I wouldn't have minded
the diversion. "Go with the flow."
I understand the disappointment factor, and we missed a port last year
due to a hurricane Category 3 that we needed to outrun, but we were
rockin' and rollin' the night before, and I'm so glad the captain made
the decision to not to let us get off the ship in Cabo, because the
waves crashing onto the shore were huge, and there was no way I
was going to get into a tender boat with waves like that, so then he
announced we were steaming onward to San Pedro.
Sept/Oct, very tricky months to sail Mexico.

[kooljamming]

Originally Posted by Pam in CA

I'm glad you had a great time and that you felt the Captain made the right decision. I don't understand why people were so upset and feel they deserve something because there was a hurricane; even the honeymooners might have had to spend days in bed with only a barf bag for comfort. Pricing is often excellent in October because it's after the kids go back to school and it's still hurricane season. This is the time of year when you are likely to have itinerary changes, whether it's in the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera so I'm not getting why people got upset. They knew in advance that it's hurricane season so it shouldn't be a surprise that one actually happened.

Many Do Not. If you live in California, you worry about earthquake/fire/flood/wind, in Florida then hurricanes. Many do not know that the Atlantic hurricane season is from June-October/November and the good old mantra. Many cruisers are still first timers or infrequent and are clueless to the ins and outs of pricing and why. While land resorts are cheaper in the summer due to hurricane risk, it doesn't hold true for summer cruises heading to the same destination. I guess you could understand once you realize many honestly didn't know, and all this is a true surprise....maybe? On the Mexican cruises, (that made it to Mexico) many were shocked that the first and last 2 days (Baja California) can be pretty chilly if not downright cold. Whether or not they should know about the weather before booking is another issue. Come on, you are giving some travelers way too much credit

Hurricane Mantra:

June, too soon
July, stand by
August, come if you must
September, remember
October/November, all over...

[tequilasunrise]

Glad to hear the OP had a fun cruise!

Of all the time I've been reading these boards I've never heard about the stuffed olives in the martini bar, so learned something new!

Hope most people aboard had a good time and enjoyed a nice vacation!

[Cobraman]

This particular cruise was a classic bait & switch manuever; leaving the captain with a healthy dose of plausible deniability. By sailing south for a couple of hours Princess nullified any chances those holding travel insurance had.

We called 24 hours in advance, Princess told us they were still on track to cruise the MR; that alternate mexican ports would be utilized. We mentioned the fact H1N1 had diverted the Sapphire earlier in the year to CA ports, but they assured us that would not be the case this time.

We asked once we boarded, but again they assured us the cruise was on track - but we no sooner unpacked, participated in the safety drill and got a couple of hours out of the port and the announcement was made.

We still enjoyed the cruise, however we bought insurance for a reason; the lesson we learned this time was not to trust or believe anything the cruise line says; since they are not nearly as worried about their passengers - their focus is on protecting the huge investment the ship represents and the sizable losses they would have suffered if they had told insurance-holding passengers the truth before we sailed.

[csh2000]

Some clarification is needed on previous post. "but we no sooner unpacked, participated in the safety drill and got a couple of hours out of the port and the announcement was made." In fact, we didn't turn around until Sunday at 4:18pm, a full 24 hours after setting sail. While I was dissapointed that we did not get to go to the Mexican Riveria, I am very thankful that Princess and the Captain decided to not take the chance and subject the ship to a bunch of seasick passengers

Bait and Switch.. NOT!!!

[chloedmom]

csh200 thanks for straightening that out. It sounded so strange that two or three hours into a cruise it would have turned around. Sorry all missed the Mexican Riviera but good that everyone is safe.

Cruise lines can't control the weather - really, they can do alot of things but can't control weather.