Sapphire 14 Day Hawaii - Long Review

Sapphire Princess just emerged from a multi million dollar refurbishment to most of its public spaces. Having just been on the ship in September, it was interesting to see the changes on this ‘maiden voyage' out of dry dock. A few of the upgrades were being done when we were on board last, such as moving the basketball court to the roof of Skywalkers Lounge, on deck 18, which is the highest public space of the ship.

Another area that was done prior to the drydock was the addition of The Sanctuary, Princess’s adults only relaxation area, all the way forward on deck 14. It is the area that used to be the basketball court, and also encompassed part of the jogging track, which has now been shortened. The Sanctuary is an oasis of calm away from the masses, though I’ve never really had a problem finding a lounge chairs away from everybody on all my cruises. Non the less, this new area has the most comfortable, thickly padded loungers, shade (if you prefer), butler service for drinks & food, lemon or cucumber water, and ipods, with programmed music. There is a nominal fee for food. A few steps down and you can cool off in the adults only, spa pool. All this is enjoyed with great views off the forward part of the ship, above all else. There is a fee to use this area and reservations are suggested, to pick out the lounger you prefer for the duration of your voyage. They also offer one day passes for $20, or $10 for either morning or afternoon sessions.

During this time they also converted the men & women’s spa lockers to combination locks instead of key operated. This will save them money in the long run, as people sometimes lose key.

Among the many dry dock changes were the addition of a large movie screen, above the Neptune Pool, for MUTS (Movies Under The Stars). The Horizon Court Buffet received all new carpeting, and new tile flooring in the food areas. The buffet tables all got new surface treatments as well. They eliminated (though I was told it was just rearranged) some seating, and built a new area for desserts, away from the savory items. This has improved traffic. The new dessert 'showcase' is quite lovely, exhibiting all the desserts to their best advantage, with a sever behind, willing to slice or plate up your selection(s).

The entire Atrium area was transformed into the The Piazza, which includes Vines Bar, the International Café, a new Piazza Bar, as well as Alfredo’s Pizzeria (specialty pizzas), which holds about 40 guests. All the food is gratis, though the beverages are additional. As part of this makeover, The Piazza will showcase different acts thru out the day and evening, such as jugglers, acrobats, musicians, etc. It’s a new concept for Princess that they started on some of their other ships.

Having just finished the transformation the night before we embarked, you could still smell the fresh varnish, which actually gave me a headache, as it had a very strong chemical odor to it. Luckily it dissipated after a few days.

Many public areas got new carpeting and upholstery, including the Princess Theater, parts of Wheelhouse Bar, and Explorer's Lounge.

The mini golf area was still being worked on while we were on board and was transformed into the Lawn Court. When we were on in September, I noticed how badly it needed a makeover, with the astro turf thread bare in most places. Now it is flat and can be used for golf putting, bocce ball, lawn bowling and croquet. There was an opening celebration on day 8, with a ribbon cutting and cake.

For a more detailed look at the changes check out: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1575620&page=3

Saturday, 2/4/12 – Day 1 – Embarkation Day – Los Angeles

I booked this cruise for my Mom, who just turned 83, and myself about a year in advance. I got us a cabin on Deck 12, centrally located right off the mid-ship elevator bank, for convenience and familiarity. We arrived at the dock around 11:00. It was a beautiful, clear day in LA with temperatures in the upper 70’s. It was so unusually clear of smog that you could see Santa Catalina Island, 26 miles away, and all the mountains that surround the LA basin area.

I had achieved Platinum level in their loyalty program, which entitled us to priority check in and boarding. We were on the ship by 11:45, ahead of the masses of people in line to board. Since the ship arrived directly from dry dock, and no passengers were disembarking, cabins were ready when we stepped aboard. We headed to ours immediately, to drop off our luggage, and then up to the Horizon Court Buffet to enjoy lunch, before it got crowded. This is another area that got a face lift during dry dock.

David Cole was the Cruise Director, who was instrumental setting up their Hawaii Activities Program on a couple of other Princess ships. His presence was a big plus on this cruise to Hawaii. There was Hawaiian music piped into most of the public areas at different times of the day, which was a reminder of where we were going, and added to the overall atmosphere.

After lunch we wandered around the ship a bit before heading back to the cabin to unpack and take a short nap before the emergency drill. I brought Triominos (a game similar to dominos) to play while we waited. Role calls began, using a new hand-held device to read our seapass cards. These same devices are also used when embarking and debarking the ship, instead of the machines. We headed up to Skywalkers Lounge with the game, for some of the best seats on board, for the 4:15 sailaway. Not many guests were up there, with most of them outside in the pleasant weather. I noticed that the lighthouse at the end of the breakwater was getting a major remodel, and there were many dolphins playing in the ship's wake, soon after leaving the harbor. We stayed up there playing and enjoying the views thru sunset. This is also where the nightly event, for loyalty members to enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and discounted cocktails, was held, so we enjoyed some cheese and crackers with our view as well. Every evening there was a different cocktail for $3.99, with a different selection of food.

We headed back to the cabin at 6:00 for a short nap before heading to the Princess Theater (which holds about 850) for the first show, which was a combination of singers, dancers, orchestra and a comedian.

They started the show with a film highlighting all the enhancements made during the dry dock. Unfortunately parts of it came across as a shameless advertisement for places like Sabatini’s & Sterling Steakhouse, two upcharge restaurants that received no changes, as well as the Lotus Spa for treatments and massages.

We followed this by dinner in the Horizon Court. We decided to forego the Main Dining Rooms on this voyage, preferring to eat at our will, rather than be locked into a time, and devoting up to two hours for dinner each night.

From here we went to the Explorers Lounge where we did some dancing to the group, Indigo, till 10. They played a variety of music, leaning towards country. We enjoyed the pianist, Bruce Tilden, in Crooner's, Sapphire's ‘Martini', or 'Piano Bar’. Bruce was on board when we were, in September. At 11:00 we called it a night.

Thank you so much for your review and your live from. I will be on the next cruise to Hawaii on the Sapphire. She is a beautiful ship!

Nice! :)

looking forward to your next 13 days of review as we sail her on April 14th

Sunday, 2/5/12 – Day 2 – Sea Day, and SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!

I was up at 7:30 and headed to the gym to stretch and shower. When I returned to the cabin, with coffee for Mom, she was already up, dressed and ready for 'church', which did not begin for another hour. We decided we would have breakfast together when she got back.

I noticed there was a ship tour being offered by one of the activity staff members. I thought it would be a good way to hear about all the changes that were made during the dry dock, and I could ask questions. I left a note for Mom to stay in the cabin, in case I was not there upon her return. I enjoyed the tour and had questions answered. I ran into Mom just as she was getting out of her services, and we were passing by. It was perfect. She continued the rest of the tour with me before we went to breakfast.

We sat at a table that seated 6 and were soon joined by two other couples. One of the couples were in their late 60’s / early 70’s and were avid cyclists. They shared stories of some of their cruises. I found them fascinating.

After breakfast we headed up to Skywalkers with Triominos. It was here that I knew the Cruise Criticgathering would be, and I wanted to at least hear and see what they were going to talk about. The Captain, as well as the head Matre ‘d showed up early, as well as two other officers, before it was over. I chatted with the Matre ‘d when he came by our table, to look at our game. I let him know that we would not be going to the dining room this voyage and that our table was available if he needed to use it for other guests. I told him I was on my way to see him that day, and that he saved me the trip. He thanked me.

We stayed up there for about an hour before going to The Piazza to enjoy a pianist, and another round of Triominos. We enjoyed a light snack from the International Cafe before going to a dance class (merengue), taught by one of the ship’s staff. It was a good way for us to get some exercise. I assisted a couple of ladies understand the move being taught.

We both wanted to see the afternoon movie,, “The Ides of March”, with George Clooney, in the Princess Theater. It was good suspense movie about politics, that we both enjoyed. We were both ready for a nap when it was over at 4:00.

Mom wanted to sleep for an hour and I was up in 30 minutes. I thought this would be a perfect time to wander the ship and check out the Super Bowl festivities, being televised in a number of lounges! I do not follow sports, but learned it was the Giants vs the Patriots.

Club Fusion was packed with people! There were no empty seats. There are probably 30 or more TV monitors scattered about the venue, as well as another 10, which are part of a “large screen” that is the focus of the lounge. Princess had a couple of buffets set up with chicken wings, baked beans, cole slaw, chips & guacamole, etc. I had never been to a Super Bowl Party, so this was one of the highlights of the cruise for me.

The game was well under way (at least an hour?) and I saw many tables covered with empty plates, beer cans, and empty glasses. It looked like most people were finished drinking (or, I should say spending money on drinks), though there were some who were still ordering at the bar.

I wandered downstairs into the Wake View Bar, which never gets used because of it’s obscure location, and it too was packed. I had never seen so many guests in there. I passed a cocktail server on the stairs leading down there and asked him if he had ever seen so many people in there and he emphatically said, “NO”, and laughed.

I tried to get a feel for who the majority of people were rooting for but could not get a sense. When leaving the lounge I asked another gentleman leaving, if he had been in there long, and if he had a sense of the favorite team. He told me he had been there from the beginning.

Ed was amused when I told him I was for the SF Giants, and explained that I do not follow sports. He thought I was kidding when I did not know it was the New York Giants, and football, not a baseball team. We both laughed, and I am sure he had a good Super Bowl story to now tell.

I then headed up to the pool deck, to the new movie screen, where it was also playing. There were about 40 or so guests bundled up in blankets on the lounge chairs, as it was very cold. Nobody was eating or drinking a thing.

Next I went up to Skywalkers, where it was also playing. There were about 50 people in there, but they were the quiet ones, with not much rooting as I had experienced in Club Fusion, where the crowd was really into it.

Back in the cabin, I suggested to Mom that she would probably enjoy waiting for me in The Piazza, with a glass of wine, while I showered and changed. I joined her, and we enjoyed sitting there relaxing, listening to the piano music, and studying the metal artwork that encompasses the elevator shafts. Most all Princess ships have this type of artwork, but it is especially enjoyable on the Sapphire, which resembles the deco style of the late 1920's.

We decided to try the new restaurant, Alfredo's Pizzeria, steps away, for dinner. It was very good! We then went to see the Magician/comedian, who performing in the Explorers Lounge. He was funny.

We followed this by heading to the Princess Theater, which was packed, 20 minutes before the show was to begin. We was able to find us two seats, thought they were not together, at least we were close to each other. We both enjoyed the singer/entertainer, Brandi Chapman, whom I had seen on another cruise. She is an excellent entertainer. Though it was only 9:30, I was ready for bed. Mom went to listen to Bruce, in Crooners, whom she enjoys. The seas were rough all night, which rocked me to sleep.

Monday, 2/6/12 – Day 2 – Sea Day

I was awake at 4 and decided, at 4:30, to head to The Piazza with my laptop to write. I found an outlet near a window table in Alfredo's, where I stayed for 3 hours, enjoying the large swells, rocky seas and eventually the view, when the sun came up. It was overcast all morning. This particular table became my "office" each morning, for the remainder of the cruise, since there was nobody ever in there at those hours.

Mom was up and dressed when I got back to the cabin. She had changed her clock forward one hour, instead of back, so it was 9:30 to her, instead of 7:30! She was ready for breakfast. It’s crowded at the buffet at 8:00, which is much earlier than I am used to being up there. It took some doing to find a table, but I managed and we had omelets before moving down to the empty Café tables, on deck 5, with games in tow.

I introduced her to Mexican Train Dominos, and we then moved on to Rummy Tiles, her favorite. When finished, we decided a nap was in order.

When we woke an hour later, I suggested lunch in to the buffet. Bruce strolled by, and I invited him to join us. We had chatted with him during a couple of meals on the Sapphire in September. He is interesting to talk to and I could tell he enjoyed spending time with us as well.

Mom planned to hang out in the cabin, to read and relax, while I headed to the top decks, where it was very windy, for my power walk, and then to the gym. I checked out the new basketball court atop Skywalkers, on deck 19. I was surprised that it was not too windy up there, being partially protected by the smoke stack assembly.

After my workout, we headed to the 2:30 Cha Cha class, which was well attended. We knew the moves but it was fun to practice and dance to the music, despite the fact that the ship was very rocky. I helped out a young couple, who were challenged learning the moves. They finally got it and thanked me.

To continue with more exercise, I suggested that we walk around the inside of the ship and look around. We eventually strolled thru the Casino where Mom tried her had at one of the penny slots, but lost. Triominos, at a table in The Piazza sounded like more fun, so we played for an hour. It was great being able to play there and look out the windows at all the swells, wind and white caps!

While Mom went to the cabin, to get ready for formal night, I chatted with an interesting lady, who was in her evening’s best, including a tiara. She arrived on her motorized scooter and ordered an Irish Coffee. I could tell that she was quite use to cruising and enjoyed talking with her. Vera, from Alameda CA (across the bay from SF) was celebrating her 100th birthday and was onboard with her niece, from Alaska. She was raised in Astoria Oregon, one of my favorite ports. She loves to cruise and has been to many places around the world doing so. It was a pleasure meeting her.

We brought Triominos down to The Piazza and got great seats for the Champagne Waterfall and Captain’s Welcome Reception, well before it was to begin. All the levels of the atrium soon filled up with guests, waiting for the festivities to begin. It was decided that since it was so rocky, to forgo the waterfall till later in the voyage – a wise choice. The band started, and after several songs, eventually a couple bravely got on the intimidating dance floor, being viewed by 3 decks of passengers. It turned out to be John & Lexi, whom we met on the ship in September. They are great dancers! They know how to work a crowd and really love to dance. It was fun watching them have the whole dance floor to themselves.

The Captain was eventually introduced and, in turn, introduced his officers, and the Employee of the Month. She happened to be a young woman from Hotel Services, in charge of immigration and customs. It’s rare that someone behind the scenes is nominated, and wins. Since the Sapphire just came out of dry dock with no passengers, she was nominated by her peers. Obviously she did an excellent job dealing with the 1,000 construction workers who lived on the ship for three weeks. It was quite an honor I soon learned, after stopping and chatting with her.

After the speeches, the band started up again, with other couples making it up to dance, two of them having their time in the spotlight, each being the only ones on the floor. Mom and I danced a few dances with the crowd, having fun to the rocky ship. We stayed till 8:00, when the music ended and headed up to the buffet, for our formal night dinner. It was delicious! We completed our dinner with a piece of chocolate cream pie on a flaky crust. It was the best dessert of the voyage so far!

We stopped and listened to Bruce, for about 15 minutes, entertaining his ‘standing room only’ crowd at Crooner's. We then secured perfect seats, in the Princess Theater for the 10:15 production show, “I Got The Music”, which we both enjoyed. I like that they had trivia questions on the large screen prior to the show. With the exception of the black female singer, I felt the dancers on this ship were better than the vocalists.

I checked out the Casino, since it was smoke free that night. Unfortunately, it was too late for their to be any energy in there, so it was off to bed.

Thanks for posting. Hopefully, you will come back and post more:)

Thanks for taking the time to post this - we're on the Sapphire to Hawaii in a week and a bit! :)

In Crooners is it a low key piano bar/player or a show tunes/sing along type deal? (I actually love both but was wondering how it is on Princess as this is our first Princess cruise).

Thanks!!

Good stuff, can't wait for more.. :)

Thanks

Srpilo

In Crooners is it a low key piano bar/player or a show tunes/sing along type deal? (I actually love both but was wondering how it is on Princess as this is our first Princess cruise). Thanks!!

If you have Bruce Tilden on board (more about that later), who usually plays in Crooners, you are in for a treat. He knows a lot of music and music trivia. He's not really show tunes, nor sing along (at least not sing along on my voyage). He is more "top 40" of the last 7 decades. He knows the lyrics to MANY songs, and gets quite a following.

In addition to the piano in Crooners, there is one in The Piazza, where more low key tunes were played. You'll have the best of both worlds! You picked the best of the Princess ships for your first cruise with them. It was mine too, in 2004, and she's still my favorite. She truely is beautiful. David

looking forward to your next 13 days of review as we sail her on April 14th

Me too ! :D

Pat

us too, as we are also on the Sapphire April 14.:cool:

Tuesday, 2/7/12 – Day 4 – Sea Day

It rocked and rolled all night, much to my delight, but to Mom's fear. We had now been rocking for going on three days. I was up at 6:30 and went down to my 'office' for a couple of hours. Mom was still asleep when I returned to the cabin with coffee, so I headed to the gym to stretch, have a steam, & shower, before a walk on the outdoor Promenade Deck. It was the first time this voyage, I had been out there, which is unusual for me.

We followed our late breakfast with four rounds of Rummy Tiles, all of which she won. I thought to myself, "Yesterday was my day to win. Today I will not go to the Casino!" By now I was ready for a nap, so at noon I became horizontal, while Mom went off to read somewhere.

We went to see the movie afternoon movie, “50/50” . I found it rather boring and solicitous, at first, but the more I watched it, I liked it. It was certainly a thought provoking subject about cancers, parent child relationships, friendships, using people, denial, death and living.

We listened to a wonderful guitarist in The Piazza, while we had our late lunch of soup, delicious salads (chicken waldorf, roasted veggies, and a salad of large shrimp). We followed this with a few rounds of Triominos, and stayed for the next set of music.

After this we headed back to the cabin so Mom could take a half hour ‘cat nap’, while I went and ironed a few shirts for the rest of the week. The Princess laundromats are very convenient!

I wrote while Mom finished getting ready. We headed to the Wheelhouse, at 7:00, for the “Big Band Blast”, with the orchestra. I forgot that the demographics of this voyage were mostly older couples, who like to eat early and tend to get to venues early for seats. We finally secured seats in the crowded venue, sitting with a couple from Colorado. They had driven all night to catch the ship on Saturday, as their flight to LA was canceled, due to a major storm. The Orchestra was great to listen and dance to, and we got to have a few turns around the dance floor.

We then headed to The Piazza to listen to the pianist, Bill Toby, who played music from the 40’s. Mom got some fresh shrimp from the Café while I ordered a pizza from Alfredo's, where we sat and ate. Neither of the comedy shows in the theater, or lounge, interested us, so Mom went to Crooner’s, while I checked out the Casino, to play Blackjack.

I then checked out the Country Western party going on in Club Fusion, knowing Mom was content listening to Bruce. There was a lively, crowded group at the CW party! When I got there they were doing the Cotton Eyed Joe, with about 30 couples on the dance floor. It’s a fun dance, done in a circle, where you change partners after so many steps.

By now it was 10:30 and most people were in bed. I rejoined Mom for a few songs, but was ready for bed myself, so told her I would see her back in the cabin. We were asleep by 11:15.

How was the dinner menu in the buffet?

How was the dinner menu in the buffet?

I am not sure exactly what you are asking. I can tell you that that there was always a wide variety of choices, from apppetizers, cheeses, breads, salads, soups, vegetarian, pastas, fish, chicken, pork, & beef. There was always something at the carving station, and I much prefer to see my dessert selections than read or hear about them. Many items are the same that you would find in the main dining room.

For me, the key to enjoying dinner at the buffet is to get something that was JUST put out. It's not going to get any better if it has been sitting out for awhile. It's great to have a small sample of different items, or be able to just taste the recipe, rather than have a large portion. I like using their smaller plates so I don't take more than I want to eat. I also like being able to be finished with dinner in under 45 minutes, if there are many things I would like to do in an evening.

It's never as crowded as it is in the daytime. It's much more relaxed.

Did they have Hawaiian entertainment and cultural activities such as ukulele, hula, and lei making lessons on this cruise?

Did they have Hawaiian entertainment and cultural activities such as ukulele, hula, and lei making lessons on this cruise?

Yes, they had all the above. Dave Cole is instrumental in making sure that there is a Hawaiian presence every day. There were also lectures. If I were going to Hawaii again on Princess (and I am ;)), I would definitely choose the Sapphire, hands down!

Yes, they had all the above. Dave Cole is instrumental in making sure that there is a Hawaiian presence every day. There were also lectures. If I were going to Hawaii again on Princess (and I am ;)), I would definitely choose the Sapphire, hands down!

Interesting, we had David Cole as our Cruise Director on the Golden to Hawaii and I would have said the same about the Golden, hands down!. I guess the Cruise Director really can make or break a cruise experience :D

Yes, they had all the above. Dave Cole is instrumental in making sure that there is a Hawaiian presence every day. There were also lectures. If I were going to Hawaii again on Princess (and I am ;)), I would definitely choose the Sapphire, hands down!

David Cole set up the Hawaiian program with the performers Elua on the Golden. On our November 2010 cruise David had just gone home & with Elua onboard the program was still great!

David recently transferred to the Sapphire to do the same Hawaiian program while Elua continues on the Golden. So both ships have the great Hawaiian program & you can see the details on this Princess website:

http://www.princess.com/learn/destinations/hawaii/cruises/aloha_spirit/index.html

Interesting, we had David Cole as our Cruise Director on the Golden to Hawaii and I would have said the same about the Golden, hands down!. I guess the Cruise Director really can make or break a cruise experience :D

My point is not really about the Cruise Director, or the Hawaiian experience on these two ships, since they are now about equal, but about the ships themselves. I have been on the Golden and did not care for it. Even before the drydock, I would have preferred the Sapphire. Now, for me, there is no comparison.

I have a Hawaii cruise on the Sapphire coming up in November. I'm enjoying your review. Thanks for taking the time to do it. I, too, like to eat many of my meals in the buffet because I don't like to sit for a couple hours in the MDR. I'm happy to hear that you seem to be satisfied with your meals there. That's good news for me.

My point is not really about the Cruise Director, or the Hawaiian experience on these two ships, since they are now about equal, but about the ships themselves. I have been on the Golden and did not care for it. Even before the drydock, I would have preferred the Sapphire. Now, for me, there is no comparison.

What did you not care for on the Golden? Since I am going on the Sapphire and the Golden to Hawaii, I thought it might be a good idea for me to do a detailed comparison of the two ships... If I can remember to take notes!

I have a Hawaii cruise on the Sapphire coming up in November. I'm enjoying your review. Thanks for taking the time to do it. I, too, like to eat many of my meals in the buffet because I don't like to sit for a couple hours in the MDR. I'm happy to hear that you seem to be satisfied with your meals there. That's good news for me.

We were constantly talking about how good the food was on this voyage. We never felt like we were missing out by not going to the dining room. I know that for most people, the dining room is a large part of their cruise. It is a opportunity to go to a beautiful room and be served by staff who want nothing more than to please you. It is an opportunity to be pampered and share your stories with tablemates. In an age of fast food and chain restaurants, it is special. It's one of the beauties of cruising, in that there is something for everyone. I have enjoyed my evenings in dining rooms on past cruises, and will again in the future. But we were both delighted with our decision on this voyage. You will love the Saphhire!

Wednesday, 2/8/12 – Day 5 – Sea Day

For most of this voyage we have had 7-12 foot swells. It had been rocky, windy, and overcast or cloudy for the most part. This morning I woke up to 15-20 foot swells, which was exciting to me, but I am in the minority.

At 6:45 I headed to my “office”, which offered my a quiet place to write since there was never anyone there. I stayed for a couple of hours, writing and having a snack before heading back to the cabin. I was surprised to see Mom up and ready so early.

We headed up to the buffet, which is very croweded at 9:00. I eventually found us a table in the very rear section. I ran into Bruce and invited him to join us. We taught Bruce how to play Triominos and chatted till 10:30. I needed some fresh air, so Mom and I moved onto the back deck, protected from the wind, to enjoy the 71* weather and a view of the wake.

At noon the Captain made his daily announcement and told us about the sea conditions forcing us to slow the ship down due to safety and comfort reasons. Because of all the slowing down we would be changing our itinerary. We would not be stopping in Honolulu on Thursday, as planned, but would be at sea all day with our first stop in Lahaina, followed by Honolulu on Saturday.

This change also meant that we would be missing the port of Hilo, altogether. I felt sorry for those who were looking forward to Hilo, but I was content that this was the port we would be missing, of the four.

We headed to the gym so we could each do our stretching and routines, and worked up an appetite. Hot soup sounding good, so we headed to The Piazza, and shared a table with another couple. They were from Kentucky, and it was their first cruise, which is unusual, since it was such a long one, and not just 7 days. We enjoyed our lunch and conversation while a pianist played soft melodies in the background.

From here we dashed to the Princess Theater to see, "Moneyball”, with Brad Pitt. It was a good movie, based on the true story of the Oakland A’s and their surprising rise to the top, which changed the business of baseball.

We were both ready for a nap afterwards, so headed back to the cabin. Mom got into bed and I decided I could really use some fresh air, since I had not been outside much all day. It was 4:30 and the tops deck were sunny and windy. I loved it!

There were small groups of people scattered in secluded pockets, that allowed for sun, but were somewhat protected from the wind. There was nobody up in The Sanctuary. I asked the butler if he had any guests that day. He said very few because of the wind, which did not surprise me.

When I got back to the cabin, Mom was up from her nap, so I fixed us drinks, and we relaxed while getting ready for the evening. At 6:45 we headed to the Wheelhouse to get seats for the 7:15, 'Big Band Blast' again. It was not too crowded when we arrived, as many people were still at dinner, but it soon filled up. We shared a table with an older couple who turned out to be the ones conducting the bible study classes every sea day. Though it was rocky, we managed to get a few dances in.

From here we went up for dinner, and again, enjoyed our meal – carved roast pork, which was delicious & tender, braised red cabbage, and mashed potatoes. I love that Princess has mashed potatoes available every day for lunch and dinner. We also both agreed that these were some of the best desserts we’ve ever had on any ship!

I found us seats in Crooner's, so Mom could listen to Bruce, then I wandered and checked out the musical entertainment in the other lounges, as well as the rest of the nightlife on board the ship. People watching is definitely one of my favorite past times on a ship.

I checked in with Mom, enjoying Bruce. I had forfeited my seat, which was fine with me. Bruce had joked that there was almost a fight (I can only imagine, knowing Mom). We stayed for a bit longer, and were in bed by 11:45 again.

Great Review so far.... I agree with you... If we were to miss a port I would also hope it was Hilo.....

Dan

I have cruised on both ships, the Golden to Hawaii, and the Sapphire ...... I spent 35 consecutive days (part of which included to Hawaii) on the latter a few months ago. I thoroughly enjoyed BOTH of the ships, and if I had to choose between them for Hawaii, my decision would be be based on which one had the dates I was looking for.

JMO

Hi David,

I'm enjoying reliving the trip through your review. You can, if you want, tell your mom that when I read the embarkation day post, I was surprised to find out she's 83. I would have guessed much younger. (Although, now that I think about it, I might say the same thing about my mom who is just a couple of years younger).