28/29 day CROWN PRINCESS Hawaii/South Pacific Oct 2014

CROWN PRINCESS

29 DAY HAWAII, TAHITI & SAMOA

Oct 18 – Nov 16, 2014

Sat, 10/18/14 Los Angeles, California San Pedro Pier 93

Sun, 10/19/14 At Sea

Mon, 10/20/14 At Sea

Tue, 10/21/14 At Sea

Wed, 10/22/14 At Sea

Thu, 10/23/14 Hilo, Hawaii

Fri, 10/24/14 Honolulu, Hawaii

Sat, 10/25/14 Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii

Sun, 10/26/14 Maui (Lahaina), Hawaii

Mon, 10/27/14 At Sea

Tue, 10/28/14 At Sea

Wed, 10/29/14 At Sea

Thu, 10/30/14 At Sea

Fri, 10/31/14 Cross International Date Line

Sat, 11/01/14 Apia, Western Samoa

Sat, 11/01/14 Cross International Date Line

Sat, 11/01/14 At Sea

Sat, 11/01/14 Pago Pago, American Samoa

Sun, 11/02/14 At Sea

Mon, 11/03/14 At Sea

Tue, 11/04/14 Moorea, French Polynesia

Wed, 11/05/14 Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Thu, 11/06/14 Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia

Fri, 11/07/14 At Sea

Sat, 11/08/1 At Sea

Sun, 11/09/14 At Sea

Mon, 11/10/14 Nuka Hiva (medical emergency)

Tue, 11/11/14 At Sea

Wed, 11/12/14 At Sea

Thu, 11/13/14 At Sea

Fri, 11/14/14 At Sea

Sat, 11/15/14 At Sea

Sun, 11/16/14 Los Angeles, California

OUR ROLL CALL

What an amazing Roll Call we had. We posted for over a year. We planned events and excursions, we listed birthdays and anniversaries that would be celebrated. We honored our Veterans.

I developed a Shutterfly page for our cruise to make it easier for everyone.

You can still access it here: https://crownprincesssouthpacific2014.shutterfly.com/

Our Meet & Greet was amazing. We had over 200 attend. The Captain attended and spoke. He was very personable and funny. Billy Hygate (CD) attended and also spoke. We had other officers attend and the Hawaiian Duo “Makani E” They did the Hula Lessons and Ukulele classes. They were very good and so nice.

Some of the Activities our Roll Call planned:

Lei Making

Solo Travelers Lunch

Mah Jong Class

Bridge

Ruffle Scarf Making

Photo Classes

Slot Pulls (3)

Yankee Gift Exchange

Cabin Crawl & Poker

Scrapbooking & Door Decorations

We also listed what games we played and were able to connect with others.

ONBOARD:

Princess Gold – 518

Princess Ruby -369

Princess Platinum – 954

Princess Elite – 682

7 Children on board

Most travelled had 116 cruises – 1641 days onboard. He was from Colorado.

FORMAL NIGHTS:

MONDAY OCT 20

MONDAY OCT 27

SUNDAY NOV 2

WED NOV 12

STAFF:

Captain Justin Lawes – amazing man. Personable, great sense of humor and kept us informed.

Was very visible around the ship. He walked through Trivia and other events in Explorer’s Lounge, stopped and chatted in the Horizon Court periodically.

Cruise Director – Billy Hygate (Assistant Bernie Fuentes)

We really enjoyed his staff: Pat (PJ), Aleksander, Sasha, Amanda, Corine & our breath of sunshine Madison (Mattie)

ELITE, SUITE & PLATINUM PASSENGERS

Nightly at Club Fusion

Drink specials 5.00 and hors d’oeuvres

(I have the schedule and list of drinks and food, if anyone needs details)

PRINCESS PATTER – EVENTS – YOUR ACCOUNT

Type in crown.princess.com on your iPad, laptop or mobile device

I used it on my Kindle fire and my laptop

Doesn’t use your minutes. it’s free and you don’t have to carry your Patter

PATTERS: I have all of the Patters and Port Guides if anyone wants specific information.

Reba

EMBARKATION – OCTOBER 18TH

I used the Princess Shuttle from LAX Marriott to the ship.

Any questions about the hotel or the transportation, just ask away :)

We got there and were held at the gate behind several other buses.

The reason was because the terminal building was crowded and they didn’t want to let a lot of people in to just stand around. So they had us sit on the air-conditioned buses instead.

Rumor had it that one of the people doing a Back-to-back, failed to check out with the in-transit group.

The count must go down to zero and then they can let the In-transit people back on.

They looked for the person for approximately 45 minutes to an hour before they could proceed.

It held everything up including BVEs and the Wedding Party.

Once we were able to get inside, it was quick and easy!

I had the privilege of meeting PamInCA. She did the BVE and we got to visit with her.

What a wealth of knowledge about Princess and cruising in general.

She’s just as lovely and kind as she is on the Princess Boards.

EMBARKATION LUNCH

Lunch was scheduled for 12:00 to 1:30. But most people were trying to get on board.

We just went to the International Café.

Their Chicken Salad with green apples and pecans was better than I remembered.

FIRST NIGHT DINING

Traditional 5:45 and 8:00

Most people came to dinner without changing (first seating)

With the delay in boarding and then the Muster Drill, it was rushed for us to make our 5:45 dining.

I had both of my bags by 3:00.

Most people on my deck had theirs around the same time.

My gifts and my Shore excursion tickets were also in my room upon arrival.

Movies Under the Stars: Maleficent

Theatre: Welcome Aboard Show

Trivia, Karaoke and Dancing.

SIGN UPS:

Sign up for Internet Special on Embarkation Day and receive up to 40 free minutes.

Plus a raffle to win 500 free minutes.

Sign up for the Ultimate Ship Tour $150.00 per person – space limited

Sign up for the Chef’s Table – 95.00 per person

Sign up for The Lotus Spa – 399.00 (single unlimited pass)

Sign up for the Crab Shack was 20.00 and posted outside the dining rooms a few days before they were scheduled.

OCTOBER 19TH AT SEA

Some of the Activities:

Church service

Knitters get together

Princess Theatre: The Big Island of Hawaii (also plays on your stateroom TV)

Bridge Players (unhosted)

Trivia 3 times per day and some nights a game show with the Cruise Staff

Golf Chipping

Bingo

Pub Lunch

Hula Lessons

Ukulele Lessons

Gaming Lessons

Arts & Crafts at Sea

Karaoke

Afternoon Tea

Happy Hour – 3:00 to 4:00 – Wheelhouse Bar

Ballroom Dancing Classes

Movies Under the Stars: Captain America

SHOW: Comedian Mike Wilson 7:00 8:30 & 10:00

First time change tonight – back one hour

OCTOBER 20TH AT SEA

Formal Night

(smoke free night in Casino)

Our Meet and Greet in Skywalkers

Some of the Activities:

Zumba

Princess Theatre: Oahu & Pearl Harbor (also plays on your stateroom TV)

Trivia 3 times per day and some nights a game show with the Cruise Staff

Golf Chipping

Bingo

Princess Pop Choir

Slot Tournament $20.00

Smartphone Seminar

Ukulele Lessons

Happy Hour – 3:00 to 4:00 – Wheelhouse Bar

Ballroom Dancing

Princess Pop Star Competition (Heat 1)

Movies Under the Stars: Back to the Future & NFL football

Karaoke

SHOW: Destination Anywhere 7:00 8:30 & 10:00

OCTOBER 21ST AT SEA

Some of the Activities:

Zumba

Princess Theatre: KAUAI (also plays on your stateroom TV)

Trivia 3 times per day and some nights a game show with the Cruise Staff

Golf Chipping

Ballroom Dancing Class

Bingo

Princess Pop Choir

Blackjack Tournament $20.00

Smartphone Seminar

Line Dancing

Arts & Crafts

Explore Ashore Lecture by Shore Excursion Staff – Princess Theatre

Ukulele Lessons

Happy Hour – 3:00 to 4:00 – Wheelhouse Bar

Ballroom Dancing

Princess Pop Star Competition (Heat 1)

Movies Under the Stars: Jack Ryan – Shadow Recruit

Karaoke

SHOW: Instrumentalist Craig Richard 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Comedian Mike Wilson

Clock’s go back another hour tonight!

October 22nd AT SEA

Most of the daily activities remained the same, so I won’t repeat them.

I’ll just make note of anything special.

SHOW: Comedian Jim Colliton 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Instrumentalist Craig Richard

MUTS: World Series

Time change tonight – back one hour

HILO AND HONOLULU

NOTE:

Our Shutterfly page lists the Excursions our group did – private or through Princess.

You can see them here: https://crownprincesssouthpacific2014.shutterfly.com/

October 23rd

First Port – HILO HAWAII All aboard: 4:30 pm – ship leaves at 5:00 pm

There was a Hop On Hop Off Bus - $15.00 for the day

See our Shutterfly page for HILO for our private excursions & Princess Excursions our group did:

https://crownprincesssouthpacific2014.shutterfly.com/hilo

On Deck for the Cure

MUTS: Saving Mr. Banks

SHOW: Bobby Brooks Wilson 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Yes/No Game show

October 24th

HONOLULU, HAWAII All aboard: 10:30 pm – ship leaves at 11:00 pm

SHOW: Local Hawaiian Show on board 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge – Movie: From Here to Eternity

MUTS: Riding Giants (Hawaii movie)

I bought a pass for the Waikiki Trolley. I’ve been there many times, but had never done the trolley.

It was 35.00 and it picked us up at the ship. You then went down to Waikiki, to their hub in one of the hotels. You decided which “line” you wanted to go on. You got in line, and there was a trolley there about every 20 minutes. One line went all the way out to Sea Life Park, and another went to Diamond Head, one was a shopping tour and one toured Honolulu. You could Hop On and Off wherever you wanted, and catch another one when you were done. Very easy. Only one “line” went back to the port.

I have the schedule and brochure, if anyone has any specific questions.

Was sad The International Marketplace was gone.

See our Shutterfly page for HONOLULU for our private excursions & Princess Excursions our group did: https://crownprincesssouthpacific2014.shutterfly.com/honolulu

KAUAI AND MAUI

October 25th

KAUAI All aboard 4:30 pm – ship leaves at 5:00 pm

Lots of shopping by the Port. Shuttles ran back and forth every 20 minutes.

There is a beach by the port and within walking distance.

See our Shutterfly page for KAUAI for our private excursions & Princess Excursions our group did:

https://crownprincesssouthpacific2014.shutterfly.com/kauai

SHOW: Vocalist Sonia Selbie 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Game Show: Princess Pyramid – lots of fun!

MUTS: Draft Day

October 26th

MAUI – Tender required

(Elite and Suite passengers met in DaVinci Dining room)

All aboard 4:30 pm – ship leaves at 5:00 pm

Maui is my favorite Hawaiian Island.

I love the town of Lahaina.

I love the Peanut Butter Gelato I can get there 

We also went to Cool Cats for lunch.

Truly the BEST Hamburger I’ve ever had.

And I KNOW hamburgers 

Great shakes and malts. Fantastic Onion Rings.

1950’s décor. Lovely, fun place and great service with a view of the port.

See our Shutterfly page for MAUI for our private excursions & Princess Excursions our group did:

https://crownprincesssouthpacific2014.shutterfly.com/maui

SHOW: Comedian Carl Andrews 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Fred Becker & Bobbie

MUTS: NFL GAME & Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Afternoon Movie – Million Dollar Arm (Princess Theater)

SEA DAYS

OCTOBER 27TH AT SEA

Formal Night

SHOW: Piano Follies 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Club Fusion Show: The Marriage Match

MUTS: E. T. & Monday Night Football & Million Dollar Arm

October 28th AT SEA

Slot Tournament ($20.00)

SHOW: Vocalist Sonia Selbie 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Carl Andrews (Mentalist)

MUTS: World Series & Movie: Divergent

October 29th AT SEA – Crossing the Equator

Crossing the Equator Ceremony 1:00 pm

Certificate on your bed that night

Blackjack Tournament $20.00

SHOW: Production Show “What a Swell Party” 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Fred Becker & Bobbie

MUTS: World Series & Movie: Gravity

We also received a letter today from the Captain about our itinerary change.

November 5th – Bora Bora – 8:00 am to 6:30 pm

November 6th – Papeete Arrive 7:00 am (overnight)

November 7th - Papeete departure

October 30th AT SEA

Blackjack Tournament $20.00

SHOW: Pianist Lionardo 7:00 8:15 & 10:00 (no I didn’t misspell that) :)

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Remember the Lyrics – great sing-a-long game

MUTS: NFL game & Movie: The Sixth Sense

October 31st

APIA – Western Samoa - All aboard 6:30 pm – Ship leaves at 7:00 pm

We crossed the International Date Line, so it was November 1st on the Island.

I didn’t ask…..I just followed the Patter and instructions :D

The people here were so friendly and kind.

I didn’t plan any excursions for this port. I got off the ship and went with 3 other people on a private tour in an Air Conditioned Taxi. I say that, because some of the Taxis and shuttles were not air conditioned. It was pretty hot there.

We did an Island Drive and saw a small waterfall, lot of churches, beautiful beaches, and stopped at a farmer’s market.

20.00 apiece, plus tip.

See our Shutterfly page for APIA for our private excursions & Princess Excursions our group did:

https://crownprincesssouthpacific2014.shutterfly.com/apia

SHOW: A Tribute to Elton John 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge: Halloween Trivia

MUTS: Twilight & Spiderman 2

Costume Contest. A couple from our Roll Call came in 2nd place. They were a Crayon and & Crayola Box. They were so cute!

There was a Halloween Dance and Party in Club Fusion starting at 9:30 pm.

The Casino staff was dressed up and they gave away prizes throughout the evening.

Clocks go back another hour tonight

November 1st

PAGO PAGO – All aboard 4:30 – ship sails at 5:00 pm

Another island with the sweetest, loveliest people.

Most of our group did Tisa’s Barefoot Bar & Beach Tour. They had a wonderful time.

I went with a small group from our Roll Call on an Island Drive, Beaches and Dance performance.

I really enjoyed it. It was a Princess Excursion.

See our Shutterfly page for PAGO PAGO for our private excursions & Princess Excursions our group did: https://crownprincesssouthpacific2014.shutterfly.com/pagopago

SHOW: Violinist Patrick Roberts 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Family Feud

MUTS: Movies: Non-Stop & Gravity

Country Night

November 2nd AT SEA

Formal Night

SHOW: Motor City 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Princess Millionaire

MUTS: NFL & Transformers

November 3rd AT SEA

Technology Workshop

Future Cruise Presentation: Repositioning Cruises

SHOW: Flamenco Express 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: The Gift of Gab

MUTS: NFL GAME & Movie: Edge of Tomorrow

November 4th

MOOREA

All aboard 5:00 pm – ship sails for Bora Bora at 5:30

Tender Port

(Elite and Suite passengers met in DaVinci Dining room)

I did another Princess Excursion, an Island Drive and again it was very good.

Someone organized a Lagoonarium excursion, but the people never showed up at the port.

So be weary of that private excursion.

See our Shutterfly page for MOOREA for our private excursions & Princess Excursions our group

did: https://crownprincesssouthpacific2014.shutterfly.com/moorea

SHOW: Michael “Bango” Young 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Princess Pop Star

MUTS: Movie: 9 to 5 & Big Concert: Tina Turner

November 5th

BORA BORA

All aboard 5:30 pm – ship sails for Papeete at 6:00 pm

Tender Port

(Elite and Suite passengers met in DaVinci Dining room)

RAIN RAIN RAIN

It didn’t sprinkle…it RAINED. All Day.

I was scheduled for another Princess Excursion.

I went in on the tender and got drenched.

Walked around the port for a bit, and then decided to skip the Island Drive, as the people coming back from it said it was hard to see anything because of the downpours.

Still a beautiful island and now I want to go back to see it on a sunny day 

Some of our Roll Call did Patrick’s tour and loved it in spite of the rain. They had a wonderful time.

See our Shutterfly page for BORA BORA for our private excursions & Princess Excursions our group

did: https://crownprincesssouthpacific2014.shutterfly.com/borabora

SHOW: Patrick Roberts & Michael “Bango” Young 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Flamenco Express

MUTS: Movie: Forrest Gump Concert: Pavarotti

PAPEETE, TAHITI 2 DAYS

November 6th Day 1 Papeete

We docked right in town. Everything was just steps away from the ship.

Beautiful place. I didn’t find the people as friendly as the other islands….they were okay, just didn’t seem as welcoming, to me….

The Shore Excursion team did a great job of helping people find excursions to do when the Captain announced we’d get to spend another day in Papeete.

I did an Island Drive with Princess. It was very interesting and I really enjoyed it. On the way back the driver stopped at a little store for those who wanted some wine.

Since we were there overnight, we went to dinner in town.

The food trucks were there when we came back to the ship.

A lot of people were enjoying the food and just enjoying the evening.

SHOW: Tahiti Folkloric Show 7:00 & 9:00

Explorer’s Lounge: Big Band Dance Night

MUTS: NFL game & Movie: Godzilla

November 7th Day 2 Papeete all aboard 4:30 – ship sails for Los Angeles at 5:00 pm

I walked around the town and did some shopping.

There was a great Farmer’s Market. Prices weren’t that great though.

Some people bought beautiful flower arrangements to bring back to their rooms.

Some of my friends bought Pearls 

I enjoyed a nice day just hanging around Papeete.

SHOW: Michael Minor (Comedian) 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Princess Pop Star

MUTS: Movie: 7 Year Itch & Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit

November 8th AT SEA

SHOW: Trevor Knight 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Princess Liar’s club

MUTS: Movie:

November 9th AT SEA

This was the day the Captain announced we had a medical emergency.

We were diverted to the island of Nuka Hivi.

Blackjack Tournament $20.00

SHOW: Doug Funk (Comedian) 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: David Aiken (The Checkerboard Guy)

MUTS: NFL game Movie: The Blind Side

November 10th AT SEA

NUKA HIVI

Sailing into this island was absolutely beautiful.

It looked like something from Fantasy Island.

The ill crew member was tendered into the island and flown back to Tahiti.

This put us a day behind.

Everyone I talked to was very concerned for our sick passenger and many prayers and well wishes went out for him. I never heard any complaining or whining. We all realized it could have been us.

The Captain kept us well informed the entire time.

SHOW: Ric Steel 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: 50’s Trivia Challenge

MUTS: Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding & The Pink Panther

Clocks set ahead 1 hour

November 11th AT SEA

Veteran’s Day

Veteran’s Day Remembrance Service

Slot Tournament $20.00

SHOW: Trevor Knight (Tribute to John Denver) 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Movie Sound Byte game

MUTS: Movie: The Italian Job & The Proposal

November 12th AT SEA

Formal Night

We’re going to be a day late!

Princess went above and beyond for the medical emergency.

When it was announced we wouldn’t be disembarking on Saturday, November 15th, the staff helped us with travel changes. We would be disembarking on Sunday, November 16th instead.

Phones were opened up in 6 or 7 different areas for us to call our airlines and make changes.

The lines were opened for us for days.

The lines were long and it took everyone about 20 to 30 minutes on the phone to get through and reschedule. Standing in lines took hours. I went down at 1:00 a.m. and the lines were still long.

I got in line. At 2:00 am I got to use the phone…I was done with airline changes and a hotel reservation by 2:45 am.

(Princess provided Clorox wipes for all the phones, as we had been told of the Noro Virus at this point)

The Captain had told us not to make airline reservations before 4:00 pm.

I was not able to find any flights, so I had to spend the night and fly out on Monday.

Princess told us to send the receipts for the changes and hotel stay to their main office in Santa Clarita. Hopefully, I’ll be hearing from them soon.

There were quite a few passengers from California and they just needed to make new arrangements for pick up from the port and let family/friends know of the change. Everyone was very orderly and tried to help each other.

Of course there were a few that decided to use the open phone lines to call family and CHAT!

When others heard this, they were quick to get that situation rectified 

We had also heard, earlier in the cruise, that there was a Laundry Room incident/fight and people put off at the first port. Rumor is all I know 

Navigational Talk with Ship Officers

SHOW: Production Show “Blame it On the Boogie” 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Comedian Doug Funk

MUTS: Movie: Tootsie & The Devil Wears Prada

November 13th AT SEA

SHOW: Crew Talent Show 7:00 8:15 & 10:00 (very talented crew members)

Explorer’s Lounge Show: David Aiken (The Checkerboard Guy)

MUTS: Movie: Big & Raiders of the Lost Ark

Time goes forward an hour

November 14th AT SEA

Slot Tournament $20.00

SHOW: Michael Minor (Comedian) 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Urban Myths Challenge

MUTS: Movie: The Philadelphia Story & Top Gun

November 15th AT SEA Our EXTRA day

SHOW: Ric Steel 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Treasure Quest

MUTS: Movie: Grease Concert: Sheryl Crow

Last Day Internet Access Special: $8.00 for 15 minutes

(Printing available)

November 16th Disembarkation

The first schedule for disembarkation was distributed, and since I was leaving a day later, I had the last time slot 4:00 pm.

The Captain later announced we had made up some time, and instead of our estimated arrival of 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, it would be approximately 7:00 a.m.

A revised disembarkation schedule was distributed, and my time moved from 4:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Breakfast was as normal on embarkation day, no room service and breakfast in the buffet and one dining room. There was no mention of lunch or snacks for those of us leaving afternoon.

We did get some snacks from the International Café and some cookies from the buffet before it closed.

My little group just went up to Adagio Lounge and played cards.

We saw the CDC come on board and also the Coast Guard.

By 11:00 am, they were announcing that things were moving faster and they were running about 2 hours ahead. By 12:15, it was announced we could just walk off.

We left, found our luggage, which was very easy to find at this point.

I grabbed the Princess Shuttle to the LAX Marriott and was checked in by 3:00 pm.

NOTES AND FINAL THOUGHTS

(I have posted on our Roll Call inviting whoever would like to add to this trip report to please do so)

Princess, the Captain, and the onboard staff were extremely helpful during our Medical emergency delay and the Noro Virus experience.

Noro Virus

It was announced a few days after we left Tahiti, that we had several passengers ill.

Precautions were taken by the staff.

People were quarantined and their rooms scrubbed.

I think there were several people who had it, who didn’t report it and walked around the ship.

Well, they didn’t walk around a day or two, because it knocks you on your butt….but, they left their cabins too soon. But, that’s MY speculation.

Trivia

3 times a day. A nice variety of subjects and themes. The last few days they had you bring your answers to the host to record your score….apparently some were cheating. ::::shakes head::::

We saw one lady yell at one of the hosts over an answer. Not “speak loudly”… actually yell.

What a shame. All the hosts were so sweet and fun. Best group of cruise hosts I’ve ever seen.

But, for as many trivia games that we had, those cheaters and the screaming lady didn’t affect our enjoyment of the great games they hosted.

Ports:

Chilled water and sodas were available for you to purchase as you left the ship.

Some of the ports we had to show Photo ID AND our Cruise Card.

(Always take both)

Hilo, Kauai & Honolulu Ports had free shuttles to Wal Mart and Hilo Hatties

Princess Pop Star

5 nights of tryouts called “heats”

Each heat produced a finalist

The audience voted

The ship provided the Karaoke tracks

The Final was held a few nights before the end and the audience chose their favorite.

Princess Pop Choir

Several rehearsals and a performance in the Princess Theater with the Hula Dancers and Ukulele players.

Internet

I only had a problem signing on the first few days. Others had trouble the whole cruise. Once we left Hawaii it was hard to get a connection.

I emailed or got online every day but one.

The Internet Manager had the personality of a post.

I never saw him smile.

He was being hit pretty hard each day by the people who were having trouble...probably had a lot to do with it :)

Club Fusion and Wheelhouse

Big Band dancing, 50’s/60’s night, Country Night and Disco Night.

Requests with DJ Pat late at night

There were several wine tastings.

Afternoon Tea at 3:30

Sabantini’s and Crown Grill $25.00 per person

There were basketball and golfing contests.

There were port lectures before each port. These were repeated on TV several times.

In the Atrium there were Horse Racing contests and other contests put on by the staff.

Sometimes there was Hawaiian Music.

Zumba everyday

Line dancing and ballroom dancing classes

All of the Islands took US Dollars. On Tahiti, sometimes your change would be in their currency.

On the Tahitian Islands if you are taking a “Le Truck” or “Le Shuttle” you should take one of the blue and white stripped beach towels from the ship. The seats are all bench seats and quite hard. Plus, if it was raining on the trip before yours, you had something to sit on instead of a wet bench.

My final thoughts:

I would do this cruise again in a heartbeat, and probably will.

I had loaded 4 books on my Kindle in case there wasn’t enough to do with all the sea days….I never read one until my flight home.

Having a great Roll Call, a great Cruise Director and staff, plenty of activities and lots of friends onboard made this one of the best cruises I’ve ever done.

Thanks for reading!

I wanted to give as much detail as I could.

When I was researching this, I didn't find many reports.

If you have any questions or need me to look at the Patters....just whistle :D

Reba, thank you for the awesome review. Your cruise sounds amazing! We booked for the same itinerary October 2015. Can't wait for October to get here. :)

Jan

Hi Reba,

It's so good to hear from you. Your review is terrific! It brings to life, again, all the activities and wonderful time we had going to Islands we've never seen with people we've never met before. Boy, what a great group we had, and did we have fun! Never had time to be bored -- too many things to do.

I must thank you again for the incredible job you did for all of us, and I hope some time we can cruise together again.

Best regards,

Anita

Holy cow! What an awesome summary. Sign me up for your reunion cruise. :) I'm serious.

FYI, it wasn't a rumor that embarkation was delayed due to one jerk doing a B2B holding everything up. That's what the Captain's Circle host told me. He said that they searched for this guy for over an hour. I got the impression that the host was seriously p***ed. Not only did he hold up embarkation but a wedding was planned and the partners and their guests couldn't board until well after their wedding was scheduled. Their guests wouldn't have time to do anything else. It really upset their plans. If it was my first BVE, I would have been disappointed to have it shortened by well over an hour.

Loved meeting you, Reba, as well as Susan and catching up with Sissy and Robert. Let me know when you do this again! :)

This is great Reba. It was good to learn about the later night time activities as Nancy and I were always fast asleep by then. It was a pleasure meeting you and playing your trivia team when I could make it. Hugh

What a great summary of what sounds like a fantastic cruise. Thanks, I enjoyed reading this.

Reba,

Once again thank you for a great job well done. Your review straightened out some confusion in my mind about the days.

Keep cruisin'.

All the best,

June

Great summary of the cruise.

Thanks again for all you have done for our group.

WOW!!! What a fantastic cruise summary!!

I wish you were cruising with me and were doing the same thing!! Hope you don't mind, but I'm planning to borrow your style and use it as a template for future cruises... you seriously know how to organize thoughts and activities and impressions of everything! what a terrific way to keep track of everything and add it to a scrap book.

Hope I get the chance to cruise with you someday! :)

Celine

Thanks everyone for your kind comments!

Great Job Reba! It was so much fun reading and re-living our fantastic cruise.

Holly

Reba, you are the "Greatest"! I have been following your posts and Shutterfly since July of 2013! :eek:

I was just wishing I could go but alas, No Funds!

That was when I started planning our South Seas Cruise!

As you are aware, I have plagiarized your Shutterfly so much that it looks quite similar to the great one that you put together.

All of us on next years cruise are "Green with Envy" that you and the others put together such a magical adventure for the other cruisers.

OK Reba, Thanks so much for all of your help and guidance for letting me copy so much of your hard work!

Mike

Thanks Mike! and you're welcome!

loved your colorful and animated post.

You guys are going to have a GRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT time!

(did I sound like Tony the Tiger???!) :D