HRHJAN

On 6/22/2022 at 5:06 PM, Airwavey said:

Hi all
Currently Wednesday in Ålesund, a quite delightful town, with three days blog to catch up on. 

Push off from Tromso on Sunday was around 9pm. We think there was a second medical emergency delay as a "crew medical team report to the theatre" call went out.

This didn't delay our already announced late arrival into Gravdal/Lofoten Islands, and we moored up from around 10.30am. 

They started handing out tender tickets, done casually from a table set up alongside the Seafood Bar, from about 10am. But it was 11.30am before we boarded the tender. Organisation at the ticket issue was not as efficient as it could have been. When we arrived, around 9.45 the seats in the bar were taken by earlier arrivals. The staff then set up two identical "Tender Tickets" signs, one at each end of the bar. For some undefined reason the seated passengers became a queue with its front at the second placed sign, next to where we sat.

Like it or lump it we maintained our position and so were in the first batch of issued tickets. For "novelty" they batch tickets by City names - we were Sunderland.

But as I said earlier it was still 11.30 before we got on to the tender, and about 20 minutes for crossing and unboarding.

On top of that the Dock is 3/3.5km from both Gravdal and Leknes, but in opposite directions. Shuttle laid on by Princess, but $19.95 pp again, and, we think, only went to Gravdal.

We had a privately organised group tour, with Lofoten Lights. Passable, but rushed - insufficient time taken for photo stops, and inappropriate location for the driver's 50 minute compulsory stop. Some lovely scenery though.

The tour got us back at around 5pm. The captain had already announced that the last shuttle would be 7.30. We had thought of using the time to go into Gravdal or Leknes but concluded time would be too tight/rushed.

That evening we had a burger & chips/chicken burger & chips from the poolside bar, but went in to World Market to eat them as it was somewhat blowy and cold outside
Both were fine as burger & chips go, but I certainly wouldn't call them "gourmet", the burger was particularly ordinary.

Tuesday was a welcome chance for a lie-in, 9am, before breakfast and then Quizzical.

A walking track walk and lunch, then we gave Scattergories a try, in the Take 5 lounge. Not the best organised or controlled. Particularly frustrating as Pip had put a lot of effort into entries for one category - famous people - and then host decided to ignore that category as it would take too long to mark.

After some time watching the ballroom/Latin dancers strutting their stuff in the Plaza - how do they know the specific moves for each dance? —we had our 2nd quiz of the day, which we won..... ish. Joint top with 3 others, but didn't win the tie break.

Hot tub and a swim in the Retreat Pool which acted as if it had its own wave machine as it moved in the swell. 

We had booked a late meal - 9.10pm - in Sabatinis for Tuesday, as it was summer solstice night, though with all the clouds the sun didn't really "perform". 

We had tried, via the Medallion app, a few days ago, 
to change our booking to earlier. But it would only offer us 5.30. We were immediately disappointed when we turned up therefore to find only 4 other tables occupied. And about 15 mins into our meal there was only us. 

Nice window table, but maybe with the heavier swell not best for enjoying a meal. 

Regarding being the only ones in we did feel decidedly rushed throughout the meal. No sooner had each course been finished then it was cleared and the next course set in front of us. 

In summary it wasn't the best meal on board ship, far from it. 

We both forewent the soup/salad starter choice. 

The spicy dip appetiser was nice. 

Pip - zuchinni and squash tempura with a cheese topping and crostini was OK, though the cheese was melted on the crostini not the veg as described 
Paul - Bell peppers, salad, anchovies. OK but too cold (as has been all cold served dishes on the trip) 

Pip - Broad tagliatelle with ox cheek reduction. Tasty, but  some wide sinew had slipped through
Paul - lamb tortaloni - Lamb mix was dry. Pasta on the thick side. Sauce, or the cheese on it, far too salty (and I like salty things) 

Pip - chicken with rosemary & lemon sauce, asparagus and mashed potatoes. Chicken, although beaten, was tough. Felt boiled rather then grilled. Asparagus - the tasty ends had been cut off. Mash had a skin on it, too long under heat lights. And the sauce.... like wallpaper paste. 
Paul - veal, marsala sauce, spinich, potatoes. The veal had to be really cut, and was chewy. Marsala sauce was harsh. 

Pip - pannacotta, fruit compote, shortbread biscuit. Pannacotta was too cold. The "shortbread" was a flavourless pastry, totally unworthy of the name "shortbread" 
Paul - zabaglione - wasn't made to order. It was lukewarm. Nice flavour and froth however, and fruits underneath. 

And if the waiter had asked us one more time "Gunpowder?" when offering to grind pepper onto each course I would have put the grinder where it would have had a real grind. 

Finished evening with a pleasant coffee in International Cafe listening to the string duo and the  pianist. 

Sometime earlier in the day, around lunchtime, our toilet had refused to flush. Couldn't find our steward at that time. Reported it to Guest Services, all sorted by when we got back to our room later in the afternoon. 

Docking at Ålesund was on time this morning and we were off board by 8.10.

A really lovely place. Town centre barely 10 mins walk away, and the rest of the town very compact. We spent a pleasant 7 hours walking around and out was a productive caching day (16 caches). 

Tonight is the two showings of 5Skies the 2nd big production show of the cruise. Going to make sure we get in early. 

During various previews on the Wake Show we know
-they only do it on a port day as it takes all day to set up
-it cost $2m to develop! 
-rehearsals in Los Angeles took 4 months

 

Loving your blog as we missed the cruise due to positive covid tests. Nice to read about what we would have been doing but why are your photos upside down. They look wonderful but can they upload the right way up. .

keep up the good work with telling us what we missed.🤨

14 hours ago, suzyed said:

Has anyone been on the Sky in the aft balcony cabins on Dolphin deck from cabin 701 back? It appears that the balconies are larger? Is that actually the case?

I have booked D719 and it says they are bigger balconies but the cabins are only 233 sq mt where as other suites are 319 sq mts. Has the spaces

 gone into the balcony? Also these cabins are above the Vista lounge. Trying to find someone who has been in one and can tell me if they are noisy. Seems to be a reason why they are all still available 

On 3/22/2020 at 10:39 AM, phred119s said:

Things here are ok. No confirmed cases in our county, but most all of the counties around us have confirmed cases. Most church services went online last Sunday. I think all restaurants are takeout or delivery only. I read today they will begin allowing  alcohol with curbside meals (sealed containers of course).  Malls are closed. Schools closed as of last Monday for 2 weeks. (We will see...) The first few days of homeschool were brutal!!! We seem to have settled in our normal for the time being — homeschooling our 2nd grader and both of us working from home. We’ve seen our neighbors more in a week than the last couple of years. Many are out walking or riding bikes around the neighborhood. There have been quite a few front yard conversations when people are passing by. My child is very social so today while us parents were doing yard work she was perched in a tree looking for neighbors so she could say hi. She informed us that it was the bridge of her cruise ship. 😂

 

We are supposed to be sailing from Copenhagen on the Sky in July. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 

Did you sail on the Sky in July? We have just booked her for June next year. What are your thoughts on how they maintained covid safety! I am not too worried as we are vaxxed but it will be a different world with cruising now hey. 
 

We had three cruises cancelled last year and have just booked June next year using 50% off credit we were given from the first one cancelled. We have booked the Land of The Midnight Sun cruise and hopefully it will happen. A second cruise in December and a third in March 2023. Is it wishful thinking. Are we all expecting to be able to cruise? Very few cabins left and the mini suite I reserved is above the Vista Bar. I am a little worried it will be noisy….anyone had emergence with D719?  I am interested in reading all the comments from people who have cruised post covid shutdown. Australia I still shut to international ships.flights are resuming now. Strange old works hey   Appreciate your thoughts 

We have booked on the Sky Princess for a cruise around Norway next year. The only available mini suites are above the Vista Bar! I am guessing it is noisy…..any one experienced those cabins in any Princess cruise ?

Just read your latest comments. Good thinking.....yes all worth it the beverage package alone is worth it. You could change to other cabins. Don’t think it would be a bad cabin to book it may not have lots of light but with the Alaskan cruise you will be on deck a lot for 360 degree views. Your balcony would be less windy....bonus! Go with a positive frame of mind and you will enjoy.

We are now wondering the same thing - did you occupy one of these rooms, and how was it???

Hi. We had c707 so not quite at the back I do remember walking past the rooms with the balconies and felt I was walking through someone’s room. Not exactly private but not too bad. No sunshine at all tho. All under cover. Not sure I would be going for it. Our cabin was a mini suite and it was perfect. There was a bit of vibration which in itself was not a problem as it was constant and quietly always there. The thing that did worry me was the "knocks" created by the vibration . I pushed a face washer between the tv and the wall which fixed the main one. Someone had jammed a toothpick in the woodwork on the ceiling ....lots of little creaks and rattles which were fixable and sometimes made me laugh. I did read all the reviews of this ship before we booked and it amazed me how some people are very negative about small things. We did not know the ship before refurbishment and I was a little worried but it was a fabulous voyage and cruise. Well balanced sea days and excursions . We really enjoyed the whole cruise. Only downside was the food. It was ok but not the usual standard of princess we expected. Almost like the kitchen staff were told to economise and save money. The menu choices were less extensive and the food itself was a little underwhelming. Not cruise destroying and not complaining just that with princess we were used to "outstanding" not just "ordinary".

Thanks for your post. I am in the same position, i have to pay for march 2018 by Monday. wish i had the drinks package but!!!!!

I am going for deck 10 C707 right at the back. let me know how it goes for you.

cheers;p

Thank you so much for the comments and observations so far. They are very helpful.

 

We need to commit by the end of the day today to be able to book with the "3 day sale" promo with a particular TA. The promo includes the beverage package, gratuities, and a reduced deposit ($130 CDN).

 

To the best of my knowledge we can change our cabin within the same category after we book and before the final payment date as long as we stay in the same category. I am going to go ahead and book one of these aft cabins.

 

Any other observations/comments would be most welcome.

 

stlrver, I am looking forward to your post(s) about your Alaska experience on the Island Princess.

excellent answer to my question as well. I have booked Deck 10 C707 for the Panama cruise in march next year. Just wondering why there were so many mini suites left on that deck! i am thinking there will be noises wherever you are. creaking groaning and rattling. I have had thumping so i think a constant drone of the engines would be better!

Thanks Let me know at the end of the cruise. LOVED the Alaskan cruise it was awesome.:p

cheers

We are in cabin B738 right now aboard the Island in Juneau. The cabin balcony does not feel closed in even with the metal walls on four sides. In fact, I prefer not having the typical partition between balconies. There is little to no wind when sitting outside even when underway at sea. There are two chairs out there and it has plenty of space to enjoy the balcony.

 

The cabin itself is typical of most balcony cabins on this ship except the tv is on the wall opposite the end of the bed which is a lot nicer IMO as compared to it being in the corner of the room.

 

I have felt "typical" vibrations when docking and also when we were running at a high rate of speed leaving Vancouver the first night at sea. However, I wouldn't call them excessive and they certainly didn't cause any issues with sleep. For the rest of our time at sea I haven't felt any vibrations in the room with one exception. I do notice that when I'm lying on my side in bed with my ear to the pillow I can hear a cadence similar to a heartbeat which isn't my own of course. It sounds like cavitation coming from the prop but I'm no expert. Again, it isn't a show stopper by any means.

 

As for other creaks and rattles in the room I've noticed nothing however we've had fairly calm seas so perhaps this isn't a good indicator.

 

If you have any other questions let me know. I'll try to post a video of the room along with patters when I return next weekend.

excellent post! I am wondering why for the same reason there are mini suityes available on Deck 10 C707???? Will be interested in your opinions AFTER the cruise. Please repost and let me know how it was up the back!;p

cheers

Jan

Does anyone have any experience staying in one of these cabins (B738, B740, B743, or B741)? They are classed as BD cabins and are available for the Alaska cruise we are booking. We really like the idea of an aft cabin balcony for an Alaska cruise, but we are concerned that others may know something we don't about these cabins because these cabins are still available for booking. We have stayed in aft balcony rooms on other ships.

 

I searched the Princess board here on CC and also did an Internet search using a popular search engine and could only find a couple of posts about these cabins. Because these balconies have walls on all sides does the balcony feel closed in and/or is the view restricted for an aft balcony? Is the balcony the same size as a regular BD cabin? Does less light get into the cabin with the design of the balcony? If you have stayed in one of these cabins would you book it again? If, yes why? If no, why not?

 

Thanks.

good to see a positive comment. What cabin did you have?;)

I just came off the Island Princess this morning. Although I have never sailed on Coral so I have no comparison, we loved the ship!!!!

my feelings too. I have booked for the 25th march! Let me know how you go please . I have booked aft cabin on C deck:confused:

Well, we're booked for a Panama Canal for February if 19. I've convinced myself that if we sailed the old Tropicale we could sail any ship. The mini suite looks very well appointed. And larger than the Celebrity balcony cabins we've had. What I see of the ship looks beautiful. We booked early dining. So that shouldn't be an issue. Just have to get to the theater a bit early. No big deal. We have as a perk the beverage package. So we'll enjoy a glass or two before the show starts. :rolleyes:

SUPER. thanks for the fast reply! Appreciate your thoughts, i think i am just worried cos there are stil a lot of cabins available in that area. I did read there was a lot of vibration but i like the mini suites! not many others available anywhere on that cruise! Cheers

IMO, it's a great location, despite that you might feel some vibration from the side thrusters during docking and undocking.

However, I like cabins in the 700s because it's usually a low traffic area, making it quieter in general. Also it's closer to the aft elevators and stairs for getting up to the Horizon Court and the open decks.

I have just reserevd Island Princess for March 2018 Ft Lauderdale to LA!

Interesting reading the reviews. some good some not so good. open to suggestions for aft rooms deck 10. How is the vibration noise?

Alaska? Not quite a Panama Cruise. :D

 

I'm also interested in this cruise. Does the cruise in reverse order hit the same ports?

LOVE your attitude! just like mine when i travel. You win some you lose some!

My husband and i are going on the panama cruise in march next year. I have reserved a mini suite on Deck 10 aft and my only concern is vibration noise? have done many princess cruises ( all without problem) but never done aft! any thoughts please!

I seriously doubt that we will find the Island Princess to be anything but wonderful. I have yet to see perfection anywhere--on any ship, even at home--and have found most criticisms of ships to be very subjective and somewhat snobbish. Sure, the addition of a hundred staterooms has changed the ship, but on the other hand I have never been on the Island before so what I find will be great. Our first cruise was on the NCL POA, and then we repeated the cruise several years later. Comparing the two, we found the crew--American, by the way--to be sadly inferior to the first crew which was international during its first few cruises. But guess what--we still enjoyed the cruise! It may be that on the IP Anytime Dining causes us to change our favorite time to eat, but so what? We will not starve. Just check out the videos of MDR food offerings and also the Horizon Court buffet. It could be that a bit of rust may be found, but check out the underside of your car at home. If the steward is late for cleaning your cabin, just give her/him a call or a comment when you pass in the passageway--besides, do you expect that kind of daily work from your spouse at home? I am sure that we will enjoy the wonders of this ship and crew immensely, as long as we don't expect God to stop the universe to suit our whims, as some posters seem to expect,

We are doing the Panama cruise in March 2018 on the Island princess and have reserved Deck10 Caribe 707mini suite. I notice there are still available cabins, is that because of vibration and it is not a good area to be in???? Any comments gratefully accepted Thanks