suekel

13 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

 

If it was "old school", perhaps the price lists were as well (in which case the old price limit would be fine)?

Except for paying the difference on a few glasses of Silverado,  everything I needed was covered

5 hours ago, caribill said:

 

That is different than what it has been on other Princess ships which has been $15 price limit and, as you had, none of the new stuff.

I was on the Sapphire.  They did everything old school.. old menus in the MDR  and Sabatinis, ships log and the atmosphere on the ship felt like 2018.

5 hours ago, lexyplexy said:

I ordered the Princess plus under the old price. Do you get grandfathered in with the new package? 

Thank you

 

No.  I got off the Sapphire last week and had the old package. $12 price limit and none of the new stuff.  

I am usually on board by 11.  I go to Crooners and meet the bartenders.  Then head to the MDR for lunch.  By then my cabin is ready so I head there.  After my luggage arrives, I head up to the Sailaway party.  Drink a Dirty Banana.  Then go get cleaned up for dinner.  Then I head to the casino for a bit.  

2 hours ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Well...not entirely correct.  They have a couple of different calzone offerings and I *thought* there was something else along the same line but they absolutely are known for their pizza.  Two or three different kinds of salads and/or antipasto as well as a baked eggplant dish.

Not on the Sapphire

7 hours ago, loge23 said:

The dreaded universal question: "What do you want for dinner??"

I just looked at the hubby and told him it was time to cook dinner.  We'll see if it works. 

21 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

I forget - did you do the land tour through PCL or did you do it independently or with another provider? 

 

Thru Princess 

21 minutes ago, LACruiser88 said:

@suekel  It was very nice meeting you guys!  Welcome Home!

Lovely to meet you too!

Well,  I'm home.  This was a wonderful cruise.  I was in a suite for the first time in 4 years and forgot how wonderful it is.  Breakfast at Sabatinis was the best.  Next day laundry.  The room service speed was remarkable.  We enjoyed all the ports, our day in the Sanctuary,  the service all over the ship was so good.  The casino was boring and in 18 days,  I only saw one hand pay (not that I was there all 18 days). The 6 day land tour to Machu Picchu before boarding in Chile was worth every penny.  5 star hotels,  great travel companions,  memories to never be forgotten. We did the Venice and Santa Monica debark excursion since we had a late flight.  Beautiful day to go to the beach. Flight out of LA delayed.  Connection in Phoenix delayed.  Stumbled into our house about 1:15 am. A trip of a lifetime. 

4 hours ago, LACruiser88 said:

See you there!

We're doing a full day.  I have questions.  Do you get any sun thru the awning? Do they serve any sort of breakfast food or should we eat before we go?

This is a wonderful cruise.  Yesterday in Costa Rica,  we took the best of Puntarenas excursion.  Cruise along the Tarcoles River,  crocodiles and birds. Then lunch and a tram ride over the rain forest.  Absolutely beautiful.  Had our best night in the casino so far.  Tonight is Sabatinis and then tomorrow will be my first time ever in the Sanctuary.  Thanks to LACRUISER88 for mentioning how empty it is.  Now,  if they will just show basketball this weekend,  that would be perfect. 

Just received a call.  Chef's table. Sunday night!

7 hours ago, LACruiser88 said:

Tonight we received our invitation to the MTG Luncheon.  The cut-off for this cruise was 440 sea days.

 

Dang.. missed it by 151 days

A few more thoughts.  The Sapphire,  at least this sailing is very old school.  Elite amenities,  everyone dresses for dinner..no jeans,  t-shirts or ball caps sighted, tuxes on formal nights for some and the old menus. My favorite thing? When I order a drink with lemon, I actually get lemon.

We're having a lovely time.  So tired after our land tour we didn't get off in Coquimbo. Dinner the first night at Sterlings.  Same menu as the Crown Grill.  Very good.  Breakfast in Sabatinis which is also very good.  Got some pool time,  did some gambling, took some naps. I love ordering my 3 pm flat white everyday.  When one is in a suite,  room service gets here fast! Tonight we're meeting an internet friend in the elite lounge then doing Alfredo's as the MDR menu doesn't excite me. Tomorrow we get off the ship to get on a boat and sail to an island to see wild life.  Hoping for lots of sun.  

And we're on.  Stopped at a vineyard after our tour of Santiago.  We're unpacked, muster done, sparkling wine drank, laundry bag filled, and a light snack from room service. Now relaxing after a really busy land tour.  Cocktails on our balcony for sailaway then dinner at Sterlings.

Are they showing any of March Madness anywhere on the ship?

1 hour ago, gottagocit said:

Prepare yourself for the effects you can expect in Cusco due to the high altitude. It’s manageable but just recognize what your body may be telling you as you move about and why. 
At 11,500 ft it’s the highest commercial airport in the world if I’m not mistaken and you will feel it with the simplest activity. Surprisingly Machu Picchu will be less so as it’s about 8,500 as I recall. 
On the good side both places are amazing and well worth the impact it may have on you. 

We spent a week skiing at Copper Mountain last month.  Elevation at the bottom in 9000, top 1200. Did fine but I'm expecting some shortness of breath. As an FYI,  Bolivia,  not sure if it's LA Paz or Sucre is at 13000. My dad said it was tough. 

We made it to Lima due to all the flights being delayed.  Our luggage decided to spend the night in Atlanta.  We met our tour guides and they seem great.  One spoke with Delta and the man at Delta in charge of lost luggage says he we'll will personally find it and put it on our flight to Cusco. Every morning is a really early morning so it'll be nice to get to the ship and sleep in! Looking forward to starting this adventure tomorrow. 

Live from Des Moines... must caused by the drunk woman we had to deplane... we were late already but.... sigh...most likely we'll miss our connection in Atlanta.  We can get to Lima 24 hours late so we can still catch the flight to Machu Pichu.... but that does cause other issues.. we'll see.  At least we'll make the ship.  

26 minutes ago, coops said:

Why was the 1 unusable? Glad to hear they are not locked when sailing. Thanks

Just the wind and light rain

3 hours ago, coops said:

Hopefully it is not the ones up front that you can only use the balcony when in port. They lock the balcony when sailing so you can't go out. Let us know how it works out for you. 

They do not lock the balcony.  I've had these twice and out of 25 days,  only 1 was it unusable. 

34 minutes ago, Happiest when cruising said:

They are not listed on the Princess website, either. I’m kinda sad.. it was finally going to be my turn to see what was in those little gold bags.

Oh, they haven't had those little gold bags in forever.  

27 minutes ago, LACruiser88 said:

Per our room steward, these are the only Elite amenities they currently have in stock.  Your room steward should be able to replenish if you are Elite or in a suite.

Thank you so much.  I'm elite in a suite so I should be good.  Less to pack!

22 minutes ago, LACruiser88 said:

The below tiny bottles are the only extras we received in our bathroom.  Not sure if they were Elite amenities or not?  Where did he post photo?

On another site.  Are they replenishing them? Trying to figure if I need to pack my own shampoo and conditioner... these would be nice