Californian

On 3/22/2023 at 10:31 PM, Hlitner said:

Today (Thursday) is a complete rain-out.  We knew, from the forecast, that today was likely to be a bad weather day, and since we are spending 6 days in Kyoto, we actually looked forward to a quiet day with no temples/shrines.  So, this morning, we walked down the main street, which has covered sidewalks, and did a lot of window shopping and browsing.  

 

Eventually we reached the large Nisiki Market which is over 1/2 mile long with hundreds of vendors under cover.  It is the perfect place on a rainy day (and it was packed with folks) to browse, snack, dine, etc.  DW and I have long had a habit of going to food/farmers markets around the world and Nisiki can hold its own against much of the competition.  You learn a lot about a culture in this kind of market place and the food can be amazing.  For lunch, we stopped at a place that had all kinds of yakitori (food on a skewer) including King Crab.  I had crab and DW had a freshly made shrimp.  It was divine, although one had to deal with the sardine-like crowding.  In fact, it was so crowded that DW and I decided to "mask-up" which is something we have not done most of our time in Kyoto.

 

It is only a few days until we board the "Westy" and we have started to mentally get into cruise mode.  I reviewed the current HAL protocols for our COVID test (we will take a self-test the day before we board the ship).  One of our private tours (organized by another cruiser) in Taiwan, requires that we pay in Taiwanese Dollars. While browsing the main street of Kyoto, I walked into a major bank, went to the foreign exchange counter, and traded more than 20,000 Yen for a 5000 Taiwanese Dollar note.  Quite convenient.  Getting Asian currency in Asia is a lot easier than in the States and the rates/commissions are better than at home.

 

One interesting tidbit today.  While standing in front of a major department store, a local senior man asked us, in pretty good English, "where are you from?"  When DW responded, "USA" he broke into a big smile, bowed, and said "welcome to Japan."  I responded with the appropriate small bow and the usual "arigato gozaimasu" (thank you very much) and he grinned and thanked me for speaking Japanese (two words?).  What we have learned, since landing in Tokyo, is that Japan has been locked-away from the world for over 3 years and most people are happy to again welcome "gaijin" (foreigners).   One other tidbit.  I had mentioned in an earlier post that we did not book the breakfast plan offered by our hotel.   Yesterday, we finally stumbled on a nearby coffee shop/bakery that makes its own pastries and croissants.  The croissants are among the best I have had anywhere (including France).  Who knew?

 

Hank

I have just joined the party.  Thank you so much for posting your adventure.  Do you remember the name of the coffee shop/bakery where you got your croissant?

I cancelled a specialty dinner and received a new gift card number via e-mail within a week. I want to say in a couple of days, but within a week for sure.

Anybody know if the Tervis Tumbler is available on the Panorama?  Picture?  Thanks!

Does anyone know the hours for the main dining room on that last morning?  Is it still open at 8:30?

On 3/6/2023 at 6:35 PM, irun5k said:

Looking at the beverages in the Cruise Planner, the 12 pack of bottled water and soda 6 packs actually seem to be somewhat reasonable deal at $10?  We told our kids they could bring a 6 pack of soda and also figured we'd want some bottled water, but this would be easier than trying to bring that stuff with us while already dealing with luggage, carry ons, and of course our bottle of wine.

 

Is it possible to buy more of any of these items once you're sailing, or is it only available for purchase prior to sailing?

 

 

Perhaps you might want to bring 12 packs of soda in a rolling carry-on…much cheaper than buying it onboard.  

5 hours ago, Bobbiegentry said:

We tend to prefer the smaller ships. The Diamond is just the right size for us. Of course, YMMV. 
It simply doesn’t feel crowded. Part of this is the reduced pax numbers on this cruise but even with a full load, it would still be good. 

Deck 7 has a completely wrap around Promenade. The newer ships have eliminated this feature in favor of revenue producing spaces. Consequently, we try very hard to completely avoid these newer ships. 
The food on the Diamond is unquestionably the best we’ve ever had on any Princess ship. 
The Santa Fe dining room is very nicely designed and appointed. 
The layout of the ship is very familiar. Feels like coming home. 
Much of the crew are Japanese. VERY friendly people. 
 

Can’t answer your question about the Izumi. We’ve not been there since our embarkation day tour and the area can’t really be seen from deck 14. It can be seen from higher decks but we’ve not gone up there much. 
Sorry I couldn’t help. 

Thanks very much for responding to my question.  I miss the wrap around Promenade, so I will look forward to taking my walks on Deck 7.  

4 hours ago, Bobbiegentry said:

Diamond which is fast becoming our favorite ship.

I, too, like the Royal class ships.  I’m really happy to hear that you like the Diamond Princess since I’m a little hesitant about going on that ship.  Would you expound on why the Diamond Princess is becoming your favorite ship, please?   Just curious….Thanks.

Also, have you seen many people using the Japanese baths?  It’s too bad that they don’t allow one day use.

It’s too bad that they have not offered any Japanese food thus far on your cruise.  So, they may offer it once you’ve made your first stop in Japan?

Are you doing a back to back to see more of Japan? I would love to hear about your adventures in Japan as I will be taking the cruise in October.

Also, are the meals in the dining room the same as on ships that are in the US or are there Japanese items on the menu each meal?  If the menus are different, would you post a few menus to give us an idea of what is being offered?  Much appreciated.

Thanks!

Thanks for sharing.  I look forward to the rest of your trip report.

Thanks very much for your review.  I enjoyed your observations and tips.

Enjoyed reading your report.  Glad you had a good time cruising!

I read somewhere that "The best 1As on Carnival are the ones with the L layout.. if you're a solo traveler."  Does anyone know the cabin numbers if Panorama, Radiance, or Miracle have them, please?  Thanks!

On 1/2/2023 at 11:01 AM, sunshower9 said:

Based on my experience, they'll mail you a new gift card.

21 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

They usually send me a new gift card.

Thank you!

If I need help on using the internet, is there an Internet cafe on the Panorama?

I cruise in March.  I made reservations for specialty dining using my gift card.  I need to cancel the dinner reservation; so will the amount go to my account as onboard credit or will it be sent back to me by way of a gift card?

On 12/15/2022 at 4:31 AM, grimpil said:

We are doing a back to back in Feb on the panorama and wondering if there is a walkable place to pick up wine nearby on our turn around day. Did anyone have experience with corking fees in MDR? We are flying in the day before and staying at the Hotel Royal in Long Beach, very reasonable price  so a little nervous about that one but we will see

When you’re in Puerto Vallarta, you might be able to buy wine at the Walmart that is a short walk from the ship.  No need to hunt down a liquor store on turn around day.

I agree on the Ultimate Balcony dinner when in Cabo.  Especially when it is in port.  We were on the Marina deck with the huge balcony and it was really nice.   We did UBD as well as Bistro Sur La Mer.  Liked UBD way more than the Bistro.  It's more romantic, personalized service, and you will remember it more than the specialty restaurant.  IMHO

It was on the menu every night on the Discovery Princess Dec 10-16

2 hours ago, milogurd said:

Princess Mini-Bar Setup info
The selections of items in the mini-bar can vary. This is what it has been on
our previous cruises:
Alcoholic
2 - mini-bottles Cognac
2 - mini-bottles Gin
2 - mini-bottles Vodka
2 - mini-bottles Scotch Whisky
2 - 12 ounce cans of beer
Non-Alcoholic
2 - 12 ounce cans/bottles of tonic water
2 - 12 ounce cans of Coca Cola
2 - 12 ounce cans of Sprite
2 - 0.5 liter bottles of water
2 - 11 ounce bottles of Perrier
You can exchange any alcoholic item for any other alcoholic or non-alcoholic item on a one-for-one basis.
You can exchange any non-alcoholic item for any other non-alcoholic item on a one-for-one basis.
You can also exchange the entire setup for ONE of the following
1 - bottle of wine (limited selection)
2 - coffee packages
8 - 1.5 liter bottles of water

On the Discovery Princess last week, we got 4 vodkas and 4 gins.  They did not have cognac or scotch.  We wanted to exchange for some ginger beer, but that was not available either.  Supply issues was the explanation.  

On 12/2/2022 at 2:01 PM, Mary loves to travel said:

We ate there 3 times on Sky last summer.    Found the food to be quite good to excellent, service was excellent, ambience was great.     Yes, we went early and were a few tables in, but in a quiet area.

Each time, the server offered the "traditional" escargot; I took his advice and enjoyed them.

 

Mary

We are on the Discovery Princess and they would not offer the “traditional” escargot even though we asked for it.  The server said it would be available in the MDR on the second formal night.  We were disappointed and will pass on Bistro Sur La Mer the next time…unless they change their menu to include the traditional escargot.

On 10/26/2022 at 1:50 AM, Californian said:

We sail in December and want to make reservations for an ultimate balcony dinner.  I am having trouble in figuring out how to do it on the app. I hit the order button on the bottom and it tells me “Please connect your phone to the internet….…to Order Food.  Drink. Retail. Service.  I am on the internet at home, but it doesn't work.  What am I doing wrong?  Do I need to wait until I'm on board?

I was able to book the Ultimate Balcony Dining on the website by going to Manage This Booking, then, Onboard Services, Food & Beverage Experiences, and then Ultimate Balcony Dinner.  I paid for the dinner reservation and I hope we will be able to have it on the requested date.  

On 12/3/2022 at 5:38 PM, Shelly97060 said:

Unfortunately there is no International Cafe.

Is the Good Spirits at Sea on Deck 5 used as the coffee bar in place of the International Cafe?  Is it just a bar or do they have pastries and snacks there, too?

I think you can log off your iPad and then log in on your iPhone for the one device plan.  I also think that if you you log into your iPhone while still logged on your iPad, it will knock you off the iPad.  I'm not on Princess Plus, so I want the convenience of having both logged on for both me and SO.

I have a lot of OBC.  We want to get the 4-device internet plan.  I believe that it is $70 for a 7 day cruise.  Can we wait to buy it on embarkation day so that we can use our OBC or will it cost more once we are onboard?  Thanks in advance for your assistance.