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Thank you

Thanks for the info.

We've been through Civitavecchia on a few occasions but have never stayed there before, something that will change on our next cruise. Staying at the Hotel San Giorgio and wondering if anyone has any recommendations for restaurants close by. Any comments concerning the hotel's restaurants? Also, any thoughts on somewhere close by to pick up some wine.

Thanks in advance.

$37 would be great, particularly as you apparently keep the bottle that you blended. Now just need to find a ship/cruise that has this available.

I would not be too interested in this. Nor would I like to try my hand in making pizzas in Alfredo's. The wineries are masterful at getting the most out of their grapes. Why on earth would I think that I could get a superior blend by mixing some already bottled wine?[/quo

 

Perhaps you're missing the point. The bottled wines you refer to are individual varietals. The point is to blend them into a Meritage, something that might be enjoyable to those who appreciate wine.

 

If that's not for you fine, but don't disparage the event for everyone else.

 

PS - I would have no problem in cooking a pizza in Alfredo's.

We've had Cab, Cab Franc and Sangiovese aboard various ships. Don't remember seeing a Merlot or Zin.

You're right, nice drinkable wines. It would be fun to blend some, as I don't believe they offer a Meritage.

Yes, they will be denied boarding. The cruise line makes it perfectly clear, however sometimes people don't bother to read the information provided to them.

Mrs SoCal and I always find ourselves with a few days of vacation to blow before the end of the year (SWMBO has a "use it or lose it" deal) - the past couple of years we've taken a 7 or 8 day Mexican Riviera cruise between Chrimbo and New Year.

 

This year Christmas week is out, so we're looking at either what is effectively the Star re-positioning California Coastal Cruise (Vancouver - LA) in October or a... Mexican Riviera on the Emerald or Ruby in November. Not really planning any planned activities as such - this vacation is just a battery recharging session...

 

Trying to think rationally and probably over-complicating but here goes:

 

California Coastal

Pros - never done it before. Easy and cheap flight to Vancouver and then shuttle home from San Pedro. Never sailed the Star (apparently looking a bit worn around the edges, but don't we all eventually?)

Cons(?) - Weather. Looking at historical (hysterical?) weather data, October could be potentially a bit damp.

 

Ports of Call. Namaimo. Home of the famous Namaimo bars and really pleasant in summer with lots of outdoor activities (in the rain though?) Seattle. Tbh - planning on incorporating this as a 3 day break when we revisit BC and one day won't do it justice. Astoria, OR. A little research and I'm still none the wiser. SF. Love SF AND you get until 10 pm there. Opportunity to grab dinner at Sotto Mare and a few drinks at La Trappe. Would probably walk to and across the bridge and ferry back from Sausalito.

 

Mexican Riviera

Pros - "Easy" drive to San Pedro and just park at the port. Weather should be decent. Mazatlan is arguably one of our favourite PoCs and we'll follow the blue line and indulge in a Margarita or three. Getting away from the crowds in PV is pretty straight forward as well. Cruise would definitely tick the recharge button. Know what we're getting with the Emerald and Ruby (good and bad)

Cons - Done this cruise twice and managed to avoid the apparently compulsory Noro outbreak. Cabo in our opinion is a bit "meh" and while we could look at a hurried snorkel trip we'd probably just chill on-board and watch the hordes tender

 

The answer is that probably no one cruise is better or worse than the other - they're different. Just looking for some pointers...

Sounds like you should just stay home on your patio.

Who really cares?

When you sailing on the ship you can't see it anyway. ;p

Have to agree. Who cares. If it bothers you that much then don't sail on Princess. As Shakespeare said "Much ado about nothing"

As said, port is available by the glass when Stilton is being served in the Elite lounge. It is also available in various bars and the MDR. Is there a selection of world class vintage ports - no. Is it drinkable - definitely.

And if you're nice to your wait staff they will also bring you some Stilton or Gorgonzola.

We'll be aboard her Oct 22. Appreciate your comments.

Since it's not a tender port you should be able to get ashore by no later than 7:30am if you want. You need to be back by no later than 1:30pm. Walking to the Inner Harbour area takes 20-25 minutes.

Heard the same thing. Will apparently be called the Pacific Explorer.

Can't answer some of your questions having never arranged parking at Anchor Cove.

Don't know that there is a shuttle schedule, however they run from the time the ship arrives until shortly before departure. You can very easily walk from the ship to Anchor Cove, it's flat, there is a sidewalk, takes no more than 10 minutes, you can't get lost.

PS - the shuttles run every 15 -20 minutes

Hope that helps a little bit.

Personally find the changes, majority of which obviously cater to the Asian market, to be very interesting.

Don't have much interest in the Karaoke and Majong aspects but am looking forward to the new specialty restaurants as well as what appears to be a very diverse selection of food in Horizon Court area.

We will be travelling with a group on friends on the Rome/Shanghai leg and think that the itinerary is really outstanding. While we have visited quite a few of these ports in the past there are enough new ones to make it something to very much anticipate.

I think it will be interesting to see the make up of the crew and also to see what is offered in the way of entertainment. Can't wait.:)

Second the motion to stop at the Shrimp Station. Love that place!

From Hilo to Hapuna Beach is a good two hr drive each way. I know you said you don't drive when abroad but it would be far less expensive to rent a car for the day than to take a cab, even if you could find one for that ride.

Hapuna Beach is fine but there are a lot of great beaches you could visit throughout the Islands that would be as good or better and much easier to get to.

Princess will visit Nahwiliwili on Kauai and there is a very nice beach within a 10 minute walk. When you visit Maui you will tender ashore at Lahaina and from there you can easily get to the beach at K'anapali. Just something to think about.

I guess you missed scrolling to the bottom of this page for the roll-out schedule:

 

I guess I did otherwise I wouldn't have asked the question.

 

My mistake, thought this was a place to obtain information.

 

Thanks again to Colo Cruiser and Astro flyer

Now I know. Thanks guys.:)

We've been at the Winemaker's dinner on both Royal and Regal. Have to agree that it is a better value than the Chef's Table, although when we were at CT the meal was prepared and served by Chef Marzi and really was worthwhile.

On a B2B a year ago we went to Winemaker's Dinner on each leg. Really hoping the concept will extend to Majestic next year.

The Princess website has fair amount of information about this concept but I am curious to know if it has been rolled out fleet wide at this stage.

Specifically, does anyone know if it is available on Caribbean Princess. If so what is the protocol? Does your cruise card identify you as being eligible?

Any information would be helpful. Thanks

I can't see that it would impact traffic headed to West Maui.

Thanks! :)

 

It's sad that an independent website has an accurate deck plan but not the Princess website. :(

 

The Princess website info for the Majestic doesn't have the new video either & only an old video that appears to have been recorded on the Royal or Regal.

Love Princess but you sometimes shake your head as to how they do things.

That said, we're booked on the Rome to Shanghai and can't wait. Like most of the features of the Royal/Regal so looking forward to any new innovations.

Take a 20 minute fast ferry ride from the centre of Auckland across to Waiheke Island. Magnificent wineries and restaurants. Not to be missed.

100% in agreement. Just an excellent way to spend a day. Scenery is gorgeous and lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard is not to be missed.

It seems to me that you would be better off putting this question to your cruise line rather than relying on advice from this forum. It's their decision that matters.