Tak8

I did my first one in 2 years last month. Enjoy. It was great to be back on a ship.

Here is the final patter for my cruise. Time to soak in as much as possible for my last day.

I asked today and was told they are expecting 3000. I did the Cozumel Beach Break tour. Taxi took you to the resort and although ending time was listed as 330 taxis were available about every half hour after arrival. Taxis waited for at least 7 passengers before returning to the pier. A little rocky/shelly getting in, but nice once in the water.

I haven't seen the fold up ship plans on thus cruise. The Uptown Boys Billy Joel tribute was very good last night. Today is the last port Cozumel. I'm planning on my only ship excursion to a beach. Here is today's patter.

I'm finishing my second week on the Caribbean Princess now and had different cabin steward each week, but got turndown service without asking for it. Maybe each ship is handling it differently.

Spent some time today at the Mahagony Beach today. Short 10 minite walk to the beach. Fun area with some shops and a restaurant. I will try and find out about the total for next week. Here are the patters for tomorrow and another time change.

Had to set clock back an hour for Roatan today. Here is the patter.

Grand Cayman is happy to see cruise passengers again after being shut down for 2 years. I took a taxi to Public Beach on Seven Mile Beach. It is $6 one way. They fill up the taxi bus before departing. Fairly easy to get taxi back, but again you may have to wait for taxi bus to fill up.. Masks are required in Grand Cayman. I saw passengers being asked to leave stores and mask up before returning.

Patter just came for Grand Cayman, so here you go.

Relaxing day at sea. Pools were crowded but always able to find a chair. At least for the early show, you need to be in the theater by 720. Many have been standing room only. Bravo was tonight and many were lining the aisles. Tomorrow is Grand Cayman and a time change. Those are never fun on a ship.

The last I saw it was still 2 days. I did mine Thursday for the Saturday sailing. Walgreens was free for the NAAT test. The day I was in Ft. Lauderdale I saw many people standing around the Lab Doctor clinic. I had them as my back up in case something happened with Walgreens.

I've been on the Caribbean Princess three times previously and currently on week two. I didn't notice any changes. My guess just routine.

They were taking embarkation photos on deck 6 this afternoon. Not sure if they were doing them in other places. A couple of things different this cruise. I received an invite to the platinum and elite members reception for Wednesday evening. I didn't receive one last week. I also had a suite breakfast order form waiting on my bed. I didn't get any last week, but I also have a new cabin person this week. There has been discussions before about benefits of booking 2 7 day or 1 14 day. I booked a 1 14 day. I received a second mini bar set up. I also received another complimentary specialty restaurant dinner. Here is the patter for tomorrow.

No testing done. We met in Princess Theater about 915. We were escorted off about 945 and back on board about 1030. Customs didn't even look at passport, they had facial screening. One of the workers mentioned there were about 500 returning passengers.

I used it to board the Caribbean Princess last Saturday.

Waiting in Princess Theater for off and on. Here is today's Patter.

Yes, I did notice they were taking photos at the ports. I don't remember about embarkation. I haven't hear anything about COVID cases on the first week of this cruise. No enforced mask wearing. They encourage washing hands before going into the buffet and they have hand sanitizer throughout the ship. Buffet is self serve or small plates that you pick up. Staff hands you the plate and napkin with utensils. Staff are always wearing masks. Time to get ready to get off for a, fingers crossed, short time in the terminal.

A few observations as I wrap up week one. When I went ashore, I never saw a station to buy water bottles. Rarely did I see a towel bin, so I picked those items up the day before. Cabin was cleaned morning and evening, but getting ice was hit or miss. When I returned from the show last night, not one light was one. Even Motel 6 leaves a light on for you. Short on some items. I mentioned earlier that I picked 5 reds, 4 by the glass that were unavailable. Today I decided to try an ice cream sandwich at Cones and Coffee. I think they have 6 flavors. Only 1 flavor available today. Could be supply issues. These aren't meant as complaints. I'm happy to be on my first cruise since the pandemic started. I mention these to help folks adjust expectations if you haven't been sailing recently. I hear many complaining around the ship, but staff shortages and food supply issues are happening all over. Time to see show.

Before I hit the gym, here is the Day 7 patter.

Thanks. Are taxis easy to get back to the port?

Sorry, if I confused folks. Yes, dining room is open on sea days, closed on port days. I will blame my previous post on the Mojitos. Received paperwork about in transit last night. No discussion of testing before the second week.

How far is Coral Beach from the pier?

Liam announced at the Elton John tribute that this is his last cruise for a while.

Question answered first. On embarkation day, a dining room was open. None were open during sea days. Tonight is the second formal night. Grand Turk was nice. Lovely water and a little cooler than San Juan. $30 for 2 chairs and umbrella. Here are the patters for Amber Cove and Grand Turk.

Let me answer a couple of questions first. There is a free wine tasting for elite. Oddly it is on the last sea day. I say that because they usually use that to get you to the more upscale wine tasting. Speaking of wine, maybe I am just unlucky but 4 of the red wines 12 and under that I tried to order were unavailable. Last night I finally decided I'll order a bottle. Guess what, not available. There doesn't seem to be a special event just for elites. There is a Captains Circle party tonight at 715. First time in Amber Cove. I stayed at the pool area and had a good time. The music can get a little loud if you stay at the bar/restaurant area. Comedian did a second show last night. Here are the Patters for the first 4 days.