LIVE from the GRAND PRINCESS - FLL to Southampton 5/5/11

[HAL4ME]

Come back to Princess and find out. :D

 

couldn't pay me to come back to those floating tin cans and having to deal with the Puzzle Palace in Santa Clarita!...especially wouldn't think they would want me back either considering I have ongoing and pending litigation against them huh?...LOL!:D

[Pia1913]

Welcome to Monday morning in Dublin. Almost. We were originally scheduled to arrive at 8:00 and depart at 6:00, but it has all been changed to 10:00 and 8:00. We knew this before we left; something to do with the tide. The Queen was supposed to be here today, but I understand this has been changed to tomorrow. Nevertheless, the Patter says that due to the Queen’s presence, Trinity College and grounds as well as the Book of Kells will not be open to the public. They also changed the shuttle dropoff point whereas it’s only a short walk to the pedestrian area and is now 15 minutes away. Doesn’t make sense. In any event, this is our 4th time here; even stayed in Dublin for several days some years back. Inasmuch as we are very well acquainted with the city we have decided to stay aboard ship.

　

A bit of rushing this morning since a choir rehearsal has been scheduled for 9:00. We haven’t been told yet when we “go on”, but I’m expecting it to be very soon. On board today, as is the case on most port days, is a quiet schedule. Which translated, means nothing doing. OK by me. I want to mention the comic/ventriloquist from last night. Fantastic! He was so good that we thought about staying for the second show. However, after getting up at six and having a full day ashore, we opted for reading and sleeping instead.

　

Early this evening (5:00 PM) in the theater there will be a folkloric sjow Gaels Afloat; traditional Irish music and dance. The regular theater shows will be Jonathan Kane, as Sir Elton John. Vista is showing the movie The Company Man and MUTS is featuring The Green Hornet.

　

It looks like rain and the temp is supposed to reach a high of 54. Brrrrrrrrrr. It’s absolutely freezing right now. Or perhaps to me who walked across the deck wearing only workout clothes. ???? Someone told me it’s 48 degrees. Connection not happening, so I need to copy this and try again later if I hope to make a 9:00 AM rehearsal.

 

OK folks, live now at 11:15. Just got a signal. It is so windy; tried to walk off; came back. Not going to punish ourselves with cold and wind too.

 

Answers:

 

1. Alfredos always busy

 

2. Leaves - I've seen some having tea; mostly people sitting and reading

 

3. Treadmill - hahahaha......still hold on, but incline to 4

 

4. Irish TV? Hey, we just got CNN back this morning. And BBC. And ESPN. That's it that is live.

[bcnvcanada]

Hi, we did Butler coaches on the 6th of May. Our guide was great, from Cobh, we also were the first bus out and the first bus everywhere. Our group had from coaches from there service. They are wonderful and a great deal. Glad you enjoyed your day.

[Cymro1953]

Hi Pia,

Welcome to the British Isles and the start of the British summer. I hope you brought your winter coat :).

This Royal Visit to the Irish Republic is a historic event. It is the Queen's 1st visit there so i suppose they are being extra cautious with security.

I am just across the other side of the Irish Sea to you in North Wales about 40 miles from Holyhead.

Have a lovely day.

 

Berwyn

[brucedodge]

Hi Pia,

 

We're in Marsailles. Crossing has been very smooth, much to Gail's delight! Had dinner with Sammi last night, just the three of us. Just as fun as you'd expect.

 

Great having lunch with you and Mike in FLL before we left. :)

 

First time I've checked your "live" thread. Probably won't be back til we're at our daughter's in Rome, but have a great remaining part of the cruise.

 

Bruce

[Dorset Cruiser]

Hi Pia,

Welcome to the British Isles and the start of the British summer. I hope you brought your winter coat :).

This Royal Visit to the Irish Republic is a historic event. It is the Queen's 1st visit there so i suppose they are being extra cautious with security.

I am just across the other side of the Irish Sea to you in North Wales about 40 miles from Holyhead.

Have a lovely day.

 

Berwyn

 

 

 

Bomb alert in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace this morning - something to do with Irish extremists and the Queen's visit to Irish Republic so its good they are taking care with the security both here and over there.

 

Lovely day here in Dorset sunny and warm but with quite a keen little breeze every now and then - hope the weather lasts for you.

 

Pia - I always enjoy your 'live froms' and really envy you the number of cruises you pack in each year:D

[Cymro1953]

Bomb alert in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace this morning - something to do with Irish extremists and the Queen's visit to Irish Republic so its good they are taking care with the security both here and over there.

 

Lovely day here in Dorset sunny and warm but with quite a keen little breeze every now and then - hope the weather lasts for you.

 

Pia - I always enjoy your 'live froms' and really envy you the number of cruises you pack in each year:D

 

Sunny and warm? Come up here to N. Wales you'll get a shock. Brrrrr!! Dull, windy and scattered showers.:(

 

Berwyn

[IECalCruiser]

Answers:

 

1. Alfredos always busy

 

2. Leaves - I've seen some having tea; mostly people sitting and reading

Thanks for the response. Looks like Alfredos is a better use of the space on Plaza deck

[nerysj]

Hi Pia,

Welcome to the British Isles and the start of the British summer. I hope you brought your winter coat :).

This Royal Visit to the Irish Republic is a historic event. It is the Queen's 1st visit there so i suppose they are being extra cautious with security.

I am just across the other side of the Irish Sea to you in North Wales about 40 miles from Holyhead.

Have a lovely day.

 

Berwyn

 

Hi Pia......would love to know what you think of the ship generally? We were on her last year pre dry dock....and will be on her again next month.:)

 

Cymro1953..........Where in North Wales are you?!!:confused:

[jlaxelrod]

Pia,

 

Thanks for the great review. We are sailing on the Grand in December. We are traveling with a toddler and would love to know what family pool is now like. Does it still have a slide?

 

Thanks and enjoy your trip

[Pia1913]

Good Morning from Greenock, Scotland, where the weather has gotten colder. I don’t even want to know what it is, but the expected high for today is only 49. We had no internet capability last night, which is why you heard nothing from me. As of now, there is limited or no connectivity; I quote the message on the bottom of my screen. I will again copy and paste when I can.

　

Quick rundown of yesterday. The Gaelic show was wonderful.

Four very talented musicians on the keyboard, two electric guitars and a electric bagpipe which he pumped with his arm and played the notes with his fingers. This guy also played the flute. Also three young cloggers; 2 girls and a guy. The evening show with make believe Elton John was also good. I understand that this young man, Jonathan Kane is the only one actually endorsed by Elton himself. Had a little interlude in the casino afterwards. Eh.

　

Today in Greenock we are due to have a tour with Inverclyde Tourist Group, a local group who give free tours. I found them on the internet and booked them several months ago. Greenock is the port for Edinburgh (which I believe is 2 hours away), but since we’ve been there decided to see what the locals were offering. This is also the port for Glasgow which we have also been to; 45 minutes away.

　

Nothing doing on board during the day until 4:00 PM when there will be a folkloric show “The Music of Scotland.” Tonight in the theater is a comic, John Evans, in Vista, dance music only and MUTS is showing Reds (also at 1:00 PM in the theater).

　

The message now says we have a connection. We’ll see.

[Cymro1953]

Hi Pia......would love to know what you think of the ship generally? We were on her last year pre dry dock....and will be on her again next month.:)

 

Cymro1953..........Where in North Wales are you?!!:confused:

 

Bore Da Nerys,

I'm in Llandudno. And you?

 

We saw Jonathan Kane on a RCCL cruise 2 years ago and he was very good

 

Berwyn

[grandmaa]

Sounds like you are having a grand time on the "Grand Princess". We have enjoyed the local entertainment when on board. Adds a nice change to the usual. Sorry to hear your weather has not been ideal. Tell Gloria and Lew that we have rain today in sunny Southern

California..and it is cold here too. Enjoy the rest of your cruise..and thank you again for posting. And, by the way has One5 opened yet?

[iain48]

Grand Princess in Greenock today. Where the temperature has reached

12 C or 54F

[Pia1913]

What a nice ½ day and a free tour certainly made it worthwhile. I got off the ship as soon as we cleared, per instructions from my Inverclyde contact. She said to pick up tix asap and that’s what I did. We went back into the terminal about 9:00 and shopped a bit. Very nice selection of merchandise right there and Mike was ecstatic to find a collared polo (purple) to buy as well as a purple cap. Our city tour of Greenock left at 9:30; 30 passenger mini bus with a driver and two guides. Continuous narration by both, several scenic stops and then a city tour of riverside town of Gourock (a bit more upscale). My highlight; finding the Bank of Scotland to get some GBP from the ATM. Back to the ship at noon. These folks are all volunteers and are able to do it so long as we tip them for the expense of the coach and driver. Suggested is 5 GBP/pp which we were happy to do. I just hope everyone else did it too.

　

Clouds prevailed, but the weather did not feel as cold as yesterday since we had no wind or rain. On the ship however, we are freezing.

　

Just finished watching a very enjoyable show, the Music of Scotland. There was a pianist, an accordionist, a male singer, a female fiddler, 4 bagpipers and 3 dancers; one male and 2 females. Mike videoed the entire show, as he did yesterday in Dublin. What happens though, is we never watch it again. Actually he does when he edits, but I never do. We have a houseful of videos and photos which I am saving for old age when we can no longer traverse the world.

　

Meanwhile, I have just realized that we only have 4 more sleeps on the Grand. I always sleep better on a cruise ship than at home. See you tomorrow in Holyhead, Wales.

 

P.S. No, One5 has not opened. Will tell you if it does.

[Cymro1953]

Hi Pia,

Expect another cool day tomorrow in Holyhead, 55F max. Also starting wet and hopefully clearing up later. Breezy with winds 14knots from the West.

 

Don't expect much from Holyhead itself, it's basically a ferry port from U.K. to Ireland. The ferry terminal dominates the town.

 

I hope you get a chance to get out and see some of the lovely Welsh countryside and English Castles. That's if you can see anything through the rain and cloud :)

 

Berwyn

[Shogun]

Hi Pia

 

Thanks for posting. internet to slow on the Ruby, to follow you, the guys and girls in Greenock do a great job of welcoming cruise ships,

 

did you get a piper for the sail away

 

yours Shogun

[coops]

Pia,

Sorry to bug you again. Did you notice if they had any video poker machines? Have a wonderful time.

Dawn

[nerysj]

Bore Da Nerys,

I'm in Llandudno. And you?

 

We saw Jonathan Kane on a RCCL cruise 2 years ago and he was very good

 

Berwyn

 

Berwyn.....noswaith dda.....we are in Nefyn!!

 

Sound as if the Grand is in fine form (well...........apart from the internet connection it seems)??

 

Nerys:)

[Cymro1953]

Berwyn.....noswaith dda.....we are in Nefyn!!

 

Sound as if the Grand is in fine form (well...........apart from the internet connection it seems)??

 

Nerys:)

 

Noswaith dda Nerys, mae'r wraig, Delyth o Talysarn Dyffryn Nantlle,

 

Yes she looks to be in good form after the refit. Hopefully we can sail on her to the Norwegian Fiords next year.

 

Berwyn

[nerysj]

Noswaith dda Nerys, mae'r wraig, Delyth o Talysarn Dyffryn Nantlle,

Small world!

 

Yes she looks to be in good form after the refit. Hopefully we can sail on her to the Norwegian Fiords next year.

 

Berwyn

 

We are also looking at booking the Norwegian Fjords......subject to financing!

 

I wonder if anyone on the Grand has lost/gained appeal? Maybe Pia can tell us?

[bananavan]

Noswaith dda Nerys and Berwyn.

That is all I have. We left the valleys in 1957 so my Welsh is limited to "tea towel" Welsh.

We will be on the Caribbean next year for the British Isles tour followed by the Transatlantic. I am so looking forward to getting to Holyhead.

It is great following this trip. Pia is posting so much good information.

Evana

[Cymro1953]

We are also looking at booking the Norwegian Fjords......subject to financing!

 

I wonder if anyone on the Grand has lost/gained appeal? Maybe Pia can tell us?

 

Financing for next year is the problem here too. Especially with the government freezing salary (Staff Nurse N.H.S).

So we were thinking of booking last minute to get a cheaper price on her.

 

Berwyn

[nerysj]

Noswaith dda Nerys and Berwyn.

That is all I have. We left the valleys in 1957 so my Welsh is limited to "tea towel" Welsh.

 

You left the Valleys of South Wales for Florida???..........understandable!!! Your Welsh is impeccable.....thanks for your efforts. Nice touch.;)

 

 

We will be on the Caribbean next year for the British Isles tour followed by the Transatlantic. I am so looking forward to getting to Holyhead.

It is great following this trip. Pia is posting so much good information.

Evana

 

 

Holyhead, as stated is not much of a visit....port...and that's it.....but exploring further afield is recommended. I wonder what excursions are available? Portmeirion (Italianate village) Caernarfon Castle? Options are endless...and all are beautiful to see.

[bananavan]

We will be fortunate to be in the UK for a month prior to the cruise. That allows us to see all of the really good stuff at our leisure and bask in the beauty of the ports. :D

We did not leave the Valleys for Florida, that would have been too logical. My parents emmigrated to Canada so we could go from constant rain to winter blizzards. This was all to toughen me up in preparation for living in an area prone to Hurricanes. :)

I have to plan this year's vacation but come September I will be planning the touring part in earnest.

I do hope you get to the Norwegian fiords. We took the Baltic trip (with Pia) in 2008 and they were so incredibly beautiful.