LIVE from the Ocean Princess - 28 days from Rome to Singapore 10/15 - 11/12/2011

[Kiwi Kruzer]

They are heading across the Med towards Suez ....

 

[JMHAM1]

Loving travelling with you. <Sigh> it will be quite awhile before we are able to be off for that long. Too many kids here to take care of. I will just have to live through you! Keep it comin'!

[JWJs]

They are heading across the Med towards Suez ....

 

 

Thank you David!:):):)

[Love.II.Cruise]

WOW! This is amazing. Kudos to those posting maps and pictures from web cams! This is an amazing LIVE moment.

 

Pia - thank you so much for this LIVE thread. I just want to hear about your cruise. I'm also a lover of reading at sea. :o

[Pia1913]

Good Thursday morning and welcome to a busy day at sea. The Patter is chock full of information and things to do. Our day has begun with a visit to the gym; need to get that out of the way.

　

This morning there are two lectures scheduled. First is “Ancient Greece - Was it really the Cradle of Western Civilization or just a Copycat? “ The next one is “Suez Canal - History, Construction and Legacy.” Squooshed in between is the fabulous 3 hour only $10 sale. Ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh……I am sooooooooo excited! These are just the salient points of the morning, for there’s also a bridge lecture, arts and crafts, monopoly game, ballroom dancing, ping pong, another showing of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,“ tr,ivia a martini demonstration, and a fire opal seminar.

 

 

 

You can begin your afternoon at 12:00 with the movie “Source Code”, or perhaps a Pub Lunch in the Steakhouse, followed by a port lecture for Sharm el Sheik, Aqaba and Safaga. Or, you might want to play Outburst, bridge, goofy golf or poolside trivia. But, at 4:00 PM there will be a mandatory Anti Pirate Drill for all passengers. We have been advised that effective today, Ocean Princess will operate at a higher level of security and this heightened state of alert will remain in force until November 6th upon completion of our transit of: Red Sea, Strait of Bab Al Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Straits of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

 

　

The 4:00 PM drill is to make everyone familiar with what to do should a situation arise. The ship’s alarm will sound followed by the message “Code Sierra Papa” whereby we are to stay in our stateroom with the door open. A member of the ship’s company will take attendance and we can then close our doors and stay in our cabins until we get the all clear. In case of a real emergency we have specific instructions of what to do, mainly stay in your cabin, keep all drapes closed and either sit on a chair or on the floor. Evidentally there are many additional measures in place that they are not telling us about and that’s OK with me.

 

　

Something I’ve never seen before will be at 5:15 - 6:00; It’s a Small World. Seven different venues have been allocated for people to gather; 3 different places for folks from the USA (specific states have been listed), another place for French Canadians and another for all other Canadians; UK and Australia in the Casino Lounge, and all other countries in the Club Bar. The cruise staff will be on hand to encourage introduction and perhaps help you find someone who might be your neighbor. Interesting idea, though I doubt we will participate.

 

　

Tonight’s entertainment will be Thom Peterson a comedy magician. I somehow do not think we will attend, though strange things have been known to occur.

 

 

 

As always, thanks David for keeping the maps going.

 

 

I will leave you now; breakfast awaits, and check in again later.

[DonahCBrown]

Kusadasi – after our comedy of errors in Piraeus (and a good bit of being grateful not to have been there a day later!) we had a good tour in Kusadasi. We had opted not to do Ephesus, but rather to explore two of the small villages in the surrounding hills. The first was Sirence – also known as the Greek Village – which is a tourist destination both for foreign and Turkish visitors, most of whom come for weekends from Izmir which is about an hour away. There is an extensive bazaar for such a small place, and an ancient, now abandoned church that is in the process of being restore and is a museum of sorts. Our guide, Tijen Oral, has been in the tourism business in one way or another for around 15 years or so, gave us a good introduction to the history and culture of this area on our thirty minute or so drive in our very comfortable 16 passenger bus (for a group of 10) and answered all the questions quite candidly giving us a lot of insight into how people of her generation viewed the government, religion, economics and so on. We also learned how to say hello and thank you in Turkish - she gave us easy to remember phrases - tea and sugar at your room said very fast and slurred is the thank you phrase and the other is my dog is lost - also fast and slurred - I may have the meaning for them backwards though - Pia will remember which is which, I'm sure....

 

The second village we visited (K something - will look up and post at some point) was quite a contrast being essentially an agricultural village with almost no tourism. In our conversation with Tijen, she told us that she and her ex had owned a small (11 room) hotel in the town for a couple of years and she clearly had many friends there still. We visited the local mosque, walked through the streets and she described the routine of village daily life to us. It was clear that this village was much more traditional than Sirence. The coffee houses and cafes were populated solely by the men, the few women we saw were close to their homes and open courtyards and they were in very traditional garb (a sort of loose fitting trouserish pant, blouse and sometimes head coverings) as well, in contrast to the women in the shops at Sirence who were in western style slacks or jeans for the most part. We stopped at a local café and met some other friends of Tijen and saw the kitchen, observed some of the food preparation and Tijen explained that the farmers in this area had adopted organic farming practices and what the governmental regulations were governing this in Turkey.

 

We then headed back to Kusadasi and had enough time after a quick on board lunch, to hit the grand bazaar for a few minutes and make some purchases. Since my dress watch had died, I got a ‘genuine fake’ Rolex for about 1/3 of what the asking price was (DH did the bargaining – I’m really lousy at that…) and it is still running, so I guess we did okay.

 

We enjoyed the Walking Miracles (in house entertainers) duets show, and then got the news about the pirate alert and today’s drill. Must admit it was a little disconcerting even though we had heard basically the same thing from Paul’s live in the spring going the in opposite direction. I still think of pirates as sort be being the ‘aargh’ and/or Johnny Depp type but this suddenly made it not so funny and a little scary. I’m sure we’ll be just fine, and it is good to know that Princess takes the whole thing seriously and is keeping us prepared as well.

 

This am, for those who have been asking about sea days and the gym, it wasn’t bad until around 7:40 or so when it began to fill up. We got there just at opening time and were the only ones in the place for at least 15 or 20 minutes. The stretch class had a few more attendees than the last sea day which was the very rough one. I think there were two that day and today there were at least five people, I think.

 

Weather is beginning to warm up and will only get warmer from here on out I expect. Today is just gorgeous. Need to get off to the enrichment lecture now. It looks like we will have a good series with both lecturers – they are both interesting and good speakers

[chamima]

Good Thursday morning and welcome to a busy day at sea. The Patter is chock full of information and things to do. Our day has begun with a visit to the gym; need to get that out of the way.

　

This morning there are two lectures scheduled. First is “Ancient Greece - Was it really the Cradle of Western Civilization or just a Copycat? “ The next one is “Suez Canal - History, Construction and Legacy.” Squooshed in between is the fabulous 3 hour only $10 sale. Ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh……I am sooooooooo excited! These are just the salient points of the morning, for there’s also a bridge lecture, arts and crafts, monopoly game, ballroom dancing, ping pong, another showing of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,“ tr,ivia a martini demonstration, and a fire opal seminar.

 

 

 

You can begin your afternoon at 12:00 with the movie “Source Code”, or perhaps a Pub Lunch in the Steakhouse, followed by a port lecture for Sharm el Sheik, Aqaba and Safaga. Or, you might want to play Outburst, bridge, goofy golf or poolside trivia. But, at 4:00 PM there will be a mandatory Anti Pirate Drill for all passengers. We have been advised that effective today, Ocean Princess will operate at a higher level of security and this heightened state of alert will remain in force until November 6th upon completion of our transit of: Red Sea, Strait of Bab Al Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Straits of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

 

　

The 4:00 PM drill is to make everyone familiar with what to do should a situation arise. The ship’s alarm will sound followed by the message “Code Sierra Papa” whereby we are to stay in our stateroom with the door open. A member of the ship’s company will take attendance and we can then close our doors and stay in our cabins until we get the all clear. In case of a real emergency we have specific instructions of what to do, mainly stay in your cabin, keep all drapes closed and either sit on a chair or on the floor. Evidentally there are many additional measures in place that they are not telling us about and that’s OK with me.

 

　

Something I’ve never seen before will be at 5:15 - 6:00; It’s a Small World. Seven different venues have been allocated for people to gather; 3 different places for folks from the USA (specific states have been listed), another place for French Canadians and another for all other Canadians; UK and Australia in the Casino Lounge, and all other countries in the Club Bar. The cruise staff will be on hand to encourage introduction and perhaps help you find someone who might be your neighbor. Interesting idea, though I doubt we will participate.

　

Tonight’s entertainment will be Thom Peterson a comedy magician. I somehow do not think we will attend, though strange things have been known to occur.

 

 

 

As always, thanks David for keeping the maps going.

 

 

I will leave you now; breakfast awaits, and check in again later.

 

 

 

 

It's a Small World is a really creative idea! Peter was our CD on the Royal last year and it sounds like, between this and the other Cabin Door Meet and Greet, he's really gotten inventive!

[Orangefan]

Sounds like you are off to a great start for your cruise. I am glad Princess has done so much planning ahead with the anti-pirate planning and drill. More info of the process the more prepared everyone is for something we all hope we will never experience. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

Sali

[cnd crsr]

On the Royal (Bangkok to Cape Town) cruise in 2004, there was "Small World" event. It was well attended. We enjoyed it.

[Pia1913]

Good afternoon, and it is good. Sunny and warm; should be in low 70’s. Seas are smooth and tomorrow’s weather is expected to be the same. I can handle that.

 

　

Someone asked about Revolution tea and I said there wasn’t any. That was correct. What has taken the place of Revolution is Mighty Leaf. Not being a tea drinker I wouldn’t know the difference. Also, the brewed coffee. Must comment on that. I haven’t had any from the Club Bar, but what is being brewed up in Panorama is excellent. I buy an Americano occasionally and I believe that’s what they’re making as their fresh brewed.

 

　

We lost at trivia this morning, and that was for not knowing a first name. We tied and tied and tied. Fourth tiebreaker lost because we didn’t know the guy’s first name. Alex Trebek always says just use the last name, but this time it didn’t work. :( We played switch at noon, since Donna and my husband went for the Pub Lunch and Dennis and I went to the buffet. I wonder whether the tongues will wag. ;)

 

　

It is now 4:20 PM and the pirate drill has been completed. At exactly 4, a 10 second alarm sounded and the captain made an announcement that all should return to their cabins. They informed us that boats had been sighted (we were advised this was a simulation) and were coming close to the ship. It was announced that all stewards check their respective cabins to confirm that all inhabitants had been accounted for and immediately report to the bridge when this was done. We were told to draw our shades and sit on a chair or on the floor. Orders were given to “special crews” to charge the water hoses, presumably to ward off the aforementioned small boats.

 

Nothing else to report for today, so we will just continue having fun. It's now wine time.

[mississauga]

Good to hear that the ship is preparing you in the "event " of pirates.:)

[james j feller]

Aaarrrgggg,

 

jim

[ssbeagle]

Good Thursday morning and welcome to a busy day at sea. The Patter is chock full of information and things to do. Our day has begun with a visit to the gym; need to get that out of the way.

　

You can begin your afternoon at 12:00 with the movie “Source Code”, or perhaps a Pub Lunch in the Steakhouse, followed by a port lecture for Sharm el Sheik, Aqaba and Safaga. Or, you might want to play Outburst, bridge, goofy golf or poolside trivia. But, at 4:00 PM there will be a mandatory Anti Pirate Drill for all passengers. We have been advised that effective today, Ocean Princess will operate at a higher level of security and this heightened state of alert will remain in force until November 6th upon completion of our transit of: Red Sea, Strait of Bab Al Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Straits of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

 

　

The 4:00 PM drill is to make everyone familiar with what to do should a situation arise. The ship’s alarm will sound followed by the message “Code Sierra Papa” whereby we are to stay in our stateroom with the door open. A member of the ship’s company will take attendance and we can then close our doors and stay in our cabins until we get the all clear. In case of a real emergency we have specific instructions of what to do, mainly stay in your cabin, keep all drapes closed and either sit on a chair or on the floor. Evidentally there are many additional measures in place that they are not telling us about and that’s OK with me.

 

　

Something I’ve never seen before will be at 5:15 - 6:00; It’s a Small World. Seven different venues have been allocated for people to gather; 3 different places for folks from the USA (specific states have been listed), another place for French Canadians and another for all other Canadians; UK and Australia in the Casino Lounge, and all other countries in the Club Bar. The cruise staff will be on hand to encourage introduction and perhaps help you find someone who might be your neighbor. Interesting idea, though I doubt we will participate.

 

I will leave you now; breakfast awaits, and check in again later.

 

You are heading into pirate infested waters now. I wonder if we will have that on our cruise because of the problems they have had off of Libya and other nearby areas. I've never been in a pirate drill before.

[Pia1913]

You are heading into pirate infested waters now. I wonder if we will have that on our cruise because of the problems they have had off of Libya and other nearby areas. I've never been in a pirate drill before.

 

There's a first time for everything. :)

[Sandpiper13]

　

It is now 4:20 PM and the pirate drill has been completed. At exactly 4, a 10 second alarm sounded and the captain made an announcement that all should return to their cabins. They informed us that boats had been sighted (we were advised this was a simulation) and were coming close to the ship. It was announced that all stewards check their respective cabins to confirm that all inhabitants had been accounted for and immediately report to the bridge when this was done. We were told to draw our shades and sit on a chair or on the floor. Orders were given to “special crews” to charge the water hoses, presumably to ward off the aforementioned small boats.

 

time.

 

Pia - Any idea as to why you are to sit on a chair or on the floor versus the bed or sofa?

 

Gloria

[kruisey]

For your great reports.:)

I doubt you will see Johnny Depp because his Pirate Ship is always in the Caribbean;)

i leave for UK on Sunday so If my sisters laptop is not playing up will follow you both on that.....Heather:)

[GweninTX]

Thank you for all the info! I am enjoying all your posts!

[caribill]

　

It is now 4:20 PM and the pirate drill has been completed. At exactly 4, a 10 second alarm sounded and the captain made an announcement that all should return to their cabins. They informed us that boats had been sighted (we were advised this was a simulation) and were coming close to the ship. It was announced that all stewards check their respective cabins to confirm that all inhabitants had been accounted for and immediately report to the bridge when this was done. We were told to draw our shades and sit on a chair or on the floor. Orders were given to “special crews” to charge the water hoses, presumably to ward off the aforementioned small boats.

 

Pictures are below

[DonahCBrown]

Pia - Any idea as to why you are to sit on a chair or on the floor versus the bed or sofa?

 

Gloria

 

I wondered about that too Gloria - we don't actually HAVE a chair - a sofa, yes, and a stool, but no chair. I think the sofa may be too close to the window, which you are supposed to keep well away from, and the other thing is that they said that in the event of a real (as opposed to a drill) pirate attack the ship would be moving at full speed and taking evasive action as well, creating a lot of movement. The idea of sitting on the floor in that event would keep you from falling. That's all I can think of, anyway.

[DonahCBrown]

Entertainment last night was pretty sparse with the featured act a comedy magician - not my favorite kind of act. Karaoke in the Casino Lounge was SRO, so I'm guessing I'm not alone in this. After getting just a wee bit ahead of the slots, I was headed up to spend some time with my book, and guess who I saw getting dragged to the microphone for a rendition of Puff the Magic Dragon?? :D

[Kiwi Kruzer]

They are now cruising through the Suez Canal

 

[Kiwi Kruzer]

[Pia1913]

Good Morning, it’s Friday and the sun is shining. Outside temp is probably in the high 60’s and going up. We are expecting 80’s in Egypt tomorrow and perhaps even today. Seas are calm and smooth as we now sail through the canal. Nothing but desert on both sides, but at 6:30 there was a city outside our window.

 

　

Most of you already know that in this area we travel in a convoy; both on land and by sea. We embarked the Suez pilot while still dark following a southerly course. Later this morning we will meet the Northbound convoy in the Great Bitter Lake until exiting the Suez Canal around 5:00 PM towards tomorrow’s port of call - Sharm El Sheik. Our passports, which we relinquished at checkin in Rome, will be returned to us today. They will be stamped and we need to carry them with us while in Egypt. They will again be collected upon return to the ship and given back to us for our next Egyptian port on Monday. In between we’ll be in Jordan and our passports will be stamped, but we need not carry them while ashore.

 

　

Last night we elected not to see the magician, but we did take part in a bit of early karaoke. We, means me. Must be all the wine I had that loosened the inhibitions. Afterwards a visit to a slot machine made me a quick $10. I ran like a thief.

 

　

Other than a live Suez Canal Transit Commentary beginning at 1:45, the lectures today will be - “Ancient Egypt; From Scorpion King to Pyramids” and “Tropical Reefs and Underwater Paradises” of our current locations. This area is supposedly world renowned for SCUBA diving and snorkeling. There will also be the very old movie “Death on the Nile” with Bette Davis shown at 3:30 PM.

　

 

Conflicting with morning trivia will be the first Princess Pop Choir meeting. I may just sign up if possible and then see whether or not I can actually be part of it. I know from past experience that nothing will happen on the first day, which is basically just an informational meet and greet.

　

 

Tonight’s entertainment is featuring Paul Baker again and since Donna said he was very good we will most likely attend. We have also been advised that Game 2 of the World Series will be shown at 1:05 AM (actually tomorrow). I love baseball, but there is no way I can stay up to watch it.

 

 

As for sitting on a chair, I have one, though it seems Donna does not. Will have to check with her shortly. Bye for now. I'm up in Panorama writing this, gym requisite is complete and now it's time for breakfast.

[icat2000]

Pia - I be interested to see how Eygpt is for you. I do a three land tour there in December.

[DonahCBrown]

Currently in transit in the Canal just now entering the the Great Bitter Lake. As we will anchor here for a while, will go to the lecture on Ancient Egypt. Northbound convoy will now pass us, then we get to go along. So far, much greener than I had expected, much more built up and much more military presence than, for no good reason at all, I had anticipated. Everyone along the banks and in the the little fishing boats (and the soldiers as well) has seemed very friendly, whistling and waving, and on at least one occasion, thanking us, presumably for being here and supporting the tourism industry and/or the canal.