Live from the Golden

[qm2lover]

Fantastic report. Thank you very much for all the information.

 

Cannot wait for our first venture on to a Princess ship.

[Kevin1]

Sorry that this is coming in bits and pieces, I just can't find the time to do it all at once.

 

The next port was Greenock. Rolf and I were in Scotland two years ago and spent time in the Loch Lomand region witch is defitely worth seeing. We did not want to go again so we enquired about the Inverclyde Tourist Board that I had read about on the boards. They offered three tours of the Inverclyde local area. We signed up for all three. The first started at 9.15am going to Newark Castle and the Port Glasgow area. Newark castle is a real "hands on" castle. After an info talk about the history of the place you could explore it on your own. There are signs telling you what the room was for with all kinds of little details. There is little to no furniture so if you are looking for fancy furnishings, go to one of the two castle tours offered by the ship. There were at Newark Castle however, lots of tidbits that let you know how life really was back then. This was definely the best of the three tours. The second tour we took with them was of Greenock. there is a lookout point above the city with a great view. We went to city hall witch was very impressive but most impressive was that we met the city provost (mayor)!!! He is a very personably guy, talked to us for about 15 minutes about the city. We were given a booklet about the city with a leather bookmark as a remembrance. The third tour was the city of Gourock. The guide pointed out a haunted hause, told us about the terrible storms etc... we went by a lighthouse but it was raining so we did not get out of the bus. We went by an estate but could not get close to the house. It was nice and interesting but the first two were defitely better. One note about the group: the tours are FREE!!! the guides are all retired/semi-retired townspeople who do this because they love the area, they are not paid. At the end of each tour they will ask for a donation to help keep the group going. They are not pushy about it, I think everyone onboard donated, these people are worth it!!

 

We had a sea day next and we needed it! Being on vacation can be exhausting ;) We went to the economics lectures, I went for computer classes and we played bingo. At the formal nights dinner, my waiter brought me 3 lobster tails, he said that they looked to be a bit small so he had them put an extra on. The desserts are wonderful. I especially love the souffles in any form they offered. Be sure to try at least one.

 

The next day we were in Kirkwall. There were no problems tendering in. We had booked the private tour with the Orkney and Shetland Touring Co. with Helen Snookes. There were 11 of us in a van. We got to see all the highlights. We left the group at the cathedral in Kirkwall and walked down to the dock area through a beautiful shop lined street. Very nice. That evening the CD had a cruise critic party for us in the Wheelhouse Bar. There was a great turnout! I did not know there were that many of us onboard! There was an open bar, canapes and a gift certificate for a travel bag. The ship photographer took a picture of the group on the stairs in the Atrium. The CD, Richard Joseph did a great job with it, the party couldn't have been better.

 

South Queensferry was next. We planned to do it on our own. When we reached port, a fellow cruise critic called over that she had room in her taxi for us so we joined them and got to Edinburgh Castle for 10GBP. Tip: have the taxi bring you to the castle first. After your visit, work your way down the royal mile downhill. We went into Gladstones Land, a house kept in the style of yesteryear. We had a nice lunch in "The Filling Station" restaurant on the Royal mile. We did the Mary King's Close tour (opposite St Giles Cathedral) after that. It was late afternoon by then so we got a taxi back to S. Queensferry for 20 GBP (18 + tip). There is a pub across the street at the tender pier. We went in to have a pint to round up the day. It was a good one!

 

The final sea day was similar to the others except for the fact that we had to pack. Dembarkation went smoothly. Our flight didn't go out until 4:35 pm so we had a gentelman from Allstar Travel do a day tour with us. We went to The New Forest area, Salisbury, Stonehenge and to Winchester before we were dropped off at the airport. They have a website if anyone is interested, it cost 150 GBP for the day for the two of us. Really great, I reccomend them.

 

That's (finally)the end of my report. I got so much info from the boards that helped me, I hope that I was able to in return, help any of you. I will try to answer an questions (I haven't read the thread since returning).

Happy Cruising!!!

 

Excellent report, to all onboard please keep the info. coming, roll on August 10th.

[cinnamon]

Hobein,

Thanks so much for the excellent report. We are sailing on 1st July.

Cinnamon

[kaleighsgram]

Thanks for the report. As does everybody, I use every tidbit of info to make decisions for our July 1 sailing. Thanks for taking the time.

 

Pat

[kguth125]

We have just got back from a fantastic 14 days in the British Isles! My group was on the Belfast and Kirkwall tours with Hobein and we completely agree with her summary. Highlights of our trip are listed below:

 

Day 1 & 2 (precruise) in London. We had transfers from Gatwick with LONDON AIRPORT & HOTEL TRANSFERS http://www.airporttransfers.biz/. They got us into London, then transfered us from London to the ship, and were waiting on us when the cruise was over. The transfer to the ship included a stop at Stonehenge that was great fun. I give Malcom, the owner, my highest marks for great service! In London, we stayed at The Dolphin Square Hotel. Booked three rooms for two nights thru Priceline for an incredible price. I use Priceline a lot and consider this to be one of the best deals I have ever gotten. We saw the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, extensively used the hop on/off bus, and saw the play Guys & Dolls. If your around Westminister Abbey around lunch time, try the cafe in the basement of The Methodist Church. It is across the street from W.A. and has very good food that is resonably priced (cash only).

 

Day 3 embarkation: A little slow, but the excitment of getting on this beautiful ship help pass the time. We had three rooms together, C701/C703/C705. Oscar our room attendent quickly opened the door between our balconies making one giant balcony.

 

Day 4 sea day: We spent a relaxing day enjoying the ship. I give high marks to the lap pool. It was fun swimming against the current. We had PC dinning and consistently had good service throughout the cruise.

 

Day 5 Dublin: Just like Hobein, my family did the on/off bus and had a great time. I took the train north of town and played golf at The Island Golf Club. What a great experience. Not only did I end up getting a free taxi ride from the train station to the course, I met a couple from Philly (Dennis & Liv) who gave me a ride back to Dublin after we played. This is a great golf course and would be glad to provide more details if any one is interested.

 

 

 

Day 6 Holyhead: We did the tour with Busybus and Fred. My family enjoyed the pace of the tour and would recommend this tour. Boy what a mess when all the buses showed up at the same time. The ship left about 1 hour late due to the wait on tenders.

 

Day 7 Belfast: Just like Hobein, we were on the Mini Coach tour and her description is right on the money. I was one of the folks who wanted to go to Bushmill's Distillery and am glad we did. We also went with the group that "quickly" toured Belfast. Very interesting. I'm glad we stuck with the group.

 

To be continued after some much need sleep!

 

 

KG in Tennessee

[blackegg]

Hello fellow Goldeners:

 

My wife and I just returned from the June 1 and June 11 sailings of the Golden Princess. What a wonderful experience the back to back sailings offered. Overall, I would rate our experience very highly. The food, service, ports, activities were all excellent. Nit pickers will always find something but that is not the purpose of a cruise. We look forward to our next Princess cruise!

 

Bob from the 6/1 sailing and Hobein and Ken from the 6/11 can give you the details. Our B2B experience proved to be a wise choice. How relaxing it was to begin the second cruise already rested and refreshed. Sure, repeated menus and activites were common on the second cruise, but this allowed us to choose exactly what we wanted to do/eat and what not to do/eat. We could bypass shows and relax some more doing what we wanted. All 12 ports on both cruises added plenty of variety. The Saturday changeover day was a great day to explore those suites you wouldn't see otherwise. The Grand Suite is grand!

 

I also echo the many excellent comments about Richard Joseph, the cruise director. He is an amazing man that loves cruising and the passengers he serves. You have all read how he royally treated the Cruise Critic groups on each of our cruises. He is happy to do so, and, after talking with him, I would suggest the best way to work with Rich for future Cruise Critic gatherings.

 

The best way to have CC gatherings on the Golden is to be organized as a group before you ever board the ship. One or two persons on each specific cruise thread could organize the welcome time and meeting places on the ship. It is very important to get a list of cabin numbers beforehand to be able to call each other when onboard. Shortly after boarding the ship, the CC "group leader" should personally meet with Rich to discuss the CC groups' plans.

 

I once suggested e-mailing Rich beforehand, but he is not really able to field all the myriad of questions that may be posed to him. He works about 18 hours a day! I am sure you will find when you meet him to be a sincere, generous man willing to do all he can to maximize your cruise experience. His "Cruise Ships - where are they now?" seminar is a MUST-DO! Usually on the second seaday at 10:30 am.

 

When you meet him, tell him Jim - the "Reverend" says hello!

 

I would be happy to answer any particular questions if I can help. Please e-mail me at <knies@dravanet.hu>

 

Happy sailing,

 

 

Jim

Blackegg

[fsdorado]

We saw the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, extensively used the hop on/off bus, and saw the play Guys & Dolls.

KG in Tennessee

 

Can you please share how you were able to get tickets to Guys and Dolls?

Did you go through an agency? How was it? Thanks!

[halj]

Kevin1 we have a roll call going on the Roll Call threads for the August 10 sailing of the Golden.:cool: Join us.

[kguth125]

Can you please share how you were able to get tickets to Guys and Dolls?

Did you go through an agency? How was it? Thanks!

 

fsdorado,

 

We used Ticketmaster's U.K. site to get our tickets. My group throughly enjoyed the show. Ewan McGregor and Jane Krakowski are great! The theater is located in close proximity to the Piccadilly Circus tube stop. Very easy to get to.

 

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/

 

 

KG in Tennessee

[kguth125]

It is amazing what a night's sleep can do for a person. Sorry for the length of this post and any misspelling. Continuing where I left off:

 

Day 8 Greenock: We booked a tour with Gordon Ross who is Great Scot Tours. http://www.greatscot-tours.com I can't begin to say enough good things about Gordon. We were greeted by him wearing a kilt and with a wonderful smile. He is an expert on Scottish Whiskey, knew all the local tribe stories, loves golf, and sings in a Celtic Band (we loved the song about the cat and mouse). Our group, ages 14 to 74, all agreed that our time with him was the best part of the trip. Based on information I had seen regarding a tour Gordon did for another Cruise Critic poster, we had arranged for Gordon to tour us through the Lock Lomand region and on to The Isle of Bute to tour Mount Stuart. http://www.mountstuart.com/ Mount Stuart was outstanding (http://www.mountstuart.com/)!!! One of the most beautiful houses and gardens I have seen anywhere, and one room in particular left us speachless!!! The tour he arranged was a "complete" tour. When they began taking down the ropes to allow us entry into otherwise restricted areas, we realized this was going to be a special tour. It was completed with tea for our group in a private room with Gordon and our Mount Stuart guide. As we rode the ferry back from The Isle of Bute, Gordon asked me the question I as an avid golfer will never forget - "Will you be interested in visiting St. Andrews and The Old Course" during our Edinburgh tour three days later! More on that later. Again, our entire group (especially my in-laws), can't begin to say enough good things about this fine gentleman!

 

Day 9 Sea Day: A much needed day of rest on a wonderful ship. As mentioned before, I loved the swim against the current pool. The hightlight of the day for me was booking The Golden Princess for the European Explorer cruise depart June 27, 2006.

 

Day 10 Kirkwall: As mentioned by Hobein, my family did the tour with Helen and enjoyed it. The then spent time wondering about in Kirkwall. The Orkney ice cream is excellant. I had arranged to play golf with two fellow Cruise Critics at Orkney Golf Club about 1 mile from where we tendered. After a short taxi ride with the oldest taxi driver in the Orkney Islands (86), we were treated light royality at this delightful little course with a wonderful view of the city and The Golden Princess. Many thanks to George Young who runs the pub above the course for treating us so well. We spent almost two hours talking with him after our round. What a blast!

 

Day 11 Edinburgh: Gordon picked us up and off we went to St. Andrews. We parked by the Old Hotel and were treated to a walk on the fairways of The Old Course. Walking up #18 is something I will never forget. I managed to get a few divots home and they are looking quite nice. We then walked on the beach where Chariots of Fire was filmed and followed that up with coffee in the St Andrews clubhouse. Great Coffee! We were then off to Edinburgh for a tour led by Gordon of Edinburgh Castle. It is amazing how many people that he knows. Afterwards, we shopped on The Royal Mile and did some additional sight seeing on the way back to the ship. Again, I can't say enough good things about Gordon!

 

Day 12 Final sea day: Another great day that unfortunately included packing for our departure.

 

Day 13 Debarkation: Very smooth. We were met by our driver and enjoyed a ride through the country side to London for a day of sightseeing. Our day included The Churchhill War Rooms, The London Eye, and a cruise on The River Thames. Based on recommendations I had prevously seen, we found a Pret A Manger for sandwiches and went to a near by park to have lunch as a Londoner would. What Fun!

 

Day 14 Home we go! Excellent service on our Delta flights home. Amazing the difference between domestic and international service.

 

 

As one might guess, we completely enjoyed our trip. Please let me know if anyone has any questions.

 

 

KG in Tennessee

[Logie]

Hi

 

I promise I will try to post some of my thoughts this weekend. Thankfully after barely sleeping the whole cruise I am right back on schedule back home and am slowly sobering up.

 

It was nice to meet Kathleen, Jim the rest of the crew at the CC party....did anyone see the group picture? I looked for it and never found it.

 

I tried to keep a journal but it only lasted a few days :( oops!!!

 

The cruise was a blast, the seas calm everyday, the weather was warmer the more north we went!! Go figure!!! :)

 

More this weekend!!!

[miken]

Any other suggestions, positive or negative re the British Isles tour??

 

Anyone got experience of the cabins at the very back of the ship. Two of our friends have cabins looking at the wake, should be nice, unlesss you know different.

[britsbest]

Any other suggestions, positive or negative re the British Isles tour??

 

Anyone got experience of the cabins at the very back of the ship. Two of our friends have cabins looking at the wake, should be nice, unlesss you know different.

 

We were next to the stern staterooms on GP. They are a helluva long walk to any where but.......no one walks past at night so they are quiet.

 

Bob

[Logie]

Hi

 

This cruise was a lot of fun. It was different, but again a lot of fun.

 

We flew out of LAS through LAX Thursday night June 9th. All of our flights were on time and smooth. We arrived at Heathrow and a bit of a walk to Customs were we waited another 15 minutes. But after that our luggage was already waiting for us. They some good deals on champagne in the shop so I picked up a twin pack of Moet for under $70 us.

 

We took a taxi to the Thistle Charing Cross Strand and it cost 47.29 gbp plus we tipped 10 and you could tell driver was appreciative. I bid for the hotel on Princeline and with taxes it was $126. Well wort it. I bid Mayfair for 90, added South bank for 95, and added Westminster for $100. This hotel was within walking distance to theatres and Picadilly Circus etc. Hotel was clean and somewhat spacious. Interesting I was sharing a room with a girlfriend and there "double" consisted of 2 twins, but pushed together but had separate sheets and blankets. It was kind of funny. My sister and my friends Jana and Greg also bid and got the same hotel and theirs was $5.00 cheaper.

[Logie]

The next morning the 5 of us hired a driver to the ship. cheryl@bcfinch.freeserve.co.uk . They arrived early for our 10:30 departure to the ship. The cost was 120 gbp plus a tip. It took us and hour and fifty minutes to get to the ship. We arrived at 12:20 and walked right on the ship. THERE WAS NO WAIT AT ALL FOR EMBARCATION!!! :) The weather was partly sunny and somewhat warm!!

 

Unpacked, changed and went to the Wheelhouse bar for the get together. A very nice group of people. As I had mentioned there were a lot of famous artitists on this cruise so we went to meet them at the party in "Art Alley" as I referred to it the entire trip.

 

Since I was just on the ship a few weeks ago I already knew what waiter I wanted. He was in deck 6 last time but in deck 5 this time. His name is Nelson and he is the best. He is friendly, efficient, fun but not overbearing, and not intrusive. We offered him champagne two nigths and he was so grateful. In addition we gave him extra cash tips. There were a few nights were his station was full when we arrived and he took us on as an extra table and still received the same excellent service. I have been on many cruises and this guy has it down!!!

 

Off to the casino to make my contribution and call it a night!! Well a few hours later I woke up and this started for a horrible pattern of very little sleep for the entire 10 nights. Not good consiering the amount of alcohol I consumed!! Made for a few rough mornings!! I kept thinking I would adapt to the time zone :( Never happened the whole trip!!

 

Next was a sea day, lounged around had some lunch went to the art auction, bought a Bill Mack, went to the wine tasting, took a break then down to "Art Alley" for drinks, went to dinner and called it an early night around 12 or so.

[Logie]

Dublin Today was Dublin. Before I left I booked tickets on the Guinness web site for the tour. It was $16 a piece. We took the Princess bus $4.00 each way to the drop off point, by the college. From there we puchased for 11 euros a hop on hop off pass which is how we got to the Guinness warehouse. It took a while but we were able to take in some of the sights along the way.

 

It was a self guided tour, with the highlight going to floor 7 receiving a free pint of Guinness (the best ever) :) and a view of the entire city. It was worth it right there to go. Went and puchased some souveniers and caught the bus again and got off at stop 19, which is by temple square. We found the Hard Rock hotel, shopping, Molly Malone statue and just walked around.

 

We stopped and had a pint and a bowl Irish stew at a pub called Duke's I did a few shops and headed back to the ship around 5:30. The weather was ok but cold and windy at times so I had enough. Besides that I left my credit card on the ship so could not buy much, probably a good thing. Last bus is 9:30, but contrary to what I read there are taxi's that will take you to the ship later.

[Logie]

Holyhead

 

This was a tender port and no problems getting in. Again I never once felt the ship move the entire trip. We booked through Princess the Beaumaris castle tour which did not depart until 1:15, that was early enough for me. There is absolutely nothing to do in the port, book a tour!!!!

 

We had a great driver who was just hired for the day and he gave us a guided tour with some history of the castle, which was an added bonus. The castle was not a big as Endinburgh but it was interesting. We had time to wander around town a bit and then caught the bus back. They have a decent wine shop in the small town and I purchased to decent Australian wines for about 8 gbp. Like Kathleen had mentioned there was a very long wait for the tender back. It was another cool and windy day especially waiting for the tender.

 

I don't do shows so did my basic night time activity of "Art Alley" dinner, deck 7 bar or casino. Tonight I made a gigantic mistake and stayed out until 3:00 a.m. drinking martini's. Oooops!! I could help it they just kept coming. The night was a lot fun. Our bartender Cue finally had to shoo us away.

 

Darn it I had to get up at 7:00 for the Belfast tour

[halj]

We are tryiong to plan our CC get together for the 8/11 sailing. One suggestion was at sailaway and another was after the lifeboat muster. When did you guys have the life boat drill:confused: Where did you guys have your get-together:cool:

[Logie]

Belfast

 

Today was our tour with mini coach which was pretty much summed up from the others. The ship arrived late and then we could not find the bus right away so we were a bit delayed. For $41 dollars this was the best by far value for the money. Lunch was extra.

 

After not getting to bed until after 3:00 as soon as the bus started to move I thought to myself maybe I should have stayed back like Jana and Greg did. They were also out with us late the night before, so they just skipped the tour. I banged on their door and phoned but no answer!

 

The bus ride was very very long long! When we arrived at the bridge site it was raining and cool. Imagin that!! :) Anyhow I sucked it up and climbed down the 4,000 steps to the bridge. I went up a bit higher then on the other side and was able to take pictures of my sister and my freind crossing the bridge. It was beautiful with the fog and all and I thought the bridge was much larget than what it actually was. Oh my goodness the climb back up the 4,000 steps was rough!! Well the 4,000 is an exageration, but seriousely it is quite a hike especially with the slippery steps.

 

Back in the bus we go thankfully it was a short ride to the pub for lunch. On the way my sister turns to me and says "Don't these people know that we Americans like to drink during the day, especially when we are on vacation"? !!! I just busted out laughing, she had enough of the bus ride by then too and was hungry and thirsty.

 

The lunch as the pub was nice and after a pint of beer things were looking up!! :)

 

Next back on the bus to the Causeway. Another mile 1/2 mile down to the site. Again something unique and beautiful and they call it the eighth wonder of the world. Took some pictures and looked around. The stones were slippery and wet so did not do too much climbing around on them. Did not need to crack me head open, it was sore enough already!

 

The smart people paid to take a shuttle back up to the top. The stupid people like my sister and I walked back up. We did more exercise today that the whole year put together. I do not know how the older people do this. We are fairly healthy (except the liver) and in our 40's!!!

 

As Kathleen said I was also a bit nervous with the widshield not working and the fog building on the windows. But it all worked out. The stop at Bushmills was nice and it would have actually been nice to have more time there.

 

I also skipped the 1/2 tour of the city and went back to the ship. It really was a nice day, but by now I had my fill of riding on buses.

 

Because my journal ended yesterday I cannot remember what I did that night. But I am sure it was the usual fare!!

[Logie]

Greenock/Glasgow

 

Today I walked to the train station with Jana and Greg and we went over to Glasgow. The train round trip 5.10 gbp. It was about a 50 minute train ride each way. It was about a 15 minute walk from the ship to the station. We had to ask locals for directions.

 

When we got there is was raining!! I am getting sick of this gloomy weather!! I miss my Vegas sunshine and my good nights sleep!! This is a big big busy city. Not really any sites to see if you are wandering around on foot. We went to a pub for a pint and lunch and then found the one authentic souvenier store on this main street where we did some shopping. My sister and my freind tried to get on the free tours but they were all sold out. As usual we are not the early ones of the ship. Even when we try to get to the cabin early it is still usually 1:00 a.m.

 

I wonder if anyone else has a suggestion on what to do in this port. Our day was fine, but certainly not exciting.

[Logie]

Sea Day Yeah!!!!!!!

 

Today was a sea day yippee, but I still had to get up early beacause in the Vista lounge today there were painting demonstations by John Kelly and Aldo Luongo. I was a nice demonstration and interesting to hear about the lives of these artisits. They are both very talented and interesting people.

 

There was an art auction that afternoon and this were the tab increased considerably for the trip. I happily purchased something from both the artists and now have bought 3 pieces this trip. Yikes!! But since I have been back I have checked on the pieces and the Mack and Luongo pieces were limited edition and sold out and the Kelly was of the Odyessy series and was one of only 12 done.

 

That night Bill and Debbie Mack invited us to dinner with them to the steak house. We had a really nice dinner with them and some of the other customers who purchased their art and their freinds. Dorit Levi and her husband Bill were also there. Really really nice people.

 

The champagne waterfall party was tonight and it was really a lot of fun. Everyone was dancing and whooping it up!!

 

It was a great day at sea and the weather has been turning warmer!!!

[Logie]

Kirkwall

 

Today we are in Kirkwall and I decide to treat myself to another day at sea. Originally I had booked a tour to those stones, but could not take another bus ride so cancelled. Glad I did. The weather was warm and sunny.

 

I am still not sleeping much and out late again last night so laid in bed until almost 12:00. Had a light lunch and walked the loop up on top a couple of miles. It appeared to be a small city with not a lot to do but the other girls enjoyed it. It was no nice out I put my bathing suit on and read in the sun up on deck for a while. It was a great afternoon.

 

At 5:15 cruise director Richard Joeseph held our cruise critic get together in the Wheelhouse lounge. It seemed like all of the people from the board were there. It was a nice sized group. They had mimosa's ready or you could order anything you wanted from the bar no charge. Most of the cruise staff came by and mingled with us. We all received a voucher for a free tote bag, which was really nice.

 

The party lasted about 45 minutes or so and then we all went down for a photo. I never saw the phote so have no idea how it turned out. I was talking with Richard and he told me the reason why he has these parties. First of all he wants the passengers to have a good time and meet them. He likes and supports cruise critic and wishes all of the CD's would take the time to read the posts. Richard does not drink and so what he is doing is sharing his expense account with the passengers. Isn't that great? So we cannot really expect this from most of the other CD's and we all thank you Richard for sharing this wish us.

 

After the picture we went to an early dinner as I was invited to the cocktail party with the captain as being one of the most traveled passengers. This party started at 7:45 and I wish I had not eaten as they had a really nice array of appetizers available. The party was in skywalkers which is the best view in the house. The captain takes a photo with each invited passenger and the other officers are there and they mingle with everyone. This party also lasted about 45 minutes or so. It is very nice party and I was happy to be invited.

 

The rest of night was the usual....nice day

[Logie]

Edinburgh

 

Today was a fun day in Edinburgh. We knew in advance (thank you Kathleen) that there was a train at 8:45 and not another one until 10:45. We opted to take the 10:45 train. The tender in from the ship was fine.

 

Now the walk to the train station was another muddy adventure. You leave the port and walk left. Around the bend there is a sign that says train station or something like that. You walk almost through a forest to get there and up 118 :rolleyes: muddy steps!! Way to start out the day!!! There were many people who did not know the train schedule and had been waiting for close to 2 hours for the 10:45. We almost all did not fit on the train. We were crammed in like sardines!!

 

When you get there you all have to run to by platform 14 to buy the ticket. Of course the line was as long as could be. The price was 3.10 gbp though for round trip.

 

What a city this is. We just started walking around and hit Princess street first. Then we walked up the winding hill to the castle. What is wrong with us walking up this steep and winding hill!! Going over the bridge and walking up the Royal Mile would be a much easier walk. But we made it up there.

 

We walked down and bakc up the Royal Mile then went in the castle. It was 10gbp for the tour. I personally thought the castle was too tourist like. There was a lot of gift shops etc. We looked at a few things including the Crown Jewels and then headed back down the Royal mile.

 

We stopped at one of the sidewalk cafe's and had some lunch and a pint. From there we walked back down past Princess street to the street behind it Georges to find the Hard Rock cafe. There were 3 of them on this cruise and I made it to all of them. I collect shot glasses and my friend in WI collects holiday pins.

 

We decided to go back to the train station and catch the 4:45 back. Be warned it is a very big train station and it is confusing to find your train back. Luckily I knew the time the train departed so guessed it was platform 17 and it was right. But I almost missed the train beacause I could not find my return ticket. I had 2 minutes to spare. I tried to buy a new ticket and the machine would not take my money, so I dumped my back pack out on the floor found it and had to litterally run full speed to the train and made it in the nice of time. This was not the last train but I wanted to get back. The train ride is only about 15 minutes each way.

 

We had a bit more time in port so we stopped at the pub across from the port and had our final pint in port. It was sunny and warm and really nice to sit outside and enjoy the view of the ship and a drink. We grabbed a tender back and had a great day. I think I liked this port the best of all.

 

Lamb chops on the menu for dinner tonight so I am a happy camper. And Nelson gave me a side of crab legs to do with it too!!! :)

[Logie]

Final day and it is a day at sea

 

Our last day and thankfully it is a day at sea. Finished the rest of my packing and headed up to the deck for a little lunch. It was another nice day out so I walked the loop again for awhile.

 

Earlier this morning Dorit Levi did a painting demonstration, which my sister attended and enjoyed. Her work really grows on you after awhile. The final art auction that day featured her work and she sold several. The small ones were gone in an instant. My sister wanted one but she was outbid. Another time hopefully!!!

 

I have to say the cruises where they have the artists on board really make a difference in the art available. I have never been that interested in much of the art I have seen on past cruises. There were many originals and really great art this cruise and it was a big part of the cruise for me.

 

Tonight we went to Sabatini's for dinner. We have started going the last night of the cruise as the dining room menu is usually the most boring. I personally think all of the food is very very good and I have not a single complaint about the food. I enjoy it and I don't expect 5* gourmet food when 2600 passengers are being served. The waiter will be right on so ask him for your reccomendation and you will enjoy your meal.

 

Back to Sabatini's it was wonderful as always. Two hours of eating. I ate so much of the first 17 courses I really did not eat much of the lobster.

 

After the dinner we went to the Vista lounge. My sister was one of the finalists in Princess idol. She sang Magic Man by heart and I thought she did a great job. The voting was based on the audience the winner had probably 25 people with her so that was a slam dunk. She did a nice version of Patsy Cline crazy and was really a nice person. Two other people sang the same Frank Sinatra song, which always gets overdone. There was a guy who sang after my sister who had a really great voice and probably should have won.

 

After that all the contests and freinds family were invited to the Wheelehouse lounge for some champagne. This was the final party for me!! It was midnight and I was dying for at least a few hours of sleep. I watched part of the Stepford wives and went to bed around 1:30.

[Logie]

Disembarcation

 

Wow the cruise is over and for the first time ever on a cruise I was ready to go home. It was time to sober up and get some sleep!!! :p I did manager to get a few hours of sleep last night so it helped somewhat to get moving when the alarm went off at 7:15.

 

I took a shower and got dressed. I noticed my pants were quite tight when I put them on and I thought well for all of the hiking and walking I did I guess it did not help. Well then I looked down and my nice black slacks were now close to being capri's!! The darn laundry service must of wahsed them instead of dry cleaned. There was not way I was flying 12 plus hours in tight pants that were floods. I had to grab a pair of jeans out of my luggage and change in the bathroom outside the terminal. I am afraid to even look at all of my other pants as I had everything done through laundry except the clothes from the day before.

 

Besides not getting my vouchers I pre ordered for the casino and the shrinking pants (same thing happened to my girlfriend too) it was the only inconvenience.

 

I wished I had known we would would of had the chance to get off the ship early I might have booked the direct flight into Las Vegas on Virgin that left at 10:45. Passengers were getting off the ship as early as 6:30 maybe earlier. My flight was at 1:30 I had Brown 3 tags for 9:00 a.m. one of the last ones and they were called by 8:30. They want you off of that ship early.

 

I had hired the same car service to pick us up at 9:00 a.m. and we were in the car speeding to the airport by 8:50 a.m. My sister who drank nealry the whole bottle of wine with dinner and drank the jumbo margaritta before her appearance on Princess Idol was not feeling too good on the ride to Heathrow.

 

It took us about 1 hour 30 minutes to the airport. Check in was a breeze so we had time to do some duty free shopping. Not enough time though to shop the many cosmetic companies. Drats!! The Armani makeup was a lot less than I pay for it here. They took cash too, which they encourage at least at my counter. I really had wanted to get some Chanel, Doir, and Lancome too, but ran out of time. At first I did not think the items were a good deal, but when they gave us the cash price there were. So ladies get to the airport early!!!

 

Our flight to LAX was fine. I willed my self to stay awake the entire flight back. I watched two movies, played some solitaire, had a couple of wines (imagine that :) !! Had enough time to get through customs get our bags recheck in and make our LAS flight no problem. It was on time, thank goodness. By now I am getting tired and cannot wait to see my cats!!!

 

Home and in bed by 9:41 p.m. The alarm will sound by 6:40 a.m for work. Thankfully I slept almost 6 hours straight before I woke up. The most sleep I had in 11 nights!!! :)

 

All in all the cruise was exceptional. The captain and all of the crew on this ship was amazing and they treated us so nice. Many remembered I was just on the ship a month before. I used up most of my vacation time already this year so it is going to be a long haul until the next Princess cruise!!

 

Anything I can help anyone with let me know....