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LIVE from the Coral Princess - LA to FLL - 14 days - April 20 to May 4, 2013


Pia1913
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Welcome aboard the Coral Princess as we begin our 14 day Panama Canal cruise from San Pedro to Ft. Lauderdale. Yes, it seems like only yesterday (it was Oct. 28th) when I said the exact same thing on this exact same ship. Déjà vu it is.

 

We arrived into LAX yesterday and stayed at a Marriott Residence Inn in Torrance. We needed this area in order to visit with family and to alleviate the need of renting a car. We were really tired, but managed to stay awake until 11 PM. We decided that we really didn’t need early bird boarding, so didn’t arrive into the port until almost noon. As boarding began shortly thereafter, we were in our cabin by 12:15. We have a mini all the way forward on Caribe which is a major upgrade from what we originally booked. Category HH obstructed view. This cabin is huge and I love it already. And our steward delivered the complimentary glass of champagne almost immediately.

 

Most important on everyone’s mind is WINE. So here’s the scoop: Stopped at Trader Joe’s yesterday and bought two bottles; Riesling for Mike (too sweet for me) and Sauv Blanc for me; 2 buck chuck. Two buck Chuck is now $2.49. Carried them on; nobody looked or cared. Our checked baggage has arrived; packed box of wine alive and well and I must presume nobody cared about that either. So now we know that as of now the San Pedro wine inspection is just with the Golden.

 

We decided to lunch in the DR; always nice on the first day. And, it was almost totally empty. Lots of folks don’t really know you can go there. We met our long time friend maitre d’, Giuseppe Franchina and had a nice chat with him. Not many people looking to alter their dining arrangements. Afterwards, since we do know the ship, we wanted to see where they put the International Café. This was added only two months ago and is very cute. They cut away part of the casino and added the small café. Deck six starboard. All the usual salads are available, as are the paninis. Didn’t notice if there is soup or quiches. Everything is just on a smaller display. Coffee bar seems quite adequate.

SHIP’S OFFICERS

Captain................................................ Nicolo Binetti

Staff Captain.................................. Josip Kulas

Hotel Manager ...............................Gianfranco Verde

Cruise Director.............................. Stuart McGunnigal

Customer Service......................... Pieter Boucher

Food & Beverage ..........................Neil Allern

Executive Chef............................. Francesco Laforgia

Maitre d’ .........................................Giuseppe Franchina

Capt. Circle Host......................... Kyler Mann

 

 .

On tap tonight is the usual Welcome Aboard Show at 9:45 and the movie Premium Rush on MUTS. Two showings; one at 8:15, the other at 10:15. There’s also a Panama Canal Facts and Fiction lecture at 8:15 in the Universe Lounge. Bill Keene is the lecturer and we know from past experience that he’s excellent with what he presents.

 

Muster is now complete, but an announcement was made that departure will be delayed due to baggage still being loaded. I will leave you now, hopefully be able to post and see you in the morning.

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Enjoy your cruise. My wife and I did this in reverse last year and it was fabulous. You're right about Bill Keene ... he gives very good lectures and his port talks are very informative with maps and pictures.

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Pia,

I have enjoyed your previous "Live From's" and I'm especially looking forward to this one as I will be on the Coral in August going Northbound to Alaska. I, too, will be in a mini, forward but one deck below where you are in D314.

 

It's been 30 years since I was on my last cruise so I've been living vicariously through everyone's Live From's. In 130 days, I will no longer have to live vicariously and will be experiencing everything for myself. Happy 50th Birthday to me!

 

Have a wonderful trip and stay safe.

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Pia,

 

I was thinking of you this morning when {sniffle, sniffle} disembarked the Sapphire, as I knew you were embarking the Coral. The Coral was our first sight of the morning instead of the dreaded St. Vincent Thomas Bridge (except that it is exciting to see it when you get on the ship)...

 

Have a wonderful cruise and, again, thank you for taking us with you!

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Welcome aboard the Coral Princess as we begin our 14 day Panama Canal cruise from San Pedro to Ft. Lauderdale.

Muster is now complete, but an announcement was made that departure will be delayed due to baggage still being loaded. I will leave you now, hopefully be able to post and see you in the morning.

 

Hi Pia. It's 5:30 now & I see your ship is just rounding the Lighthouse!

 

I look forward to reliving the Panama with you as my DH & I did in Jan. 2002 right after 9/11. It was a wonderful cruise but even then it very hot & humid in Panama, Mexico & Central America.

 

Take good care, stay cool & keep up your spectacular recovery!

 

Judy

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Pia, I always enjoy reading your live froms on these forums. Giuseppe Franchina was our Maitr' D' when we sailed the Coral through the Panama Canal a few years ago. I thought he was the "ultimate host", just knew how to interact with all so graciously. Enjoy

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Don't now if my previous post got on but want to thank you for the info and look forward to following your journey - we'll be boarding on May 4 to do the Panama Canal cruise as well. We're new at this - this is only our 3rd cruise - but look forward to many more on Princess. Have a great voyage!

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Don't now if my previous post got on but want to thank you for the info and look forward to following your journey - we'll be boarding on May 4 to do the Panama Canal cruise as well. We're new at this - this is only our 3rd cruise - but look forward to many more on Princess. Have a great voyage!

 

Jnshig..please check out the role call for this cruise and maybe you would like to join us for a meet and greet.

 

Denise

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Look forward to reading your postings. We're new at this - this will only be our 3rd cruise. How easy or not is it to go on line on ship? I understand I can be quite expensive. Cheers!

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