The Royal Ride Live (Thanksgiving Week)

[missymerv]

So, around 9 am the captain came on the loudpseaker to say the weather would be severe squalls and high winds and they were assessing the situation to see if it was safe to tender in. I thought for sure he would cancel, but nope, 20 minutes later he said they will tender in, to be careful, and expect clouds, wind, and rain for most of the day.

 

We did not bother to get off the ship. They did add a few activites so we had a fun-filled day, won two trivias (a lanyard and a key chain flashlight) and met some really nice people. The internet has been absolutely awful, no one could sign on all day, not sure if it was the weather or this ship, but it took 8 minutes just to load facebook. If my minutes weren't free, I'd be real mad!

 

The captain came on the loudspeaker again at 7 pm to let us know that the weather was severe, he was changing courses to keep us protected, and to expect a lot of movement tonight. Great! We set our clocks ahead one hour so it is now 1140 and the boat is moving alot. Not terrible, but enough to make people walk funny!

I'm really tired now so off to bed I go, (too much wine) yes the boxed wine made it :)

I will ask Sam how long she will be on for, whoever said Ryan was great was right, we adore him, and I have not found Nat yet but I will :)

Until tomorrow (assuming I can get on...)

 

That would be me :) Tall Canadian? He's truly alot of fun. Please ask if he will still be on for 12/8 sail? Thank you. I hope the seas calm down for you.

[WendyG]

That would be me :) Tall Canadian? He's truly alot of fun. Please ask if he will still be on for 12/8 sail? Thank you. I hope the seas calm down for you.

 

He just got on the ship nov 17 (trained with Dan for a week) so he will definitely be on next week. :)

 

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[TorontoTL]

Wendy, do you think that the Royal handles the rough seas better than the Grand class ships? It has been reported that many have felt that she does.

[lynwar]

Hi Wendy, and all.

Deputy Dan is on vacation, and will experience his first American Thanksgiving and a college football game, Georgia and Georgia Tech. We "met" Ryan through the Wake-up Show and then saw him at the door of Princess Live while Dan was conducting the Musical Movies trivia. He seemed really nice and good, so I'm glad you are having a good experience with him.

As for the toilet paper-we never used the roll in the holder-just used the extra roll that was available if needed.

The lights-yes, the card is inserted, but once is, the lights can be turned on and off manually from different points in the cabin. My husband went out once when I was in the bathroom and all of a sudden, everything went dark. LOL. Thank goodness it was daytime.

I'm sorry about your weather. We lucked out with a beautiful week, with some passing showers in St. Maarten, only. But, it wasn't severe and we were able to go ashore. It was warm and humid.

 

Wendy, thanks for the live reports. I'm am "on board" for one more week with you!!

 

Lynne

[WendyG]

Time to get ready for formal night dinner but wanted to pop on to say hello, let you know we had a fabulous M&G even though NO ONE besides the Maitre'D bothered to show up (so disappointing) but that's fine. Guess we aren't important to them. We had a great cabin crawl, regular balcony to full suite and just finished trivia (came in second) but won four out of six so still on a roll. :)

 

Met some great people today, not going to let the fact that no senior officers bothered to attend our gathering. (sans Fabio) Shame on them their poor customer service. ESPECIALLY the customer service director. WTH was he so busy doing today?

Princess should pay more attention! Maybe they just don't care but they should with so many people having negative comments about this new ship. The ship is fine, the fact that no one showed up is not so fine.

 

Still having a wonderful time regardless, I'm a glass half full kind of girl....

 

Bye for now!

Edited November 26, 2013 by WendyG

[WendyG]

We had such a fun sea day today. Started out with trivia (we lost) followed by a very interesting Art prices of the world (they showed the top ten auctioned paintings and their prices) very enjoyable (and a bit nauseating) 119,900,000.00 for a painting by Francis Bacon? And not very pretty!

 

After that we had another trivia called the gift to gab and that was fun. And we won :) quick bite at the Wheelhouse was next as they were doing Pub lunch (yum) then we rushed to Club 6 for our M&G. As I vented earlier, no one showed (sans Pablo for five minutes) but after that we had a nice cabin crawl and then another trviia (lost)

 

Formal night tonight, went to the Symphony at 540 and there was about a ten minute wait, so not too bad. Dinner was ok, no lobster this round, had beef tenderloin and it was very good. After that was motown music trivia (we didn't stay) because Colors of the World was playing in the Princess theatre so we went to that. After that was Liar's Club (my fave) and that was in Princess Live (dumb venue for games imo) and I'm happy to say out of 31 teams we were the only ones that got four for four, even with some new words we had never heard before :) won a bottle of bubbly!

 

I did ask Ryan about Nat, he said there is a Nat onboard and he didn't know his last name but would ask for me so I am still working on that. :)

 

Not much else, still haven't been to the casino (which is odd for me) but it's been busy! Tomorrow is St Thomas, we are going snorkeling at St Johns.

Internet connection was much better today so maybe the terrible reception yesterday was weather related.

 

It's 11:30 now so it's beddy bye time! Docking at Havensight tomorrow (the good parking spot!) :D

[sashas_mom]

Sounds like you're having a great time. You're a doll for remembering to inquire about Nat for me. He is the dance instructor and probably the Zumba instructor too if that helps.

 

Looking forward to your next post.

Eileen

[IECalCruiser]

After that we had another trivia called the gift to gab and that was fun. And we won :) quick bite at the Wheelhouse was next as they were doing Pub lunch (yum) then we rushed to Club 6 for our M&G. As I vented earlier, no one showed (sans Pablo for five minutes) but after that we had a nice cabin crawl and then another trviia (lost)

I found out on the Coral in January that on many ships there is often a Staff Meeting after lunch. No one showed for our 1:00pm M&G. Fortunately, Richard Joseph was the CD. He put a shout out on his morning show apologizing for not being able to attend and asking that someone on the Roll Call contact him. We scheduled another M&G a couple of days later at 11:00am in Crooners. The Captain and most of his staff attended and spent many minutes with our group. Timing is everything :eek:

[caribill]

No one showed for our 1:00pm M&G. Fortunately, Richard Joseph was the CD. He put a shout out on his morning show apologizing for not being able to attend and asking that someone on the Roll Call contact him. We scheduled another M&G a couple of days later at 11:00am in Crooners. The Captain and most of his staff attended and spent many minutes with our group. Timing is everything :eek:

 

Maybe the Princess co-ordinators at HQ who set up the time and meeting place for the M&G should check with the ship to see when appropriate staff might be able to attend.

[WendyG]

It was a beautiful and sunny day when we arrived in St. Thomas today. The Crown Princess was docked next to us, the NCL Epic next to them, and the Eclipse off in the distance. The Allure and a Carnival ship were at Crown Bay so six ships in today and you could tell! We shopped in the Havensight area until 1045 which is when we had to meet for our ship tour to St John to snorkel. Cancelled. :(

Every year we try to go to St John and every year something happens and we don't go. Last year it was the Oasis and the boat that takes you broke down. Today was it was too windy and not safe.

Turned out ok since it poured not an hour later and the afternoon was a mix of rain and drizzle. So I did what I do every year when I come here, I went downtown and shopped!

We did get on a taxi to Red Hook but it sat there waiting to fill up and by now it was almost 12 and they said the ferry runs every hour on the hour so we didn't think we had enough time to enjoy it over there so NEXT time we are here I am NOT planning a ship tour. We will get off the ship early and make our own way there.

Had a quick bite in Alfredo's before heading downtown ($4 each way) and I found a couple of good bargains. Got back in time for afternoon trivia (lost by one) but so fun This may be one of the first times that no one is really serious to the point of it turning ugly) just a fun filled room filled with nice people having a good time and learning new things It's very nice.

 

We had dinner at Horizon Court (which is wonderful btw if I haven't mentioned it. Such a nice variety of food and the salad bar is to die for. Really enjoying our breakfasts and lunches up there. Every day they have a different hash (corned beef day one turkey and cranberry hash day two today was sweet potato and bacon hash) just real interesting as a side note.

 

Tonight was the illusionist David Katz, we sat in the first row and still can't figure out how he does it. Quite entertaining. After that was Pub quiz in vista lounge (David has to be one of the most fun cruise staff there is) his one liner jokes crack up the room and trust me, he has plenty. For those of you coming onboard next, you really are in for a treat.

Pub Night followed and I swear we haven't seen this show since 2004. Not for lack of going, just the Princess cruises we have taken between now and then only had If I were not upon the sea. Anyway, that was hosted by Sam and this was the first time she seemed warm and personable. She's growing on me. :)

I was pulled on stage :( (not thrilled about this) but I got the fun game, ping pong balls in the cup. I won't give the other stuff away, but go to Pub Night if you can, lots of fun.

I did pass by the Captain Circle desk on my way somewhere (they have some great hours) and since she was there I just popped in to ask how many elites are onboard (we have not been invited to a captains party) not a biggie because we normally don't go anyway, but it's weird we weren't invited. Anyway, she said there were 263 elite onboard, That' all I asked her.

 

Not much else going on, its just 11:15 now and we have a private tour tomorrow with Bernards, looking forward to that.

 

Nat at Zumba! I promise on the next sea day if not before, I will stop there and get his name! Have no fear!

I will also ask Sam how long she will be on as someone asked that.

 

One more side note as I never remember reading about this but the drain in the bathtub in the mini-suites are in the middle of the tub and I ALWAYS step on it and it's a pain as the tub fills with water. Not complaining, just a comment.

 

I love this ship and the people are great, and the service is one of the best of all ships I have been on. Although service is always wonderful on a princess ship. Keeps me coming back :)

[FishOn55]

It was a beautiful and sunny day when we arrived in St. Thomas today. The Crown Princess was docked next to us, the NCL Epic next to them, and the Eclipse off in the distance. The Allure and a Carnival ship were at Crown Bay so six ships in today and you could tell! We shopped in the Havensight area until 1045 which is when we had to meet for our ship tour to St John to snorkel. Cancelled. :(

 

I love these live threads!

Sorry to read that your tour was cancelled. I've heard several times that the winds between STT and St. John can be violent and really make for an awful ride for those prone to motion-sickness.

Maybe it's a good thing it was cancelled!

 

You mentioned that you docked at Havensight. I'm cruising in March. What determines where the Royal docks? I hate Crown Bay and would love to know that our sailing would dock at Havensight as well.

 

Looking forward to your next post.

 

Kathy

[lepjo11]

Just did a back to back on the Allure then the Royal Princess which I just disembarked today.

 

Had an awesome time on the Royal Princess. The food was the best I've had and the internet was the worst I've had. They were working on installing additional cabling during the cruise so hopefully in the future it will improve. There were many days we couldn't connect to anything at all.

 

Formal nights were Tuesday (between Princess Cays and St Thomas) and Friday (day after St. Maarten).

 

Cindy

 

Hi Cindy,

 

Fellow Winterpegger here. Leaving on the RP on Dec 15. Glad to hear you had an enjoyable experience...Hopefully you extended your stay to miss today's horrific roads!!!!!! Nothing we can't handle though!

[san diego sue]

Wendy

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

We have friends on board and I know she probably posted on your roll call pre cruise. Screen Name Eppe4.

If you know who that is, say hi to Joyce and John. Oh, you should know them.As I type I remember , we all sailed on the Caribbean Princess

Canada-New England last year.

Gloria:D

[bvhtontheruby]

Hi Wendy, rain on vacation is still better than rain at home....but hope it clears up for you!

Would you mind checking the Patters and let us know if there are theme nights/dance parties?? For example, white hot party, 70's party etc....thank you!

[Lynda90]

Regarding the light slot, any old business card will work. That's what we used last month!

[sunsetbeachgal]

Sorry the escursion was cancelled...we did a St. John Champagne Snorkel excursion once and the seas were so rough some folks on the catamaran got seasick. One of them was the ships videographer :p I felt fine but the sound effects were not pretty!

Edited November 28, 2013 by sunsetbeachgal

[missymerv]

What night is the ultimate deck party? Happy thanksgiving

 

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[lovecruisedeals]

Just finished muster in the casino. Zzzzz back at the cabin now to drop off the life jackets and called for crown grill reservations for tonight. No problem. (Chefs menu wasnt thrilling tonight) my suitcase arrived but Ron's has not. Uhoh! Perhaps his boxed wine won't make it.

 

Gloria...Lew has good taste! :)

 

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Did Ron's suitcase eventually show-up Wendy?!

What's your overall impression of the Royal. What's it like with no Explorer's Lounge - where are they holding Trivia? Look forward to hearing more from you!

 

Joan

[SHIPMEOUT]

Hi Cindy,

 

Fellow Winterpegger here. Leaving on the RP on Dec 15. Glad to hear you had an enjoyable experience...Hopefully you extended your stay to miss today's horrific roads!!!!!! Nothing we can't handle though!

 

Hey fellow Winterpegger,

 

We spent a couple of nights in Ft. Lauderdale post-cruise so we got back late Tuesday night and it was a bit of a shock to the system to see all the snow!

 

You will have a great time on the RP - after we had a week on the Allure, getting on the Royal Princess was like coming home. A gorgeous ship with great service and outstanding food in both the Horizon Court and the Dining Rooms. I can put up with the lack of central stairs and an inconvenient placement of the toilet paper holder (I actually didn't find it that bad - I've seen worse configurations at some hotels). Not a biggie. I do hope that your internet service is better than we had if that is important to you.

 

Have a great cruise! :)

Cindy

[ltcal94]

What night is the ultimate deck party? Happy thanksgiving

 

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On the 17 Nov cruise it was on the same night as St Maarten which was on a Thursday . Friday is the second formal night so obviously it does not make too much sense to do it then.

[WendyG]

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Today was St. Maarten. We got off the ship about 820 to go meet Bernard and the skies opened up and it poured! The Allure was parked next to us and the Noordam next to her, and we watched all these people get soaked. It rained for about 5 minutes and then the sun and a rainbow appeared and it rained one other time for about five minutes (an hour into our tour) followed by a sunny day for our trip to Maho Beach to watch the airplanes. Never did that before, we liked it. We had the most awful and unfriendly people on our tour bus, a family of six and they were all msierable. I'm happy Ron and I had another family of four on our tour too, THEY were very pleasant. :) Nice tour, nice day, did some shopping (no jewelry today) which is so unlike me but I just didn't find anything I had to have. I did stop at The Belgian Chocolate Box and spent a few dollars there, and probably had the best ever cookie of my life! It was a chocolate caramel waffle cookie and it was yummy!

 

We didn't get back to the ship until almost 5 so a long day, took a quick shower and met Ron's parents for dinner and ran into two lovely sisters from our cc roll call and they joined us at the Concwerto Dining room. They did serve turkey, and most people had that, they also had scallops (odd) and Virginia ham which I ordered and it was incredibly delicious. The food has been really good onboard. We missed all the trivias today (boo) but we have two sea days left so I will make those.

They had a comedian come on the ship yesterday, Troy Thirdgill and we went to his show tonight, he is very funny. He has another show tomorrow night so we will go back as they say it's a different show.

Someone asked about the themes, I know last night was Country Western night and tonight is the Hot latin dance party up on the pool deck. Tuesday was 60's night.

 

Long day and I'm tired, it's 10 pm so time for an on demand movie and an early night.

 

Gloria - Happy Thanksgiving to you Lew and family. Joyce had posted a long time ago on our roll call but never came back so I wasn't sure she was still sailing. I have not seen her....

 

Joan - I really like the Royal. Trivia alternates between Club 6 and the Vista lounge so it isn't too bad. Princess live is a bit of a wasted space to me.

 

Kathy - The Royall alternates docking at Crown Bay and Havensight so I am not sure which sailing yours will be. There is a website showing all the cruises docking in St.Thomas and at which location.

[jrzebird]

Hi Wendy' date='

 

On our TA the cruise critic roll call called ourselves the Rockin Royals. (In fact, I helped write a song called Rockin Royals that was sung by the Choir, it can be searched for on YouTube:) ). Sounds like you've experienced that literally. Lol. Hope it settles down for you.

 

Can you please get Nat's last name for me? He's the Brazilian dance instructor. Princess needs his whole name for the commendation.

 

Thanks so much. Really enjoying your posts.[/quote']

 

It will be nice if you get his last name, but frankly, I rarely know anyone's last name. They only have their first names, home country and job on their tags. I'm sure if you just put "Nat from Brazil, the dance instructor", they will know who you mean. I know that on the "you made a difference cards" and the online survey, they say full name or job description. I only had my room steward's first name so I put in the dates and my cabin number. Same for my waiter. I used his name and my dining room and table number.

[Guest arowe6]

Loving all your posts. Simply the fact that you're posting must mean that there have been (much needed) improvements to the ships internet and access points.

 

Enjoy your next 2 sea days.

 

-Andrew :)

[dmwnc1959]

You mentioned that you docked at Havensight. I'm cruising in March. What determines where the Royal docks? I hate Crown Bay and would love to know that our sailing would dock at Havensight as well.

 

Looking forward to your next post.

 

Kathy

 

Kathy,

 

The docking schedule for Royal Princess:

 

March 5th - Havensight

 

March 12th - Crown Bay

 

March 19th - Havensight

 

March 26th - Crown Bay

 

You can see these at the website www (dot) vinow (dot) com, look at the Cruise Ship Schedule section. When it lists 'West Indian Co.' that's 'Havensight'.

[Mulege]

Sounds like a Seinfeld episode