World Cruise 2023 - Occasionally Live from the Island Princess

[gardenbunny]

On 2/8/2023 at 1:16 PM, We_like_to_cruise said:

Princess Harmony Choir

 

Wow!

 

Passengers were entertained this afternoon with a wonderful performance by the Princess Harmony Choir under the direction of David Crathorne.

 

The professionally dressed members (white tops and dark trousers) walked down the aisle of the Princess Theater and assembled on stage – all 138 of them!  In fact this choir was so large that the performance could not be held in the Piazza.

 

We were entertained for 45 minutes with songs from musicals such as South Pacific, Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music.  Other pieces included “The Rose” and “Somewhere Out There”.  Even Elvis was represented!

 

The choir had lovely harmonies and after a standing ovation from the audience even returned for a final song.

 

We participated in the Princess Pop Choir a few years ago on a TA under the direction of CD Angela and that was fun.

 

But this was on another level entirely.

 

Congratulations to the Princess Harmony Choir and thank you for a wonderful show!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for this post.  I had the privilege to participate in the 2017 and 2019 World Cruise Harmony Choir with David.  It is so wonderful to see him and the numbers of people who are participating.  It is so much fun to work to hard to learn your parts!  Oh I miss it…..

[travelin.sisters]

16 hours ago, We_like_to_cruise said:

Future Updates

 

The upcoming week has us at a different port each day - seven in a row.

 

I usually post during some free time on a sea day, giving me time to compose my thoughts and pick out pictures. 

 

When time permits I will post again, but probably not too soon !

enjoy your seven days of new ports! we will be here when you have time to post again!

 

[sjde]

Wonderful post! I only found it yesterday and am half though it. We were supposed to be on this cruise (our 1st WC) but cancelled. Good thing because my sister-in-law passed away in January. 

 BTW, Margaret Mead's books put American Samoa on the map....I chuckled when i read what you said about American soldiers in New Zealand because my father-in-law was one of those who went there for R & R. ... I had the pronunciation of Pago Pago wrong too, because I thought it was Pah-go Pah-go.

[sjde]

Are three or four itinerary changes ipretty typical on world cruise?
 

Your pictures reminded me of the place where we had a Turkish massage  in Kusadasi -loved it!

[tml1230]

we-like-to cruise,

     tomorrow we drive over to Port Everglades to board the regal princess on the transatlantic to Southampton. ( as you did, we will drop the rental off near the port). 

I wanted to take one more opportunity to thank you again for taking us along on your  incredible journey.

Perhaps the most well written and informative  "live from" I have ever found. Safe journey home!

 

PS: FLL last  thursday got 24 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.....you can imagine what that did to folks flying in to FLL for their weekend cruises!

[We_like_to_cruise]

On 4/14/2023 at 12:51 PM, sjde said:

Are three or four itinerary changes ipretty typical on world cruise?
 

Your pictures reminded me of the place where we had a Turkish massage  in Kusadasi -loved it!

 

I am not an expert, but was not really "shocked" by weather related itinerary changes over the last four months. 

 

Perhaps you also visited Aladin and Fatima!

[We_like_to_cruise]

On 4/15/2023 at 2:12 PM, tml1230 said:

we-like-to cruise,

     tomorrow we drive over to Port Everglades to board the regal princess on the transatlantic to Southampton. ( as you did, we will drop the rental off near the port). 

I wanted to take one more opportunity to thank you again for taking us along on your  incredible journey.

Perhaps the most well written and informative  "live from" I have ever found. Safe journey home!

 

PS: FLL last  thursday got 24 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.....you can imagine what that did to folks flying in to FLL for their weekend cruises!

 

Thank you and I hope you have a lovely voyage !

 

Yes, we heard about the flooding in FLL.  Yikes.

[We_like_to_cruise]

Over a week behind and trying to get back on track.

 

Will provide some short info on our last ports and a few photos !

 

Not enough time for one of my novels, lol.

 

[We_like_to_cruise]

Valletta, Malta

 

lots of steps!

 

very crowded

 

busy shoppiing on Republic Street

 

majestic St. John's Cathedral

 

Grand Master Palace (Knights of St. John)

 

Good Friday procession

 

silversmith artisan workshops - filigree

 

legendary city of Atlantis ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 17, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise

[We_like_to_cruise]

duplicate posting deleted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 17, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise

[We_like_to_cruise]

Catania, Sicily

 

Towering Mt. Etna as we approach our port

 

Mt. Etna - Europe's tallest and most active volcano

 

Vibrant and crowded fish, meat and vegetable market early this morning

 

Locals preparing for Easter Sunday

 

Cathedral of Catania (St. Agatha)

 

Piazza del Duomo and Elephant Fountain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 17, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise
e

[PescadoAmarillo]

I would love to be in Italy for Easter Week!  Beautiful pics!

[gardenbunny]

7 hours ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

I would love to be in Italy for Easter Week!  Beautiful pics!

We were in Spain during Holy Week - Segovia Palm Sunday, then processions in Seville, Valencia and Granda.  Absolutely amazing!  

[We_like_to_cruise]

19 hours ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

I would love to be in Italy for Easter Week!  Beautiful pics!

 

Thank you.  Yes, it was an inspiring time for all faiths.

[We_like_to_cruise]

11 hours ago, gardenbunny said:

We were in Spain during Holy Week - Segovia Palm Sunday, then processions in Seville, Valencia and Granda.  Absolutely amazing!  

 

That sounds lovely!

[We_like_to_cruise]

Naples, Italy

 

Happy Easter!

 

Castel Nuovo

 

Easter Sunday Mass in Naples Duomo di Napoli Cathedral (in Italian)

 

Chiesa di Napoli - San Gennaro

 

Birthplace of pizza

 

Via San Gregorio Armeno - famous for small shops selling handpainted Nativity

scenes and figurines

 

Streets filled with Italian tourists

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 18, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise

[We_like_to_cruise]

Civitavecchia, Italy

 

Pronounced "chee-veeta-VEK-eeya"

 

Port for excursions to Rome (90 minute train /bus ride)

 

Visited Rome many times - lets explore what is in this port -

 

Everything closed for Easter Monday!

 

Mercato closed, shops closed, most restaurants closed.  Church open for a few morning hours.

 

(not a holiday or day off in US)

 

"Unconditional Surrender" Seward Johnson's statue open for viewing

 

Well we got some exercise and fresh air

 

Residents seem to be home doing laundry

 

We went back to the ship and did our own laundry

 

Should have made other plans for this day ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 18, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise

[caribill]

Have the evening showtimes in the Princess Theater basically stayed the same the entire cruise?

[Wanderers2]

I am reading that the captain on the Island at the moment is Paul Slight. Do you know if he will stay on at the end of the world cruise or is he due for leave?

[GonzoWCS]

Quick question and apologies if this has already been asked and answered;  Is Good Spirits at Sea being used as a morning "International Cafe"?  Just wondering as we board in a month where our morning java will be waiting for us.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Cheers

[We_like_to_cruise]

On 4/18/2023 at 2:09 AM, caribill said:

Have the evening showtimes in the Princess Theater basically stayed the same the entire cruise?

Yes, early show is at 7:30pm and later show at 9:30 pm.  That only varies on the occasional port where we have a folkloric show.

[We_like_to_cruise]

On 4/19/2023 at 1:06 AM, Wanderers2 said:

I am reading that the captain on the Island at the moment is Paul Slight. Do you know if he will stay on at the end of the world cruise or is he due for leave?

 

Hmm, not sure.  He only recently took over from Captain Lorentzen.   We are attending the Captain's Circle party in a couple of days - I will ask him!

[We_like_to_cruise]

15 hours ago, GonzoWCS said:

Quick question and apologies if this has already been asked and answered;  Is Good Spirits at Sea being used as a morning "International Cafe"?  Just wondering as we board in a month where our morning java will be waiting for us.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Cheers

 

You can get early morning specialty coffee at Good Spirits or at Amuletto Cafe (in the Lido Buffet on deck 14).  Due to passenger demand (complaints?) service at Amuletto has been starting at 5:30 am and not the originally scheduled 6 am. 

There is a small assortment of pastries at GS, so you are correct to put "International Cafe" in quotes!

Edited April 20, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise

[We_like_to_cruise]

Villefranche, France

 

Seven minute (empty car) train ride from Villefranche to Nice

 

Train in opposite direction to Monaco was packed like sardines per fellow guests

 

Our train had couches! and individual seating

 

Beautiful and easy town to walk around

 

Outdoor flower and produce market near beach

 

Cool weather - not for swimming or sun bathing (except for one brave bikini-clad mademoiselle)

 

Rocky beach but clear colorful water

 

Afterward, a couple of hours in Villefranche - not as glamorous!

 

But less crowded and more private.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 20, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise

[Protirees]

Have really enjoyed following your posts on the Island Princess WC. I will be on the WC next year on the Island and also joining you for the last of the 2023 WC (FLL>LAX). I have a question that hopefully someone can answer for me, if it is not too much trouble. Do you, or anyone else, happen to know what type of outlet is behind the bed? I haven't been on Island Princess since before the refurb and vaguely recall at that time it was a non-US plug. Just can't remember what kind or how far it is inset. My husband finds it most convenient to use the one behind the bed for his sleep apnea machine. Boarding next week in FLL so if anyone has any intel to share beforehand, it would be much appreciated. So looking forward to being on the Island Princess again.