Island P Northern Europe Ju 27 Jy 25 live

[Waynetor]

Jy 22, day 25 – at sea

 

Freda appreciated a sea day with me staying on the ship all day with her.

 

Weather was a mix of cloudy and sunny but too cool for almost everyone to sit outside.

 

Managed a tie for first this morning in trivia but lost the tie breaker.

 

The pools were re-filled today but I doubt they got much use.

 

Today was the second group of Captain Circle party events.  There are 2,078 passengers onboard.  559 blue,346 gold, 236 ruby, 575 platinum and 368 elite.  The most travelled passenger has 121 cruises, 2,534 days, 2^nd had 74 cruises with 1,484 days and the 3^rd had 85 cruises with 1,174 days.  Top two were from Australia and the 3^rd from UK.

 

Great comedy show tonight – Phil Tag.

 

Today’s thought of the day - "Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results." - Willie Nelson

 

 

[Waynetor]

Jy 23, day 26 – at sea

Today was mostly sunny but wit a cool breeze.  There were white caps but the waves were not enough to rock and roll the ship.  Temp around 17C/63F.

 

A mostly quite day for us.

 

This was our 3^rd and last formal night for this segment.   

 

The had a bit of a farewell party in the atrium this evening with lots of crew there to say farewell.   

The captain needs to get up at 3:30am to help bring the ship into port so he was not there.  I had the opportunity to talk to the Food and Bev Mgr and asked him about the extra charge for the surf and turf option when someone wants 2 of one of the items and none of the other.  We went over a number of changes that have been made to the menu and how H/O is contestably revaluating menus/policies.  He could see my point that 2 surf or 2 turf should be the same as one of each and suggested anyone that wants a change to add it to their post cruise comments.

 

 

As we are approaching the end of this voyage, I’m already reminiscing a bit.  I’ve knocked off a few destinations off my bucket list and have now passed the 100 country/territory ‘been to’ count.  The Travelers' Century Club is an international nonprofit social organization that well travelled people can join.   

They have a list of countries plus territories that while part of a country, are separated in some way – eg Greenland, Easter Is. and the various US territories.  To join you need to have been to a 100 from their list and I am now at 106.  Most of their local branches are in the US but there is one in Toronto.  Looks like they hold local meeting as well as meeting in various international tourist locations.  My gut tells me they are more geared to travellers doing land-based travelling and not cruising.  The groups website is https://travelerscenturyclub.org.  Anybody on CC a member or have any experience with them? 

Re 100 countries - Life is not a competition.  Just because you stepped foot on a few more chunks of earth than everyone else doesn’t make you special.  It simply makes you someone who travels a lot.  Not a tally of what you’ve seen and where you’ve been.  It should be how meaningful that moment was when you saw it.

Who were you with and how were you feeling? Were you happy?

I guess the bottom line for me is I’ve always loved travelling since I was very young and have been truly blessed with many great memories. 

 

7am tour tomorrow.

 

Today’s thought of the day - Travel by sea nearly approximates the bliss of babyhood.  They feed you, rock you gently to sleep and when you wake up, they take care of you and feed you again. - Geoffrey Boca

 

Edited July 23, 2023 by Waynetor

[Waynetor]

Jy 24 Greenock (Glasgow) Scotland, Monday 7 – 5 intro

 

Greenock cruise ship terminal (officially "Greenock Ocean Terminal") features a waterfront walkway connecting to downtown (at approx 5-min easy walking distance).

 

In 2023 the terminal was updated (GBP 19,2 million project / ~USD 23,3M / ~EUR 21,9M) and a new visitor center (leisure complex) was inaugurated.  The new complex consists of a museum (paying tribute to George Ralston Wyllie/1921-2012, Scottish sculptor), a restaurant, a hall (for arrivals/departures) as well as a roof terrace overlooking Clyde River.

 

As the port for Glasgow and the west coast of Scotland, Greenock Ocean Terminal is perfectly positioned for a cruise itinerary that guarantees a warmth of welcome.

It is the gateway to some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery and a host of exciting excursions and attractions, including the architectural, cultural and shopping delights of Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow.

At the head of the sheltered and scenic Clyde estuary on Scotland’s Atlantic coast, the deep water quay combines modern quayside facilities with a fantastic location.

From the moment passengers disembark to the stirrings sounds of a traditional piper’s welcome, they experience the friendliness and character for which Scotland is world renowned.  Dedicated staff are on hand to ensure passengers enjoy a cheerful greeting and a seamless transfer to the many excursion opportunities including places such as Glasgow, Loch Lomond and Edinburgh.

Every cruise ship that visits is greeted by the greatest ambassadors of our local area, volunteers from the Inverclyde Tourist Group (ITG).  Dressed in their distinctive tartan uniforms, these dedicated local residents are an outstanding source of information and assistance for visitors.  Passengers not participating on pre booked tours can spend time with the ambassadors learning about the many places of interest nearby and can enjoy free local tours in the Inverclyde district including Greenock, Gourock and Newark Castle.

The ITG team are seasoned professionals in welcoming cruise passengers and crew.  The ambassadors also provide transportation timetables, information on local attractions, eating out, shopping, phone cards for sale and access to the internet.

Passengers preferring to explore the local area can sample the town of Greenock with its spectacular views over the River Clyde from The Esplanade.  The viewpoint at Lyle Hill boasts vistas of Loch Long, Holy Loch, Loch Goil, Gareloch, the Argyll Hills and a number of Munros on a clear day.

The town was originally built on herring fishing which developed the shipbuilding industry bringing prosperity to the region in the 19th and 20th centuries.  This is evident in the many examples of fine Victorian architecture such as the Municipal Buildings, Sheriff Court, Custom House and the McLean Museum which is most certainly worth a visit to learn more about the fascinating history of Greenock and the local area.

James Watt (1736-1819), the famous Scottish Inventor and mechanical engineer is one of Greenock’s most celebrated sons.  He developed the concept of horsepower and the unit of power, the “watt”, was named after him.  James Watt is commemorated in Greenock by a college, library, pub and street.

The 21^st century has seen a £400m regeneration of the Greenock waterfront where the shipyards were originally located, with exciting projects including residential and commercial ventures, a marina and theatre.

For passengers wishing a spot of handy shopping, Greenock boasts a pedestrianised indoor shopping mall, the Oak Mall, with many high street names, while West Blackhall Street features a host of independent traders.

 

 

[Waynetor]

Jy 24, day 27 – Greenock (for Glasgow), Scotland 7am – 5pm our day

 

Today was our last port of call on this voyage.  More cloud than sun but still a nice day. .

 

I had booked the Princess wheelchair accessible excursion “Easy Scottish Lochs” from 7:30 – 11:30 for both of us.

The description was - Indulge in a leisurely, half-day guided exploration via motorcoach along the bonny banks of Loch Lomond, Scotland's second largest freshwater lake.  Tour the picturesque village of Luss located on Loch Lomond.  View its stone cottages and visit the pier for awe-inspiring vistas of the loch, renowned for its loveliness and tranquillity.  Continue your scenic drive along Loch Lomond, dotted with islands on its southern end, resembling a fjord at its northern end and offering picture postcard views around every corner.  Enjoy photo opportunities at Rest and Be Thankful an overlook featuring stunning panoramas of Highland glens and mountains.  Then travel along the glistening waters of Loch Eck and Holy Loch en route to the village of Hunters Quay where you will board a ferry and cross the River Clyde en route to Greenock and your Princess ship.

This made for an early start for us.  The tour was basically as described but was done in reverse order.  We were on a large bus that had a wheelchair lift so Freda was able to get out and enjoy some countryside for a change.  We had 40 minutes at the village at Loch Lomand.  The residents their take great pride in the flower gardens.  One farm we passed had a few Llama – not expecting to see that. 

 

The port description in my intro is from the local tourism but it was not our experience today.   Getting off the ship there was a lone piper.  Those doing excursion went straight to their buses, so I did not go through the terminal until around 2pm – there was no indication of any greeting or even maps available.  There was a band on the dock as we pulled away from the pier.

 

After lunch I headed to town for a couple hour look-around.  Great mix of historical buildings and modern buildings.  There is a god walkway along the waterfront.  There were several statues including one for James Watt.  There is also a Watts Institution which included the Watt Library (closed today)

 

A little side story – As I mentioned in the above Greenock intro, this is the home city of James Watt (1736-1819), the famous Scottish Inventor and mechanical engineer who developed the concept of horsepower and the unit of power, the “watt”, was named after him.  He named his first born son James and the tradition of such naming has continued for every first born to a James to this day.  I know the current James Watt.  He lives about an hour outside Toronto and is a well-known doctor and well-known Canadian philatelist.  

 

Some passengers took a train to Glasgow – it was a 42 minute ride.

 

Today’s thought of the day - Cruising isn't a competition; it's a holiday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[atlast95]

Gorgeous pictures!

[Ranchi]

Owing to your early start I guess you missed the give away booklet which gave the history of all the big houses on the esplanade. Did you spot the upturned sugar boat? 

[KKB]

20 hours ago, Waynetor said:

 

For passengers wishing a spot of handy shopping, Greenock boasts a pedestrianised indoor shopping mall, the Oak Mall, with many high street names, while West Blackhall Street features a host of independent traders.

 

HA--I checked out Oak Mall.

"high street names"??

It was an unimpressive mall.

[Waynetor]

Our last day was a sea day - unusual to have 3 of the last 4 days on a 14 night voyage being sea days.

 

Best weather day since we boarded back in June.  Sunny with very little breeze and temp in low/mid 60's.  There were more people on the pool deck today than all the 27 previous days combined. . 

 

Late afternoon we swung around the Land End area of England moving from the Irish Sea to the English Channel..  At diner we could see the outline of the British coast.

 

We got conformation last evening that a wheelchair ride to the airport will be available for us at 9 am tomorrow morning.

 

Other than the sad act of having to pact, it was a verily typical sea day.  

 

I did not see the upturned sugar boat yesterday.  I did walk past the Oak Mall - seemed like a lot of people coming and going including several crew loading up on supplies but it certainly would be a matter of what it is being compared to. 

 

9 weeks to go until next cruise - time to start planning 

 

 

 

 

 

[atlast95]

Where are you going on your next cruise?

[Teechur]

What did you think of the condition of the Island Princess? Good food? Adequate staff?

[Woodside Lady]

Loved your blog!  Have a great time on your next cruise.  

[Waynetor]

Long day for us yesterday.  Our colour was to meet at 9:05 but because of the wheelchair van for us we were asked to meet at the deck 5 bar at *:50 - we were there at 8:40 and were told our coolour had already been called so off we went and by the time we got to the luggage area there was only 4 bags left including our 2 so they were well ahead getting passengers off. 

 

The van that was to take us to Heathrow was not there so the Princess rep called the driver who said he was tied up with another ride and would be late.  The Princess rep then went over to where taxis were waiting and there was one there that could handle a wheelchair so Princess ended up paying 185GB to have us driven to Heathrow - a great deal for us considering we paid the normal transfer fee.  

 

Several hour wait for the flight - we ended up getting to our condo at 2:30Am this morning London time.   Very glad we had a direct flight.  I had talked to a couple from Vancouver that were routed - London - Dallas- Vancouver.  Rather ridiculous considering there was a direct London Vancouver flight. 

 

Overall the meals were fine - not too much that was real special.  There was one pork lion meal that 3 people at our table ordered and all said it was way over salted and could not eat it. 

 

The shape of the ship was as expected.  There were a couple minor things like taps that were out of service for extended periods and some automatic doors were also out of service for several days.

 

Staff overall was wonderful.  My opinion on the Cruise Director staff was below par.  Some of the game shows are greatly improved by staff with a great sense of humour  and I felt they came up a bit short in this area. I. 

 

Normally there would be a staff person near the wash basins entering the buffet but the person would rarely say anything to those just walking in without stopping which was over 50% of those entering the buffet.. 

 

Our next cruise will be 21 nights on the Enchanted P Sp 30 - Oc 20 R/t from Barcelona across the north coast of the Med. Sea and back. 

 

 

Edited July 27, 2023 by Waynetor

[tml1230]

thanks for a GREAT report! we are on the Island P in November to Isreal and then the transatlantic to FLL, so I found your thoughts observations very useful ! Also enjoyed your sense of humor! all the best and thanks again!

[phabric]

With Princess bringing in the fee to eat at a casual restaurant, is there anywhere on the Island to have a casual meal?

 

Will be on the Island in November.

[GJCruiser]

1 hour ago, phabric said:

With Princess bringing in the fee to eat at a casual restaurant, is there anywhere on the Island to have a casual meal?

 

Will be on the Island in November.

Not a dedicated space. They sometimes have Alfredos in Sabbatinis at lunch on Sea days. That is about it from my memory. I think that perk is pretty useless on the Island and Coral.

[Cruisegroover]

I just stumbled across your report whilst researching a similar itinerary - it was great. Well done for all the information you wrote about. Very helpful.

Happy cruising.

[Waynetor]

Glad you enjoyed the report.

 

Unfortunately Freda was loosing her appetite the last 2 days.  

Turns out she has some health issues that are taking a long time to recover from.  We had to cancel a Med cruise in Oct and a world cruise for Jan.  Not sure when we will be back at sea.

[PacnGoNow]

1 hour ago, Waynetor said:

Glad you enjoyed the report.

 

Unfortunately Freda was loosing her appetite the last 2 days.  

Turns out she has some health issues that are taking a long time to recover from.  We had to cancel a Med cruise in Oct and a world cruise for Jan.  Not sure when we will be back at sea.

So sorry to hear Freda is not well.

Prayers that she recovers very soon.  Take care Wayne.

 

[milolii]

16 hours ago, Waynetor said:

Glad you enjoyed the report.

 

Unfortunately Freda was loosing her appetite the last 2 days.  

Turns out she has some health issues that are taking a long time to recover from.  We had to cancel a Med cruise in Oct and a world cruise for Jan.  Not sure when we will be back at sea.

So sorry to read this.  We boarded  this Cruise In Copenhagen and saw you two quite often, having a great time.   Best wishes to you both.