First New England Voyage of 2023 Observations/Caribbean Princess

[cr8tiv1]

Long awaited plugs information.

 

Both Balcony and Window Suites do not have USB port on lamps like the Grand Princess (bummer).

 

 

The CB Window Suite has a European plug behind the bed/the night stand.  Same as the Grand.  But….The Grand also has a lamp on the counter with another European plug and USB port. How strange that the Grand is older but better.  
 

 

The Balcony has convenient plugs behind the television and on the desk.  The desk was on the same side as the bed.  I could easily connect my CPAP to the desk plug and not trip over the cords. 

 

 

The Window Suite has an awkward plug behind the television and on the desk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 1, 2023 by cr8tiv1

[cr8tiv1]

 Verifying 

 

Just purchased 2 FCDs for my sister who is not on the cruise with me.  I did have her Captain Circle number.  It will be charged to me.  
 

Tried to do it on the app and the television.  It was too complicated. Ended up waiting 20 minutes before the office opened.  Long line after me. 
 

Port days - 8 am to 11 am / 3 pm to 8 pm

Sea dats - 8 am to 8 pm

 

 

[Californian]

@cr8tiv1By any chance, did you do a report on your Japan cruise.  I will be going in October and wanted to see how your trip went.  If so, link please?  Thanks

[ColoradoMom!!]

21 hours ago, Jadn13 said:

 

Today was the stop in Halifax and we took this tour with a few others from cruise critic (8 total) 

https://halifaxtitanictours.ca/historic-halifax-tour

 

It may have been one of the best and most informed tours I have ever taken.

I can’t recommend it enough! If you are visiting Halifax this is your best option.

 

So much history! 

 

 

Jadn13,

I am so glad to hear this as we have this tour booked in September!   I have a few questions and don't want to hijack this trip report.  If you don't mind sharing, my e mail addy may be found hidden in my profile under interests 🙂.   TIA

[cr8tiv1]

2 minutes ago, ColoradoMom!! said:

Jadn13,

I am so glad to hear this as we have this tour booked in September!   I have a few questions and don't want to hijack this trip report.  If you don't mind sharing, my e mail addy may be found hidden in my profile under interests 🙂.   TIA

@Jadn13 go ahead, hijack this thread.  It’s for the good of all !

[Jadn13]

2 minutes ago, ColoradoMom!! said:

Jadn13,

I am so glad to hear this as we have this tour booked in September!   I have a few questions and don't want to hijack this trip report.  If you don't mind sharing, my e mail addy may be found hidden in my profile under interests 🙂.   TIA

Sure. I’ll reach out about the day and  answer any other questions

[cr8tiv1]

25 minutes ago, Californian said:

@cr8tiv1By any chance, did you do a report on your Japan cruise.  I will be going in October and wanted to see how your trip went.  If so, link please?  Thanks

I will count this as a compliment…I loved my Cherry Blossom cruise.  My only recommendation is to fly in a few days earlier or stay a few days later.  I knew about the International Dateline but did not take into account airline delays.  We ended up with only one full day in Yokohama.  Need at least 3 to enjoy the city.

 

 

[Californian]

4 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I will count this as a compliment…I loved my Cherry Blossom cruise.  My only recommendation is to fly in a few days earlier or stay a few days later.  I knew about the International Dateline but did not take into account airline delays.  We ended up with only one full day in Yokohama.  Need at least 3 to enjoy the city.

 

 

Thank you for the link.  I’ve been trying to read trip reports to get information.  Yours was very helpful.

 

Sorry you got Covid and hope you have a speedy recovery.  Were there any cruisers wearing masks?

[Host CJSKIDS]

On 7/31/2023 at 2:43 PM, voljeep said:

OBC or charged to your folio and you settled/will settle at the end of the cruise - BE SURE to get a complete copy of your medical records and charges AND a copy of your Final Folio before leaving the ship - don't wait on an email copy of the folio - been there, done that

 

Sound advice.

 

@cr8tiv1 so sorry to hear you that you are sick with Covid and glad to hear that they are treating you so well.  

[treesah]

What a bummer, Ms. R, that you got the big C.  I know how careful you are about following protocols and moving away when your immediate neighbors start coughing.  You sure made a limoncello out of the lemon/s.   Stay well.  

Teresa

[cr8tiv1]

1 hour ago, treesah said:

What a bummer, Ms. R, that you got the big C.  I know how careful you are about following protocols and moving away when your immediate neighbors start coughing.  You sure made a limoncello out of the lemon/s.   Stay well.  

Teresa

More like a little c.  First time, I never knew I had it.  Rapid test came back negative/PCR came back positive.  Antibodies test confirmed. Absolutely no symptoms.  This time, a little coughing.  All better.  Thought it was my asthma or cruise crud cough.  Lucked out.  Neither and got a free flu test to boot.  
 

Very, very, few masks.  I generally take the stairs.  But have been in a bus with 47 other passengers for a long ride.  
 

Today was better that yesterday.  No loss of appetite, smell, or taste.  Getting all the hot food I missed while in isolation.  You got to be so specific when you order.  Asked for Frosted Flakes for breakfast. No milk. 

[travelin.sisters]

On 7/25/2023 at 11:21 AM, cr8tiv1 said:

Disclaimer:  Elite in a Window Suite.  Don’t know if this makes any differences, reports will be from my perceptions.  I’m on a cruise with my iPad….limited comments (haha…maybe).  Those that know me know that I don’t do brief.

Day 1

 

The ship arrived late into Port Everglades dues to winds in Amber Cove; its previous port.  Turned her around in 14 hours instead of 16.  Left about 60 minutes late.  Even then, several passengers made the ship; others missed the ship and boarded in Virginia.  Hall mates are still waiting for their luggage that never left SEA, maybe they will see them in New York 4 days later.  Thanks? EZ Air.

 

Embarkation at Port Everglades is a disaster.  One long line feeding into another long line.  Security then Medallion/no Medallion before branching off into Elite/suite, Platinum, other.  Mix that with those coming off the ship and queuing up for taxis, etc.  

 

Absolutely beautiful fireworks display upon send off.  Torrential rain, thunder and lightning display.

 

 

 

 

so excited to find this & sail with you (even belatedly)...I've been off in the desert putting on a family reunion/60th anniversary celebration so it will be fun catching up on your cruise...looking forward to it!!

 

[travelin.sisters]

On 7/28/2023 at 10:20 AM, cr8tiv1 said:

I think, this is for @Ombud  The chocolate cake of days of yore, is no longer. You know the one: devil food chocolate cake with milk chocolate frosting.  Replaced with…

 

 

This is the room service image. I was hopeful. 
 

 

 

This is what arrived. 

 

the room service chocolate cake was my favorite cake & one of my favorite desserts on board...😞

[travelin.sisters]

On 7/30/2023 at 4:55 PM, cr8tiv1 said:

Well, Covid is still around.  I thought I was having an asthma flare up.  Several days of coughing and I gave in and went to the medical center.  Tested for flu and Covid.  Covid won.

First experience with the medical center.  All were so nice.  An hour later, I came back to my room to wait for the doctor to look at the paxlovid I brought from home and to swab cabin mate,  I asked to be quarantined.  So I am up on Aloha Deck far forward.  I’m really not sad at all.  Only have to stay for the night since my coughing started days ago.  I had tested negative before 7/23 Virginia 4 days ago.  They marked my “start” date on 7/26 at 6 pm.  So I am cleared to return to my cabin tomorrow evening. CDC guidelines I’d 5 days.  There are 4 tabled rooms that I could see.  

 

In the meantime, I got a tour of the behind the scenes without paying for it.  Attendant 2 followed me and wiped down everything I touched.  Assistant Manager for Club Class called me to see if I needed anything.  Not quite the same, but had lamb chops for dinner.  
 

i was a little more laxed than my normal.  I am one of the few that still wore a mask.  This time, NOT all the time.  

 

Don’t have the answers to what Princess will cover.  Not concerned, yet.  I don’t feel bad.  Just the coughing and shortness of breath. 
 

 

 

 

 

oh no! hope you are truly recovered by the time I get to today's posts, I am so sorry you caught it & hope it stays mild & doesn't impact your asthma!

[travelin.sisters]

On 7/31/2023 at 4:13 PM, cr8tiv1 said:

I was given an itemized statement.  There is verbiage I could get copy of Medical Records,  I checked the box, but it’s not sent with the other items.  Is that what I have to chase after before getting off the ship?

definitely get your medical records before getting off the ship...you may (likely will) need them for insurance claims & getting them later...well you know Princess...

[snoozecrooze]

3 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

You got to be so specific when you order.  Asked for Frosted Flakes for breakfast. No milk. 

Just wanted to stop by and say I'm so glad you're doing better and can be out and about to explore again. Sending you all the good vibes your way. Also, I just love how granular you get with all the thoughts and details you've experienced -- my favorite thing from reading live reports are just the little things that really make you feel you're right there. Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us.

[Kopy]

We are taking the caribbean princess in December. and were wondering if you would be willing to post the patters so we can see what types of entertainment, especially the bands in the different venues are being offered. thank you

[cr8tiv1]

7 hours ago, Kopy said:

We are taking the caribbean princess in December. and were wondering if you would be willing to post the patters so we can see what types of entertainment, especially the bands in the different venues are being offered. thank you

 

 

I will be happy to post documents once I return home in a few days. Your Caribbean Voyage may be very different. 

[cr8tiv1]

Quick share. 
 

Cruise director Jody is fantastic.  Her presentation replaced the “Behind the Scenes $150 tour” with images and videos. Always wanted to do it, but body is long past those energetic days.  It was a packed house in the Explorer’s Lounge this afternoon (sea day).

 

You can tell the natives are restless. It’s packed everywhere!

[paradiselivin1]

8 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Cruise director Jody is fantastic

Couldn't agree more and look forward to seeing her in just under 2 weeks. Sounds like you're out and about and hope that you are fully recovered.

[cr8tiv1]

Busy day.   Will have to keep you all in suspense until I can find some thought time.

[Jadn13]

Just a quick note about Quebec

Don’t book the Hop on Hop Off Bus! The lines were long, the waits were long and you spent more time loading and unloading passengers. 

We got on for 2 stops and quickly jumped  off not to return.

Just walk around, easy walk from the ship.

 

[Z0nker]

30 minutes ago, Jadn13 said:

Just a quick note about Quebec

Don’t book the Hop on Hop Off Bus! The lines were long, the waits were long and you spent more time loading and unloading passengers. 

We got on for 2 stops and quickly jumped  off not to return.

Just walk around, easy walk from the ship.

 

HOHOs tend to be more hop off than hop on. We’ve had long waits to get a trolley with open seats in Balboa Park (San Diego) and Stanley Park (Vancouver). Too bad because those are both fabulous places to see. 

[Jadn13]

19 minutes ago, Z0nker said:

HOHOs tend to be more hop off than hop on. We’ve had long waits to get a trolley with open seats in Balboa Park (San Diego) and Stanley Park (Vancouver). Too bad because those are both fabulous places to see. 

We just did a great one in Boston was very informative and we saw and learned a lot. 

[mphouston]

Just returned from this cruise.  A couple of comments:

 

At Bar Harbor, we were on a tender going ashore and heard one of those great shrill alarms in the boat.  The pilot called in a failed starboard motor (on the tender/life boat).  It was very slow going ashore.  I think the various reasons for slow speed (local rules, hardware issues) forced them to stop taking people ashore.  

 

Later in the week I saw that tender being piloted around on a test run (in circles) using the starboard motor.  I suspect they were testing their repairs.

 

In the Palm dining room, the line for 'with reservations' usually stretched up the stairs to the deck 7, sometimes to the photo area.  Usually 20+ minute waits.  The cause: everyone with reservations was assigned a new table each night and had to be escorted to the table.  The 'without reservation' line was short and quick.  My solution, request the same table each night and arrive 15 minutes before the room opened. 

 

What a mess.  Formal nights were much worse.  Why not use the same table for reservations for the same time every night?  This is how it worked on the Emerald the last 3 times.