Live From The Sapphire Princess October 15, 2023 R/T to Hawaii

[DiRonT]

3 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

A Reyn’s Schooner’s Hawaiian shirt is a “nice” shirt.  There are several other brands, but I can’t spell some of them (and no way to Google them easily at the time of this posting).  

Tommy Bahama comes to mind.

[Woobstr112G]

Good morning from the Sapphire Princess. It is 0551 ship's time as I begin to type this. Today begins our second of five full sea days (11th day of the voyage) as we sail (motor) towards our last port stop of  Ensenada. I'm feeling much better this morning than yesterday. All I have left is a little residual stuff in my chest and sinus. Mucinex, Sudafed, Advil, and a nasal spray have been my very good friends over the past several days.

 

Last night was our second of three formal nights. Holli and I are traditionalists so we loved getting all dressed up for the evening. For dinner we dined at Sabatinis which is by far our favorite specialty restaurant on Princess. Service was fantastic. Our server Edwin (Philippines) is arguably one of the best waiters we've ever had in all of our 24 cruises. For our selections, Holli choose her favorite Spaghetti. I decided to try something new and choose the Scaloppine di Vitello al Marsala. My subjective thoughts on this dish are it's not very good. The meat was cut thin, but was quite tough. The marsala sauce was overly salty for my liking. For desert, Holli had mixed berries with whipped cream. I just had coffee. After we finished dinner, We returned to our cabin and just relaxed for the remainder of the evening. 

 

Today we don't really have much planned. Holli got a good nights rest so we'll definitely be headed to Sabatinis for our suite breakfast perk around 0930. For those interested the Suite breakfast is open from 0730-1030 on sea days. For port days, the hours are 0730-0930. Other than that, I have some laundry to do and have some photos that I need to touch up so I may get to that sometime today. As far as the laundry situation goes, I'm not sure if it's due to my elite status or my suite status, but my cabin steward gave me free tokens to use in the self service laundromat. If memory serves me correctly, the total cost for one load is $7.50 (wash/dry & detergent). Lastly, I know some might consider this a little early but I'm starting to think about dragging my suitcases out to begin the unavoidable task of packing. I will probably start that tomorrow. One more thing about today is we will lose another hour tonight (1 more to go) as we continue to sail east.

 

Tonight for dinner we ill probably dine at Sterlings Steakhouse. We haven't tried it yet on this cruise so we are both looking forward to it.

 

Today's entertainment options are as follows. The movie Hocus Pocus will be screened on MUTS at 1000. There will be a presentation "Menendez Brothers: Killers or Victim?" in the Princess Theater at 1030. The movie Call of the Wild (2020) will be screened in the Explorers Lounge at 1100. A pool party with Gravity will take place at the Neptune's Reef and Pool at 1330. The movie Beetlejuice will screen on MUTS at 1500. Diamond Strings Duo will perform in the Piazza at 1600, 1745, 1845, and 1930.  A 2014 Queen with Adam Lambert concert will screen on Muts at 1700. Janusz Bator will be in the Wheelhouse Bar at 1815. The movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will screen on Muts at 1900. Tonight in the Princess Theater Vocalist Marco Romano will perform at 1930 and 2130. Vocalist Andy Morris will perform the music of Elton John & Billy Joel in the Piazza at 2015. Vocal Impressionist Mike Wilson will do two shows in the Explorers Lounge at 2030 & 1030. Moondance Duo will do a late show in the Wheelhouse bar at 2230. Lastly I didn't notice anything listed on the Patters for evening entertainment in Crooners. 

 

Well, that's all for now. Hope all are well.....

 

Bob

 

 

[PacnGoNow]

11 hours ago, abbydancer said:

I think the Gastro Pub as it's own restaurant is only on Discovery.  Some ships, such as Crown, Ruby and Emerald (I think all three) have it as an option in the Wheelhouse bar at dinner time.

They did have it in the Enchanted until dry dock in April.  They

replaced it with O’Malleys Irish Pub.

[PacnGoNow]

36 minutes ago, Woobstr112G said:

Good morning from the Sapphire Princess. It is 0551 ship's time as I begin to type this. Today begins our second of five full sea days (11th day of the voyage) as we sail (motor) towards our last port stop of  Ensenada. I'm feeling much better this morning than yesterday. All I have left is a little residual stuff in my chest and sinus. Mucinex, Sudafed, Advil, and a nasal spray have been my very good friends over the past several days.

 

Last night was our second of three formal nights. Holli and I are traditionalists so we loved getting all dressed up for the evening. For dinner we dined at Sabatinis which is by far our favorite specialty restaurant on Princess. Service was fantastic. Our server Edwin (Philippines) is arguably one of the best waiters we've ever had in all of our 24 cruises. For our selections, Holli choose her favorite Spaghetti. I decided to try something new and choose the Scaloppine di Vitello al Marsala. My subjective thoughts on this dish are it's not very good. The meat was cut thin, but was quite tough. The marsala sauce was overly salty for my liking. For desert, Holli had mixed berries with whipped cream. I just had coffee. After we finished dinner, We returned to our cabin and just relaxed for the remainder of the evening. 

 

Today we don't really have much planned. Holli got a good nights rest so we'll definitely be headed to Sabatinis for our suite breakfast perk around 0930. For those interested the Suite breakfast is open from 0730-1030 on sea days. For port days, the hours are 0730-0930. Other than that, I have some laundry to do and have some photos that I need to touch up so I may get to that sometime today. As far as the laundry situation goes, I'm not sure if it's due to my elite status or my suite status, but my cabin steward gave me free tokens to use in the self service laundromat. If memory serves me correctly, the total cost for one load is $7.50 (wash/dry & detergent). Lastly, I know some might consider this a little early but I'm starting to think about dragging my suitcases out to begin the unavoidable task of packing. I will probably start that tomorrow. One more thing about today is we will lose another hour tonight (1 more to go) as we continue to sail east.

 

Tonight for dinner we ill probably dine at Sterlings Steakhouse. We haven't tried it yet on this cruise so we are both looking forward to it.

 

Today's entertainment options are as follows. The movie Hocus Pocus will be screened on MUTS at 1000. There will be a presentation "Menendez Brothers: Killers or Victim?" in the Princess Theater at 1030. The movie Call of the Wild (2020) will be screened in the Explorers Lounge at 1100. A pool party with Gravity will take place at the Neptune's Reef and Pool at 1330. The movie Beetlejuice will screen on MUTS at 1500. Diamond Strings Duo will perform in the Piazza at 1600, 1745, 1845, and 1930.  A 2014 Queen with Adam Lambert concert will screen on Muts at 1700. Janusz Bator will be in the Wheelhouse Bar at 1815. The movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will screen on Muts at 1900. Tonight in the Princess Theater Vocalist Marco Romano will perform at 1930 and 2130. Vocalist Andy Morris will perform the music of Elton John & Billy Joel in the Piazza at 2015. Vocal Impressionist Mike Wilson will do two shows in the Explorers Lounge at 2030 & 1030. Moondance Duo will do a late show in the Wheelhouse bar at 2230. Lastly I didn't notice anything listed on the Patters for evening entertainment in Crooners. 

 

Well, that's all for now. Hope all are well.....

 

Bob

 

 

So good to hear you are feeling better!

We weren’t very impressed with our meals at Sabatini’s either.

Eggplant, hardly any sauce and overly salty.

Again, subjective.

 

[memoak]

24 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

So good to hear you are feeling better!

We weren’t very impressed with our meals at Sabatini’s either.

Eggplant, hardly any sauce and overly salty.

Again, subjective.

 

At Sabatini’s we usually stick to appetizers and pasta followed by dessert. The mains never look all that good to me

[XBGuy]

1 hour ago, Woobstr112G said:

 

Last night was our second of three formal nights. Holli and I are traditionalists so we loved getting all dressed up for the evening. For dinner we dined at Sabatinis which is by far our favorite specialty restaurant on Princess. Service was fantastic. Our server Edwin (Philippines) is arguably one of the best waiters we've ever had in all of our 24 cruises. For our selections, Holli choose her favorite Spaghetti. I decided to try something new and choose the Scaloppine di Vitello al Marsala. My subjective thoughts on this dish are it's not very good. The meat was cut thin, but was quite tough. The marsala sauce was overly salty for my liking. For desert, Holli had mixed berries with whipped cream. I just had coffee. After we finished dinner, We returned to our cabin and just relaxed for the remainder of the evening. 

 

 

It is very disappointing to read your report on the Veal Scaloppine Marsala.  "Scalloppine" means that the meat is pounded thin.  That should tenderize it.  The fact that you reported that it was tough makes me think that it was overcooked.  Since the meat is pounded thin, that is easy to do.  It sounds like the chef was not keeping his eye on the line cooks.  

 

Did you have another good Italian wine?

[cr8tiv1]

I’ve been “busy” and haven’t followed along as I would normally.  I do hope your visit to the islands were both relaxing and enjoyable.  “We” could really use your visiting dollars!  

[PacnGoNow]

2 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I’ve been “busy” and haven’t followed along as I would normally.  I do hope your visit to the islands were both relaxing and enjoyable.  “We” could really use your visiting dollars!  

We spent a few dollars there!😜

[PacnGoNow]

On 10/23/2023 at 12:21 PM, FromIndy said:

And how is the lobster?

Lobster was good, but a little small, as has been the case on most of our MDR’s on PCL since the restart.  If you want a second lobster, it’s an extra $10.  
 

Not really fair since it is so small, but that’s just my opinion.

 

[Woobstr112G]

1 hour ago, XBGuy said:

 

It is very disappointing to read your report on the Veal Scaloppine Marsala.  "Scalloppine" means that the meat is pounded thin.  That should tenderize it.  The fact that you reported that it was tough makes me think that it was overcooked.  Since the meat is pounded thin, that is easy to do.  It sounds like the chef was not keeping his eye on the line cooks.  

 

Did you have another good Italian wine?

Since getting sick, I haven’t felt too much like drinking alcohol over the last couple of days…..

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

1 hour ago, memoak said:

At Sabatini’s we usually stick to appetizers and pasta followed by dessert. The mains never look all that good to me

The Oso Buco is fantastic. I’ve had it twice…..

 

Bob

[Steelers36]

9 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

Lobster was good, but a little small, as has been the case on most of our MDR’s on PCL since the restart.  If you want a second lobster, it’s an extra $10.  
 

Not really fair since it is so small, but that’s just my opinion.

 

Agree.

[XBGuy]

1 hour ago, Woobstr112G said:

Since getting sick, I haven’t felt too much like drinking alcohol over the last couple of days…..

 

Bob

 

I certainly understand.

 

1 hour ago, Woobstr112G said:

The Oso Buco is fantastic. I’ve had it twice…..

 

Bob

 

Quite a few years ago on a Sabatini's visit, Osso Buco was a special for the evening.  It was not on the menu at the time.  Agree.  It was fantastic.

[gerry1.10]

Hi 

 

I just heard from a friend who was on the Sapphire in September that she was charged $8.00 for a pizza from the Pizzeria. Is this true? As far I know Alfredo's Pizzeria is a complimentary venue. Has this changed? Unless she meant it was at Sabatini's? But she did say that the Pizzeria that makes pizzas right in front of you!

 

Thanks

gerry1.0

Edited October 25, 2023 by gerry1.10

[PacnGoNow]

2 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

Lobster was good, but a little small, as has been the case on most of our MDR’s on PCL since the restart.  If you want a second lobster, it’s an extra $10.  
 

Not really fair since it is so small, but that’s just my opinion.

 

Adding to this:  

Any night in the MDR you can order lobster for an additional $19, but it is a small lobster again, about 4 oz, which is not right.  It should be a 7-8oz one. SMH

[pamps2801]

15 hours ago, Woobstr112G said:

Well I’ve now tested myself four times and all have been negative. Just because I caught a cold, doesn’t mean I have. COVID…..

 

Bob

I never said that you have COVID. You hadn’t mentioned that you had tested negative 4 times, if you had, I never would have asked if you had tested more than once. No need to get defensive on a simple inquiry. 

[Purplsmurf]

1 hour ago, PacnGoNow said:

Adding to this:  

Any night in the MDR you can order lobster for an additional $19, but it is a small lobster again, about 4 oz, which is not right.  It should be a 7-8oz one. SMH

My brother and mom had it the other night and it was much larger than the lobster served last night, which was on the menu

[PacnGoNow]

1 minute ago, Purplsmurf said:

My brother and mom had it the other night and it was much larger than the lobster served last night, which was on the menu

That’s good to hear.  That’s the way it is supposed to be.  Thanks for telling me.  

[TM]

2 hours ago, gerry1.10 said:

Hi 

 

I just heard from a friend who was on the Sapphire in September that she was charged $8.00 for a pizza from the Pizzeria. Is this true? As far I know Alfredo's Pizzeria is a complimentary venue. Has this changed? Unless she meant it was at Sabatini's? But she did say that the Pizzeria that makes pizzas right in front of you!

 

Thanks

gerry1.0

ALfredos is no longer complimentary unless you purchase the Princess Plus or Princess Premier package which gives you some casual dining venue meals of which Alfredos is one.  The pizza from the pool deck continues to be free by the slice.

[gerry1.10]

2 hours ago, TM said:

ALfredos is no longer complimentary unless you purchase the Princess Plus or Princess Premier package which gives you some casual dining venue meals of which Alfredos is one.  The pizza from the pool deck continues to be free by the slice.

Thanks! So my friend was right! What a shame! Oh well I suppose it is another cost cutting measure!

[abbydancer2003]

5 minutes ago, gerry1.10 said:

Thanks! So my friend was right! What a shame! Oh well I suppose it is another cost cutting measure!

More like a revenue producing measure.  I think it's also a way for them to make the packages more appealing, since they include Alfredo's in those.

Edited October 26, 2023 by abbydancer

[chamima]

18 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

Lobster was good, but a little small, as has been the case on most of our MDR’s on PCL since the restart.  If you want a second lobster, it’s an extra $10.  
 

Not really fair since it is so small, but that’s just my opinion.

 

 

 

Eat dinner next to us - neither of us eat lobster so you can have ours!!! 😉

[san diego sue]

Bob, thanks for taking all of us along with you on your journey.

We were suppose to cruise to Hawaii in July and had to cancel due to my hubby's illness.

Second time we cancelled. First time was I had Covid.

Nice seeing so many familiar names posting on your journey.

Enjoy the rest of your trip, stay well. See you hopefully on the Sun Princess next year.

 

Gloria (and Lew)

[arizonaperson]

19 hours ago, gerry1.10 said:

Hi 

 

I just heard from a friend who was on the Sapphire in September that she was charged $8.00 for a pizza from the Pizzeria. Is this true? As far I know Alfredo's Pizzeria is a complimentary venue. Has this changed? Unless she meant it was at Sabatini's? But she did say that the Pizzeria that makes pizzas right in front of you!

 

Thanks

gerry1.0

No longer complimentary at Alfredo’s  with standard cruise fare. You do not need a package to enjoy the venue,just like your friend experienced. If you have a package -  included .

Slice pizzeria on one of the top decks is still complimentary by the slice. Alfredo’s is a whole,pretty good sized pizza.

[Woobstr112G]

Good morning from the Sapphire Princess. It is 0729 ship's time as I begin to type this. Today is our third full sea day, of five, as we sail towards our last port stop of Ensenada. I actually overslept this morning. A big part of the reason was we went through our second of three time changes where we lose an hour as we sail towards Ensenada. I'm continuing to feel better each day as I recover from my cold. 

 

Last night for dinner we ate in Sterling's Steakhouse. For those that may not know, on the Sapphire Sterlings does not have it's own dedicated room as does Sabatinis. It is considered a nightly "Pop Up" restaurant where a portion of the Horizon Court Buffet is turned into the venue. The menu is the same as in the Crown Grill on other Princess Ships.

 

For our meal, Holli selected the fillet while I had the ribeye. Holli's steak had to be sent back as it was overcooked. My ribeye was very tasty. I also had the French Onion soup with the mushrooms and mashed potatoes as my sides. One quick question to those foodies out there that take pictures. If anyone has an older picture of the French onion soup, could you please post it. Mine last night seemed to be a change in presentation even from March when we sailed on the Royal. Lastly about Sterlings was our meal was acceptable but didn't wow us. The service was over the top excellent. The head waiter even went the extra mile and had our deserts delivered to our cabin. BTW, the Creme Brulee Cheesecake was out of this world good.  

 

After breakfast yesterday, Holli & I wandered in the Casino as she wanted to try her luck. I had stopped gambling several days ago as my initial luck had totally disappeared. Wouldn't you know it, Diamond Jim Holli had fantastic luck as she found a machine that was very friendly. When she stopped playing, she came away with a very heavy purse. 

 

Today Holli & I plan to once again enjoy Sabatinis for breakfast. After that I have some laundry to do. I will also breakout the suitcases and begin the sad task of beginning to pack😩. I always get a little melancholy when our cruises are nearing their end. I'm also going to head down to passenger services and get some extra envelopes so I can begin to sort out my extra tips. For dinner tonight, we haven't figured out if we will once again dine in our favorite establishment (Sabatinis) or the main dining room. For us, during our last 3 or four cruises, we seem to be gravitating away from the MDR. For the first eleven days of this voyage, we've only dined in the MDR (Rerserve Class/Old Club Class) once. It's not that we don't like it, just the way things have worked out. 

 

Today's entertainment options are as follows. The movie The Little mermaid (2023) will be screened on MUTS at 1000. The movie Can You Forgive Me will be screened in the Princess Theater at 1130. There will be a "Behind the Seas" Meet the Cast-A Backstage Story in the Princess Theater at 1400. A            Katty Perry concert will be shown on Muts at 1500. Thursday Night NFL football (Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs The Buffalo Bills will be shown on Muts at 1615, Diamond Strings Duo will be in the Piazza at 1745 and 1845. Moondance Duo will be in the Wheelhouse bar at 1815, 2115, and 2215. Vangelis Tzatsos will be in the Wheelhouse bar at 1915 & 2015. Comedian Michael Minor will be in the Princess Theater at 1930 and 2130. The movie Love Again will screen on Muts at 2015. Andy Morris will be on the Piano in Crooners from 2100 onwards. Gravity will be in Club Fusion from 2130 onwards. DJ Kalpesh wiol be in Skywalkers from 2200 onwards.

 

Well, that's all for now. Hope all are well.....

 

Bob