A few notes about the Discovery Jan 6-13

[Thrak]

7 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

So, we have no dining reservations for this sailing but am impressed that the new app will show the menus for dinner in the MDR without a reservation.  
Here is tonight’s menu .. posted in the opposite order but you get the idea.  

 

 

Hmmm... Don't recall ever seeing the Iced Cointreau Souffle before. I "might" actually give that a try as I love Cointreau but, in the past, I have found the Souffle offerings to be "mostly tasteless". I did try Mama's Meat Lasagna once. Once was enough. Bleh... I make a vastly better Lasagna.  I'm pleased to see the menus are available in the app though. Thanks for this.

[Cruise Raider]

1 hour ago, New2cruise2022 said:

Are the tacos part of the casual lunch offering at Ocean Terrace or would that be more of an extra item?

 

Have you found the prefixe menu for casual dining is big enough to keep you interested for multiple visits across a weeklong cruise?

Oh gosh … let me check tomorrow or the next day when we go back there.  We have the premier package so haven’t even thought to ask.  
Between the specialty dining, the casual dining and the PES lounge, we’ve definitely found the menus to be varied enough for a 2 week cruise.  I’m still hoping to squeeze in another meal at the GastroPub.  We would love to also go to the dining room for lunch but don’t think we will have time on this sailing.  We don’t tend to eat a lot, though.  We more or less graze.  My DH hasn’t even been hungry enough to to get a scoop of gelato.. that’s a rare event for him.  

[Cruise Raider]

Another fabulous day yesterday.  We spent a little time outside and the weather was perfect.  We couldn’t find our way out to the midship tables and chairs outside but happened along the smoking section towards the front of the ship, port side.  It was completely empty so had a seat there until someone showed up to smoke.  It is, after all, a designated smoking area so, that isn’t a complaint.  I included a photo of the area in this post. 
 

Another couple we met earlier in the crew met up with us in the Piazza before heading to the Caymus Winemakers Dinner.  I believe they mentioned the price was $160 pp.  They are also scheduled for the Super Tuscan lunch today in Sabatini’s.  I hope we run into the, again so we can report back on their experiences.  I may have already included it but am posting another photo of the Super Tuscan lunch menu here.  I believe the price is $60 pp for that.  

Something we noticed along the hallway on deck 8 is it seems the floor is buckled in certain places. Maybe that is by design and on all ships and we’ve simply never noticed it before.  Could that be?  I don’t think it is like that on the starboard side of the ship on this deck.  Anyway, you can see by the photo that even the railing is crooked where the buckling is most evident.  Again, not a complaint but just an observation.  
 

We went to PES lounge for nibbles in the evening and stayed for the comedian and then the Marriage Match Gameshow.  Cole is an excellent cruise director and last night’s show just proved that again.  Wow, he’s a funny man.  
We met a nice couple from here on CC in the Vista Lounge and learned they are on another couple of cruises with them in the future.  

We gained an hour back last night, which was so very nice.  Speaking of the time changes, w had met a young man at Crooners and learned it was his first cruise ever.  
He had an unusual name so, when I heard it over the loudspeaker several times before we departed from PV, I figured he may have not understood the importance of changing his watch and getting back to the ship on time.  Yes, he missed getting back onboard.  Dang, that’s a harsh lesson.  I recall on one of my first cruises ever that the cruise director said, “it’s not like we have Julie McCoy standing out there saying, come back whenever you want, we will wait for you”.  😆

That has always stuck with me and I haven’t missed the ship yet.  There was one time when we took a ship’s excursion while in Boston, where we hit some road work with detours and then incredible traffic.  Our tour bus was an hour late getting back to the ship but they waited for us.  We were greeted by some cheering and much jeering as we got back onboard.  Wow, am I ever glad that wasn’t a private excursion.  

Tonight is another formal night and the captain’s circle party.  We have 5:00 PM reservations for The Catch so, may not make it either of the parties, which are at 4:45 or at 6:15.  
 

[Cruise Raider]

It’s pub lunch day in the dining room .. here are today’s menus from the app.  
I didn’t post the breakfast but saw in addition to the normal menu, there were banana pancakes.   

 

 

[Cruise Raider]

I learned that the tacos in the sushi bar are Hamachi tacos and substitutions can be made.  They are $12 for a plate of two tacos and are not included in the packages.  

[Italy52]

For those that recently switched out their mini-bar on the Discovery Princess, who did you call to do that?  And, how long did it take to accomplish the task? 

[JerseyShore]

We swapped ours on with our cabin Stewart the day we arrived.  By the time we  returned from dinner our bottles were exchanged 

[Italy52]

1 minute ago, JerseyShore said:

We swapped ours on with our cabin Stewart the day we arrived.  By the time we  returned from dinner our bottles were exchanged 

Thanks.  We did 2 Discovery cruises last year and had a heck of a time swapping out.  First cruise cabin steward said to contact room service (we waited two days and nothing was done even after a couple of reminder calls).  Cabin steward asked if the situation was taken care of and we said we are still waiting.  Cabin steward was not happy that room service had not done their job and he personally switched things out.  Second cruise, room service came to our cabin about 10 PM when we were just getting ready to go to bed. Since we cruise in a couple of weeks I was just trying to get an idea as to what we might be in for this time around when it comes to swapping out the liquor.

[whataboutport]

4 hours ago, Italy52 said:

Thanks.  We did 2 Discovery cruises last year and had a heck of a time swapping out.  First cruise cabin steward said to contact room service (we waited two days and nothing was done even after a couple of reminder calls).  Cabin steward asked if the situation was taken care of and we said we are still waiting.  Cabin steward was not happy that room service had not done their job and he personally switched things out.  Second cruise, room service came to our cabin about 10 PM when we were just getting ready to go to bed. Since we cruise in a couple of weeks I was just trying to get an idea as to what we might be in for this time around when it comes to swapping out the liquor.

Personally, I have always left a note with a cash tip on the first day and it has worked every time on every cruise line I've been on 

[Italy52]

22 minutes ago, whataboutport said:

Personally, I have always left a note with a cash tip on the first day and it has worked every time on every cruise line I've been on 

Left a note for whom? 

[whataboutport]

4 hours ago, Italy52 said:

Left a note for whom? 

Cabin steward. I just leave the note on the desk. I usually ask for ice too and they will keep my ice bucket filled

Edited January 12 by whataboutport

[Bedruthen]

Looking to book Discovery aft facing cabin R732, any thoughts re location, good or bad, before we take the plunge. The deck is higher than we usually go. Thanks

[Cruise Raider]

On 1/10/2024 at 12:25 PM, Host CJSKIDS said:

Have you run across Jovie at all on this sailing? I know she joined the ship back in November.  

I have seen her .. always helping out at the sushi place and at the bars on deck 6.  She is so sweet and such a hard worker!  

[Cruise Raider]

3 hours ago, Bedruthen said:

Looking to book Discovery aft facing cabin R732, any thoughts re location, good or bad, before we take the plunge. The deck is higher than we usually go. Thanks

We’ve been in that location before but on the Majestic.  How much movement you have will really depend up n the seas.  Other than that, we love that location.  

[Host CJSKIDS]

2 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

I have seen her .. always helping out at the sushi place and at the bars on deck 6.  She is so sweet and such a hard worker!  

If you see her again, please tell her Carolyn says hi. 

[Cruise Raider]

Just now, Host CJSKIDS said:

If you see her again, please tell her Carolyn says hi. 

I will definitely do so!  

[Cruise Raider]

As noted, I am only using the new app on this sailing, just so I can check out its functionality and report back on any issues it may be having.  So far, I really like it, even more than the old app.  My DH log in using our cabin number once onboard.  
The features that I think could make it better would be:

1) being able to view and make reservations on all of one’s booked cruises

2) being able to view all the ship’s deck plans, not just the one you are on 

 

Yesterday morning, we ordered breakfast via the app and it was delivered hot and took exactly 20 minutes. That’s really good timing if you ask me.  

 

We went to the enrichment talk on Great White Sharks in the theater and learned so much!  While the slides were a bit juvenile, the level of knowledge of the speaker was incredible. I just love when naturalists come onboard and impart their knowledge.  
 

We had a little snack of sushi and edamames and again, it was amazing.  There was quite a long line to get in around noon so, we spent a little time in the casino and it was so much fun because it wasn’t filled with a ton of smoke.  No wins but entertaining!  We went back about 90 minutes later and there was still a line but not as long.  After being seated, we just split one order and that worked out perfectly as we were saving our appetite for dinner at the Catch.
We missed the captain’s circle party in the vista lounge but it was well worth it for dinner at my new favorite restaurant.  We were chatting with a newly met friend down in the piazza when the hostess from the Catch came looking for us, as we were 5 minutes late for our reservation.  I can see why, as the restaurant has become wildly popular.  
It was really crowded by the time we left but the service was still spot on!  
We opted to try something a little different so ordered the crab cakes for an appetizer and wow!  I’ve never had such a great crab cake before .. ever!  
Anyway, note to self, don’t be late, even if only a few minutes.  
 

As of yesterday morning, they’ve stopped playing the music outside on deck 7, port side.  
My DH sent them praise and thanks over crew chat!  This has not been a warm weather cruise and it’s getting colder now as we are on our way back to LA.  Of note, the inside of the ship is on the cool side on this sailing.  I’m glad I packed some heavier long sleeved shirts.  And normally, I am never cold while inside. 

This cruise has flown by ..it has been so much fun!  The entertainment, the service, the food have all been spectacular.  Plus the other passengers onboard have all been so fun and friendly!  Every so often, you get a perfect group of fellow passengers and crew .. this has been one of those sailings.  I have not seeing any real complainers or anybody being rude to the hard working staff.  I am giving a shout out to the bar supervisors in particular.  They must be amongst the hardest working people on the ship.  Ashley, Jovie and Joanne all will be included in our survey for their hard work .. it really shows!  
 
The CD Cole, with his assistants, Bonagni and Josie are top notch.  The acrbats in the piazza as well as the World Class orchestra are also so very talented!  Both gave incredible performances yesterday.  
 

 

 

 

[SmooshSmash]

I will be on this cruise in mid-Feb. Do you guys happen to know if the pools are heated, especially the adult pool on Deck 17?

[latserrof]

OP,  thanks for all the info. We will likely be aboard in three weeks. Any observations on Covid-related factors, e.g., masks, restrictions, quarantines, etc.?

Thanks!

[New2cruise2022]

@Cruise Raider Does the app allow you to schedule an order? Like, could I, hypothetically of course, order a latte in the evening to be delivered to my room in the morning at a scheduled time?

[nini]

7 hours ago, Bedruthen said:

Looking to book Discovery aft facing cabin R732, any thoughts re location, good or bad, before we take the plunge. The deck is higher than we usually go. Thanks

 

We always book an aft balcony when possible. You may want to do a search to see if that one is covered at all. It is one of the larger aft balconies, they are not all created equally. For example, the balconies below on the Aloha deck are super small.

 

If you have motion sickness issues, it may not be for you.

[desertdwellingsailor]

29 minutes ago, nini said:

 

We always book an aft balcony when possible. You may want to do a search to see if that one is covered at all. It is one of the larger aft balconies, they are not all created equally. For example, the balconies below on the Aloha deck are super small.

This is probably explained elsewhere but how can I tell how big a balcony is when I am choosing a cabin?

 

Thanks!

Bobby

[nini]

10 minutes ago, desertdwellingsailor said:

This is probably explained elsewhere but how can I tell how big a balcony is when I am choosing a cabin?

 

Thanks!

Bobby

 

You can go to the deck plans on the Princess website. You will be able to click on each deck your would like to view. For example:

https://www.princess.com/deckPlans.do?shipCode=XP&version=1

 Go to the above link and select the deck you wish to view. You can easily compare them that way. Aft cabins on the Emerald and Dolphin deck are quite different. The aft cabins on the Emerald deck are very narrow and have no cover. One deck above, the Dolphin deck is deep and partially covered. Here is a link to a photo.

 

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=Discovery+Princess+aft&atb=v215-1&iax=images&ia=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cruisemapper.com%2Fimages%2Fships%2F2157-2f911d7c260.jpg

 

[Thrak]

8 hours ago, Bedruthen said:

Looking to book Discovery aft facing cabin R732, any thoughts re location, good or bad, before we take the plunge. The deck is higher than we usually go. Thanks

 

I would trade my Dolphin Deck balcony (with a large balcony) for that cabin in a heartbeat. Aft facing, wake view, minimal issue with wind on the balcony, and a large balcony.

[desertdwellingsailor]

16 minutes ago, nini said:

 

You can go to the deck plans on the Princess website. You will be able to click on each deck your would like to view. For example:

https://www.princess.com/deckPlans.do?shipCode=XP&version=1

 Go to the above link and select the deck you wish to view. You can easily compare them that way. Aft cabins on the Emerald and Dolphin deck are quite different. The aft cabins on the Emerald deck are very narrow and have no cover. One deck above, the Dolphin deck is deep and partially covered.

 

Funny. Three cruises and I never thought to look for cabins with larger balconies. The two mini suites I have been in on Caribe had narrow balconies. I see the ones aft that are larger. I guess there are some angled ones also. We could barely fit our chairs on the balcony we had and it was hard to walk around the table.