Jeter02

23 minutes ago, lorraine658 said:

Hi Jester 

Me and my partner were on this cruise we followed your blog through out the cruise and i have just read the whole thing back through what wonderful memories,it brought back, so thank you.

Back on sky may 31st 2025 for Denmark and Sweden looking forward to getting back onboard her again.

I have to say if it is half a good as this cruise it will be great.

Awe. This made me smile. Yes such a fantastic cruise. How exciting for your Denmark, Sweden itinerary. Both great countries to visit. 

I"m too booked back on the Sky 2025, but for the alternative itinerary she was doing with Iceland and some different port of calls of Norway. Norway has quickly become one of my most favorite destinations in the world, holding a very special spot in my heart, that's that unforgettable summer cruise. 

The Sky is a great ship, as I was just recently on here 3 weeks ago. Great to see the same familiar crew working board. 

7 hours ago, cheezenip said:

@Jeter02 How early can you check into your mustard station (want to beat the crowds) before going back to the stateroom to watch the drill?

Pretty much as soon as you get on board you can. I always go straight to my cabin to drop my luggage off and usually I head off to the mustard station to tap in while my mustard drill is playing on my phone.

9 minutes ago, chamima said:

 

You have no idea what a relief it is NOT to have to do the safety drill on B2b cruises. We did B2B2B2B last year on Celebrity and got so we stood in the back with the crew and almost recited the drill by heart.

On Princess during the second (or third or fourth) leg of a B2B we go sit at  a nice quiet pool or bar and have a relaxing drink (just make sure to order before the drill starts).

 

The drills on princess are so easy You literally check in at your mustard station with your medallion and then you can either watch your safety drill either on your stateroom TV or on your mobile device. Other than that there are no demonstrations or speeches. It's absolutely amazing!

Just now, cheezenip said:

@Jeter02 We too will be doing a B2B and enjoy eating at the MDR on embarkation. With in-transit privileges, did you find you could enter the MDR earlier than 11:30am on your 2nd week or were they firm on the 11:30 am starting time? Also, did you have to the fire drill requirements the 2nd week?

No you don't get special privileges to enter the dining room early for lunch It is a strict 11:30 a.m. start time regardless. On the second week you do not need to redo your safety drill. 

Just now, Steelers36 said:

I was wondering because I have read some posts in the past where people indicate Apple having "a mind of its own" in terms of auto-text.  I noticed one larger post above where there were some odd word choices and it looked like auto-text and not words you would choose.  Not a big deal as I could figure it out.  Anyone on a ship taking time out to post should get some leeway as it can take a lot off personal time and effort to do this.

I appreciate the leeway. I'm going to be very honest I tend to do more voice to text and I'm just a terrible human being when it comes to double checking. When I do double check especially on a lengthy one I tend to miss things. Your understanding is very well appreciative. 

5 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

@Jeter02, do you happen to be an Apple user or PC/Android?

Pc/Android

56 minutes ago, pachecos said:

Are you saying the menus did rotate then - the turkey was the first week but then they switched it to Italian on the second week - I'm confused if the order is changing each week?

For some of the nights yes some of the menus did rotate on the following week they may not have been on the exact order as the first week I was onboard.

I will be posting daily, one day of the Alaskan itinerary a day, as they're a little bit lengthy of a post. If I'm able to do more than one then it's a good day. Unfortunately I'm back on duty with work, as apparently the school year calls. 

I last left off on day three which is the first four to call of Ketchikan where I gave an overview of my day. But I figured I would add in some awesome excursion ideas for those looking for some tips, reviews, and suggestions. Be advised that the menus remain the same week after week, Which gives you an opportunity to try something new each week if you're on board for more than one sailing. I will be doubling up from the two weeks as the activities may have slightly changed.

During the first week for dinner for this day I had some delicious turkey dinner which is always one of my princess favorites every cruise. I don't know how they get their turkey tasting so good every single time. For the dessert I did try the carrot cake which was delightful. The following week it was Italian night so I of course had to do the arancini balls which are phenomenally done on this ship. Followed by my entree where I was eating like that night where I took the parmesan chicken and had them take that and place it on top a bed of Caesar salad instead of the menus option of a bed of spaghetti. I was very blessed to be sitting next to a lovely couple who had done the fishing excursion where you catch your fish and then you can have it cooked on board. So I was able to have a second round dinner and enjoy their pink salmon they had caught which was absolutely fabulous. The chef did an amazing job preparing it with some delicious vegetables and watching them filet the fish table side is always such a fun treat.

Some of the typical excursions people love to do in kitchen include some of the top two things which is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. I'm bored the ship they do have one of the lumberjacks on board where they do a wonderful presentation the day before we stop in Ketchikan that involve some volunteers from the audience that come up to practice some axe throwing. They go over the history of how the lumberjack shows became about which is loads of great fun for the whole family. When you book the tickets for the show there are different options where you can either have a bus take you and drop you off especially those who are ADA. It's also an easy walk to do to and from the ship as well. Highly recommend the show for families especially those with kids There's lots of fun is to be had.

The famous Creek Street with the beautiful wooden buildings is quite a popular place to visit. Also very easy to walk to from the ship with lots of great signage throughout town to help you navigate over. At Creek Street if it's a good day sometimes you can catch some fresh salmon swimming along the creek, which is always exciting.

All throughout Alaska you'll notice all the beautiful wooden totem poles all throughout the state. They do have a great totem pole park called Totem Bright Park. I've actually walked to the park in the past a little longer than typical, but absolutely doable. Great way to squeeze in that daily exercise.

If looking for more fancier excursions I've done in Ketchikan which I highly recommend if you're looking for something more adventurous to do which includes a seaplane. I've booked my tours with a fabulous company independently known as "Island Wings," which Michelle is an outstanding pilot and all around the wonderful woman. I did a lot of thorough research years ago and had discovered her through the cruise critic boards and she does not disappoint. (Please keep mine I did these tours about a few years ago which was pre-pandemic.) Where the ship docks you can actually see her two sea planes from the ship as it is an easy walkable distance. They do have a van that will pick up from the Ketchikan Visitor Bureau which is walkable from the ship, When you get off the ship you want to walk to the right. However where the Discovery Princess talks is just easier to walk straight directly to them. To walk to them initially all you got to do is when you get off the ship and out of the little port area you're going to go to the left and you can't miss it they have a nice big sign for Island Wings. I want to say it's a 5 to 10 minute walk.

Through Island Wings I've done two different excursions which includes: Bear Viewing and the Misty Fjords. My first excursion I booked with her with originally for Misty fjords but the few words were too fogged in and they gave us one of three offerings being 1) we can go to a different fjord which isn't as grand, 2) She can give us our money back for the inconvenience, 3) for no additional charge from the Misty fjord package they gave us the bear viewing package. I clearly jumped on that Bear viewing package as it was like double the price of the Misty fjords and an experience that's being handed to me on a platter. The bear viewing excursion they fly you out to the Tongass Forest, where we hike with some professionals from their team who are fully prepared for any encounters or interactions with the bears as they are equipped for those scenarios. I will say that was one of the most amazing excursions I've ever experienced Now keep in mind it's different for everyone when they go but I was very blessed to get about 5 cubs and 3 bears that day. It was awesome watching them along the salmon stream going fishing for their lunch. An absolute incredible sight.

On another visit with the island wings I did eventually get to do the Misty fjords flight. It was absolutely beautiful and scenic. One thing I did learn from that flight as I usually don't do well with motion in the air or in the car.... I learned when it's a beautiful sunny day that doesn't necessarily mean it is the best day for flying in seaplane. Apparently there are a lot of air pockets in the air which will then cause the turbulence. So Michelle's always said the best flight days are those that are slightly overcast and gray. You'll get some amazing photos through this flight. 

During this 2 week cruise I kept it simple with a hike up to Carlanna Lake, Which is roughly a 40-minute walk each way from the ship. It's a rather simple hike/walk up to the lake which was incredibly peaceful and serene as I thought it was a wonderful hidden gem. If interested in this little hike when you get off the ship you want to go to the left and take that all the way down to Jackson Street, and take the wooden stairs up. You're going to keep taking those stairs until you get to another little cross street where you're going to then take the second set of wooden stairs. Keep going straight on that road eventually you will make a left on Baranof Street. Keep walking until you hit the beginning of Trail for Carlanna Lake. The trail is maybe half a mile long until you reach the designated area. It's beautiful so if you're looking for something to do that's different from your typical Creek Street run or totem pole park highly recommend. I gave myself round trip about 2 and 1/2 hours for this little adventure. I tend to walk fast so it takes me about 30 minutes each way to walk to and from, I spent about 30 minutes up by the lake.

19 minutes ago, cheezenip said:

Is there a waiter / waitress you can recommend booking an entire cruise in the dining room (s) you ate at? We also like to eat early and want to have the old mdr experience where the mdr team knows our preferences. I know times have changed but we can still try.

Honestly they are all absolutely fabulous and wonderful. For me, my personal waiters I had throughout my entire stay onboard was at the Skagway Dinning Room, table 380 which is at Center stage which is always my favorite place to eat, as it's roomy and quiet. My waiter was Ruwell and his partner Maritea. Once again I have never had a bad wait staff and all my years on princess they have all been incredibly fantastic.

As for breakfast and lunch I had another great duo James and Michael, however this is James last week currently onboard as he's getting ready for vacation.

Figured the best way to go about this blog to share my experiences of this wonderful B2B Alaskan cruise totaling 14 days. The itinerary remain the same each week of the cruise so I'm going to go over each port stop with things that I have done in the past to help people get ideas of some excursions as well things I did this time around. 

Honestly the first week on board the beautiful Discovery Princess I used as a week of complete relaxation as I did as well mostly for the second week, but through in some outdoor activities.

But first I have to give a big shout out and huge round of applause to all the crew on this ship as they were nothing but phenomenal and outstanding. The Discovery Princess is a gorgeous ship to begin with but I always say it comes down to management and all the crew that run rhis ship to help keep it running like a fine oiled machine. Entertainment was fantastic! Food was to die for! Service was top-notch! Furthermore what's not to love about an Alaskan itinerary.

On 8/14/2023 at 6:25 PM, Solara said:

What was final count of passengers?  Did you feel the ship was really crowded?

Both weeks the ships were fully booked with well over 4,000 passengers. Honestly it didn't feel that bad at all with feeling crowded. Keep in mind when there's a lot of port days people are out and about as they are coming and going. On sea days, lots of activities going on around ship giving people lots of choices where people are spread all around the ship.

On 8/14/2023 at 6:10 PM, Italy52 said:

Thank you for taking the time to post your review, I appreciate it.  With regard to the pizza, it is still possible to split one pizza?  My husband and I used to go to the restaurant and split one pizza; we are not very big eaters.  Or, will we have to order one pizza each?

Yes you are absolutely allowed to split a pizza or a split anything that you order as it will be no sharing fees. 

1 minute ago, Steelers36 said:

We can now see from a more modern and complete Gigi's/Alfredo's that the pizzas are going to be $8.50 - the same as on grand class.  That is much more reasonable to me than the $12 we saw on the draft menus.  If the $12 was ever real, someone to PCL did the right thing.

 

Yes $8.50 for the pizzas, and For three particular specialty pizzas that have more gourmet ingredients such as burrata and truffle and so on.... those are going to be about $12

3 minutes ago, cheezenip said:

No need to apologize...glad you had such a great time. I'll be especially interested in your food comments in the MDR (service speed also) and the buffet as well as music activities around the ship both day and night (I'll be going in Jan for 2 weeks and the family is concerned with enough music around the ship both day / night when we are in Mexico). Have a safe trip home!!

I can let you know the service and the main dining room has been fabulous for breakfast lunch and dinner. As always for those who have traveled recently on Princess I know some people have concerns when it comes to the reservations. I am a very early diner so I tend to always wait at the dining room like 30-20 minutes prior to opening. For dinner I always eat at 5:00 or 5:30 whichever one is the earliest. On this ship and itinerary it is 5:00 for dinner. So if you don't have a reservation or if you're traveling with a large group that's always the best time as 6:00 is always peak time with people coming in for dinner. 

2 minutes ago, Thrak said:

Would be interested in your opinion of Take Five and also if you can tell me what venue would be the choice for those missing Vines on the ship. (I believe you are not a "wine person" but possibly you could tell just from observation.)

Take five is a great venue I actually love sitting in there during the day as it's so quiet and most people just don't go in it It's usually rather empty becomes more lively in the evening. They do host the captain circle daily cocktails From 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. followed by live jazz music in the evening. So it's nice to have some drinks while listening to the music or just simply enjoying the atmosphere.

So just like the Enchanted princess Discovery as well like you mentioned does not have vines but the Crooners lounge on Deck 6. Crooners is quite massive of an area which, is also the martini bar and live piano music in the evening. They do have Bellini's bar on deck 7 which does get rather busy. So even though no dedicated wine bar, you definitely have lots of options besides the three that I've mentioned as well as good spirits bar down on deck 5 by international Cafe and then also on deck 7 you have the Crown Grill / wheelhouse bar. If I wear a wine drinker for me the best atmosphere I always do love the crown grill / wheelhouse bar area because hey also do live music whether it's violins, saxophones or piano. I love the atmosphere of not just live music but it's great for people watching people walk by on that deck and I like the mood lighting.

51 minutes ago, cheezenip said:

On vacation and enjoying himself, COVID or other health problems....??? Just let us know you are ok with a status update and your thoughts of the Discovery Princess (so good that you are ignoring the cruise critic world...LOL??)

I'm doing great, and having a ball! I decided I'm going to write a whole daily review with each of the ports after I disembark tomorrow. As always I'll have all the patters included, menus, excursions, and lots of pictures Figured I'll have the time as I wait for time to pass by in the airport. I apologize for all the suspense and for being so quiet on here. This has been such a fabulous cruise onboard with such an amazing group of crew.

On 8/4/2023 at 3:11 PM, gottagoacruzn said:

Hey Jeter, where you been?  Been missin your posts, gettin ansy!!!

 

I greatly apologize for the overly relaxed version of myself especially in regards to this live blog. As today is turnaround day I plan to sit back and reflect on this week's segment of my cruise as I prepare to go for a week number two on this amazing Alaskan voyage.

11 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

 

Thanks for checking!  Interesting that the prices are different from the menus that are being circulated.  I sure hope the pizza and pasta dishes are accurate - didn't like the $12 charges on the menus.

 

And no need to apologize about relaxing on your cruise.  Most folks here are on Cruise Critic are appreciative of any information provided, whenever it is provided.  Keep enjoying the beautiful Discovery Princess!

Of course! You're very welcome! One thing I have said before on the boards here in regards to people claiming that the venues now have pricing, is false but I can only say things once because I don't like to overstep on toes on the forum boards. 

On the Gigi's menu ONLY, not Alfredo's, which Gigi's are strictly on the Enchanted and Discovery Princess. There's always been fancy pizzas on the right side of the menu that have that $8.50 surcharge. I'm a very frequent cruiser on Princess but especially on the loyal classes and I can ensure there has never ever been pricing on that Gigi's menu or any Alfredo's menu with a la cart pricing or prices for anything else.

I'm guessing people who think that they add it pricing are doing quick glances at that menu. I can try to take a picture later but those menus are going to be obsolete after one more cruise. I just giggle at those who quickly jump to conclusions without reviewing. What to do. I'm happy I'm able to hopefully clear that up for.manu people. 

Also to know for those with curious minds I did speak to the head maturity in Gigi's also known as Alfredo's on some of the other foya class ships in regards to the upcoming changes in two more cruises. He was very surprised that I was even aware of this as he thought it was not announced to the public and explained to him it's spreading like wildfire.

He was so incredibly kind to tell me what the pricing will look like for those looking forward to dining in Gigi's / Alfredo's. Obviously those who have the premier package will be able to eat there unlimited amount of times. If you have a plus package you will have an opportunity to eat at one of the casual dining including Gigi's / Alfredo's twice throughout your voyage. Finally if you book standard if you wanted to do a three-course meal it'll be that $14.99 or you can choose to pick your items à la carte. He did not have any of the menus printed yet, as they were just looking over everything that's been sent over from corporate.

Prices will be as follows:

Salads $5

Pizza $8.50 

Calzones $8.50

Eggplant and Veal dishes $8.50

Dessert $4.50

I will be posting hopefully later today, my overview of the day from yesterday (Tuesday) born Ketchikan. Sorry for being delayed on these posts as I'm in full relaxation mode. This is one of the major positives to doing an itinerary you have done multiple times in the past is it gives you an opportunity to step back, decompress, and be fully relaxed, as no plans are needed to rush around out and about. Just enjoying the amenities of the ship.

A completely different speed from my most recent cruise in Norway. I do love cruising to new areas as well, to explore amazing destinations and going out adventuring. 

Day 2 (Monday) was such a fun and yet very relaxing sea day as we make our way to Ketchikan. Lots of great activities going on throughout the ship all day long My favorite always are the activities that involve crew versus guests games, which was water pong today. 

I had lunch in the Main dining room where I started off with my favorite Thai chili soup. It does have a really nice kick to it, which I personally love. Then I followed up with some chicken korma which was delicious.

Also another fabulous lunch option that was available on the CD today was the Crab shack which they hold in the Salty Dog Gastropub. There is a cover charger $29.99 to dine here. I have attached photos of the menu for those interested.

Captain's Gala was this evening with the champagne waterfall, as it was a formal night as well. It's always fun to See all of the top officers introduced who help run this magnificent vessel. 

For dinner tonight the meal was absolutely spectacular and probably one of the best versions I've ever had of my entree throughout all my princess sailings. I did start off the evening with a simple Caesar salad followed by the beef tenderloin. The meat once again melt it right in your mouth seasoned so beautifully but the star on that dish besides the beef was the scalloped potatoes which were to die for. It wasn't too hungry for a sweets this evening so I opted for the peach Melba and I will say it did not disappoint at all. I'm not a huge peach person but I figured I'd give it a try The peaches were magnifebt topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and like strawberry sauce with a little decorative waffle coned Carmel piece for the court on top.

This evening theater showtimes are 7:30 and 9:30. My favorite production show, Spotlight Bar was being performed this evening. They do such an amazing job pairing the right songs for the storylines throughout the show. The singers and dancers as well as musicians really do put such a phenomenal show on with this one. Highly recommend going to see this show.

I was able to catch the second act of Phil Tag, the comedian in the Vista Lounge. I am very happy that I did, as it was a funny and enjoyable show.

The entertainment staff game show for the evening was he yes no game show which princess is very well known for. It's always good I providing some great laughs throughout the game show.

10 minutes ago, jp2746 said:

I saw on another site that Movies Under the Stars will go to closed captioning and they will only give headsets to Plus and Premier guests.  It could have been a joke but after all of this it isn't too crazy.  Has anyone heard that this will be the case?  I can deal with everything else (although I think it is wrong to change things for poeple who are already booked and paid in full), but this would be really uncool.  Our son doesn't care for the shows, but LOVED watching football by the pool at night.  He also loved going back to the room and staying up late ordering room service while he watches movies.  I will pay the extra for this experience, but if they take away movies and football and I have to read the screen that will be my breaking point.  

I swear people are just coming up with crazy off the wall ideas that they're just making up. No this is not true whatsoever.

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Discovery Captain - Tony Ruggero, CD - Duval Gamble