casandbliz

Our son and his fiance just got back from a POA cruise. They did get a few photos of the lava flow at night, although from a far distance. Still, they were able to see it.

What is the name of the location where to pick up the car?

We booked our car through Enterprise Rent a Car, 1178 Del Monte Ave., Monterey

can someone tell me about their experience on The Sanctuary?

On our med cruise next June we only have one sea day and thought this sounded great . Does it have its own pool ?

We were on the Ruby in March 2018 and spent one morning at The Sanctuary. We loved it!! We were able to choose our lounger, and then we could come and go as we pleased (altho we pretty much just stayed!). There were attendants to bring you water and/or other food and beverages. There was the Lotus Spa Pool just down a few steps from the Sanctuary.

For those of you that have done the lei making class, how often is it offered? I'm sure it's quite popular, how soon should I plan to get there to get a seat?

Another vote for Downey Wrinkle Release.

Live Joyously from Philosophy. I just ordered Sea of Love but haven’t smelled it yet.

 

I usually wear Coco Mademoiselle from Chanel or Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf.

 

I like to try out new scents in the roller balls from Sephora or Ulta, that way I haven’t wasted a ton if I don’t like it.

That's a great idea!!

Here is a link to the San Francisco Cruise Ship Schedule for 2018. This is an Excel spreadsheet.

 

As Wheezedr said the usual pier which is now used is 27 (the new cruise ship terminal), but Pier 35 may be used. Both are in the downtown area, with 35 being closer to Fisherman's Wharf.

 

Historic trolleys run along the waterfront (Embarcadero).

Cool spreadsheet! Looks like we will be at Pier 27. Thanks to all for your responses!!

Not sure if you are still monitoring this, but loved your photos! How large of a group were you with on Roberts Hawaii? Looks like a large bus, similar to the ships excursions buses. We are going to Hawaii on Princess in Feb of 2019, and starting to look at ship excursions vs. private tours.

Just trying to figure walking distances in SF....what pier does Princess use?

We always go to the Buena Vista in San Francisco for Irish Coffees!!

I saw in your Patter that AJ Jamal did a comedy show for you. Did you attend? I saw him last year on another Princess ship and he was HYSTERICAL. Made my DH and I laugh to tears. I never saw Brand James Duo. If you saw him, was he good? What type of show did he do? Still loving your blog and thank you for taking the time. It’s making me anxious for my up coming cruise.

We also saw him (AJ) on the Ruby in March. He was great!!

We were on the Ruby in early March, 2018, and we were asked to be out of our stateroom by 8:15.

This is exactly the information I was looking for!! Thank you!!

The buffet on all Princess ships closes around 11 pm and reopens around 5 am but food is available around the clock at the International Cafe.

My mistake. I thought the buffet had limited options after 11 pm. But yes, you are correct, the International Cafe is open 24 hrs. Nice sandwiches, salads in the afternoons and evenings.

Ruby's buffet is open 24 hrs. Their mini suites have bathtubs! :)

Guess it depends on your age and what age demographic you are comfortable with. We are in our 60's and just got off the Ruby (March 3-10) doing the Mexican Riviera. There was a large variance in ages- some 20's, lots of 30-50's, and some 60-80's. Not many children at this time of year- we saw maybe 20-30. I would expect Carnival to have more cruisers in the 20-40 yr. range. Ruby has a few lounges that have entertainment, but I'm not sure what time they stop. The Sky-walkers Lounge doesn't even open (well, they are open, but you can't be served) until 10 PM, and I think the entertainment goes into the wee hrs. I vote Princess!

We did a New England/Canada cruise in September of 2015 on Celebrity Summit out of Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey. First of all, it was a gorgeous departure, leaving New York! It was cool, we just wore layers. Did not need a heavy jacket. Loved all of the ports- Boston, Portland and Bar Harbor (Maine), Quebec City (Quebec), Halifax (Nova Scotia). It did rain in Halifax, and due to rough seas, we were unable to dock in Sydney, Nova Scotia. But it was a beautiful cruise, although the fall colors were just starting, and the best we saw was in Canada. I highly recommend a New England/Canada cruise!!

We would like to do a whale watching tour out of Lahaina in Feb 2019. It looks like Pacific Whale Foundation has 3 different vessels we can go on- a large 2 decker ship, a sailing catamaran, and a small panga. I realize the panga can maneuver most easily (but least comfortable), and the 2 decker will have the most people (but most comfortable). What about the catamaran? Looks like a nice compromise.....? Any thoughts??

On the Ruby Princess, which deck will the gangway be on while in port? What about when we tender?

None, zippo, nada.

 

Granted I'm in my 50's now. In my 20s, I would have put up with the discomfort to look good.

I agree (altho I'm I'm my early 60's).....I wore uncomfortable shoes (altho they looked great!) up into my 40-50's.

Headed on a cruise in a week, ditched the most uncomfortable ones in favor of some older (but less uncomfortable) ones.

This is "Casnbliz" husband - Bruce. Excel spreadsheet user since the beginning! Very impressed with your sheet! Found the hidden rows! Love the comments! Brings reality to "package" rates!! Well done! Thanks

Yes, this looks like a lot of work, and I can't wait to show my husband, who uses Excel constantly!! Thanks for sharing this!

We have never "bought" the AIBP, but had it as a perk when we booked Celebrity and Princess cruises. We have tried (with not much success) to figure out if we HAD actually purchased it, would it have been worth it. This might help us out with that. Anyway, it'll be fun trying!

So, do they assign you a specific restaurant, specific time and day?

If we aren't happy with it, how do we change the reservation?

As long as I can fit into them, I continue to wear them. I have some that I've had for over 10 years! Classic never goes out of style!!

We will be cruising with Princess for the first time next month. One port is Cabo, where we will just get off and walk the town, etc. (in other words, no excursions). The ship is set to arrive approx. 7 AM. For those of you that are Princess cruisers, can you tell me when the ship will call open tendering? Or do we HAVE to go someplace to get a tender ticket? We really don't care what time we get off the ship.....just trying to plan.