fpsphil

I always do reprices with them. Have actually saved quite a bit of money. Every cruise I reprice everything coming up

Its going fleet wide. They were converting the Emerald while we were onboard 2 weeks ago

There are always exceptions to what Princess puts on the website. Example - Mykonos there is only one dock Princess will say they are docking at but there is only one dock on the island and if its already occupied you end up at anchor. In that case you need to either check the port schedule directly or wait to see the patter once you board. Same can also happen in Juneau if all the docks are occupied

Was on her in October. Older ship that is showing its age (elevators looked banged up, wood trim had scratches, etc) but no issues with service, food, or entertainment. Really enjoyed our time and would 100% sail on her again

Is it just me or is Princess just not drumming up that much excitement over this launch? I feel like I saw the Icon of the Seas splattered on every social media blogger for weeks even before it got to Miami

Emerald Princess last month... arrived at the dock at 11:15, was on the ship by 11:25

One note onboard as we return to LA, Churchills is being turned to an arcade this cruise. Said smoking lounge when we boarded and they’ve been working in there the whole cruise

Would 150% recommend this itinerary and we are likely to do it again in the future

Goodmorning from Huatulco

Rescheduled champagne waterfall tonight due to the rough seas at the beginning of the cruise. Have been slacking on posting patters but will get caught up tommorow

Panama City After leaving the locks we proceeded out to sea at a snails pace as per the captain was to take care of some “marine business”. Not sure if they needed to just touch international waters for legal reasons (they had the casino open on canal day plus were running bingo) but as soon as we got out to the 30 mile mark we immediately turned around the dropped anchor near Panama City. We did the best of Panama City tour including the Miraflores locks and we were lucky enough to see a ship passing through while at the observation tower. We also went to the old town for a small walking tour and free time. Before heading back to the ship our bus dropped us at the shopping center near the ship and me and my fiancé had some appetizers and drinks at a restaurant there. Today we are at sea. Completely calm and flat and doing maybe 15 knots max. Not too hot either which is nice.

Panama Canal day its been over 25 years since I last went through the canal and of that trip those memories are very hazy (I was 5 or 6 at the time) but wow what a feat of engineering. Got up early to watch us come into the Atlantic break water and we were straight into the first of the agua clara locks. Took about an hour and a half to get through Agua Clara and immediately set out at 6 knots across the lake (even though we were told we would have to wait for another ship to finish the old locks apparently they were delayed enough for us to get the green light to proceed) Took us a lot longer to get through Cocoli locks. We arrived right when targeted but with 2 ships ahead of us already in the locks we ended up sitting outside the first chamber for almost 45 minutes. Overall one of the most memorable days of cruising for me every and will 100% be doing a full transit crusie again at some point in the future

What an amazing transit today. Will be posting pictures after dinner and show tonight. Thank you @Essiesmom for the screen grabs from the webcam. Think I can see myself out on the deck 8 forward promenade

Slow transit today about 6 knots. Clario locks around 3:15 IMG_3264.heic

Can almost see myself on the port side on the bridge

On approach IMG_3195.heic

Cartagena: Woke up early to watch us dock. Was nice to finally not be rocking like we have been for the previous 2 days. Did the Best of Cartagena tour today and absolutely loved it. Our tour guide Sandy was amazing. Loved the aviary at the port as well. Watch out for the stealing monkeys though! Couple pictures:

Day 4 patters and day 3 dinner menus

Production show just got moved to Panama Canal night due to weather as well

Another rough and windy day. Captain came on at 10 and announced 3.5-4 meter waves and 40 knot winds. Poole are also empty as they were overflowing this morning onto the decks

Day 3 Patters and day 2 Menus. Seas calmed down finally tonight but look to pick up late morning

I think that was just a princess fad that has passed

Super super rough today. It’s more of a shaking rough than rolling one. Especially here on the back there have been some massive shutters today.

I guess the dress to impress could be implied as a formal night

Majestic has the love boat horn as well