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Can't get anything else to post tonight - will try tomorrow

Mosty travelled lunch samples

Beautiful desert by new pastry chef

Before finishing this thread, I thought I would post some pics tonight and tomorrow.

Start with on board shots

Birthday cake

Valantine Day Cake

Treats for those doing B2B

For those just going to the parking lot, shuttles should be running throughout the disembarkation period.  The port has several vehicles but not all are wheelchair accessible, 

For those joining the ship that is in the original spot, they should be disembarking near the end of the process when there are not as many people trying to get to the parking lot as they will not be able to board the new ship that early. 

Good day in St. Thomas today except for a few quick showers.  It felt like we were a mother ship with a small child on both sides.  We were joined behind Azamara Quest, and in front of its sister ship Oceania Insignia that have passenger capacity at just over 20% of the Caribbean P.

3 couples are getting married on the ship this week.  We witnessed one on Tuesday.  Based on their apparent age, I would hazard it was not the first for either person.

For this week there are 527 Platinum captain circle members and 343 elite members.  The top 3 have 1,338, 1,916 and 2,038 nights.

One point of portion size - I agree that on some items the size seems smaller than before, but I have had no issue in having a customized meal.  Eg - For surf and turf, it comes with a filet and 3 shrimp - I usually ask for 6 shrimp.  I ask for extra strawberries on the cheesecake or extra bananas on the Bananas Forster.  You can also ask for extras like a double asparagus if it is part of a meal or if a vegetable is offered on a main item, but you are ordering another main, then ask for the extra item from the other main.  For potatoes you can always ask for mashed, baked or fries. 

In St Kitts today we were joined by a smaller RCI ship Seas and Oceania Insignia.  I was shocked to see that ship as it was supposed to be in Asia on a World Cruise.  If left NY in Dec and travelled via Maimi, the Panama Canal to LA and eventually made it as far as Tahiti before the reality of too many cancelled ports in NZ, Aust and Asia made continuing impactable, so it backtracked to LA and then to the Caribbean for a few weeks.  It will head to the Meditrearn adding time there before eventually getting back to its original schedule.   Its total voyage if boarding in NY is 196 days.  I would assume passengers not wanting the heavily revised itinerary were offered options.  We did the 180 world cruise on that ship in 2016 and had been booked on the 2020 voyage but it was cancelled.  Most cruise lines doing world cruises for this winter cancelled well in advance due to ports in NZ and Aust (Princess cancelled back on Aug 26) but some lines kept hoping things would change.  The ship is a sister to the former Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess.

Coming into the casino from the atrium, on the left is the cashier area, and the smoking area is on the right side.  I did not see any sign but did see one person smoking when I went through.  There is definitely a smell that was not there before, but it is not through the whole casino.

We again had choppy seas today resulting in our arrival in St Kitts being pushed back an hour to an hour and a half.  We will stay an hour later.

Mask wearing has dropped off very significantly in all areas while crowds have built up.  Social distancing has become very difficult. Even with only around 70% capacity, the pool areas were full most of the day, we went to the second show tonight (comedian) and the theatre was full, and we were one of the first out of the theatre but by the time we got to Explores Lounge it was near full for the Yes/No game.  

I played in the casino this afternoon and walked through both sides tonight and did not see any sign of smoking.   I'll check tomorrow to see where it is allowed.

I have often seen post here on CC about people using there OBC to set up an account and then playing a bit and then casing out in good, old US cash.  My wife and I have done this for the first time.  She played for 15 minute and won over $3 - near minimum wage.  I played 5 minutes and was up over $25.  We still have a large OBC so will have to do it again this week. 

The next Cruise Director is Gary Golding.  He was in the lounge tonight watching the game show.  I don't believe we have had him before.

It has been a bit rocky all day - I did not hear any official comments, but I would guess the waves are in the 3 - 4 height range.  The production show was cancelled and replaced by a female rock and roll singer.  The production show will be rescheduled. 

If there is a single show it is at 9pm.  If there are 2 shows, they are 7:15 and 9pm.  Today week there was 1 show tonight and there will be 2 each night the rest of the week.  For planning, eating as a couple in the dining rooms takes about an hour - can be a lot quicker if only have 2 courses.  Larger numbers at a table can add up to 50% extra time.

The passenger count is not as high as we were led to believe it would be.  At the show tonight the Cruise Director said there are 2,359 passengers now on board.  That is around 70%.  He noted there are 107 from the UK, 208 Canadian and 1,787 US.  There are 26 children and over 800 first time Princess passengers.

We got a notice today for Elite Cap. Circle members to expect laundry to be up to 72 hours.  Up to now, we have put our laundry out in the morning and sometimes got it back next evening but more common the second evening. 

Capriccio – my numbers were based on high 1,400 passenger count for this week.  The blue, platinum and elite numbers have been given by crew so if there are more passengers, then the gold/ruby count I estimated is low. 

I would have expected passengers that have a history of regular cruising to be back in higher numbers after being deprived of something they love for a good period.  I also would have expected cruise lines to have more of an issue getting new guest as there is not as much marketing happening combined with some bad publicity and CDC warnings.  If the current numbers are close to historical averages that would be good for Princess but if elites are not jumping at the chance to cruise again that says something else – Could be some elite are still nervous due to age, some may be turned off due number of cancelations and other issues that have come up over the last 2 years.  The average age on the first 8 weeks we have been on the ship if defiantly lower than other years we have spent in the Caribbean.

The correct elite number is 236. So there are 560 platinum+, 450+ blue, leaving around 450 ruby/gold.  I'm not sure what the historical breakdown would be, but to me those numbers show poor customer loyalty.  

The upcoming masking changes for Mar 6 was noted at the party.

There is no smoking anywhere indoors.

Nice day in Cozumel.  Mostly cloudy so not too hot and no rain. No other ship in the port we were at but there was a NCL ship about 2 miles down the coast at another dock.

Sometime between 7 last night and mid morning one of the 2 wheelier bars on my wife's wheelchair came off and disappeared.  (They stop the wheelchair for tipping over backwards.)  It is a very distinctive piece of equipment, but no one has turned it in to the front desk.

One of the cruise director staff left last Sunday and his replacement did his first trivia of this voyage today - We have likely done a 1,000 or so on Princess and this was the worst.  Each person doing them tends to have their own style, but this guy had no personality and for most questions he mis-read them and once he got the questions read correctly, he only gave a very short time before going to the next question.   

It was noted today that mask will not be required anywhere on the ship starting March 6.  Mask will still be recommended at all times indoors.  Ports and shops on shore will have their own rules.

I asked Oscar, the Director of Restaurant Operations about opening some of the closed restaurant space for next week and he said no changes to what is currently open. 

At tonight's Captain circle party, it was noted that currently there are 2236 elite, 324 platinum and over 450 blue members.  This is the first party since we barded that a captain and several officers attended, 

I just got back from the theatre.  I would guess around 80% were wearing mask - should be 100%.  There was a sigh in front of entrance.   I was in the Explores Lounge today for 2 events and there was very few wearing mask and no social distancing.  They did make an announcement at the beginning of events that mask were still recommended.  For karaoke only single singers are allowed.

We got a notice today about crew members from Ukraine and Russia.  I know of 1 server from Ukraine but have not heard of any crew from Russia.  The gist of the notice is that Princess is doing everything they can to support such staff by offering aid as needed including internet vouchers, counselling through our company assistance programs, scheduling accommodations and alternate payroll solutions if they are unable to access their bank accounts.  Princess appreciates any support guest can provide to these crew,

One of the bar staff became a father this week but he will not get a chance to go home until late May.  A part of the tough realities some crew have.

Up to now I have not experienced any issues with the elevators (except too many times some are out of service).  We have rarely had more than 4 in an elevator and have often seen people pass on getting in and say they will wait for the next one.  I would expect with the higher number of passengers next week, any thoughts of social distancing in elevators and most other areas will become just a dream. 

Went for a walk today in hot Ocho Rios.  There really is nothing touristy to see in town once passed the port facilities.

Nice sea day today. 

At one of the trivia games it was noted we are currently around 45% capacity and next week it will be around 80%.  There will be lots of children next week.  If you are joining the ship next week, be prepared to come to the main entertainments and games in Explores Lounge early.  They are fulling up now and will be worse next week.  I have not heard of any changes for next week as far as opening more dining options but if you don’t have a reserved table in the dining rooms, try to do before Sunday or as early as you can after boarding.  If they keep one the dining rooms closed it may become difficult to get a walk in table at the time you want.

I confirmed our spot at the Most Travelled lunch today and asked about the cut-off.  The couple that had the last spot last week, have the last spot again (now 397 nights) despite some people leaving and others joining the ship.  A couple that are over 2,000 nights were on a few weeks ago, left for 2 weeks and are now back.   I asked where our low 600 nights puts us – we are # 16 and 17.  I would expect if everything is back to normal next winter, we would be around the cut off point.  

As most readers will know, Princess announced a reduced masking policy for cruises starting March 1 and later.  This morning there was a PA announcement noting the changes take place on the ship effective immediately and we got a notice in the cabin later in the day.  Basically, mask are recommended everywhere indoors but are now only required in the theatre, casino, medical office and during embarkation/disembarkation.  Crew continue to need to wear theirs at all times.

It did not take long for many people to drop them.  Many in elevators and in the packed lounges were not wearing them after the announcement.

Captain Lubrano will be on until dry dock and after.

Re crew leaving - it is my previous experience that leaving crew work in the morning - they need to serve breakfast and help with getting the ship ready as the new crew are not there yet.  Having said that, we were the 3rd passengers back on the ship on Sunday and just before getting off I saw a good number of crew coming down a ramp.  They still had uniforms on.   As we crossed the bridge to get on, I could see crew gathered around on the dock area.  Some of them had luggage but I'm not sure if they were the new crew or not.  Although there is more work to do in the cabins on Sunday compared to other days the cabins do get done quite quickly.  

Kathy - Ask Terrence if he knows what time a bus would be going to Maimi for any other crew leaving and having flights from there.  That may give a clue.

Today at the Most Travelled luncheon we were seated at a table for 6 but both other couples were no shows so they were quickly able to find the next couple on the list that happened to be not too far from the restaurant so we did have some company.  The captain announced that he is leaving tomorrow.  I found out later that Vincenzo Lubrano is coming back to the ship. 

We got a notice in our cabin this evening that Grand Caymon has been canceled for next week and will be replaced by a sea day plus 2 extra hours in Cozumel. 

That makes 4 cancellations for that port this year.  Previously we have not a a good history with Grand Cayman.  First time there we had a normal day.  Second time the captain came on the PA and announced it was too rough to tender but we would sit there for a few hours so we could see the island - after a few hours a tender was sent to shore and came back with that night's entertainer.  Third time there the captain announced a storm was coming and everyone was requested to be back on board by 2pm so naturally nearly everyone chose to show up at 2 for the last tender and we did not leave until the previously scheduled time and forth time we skipped the island again due to tendering not possible.  An entertainer was to join us then and he had to fly to Houston and then Cozumel to catch up while an entertainer that was to leave, did an extra show. 

Jet-Jack don't worry about any post high-jack.  Any extra info is most welcome 

Last week I noted on the last sea day the chair hogs were out in full force.  Today the weather was great but no issue around the pool.  Then I realized that with the reduced Patter size there is no noticed about saving chairs and there are no announcements or notices of any kind so there is no visible policy re saving lounge chairs.  The same in the theatre.  They make announcement re covering up and spacing as you leave but nothing about saving seats.

We talked to one of the wait staff at breakfast today that was on a ship when cruising shut down.  She said for a time they were still paid as there were others to serve but eventually, they were laid off.  For a time they had freedom to wander around and use the pool but eventually they were confined to cabins.  Most were in passenger balcony cabins but some were in the inside cabins.  Those in inside cabins were allowed out at set times for fresh air.  They had to pay for internet usage.   

The house band, Opus, is leaving this weekend as well as 1 of the cruise directors staff.  Other staff are ending contracts soon.

We have done most trivia since getting on and there have been some confusing questions.  For example, today the gist of a question was “What do use to play within the game of volleyball.”  Sounded like a trick question.  Most people said “a volleyball”.  The question should have read “with in” instead of “within” and they were looking for hands.

The head of Princess entertainment was on board last week.  One of the staff told me there was discussion on new prizes and on going to a point system where you cash in points at the end for better prizes.  We were on a Royal P cruise a couple years ago where they did the point system.  If you are real good but only play occasionally you won’t get many points but if you are frequently in the top 3 then points can add up as they did not do tie breakers.  The point system can be good is cases where a team dominates all week excluding any other team for winning anything but means you have to play frequently.

At the Captain circle party tonight, they announced there were 232 elites and 227 platinum on board.  The top 3 nights were 1,324, 1652 and 1,909.

Kathy – I met Terrance today.  Seems nice and is looking forward to seeing you next week.

JetJock - thanks for the explanation for testing going back to Canada.  I have not worried about it too much yet as I keep expecting things to change before we head back in 2 weeks,

Kathy we are not on club class.  We have had some issues which I have not gone into here yet but am a familiar face at the service desk.  The supervisor here left about 4 weeks ago and a new one is on now.

On Monday night the theatre was full except a few single seats for the only show so for the rest of the week there will be 2 shows nightly.

Yesterday they had a special trivia at 2:22 pm to celebrate the 2/22/2022 date.  All questions had 2 or 22 as part of the question.

Heavy rain in port area as we docked in St. Thomas today but turned out to be a very nice day.  We were followed into port by a NCL and Disney ship.  We are here until 9:30 tonight.  Last night we got a note in the cabin that between 5 and 5:30 the ship would be moving to a new berth so leaving or re-boarding during that time, but we did not move. 

I asked at a bar on deck 15 last week on the Caribbean P. - was told to ask at front desk - went there and they did not have them but the agent went down to deck 5 and came back with one.  This is our 7th week on the ship and I have only seen 1 person using one. 

Smoking is only allowed in 2 outdoor areas.  One is next to the most forward bar on deck 16.  I have not seen the other, but believe it is on the promenade deck 7.

The way I read the mask message is that it is for cruises starting March 1 and later so next week on the Caribbean P that departs Fe 27 would have same rules as current for the full voyage.

The number I was given for next week is 1,419 which is subject to change.  For this week the cutoff for the top 40 lunch is 390 nights.

In Ft. L today it was cloudy.  Temp was to be 77F for a high but with cool breeze it felt cooler.

Disembraking started at 7:15.  All passengers were called by 9 but the last passenger did not leave until 9:35.  Getting back on the ship did not take too long after that.  There were less than 200 doing B2B this week.

NCAA basketball is being shown on in cabin TV as well as in Churchill lounge.

The buffet has had a few special lunches.  These are listed in the patter under the World Fresh Marketplace (buffet) hours.  Day 3 had a Ramen and Asian Corner, day 5 had a Sandwich Action Station (expanded sandwich options and the sandwiches are custom made to your request), and day 7 Fishermans buffet. 

For the most part the chair hogs have not been busy since we got on the ship, but they were out in full force today.  We passed the Neptune pool around 8:30 this morning and noticed around 10 lounge chairs with items and no one using them just on the side of the pool we were walking by.  We came back and sat in the area from around 9:30 to 10:30 and the same lounges were still being saved with no one using them.  There were a couple lounge chairs available but not as pairs. We left and came back from around 11 to noon and most were still not in use.  It was not until after lunch that the pool area became close to full of people using the lounges.  There were lots of chairs up on deck 16 available all this time.  The view up there is better and there is more breeze.  

Another very nice lunch today for the most travelled passengers.  Only 38 were there. 

Up until now the covid test for those doing B2B have been on Sat morning between 9:30 and 12:30. For this week the test will be between 8 and 10 am.

Nice weather day in Cozumel today.  At the end of the hall our cabin (deck 15) is in is a door that leads to an area that most people do not know about.  Going out the heavy door and then up 4 steps leads to a large area that is over the bridge.  There are no chairs or any other comforts.   This area gives a great forward view.  Today while in port it was quite windy there while on other parts of the ship the breeze was light.  I would image that while at sea it would for the most part be too windy to go out there.

The RCI Liberty of the Seas was docked next to us.  While having diner I noticed that I was not seeing any passengers coming up the pier so they must be close to leaving.  Then I noticed a van come up the pier quickly (vehicles not normally allowed on pier).  Within about 2 minutes after that the lines were dropped and she sailed off.  Looked like a close call for some passengers.  After we set sail, I noticed 2 ships idle offshore.  One was a NCL ship.  

The expected passenger count for Feb 20 is 1,282 - about 10% over current and about 50% over Jan 16 but still low enough to offer lots of room and little crowding,

On this weeks voyage there are 184 elite and 241 platinum members.  With the top 2 from last week leaving last Sunday, the new top 3 nights travelled are 1,645, 1,317 and 1,135. 

Two weeks ago my wife won a bottle of champagne at the Captain circle party and tonight I won a bottle.  We had gone around 45 parties prior to this without winning. 

Tonight for the first time the Explorers Lounge was packed full - great comedian that did a show in the theatre last night and 2 shows in Explores tonight.  Later I participated in Yes/No game.  The fastest exit was 5 seconds with another at 9 seconds.  Matt the CD has been quite good with prizes.  One lady mentioned she had 25 cruises and had been married for 45 years.  She lasted around 2 minutes.  I was last up and it also came up that I have also been married 45 years and that it is my birthday tomorrow.  Matt gave her and myself diner for 2 in a speciality dining room.  I lasted 2:59.