casavaha

we have been doing Christmas/NYE for the last 10 years. We always ask our Steward

if he or she would like something from the different ports we visit. Most Stewards get

very little tome off and miss most of the ports. Our last Steward on the Royal in Europe

wanted a magnet from every port. So that is what we got him. We do it any time we

cruise, not just Christmas.

Greg

We will be boarding as you get off. Thanks for the reporting. I am most interested

in the live music. The Wheelhouse and Explorers Lounge as well as the Bayou Lounge.

Let me know if there are many dancers.

Thanks again,

Greg

I just printed mine for our Dec. cruise. I see no change, it does not say "Welcome Aboard"

but has Elite at the top.

Greg

CCRAIN: Thanks for saying hello to Los Brillantes. I should have told you to say

Gregorio and Coral. They know me better with that name.

Also thanks for the live reporting.

Greg

CCRAIN:

Could you please say hello to the Los Brillantes from Greg in Mexico. We have followed

them for years.

Thanks,

Greg

We are doing the Panama Canal 15 night cruise on the Island Princess in December. Have booked excursions for 3 of 5 stops but haven't figured out just what we want to do in Puntarenas, Costa Rica or San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua. Anyone have any recommendations of a great excursion either through Princess or privately? Thanks in advance.

Tamera

We are on the Island Dec. 19.

I am putting together a transportation only to the city of Granada out of San Juan Del Sur. it

We are limiting it to 8 persons, we already have 4. We are also driving to Todos Santos

from Cabo

Greg

The Coral does have an IC. It is located next to the Casino and bar.

Download whatsapp to your cel phone and have who every you want to call do it also.

The calls are free, you just have to have a wireless connection.

We will be boarding the CB on Sat. for 28 days. I am not worried about anything.

The cruise will be great, if I have a problem I will go to someone hight up to resolve it.

Greg

We are embarking on the CP for 28 days, TA, British Isles and then the Caribbean.

Should be a fantastic cruise. This will be our 2nd cruise on the CP. We are looking forward

to going to the IC every morning for coffee and dancing in the Wheelhouse to the

Messina Duo, the best Latin group in the fleet.

Enjoyed your review, very detailed.

Greg

My DH and I are wondering what the weather might be like on the 6 day transatlantic crossing between Bermuda and Scotland. We are thinking probably warm for the first 2 to 3 days and then quite probably coolish 50F and wet probably for the remaining 3 to 4 days. Is this likely? Thank you for your help.

This is difficult to say. We have done 6 TA's all have had great weather and calm seas.

But since we are going north, I am expecting rougher seas and cooler weather. Be

prepared for anything.

Greg

The Ruby is docked behind the Iowa and the Crown is the other Princess ship that

can be seen.

Before anyone snarkily jumps on me to use the search function/West Coast ports forum, I have tried, really I have. The posts I found were old or not relevant. I am flying in from CA and going straight to pier 91. Is there a place, within walking distance, to purchase wine? Many of you are very helpful and I appreciate your kindness and experience. Thank you!

seattlewineoutlet.net 946 Elliott Ave. W 206285-1129. Very good store, it is on the

way to the pier from the airport on the right side. I have stopped on my way to the ship.

I remember when it used to be an apartment house. Great location, not far from

Union Square. Lots of small grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Parking is impossible, if

you have a car.

Greg

We are staying at the Crown Plaza in two weeks. I did not know about the $5 charge for

the shuttle. No problem, there are four of us, so we will take a taxi to the terminal.

We have stayed at the Crown many times. While San Pedro is not one of my favorite

cities, I always feel safe in walking around the area near the Hotel.

Greg

So glad to have the Ruby on the West Coast. As for the Royal and Regal, I would like to

see them homeported in the Antarctic permanently. They are no substitute for the

Ruby, Emerald etc.

Greg

We arrive on the Ruby this coming Sat. and stay until the 3 of January. We get into

FLL late on Friday, midnight. So I am bringing alot of wine from the west coast.

It will last me until the 20th when I can head to Total Wine and stock up for another

week.

I will probably spend more time on this ship when in port than I every have. Other than

Cozumel and Grand Caymen, the other stops are worthless to me. However, I am sure

looking forward to some good weather, and lots of dancing.

Greg

My wife has a number of food allergies. When we sit down for dinner (early) we tell the

waiter about my wifes allergies. He or she immediately summons the head waiter and

he takes it from there.

Works every time. If you are somewhere else on the ship,( horizon, IC, Pizzaria, etc)

Be sure to tell your server, what your allergies are.

Greg

How do you like the new duo?

We will join you on Saturday. Then we will be on for 3 weeks. However, we have to

change cabins after the first week.

Greg

I have 35 cruises, I get $50.00 per cruise. No freebie cruises.

If you want a ship that the a/c will probably not work, very little live music, toilets may or

may not flush, a disco that is really the officers pick up bar then travel on the Veendam.

I cannot think of a more disgusting ship afloat. I have only just started.

While the Grand class ships are larger, there is so much more to do. Good bands,

some really good entertainment. Different dining rooms to take part in. Actually to

even compare them is an insult to the Crown. We were just on the Crown. 3 bands

playing. Large dance floors.

But of course cruising is a very personal experience.

Greg

CCRAIN: Love your comments, we will be on the Ruby, the 13th, for three weeks.

I do not like the duos in the Wheelhouse, much rather have a trio or quartet.

Will be interested in how you like them for dancing.

Looking forward to your comments.

Thanks,

Greg

I have said this many times. Princess could have kept the Ocean and along with

the Pacific and Sun could have developed a niche line. They already owned the ships so

if they put another 30 or 40 million they would have a good deal. Obviously Oceana

can make money with the small ships. Princess has the large cruise line backing to make

it work. It sure is cheaper than a new build.

Greg

There is more seating in the Piazza on the Star because they took out the planters.

It is a newer ship.

We always stay in Mestre pre cruise. Easy to get to the ship and when we explore

Venice we have no luggage. This law is no joke, Venice just banned large cruise ships from

sailing the Grand Canal. They are not worried about tourism because they know tourists

will still come to the city.