drjpreston

3 hours ago, ypcat said:

I find it funny that the difference between 2 tables for 2 and sitting at a table for 4 with strangers is about 4 inches. Last week, we did not request the same waitstaff (I would have actually preferred different, but not enough to say anything), but got the same section all week. Except for the first night, we were at the same table. I noticed there were a few others in the area that were seated at the same tables night after night as well.

One of the differences is you are almost expected to talk and visit when at a table for four.  That is fine if that is what you want to do.  Many of us have jobs where we talk to people for a living.  A cruise is a time to take a break from what we do for a living.  Even four inches gives us at least an excuse to not talk. 

30 minutes ago, pinto18 said:

We take the city bus because we are adventurous ( and cheap haha) pick it up right outside the port and its about 50 cents to get down to the malecon 

We have done this several times.  Had fun doing so.  Often there will be someone in back of the bus playing a guitar  and singing.  Free entertainment.  The downside is they have rerouted some of the buses and may have to change buses.  Second the buses tend to be full of riders and with Covid this can be an issue for some.  

1 minute ago, cmichael1221 said:

Was the platinum/diamond/VIP room actually open?  I didn't think they were at an port right now.  Only suite guests were allowed at Port Canaveral a couple of months ago.

yes.  We were directed to it after check in. No perks inside other than a nice place to set and our own RR. 

Was on the Panorama last week.  All food was great.  Better than expectations.  Better than recent cruises.  Food is always subjective.  We feel deserts better on Princess but Carnival was better for other meals last week.  Portion size average.  Never went away hungry. Most meat provided was excellent and large portions.  Lobsters were small but have been for a long time.   They did seem to have a better flavor than normal. Soup was always hot which was not normal in the past. Bread always warm.  Butter soft.  We were not unhappy with any of our meals. 

You can get off early or throughout the day.  Walmart and Sam's Club is just across the street.  You can book excursions after getting off ship or leave port area and take a taxi to where you want to go.  Taxis are cheaper outside port fence.  Agree on price before going anywhere.  Beaches are close by as well.

If you ordered the BinaxNow test Carnival promotes you will be fine.  They expire in November.  We just went through this.  Followed Carnivals link and booked a test on Thursday before our trip on Saturday out o Long Beach at a Walmart pharmacy in Loma Linda CA.  They put a rush on test.  Results came back on Monday.  To late to help us.  Thankfully we had also ordered BinaxNow and did selftest with eMed on Saturday morning before leaving for port.  The only problem was trying to understand the proctors who were probably in India.   

Just of Panorama as well.  Arrived at port about 11 am. Walked right up to check in, then to Platinum holding room.  At 12pm they began to call zones.  We were zone 3A.  We on board by 12:15.  Could not get into room until 1:30.  When we got to room luggage arrived about two hours later.  Earlier than usual.  Room steward showed up about same time as luggage. In the past we have always met steward when we first got to room.  He explained he would only be making up room once a day.  We had choice morning or evening.  We chose morning and asked if he could come between 9 and 10.  He did every day and did a great job just as normal.  Activities never seemed crowed for us.  Always found seats and could find space between us and others. They even appeared to try to set people with as much distance as possible apart in MDR.  WE felt food was much better than in the past.  Soup was always hot.  Portions seemed larger than in past.  Lobsters small but had some flavor on this trip beyond the butter you dip them in (may have been our imagination LOL). There are some things that I miss that are just changes that are gone with time.   MDR staff are over worked so they don’t have the time to pamper you as they once did.  They work hard but just don’t have the time.  Ours served 22 people each night.  Even small things like table clothes are things of the past.  No mints on the pillows at night.  On the other side. The multiple options to eat was great. The Adult Serenity Deck was a slice of heaven that we enjoyed.  It was free.  Princess offers this but they charge.   

We get on tomorrow.  Just took Covid test.  Have to wait and call Quest this afternoon for results. Bags are packed.  Son-in-law will drive us there.  We live a little over an hour away.  My wife and I are arguing on what should be the first thing we should eat after we get on board.  

 What was the temperatures like? We leave Jan. 8. Trying to decide what to pack.

As soon and as often as I can without reservation.

The great thing about going on a cruise is that it provides something for everyone.  You don't have to enjoy everything to enjoy yourself.  Apparently movies shown on the ship is clearly not important to many who have posted here.  The fact is that my DW and I don't drink alcohol and have absolutely no interest in posts about wine and smuggling but we don't belittle those who ask questions or who wish to post  about it. If it is important to others then that is what this forum is for.  

The OP had a valid post about something that applies to their joy in cruising. If you are not a movie buff then feel free to ignore if you are not willing to help.

BTW I received an email yesterday from Princess that listed two movies that will be shown on the Jan. 13th Star.   Judy & JoJo Rabbit.  Wish they had listed more. 

A favorite stop for us each time that we cannot miss is Cheese Burger in Paradise, 2500 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu

Recommendations for the best route would be appreciated.  

Take good care of the Star we board her when you get off January 3, for 25 days. 

I have read that an email will be sent about two weeks before the cruise with this information.  My DW and I are booked on a B2B on the Star beginning January 3 and continuing the 13th.  I expect to get an email next week with a movie list.  If I do I will post it.

9 hours ago, terrysko2000 said:

I agree with the above post... it is emailed out to you about two weeks prior to sailing. The email will list all production shows along with MUTS. They will also play the movies on your cabin tv numerous times and at all times of the day and night. 

Guess I will wait and see what they send.  LOL  Forgot they do that.   Looking forward to the trip so much and just trying to plan and get ready as well as dream a little.  Been on dozens of cruises but still get excited and look forward to each.

Thank you for the list. I am sure it will be different some by January but gives us an idea of what to expect.  

I would like to see a list of current movies as well.

The most dangerous part of your trip will be traveling through LA to get to the port.  There will be a whole lot more traffic accidents, drive by shootings, and other crime in the USA than in La Paz.  😉

Trust you will have a great 50th and trip.  Happy for you.   My DW and I sail on the Star on a B2B in January for our 50th.   Could not afford a full suite for 25 days but tickled pink to have a mini-suite.  Wishing you the best.  Can not believe time went by so fast.  Would do it all over again in a heartbeat.  Can't think of a better way to celebrate 50 years than on a cruise ship.  Not worried at all by all the whiners on these boards.  LOL  Any day on the water is better than a day on land.  

No matter how bad the procedure is, the privilege of a B2B makes it worth while.   Sign me up.  I love B2b's.  Only thing better? A B2B2B.  🙂

Thank you for the great instructions.  Plan to hook my computer up to TV in January to watch some movies on the Star.

My DW and I will sail in January for our 50 anniversary on the Star to Hawaii.  It will be our third Princess cruise to Hawaii.  Our favorite cruise.  We have done many.  Everyone has different  interests, likes and dislikes.  We like the sea days before getting to the Islands.  They allow us to decompress and rest.  There are plenty of activities if you need to stay busy but we enjoy the down time at sea.  We rent a car on each island and run around on our own and have a blast.  The sea days on the way back again for us are restful before we return back to a busy life.  We don't like to return from a vacation feeling like we need a vacation.  However, there is a lot going on, on the ship if thhat is your thing.  You will not get board if you are a person who needs to be entertained.  

45 minutes ago, skynight said:

Here is some information:

Back to Back Turn Around in San Pedro

 

 There will be instructions delivered to your cabin. Be sure to fully read and follow the instructions exactly for turn around day.
 

You will have two choices:
a) Exit the ship anytime after disembarkation has begun up to the final call around 9:30/10:00am. Take your passport, cruise card(s) and intransit card with you. Return to the ship anytime after embarkation has begun, around 11:30am. With the intransit card you will get right on the ship. You will have to go through immigration on exit and security when you return.
 

b) Stay on the ship and report NO LATER THAN THE TIME INDICATED to the location indicated in the directions, usually the theater. Bring your passport and cruise card(s) with you. If you stay on the ship you must report, NO EXCEPTIONS. A staff member will guide you Off the ship, through immigration and back on board.

You do not have to go to a second muster drill.

If you are staying in the same cabin your cabin steward will prepare your cabin just like any other day. Nothing is removed. We normally advise the cabin steward to schedule our cabin last to provide more time to get cabins ready for the new passengers. Just a courtesy.

 

If you are changing cabins discuss with your cabin steward prior to turn around day. The cabin steward will arrange to move your belongings to the new cabin. Place as much on hangers as possible. They will be moved on hangers and hung in your new cabin. Other belongings should be placed in your suitcases for the move. You may wish to visit your new cabin steward before the move. You may also be able to place your valuables into the new cabin’s safe.

Thank you for posting.   My DW and I will be doing a B2B in Jan. on the Star out of San Pedro.

Anyone know what is currently being shown on the Star?