Emerald Princess Patters for last week have been scanned (for those interested)

[Toto2Kansas]

As requested, all Princess Patters from last week have been uploaded to webshots. Along with disembarkation information sheets and the post cruise tours offered.

 

For those planners out there that like to know what is ahead of them, they can be viewed here: http://travel.webshots.com/album/577787826UWTIvh?vhost=travel

 

Keep in mind, entertainment and guest entertainers can be changed from cruise to cruise, along with different staff members onboard and schedules. Enjoy!

[DiTomCruisers]

Well done, thanks for scanning them all!

[pjs9876]

Thank you!

[Debbierpof]

Thank you!!! :D

[Solara]

Are you going to do a review?:)

[Esprit]

Glad to see the Ballroom Blitz is still alive and kicking.

 

Thank you for putting the platters up for view

 

Peter

[Toto2Kansas]

Are you going to do a review?:)

 

Honestly, you would not want to read a review I wrote of this cruise. Nothing wrong with the ship, but each time we turned around we felt we had run into a brick wall head first, everything seemed to go wrong from the moment we arrived at the airport (no fault of the cruise line). Ship was fine, food was fine, and staff were great. But with all the problems we had (many to do with the suite we were upgraded to), it just seemed to snowball after that. So, I am afraid it might turn into a whinning review even if I tried to do it without the problems, and we sure don't need anymore of those right now. lol

 

Short recap.

NEVER book a PH suite (or accept an upgrade to one) on the modified Grand Class ships (that is unless you NEVER sleep, sounds like your ceiling is going to fall in at any moment 24/7, even ear plugs don't help much in these). I would have actually moved to an inside cabin if one had been available...............yes, it was that bad. :(

See, I told you, I would start whinning. LOL ;)

[1 HappyCruiser]

Honestly, you would not want to read a review I wrote of this cruise. Nothing wrong with the ship, but each time we turned around we felt we had run into a brick wall head first, everything seemed to go wrong from the moment we arrived at the airport (no fault of the cruise line). Ship was fine, food was fine, and staff were great. But with all the problems we had (many to do with the suite we were upgraded to), it just seemed to snowball after that. So, I am afraid it might turn into a whinning review even if I tried to do it without the problems, and we sure don't need anymore of those right now. lol

 

Short recap.

NEVER book a PH suite (or accept an upgrade to one) on the modified Grand Class ships (that is unless you NEVER sleep, sounds like your ceiling is going to fall in at any moment 24/7, even ear plugs don't help much in these). I would have actually moved to an inside cabin if one had been available...............yes, it was that bad. :(

See, I told you, I would start whinning. LOL ;)

 

Did you at least get an invite to the Captains (over 40 days) party or reception?

[Toto2Kansas]

Did you at least get an invite to the Captains (over 40 days) party or reception?

 

Yes, we definitely did. But we did not attend the Captain's Circle party. But we were also invited to the Captain's most traveled luncheon. And I have to tell you that the meal served at the luncheon was even better than the one we had at the Crown Grill. It was the best steak we have had in years, along with the other items served. It was held on Saturday, the last full day of the cruise, in Sabatinis. :) (see, there is something to smile about)

[Coral]

Yes, we definitely did. But we did not attend the Captain's Circle party. But we were also invited to the Captain's most traveled luncheon. And I have to tell you that the meal served at the luncheon was even better than the one we had at the Crown Grill. It was the best steak we have had in years, along with the other items served. It was held on Saturday, the last full day of the cruise, in Sabatinis. :) (see, there is something to smile about)

 

I have skipped the last few lunches as the menu was fish or veal (same menu the last 3 times I was invited). So glad to hear they have something different!

[Toto2Kansas]

I have skipped the last few lunches as the menu was fish or veal (same menu the last 3 times I was invited). So glad to hear they have something different!

 

We were seated with the Food and Beverage manager. He told us that they had been doing those same menus for so long, that he instructed the head chef to prepare something different starting with this cruise, and he wanted it to be 'extra special' (there was also a fish choice for those that don't enjoy beef), so this was the first time for this menu at the most traveled luncheon. We let him know that it was perfect from start to finish, which put a huge smile on his face. Needless to say the head chef received a very loud round of applause when he was introduced.

 

(I agree, the last few luncheons we have attended have not been too exciting, but this one definitely was GREAT and the food was way above the normal standard). :D

[cherylandtk]

Toto (Sue), Just wanted to say thanks for the Patter postings, and especially the disembark page....now I can plan my times. Thanks.

[Coral]

We were seated with the Food and Beverage manager. He told us that they had been doing those same menus for so long, that he instructed the head chef to prepare something different starting with this cruise, and he wanted it to be 'extra special' (there was also a fish choice for those that don't enjoy beef), so this was the first time for this menu at the most traveled luncheon. We let him know that it was perfect from start to finish, which put a huge smile on his face. Needless to say the head chef received a very loud round of applause when he was introduced.

 

(I agree, the last few luncheons we have attended have not been too exciting, but this one definitely was GREAT and the food was way above the normal standard). :D

 

Great to hear! I am not a fish person and I can't bring myself to eat veal. People suggested I ask for something special/different to be made but I didn't bother and just said no the RSVP.

[jagsfan]

Now why I've always heard don't envy people who have more than you do! I didn't

exactly envy your upgrade, I just wanted it for myself. It must have been like a week

long MRI. I hope the room to move around and breakfast in Sabatini's made it a little

better. I love so much going to bed on a cruise.....having it be something ghastly

to look forward to has to be torture.

Thanks for thinking of us with the Patters.....vicariously is the way to live!

Mimi

[jagsfan]

Toto, I just remembered something. We were upgraded to a full suite on QM2 a couple

of years ago. When we walked out of it to explore, we found ourselves right next door

to the cigar lounge, which had the door wedged open. We could have had our own

disappointing suite, but I closed the door and took the wedge with me and put it in

my suitcase. The door stayed closed after that...glass door, I could see men in there

puffing away. I was lucky they didn't find another wedge!!!

[EAGLESLOVER]

Toto, I just remembered something. We were upgraded to a full suite on QM2 a couple

of years ago. When we walked out of it to explore, we found ourselves right next door

to the cigar lounge, which had the door wedged open. We could have had our own

disappointing suite, but I closed the door and took the wedge with me and put it in

my suitcase. The door stayed closed after that...glass door, I could see men in there

puffing away. I was lucky they didn't find another wedge!!!

 

 

You are FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[waterlily22]

Thank you ever so much Toto for uploading your Princess Patters! We will be sailing on the Emerald this Friday for a B2B and really appreciate getting some info beforehand.

 

Sorry to hear about the noise issue and that you didn't get much sleep : ( As a light sleeper I know how difficult that can be.

 

Christy

[Solara]

Honestly, you would not want to read a review I wrote of this cruise. Nothing wrong with the ship, but each time we turned around we felt we had run into a brick wall head first, everything seemed to go wrong from the moment we arrived at the airport (no fault of the cruise line). Ship was fine, food was fine, and staff were great. But with all the problems we had (many to do with the suite we were upgraded to), it just seemed to snowball after that. So, I am afraid it might turn into a whinning review even if I tried to do it without the problems, and we sure don't need anymore of those right now. lol

 

Short recap.

NEVER book a PH suite (or accept an upgrade to one) on the modified Grand Class ships (that is unless you NEVER sleep, sounds like your ceiling is going to fall in at any moment 24/7, even ear plugs don't help much in these). I would have actually moved to an inside cabin if one had been available...............yes, it was that bad. :(

See, I told you, I would start whinning. LOL ;)

Thanks for being honest. Did you at least enjoy being on a ship with an the International Cafe.

[kywildcatfanone]

Honestly, you would not want to read a review I wrote of this cruise. Nothing wrong with the ship, but each time we turned around we felt we had run into a brick wall head first, everything seemed to go wrong from the moment we arrived at the airport (no fault of the cruise line). Ship was fine, food was fine, and staff were great. But with all the problems we had (many to do with the suite we were upgraded to), it just seemed to snowball after that. So, I am afraid it might turn into a whinning review even if I tried to do it without the problems, and we sure don't need anymore of those right now. lol

 

Short recap.

NEVER book a PH suite (or accept an upgrade to one) on the modified Grand Class ships (that is unless you NEVER sleep, sounds like your ceiling is going to fall in at any moment 24/7, even ear plugs don't help much in these). I would have actually moved to an inside cabin if one had been available...............yes, it was that bad. :(

See, I told you, I would start whinning. LOL ;)

 

Toto, thanks so much for posting the patters and for your comments. It sounds like your suite was anything but sweet (sorry). I'm still only booking inside cabins at this stage of my life, but I will remember your warnings if my fortunes allow me to upgrade.

 

Thanks again!

 

Mike

[Hulagirl]

Toto:

 

I'm so sorry to read about our cabin on the Emerald. We actually bought and paid for one of those PH suites a few cruises ago over Christmas. While we weren't under the ping pong tables it was the pounding of people running or walking over us at night that was so irritating. As much as I love the full suites, I agree that on these particular ships I wouldn't bother with them. The other thing about the suite that I was so disappointed with was the balcony. On the regular Grand Class ships the balcony's are so nice on the Caribe deck. But this one was almost non useable. With is being so shallow we had to step over all the furniture to try and sit down. Finally just gave up. Love the teak furniture usually, but this was just crammed in there.

 

I will have to tell you though, my husband and I just sailed on the Golden up the coast from California to Vancouver 2 weeks ago. We also received an upgrade from a mini suite to a PH suite on the ship. We were given one of the new PH suites on the Sun Deck. First upgrade we have had in many years, so it was exciting for us also. Now these suites are so nice and Princess did an excellent job with them on the Golden. The colors were beautiful and it was just the best upgrade we could have asked for. Very quiet and comfortable. Also the best air conditioner I've ever had in a cabin since I'm usually warm.

 

I really don't know what anyone was thinking when they designed the Emerald and the other ships in that class with putting full, expensive PH suites under the Lido deck. It is just way too noisy. Agree, never again for us either.

 

Sorry to hear about this. I'm sure you are now looking forward to the next cruise and a much better cabin location.

 

Susan

[Toto2Kansas]

Susan, We have also had PH suites on other ships, but the regular Grand Class ships, and had absolutely no complaints whatsoever with them, they were a dream. I think many know me well enough to realize I always try to make the best of any situation, no matter what takes place. But this was just far more than we had ever imagined (the noise level).

I can really feel for your disappointment when actually paying for one of these PH suites and not receiving it as an upgrade. It was one reason why I felt that I really didn't belong complaining about it since we didn't pay the full price for it. Almost to the point of being embarassed looking the old 'gift horse' in the mouth type of thing. But yes, these were poorly located, and probably the worst we have ever seen on any ship, I so agree. Imagine the noise you endured, PLUS two ping pong tables above your bed where passengers decided on a spirited game of ping pong at midnight? AARGH!

We were forewarned that the balcony was narrow, and for us, that would have been OK as long as we had a balcony and table, we would be happy. But the noise was even worse on the balcony, so it made it close to unuseable most of the time for us.

My expectations were not really all that high for this suite as I had read where it did have a 'noise issue', but never did we imagine the level of noise that went on almost 24/7 throughout the entire 7 days would be so irritating.

 

I have done nothing but sleep 8-10 hours since we have come home, and the memories of this experience are being put in the back of our mind as we would just as soon forget we ever went now. Only cruise I have ever sailed on where I couldn't wait to get off and fly home, again, yes it was that horrible for both of us.

 

BUT, I have come up with a few ideas that could minimize the noise issue, especially during sleeping hours, and forwarded those ideas to Princess. Hopefully they will realize that there are some things that can be done with a minimum of effort and expense for the cruise line to ensure that passengers don't suffer through this in the years to come. Let's just hope they pay attention and consider some of them. ;)

[rdsqrl]

Toto, I just remembered something. We were upgraded to a full suite on QM2 a couple

of years ago. When we walked out of it to explore, we found ourselves right next door

to the cigar lounge, which had the door wedged open. We could have had our own

disappointing suite, but I closed the door and took the wedge with me and put it in

my suitcase. The door stayed closed after that...glass door, I could see men in there

puffing away. I was lucky they didn't find another wedge!!!

This made me laugh out loud. But -- did you sneak the wedge back on the last morning??

Toto, thanks for scanning all the Patters. Since I'm seriously looking at this cruise, I won't read them as I don't like to spoil the surprise of reading them each evening onboard but I wanted you to know I appreciate the effort -- and part of my is indeed dying to sneak a peek! I'll join the chorus of sympathy for your suite and understand why you're reluctant to do a review, but I'd love to hear one fabulous thing about the ship/cruise/ports -- anything that really delighted/surprised (in a good way) you? Hopefully there was something . . .

[Toto2Kansas]

This made me laugh out loud. But -- did you sneak the wedge back on the last morning??

 

Toto, thanks for scanning all the Patters. Since I'm seriously looking at this cruise, I won't read them as I don't like to spoil the surprise of reading them each evening onboard but I wanted you to know I appreciate the effort -- and part of my is indeed dying to sneak a peek! I'll join the chorus of sympathy for your suite and understand why you're reluctant to do a review, but I'd love to hear one fabulous thing about the ship/cruise/ports -- anything that really delighted/surprised (in a good way) you? Hopefully there was something . . .

 

I won $1400 on a progressive slot in the casino. That put a smile on my face and definitely suprised me. :D:D The casino hostess saw so much of me that she would send over complimentary drinks while I was there.

Sabatinis breakfast was again wonderful (that's two).

We had a fabulous room steward (Danilo), and he was one of the best. (three).

We booked two tours through the ship, the Golden Eagle in St. Martin (for the 5th or 6th time), and the Dancing Dolphin Catamaran in St. Thomas and both tours were delightful. (four and five).

 

Anything that took us out of the cabin was a delight. :D:eek::D

[rdsqrl]

I won $1400 on a progressive slot in the casino. That put a smile on my face and definitely suprised me. :D:D

WOW! That's another cruise!

The casino hostess saw so much of me that she would send over complimentary drinks while I was there.

Sabatinis breakfast was again wonderful (that's two).

Maybe I'll have a suite one day . . . the reports of that breakfast sound good enough to turn me into a morning person!

We had a fabulous room steward (Danilo), and he was one of the best. (three).

We booked two tours through the ship, the Golden Eagle in St. Martin (for the 5th or 6th time), and the Dancing Dolphin Catamaran in St. Thomas and both tours were delightful. (four and five).

I'll definitely check these out if and when I book -- thanks for the rec!

 

Anything that took us out of the cabin was a delight. :D:eek::D

Maybe you shoulda slept out on deck -- and that's one way to thwart the chair hogs the next morning!

Thanks for the list!

[SULLJO]

Thanks...I really appreciate your posting. It just adds to the excitement of the cruise. Joyce