Sort of live Diamond Princess 9/18 to Asia.

[alaskagirl2010]

Not so live from the Diamond Princess 9/18/10

We left Anchorage on 9/18. We took the Princess bus to Whittier. I was so impressed how efficient the organization was. A cab dropped us off in front of the Egan Center and young men were right there snatching up the luggage that was going on board. Another area was set up for hand luggage folks wanting to do a little sightseeing in downtown Anchorage. * As Anchorage was the end of a seven day cruise from Canada, there were lots of people coming and going.*

We had a short wait for the bus and off we went.*

The weather was very foggy in Anchorage but as soon as we came out of the tunnel to Whittier we had bright sunshine and calm waters.*

Again the boarding process was handled efficiently and we were soon on board. We were met by staff who directed us to our cabin E722. *

After seeing the clean spacious room, I got a big hug of thanks from my husband who didn't *know I booked a mini suite balcony.*

I took other posters advice and called the dine line to reserve the Chef's Table *Keeping my fingers crossed. We immediately went exploring. I was on the Crown last year so there are some similarities, but the Diamond doesn't have an International Cafe of MUTS.*

We checked all the bars and pools. Then we toured the Lotus Spa. Wow, now I know what people were talking about when discussing the Thermal Suite. It was beautiful. We thought the whole ship was great.*

We got back to our cabin in time to grab the life jackets for the Muster Drill and then off to a roll call sailaway party. *

I kinda drank too much champagne.*

Later we ate dinner and I tried the fettuccine. Yum!

We left Whittier and now (day 3) we are out in the Bering Sea.*

Yesterday we went to the Roll Call Meet and Greet. I think there may have been more than a hundred people attending. We have already met some great people. Most everyone is well traveled so a lot of interesting stories.*

We had lunch in the dining room with a couple we met through cruise critic.*

I used the gym, there is a good selection of machines and free weights.

For dinner we grabbed a snack at the buffet. To be honest neither of us are feeling that great. Those seasickness patches haven't agreed with us. I took mine off first and today I'm great. My husband took his off last night and began to fill better immediately. I don't know how other react but it dried my throat out, caused a dry cough, headache, and drowsiness. Not how I intend to spend this vacation.*

The patter is full of activites for today and tonight is first of 3 formal night.*

The Internet is sporadic but I'll post as I can and try to answer any questions.*

[Woobstr112G]

Not so live from the Diamond Princess 9/18/10

We left Anchorage on 9/18. We took the Princess bus to Whittier. I was so impressed how efficient the organization was. A cab dropped us off in front of the Egan Center and young men were right there snatching up the luggage that was going on board. Another area was set up for hand luggage folks wanting to do a little sightseeing in downtown Anchorage. * As Anchorage was the end of a seven day cruise from Canada, there were lots of people coming and going.*

We had a short wait for the bus and off we went.*

The weather was very foggy in Anchorage but as soon as we came out of the tunnel to Whittier we had bright sunshine and calm waters.*

Again the boarding process was handled efficiently and we were soon on board. We were met by staff who directed us to our cabin E722. *

After seeing the clean spacious room, I got a big hug of thanks from my husband who didn't *know I booked a mini suite balcony.*

I took other posters advice and called the dine line to reserve the Chef's Table *Keeping my fingers crossed. We immediately went exploring. I was on the Crown last year so there are some similarities, but the Diamond doesn't have an International Cafe of MUTS.*

We checked all the bars and pools. Then we toured the Lotus Spa. Wow, now I know what people were talking about when discussing the Thermal Suite. It was beautiful. We thought the whole ship was great.*

We got back to our cabin in time to grab the life jackets for the Muster Drill and then off to a roll call sailaway party. *

I kinda drank too much champagne.*

Later we ate dinner and I tried the fettuccine. Yum!

We left Whittier and now (day 3) we are out in the Bering Sea.*

Yesterday we went to the Roll Call Meet and Greet. I think there may have been more than a hundred people attending. We have already met some great people. Most everyone is well traveled so a lot of interesting stories.*

We had lunch in the dining room with a couple we met through cruise critic.*

I used the gym, there is a good selection of machines and free weights.

For dinner we grabbed a snack at the buffet. To be honest neither of us are feeling that great. Those seasickness patches haven't agreed with us. I took mine off first and today I'm great. My husband took his off last night and began to fill better immediately. I don't know how other react but it dried my throat out, caused a dry cough, headache, and drowsiness. Not how I intend to spend this vacation.*

The patter is full of activites for today and tonight is first of 3 formal night.*

The Internet is sporadic but I'll post as I can and try to answer any questions.*

 

Thanks for taking the time to post your observations. Looks like a good start to what I'm sure will be a great cruise. Look forward to reading your additional posts.....:):):)

 

Bob

[hightownCO]

enjoy your cruise! friends we made on our last cruise (debe and mary kay) are on this sailing.

 

Am dying to know if 'greatam' was able to board in whittier. She had an issue regarding what Princess was telling her on visas since she and her dh are disembarking in Russia. Do you know?

[Colo Cruiser]

Bon Voyage!!

 

 

[Whoo]

Have fun, and say hi to LuAnne & Kenneth - we met them on our Alaska cruise and they should be on your cruise!

[alaskagirl2010]

I'll say hi to Deb and Luann. I've met them both. Nobody know if Greatam made it. As far as I know she wasn't at the meet and greet but I could be wrong.

[Putterdude]

Have a wonderful cruise, I didn't ask her specifically but I assume Sammi Baker stayed aboard for the trip.

[ARRTrain]

Did you see fireworks on departure from Whittier?

[Coolmama_1]

Enjoy your cruise. I look forward to your posts.

[alaskagirl2010]

Yes we saw fireworks when we left Whittier. Sammi stayed on board, she's a pistol so funny. We also needed a minor repair in the cabin. It was fixed nearly immediately and considering the ship size I was amazed.

 

This morning saw a crab ship off the balcony. We are definitely in the area of the deadliest catch reality tv show. My husband saw killer whales and dalls porpoises off the bow of the ship.*

I took a poker instruction class at the casino but then I lost $20 playing slots. On the other hand I won a martini at the martini demonstration. The ship does appear to be a bit crowded as no one is outside. The weather is cold and very windy. The pub lunch was held in the Savoy Restaurant today.*

Formal night was treat. Lots of sparkle and shine. I enjoy looking at all the fashions. The ship was moving quite a bit so I don't know how they pulled off the fountain of champagne. I didn't go over to see if the glasses were super glued together. Also met the Captain, very charming!

Chocolate hazelnut soufflé for dessert was excellent.*

This morning we are out in the Bering Sea. I love watching the ocean through the balcony window. Might be the best part of the trip. We cross the int'l dateline today. With all the senior citizens on board, I wonder how people keep track of daily medication when a whole day just disappears.*

[Woobstr112G]

Yes we saw fireworks when we left Whittier. Sammi stayed on board, she's a pistol so funny. We also needed a minor repair in the cabin. It was fixed nearly immediately and considering the ship size I was amazed.

 

This morning saw a crab ship off the balcony. We are definitely in the area of the deadliest catch reality tv show. My husband saw killer whales and dalls porpoises off the bow of the ship.*

I took a poker instruction class at the casino but then I lost $20 playing slots. On the other hand I won a martini at the martini demonstration. The ship does appear to be a bit crowded as no one is outside. The weather is cold and very windy. The pub lunch was held in the Savoy Restaurant today.*

Formal night was treat. Lots of sparkle and shine. I enjoy looking at all the fashions. The ship was moving quite a bit so I don't know how they pulled off the fountain of champagne. I didn't go over to see if the glasses were super glued together. Also met the Captain, very charming!

Chocolate hazelnut soufflé for dessert was excellent.*

This morning we are out in the Bering Sea. I love watching the ocean through the balcony window. Might be the best part of the trip. We cross the int'l dateline today. With all the senior citizens on board, I wonder how people keep track of daily medication when a whole day just disappears.*

 

Sounds like another great day, thanks for sharring.....:):):)

 

Bob

[RockSloth]

Hi AlaskaGirl2010,

If you (or anyone else reading this on the ship) run across Dianne of the mushrooms could you tell her to check her email. It sounds like it's a fun cruise, someday I need to take the time to do something like that.

Thanks, Bob

[Whoo]

I'm watching your review - sounds like a great cruise... if only I could talk DH into going on something like this.

[tequilasunrise]

In regards to the Champagne fountain, they build it from scratch--no glue. However, they do spray it as they go along, with champagne. The sugar in the champagne acts as a light glue and does help it stay. But mostly, it is a well practiced and well done balancing act. They can get it assembled in fairly high seas.

 

One cruise we were on they did have to try a couple of times as some glasses came tumbling down with a strong wave, but they did it!

 

Thanks for writing the blog, I am looking very forward to hearing about your trip on a unique itinerary. Hope you continue to have an excellent cruise!:D

[Putterdude]

Sammi stayed on board, she's a pistol so funny. We also needed a minor repair in the cabin. It was fixed nearly immediately and considering the ship size I was amazed.

 

 

I agree with your thoughts re Sammi, she is in her own element when on an Alaskan itienerary....if you have a chance please tell her the guy from the old SS Prince George said hi.

We also had a couple of minor plumbing issues in our cabin and they were right on it I am happy to say.

[hollon]

I know you're having a great cruise, ENJOY! I will be on the diamond next yr. never been on a princess ship, could you give us detail regarding activities, food, how the ship looked, have you been on a rccl ship- how does the diamond compare?

[alaskagirl2010]

But we are far out in the ocean. The weather has been chilly. I've never been on RCCL so can't compare. I met Dianne but not sure I can remember who. The cc group is rather large.

Frittered away yesterday somehow. There appears to be some work going on as the pools are being painted. They are empty anyway due to cold and winds. The sun did come out and suddenly the promenade deck was crowded with walkers. We had dinner at the Pacific Moon. The signature dish is a seafood stir fry. I thought it was very good. *We saw the show ports of call beautiful costumes and very good dancers.*

 

I recommend the margarita demonstration. *We sampled two but maybe it was little early as I ended up walking around tipsy before lunch. *It's hard to choose from the many activities. I went to the Navigation lecture. *We were successful with the reservations with The Chef's Table. It was fabulous. Thanks so much for all the previous posters who recommended it. I know it is the highlight of my trip and I wouldn't have know about it except for you.*

Chef Scarin and Maitre d Hotel Balbiani just ooze old world Italian charm. Touring the galley gives one a whole new appreciation for what an amazing undertaking it is to feed us all. As I already noted the dinner was outstanding. I think I'll have to stick to water and exercise today though! *

[janina]

Hope you have a wonderful time on the Diamond. You brought memories back to us of last year October when we sailed her in Asia.:) Try the pork chops in the Savoy their wonderful. Is Adam still the cruise director? He was a blast. Enjoy...keep us posted.

[hollon]

what is the chefs table? glad you're having a good time

[Passin Thru]

Chefs Table I believe it is a $75 US dinner and tour of the kitchen. You sit at an individual table hosted by the Head Chef with up to 11 other people (could be more on Diamond)and I always tell him/her to make what you want and I'll eat it. Lots more fun and they may give you a choice of meat. It is a FINE dinner. Try it.

[caribill]

what is the chefs table?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=928036#post18217437 post #38

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=956179 post #1

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1277761 post#1

From the 1st Patter on a recent cruise:

 

AN EVENING AT THE CHEF'S TABLE "Join our Executive Chef at the Chef's Table for an unforgettable experience - Executive Chef Christophe Belin offers a brilliant insight into the workings of the most dynamic, fine dining experience on the seven seas; French champagne and hors d'oeurves at a hot spot in the galley during "rush" hour, follwed by a multi-course tasting menu at the V.I.P. Chef's table in the dining room - A must for the culinary connoisseur. $75 per person including wine pairing. For reservations, please call the Dining Hotline, #6219."

[hollon]

In regards to the Champagne fountain, they build it from scratch--no glue. However, they do spray it as they go along, with champagne. The sugar in the champagne acts as a light glue and does help it stay. But mostly, it is a well practiced and well done balancing act. They can get it assembled in fairly high seas.

 

One cruise we were on they did have to try a couple of times as some glasses came tumbling down with a strong wave, but they did it!

 

Thanks for writing the blog, I am looking very forward to hearing about your trip on a unique itinerary. Hope you continue to have an excellent cruise!:D

when and where do they do the fountain?

[caribill]

when and where do they do the fountain?

 

Usually now on the first formal night during the Captain's Welcome Party in the Atrium, about 7:30 PM - 8:15 PM.

 

May be different on the Ocean, Pacific and Royal.

[alaskagirl2010]

It's been pretty slow with the Internet. *You spend a lot of minutes just waiting for a page to load or email to download. The last couple of days are a blur. We dined at Sabitini's. Lovely dinner with pasta to die for. *We had another formal night. I tried my luck at a slot tournament, the prize was $500. *I was ahead for 5 glorious minutes. A friend who took part with me didn't win the tournament but as we were waiting won a $500 progressive jackpot. I'm not that lucky. * I've enjoyed all the drink demonstrations. *Who can complain about free drinks?

This morning we finally docked in Japan and will get to walk on land.*

Muronan was lovely. Volunteers from the city help with the language at all the stops on the HOHO free shuttle. We also took a Princess excursion and were lucky with our local guide. She was a wealth of information. We visited Lake Toya and Mt Usu. The weather was great. We ate in a restaurant with no English. My husband just pointed at someone plate and we tried what they had. Turned out it was cod roe and pickled seaweed pasta! It was really good.

[Woobstr112G]

It's been pretty slow with the Internet. *You spend a lot of minutes just waiting for a page to load or email to download. The last couple of days are a blur. We dined at Sabitini's. Lovely dinner with pasta to die for. *We had another formal night. I tried my luck at a slot tournament, the prize was $500. *I was ahead for 5 glorious minutes. A friend who took part with me didn't win the tournament but as we were waiting won a $500 progressive jackpot. I'm not that lucky. * I've enjoyed all the drink demonstrations. *Who can complain about free drinks?

This morning we finally docked in Japan and will get to walk on land.*

Muronan was lovely. Volunteers from the city help with the language at all the stops on the HOHO free shuttle. We also took a Princess excursion and were lucky with our local guide. She was a wealth of information. We visited Lake Toya and Mt Usu. The weather was great. We ate in a restaurant with no English. My husband just pointed at someone plate and we tried what they had. Turned out it was cod roe and pickled seaweed pasta! It was really good.

 

Sounds like a great day. Thanks for keeping us posted.....:):):)

 

Bob