Finally LIVE from the Sapphire Princess 28 Day sailing

[Host CJSKIDS]

Sue, glad to hear you are enjoying yourself. Have loads of fun! Can't wait to hear the rest.

[Toto2Kansas]

Could you tell me the general age range for the cruisers on the ship please? My sister is interested in this cruise but she's only 25 and is concerned that most people on board are elderly/retired and she would not have fun or fit in. I'd appreciate any insights.

 

Thanks! Katherine

Katherine, the general age of the passengers, I would 'guess' is 70 and above. A portion are 60 and above, and very very few onboard even below the age of 45. We did see a couple honeymoon couples today, possibly in their 20's, but not many under the age of 50-60 at all. This is the not the type of cruise where someone in their 20's would probably enjoy IMHO. That is unless they like to just relax a lot, play some games or enjoy competiions hosted by the cruise line. Sorry! :(

[Toto2Kansas]

It's evening time, after a perfect day in Lahaina, Maui. Warm temps, partly cloudy, no rain, just perfect. We did as we usually do and just walked around the shops, came back to the ship for lunch (at the buffet) and to unload or purchases, and then back over on the tender we went for a little more shopping before we called it a day and just sat enjoying the balcony in the beautiful weather, with the greatest views of all time.

 

At dinner this evening, our waiter was telling us that at 5:30 this morning, the entire starboard side of the HC was filled to capacity with passengers waiting for the buffet to open at 6:00 AM (complaining up a storm from what he told us). We have had three out of 5 days of time changes and setting our clocks back an hour, so I guess it finally caught up with many and they were up at the crack of stupid this AM and wanting their breakfast before we had even gotten to Maui.

 

As for what's going on this evening, a repeat of Stardust after two showings last night, but that is about it in the entertainment department.

I think they figured after 4 days at sea, and everyone out today, they would all be totally pooped out, so no need for anything to entertain the masses. The casino is closed until we sail from our last Hawiian port. Not much to do in the evenings it seems on Hawaiian port days, just sleep and get ready for the next exciting day such as Hilo tomorrow.

We have a car rented, as usual, and the shuttle will pick us up at the pier and take us to the airport to pick up the car. I think we are going to venture to the waterfalls this time, since we know Volcanoes National Park by heart and no longer even need a map when we visit there. ;) Then a stop for supplies, and it will be time to head back to the ship.

 

I did hear from some CC members that attempted to bring on a case of obvious wine, that they ran into some problems at embarkation. They gave us a sheet at boarding that said we were allowed to carry on one bottle per person now, and they are allowing us to bring back one bottle per person from each port though, so that will work (we will just make sure they are BIG bottles). :) I would guess it's not going to be long when their one bottle per person rule goes fleet wide, as they are beginning to really check now, it seems.

 

Food is still delicious (although I am not too fond of the buffet on this sailing, and we are pretty much sticking to Sabatinis for breakfast, and the Pacific Moon for dinner). Service is wonderful, and the staff very friendly and will do whatever you ask to accomodate. Even Jean-Paul has been shocked when we show up each night at the MDR for dinner, as we have sailed with him in the past, and he knows my DH is not a dining room fan. Just goes to show, you can teach an old dog new tricks. lol

[kath00]

More! I want more!! Love reading your reports. Could you do them more often. Every hour perhaps?

 

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[kath00]

Katherine, the general age of the passengers, I would 'guess' is 70 and above. A portion are 60 and above, and very very few onboard even below the age of 45. We did see a couple honeymoon couples today, possibly in their 20's, but not many under the age of 50-60 at all. This is the not the type of cruise where someone in their 20's would probably enjoy IMHO. That is unless they like to just relax a lot, play some games or enjoy competiions hosted by the cruise line. Sorry! :(

 

Thank you! Very helpful!

 

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[catsforkids]

Sue, really loving reading your posts :)

 

Who from the Royal is with you? Is Arturo? Just wondering where that wonderful man went...

[fairstars]

We are actually getting all of the menus in our suite the night before. John-Paul (the Maitre d' actually called to check and make sure we were getting them), so, all is well in suite-ville when it comes to ordering meals of the MDR menu (at least here on the Sapphire).

 

Toto,

 

Do you know if the MDR menu is available to all full suites or just your GS? We really like this perk, sometimes you just don't fell like going out to dinner. We had a wonderfull New Years Eve roll call party in the Sapphire GS a few years back, fantastic suite, enjoy your cruise and keep posting.

 

Happy cruising,

Chris

[ukbecky]

I did hear from some CC members that attempted to bring on a case of obvious wine, that they ran into some problems at embarkation. They gave us a sheet at boarding that said we were allowed to carry on one bottle per person now, and they are allowing us to bring back one bottle per person from each port though, so that will work (we will just make sure they are BIG bottles). I would guess it's not going to be long when their one bottle per person rule goes fleet wide, as they are beginning to really check now, it seems.

 

This is very disappointing news.

 

My first Princess cruise and it's on the first of the (US-based) fleet to enforce this new rule...

[Hulagirl]

Agree about the wine news. Toto, do you know if they were allowed to bring on the wine they brought with them? Hopefully they didn't have to leave it at the port.

 

Glad you are enjoying the suite. I knew you would.

 

Have a great cruise.

 

Susan

[GlendaleCruiser]

This is very disappointing news.

 

My first Princess cruise and it's on the first of the (US-based) fleet to enforce this new rule...

 

 

Oh no! Carnival has had the "one bottle per person" rule for some time, but I was looking forward to bringing a box of wine for the 14-day Hawaii crossing. I will be very disappointed if they take that.:eek::confused:

[GlendaleCruiser]

Oh no! Carnival has had the "one bottle per person" rule for some time, but I was looking forward to bringing a box of wine for the 14-day Hawaii crossing. I will be very disappointed if they take that.:eek::confused:

 

 

On the phone with Princess now and was told:

 

"One bottle of wine is allowed up to 750 millileters per person over 21 in the cabin", which means that a magnum is okay.

She said that boxed wine "is not encouraged". I asked if they would not allow it, but she just reiterated that it is not encouraged, so looks like that could go either way.

She did we could bring on another bottle at each port.

 

Did I understand it right that someone tried to bring on a CASE of wine?

[LaCal]

Just Check in it in Your Luggage, Dont try and Carry It On...Should Work...We'll let you know after Nov 9th if it did for us...:D

[lovevacadays]

Sue, your day in Maui sounds perfect. Lahaina is such a nice place to just walk around and shop. Have a beautiful day in Hilo. I'm enjoying your thread.

[Oahucruiser]

Watching your arrival into Honolulu from our lanai right now. Beautiful sight!

[kath00]

Toto,

 

Do you know if the MDR menu is available to all full suites or just your GS? We really like this perk, sometimes you just don't fell like going out to dinner. We had a wonderfull New Years Eve roll call party in the Sapphire GS a few years back, fantastic suite, enjoy your cruise and keep posting.

 

Happy cruising,

Chris

 

We had this awesome perk in all our suites. Most recently we were in a ph suite. ;)

 

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[Toto2Kansas]

Type yesterday evening, but I could not get onto CC to post, it was locked up tight and there was just no accessing it. Sorry!

ello again from somewhere just off the coast of Hilo.

What a wonderful day we spent in Hilo, and the very first time (in all of these years that we haven't

been drowned with downpours. Yep, each time we have visited, we have gotten rain, until today. It was a

delightful new experience. :)

We started the day with our usual breakfast at Sabatinis, which has been busy this cruise from the

very first monthing. The waiters told us that it wasn't just the suites, but with so many VIP's onboard,

they are running their behinds off at breakfast.

So, after breakfast today we got on our shuttle and headed for the airport to pick up our car. First time in Hilo thatr we

rented from Alamao, and it was a huge switch from other compaines we have rented from on this island.

It was quick, and only took us about 10 minutes (even with a line in front of us) from arriving until we

were driving out in our rental car.

First to Akaka Falls, which is a nice drive along the coast, and then a short hike down to view the falls

from top to bottom. Definitely worth the walk and climb down and up (probably the falls with the least

amount of climbing we have visited yet.)

Then a bit of shopping to begin stocking up for another 3 weeks where things won't be

as assesible to us in Tahitian Ports.

Then it was on to the Macadamia Nut factory (as usual) to pack home some of those delectable morsels of

many flavored Macadmia Nuts.

As it was yesterday, not a lot moving onboard this evening. With an older crowd on this sailing, these port days

seem to wipe everyone out for the evening. There is a show tonight, Celebrity Showtime with Tony Tilman

(song and dance), but we decided to just come back, relax and again enjoy this lovely suite. I have to tell

you, we find ourselves spending even more time in the suite than we usually do, as it is more like and

apartment (minus the kitchen, although food or drink is just a phone call away). I haven't been walking

around the ship, investigating as I normally do, I just want to enjoy every moment I can (while I can) inside

this fabulous stateroom.

We have gone to the dining room so much on this cruise that Jean-Paul isn't quite sure what to make of it. (we

haven't been going to the dining room much for many years now). But our head waiter Eugene (at table 22 in the Pacific

Moon) and our waiter Alan and ass't Julius have been taking extra great care of us. Providing special suprises every

couple of nights to keep us coming back (I think). lol

We arrive in Honolulu around 7:00 AM tomorrow, and we are not in any hurry to go anywhere. We plan to have a

liesurely breakfast, then maybe walk around for awhile, possibly jump on one of the complimentary shuttles and

again do a bit of Christmas shopping. We have Germaine's Luau scheduled (privately) for tomorrow evening,

which will pick us up at Aloha Tour about 4:30 tomorrow afternoon.

Captain Jerman did announce this evening that we would be docking at Aloha Tower (the last couple of years we have

been switched to pier #2 at the last minute (although on the smaller ships), which isn't really close to anything,

so we are looking forward to being able to stroll around the shops as we wish tomorrow.

I keep running into cruise critic members around every corner it seems. I actually had a lurker (self

admitted) introduce themselves on the shuttle from the airport this afternoon. It still amazes me how

many CC members there are out there.

OK, now it's time to relax and do a bit of enjoying, but if time allows, I will try to post a couple of pictures

of our suite soon.

 

It is now morning, and we just pulled into Honolulu. I enjoyed my self made coffee while watching the Pride of America sail in directly behind us. We are definitely at the Aloha Tower pier (Yippee), first time in years we were way out at pier #2. Looks to be a fantastic day, partly cloudy, warm temps and very still outside. Another cup of coffee and the peaceful aft balcony is calling my name. Will try to check in later. ;)

[Toto2Kansas]

Agree about the wine news. Toto, do you know if they were allowed to bring on the wine they brought with them? Hopefully they didn't have to leave it at the port.

 

Glad you are enjoying the suite. I knew you would.

 

Have a great cruise.

 

Susan

Susan, they told us they would be enforcing it at each port to one bottle per person, but we haven't seen it enforced yet. ;) So, unless they crack down, it seems to only be their 'words' that enforce the limit. :)

[Toto2Kansas]

Toto,

 

Do you know if the MDR menu is available to all full suites or just your GS? We really like this perk, sometimes you just don't fell like going out to dinner. We had a wonderfull New Years Eve roll call party in the Sapphire GS a few years back, fantastic suite, enjoy your cruise and keep posting.

 

Happy cruising,

Chris

Chris, our friend is in the OS suite and she is also getting MDR menus. So, it's not just the GS suite.

[Toto2Kansas]

Sue, really loving reading your posts :)

 

Who from the Royal is with you? Is Arturo? Just wondering where that wonderful man went...

From what I am told, Arturo and Roni are both on the Ocean Princess right now. Jean-Paul and a few of the crew (very few) are onboard with us. One bartender and one of the photographer's staff.

Jean-Paul called the other day and told me he sent a message to Roni telling him that we request his present on the Sapphire (he should get a kick out of that email). lol

[vickie_bernie]

Susan, they told us they would be enforcing it at each port to one bottle per person, but we haven't seen it enforced yet. ;) So, unless they crack down, it seems to only be their 'words' that enforce the limit. :)

 

 

just read a review from the Emerald doing its usual 10 day Caribbean and they brought on a case of wine and was delivered to cabin.... so guess it is ship to ship

 

thanks for the great day by day, yes Cruisecritic was down most of the night yesterday

 

vickie

[Hulagirl]

Toto: Thank you for the information. Glad to know this ahead of time.

 

We always spend so much more time in the GS also. When my husband and I did the 14 day Hawaii cruise in 2009 we had the GS on the Golden. Had to be one of the coldest cruises we have taken. Weren't able to enjoy the balcony unless we were in port, but we did spend a lot of time in the cabin. Was so nice to just relax there and have it quiet. We also had a big noro outbreak that cruise, so the cabin felt even better then.

 

CC was not cooperating at all last night.

 

Have a wonderful time. Thanks again for the comments.

 

Susan

[Wormy53]

So glad you are doing this report! When I am able to get the time - I would like to do the long South Pacific cruise. And in the Grand Suite!!!!! It would be wonderful. Thanks for taking me along!:)

[kath00]

Toto: Thank you for the information. Glad to know this ahead of time.

 

We always spend so much more time in the GS also. When my husband and I did the 14 day Hawaii cruise in 2009 we had the GS on the Golden. Had to be one of the coldest cruises we have taken. Weren't able to enjoy the balcony unless we were in port, but we did spend a lot of time in the cabin. Was so nice to just relax there and have it quiet. We also had a big noro outbreak that cruise, so the cabin felt even better then.

 

CC was not cooperating at all last night.

 

Have a wonderful time. Thanks again for the comments.

 

Susan

 

Most recently we were in the GS for the Alaska sailing on the Golden. I don't think I saw anything of the rest of the ship, LOL. I just stayed in the room and watched the glaciers float by! It was wonderful. :D

 

Katherine

[LaCal]

Hi can you post a list of the movies playing on Muts?

 

We Love watching some movies during the week, Munch'n Popcorn and Having Fun....

 

Were on the Golden on Nov 9th and I figure the movies you guys are watching will probally be the same fleet wide...:)

[chrysalis]

Hi can you post a list of the movies playing on Muts?

 

We Love watching some movies during the week, Munch'n Popcorn and Having Fun....

 

Were on the Golden on Nov 9th and I figure the movies you guys are watching will probally be the same fleet wide...:)

 

Do they have MUTS on the Sapphire?