LIVE from the Grand Princess - 49 days from FLL thru South America to SFO

[Pia1913]

What a surprise. Punta Arenas, nice weather and no wind. At least true at the port area. I decided to venture out on my own in search of the usual items; diet Pepsi and wine. And this time beer too. Tender tix were no longer needed (BTW, today they had a special Elite area for tix) and it was an easy ride. However, we have Chilean immigration forms that we have to show in every port (there will be four) and that takes time. Once I passed thru that and got outside, I knew exactly where I was and where to find the supermarket. No diet Pepsi; regular only. I bought a six pack of local beer, one bottle of Santa Carolina Sauv. Blanc (my favorite) and 2 cans of CoKe Zero. If I have to drink Coke, this kind I can tolerate. Mike stayed aboard, had pizza ensuite and napped.

　

I haven’t specifically mentioned anyone checking to see what you bring on board at your ports of call, simply because nobody looks at anything. People have been bringing aboard wine and beer since inception and I know some are probably carrying hard stuff too. It appears you can buy your libations, but just don’t overdo it or flaunt it.

　

So who wants to hear about plumbing problems? LOL. Didn’t think so. This ship really needs major overhauling, and I don’t mean drydock where they install new revenue venues. Had the housekeeping supervisor here a few minutes ago, while we wait for the plumber. Again. He agrees that the ship is too old. We had breakfast with an Australian couple this morning who say that whenever they get an old ship, they fix it up and it becomes lovely. Their words. The old Regal is one example. They said it was redone and made almost new.

To all of my concerned friends: not to worry. We weather our storms; healthwise and otherwise. This too shall pass.

As for remarks about captain, be advised I never told you about it nor did I hear it. What was posted here was by someone who is not even on our roll call and came from another thread. I since learned that the captain said not a word. All ranting came only from the hotel manager and again, I wasn't there.

See you later or tomorrow.

[Colo Cruiser]

Enjoy and have a great night!

[beg3yrs]

We had breakfast with an Australian couple this morning who say that whenever they get an old ship, they fix it up and it becomes lovely. Their words. The old Regal is one example. They said it was redone and made almost new.

 

I am very curious as to the identity of this Australian couple who can afford to fix up old ships ... ;) I'm wondering if they are considering purchasing the Golden Princess.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Glad the weather was good enough for you to brave shopping. I'm with you on the taste of Diet Coke. If I was still drinking Pepsi, I would prefer Pepsi One (I think it tastes even better than regular Pepsi). I've been sticking with Mountain Dew lately so I bring it onboard on cruises.

[SandraConcordCA]

Reply to MIA1913 - we are getting onboard in Santiago, Chile - 15 day mark for U! Hope to see U!:)

[kruisey]

Never mind old ships I had my cabin partely flooded on The Diamond three years ago from the bathroom of the suite next to my inside cabin .What a mess they had the big dryers on for two days drying it out:eek:

[Impressionists]

Never mind old ships I had my cabin partely flooded on The Diamond three years ago from the bathroom of the suite next to my inside cabin .What a mess they had the big dryers on for two days drying it out:eek:

 

We are having our second cruise on the Diamond in October. Seeing she was only built in 2004 it is amazing that the plumbing has had problems isn't it.

[Pia1913]

Saturday February 23rd; a day at sea. Sun is trying to come out and high for today supposed to be 57. Internet remains spotty so will copy and paste it all (unless I can sneak something in really LIVE). We have been advised that due to the geographic position of the ship, there could be times when we are not in the reception region of satellite coverage.

　

Last night we went to see the mentalist; good entertainment. There has to be some trickery involved, but I for one will not try to figure it out. I have some ideas. In any event, we came to be entertained, and we were.

　

We received invitations to the Captain’s Circle cocktail Party; tomorrow from 7:15 to 8:00 on deck 5 in the Piazza. Can you imagine 2,000 people smooshed into that little area all for a free drink? We won’t be there. I wonder what they are doing about the awards for the top three?

　

The casino has remained closed, just as I mentioned it would a few days ago. However, today’s Patter states that the cage and slots will open from 9:00 to noon and then slots will open again at 1:00 AM tomorrow (Sunday).

　

Here are a few things happening today.

1. Puerto Montt destination lecture

2. Jack the Ripper lecture

3. Ice carving demonstration

4. Lecture: The Moon and Eclipse

5. Movie in the theater - The Girl

6. Scenic Cruising of Amalia Glacier (4 PM for about an hour)

NOTE: During our stop in Puerto Madryn, two Chilean pilots boarded and will be with us until we get to Valparaiso. During the time the ship is navigating in Chilean waters, one of them is on the bridge at all times. This is to provide the bridge with advice and local knowledge as we navigate thru the fjords.

　

And tonight we have: Kenny James a vocalist in the theater and Willy Tyler, a ventriloquist in Vista. We choose the dummy.

Too early to think and internet seems to be working so I'd better get this posted.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Captain's Circle party in the Piazza....have never heard of that...things must be changing! On our Jan. 26 cruise on the Emerald they had two parties for the Golds, and two parties later in the cruise for the Platinum/Elites...I went to the first of the two for Platinum/Elite and the Captain did not attend, which I found disappointing...

[pegpowell]

We had a Captain's Cocktail Party in the atrium on the Sapphire. It was awful. They did the usual speeches and the Captain presented the most travelled awards. You couldn't hear most of what was said. Getting a drink was next to impossible. In my opinion, it was a complete waste of time.

[caribill]

 

　

We received invitations to the Captain’s Circle cocktail Party; tomorrow from 7:15 to 8:00 on deck 5 in the Piazza. Can you imagine 2,000 people smooshed into that little area all for a free drink? We won’t be there.

 

If I remember right, they did not do this on your first segment.

 

Another cutback to save Princess $$$.

[san diego sue]

It seems to me when we were on the Grand on a transatlantic, the Captain did the same thing. There were lots of complaints and then they held another party for us in the lounge another day.

We never attend the Captains welcome party in the Atrium, and try not to even pass that way while it is happening.Who wants to stand around waiting for the Captain to appear and talk for a few minutes, so noisy and you can't hear a thing.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

 

 

[Shadavi]

We never attend the Captains welcome party in the Atrium, and try not to even pass that way while it is happening.Who wants to stand around waiting for the Captain to appear and talk for a few minutes, so noisy and you can't hear a thing.

 

Or see anything, so what's the point? Pia it will be interesting to see how a CC party, particularly with those numbers, can work in the public space - or is that the idea? After all everyone on board will be a CC member at the conclusion of the cruise. Another way of advertising the loyalty program?

Also do they have a P.E.S. lounge with half price drinks 5-7pm?

SharonW

[Pia1913]

Sunday at sea, and you didn’t hear from me again yesterday for two reasons. One was the fact that there was rarely a signal and the other is because this klutz reinjured her left ankle. I did a backwards flip and foot stayed under me. Could have busted my a** or broken a hip, but just the same ankle that I broke several years ago in Turkey. Could it be broken again? Yes. Am I going to do anything about it any differently than what we did in Turkey? No. I am immobilized and can still get my foot into a tennis shoe. That’s the good part. Goodbye treadmill. That’s the bad part.

　

OK. Enough of this. We had a great view cruising thru Amalia Glacier yesterday afternoon for about 1 ½ hours. Captain hardly moved our vessel so we had lots of time for viewing. Weather was cold, but dry and crisp. Being able to go in and out on the balcony sure helped. We did see some seals, but you needed to have a very good camera or powerful binoculars to see them. This is different territory and we still prefer Alaska.

　

Last night we went to see the ventriloquist and once he came on I realized we had seen him before. He was not as good this time. New material is not always better.

　

Today’s offerings consist of destination lecture: Valparaiso and Coquimbo, Navigation at Sea lecture by the staff captain, the ever present “Up to 75% off and nothing to buy sale” for three hours only, and a pub lunch. The afternoon movie in the theater is The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 and on MUTS, Dirty Dancing. There’s wine tasting at 3:00; not sure if we will go. All depends on whether gimpy here can move around much.

　

Tonight is Oscar night. Here too. Also the production show Do You Wanna Dance. The Academy Awards will be shown starting at 9:00 PM in Vista, on MUTS and also in Snookers. Sure wish they would broadcast on cabin TV

　

Please be advised that whether it’s a cough, a cold, surgery or an injury, nothing impedes my having a good cruise. My head is always on straight and I just go with the flow. BTW, Mike says his knee is better. Thank goodness!

Sharon: as mentioned previously, the Elite lounge is in Vista and we never go because there is no ambience.

Here comes room service breakfast.

[PescadoAmarillo]

Pia- very sorry to hear of your injury. That's no fun on a cruise- or anytime. Neither is being so ill. I hope things improve for you, and quickly!

[Shadavi]

Sharon: as mentioned previously, the Elite lounge is in Vista and we never go because there is no ambience.

 

 

Thanks Pia, please forgive the question. I have been following a couple of threads and couldn't remember who said what.

 

Sorry about your ankle and I hope it's not broken. I could say 'your woes' but you are obviously not letting anything get you down and you really do know how to enjoy cruising - your way!

 

I am really enjoying tagging along with you and I am getting some really good information for our cruise on the Crown next year.

SharonW

[oma16]

OMG ,,Pia,, what else can go wrong ??? :eek:Don't know were U find the energy ??please give me some of that . Love your spirit and total enjoyment of life & cruising .U R a inspiration 2 all ,,,one question,,,,,Pia how do U do it ????

Love your posts ,,,so much info 4 all of us ,,,thank's ,,,oma16,,,

hope your not in 2 much pain ,,,please feel better sooooon !!!:):)

[westendgirl]

Pia - if anyone can have a good cruise with a broken ankle, it's you. You always have such a great attitude and can make 'lemonade' out of most situations. You are definitely not a whiner!

 

As for the Oscars, we were on the Star from Rio to SF one year ago and the CD said they wouldn't be able to broadcast it in the cabins. But voila, there was Oscar in all his glory showing in the cabin that evening. Hope the same happens tonite for you.

 

So glad to hear Mike's knee is better. Take it easy and do what you can. You're an inspiration to all your fans! :)

[Judycpro]

Pia,

 

SO sorry about your ankle. Why don't you get a walking cast from the infirmary? They are lightweight and you will still be mobile. When we were on the Grand right before your cruise there were several people wearing them.

 

Judy

[Lynda90]

Pia, so sorry to hear about your re-injury. You've certainly had more than your share of "stuff" going on in the last several months. I guess it could always be worse. Please take care of yourself! :p

[caribill]

Or see anything, so what's the point? Pia it will be interesting to see how a CC party, particularly with those numbers, can work in the public space - or is that the idea? After all everyone on board will be a CC member at the conclusion of the cruise. Another way of advertising the loyalty program?

 

Of course having it in the atrium means 100% of the passengers can attend if they wish.

 

It is a poor way to advertise the loyalty program: "Cruise with us again you can can be part of the crushing crowd experience."

 

When they held the gold members' event in the theater, at least there was a coupon for a drink of choice. With the event in the atrium, even if you can get the attention of a server, the choice will be very limited. Princess will save $$$ that way.

[bronxgirl25]

Pia....that's what I love most about you, your spirit and attitude! :D Both are wonderful. Sorry for all you are going through on this cruise. Hope it gets better soon! :)

[CTGirl]

It seems to me when we were on the Grand on a transatlantic, the Captain did the same thing. There were lots of complaints and then they held another party for us in the lounge another day.

We never attend the Captains welcome party in the Atrium, and try not to even pass that way while it is happening.Who wants to stand around waiting for the Captain to appear and talk for a few minutes, so noisy and you can't hear a thing.

Gloria, that was on the Crown. It was horrible except for the Captain's talk. He was so funny. We all got drink coupons which did not go over well. When they reheld the party in Club Fusion they had to have three separate parties to accomodate everyone. The drinks were flowing at those parties. :D

[Cruisin' Chick]

I hope your injury isn't that bad, Pia. Ankle injuries hurt a lot, from my experiences.

 

On our December cruise on the Golden, the Gold CC party was held in the Princess Theater. Captain briefly made an appearance on the stage. The CD said he had a matter he had to attend to, after he left. We were given drink tickets on our way out that we could use at any bar. Not sure where the elite/platinum CC party was.