Live from the Sapphire Princess 14 Day R/T to Hawaii March 9, 2011

[dcruisers]

It's a bit of a drive from the Aloha pier. Was a little longer in traffic. We booked it privately. We took a short cab ride to the Ala Mona Hotel which is where the shuttle picked us up from. It was a Friday night so there was a little traffic. It took over an hour to get there. The guide assured us we'd be back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. The company's private bus shuttle will drop you off at the port. We got back a little before 10:00pm with an 11:00pm sailaway. One more thing. Pay extra and get the Deluxe Luau package. You are closer to the stage and you get table service instead of having to stand in the buffet line.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

Did you book it on line and when did you have to be ath the hotel for shuttle pick up?

[Woobstr112G]

Good afternoon from the Sapphire Princess. We are a little over an hour away from departing from Maui. Today was a great day off the ship. Holli & I did a whale watching excursion. This excursion was a little different that the one we did in 2011. This time we decided to do a private excursion on a much smaller boat that in 2011. We chose a company called "Ultimate Whale Watching." The excursion was wonderful. We saw tons of whales. One thing I wanted to mention to everyone. This type of excursion is more of a whale "watching" excursion than a picture taking excursion. That is unless you have a waterproof camera. On this excursion, you will definitely get wet. I tried to keep my camera dry, but after about the first 15 minutes it was just too wet. I put my camera away and just enjoyed the sights. After a bit, had some the whale watching excursion was complete we wardered around a bit had some lunch and did some shopping. All in all, a great day.

Hope All Are Well.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

Did you book it on line and when did you have to be ath the hotel for shuttle pick up?

 

I booked and paid for it on line from the company's website. Pick up time from the hotel was 4:15pm. They recommended we be there ten minutes prior to the scheduled pick up time.....:):):)

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

Good morning from the Sapphire Princess. Today is our first full sea day of four as we make our way to Ensenada. Yesterday as I stated previously, was a great day in Maui to cap off our four days of island hoping. As we set sail east, I noted that the crew did a good job decorating areas of the ship to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day. I noted many fellow passengers that went the extra mile to show off their St. Patty’s day green. I also saw a number of bartenders that were decked out with the requisite green.

 

We had another great meal in the international dining room. I had roasted duck as a main course and it was very tasty. On a side note, one thing I’ve noted about the “always available” beef medallions is that while they are in fact always available, they have a different sauce every night.

 

Not much specifically planned today. Holli and I are getting ready to go to Sabatini’s for breakfast. I did already worked out this morning. I plan to work out each remaining days of the cruise to help me get back into my post cruise weight loss regimen. Tonight is also the second of our three formal nights. I’m looking forward to once again getting dressed up in my tux and hitting Crooners before dinner. My goal each cruise is to try and get through the “007” collection while onboard. Holli has her usual hair appointment later. I’m trying to talk her into a massage as they usually help out her back. One thing I’d like to mention regarding the Spa. Holli ha used it several times and has told me there really haven’t been any “hard sell” moments. I have several observations I’d like to make about the Gym/Spa. I’ve gone to the gym usually within the first hour it is open (0600hrs). I’ve never seen it very crowded at all. Regarding the Spa, I’ve noted the steam room in the men’s restroom area to be out of service the one time I went to visit. The Thermal suite was nice with the exception that I thought thee stone beds could have been a little warmer. I also noted the sauna room could have been warmer.

 

Today’s activities are as follows. Big (MUTS) will screen at 10:00am, Paul McCartney (MUTS) will show at 12:00pm, a James Brown concert (MUTS) will screen at 3:00pm, Stevie Wonder (MUTS) will screen at 5:15pm, and Twilight Breaking Dawn pt 2 (MUTS) will show at 7:15 & 10:00pm. The Pizza offers a mega martini demonstration at 11:30am, Midday melodies between 12:30 & 2:30pm, afternoon melodies at 3:00pm, a preview of “I got the music at 4:30pm, and evening melodies between 5:00pm & 9:00pm. The Princess theater will have the musical show “I got the music” at 7:00pm, 8:15pm, and 10:15pm.

 

Hope all have a great day.....:):):)

 

Bob

[HRPro]

Bob, thanks for taking time to do the live from. I'm really enjoying your posts, and it sounds like you've had fantastic weather and great tours. I'm taking notes as we hope to do this cruise in the next year or two. We love the Sapphire, which we sailed to Alaska several years ago. And I'm sure she's even better with the updates of Alfredos and IC. Hope you have calm seas and sunny weather for the trip home.

[Woobstr112G]

Bob, thanks for taking time to do the live from. I'm really enjoying your posts, and it sounds like you've had fantastic weather and great tours. I'm taking notes as we hope to do this cruise in the next year or two. We love the Sapphire, which we sailed to Alaska several years ago. And I'm sure she's even better with the updates of Alfredos and IC. Hope you have calm seas and sunny weather for the trip home.

 

Happy to be of service.....:):):)

 

Bob

[CruisinLow]

Bob,

Have enjoyed your impressions of the ship as well as the islands. Relax and enjoy the rest of the ship and the some warm weather coming back this way.

it may be a tad cooler here by the time you get back. Not much above 70 for the end of the week.

you know grandpaul will be giving your the number of hours until his cruise when you return. there has been trouble with 3 other Carnival ships while you have been gone and Jo is scheduled to leave in April on one of them not sure what is going on with her ship now.

[Woobstr112G]

Bob' date='

Have enjoyed your impressions of the ship as well as the islands. Relax and enjoy the rest of the ship and the some warm weather coming back this way.

it may be a tad cooler here by the time you get back. Not much above 70 for the end of the week.

you know grandpaul will be giving your the number of hours until his cruise when you return. there has been trouble with 3 other Carnival ships while you have been gone and Jo is scheduled to leave in April on one of them not sure what is going on with her ship now.[/quote']

 

Ann;

 

Thanks for the kind words.....:):):)

 

Bob

p.s. check out our thread for some cool news.....

[CruisinLow]

Ann;

 

Thanks for the kind words.....:):):)

 

Bob

p.s. check out our thread for some cool news.....

 

 

Already read it and am so thrilled for you. :D

Grandpaul will be proud! ! ! !

[dmwnc1959]

Have been following your Live report and it all has sounded very, very, nice, and the Sapphire Princess, a favorite among many on these boards, a wonderful ship. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. Have a safe voyage home. Hope to see more pictures of the cruise and Hawaii upon your return! :D

[Woobstr112G]

Bob: Just a reminder, if you could ask one of the servers in the Wheelhouse, how long

the Randy Heddon Quartet will be on the ship.

Thanks much,

Greg

 

Greg;

I was finally able to talk to one of the RH Quartet. They will be getting off the ship on April 20th. They will be taking a break and will be getting on the Coral sometime in July.....

Bob

[casavaha]

Bob: Thanks much for that info. We get on the 13th, so we really lucked out.

 

I notice you are on the Royal, maiden TA. We are also. So hopefully I will get a

chance to meet you and your wife. I am so looking forward to seeing the Sapphire again.

 

Have a great rest of your cruise. I wish I could get down to Ensenada to see the

ship on Friday. We are having our homeowners meeting on Saturday and just to

many things to do.

 

Thanks again,

 

Greg

[Woobstr112G]

Good morning from the Sapphire Princess. Today is our second full sea day while en route to Ensenada. It is just after 0700 and there are a number of clouds out today that some might say look rather menacing. It also seems to be a bit more humid than yesterday. Right now, I’m just waiting around for Sabatini’s to open for breakfast. In case anyone is interested, on sea days they are open for breakfast from 0730-1030. On port days, they close at 0930. Last night was a formal night. It was also the Captain Circle cocktail party (held in club fusion). There seemed to be more people dressed up than on the first formal night. I enjoyed once again getting dressed up in my tux. We did not attend the Captain Circle cocktail party due to how many people I saw lined up before the doors opened. The line stretched all the way through the photo gallery area, past Explorers, and just started to edge out into the piazza. Sorry, but I wasn’t about to stand in line for that.

 

I didn’t work out this morning, just couldn’t motivate myself to get outa bed at 0600. I might go later this morning or may in fact walk another 4 or so miles around the promenade deck. I’m also considering a visit to the thermal suite as well. Not much else planned for today. Just hanging out and trying not to think about getting the suitcases out to begin packing.

 

I had a bit of good luck yesterday in the casino. I was down to my last $5.00 on a slot machine when I hit a rather sizeable jackpot. It’s always nice to get a little back instead of always making a deposit.

Today’s entertainment offerings are as follows. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (MUTS) at 10:00am, U2 Vertigo (MUTS) at 12:00pm, The Devil Wears Prada (MUTS) at 3:00pm, Beyonce (MUTS) at 5:00pm, and The Life of Pi (MUTS) at 7:15pm and 10:00pm. The Piazza will be offering Midday melodies between 12:30pm and 2:30pm. The Jazz Café will be in the Piazza at 3:00pm, Evening melodies will be between 5:00pm and 9:00pm, and Dixieland Date with the Terry Belanger All Stars will be in the Piazza at 9:00pm. Eric Stone will once again be in Crooners from 9:00pm onwards while the Randy Heddon Quartet will be in the Wheelhouse bar from 9:00pm onwards. Vocal impressionist Michael Wilson will be in the Princess theater at 7:00pm, 8:15pm, and 10:15pm.

 

Well that’s about all for now. Hope all are well…..:):):)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

Bob: Thanks much for that info. We get on the 13th, so we really lucked out.

 

I notice you are on the Royal, maiden TA. We are also. So hopefully I will get a

chance to meet you and your wife. I am so looking forward to seeing the Sapphire again.

 

Have a great rest of your cruise. I wish I could get down to Ensenada to see the

ship on Friday. We are having our homeowners meeting on Saturday and just to

many things to do.

 

Thanks again,

 

Greg

 

Greg;

Happy to be of service. Looking forward to meeting you as well in a short 203 days....:):):)

[TLC535]

This trip is just going by too quickly :(

CONGRATS on the casino "withdrawl" ;):D

[Woobstr112G]

This trip is just going by too quickly :(

CONGRATS on the casino "withdrawl" ;):D

 

Much too quickly.....:):):)

 

Bob

[I object 2]

Bob, thanks for bringing all of us along on your Hawaiian adventure. We thoroughly enjoyed your posts. Safe travels home and we'll see you on the Royal in October!

 

Jan & Denny

[Julia’s Journey’s]

Bob: Thanks much for that info. We get on the 13th, so we really lucked out.

 

I notice you are on the Royal, maiden TA. We are also. So hopefully I will get a

chance to meet you and your wife. I am so looking forward to seeing the Sapphire again.

 

Have a great rest of your cruise. I wish I could get down to Ensenada to see the

ship on Friday. We are having our homeowners meeting on Saturday and just to

many things to do.

 

Thanks again,

 

Greg

 

 

Greg, don't want to hijack this thread but do you remember the name of the restaurant we had dinner at in Seattle last September - the one on the water?

Have you told Coral about the Royal??

[firsttimeexplorer]

Good morning everyone. DW and I will be boarding the Sapphire princess on Saturday for our return to Hawaii. I've had this cruise booked since March of 2011 so we are really excited that the cruise is finally upon us. I'm all packed and ready to go. DW has more packing to do, but I learned long ago to not get involved:D

 

I decided to start this live from thread a little early so I can begin to compile questions that might be asked. I will have free internet so hopefully I will be able to post often of my observations and answer all questions asked.

 

Take care all and have a great day.....:):):)

 

Bob

gl have fun

[Woobstr112G]

Good morning from the Sapphire Princess. Today is our third full sea day of four while en route to Ensenada. Last night was Italian night in the MDR. The waiters were all decked out in the horizontal stripped shirts and scarfs. The menu items were all Italian themed and from what I heard were quite tasty. I had a mahi mahi dish that was quite tasty. There was one exception to the overall very good dining experience. The bar service was a tad slow. I know it wasn’t the waiter’s fault but it was still somewhat annoying to wait for the order.

 

Not much planned for today. Holli is resting up and I just got back from the gym where I had a good workout. I’ve decided to begin packing tomorrow and will hopefully have it done before dinner. It’s always a bummer when you have to start dragging out the suitcases from under the bed. A clear indicator the cruise is nearing its end. Only thing I’m looking forward to upon getting off the ship is heading to the kennel to pick up Misha. Holli has given me direct orders that the kennel is the first place we are headed to when we leave San Pedro.

 

Today’s entertainment options are as follows. Overboard (MUTS) at 10:00am, George Michael Concert (MUTS) at 12:00, Genesis Concert (MUTS) 2:00pm, The Sting (MUTS) at 3:00pm, Billy Joel Concert (MUTS) at 6:00pm, and Hitchcock (MUTS) at 7:15pm and 10:00pm. Argo will also be showing in the Princess Theater at 2:00pm. The Pizza is hosting Wii Bowling at 11:45am. Midday melodies will take place in the Piazza between 12:30pm and 2:30pm. There will also be an after classical concert with the Adagio Strings. The concert will be in the Wheelhouse bar at 2:15pm. Evening melodies will be in the Piazza between 5:00pm and 9:00pm. The Randy Heddon Quartet will be in the Wheelhouse Bar from 9:00pm onwards. Eric Stone will be on the piano in Crooners from 9:00pm onwards.

 

Well, that’s all for now. Hope all are well…..:):):)

Bob

[A1SusieQ]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post daily. My parents are on this cruise and also staying in a Suite.

They unfortunately did not sign up on the roll call, so you won't know who they are. :(

I feel as if I am checking in on them through your posts.

Enjoy the rest of your trip. :)

[A1SusieQ]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post daily. My parents are on this cruise and also staying in a Suite.

 

They unfortunately did not sign up on the roll call, so you won't know who they are. :(

 

I feel as if I am checking in on them through your posts.

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip. :)

 

 

 

By the way, their names are Bill and Kay from Long Island New York and Isles of Capri, Florida. (Kay uses a cane.)

If you do happen to meet them tell them Susan says "HI";)

[casavaha]

Greg, don't want to hijack this thread but do you remember the name of the restaurant we had dinner at in Seattle last September - the one on the water?

Have you told Coral about the Royal??

 

Hi Julia: It is called Ray's Boathouse. They just remodeled the entire place. Nice to

hear from you. No I have not told her. Probably in June or July. Why rush?

Anyway, looking forward to the Royal. I am a little concerned that there will not be

many places to dance to a live band. We will see.

Take care,

 

Greg

[Woobstr112G]

By the way, their names are Bill and Kay from Long Island New York and Isles of Capri, Florida. (Kay uses a cane.)

 

If you do happen to meet them tell them Susan says "HI";)

 

Wil do.....:):):)

Bob

[Anubi]

Bob!!! Thanks for the Live From, it helped keep my toes warm and since spring is taking its own good time to arrive, I need all the help I can get. Be sure to have a 007 martini for me! So glad you had a good time. Hugs to Holli from Phil and I and stay well. :)