LIVE from the Royal Princess - 30 days, Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale - 9/27 - 10/27

[5326jan]

Pia, You mentioned brewing Starbucks. Do you use the Black and Decker one cup coffee maker?

 

Thanks for bringing us along! :)

 

Janet

[timetravler]

Thank you for answering the questions about the gym. BTW Pia, did you get your computer fixed? I do hope so.

[timetravler]

Also thank you for the clarification on the rain issue in the port where Pia got poured on. I had no idea they were far apart.

[Pia1913]

And so our day in Naples ends. A day which thankfully had good weather with sporadic sun. First let me say we did nothing constructive only because there was nothing new for us to do. We’ve been to Pompeii; twice. We’ve been to Capri; more than twice. Also the Amalfi Coast, Positano and Herculaneum. These are the places folks want to see. As for Mt. Vesuvius, we did walk on her, albeit 20 years ago. Of course the best of this area IMO is Sorrento, where not only we’ve visited many times as a cruise ship port, but also a place we lived in for several weeks. BTW, any Italian I acquired at the time is long gone. A few words here and there, but not enough to hold a conversation.

　

Very very busy today in Napoli. Other than our large ship there are two other biggies; Aida and NCL Epic. And everyone was getting off their respective ships at the same time. What a mob scene. For those interested, there is a HOHO bus stop right outside - cost is 25 euros per person and covers all three routes. However, with so many people in port I would imagine once you got off at a stop, it might be difficult to find availability getting back on. There must have been 200+ people waiting for a bus and we watched them for a while to see how long it took between buses. I estimate about 20 minutes.

　

Also here today is a huge fly convention. I swear they imported them from all over the world. And they are a very friendly species. They come up and greet you head on; right in the face. Anyone who has been to Ayers Rock knows what I mean; but worse here. We bid a big ciao to our “new flying friends” and headed back on board after about two hours. Can’t think about missing lunch, you know. Besides which Mike has lots of calf pain since our Cinque Terre fiasco, so now his slightly impaired mobility is a bit more severe. I brought some food back from the HC and we dined on our mini balcony with Ro and Mu next door. Too bad they have to move for the next cruise, since it’s really nice to have the open partition.

　

　

　

　

We thought we’d find out what’s happening in the world; i.e. our government, but we have no live TV at all. No channels other than prerecorded stuff. Maybe we’re better off not knowing.

　

I didn’t mention this earlier because I didn’t know how to explain it. I still don’t. There’s an ad in the Patter for reservations to attend the Crab Shack; October 2nd, 3rd or 4th from 6:30-9:00 in Horizon Court. Fee is $20/pp. It’s some sort of seafood extravaganza which perhaps someone who is reading this and has been aboard and has first hand knowledge can fill in the gaps. (The preceding was an awful sentence, but you get the idea).

　

So, we decided to make use of our big screen TV and utilize the movies on demand system. And we watched a very silly movie with two actors whom we like; Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. Together these guys are nuts. But silly as it was, we did enjoy, The Internship.

　

And now it’s almost 5:00 PM and TV just came back on. Will watch Fox News to see what we missed. Meanwhile, clocks go forward tonight and we lose an hour of sleep.

Answers:

1. Computer was OK; it was the power cord. Seems OK now. Not exhaling yet

2. Melitta one cup coffeemaker. Have had it for years

3. Bob: there are only a certain amounts of questions I can cover

[vickie_bernie]

Also here today is a huge fly convention. I swear they imported them from all over the world. And they are a very friendly species. They come up and greet you head on; right in the face.

 

You are TOO funny Pia - you had me laughing and I can just see you saying it and swatting them away.

 

I love your live threads cause you say it as it really is. And I feel I am right there with you.

 

Pia, I just sailed with head waiter Douw this month (he was on the Hawaii Star cruise last fall) he said to say hi to you and Mike

 

Vickie

Edited October 1, 2013 by vickie_bernie

[AKman2495]

We thought we’d find out what’s happening in the world; i.e. our government, but we have no live TV at all. No channels other than prerecorded stuff. Maybe we’re better off not knowing.

 

Trust me Pia, you are better off not knowing...besides, at the rate things are going, I doubt if it will be much different by the time your trip is over....:rolleyes:

Edited October 1, 2013 by AKman2495

[Woobstr112G]

Pia;

 

Sounds like you had a nice day in Naples. While favor the Amalfi Coast, I also think Sorento is beautiful. Thanks for disseminating the info on that crab shack event. I hope it is offered after we board on the 9th. It looks like something I'd like to try.

 

I noticed your last post looked like it was back to normal. Did you get your computer issue resolved? If not, you are still more than welcome to use my word equipped ultra book.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Hi David,

I hope you don't mind if I add two more to the collection of her arrival this morning... .

Great captures.

 

Heres another I got from Aida Blu who was moored behind Royal.

One shot looking down the length ,showing the balconies, and the other....

No its not a block of apartments ....

its Norwegian Epic.:eek:

 

 

 

Edited October 1, 2013 by Kiwi Kruzer

[cricketts]

Awesome pictures of the aft :p

[Woobstr112G]

Great captures.

 

Heres another I got from Aida Blu who was moored behind Royal.

One shot looking down the length ,showing the balconies, and the other....

No its not a block of apartments ....

its Norwegian Epic.:eek:

 

 

Thanks for the snapshot of the aft view. My Dolphin aft looks might inviting. Can't wait till I step onto it on the 9th.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Solara]

Thanks for the snapshot of the aft view. My Dolphin aft looks might inviting. Can't wait till I step onto it on the 9th.....:):):)

 

Bob

Can I see too!;):D

[kruisey]

And so our day in Naples ends. A day which thankfully had good weather with sporadic sun. First let me say we did nothing constructive only because there was nothing new for us to do. We’ve been to Pompeii; twice. We’ve been to Capri; more than twice. Also the Amalfi Coast, Positano and Herculaneum. These are the places folks want to see. As for Mt. Vesuvius, we did walk on her, albeit 20 years ago. Of course the best of this area IMO is Sorrento, where not only we’ve visited many times as a cruise ship port, but also a place we lived in for several weeks. BTW, any Italian I acquired at the time is long gone. A few words here and there, but not enough to hold a conversation.

　

Very very busy today in Napoli. Other than our large ship there are two other biggies; Aida and NCL Epic. And everyone was getting off their respective ships at the same time. What a mob scene. For those interested, there is a HOHO bus stop right outside - cost is 25 euros per person and covers all three routes. However, with so many people in port I would imagine once you got off at a stop, it might be difficult to find availability getting back on. There must have been 200+ people waiting for a bus and we watched them for a while to see how long it took between buses. I estimate about 20 minutes.

　

Also here today is a huge fly convention. I swear they imported them from all over the world. And they are a very friendly species. They come up and greet you head on; right in the face. Anyone who has been to Ayers Rock knows what I mean; but worse here. We bid a big ciao to our “new flying friends” and headed back on board after about two hours. Can’t think about missing lunch, you know. Besides which Mike has lots of calf pain since our Cinque Terre fiasco, so now his slightly impaired mobility is a bit more severe. I brought some food back from the HC and we dined on our mini balcony with Ro and Mu next door. Too bad they have to move for the next cruise, since it’s really nice to have the open partition.

　

　

　

　

We thought we’d find out what’s happening in the world; i.e. our government, but we have no live TV at all. No channels other than prerecorded stuff. Maybe we’re better off not knowing.

　

I didn’t mention this earlier because I didn’t know how to explain it. I still don’t. There’s an ad in the Patter for reservations to attend the Crab Shack; October 2nd, 3rd or 4th from 6:30-9:00 in Horizon Court. Fee is $20/pp. It’s some sort of seafood extravaganza which perhaps someone who is reading this and has been aboard and has first hand knowledge can fill in the gaps. (The preceding was an awful sentence, but you get the idea).

　

So, we decided to make use of our big screen TV and utilize the movies on demand system. And we watched a very silly movie with two actors whom we like; Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. Together these guys are nuts. But silly as it was, we did enjoy, The Internship.

　

And now it’s almost 5:00 PM and TV just came back on. Will watch Fox News to see what we missed. Meanwhile, clocks go forward tonight and we lose an hour of sleep.

Answers:

1. Computer was OK; it was the power cord. Seems OK now. Not exhaling yet

2. Melitta one cup coffeemaker. Have had it for years

3. Bob: there are only a certain amounts of questions I can cover

 

I am very grateful for the letting us all know about the flies you just so honest Pia.I get eaten alive by those things so I will be armed in advance.:)

[Woobstr112G]

Can I see too!;):D

 

Of course you can.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Solara]

Of course you can.....:):):)Quote]

Can't wait!! :D:D

Edited October 1, 2013 by Solara

[traveling1969]

Good Morning Joyce & Harry

 

Thank you for this post. We will be strolling around Civitavecchia for the first time while on the TA and your restaurant find sounds right up our alley. Any chance you might recall the address or name?

 

Cheers

 

Louise

Loudes

 

PS; Well done on your Facets win!!

First for sasha's mom; I'm not sure if the port shuttle bus is equipped for scooters but the town is not terribly scooter friendly. The ship was parked about a half a mile from the seashore promenade. Perhaps you could manuever by the seaside but away from there it's so so.

 

Louise,

 

I do have that info (in the room) but I'll post it later.

 

Great weather today so we took the hydrfoil to Capri (20.50 euros one way) at 9:10 and there was another at 10:10. Lots of return boats-3:25, 4:10, 5:10. Had a delightful stroll, a nice lunch at a harbor restaurant and lots of window shopping and no, we didn't buy any windows! Not at Capri prices. It was really rough on the trip out; lots of sick folks on our boat. The line at the funicular looked really long but it moved quickly (75 persons per trip).

 

Once back on board, we turned in our passports (we're supposed to get them back after Istanbul (or maybe it's before Istanbul:confused:). DW is the only one who can keep me straight:D.

 

A few more ship observations. We really don't like the location and set-up for the wheelhouse bar; right next to the deck 7 walking corridor and cheek to jowl with the Crown Grill. It's just not as intimate and no pub feel to it at all.

 

We will be doing the Chef's Table on the 3rd and will let you know how it was. On a sad note: the pokers gods weren't kind tonight. Tomorrow is the first poker tournament. Wish me luck; I'll need it.

 

Harry

[bronxgirl25]

Thanks for keeping us up to date Pia. I feel like I am traveling along with you! Well not really, but almost as good as you are very descriptive and funny! Hope Mike's legs get better!

 

 

[MMDown Under]

 

　

Also here today is a huge fly convention. I swear they imported them from all over the world. And they are a very friendly species. They come up and greet you head on; right in the face. Anyone who has been to Ayers Rock knows what I mean; but worse here. We bid a big ciao to our “new flying friends” and headed back on board after about two hours.

　

　

We thought we’d find out what’s happening in the world; i.e. our government, but we have no live TV at all. No channels other than prerecorded stuff. Maybe we’re better off not knowing.

 

　

And now it’s almost 5:00 PM and TV just came back on. Will watch Fox News to see what we missed. Meanwhile, clocks go forward tonight and we lose an hour of sleep.

 

Surprised flies were worse than Ayres Rock.

 

 

US Govt began a partial shutdown at midnight for first time in 17 years, Pia.

Edited October 2, 2013 by MMDown Under

[High C's]

Pia - quick question re Sorrento. Because its a Sunday when we are there, can you tell me if the shops will be open? We plan on going to spend the day strolling around Sorrento, but if everything is closed there would hardly be any point! :confused:

[lovevacadays]

Hi David,

 

I hope you don't mind if I add two more to the collection of her arrival this morning...

 

 

 

.

 

Of course you can.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

Wow. Beautiful pictures.

[Pia1913]

It’s Wednesday and our first sea day of only two. Partly cloudy is the anticipated weather for today with a high of approx. 72. I haven’t mentioned this before, but the seas have been totally calm; you can hardly feel any ship movement whatsoever.

　

We did go to see magician/illusionist David Cats last night and enjoyed his show. He’s on again tonight in Vista, but we intend to pass on that.

　

So what’s happening on board today? A lot. In the morning we have the “fabulous” (hahaha) 3 hour only $10 sale, Finding Nemo on MUTS, a fruit and veggie carving in the Piazza, the Maitre d’ Wine Club (this is the expensive one), a Texas Hold Em’ tourny and a pub lunch. Most important however is our Cruise Critic M&G in Club 6 at 11:00.

　

Afternoon brings us all sorts of spa stuff, the first art auction, the first pop choir rehearsal (I may look into it), Top Gun on MUTS, a port destination talk on Istanbul and a presentation by ships’ engineer on The Birth of a Cruise Ship.

Tonight is formal night, so there will be the Captain’s Welcome Aboard party in the Atrium, starting with the champagne waterfall at 7:15. Lots of game shows tonight too, the previous mentioned magic and our next production show; What the World Needs Now. MUTS is showing “Now you See Me” and since it’s non smoking night, I might peek into the casino. Not too much opportunity when you have such a port intensive cruise.

Now it's workout time so I bid you another arriverderci. Jackie, things will be open on Sundays unless they've suddenly become ultra religious.

[Lynda90]

Thanks, Pia for all the info. As always, really enjoying this thread and can't wait to board next week! See ya soon! :p

[Bogof1]

Pia just done 2 pop choir shows on our 17 days on the Crown, and the 2nd was a new set of songs. It was good fun, nearly a hundred of us!!

[cruiserei]

We are new to CC, but not new to cruising. Oct 9 TA will give us 192 days of cruising with Princess and it will be our 43rd cruise overall (on many lines) We have been following this Live and enjoying it. We would like to attend the meet and greet if there will be one. Do we need and invitation?

Edited October 2, 2013 by cruiserei

[dmwnc1959]

We are new to CC, but not new to cruising. Oct 9 TA will give us 192 days of cruising with Princess and it will be our 43rd cruise overall (on many lines) We have been following this Live and enjoying it. We would like to attend the meet and greet if there will be one. Do we need and invitation?

 

WELCOME to Cruise Critic!!!

 

The Roll Call for your cruise, the place where a large number of fellow Cruise Critic members on the same sailing gather and chat, can be found here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1890603

 

It's already on Page 156 of Part 3, so head over and introduce yourself and they will get you all set up!

 

Have a GREAT cruise! :D

[cruiserei]

Thank you for the info