LIVE from the CROWN PRINCESS - Dec. 14th to 21st, 2013

[bronxgirl25]

Enjoy your cruise Marcia Hope David is well

Terry

 

Thanks and Good to see you here Terry!! David and I are well and hope you and Chris are as well. Hopefully someday we will get to cruise together again!!

[CeeCee59]

Because they are directly over passenger cabins who don't like being awakened or have to hear the thump, thump, thump. There are constant complaints (justifiably so) about the treadmills when used early in the morning. Poor ship design.

 

As someone who has booked this cabin on an upcoming cruise in May I appreciate the later start for using the equipment. Would this be taken into account when it comes closer to the sail date for Princess to consider offering me an upgrade? My fault for booking this cabin - I thought it would be a nice quiet one since it is opposite the spa and forgot to look at what was one deck up. Live and learn I suppose.

[pablo222]

I believe the time is set to 9 am as the cabins just below the treadmills hears the pounding of those running on the treadmill. 9 am sounds reasonable time to set for those in the cabins below before the noise starts.

 

Of course, if Princess cared to, they could simply sound insulate the treadmills. They have only known about the problem since 1998, when Grand entered service, so I'm sure they will be working on a solution very, very soon.

[Pia1913]

Hi from the wiggling Crown. It’s been moving a bit most of the day, though not enough to be bothersome.

　

Other than the gym and trivia, all we did today was eat. And drink. The MTL was lovely as usual and Capt. McCharming was his usual charming self. However, he had two weddings scheduled, so after greetings and photos he left to perform those duties. Since we were supposed to sit with him, we instead dined with Staff Capt. Gennaro. Really nice guy. And since I said what I said, you all now know we scored in the top three. We are in 2nd place, though number one has more than double our days. You just never know what to expect with cruise day numbers.

Paid a short visit to the casino which I don’t usually do during the day. Broke even and left happy.

Thanks to those who answer some of the questions. I do know the Emerald doesn't enforce this 9 AM treadmill rule, and since I'm cruising lots ofdays on her in 2014, this pleases me.

Pablo: LOL. Somewhat like the center stairs, huh? ;)

[Jbird81]

Thanks for the update Pia

[pablo222]

I do know the Emerald doesn't enforce this 9 AM treadmill rule, and since I'm cruising lots ofdays on her in 2014, this pleases me.

 

When I was on Emerald in April, the policy as 7:00 AM.

[caribill]

The MTL was lovely as usual

 

Do you know what the cutoff number of days was?

[wineforhealth]

Pia,

 

I may have missed something but I see you took two bottles of wine onboard what happened to the boxed wine or do they not allow it?

 

Anyway enjoy your last cruise of the year

 

Cheers

[Pia1913]

Good morning all, as we make our way to St. Maarten. We are due to arrive at approx. 10:00 and depart at 6:00. The temp. is expected to reach 80, but skies are overcast and there’s a possibility of rain. Way too early to predict, but my own personal “weatherman” says it’s going to be OK. He’s usually right. At least 50% of the time. :)

Last night we spent some favorable time in the casino and at the last minute decided to see Destination Anywhere; for the umpteenth time. Well, surprise surprise; they have changed it. The opening is the same, but almost everything else is new. And one of the male singers is phenomenal. I only caught his first name; Joshua, but this guy should go far. Fantastic vocal range.

　

On board this morning is not much else other than line dancing and a watch event. The movie City Island will be running continuously in the cabins from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This seems to be indigenous to the ship, since I’ve never known any others to run a movie for 15 hours straight.

It’s movie time again on board in the afternoon, with The Santa Clause on MUTS and The Way, Way Back in the theater. Tonight’s showtime is Motor City (yes, it’s still out there), Top Gun on MUTS and stateroom movie at 9:00 - Sunshine State. Also a few game shows; Remember the Lyrics and Deal or No Deal.

Responses:

1. Bill: cutoff was 353

2. Jim: Only 7 day cruise, so 2 bottles enough. Box would be too much. And, this is not last cruise of year. We get on the Ruby Sunday for short Xmas cruise.

Bye for now; breakfast time.

[Pia1913]

And then it rained. Torrents. Buckets. Can you imagine 2000 people wanting to get off at 10:00 AM and getting soaked? Those on tour sure did. But then the sun came out shortly afterward and off we went to do nothing. Lots of puddled water, just so Mike could see there was nothing to buy. Not last time; not this time. And a lot of big time wind blowing fiercely.

　

In port with us were three other ships: NCL Epic, Disney Fantasy and Silversea’s Silver Spirit. Not crowded out there so most of the passengers are probably on tours. Or took the water taxi or land taxi into Philipsburg.

Back on the ship for lunch, we decided to have tuna sandwich (Mike) and grilled veggies (me) at the International Café. Not to be. No veggies; no tuna. They have changed the entire selection, which the guy behind the counter said would be on all the ships. Salad choices are:

1. Red beet and cilantro salad with orange vinaigrette

2. Thai beef salad with bean sprouts and scallions

3. Green bean & shrimp salad with spicy curry vinaigrette

4. Goat cheese, toasted almonds and orzo salad with cranberry vinaigrette:

　

New sandwiches on ciabatta are:

1. Grilled chicken with pineapple

2. Pork and avocado

There might be others but we chose these two. Toasted. I did see the usual chicken sandwich, the

mozzarella sandwich, as well as a zucchini quiche.

Spent the remainder of the afternoon reading on our balcony and now it’s pre-dinner wine time.

Over and out for now.

[OCruisers]

Pia .... You do wonderful "lives". :)

 

Thanks for letting us know about the changes in the IC.

Was there no Greek salad?

 

LuLu

~~~~

[azdmelani]

And then it rained. Torrents. Buckets. Can you imagine 2000 people wanting to get off at 10:00 AM and getting soaked? Those on tour sure did. But then the sun came out shortly afterward and off we went to do nothing. Lots of puddled water, just so Mike could see there was nothing to buy. Not last time; not this time. And a lot of big time wind blowing fiercely.

　

In port with us were three other ships: NCL Epic, Disney Fantasy and Silversea’s Silver Spirit. Not crowded out there so most of the passengers are probably on tours. Or took the water taxi or land taxi into Philipsburg.

Back on the ship for lunch, we decided to have tuna sandwich (Mike) and grilled veggies (me) at the International Café. Not to be. No veggies; no tuna. They have changed the entire selection, which the guy behind the counter said would be on all the ships. Salad choices are:

1. Red beet and cilantro salad with orange vinaigrette

2. Thai beef salad with bean sprouts and scallions

3. Green bean & shrimp salad with spicy curry vinaigrette

4. Goat cheese, toasted almonds and orzo salad with cranberry vinaigrette:

　

New sandwiches on ciabatta are:

1. Grilled chicken with pineapple

2. Pork and avocado

There might be others but we chose these two. Toasted. I did see the usual chicken sandwich, the

mozzarella sandwich, as well as a zucchini quiche.

Spent the remainder of the afternoon reading on our balcony and now it’s pre-dinner wine time.

Over and out for now.

 

I can confirm these choices were on the Royal as well. Later in the week they had a watermelon caprese salad (watermelon, tomatoes, mozzarella and mint in balsamic) that was very refreshing.

 

On the royal they also had a pie of the day next to the quiche. Does the crown have this too?

[azdmelani]

Pia .... You do wonderful "lives". :)

 

Thanks for letting us know about the changes in the IC.

Was there no Greek salad?

 

LuLu

~~~~

 

On the Royal they rotated the Greek and Chicken Cashew salad rather than offering them daily. It sounds like the Crown may be doing this as well

[Fiona76]

Thanks for posting! Can you keep us informed during the week if there are any issues with the a/c or toilets......which has been a topic of discussion on the Crown for the past month.

 

Have a great cruise

 

Thanks!

 

My parents are on the Crown and when they called today Mom said the toilet in their cabin flooded on Sunday. They're on Dolphin Deck. She said it was cleaned up quickly and fortunately was clean water vs used. Ugh.

[ckb63]

My parents are on the Crown and when they called today Mom said the toilet in their cabin flooded on Sunday. They're on Dolphin Deck. She said it was cleaned up quickly and fortunately was clean water vs used. Ugh.

 

I really hoped this issue was handled. Thank you for the update.

[Magellan321]

Pia-

Thank you for your awesome "live" thread! I wish they hadn't changed the IC menu:(. The IC is my go-to lunch spot. I have a feeling I'll be visiting the Lido grill for some grilled chicken. Are they still offering a "soup of the day"?

[-Lew-]

Hi Pia,

 

Would you be so kind as to find out the email addresses of all the head waiters for me? Oh, and the matre d' too!

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Lew

[Pia1913]

Good Wednesday morning from St. Thomas, which I believe will be a nice sunny day. We are docked at Crown Bay where we haven’t been for a while. Each time we expected to be here, we ended up at Havensight. And at this point we are all “Havensighted” out.

　

Last night we dined in HC which had my very favorite dinner; Bavarian. And yes, I pigged out on red cabbage, spaetzle and broiled chicken in mustard sauce. Doesn’t sound like much, but to me it was yummy. We then went back to our cabin to watch the movie City Island, but alas……….what was showing was Disney movie “A Christmas Carol.” Isn’t the first time TV schedule is screwed up. Eventually, we watched another movie “Sunshine State.” Then again, that’s the colloquial “we.” I got bored, read and went to sleep.

　

Since we’re in St. Thomas until 4:00, not very much doing on board during the day. Morning has nothing, afternoon has Fever Pitch on MUTS and Pacific Rim in the theater. Tonight though there’s a whole lot; either feast or famine around here. Comic Steve Moris (he’s great) will do three shows in Explorer’s and there’s a new production show “Disco-Blame it on the Boogie” in the theater. This show will also be performed three times. Inasmuch as it’s formal night and two Captain Circle parties (in Fusion), it’s going to be busy busy busy. Yes. Even for us.

Comments:

1. Fiona: no toilet problems that I know of either on Caribe forward (where we are) or Emerald aft, where our friends are located

2. Lulu: No sign of Greek Salad or Chicken cashew as stated by OP. When we were on Royal for 30 days, IC still had the regular salads we have come to know. Change does not always taste good.

3. Magellan: Didn't notice whether or not there was soup. Will try to observe and report

4. Lew: You my friend are incorrigable. LOL. Don't you want the room stewards from deck 10 too: :p

Gym time done. Need food. Have already worked for it. ;)

Later.

[Mapu]

Pia, as always, thank you for your "Live" thread. I guess I won't miss the IC when are on the PP since the chicken salad and Greek salad are missing. Comparing our schedules it looks like we might have a chance to meet for coffee in January.

[TorontoTL]

Nice updates on the menu in the IC, thanks for the info Pia.

[hillslife]

Hi Pia...glad to see your LIVE...we have some other friends on this cruise too,

(Richard and Linda from Hawaii)...so it is nice to follow your live and their cruise too!

 

Thanks for posting, yet again.

 

Dolores

[Pia1913]

Grrrrrrrrr…………. Don’t you just hate misinformation? When I wrote this morning’s missive we were already docked, but sight line was Starboard and we live on Port. Surprise Surprise. Patter says Crown Bay. NOT! Didn’t look further, got off ship at 9:30ish and lo and behold------------------ HAVENSIGHT! Walked around a bit; a little bit. Most stores don’t even open until 10. Had to get this out of system, so unloaded on you guys. On our way to the IC for decent coffee.

Dolores: we know Richard and Linda too. Saw them yesterday. Small world.

[Seafoam Green]

Grrrrrrrrr…………. Don’t you just hate misinformation? When I wrote this morning’s missive we were already docked, but sight line was Starboard and we live on Port. Surprise Surprise. Patter says Crown Bay. NOT! Didn’t look further, got off ship at 9:30ish and lo and behold------------------ HAVENSIGHT! Walked around a bit; a little bit. Most stores don’t even open until 10. Had to get this out of system, so unloaded on you guys. On our way to the IC for decent coffee.

Dolores: we know Richard and Linda too. Saw them yesterday. Small world.

 

Sorry to hear about your disappointment. Is the Royal at Crown Bay? The nerve of her, bumping you!

 

FYI, I am 'looking good in white' this morning. Off to shovel....

 

:D

[-Lew-]

 

...got off ship at 9:30ish and lo and behold------------------ HAVENSIGHT!

Love the view from our port-side balcony when we're docked at Havensight. We enjoy watching the sea planes taking off and all the activity in the bay. Much more to see than at Crown Bay.

 

Enjoy your day...

 

 

Is the Royal at Crown Bay?

MarineTraffic shows the Royal at Crown Bay.

 

Lew

[jetstorm]

Pia, I just want to thank for allowing us along on your cruise this week. My family will be on board next week so we've really enjoyed your posts. I am always looking for little known facts and behind the scene features where ever I go. I do know there is a ship tour but I don't think I'll be able to afford it this trip so if you think of anything that falls into this category I'd love to hear about it. Enjoy the rest of your cruise and have a safe journey home.