chamima Posted January 2, 2014 #101 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Oh, I promised a reading list. Well, maybe not promised. Threatened. Anyway, here’s the themed reading I did to prepare for the cruise, avoiding guide books and monographs in favour of reading more atmospheric/more fun stuff: John Grisham, Playing for Pizza Robert Harris, Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome Robert Harris, Pompeii Lindsey Davis, The Accused (part of a series; if you’re interested, start at the beginning with Silver Pigs) Edward Bulwer-Lytton, The Last Days of Pompeii Mark Kurlansky, Salt: A World History* Carlos Ruiz Zafron, The Shadow of the Wind Paul Bowles, The Sheltering Sky Robert Goddard, Past Caring Benjamin Wallace, The Billionaire’s Vinegar* ** *Non-fiction **Not set in any of the places this cruise visited; however, its discussion of the finer points of wine-making and wine-ranking gave me helpful background from which to contextualize some of what our guide talked about at the Marsala winery in Sicily. If you’re even remotely interested in wine, I recommend this book. If you want the titles of the 22 books I read on the ship, I can list those, too. I’m here to serve. And we’re done. Until I remember something important I forgot. Questions? OK - I'll bite. What are the titles of the 22 books you read - at least what are the titles of the good ones? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdsqrl Posted January 2, 2014 Author #102 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Dave Barry, Insane City Harlan Coben, Gone for Good Deborah Crombie, Necessary as Blood and No Mark Upon Her Nelson DeMille, The Lion Linda Fairstein, Entombed and Death Dance Ken Follet, Whiteout Elizabeth George, Just One Evil Act Martha Grimes, Dust and The Black Cat John Grisham, The Litigators Robert Harris, The Ghost Writer Erik Larsen, In the Garden of Beasts Peter Mayle, The Vintage Caper Paula McLain, The Paris Wife E.J. Sansom, Dark Fire and Sovereign Josephine Tey, The Singing Sands and To Love and Be Wise Stuart Woods, Hothouse Orchid and Loitering with Intent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partybarbie Posted January 2, 2014 #103 Share Posted January 2, 2014 The one exception was one of the assistant cruise directors, Matt. He was not friendly and was in fact quite snippy the few times I ran into him. Plus, I saw him being rather rude to one of the bartenders at the Panorama Bar. She also made a face as she turned away; I’m guessing he’s not any more popular with the staff than he was with me. It's interesting to me that two people, on the same cruise, can have such different opinions regarding the cruise staff. My husband and I found Matt to be exceptionally friendly and personable. He often went out of his way to seat us in the show lounge and made a point of asking the ladies to dance at the Captain's parties and themed shows. We thought the cruise director, Frank, was outstanding. In over 40 cruises, I would say that he is one of our favorites. He was friendly, out-going, and fun. After reading your live thread, I understand that was not your opinion. I was also sorry to read the harsh criticism of your tablemate, the one you called "Chatty Cathy". My husband and I often had cocktails with her in the Elite lounge. She was a very interesting lady and I'm really glad that we got to know her. In spite of these issues, it appears that you had lovely time, as did we. Ciao for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alaskagirl2010 Posted January 2, 2014 #104 Share Posted January 2, 2014 It's so true how often people on the same cruise can have different perceptions. I loved Apollo Duo and followed them around to their evening venues. However, they were much better suited for the Casino Bar than the Pacific Lounge. I thought the other duo paled in comparison. I'll also have to speak up for Matt. My only regular activity was the Pop Choir which he directed. He is British; I found his humor typically dry. He is also younger than he looks. He treated everyone cordially and carefully looked out for the two mobility impaired ladies in the choir. I was blown away by the entertainment that was booked on this ship. It was better than any other Princess ship I've been on. I especially liked Synergy and went to 3 of their 4 shows. That being said, I enjoyed your review. Sorry we didn't meet as I've read more than 1/2 of your reading list including Salt. I spent most of my sea days on the Promenade deck reading my Kindle. We probably passed in the hall as I was down the hall from you. Your hangers were apparently being stored in my cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skrapngal Posted January 2, 2014 #105 Share Posted January 2, 2014 what???? you're done??? How am I gonna pass the time until I board this lovely ship in May!!! Truly enjoyed reading your review. Thanks for taking the time to entertain us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regnig Posted January 2, 2014 #106 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Dave Barry, Insane CityHarlan Coben, Gone for Good Deborah Crombie, Necessary as Blood and No Mark Upon Her Nelson DeMille, The Lion Linda Fairstein, Entombed and Death Dance Ken Follet, Whiteout Elizabeth George, Just One Evil Act Martha Grimes, Dust and The Black Cat John Grisham, The Litigators Robert Harris, The Ghost Writer Erik Larsen, In the Garden of Beasts Peter Mayle, The Vintage Caper Paula McLain, The Paris Wife E.J. Sansom, Dark Fire and Sovereign Josephine Tey, The Singing Sands and To Love and Be Wise Stuart Woods, Hothouse Orchid and Loitering with Intent Many thanks for your reading list Annie. While I've read several there are still plenty to download to my Kindle (I share your love). And yep, it is always amazing to read different peoples' divergent reaction to people and "things". That's what makes the world go round, think how boring life could get if we all liked exactly the same thing or person. Also many thanks for taking you time to do not only your "live" but to put together this wonderful "summary". You're the best! :D Barb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare vino100 Posted January 2, 2014 #107 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Loved your "live",your review and your reading list. Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts about your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlf1 Posted January 2, 2014 #108 Share Posted January 2, 2014 How can you be finished? I just want to keeping reading forever. I love your humour and writing style. Please come back and let us know where you will be sailing next. Judy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaChere Posted January 2, 2014 #109 Share Posted January 2, 2014 annie i'm delighted you got your picture posting dilemma resolved. Now all of us seating in the orchestra section can stow our baskets of rotten tomatoes beneath our seats and enjoy the show. Your pictures are wonderful and the accompanying dialogue is well.... It's just pure "annie" and we love it! :d barb ditto!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisenfreak Posted January 2, 2014 #110 Share Posted January 2, 2014 It's interesting to me that two people, on the same cruise, can have such different opinions regarding the cruise staff. My husband and I found Matt to be exceptionally friendly and personable. He often went out of his way to seat us in the show lounge and made a point of asking the ladies to dance at the Captain's parties and themed shows. We thought the cruise director, Frank, was outstanding. In over 40 cruises, I would say that he is one of our favorites. He was friendly, out-going, and fun. After reading your live thread, I understand that was not your opinion. I was also sorry to read the harsh criticism of your tablemate, the one you called "Chatty Cathy". My husband and I often had cocktails with her in the Elite lounge. She was a very interesting lady and I'm really glad that we got to know her. In spite of these issues, it appears that you had lovely time, as did we. Ciao for now. Well said & I totally am in agreement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partybarbie Posted January 2, 2014 #111 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Well said & I totally am in agreement. Thank you again for maintaining our CC roll call. DH and I really enjoyed meeting you and your husband. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wehwalt Posted January 2, 2014 #112 Share Posted January 2, 2014 (edited) Well said & I totally am in agreement. When I tell stories about people on cruises, I either omit or change the names, or make sure they are benign. That way, I make sure I don't trip over walkers on the stairs, or mysteriously fall overboard! Edited January 2, 2014 by Wehwalt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickEk Posted January 2, 2014 #113 Share Posted January 2, 2014 I was also sorry to read the harsh criticism of your tablemate, the one you called "Chatty Cathy". My husband and I often had cocktails with her in the Elite lounge. She was a very interesting lady and I'm really glad that we got to know her. In spite of these issues, it appears that you had lovely time, as did we. Ciao for now. I reread the "live" and I don't believe that the criticism of "Chatty Cathy" was harsh. Just truthful. I have certainly sat at tables with folks where you wonder when they have time to breathe or eat because of the non-stop dialogue... :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wehwalt Posted January 2, 2014 #114 Share Posted January 2, 2014 (edited) I reread the "live" and I don't believe that the criticism of "Chatty Cathy" was harsh. Just truthful. I have certainly sat at tables with folks where you wonder when they have time to breathe or eat because of the non-stop dialogue... :rolleyes: On second thought, I think it was fine too. He did file off the serial numbers enough for us, but a shipmate figured out who it was. Now I can tell about my overbearing trivia-mate on my 2012 cruise … Edited January 2, 2014 by Wehwalt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StLouisCruisers Posted January 2, 2014 #115 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Superb job, Annie! Loved reading your review. So when is the next cruise??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 3, 2014 #116 Share Posted January 3, 2014 And we’re done. Until I remember something important I forgot. Questions? (Raises hand) I know these little ships are missing some of the things we are used to on the Grand Class...just wanted to ask if they have (a) Pub Lunch and (b) Afternoon tea? Please answer yes to both... Norris , hoping Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shellbeachjim Posted January 3, 2014 #117 Share Posted January 3, 2014 And we’re done. Until I remember something important I forgot. Questions? (Raises hand) I know these little ships are missing some of the things we are used to on the Grand Class...just wanted to ask if they have (a) Pub Lunch and (b) Afternoon tea? Please answer yes to both... Norris , hoping Will you accept an answer from someone else? ;) a) Yes, every few days, held in one of the specialty restaurants. b) I think so, but it's not something we're into. If I recall during the introductory show, one of the dancers usually is given the responsibility for afternoon team. Remember, the dancers pull double duty as part of the cruise staff too on the "little girls". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wehwalt Posted January 3, 2014 #118 Share Posted January 3, 2014 (edited) Will you accept an answer from someone else? ;)a) Yes, every few days, held in one of the specialty restaurants. b) I think so, but it's not something we're into. If I recall during the introductory show, one of the dancers usually is given the responsibility for afternoon team. Remember, the dancers pull double duty as part of the cruise staff too on the "little girls". I think the question was "afternoon tea". Yes, on a lot of sea days, not sure if on every but I think so. Pub lunch is usually in the Steak House (Deck 10 aft), and yeah, every few days. Edited January 3, 2014 by Wehwalt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Bimmer09 Posted January 3, 2014 #119 Share Posted January 3, 2014 I think the question was "afternoon tea". Yes, on a lot of sea days, not sure if on every but I think so. Pub lunch is usually in the Steak House (Deck 10 aft), and yeah, every few days. Thanks for this Wehwalt (Wagner fan??). I love both of those "events". Norris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweedy Posted January 3, 2014 #120 Share Posted January 3, 2014 Thanks very much for posting your comprehensive review and including all the photos. They have made me even more excited for my upcoming trip aboard the Pacific Princess in April. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyanne Posted January 3, 2014 #121 Share Posted January 3, 2014 (edited) I think I have been up far too long today - in sub-zero wind chills - but you positively made my day when I read the part about all your Stewarts. I snorted profusely while re-reading to my husband! Great review and thanks for sharing! :):) Edited January 3, 2014 by mollyanne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shellbeachjim Posted January 3, 2014 #122 Share Posted January 3, 2014 I think the question was "afternoon tea". Yes, on a lot of sea days, not sure if on every but I think so. Pub lunch is usually in the Steak House (Deck 10 aft), and yeah, every few days. Gah - my fat fingers strike again.:eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westendgirl Posted January 3, 2014 #123 Share Posted January 3, 2014 Annie, you do not disappoint! Thanks for your memories.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truckmaker Posted January 4, 2014 #124 Share Posted January 4, 2014 This review is an absolute classic in the history of this board. You are one of the best. Very well done and we hope to cruise with you in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tequilasunrise Posted January 4, 2014 #125 Share Posted January 4, 2014 Just chiming in to let you know how much I am enjoying your blog. I'm not posting because I usually read it at work and; there's not much of interest I could add. Great review, thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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