Dr. rdsqrl's Renaissance Passage: Review of the Pacific's Rome to FLL

[chamima]

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?

[rdsqrl]

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

 

[partybarbie]

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.

[alaskagirl2010]

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.

[skrapngal]

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!

[regnig]

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

 

 

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

[vino100]

Loved your "live",your review and your reading list. Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts about your cruise.

[jlf1]

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

[MaChere]

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!!

[cruisenfreak]

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.

[partybarbie]

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.

[Wehwalt]

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

[RickEk]

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:

[Wehwalt]

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

[StLouisCruisers]

Superb job, Annie! Loved reading your review.

 

So when is the next cruise???

[Bimmer09]

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

[shellbeachjim]

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".

[Wehwalt]

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

[Bimmer09]

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

[Tweedy]

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.

[mollyanne]

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

[shellbeachjim]

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:

[westendgirl]

Annie, you do not disappoint! Thanks for your memories.:)

[truckmaker]

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.

[tequilasunrise]

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!