Empress of the Seas request

[CruiseAddictSD]

Hello all,

 

I'm a huge cruise addict to where I became a travel agent on the side mostly for my own bookings. I have a request for anyone going on the Empress of the Seas... If they sell a model of the ship on board (or anyone has it already) I'm looking to buy one and will cover shipping costs. I went on her as my first cruise ever in 2006 and I neglected to have looked for the model ship. I have my 5 ships from Carnival and I'm just missing this one.

 

Thank you for all of your help!

[Ken at the beach]

You may have more luck posting this question on the individual roll calls especially if you can find someone that lives in a city close to yours.

[WinksCruises]

Is this what you seek?

 

 

This model is from our 1999 sailing.

 

We just sailed Empress again in June - but a ship model was not yet available.

[Paulette3028]

You may have more luck posting this question on the individual roll calls especially if you can find someone that lives in a city close to yours.

 

The problem is there are NO Roll Calls listed for Empress that I can find. I even tried to start a Roll Call for my upcoming sailing on 8/25 but can't do it.

 

I am going to start a generic thread to learn who is sailing on Empress in the over the next few months -- since availability to book a cruise on her is only open until the end of August right now.

[cmsjab]

The problem is there are NO Roll Calls listed for Empress that I can find. I even tried to start a Roll Call for my upcoming sailing on 8/25 but can't do it.

 

I am going to start a generic thread to learn who is sailing on Empress in the over the next few months -- since availability to book a cruise on her is only open until the end of August right now.

 

Paulette, I have had no problem with Empress Roll Calls - sailed on June 20th.

Let's try this link...http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=258

 

There doesn't seem to be one for your sailing yet but there is a new post button at the top for you to begin one. Happy sailing! We had a great time!

Edited July 3, 2016 by cmsjab

[aichambaye]

Hey we will be on her in a week and I'm planning to do a "live post" cruise update here. So if I forget remind me and I'll have a look in the shops.

 

And for whatever reason you can't "search" for Empress on the Roll Calls but she is there if you go to the list of ships via clicking through the forums.

[Paulette3028]

Paulette, I have had no problem with Empress Roll Calls - sailed on June 20th.

Let's try this link...http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=258

 

There doesn't seem to be one for your sailing yet but there is a new post button at the top for you to begin one. Happy sailing! We had a great time!

 

Thank you for the link.....that worked.

 

However when I tried to use the Roll Call tool drop down on the Cruise Critic site, I found no way to locate Empress roll calls, because on what came up on my screen did not list an option for Empress.

 

I just started a roll call for my sailing.

 

If I could not find it from my views, I wonder if others have the same problem. Time will tell, I guess.

 

What did you like the MOST on your Empress sailing?

[shemp2000]

Hey we will be on her in a week and I'm planning to do a "live post" cruise update here. So if I forget remind me and I'll have a look in the shops.

 

And for whatever reason you can't "search" for Empress on the Roll Calls but she is there if you go to the list of ships via clicking through the forums.

 

Looking forward to your live post.

While on the ship can you report back on the following if you have time:

Ping Pong Table, yes or no?

Cost of Chops and if any First Night Discount?

 

Thanks

[cmsjab]

Looking forward to your live post.

While on the ship can you report back on the following if you have time:

Ping Pong Table, yes or no?

Cost of Chops and if any First Night Discount?

 

Thanks

 

Ping Pong Tables - yes, 2 I believe and they were being used. Also, one shuffle board.

We didn't go to Chops, sorry.

[cmsjab]

Thank you for the link.....that worked.

 

However when I tried to use the Roll Call tool drop down on the Cruise Critic site, I found no way to locate Empress roll calls, because on what came up on my screen did not list an option for Empress.

 

I just started a roll call for my sailing.

 

If I could not find it from my views, I wonder if others have the same problem. Time will tell, I guess.

 

What did you like the MOST on your Empress sailing?

 

Glad the link worked for you.

What I liked MOST...hard to say...so many things...

 

We sailed Empress in 2003 and 2005 and our largest ship to date is Freedom. Consequently, I can't compare Oasis, Allure, etc.

We were booked for the March 30th sailing which was cancelled. We did not book the March 30th because it was Empress but the dates that worked best in our schedule. Unfortunately, with the cancellation we opted to book this sailing with a weekend both before and after....

 

I loved that Empress is small, easy to get around...I missed the solarium...

 

We tried MTD for the first time, all previous cruises were late seating...We ended up making an 8:30 reservation anyway. We did not use Chops with the exception of breakfast as a Diamond perk. We ate in the Windjammer on embarkation day. We typically eat a late breakfast and no lunch. We stop in for an afternoon snack around 4pm. We had brunch in Chops on port days and in the dining room on sea days. I enjoyed the brunch atmosphere, the mimosa or bloody mary was a nice touch.

 

We LOVED the production shows! DH is a musician and we met doing community theater consequently we are always in the audience. The house orchestra is one of the best we have heard in 16 cruises. It is interesting that rather than the typical welcome show and farewell show, Empress uses the time for the full scale production on the first and last nights. The shows are new, unique to Empress and not to be missed in my opinion. so Carlos as cruise director was visible throughout the ship, sang a few sets in Boleros as did some of the cast. We also saw the other shows: comedy and juggling. I thought the parties throughout the week were well done: 70's, white night, 80's and then 90's. Another great idea - they taught the line dances in the afternoon either at the pool or some other venue so that people would be comfortable in the evening.

 

I was ok with the Happy Hour drinks being loaded on my sea pass rather than the Diamond Lounge. DH does not drink and gets a soda package. I may only have one drink by the pool in the afternoon and then a few in the evening. This gave me the opportunity to stop in the Schooner Bar, have a cocktail, take one with me to the show and then stop back on the way to the dining room for a glass of wine. I thought it was strange that the Viking Crown was not operating during Happy Hour as I would have enjoyed a cocktail there before the show. We went up there on the first night and it was empty. It was explained to me that as it operates as the nightclub, they don't open early....we didn't make it back up there.

 

The casino was warm but I think because of the machines. It didn't seem warm when just walking through in the afternoon but we do like to play a bit and it was toasty despite the additional fans.

 

I think the crew is doing a great job. They were friendly and went out of their way to ensure that our needs were met. Empress is unique and was completely relaxing which is what I wanted for this vacation.

[aichambaye]

I'd be glad to have a quick look at Chops for you!

[Paulette3028]

Hey we will be on her in a week and I'm planning to do a "live post" cruise update here. So if I forget remind me and I'll have a look in the shops.

 

And for whatever reason you can't "search" for Empress on the Roll Calls but she is there if you go to the list of ships via clicking through the forums.[/ QUOTE]

 

Try out the hammocks for me.

[Paulette3028]

Glad the link worked for you.

What I liked MOST...hard to say...so many things...

 

We sailed Empress in 2003 and 2005 and our largest ship to date is Freedom. Consequently, I can't compare Oasis, Allure, etc.

We were booked for the March 30th sailing which was cancelled. We did not book the March 30th because it was Empress but the dates that worked best in our schedule. Unfortunately, with the cancellation we opted to book this sailing with a weekend both before and after....

 

I loved that Empress is small, easy to get around...I missed the solarium...

 

We tried MTD for the first time, all previous cruises were late seating...We ended up making an 8:30 reservation anyway. We did not use Chops with the exception of breakfast as a Diamond perk. We ate in the Windjammer on embarkation day. We typically eat a late breakfast and no lunch. We stop in for an afternoon snack around 4pm. We had brunch in Chops on port days and in the dining room on sea days. I enjoyed the brunch atmosphere, the mimosa or bloody mary was a nice touch.

 

We LOVED the production shows! DH is a musician and we met doing community theater consequently we are always in the audience. The house orchestra is one of the best we have heard in 16 cruises. It is interesting that rather than the typical welcome show and farewell show, Empress uses the time for the full scale production on the first and last nights. The shows are new, unique to Empress and not to be missed in my opinion. so Carlos as cruise director was visible throughout the ship, sang a few sets in Boleros as did some of the cast. We also saw the other shows: comedy and juggling. I thought the parties throughout the week were well done: 70's, white night, 80's and then 90's. Another great idea - they taught the line dances in the afternoon either at the pool or some other venue so that people would be comfortable in the evening.

 

I was ok with the Happy Hour drinks being loaded on my sea pass rather than the Diamond Lounge. DH does not drink and gets a soda package. I may only have one drink by the pool in the afternoon and then a few in the evening. This gave me the opportunity to stop in the Schooner Bar, have a cocktail, take one with me to the show and then stop back on the way to the dining room for a glass of wine. I thought it was strange that the Viking Crown was not operating during Happy Hour as I would have enjoyed a cocktail there before the show. We went up there on the first night and it was empty. It was explained to me that as it operates as the nightclub, they don't open early....we didn't make it back up there.

 

The casino was warm but I think because of the machines. It didn't seem warm when just walking through in the afternoon but we do like to play a bit and it was toasty despite the additional fans.

 

I think the crew is doing a great job. They were friendly and went out of their way to ensure that our needs were met. Empress is unique and was completely relaxing which is what I wanted for this vacation.

 

Thanks for your reply.....I must ask you about the mention you make that that you did not use Chops "with the exception for breakfast as a Diamond Perk".....I have never heard of breakfast in Chops as a Diamond Perk.....is that because they do not have a separate area in the MDR set aside for Diamond and above cruisers.

 

What cabin were you in? We originally had taken 9164, because it was a little larger OV cabin than all the others, but now we are in JS cabin #9150.

 

If you are reading thread because you are on an upcoming Empress sailing.....join your roll call and meet others who are as well.

Edited July 3, 2016 by Paulette3028

[cmsjab]

Thanks for your reply.....I must ask you about the mention you make that that you did not use Chops "with the exception for breakfast as a Diamond Perk".....I have never heard of breakfast in Chops as a Diamond Perk.....is that because they do not have a separate area in the MDR set aside for Diamond and above cruisers.

 

What cabin were you in? We originally had taken 9164, because it was a little larger OV cabin than all the others, but now we are in JS cabin #9150.

 

If you are reading thread because you are on an upcoming Empress sailing.....join your roll call and meet others who are as well.

 

I honestly can't remember (and neither can DH) about Chops...

We were upgraded from an OV to a JS 9602 (yahoo!). It was a great cabin - close to the centrum by the library. There isn't a separate area in the MDR set aside for Diamonds and above so I'm guessing that is why we had Chops as an option. The other reason is that we were in a JS....The Chops venue is nice - omelets, eggs benedict, etc to order as well as the continental buffet with fruit, pastry, cereals, etc. Mimosas and Bloody Marys were served in Chops - open from 7am-10am. It was quiet, peaceful - window view, staff was wonderful. Chops breakfast isn't available for disembark morning.

 

MDR brunch is served from 9:30 - 1:00 on sea days. There are 3 hot serving stations - breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage), lunch (chicken, steak, shrimp, potatoes, onion rings) and sides (a mexican stew and other things I don't remember and didn't try). There are also stations for the fruit, pastries, cereals, yogurt). The waiters also explain that you can order fried eggs, eggs benedict, french toast and pancakes. We spoke with the manager in charge of the buffet who explained that they learned quickly that eggs benedict, french toast and pancakes just don't do well in the buffet line. A mimosa or bloody mary is also offered. On disembark morning - the MDR is open without the buffet but the typical breakfast menu that has always been offered.

 

Not trying to hijack the thread but happy to answer questions.

Enjoy your cruise!

[Paulette3028]

I honestly can't remember (and neither can DH) about Chops...

We were upgraded from an OV to a JS 9602 (yahoo!). It was a great cabin - close to the centrum by the library. There isn't a separate area in the MDR set aside for Diamonds and above so I'm guessing that is why we had Chops as an option. The other reason is that we were in a JS....The Chops venue is nice - omelets, eggs benedict, etc to order as well as the continental buffet with fruit, pastry, cereals, etc. Mimosas and Bloody Marys were served in Chops - open from 7am-10am. It was quiet, peaceful - window view, staff was wonderful. Chops breakfast isn't available for disembark morning.

 

MDR brunch is served from 9:30 - 1:00 on sea days. There are 3 hot serving stations - breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage), lunch (chicken, steak, shrimp, potatoes, onion rings) and sides (a mexican stew and other things I don't remember and didn't try). There are also stations for the fruit, pastries, cereals, yogurt). The waiters also explain that you can order fried eggs, eggs benedict, french toast and pancakes. We spoke with the manager in charge of the buffet who explained that they learned quickly that eggs benedict, french toast and pancakes just don't do well in the buffet line. A mimosa or bloody mary is also offered. On disembark morning - the MDR is open without the buffet but the typical breakfast menu that has always been offered.

 

Not trying to hijack the thread but happy to answer questions.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

ou have stoked my interest in Empress even more....so thank you....and now, NO ONE can hijack this thread if they are either providing info or asking questions....all is good.

 

We traditionally don't do specialty restaurants, except when a ship has an Izumi restaurant. Sometimes they sushi in the WJ during dinner hours, and we have been known to visit there for a little bite. But if Chops is open for leisurely breakfast, since we are Diamonds....we shall visit it.

 

I shared with Carlos Torres, the CD your comments about the entertainment -- he and I are friends, and I am sure he will be delighted to read your comments.

[cmsjab]

I will fess up...I know one of the singers on Empress (I taught her older sister). I have had the pleasure of watching her multiple times on stage in community and high school theater productions. Again, I did not book Empress because she was on ship (her first contract) but it was a happy coincidence. Her family was also on board that week, again happy coincidence and I ran into them in various places around the ship. With that, I can honestly say the cast delivered fabulous shows. I had heard nothing but amazing reviews and arranged with the dining room to be able to see both the early and late show on the final day. There was a lot of screen work, the costumes were amazing...I could go on and on. I chatted with Carlos briefly and again - the staff did a great job.

[CruiseAddictSD]

You may have more luck posting this question on the individual roll calls especially if you can find someone that lives in a city close to yours.

 

Thanks for the suggestion! The roll call doesn't have empress yet 😞

[CruiseAddictSD]

Is this what you seek?

 

 

This model is from our 1999 sailing.

 

We just sailed Empress again in June - but a ship model was not yet available.

 

Yes it is! Just hoping for the "Empress of the Seas" one unless the Nordic Empress was the true name the whole time

[CruiseAddictSD]

now I see how the name change happened and would prefer to find the empress of the seas model!

[WinksCruises]

I'm sure Royal will produce a new model of her eventually (cough, cough). Cuba.

 

You will know it's the real deal when you see the aft-facing Viking Crown Lounge. You see, Empress of the Seas, formally the Nordic Empress, is the only ship in the fleet that features that structural anomaly. Any other model depiction would be inaccurate.

 

It will be interesting to see what model type they eventually produce for sale.

 

Until then, please keep repeating the shareholder mantra: Double double.

 

Good luck!

Edited July 4, 2016 by WinksCruises

[Ken at the beach]

Thanks for the suggestion! The roll call doesn't have empress yet 😞

 

Here's the roll calls.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=258

[CruiseAddictSD]

My favorite part of the ship being my first one was the huge green glass windows to look out the side of the ship as seen in the model. Worst case scenario, do you have two of the Nordic Empress and are you looking to spare one?