Live From The Caribbean Princess Iceland & Norway Explorer September 5, 2016

[gottagocit]

DE and I will be boarding the CP in NYC and I have a couple questions for those on the ship now.

 

Have you heard any more about the 'propulsion issue' that came up a few days ago?

 

It'll be our first time on her. What would you say is the overall condition of the ship? I believe I read she was last in for refurb in 2014 or 2015.

 

Enjoy the rest of your voyage and thanks,

Chris

[ddled]

Thanks for the review-especially the entertainment listings. We sailed her in Jan. and the ship was in great shape. Liked it so that we are taking her in April from FLL to London for a transatlantic to D-Day beaches. Cannot wait. Hope you miss some of the storms and look forward to the rest.:)

[retiring soon]

HI all!

 

Bob ~ finally tuning in to your "live from" as we just returned from a 10,920 km road trip to Yellowknife NWT where I got to see the Northern Lights. Did you see them on your cruise?

 

I'm looking forward to more info on Reykjavik as I hope to spend a couple of days there next year after my Baltic cruise.

 

Wishing you & Holli fair seas & fun times as your cruise continues.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[satxdiver]

DE and I will be boarding the CP in NYC and I have a couple questions for those on the ship now.

 

Have you heard any more about the 'propulsion issue' that came up a few days ago?

 

It'll be our first time on her. What would you say is the overall condition of the ship? I believe I read she was last in for refurb in 2014 or 2015.

 

Enjoy the rest of your voyage and thanks,

Chris

 

I would guess the propulsion problem was fixed. We left Reykjavik ~18 hours late due to the weather and the ship has been doing 21 knots which is near or at her top end. Luckily the weather has been good with 14 knot winds yesterday and 7.5 foot waves.

 

We was on the CB last October and again last March in addition to being on the CB now and I would say the condition is good. They are constantly working on her as all ships require constant maintenance.

[Woobstr112G]

 

A very early good morning from the Caribbean Princess. It is 0535 hours (local time) as I compose this. We gained another hour back last night. Today is our third (second actual) full day at sea. Seas are mildly rocky right now which is probably woke me up a little earlier.

 

DW and I ate in Sabatini’s for dinner last night. Food was actually very good. Service was excellent. I had a veal dish that fell off the bone and melted in my mouth. It wasn’t a regular menu item but was the chef’s special for the evening. It was out of this world good and I wouldn’t mind having it again.

 

Yesterday, we had our roll call cabin crawl. It was very well attended and everyone enjoyed seeing the different accommodations of roll call members. Other than the cabin crawl, I didn’t do very much. I had a good workout in the gym after which just lazed around the ship until dinner. In walking around the ship I noted a few things. The Lotus pool and my favorite Jacuzzi near the outside children’s play area have been closed for pretty much the whole cruise. Yesterday they were also working on the Neptune’s Reef pool but had since refilled it.

 

Last night there were the usual entertainment options I have mentioned earlier. The movie options were the original Mary Poppins, Galaxy Quest, Rob Thomas live at Red Rocks, and Captain America – Civil War. The Princes Theater hosted the production show “Born to Be Wild.”

 

More later…..

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

HI all!

 

Bob ~ finally tuning in to your "live from" as we just returned from a 10,920 km road trip to Yellowknife NWT where I got to see the Northern Lights. Did you see them on your cruise?

 

I'm looking forward to more info on Reykjavik as I hope to spend a couple of days there next year after my Baltic cruise.

 

Wishing you & Holli fair seas & fun times as your cruise continues.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

 

Hi Jo;

 

I'll fill you in on Reykjavik when I get home.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

DE and I will be boarding the CP in NYC and I have a couple questions for those on the ship now.

 

Have you heard any more about the 'propulsion issue' that came up a few days ago?

 

It'll be our first time on her. What would you say is the overall condition of the ship? I believe I read she was last in for refurb in 2014 or 2015.

 

Enjoy the rest of your voyage and thanks,

Chris

 

Hello Chris. I haven't noticed any more propulsion issues. Overall the ship is doing well, IMHO. She is aging gracefully. I always see crewmembers sprucing up all public areas. There is obviously some rust but this ole girl is in the water 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

 

Others may have a different opinion, but for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed the cruise so far. So much so, that if my DW would let me, I'd book next year's T/A on her.

 

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful cruise.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Mackenzie1]

Hi Bob!

 

It's been a great cruise so far. I do miss the BBQ sandwiches in the International Cafe, though, and am hoping they haven't been dropped from the International Cafe sandwich rotation fleet wide.

 

I heard a rumor yesterday that the Caribbean Princess will be losing the Skywalker's lounge in ten days. It's not supposed to happen during a drydock, but while the ship is in port one day. A crane will come by and just lift it off. I'm wondering how this could be. Have you heard any news on this?

 

Thanks,

 

Mackenzie1

[Woobstr112G]

Hi Bob!

 

It's been a great cruise so far. I do miss the BBQ sandwiches in the International Cafe, though, and am hoping they haven't been dropped from the International Cafe sandwich rotation fleet wide.

 

I heard a rumor yesterday that the Caribbean Princess will be losing the Skywalker's lounge in ten days. It's not supposed to happen during a drydock, but while the ship is in port one day. A crane will come by and just lift it off. I'm wondering how this could be. Have you heard any news on this?

 

Thanks,

 

Mackenzie1

 

Seems like a very tall tale to me.....

 

Bob

[gottagocit]

Hello Chris. I haven't noticed any more propulsion issues. Overall the ship is doing well, IMHO. She is aging gracefully. I always see crewmembers sprucing up all public areas. There is obviously some rust but this ole girl is in the water 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

 

Others may have a different opinion, but for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed the cruise so far. So much so, that if my DW would let me, I'd book next year's T/A on her.

 

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful cruise.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

 

Thanks Bob. I've yet to sail on a Princess ship that I felt was worn or tired as some describe and didn't really expect this one would be any different. With thousands of passengers running around while she sails all over the world in salt water 365 days a year it's a wonder they are kept up as well as they are.

 

Thanks for keeping up this thread while sailing along on the TA. We've taken several TA/TP's and missed doing so this year. They are so relaxing. Your posts here have helped us get psyched up a bit more for our short 10 day voyage that begins Thursday.

 

Take care,

Chris

[waltd]

 

A very early good morning from the Caribbean Princess. It is 0535 hours (local time) as I compose this. We gained another hour back last night. Today is our third (second actual) full day at sea. Seas are mildly rocky right now which is probably woke me up a little earlier.

 

DW and I ate in Sabatini’s for dinner last night. Food was actually very good. Service was excellent. I had a veal dish that fell off the bone and melted in my mouth. It wasn’t a regular menu item but was the chef’s special for the evening. It was out of this world good and I wouldn’t mind having it again.

 

Yesterday, we had our roll call cabin crawl. It was very well attended and everyone enjoyed seeing the different accommodations of roll call members. Other than the cabin crawl, I didn’t do very much. I had a good workout in the gym after which just lazed around the ship until dinner. In walking around the ship I noted a few things. The Lotus pool and my favorite Jacuzzi near the outside children’s play area have been closed for pretty much the whole cruise. Yesterday they were also working on the Neptune’s Reef pool but had since refilled it.

 

Last night there were the usual entertainment options I have mentioned earlier. The movie options were the original Mary Poppins, Galaxy Quest, Rob Thomas live at Red Rocks, and Captain America – Civil War. The Princes Theater hosted the production show “Born to Be Wild.”

 

More later…..

 

Bob

Bob what did you think of the Window Suites? And how has the Atrium been on sea days. In April it was packed to the point the crew brought down two top tables to add to the area. Really no place to sit on cool weather days.

Joe

[Astro Flyer]

I heard a rumor yesterday that the Caribbean Princess will be losing the Skywalker's lounge in ten days. It's not supposed to happen during a drydock, but while the ship is in port one day. A crane will come by and just lift it off. I'm wondering how this could be. Have you heard any news on this?

 

Thanks,

 

Mackenzie1

 

Seems like a very tall tale to me.....

 

Bob

A very tall tale indeed. ;)

 

Having watched the videos of Skywalker's being removed it took many days during a 24 day drydock. It's not a simple process & like on the Grand would need to be replaced by another lounge like the One5. The Grand was the first ship with Skywalker's & based on what I've read subsequent Skywalker's were constructed differently.

[Woobstr112G]

Bob what did you think of the Window Suites? And how has the Atrium been on sea days. In April it was packed to the point the crew brought down two top tables to add to the area. Really no place to sit on cool weather days.

Joe

 

Hi Jo;

 

I really liked the Window Suite. Besides the great price combined with the full suite perks, what I liked was since these cabins were added after the fact the design was more fresh and not the same dated cabin makeups. As far as the Piazza on sea days goes, it's kinda like the HC on sea days. Very crowded.....:):):)

 

Regards to you and Jax from Holli and I.

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

A very tall tale indeed. ;)

 

Having watched the videos of Skywalker's being removed it took many days during a 24 day drydock. It's not a simple process & like on the Grand would need to be replaced by another lounge like the One5. The Grand was the first ship with Skywalker's & based on what I've read subsequent Skywalker's were constructed differently.

 

What Frank said.....:):):)

 

Bob

[elliair]

I'm thankful to hear that Skywalkers still be there when we board October 22 in Quebec City. I just hate it when Princess gets these wild ideas about changing stuff on their ships. They sure did butcher the Island Princess. I'm not opposed to change, but I am opposed to DRASTIC change!

[waltd]

Hi Jo;

 

I really liked the Window Suite. Besides the great price combined with the full suite perks, what I liked was since these cabins were added after the fact the design was more fresh and not the same dated cabin makeups. As far as the Piazza on sea days goes, it's kinda like the HC on sea days. Very crowded.....:):):)

 

Regards to you and Jax from Holli and I.

 

Bob

Glad you liked the window suites. After we stayed in our first one we were hooked and always look to see if one is available. But unfortunately they do go FAST. We are not big balcony sitters so that is not an issue with us. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Joe

[Woobstr112G]

Good evening from the Caribbean Princess. It is 2125 local time. Tonight we get our final hour (I think) back as we head to Boston. A little while ago, our cabin steward gave us information that we will be going through an immigration process when we reach Boston much like we went through in Rotterdam. We have to show up in Club Fusion with our passports and cruise cards at 0700. We then have to hot foot it to the Princess Theater because our excursion has a meet time of 0740:eek:.

 

Today was a somewhat restful day as we head towards Boston. The seas got a little rough in the early afternoon and are just now starting to calm down. The promenade deck is once again closed due to the weather. Seems almost like it has been closed more than it has been open:D. Right now there is a slight breeze blowing and the temps aren’t actually that bad. I’m sitting out on our balcony at the moment and enjoying every minute of it.

 

As far as activities today, DW and I had a great breakfast in Sabatini’s. I then went to the gym for a cardio workout. We then kicked back a bit and at 1700 we hosted a group of roll call members in our cabin for a byob party. After the party was over, DW and I both decided to skip dinner due to over indulging at the party. I did sneak out to the casino for a bit to feed another $40.00 into a slot machine:D.

 

Besides the normal entertainment options, MUTS offered Saving Mr. Banks @1000, The Italian Job @1500, a Pink concert @1730, and Me Before You @1900 & 2100. The Princess Theater offered “Remembering A Legend” (a Whitney Houston Tribute) featuring Cheaza @1900 & 2100.

 

Tomorrow our roll call will be having a luncheon in the Palm Dining Room. It will be nice to see everyone in a group setting for a final time before the cruise ends on the 22nd.

 

Hope All Are Well…..

 

Bob

Edited September 17, 2016 by Woobstr112G

[easyboy]

I enjoy following your live update. Thanks.

[satxdiver]

Hi Bob!

 

It's been a great cruise so far. I do miss the BBQ sandwiches in the International Cafe, though, and am hoping they haven't been dropped from the International Cafe sandwich rotation fleet wide.

 

I heard a rumor yesterday that the Caribbean Princess will be losing the Skywalker's lounge in ten days. It's not supposed to happen during a drydock, but while the ship is in port one day. A crane will come by and just lift it off. I'm wondering how this could be. Have you heard any news on this?

 

Thanks,

 

Mackenzie1

 

The Grand skywalkers was made of metal and had developed cracks in the structure making it dangerous so it was removed. All of the follow on grand class ships had their structure made out of non-metal material and had not developed the cracks. However the entire structure being suspended over the stern is problematic IMO. It may only be a matter of time until they all are removed. I know of no plans thought at this time.

[satxdiver]

There are so many return pax on this voyage that they had two Circle parties on two separate nights. Last night was the second night and the one that we were invited to attend. The captain is quite personable and spoke for several minutes. He did tell us to expect a rough night and it was rough last evening with winds of 40 knots or so and waves at 12 feet. As I write this though the seas have settled down to 4 feet and winds at 19 knots. The ship has been maintaining a speed of 19 to 21 knots to make up for the time we spent in port in Reykjavik due to the high wind. The ship does not seem to be having any propulsion problems. Last night at the party it was announced that there are 921 elite, 1200 platinum and over 2900 return pax! The longest sailed had 1379 nights with 1248 and 1036 being the two runner ups. None of the three longest sailed were at our 5:15 pm party.

 

We changed time again early this morning so that we are now 3 hours behind UTC and one hour ahead of EDT. I imagine that early Tuesday morning we will set our clocks back one more hour to EDT before arriving in Boston. At 7:25 AM UTC this morning the ship is 936 NM from Boston and moving at 20.8 knots. We will be able to arrive in Boston on time if the ship can maintain this speed.

 

For two nights we have tried to go to the 4:30 pm trivia held in the Explorer’s Lounge. The first time we arrived at about 10 minutes early and was not able to get in as it was beyond SRO. The second night we arrived 30 minutes early and found a seat in the very rear where we were not able to see the stage or TV screens and had to rely on what we heard only. The piazza has been over filled every sea day so far due to the bad weather up on the lido deck which was virtually empty all the time. Breakfast and lunch in the MDR has been very crowded with a waiting line for available tables. This is our first TA and has been an experience to say the least.

 

We have seen crew members constantly replacing things, painting, cleaning and in general maintaining the ship. Last March when we were also on the CB they replaced the carpet in the HC late at night one section at a time and they replaced the exit doors on the lido middle elevator bank.

[Lucky TGO]

Hi Bob, I just checked the weather for Tuesday when you arrive. 80 degrees and cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain (I hope not ) I hope you like Boston it's a great City with a lot of History!!!

Now I have to say this Go Red Sox!! & Go Patriots!!

This is your weather man from Boston,

Tony :)

[Woobstr112G]

 

Good morning from the Caribbean Princess. It is 0620 local time. As you can see by the above picture, it is a little foggy at the moment. When I took this picture I could actually see blue skies for a bit. They are fast disappearing as the fog is quite thick.

 

I'm waiting around till 0800 so I can work out on the treadmills in the gym. Working out at this time means I'll be skipping Sabatini's for breakfast due to the fact we have our roll call luncheon at 1200 today in the Palm dining room. After the luncheon, I'm thinking that I'll break out my garment bag and begin packing some stuff I won't be wearing for the rest of the cruise. I might also do a load of laundry. Other than that, DW and I will be deciding what we are going to do for dinner and afterwards. I might head up to Crooners and try the drink of the day which is a toasted almond tini:)

 

Hope All Are Well.....:):):)

 

Bob

Edited September 18, 2016 by Woobstr112G

[Mackenzie1]

Thank you, everyone, for your responses to the rumor I heard about the Skywalker's lounge on the Caribbean Princess being removed. As Bob suggests, it sounds like a tall and unsubstantiated rumor. I've read that the Grand's Skywalkers lounge had to be removed because it was made of materials that were too heavy for it's design, and since subsequent Skywalkers have been made with lighter materials, they haven't had the same problems. At any rate, it would be such a disappointment if the Skywalker's lounge were removed because it's a wonderful observation area with 360 degree views. It also helps with public seating during cold and rainy days when everyone wants to be out of their cabins, and the CB's public areas can get crowded.

 

It looks like the fog has lifted and the captain no longer has to blow the ship's horn. Yeah! Two sea days to Boston!

 

See you at the CC luncheon.

 

Thanks,

 

Mackenzie1

Edited September 18, 2016 by Mackenzie1

[Woobstr112G]

Had a bit of luck in the Casino today.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Lucky TGO]

Had a bit of luck in the Casino today.....:):):)

 

Bob

Bob you were probably the only one!!!!! :eek:

Tony