Crown Princess ABC islands Jan 12 to 20, 2018

[Liz54]

Agree that Bonaire still has plenty of fish. I'm wondering to what extent to boat causes them to scurry away. We have twice done shore snorkels there, with Renee Shore Snorkels. You go in with her, from the shore , and she is a biologist so great at identifying and finding a wide range of undersea life. She encouraged us to swim with flippers only, arms down close to our bodies as the movement of our arms could scare some creatures into hiding. If so they may have been hiding from the boat.

 

Renee's was a fantastic experience, particularly if you are inexperienced or nervous. Maximum of 4 participants.

[Bimmer09]

The GoPro Experiment

I actually shot 4 scenes with the GoPro underwater. One of them had a group of snorkelers in it as we passed by them swimming. This was the shortest and had less flaws where I took the camera out of the water, still running, back onto the boat to check it: first for leaks but I found none (hooray) and secondly because the wi-fi was lost each time I submerged it so I guess wi-fi doesn't work underwater, even just 2 feet down.

With the underwater housing covering the microphone, sound is very muffled so I wasn't able to pick up any fish chat. I thought I heard them laughing at one point and I think I know who they were laughing at.



"And the Oscar goes to....(long pause opening envelope) "Not Norris and his GoPro!"

 

lNyGOh8A7sg

[Bimmer09]

Not only Top Chef winner, but new Iron Chef

Robert

 

Robert- I did not know about the Iron Chef title as we stopped watching it a few years ago.

Stephanie wasn't in the restaurant last night. She probably has other fish to fry (ouch!)

Norris, off to work but with 4 days off starting tomorrow, to push the review along.

[Jimorel]

THANK YOU!

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to wish me Happy Birthday!

It is living up to its name already. We are celebrating it tonight at a favorite fantastic Chicago restaurant called Girl and the Goat owned by Top Chef Winner of season 4.

Sorry I can't write any more at the moment as the clown has just started blowing up the balloon animals.





Norris

Now, back to or regular scheduled programming...

 

Norris, I haven't been on cruise critic for a few days as I have been busy getting ready for our Sunday sailing on the Regal. I noticed I missed your birthday, I hope it was a HAPPY DAY!!

science has proved that the more birthday's you have the longer you live!! From what I have read on Cruise Critic it appears that you live with gusto and enjoy not just birthdays, but everyday. Keep on enjoying them!

[Bimmer09]

The Captain turned the boat away from Klein Boniare and headed back towards the harbor

 



 

 



 

He was going to make a little detour into a marina area where there was a restaurant made to look like a ship with a bow and two masts. I think we had to stop for breadfruit and more scurvy medicine (?).

 

Iguanas

 

While briefly stopped I saw another underwater viewing boat called the Aqua Space which has been around since Jacques Cousteau's days (he sailed on it). It was another Princess excursion option and is a catamaran where the twin keels are made of glass on a metal frame so you can go down into the keel and stand up looking at the the fish. The boat looked a bit shabby and in need of a perm and a rinse. They loaded their passengers in this quiet little marina. It had a BBQ grill on the stern. Nice!

 

We left the marina and went back to the open sea to sail along the coast

 

 

 

[Bimmer09]

 

 

 

 

The red sub has just launched her torpedoes and is fleeing the scene

 

 

We love the vertical stern vs sloped. No wind, no soot. Privacy.



 

 



 

[MisterMet]

THANK YOU!

 

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to wish me Happy Birthday!

 

It is living up to its name already. We are celebrating it tonight at a favorite fantastic Chicago restaurant called Girl and the Goat owned by Top Chef Winner of season 4.

 

Sorry I can't write any more at the moment as the clown has just started blowing up the balloon animals.

 



 



 

Norris

 

 



 

Now, back to or regular scheduled programming...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry I missed saying Happy Birthday! Better late than never?

 

Trip

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[Bimmer09]

 

 

Isn't she a beauty?

 

 



 

 



 

 

 

[macsford]

Belatedly wishing you a Happy Birthday. Enjoy them all.

I am still enjoying your review and terrific pictures.

From another Piscean.

I have a big birthday on Monday 26th and although I understand that "something has been arranged" for that day I am so excited about the big celebration which is Alaska cruise in May. I have had a lot of useful information from the wonderful people on CC including yourself in planning it all.

Thank you for all the effort which goes into your reports.

Sandra

[Bimmer09]

Norris, I haven't been on cruise critic for a few days as I have been busy getting ready for our Sunday sailing on the Regal. I noticed I missed your birthday, I hope it was a HAPPY DAY!!

science has proved that the more birthday's you have the longer you live!! From what I have read on Cruise Critic it appears that you live with gusto and enjoy not just birthdays, but everyday. Keep on enjoying them!

 

Thanks for the birthday wishes and for anyone who has yet to wish or is late- don't worry-I usually have a birthday every couple of months. I just like getting presents -is that so wrong?

I live my life with a very quiet inward gusto I would say. I roll with the punches and am not quick to lose my cool - which is the exact opposite of how I was as a late teen. I am optimistic always despite what is going on in the world. I am very inwardly calm especially on a cruise ship and it may even look like I am not enjoying myself (I don't ever initiate high-fives, don't like hugging men when we both have hands that could be shaken, don't call anyone "bro" or "dude" and don't do shots or involve myself in competitive drinking). Getting a love of ships and the sea through my dad being a ship's Captain was the most magical start any kid could have, I imagine. I had a very safe childhood full of adventure and fun in a seaside village where doors did not need to be locked.

I seldom shout "yahoo!" for no reason.

I am just a quiet guy, except for all these voices in my head, and can sit with a beer for an hour barely moving....think iguana in the sun...then I scurry off fast to photograph that vase I saw in the Wheelhouse Bar.

Life is good and always has been I would say. Interesting and with enough travel and variety.

I don't need any cheese with my whine as I am not a whiner. I keep the company of some very fine people indeed and form lasting relationships, the most notable being Sir Arthur Guinness and Co. and Carol.

I loved my Regal cruise and if you are excited to be stepping aboard her on Sunday then I am excited for you! Have a stellar cruise! Take lots of photos!! She is gorgeous inside.

Cheers!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Such a graceful curved bow

 

 



 

 

Kudos Fincantieri!



 

also sharing the harbor was Katoosh, a 303 ft yacht bought used by Paul Allen of Microsoft fame back in 2001 when just a year old (the boat, not Paul)

[Bimmer09]

Belatedly wishing you a Happy Birthday. Enjoy them all.

I am still enjoying your review and terrific pictures.

From another Piscean.

I have a big birthday on Monday 26th and although I understand that "something has been arranged" for that day I am so excited about the big celebration which is Alaska cruise in May. I have had a lot of useful information from the wonderful people on CC including yourself in planning it all.

Thank you for all the effort which goes into your reports.

Sandra

 

Sandra, the "effort" is always repaid when someone like yourself responds and if you used any of my 3 Alaska reviews (collect the set!) to aid in the anticipation then I am happy. We will always be thinking of Alaska when it comes to choosing a summer cruise. 3 visits are not enough even though it has always been the same ports-it's the excursions that matter most and the fact that every hour of the day there is something wonderful to see, from ship or on shore. Next visit we are lunching at Tracy's Crab Shack....always something left to experience. Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord are always inspiring.

Happy Birthday on Monday!!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Sorry I missed saying Happy Birthday! Better late than never?

 

Trip

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Trip-no note from your Mother?

You are absolved as I am always happy to have you along!

I find it odd that we don't have another Princess cruise booked even though we are holding FCCs. I imagine January 2020 might be my next review on this board. It is what it is. We like Celebrity S Class and am sure we will like Azamara too. There aren't many lines I am itching to sail and some I have zero desire to ever sail. Carol yearns for a TransAtlantic and I have said that has to be Cunard and the Queen Mary 2 as it may be the only time we sail that line and I want to see if "British service" has advanced from the lame memory I have of it.

Celebrity Edge appeals for it's envelope-pushing bravado in the concept but the "luxury" lines don't appeal. Princess is enough luxury for me and the food is good enough that I don't need to try Oceania in a hurry. I like ships that have photographers and casinos and places to smoke.

I don't need White Glove service and Formal wear after 6 or whatever. I don't need a party boat with a lot of boozing or a ship that is good for families with kids.

Sorry, just musing.

Back to the story....

Norris

[Sadebud]

Such a graceful curved bow

 

 



 

 

Kudos Fincantieri!



 

also sharing the harbor was Katoosh, a 303 ft yacht bought used by Paul Allen of Microsoft fame back in 2001 when just a year old (the boat, not Paul)

 

That graceful bow is exactly where we stood (hanging on for dear life, mind you) as we rounded Cape Horn last January. It was a sight to behold!!! It was VERY cold and VERY VERY windy...in fact I was scared to walk up the stairs to the bow, but my husband "helped" me, and I will always be grateful!! For that reason, the Crown will always be special to me.

 

Looking forward to our Royal cruise later this year, but will miss the bow experience!

 

Cheers,

Tracy

[hockeyguru32]

Such a graceful curved bow

 

 



 

 

Kudos Fincantieri!



 

also sharing the harbor was Katoosh, a 303 ft yacht bought used by Paul Allen of Microsoft fame back in 2001 when just a year old (the boat, not Paul)

 

Sorry I'm late with the birthday wish I was out of town. If you will please accept my excuse note I received from my mother, and by all means keep up with the "SHIP PORN" (don't say that 10 times) she is gorgeous

Edited February 23, 2018 by hockeyguru32

[Bimmer09]

Back on the dock and planning to have lunch by the water in Bonaire. Lots of folks are heading back to the ship around noon-I guess for lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

Some shop at a little market across from the dock gates

 

 

Tatoosh again



 

 

Carol checks Google maps for the restaurant under a shady tree as it was hot



 

 



 

It was while sitting under the tree that I saw two wonderful men whom I had helped into an elevator a couple of days before. One was a man in a wheelchair and he had artificial legs.

 

 

 

Then as now he was being pushed by another man-who also had two artificial legs. I was very touched by this obvious strong friendship and by how lucky I am that for me getting around is no struggle and requires no planning and very little effort. I am always disappointed in cruise people who complain about folks in wheelchairs on the ships. If I was wheelchair bound a cruise would seem like a good way to see the world even though incapacitated. Even an electric scooter can't outrun me as I walk fast but if there is someone in a wheel chair ahead of me then no big deal-I'll get where I am going 10 seconds later than anticipated. I wouldn't trade places with anyone using a walker or a wheelchair.

 

 

It's just over a mile to the restaurant so we are not walking in this heat. There is a taxi stand by the market. At $10 for both of us it ain't cheap and even more so when the driver also accepts some more pax who are going further- a dancer from the shows and 3 more crew members. It's a mini-van and we are there in under 15 minutes through the narrow streets.

[lola2013]

That's a fun picture of Carol with the flamingos!

[Bimmer09]

The taxi dropped us off at the Bistro de Paris which wasn't doing a roaring lunch time trade but being rather out of the way that was to be expected, I guess. It had a bar as we walked in-open to the air under a shading roof and the dining area was split into an indoor and an outdoor by the water restaurant. We had booked outdoor but with the lack of people we had our choice of anywhere. I should warn you that the staff is on Island Time in case you are in a hurry but then say why would you hurry in Bonaire? We had nearly 4 hours before we had to be back on the ship.

 

Within 10 minutes we have drinks and have ordered off the short menu

 

 

Our stress levels are "off the chain"



 

 

Our glass bottom boat comes into the marina and out again. So that's where we are!



 

 

A flamingo holds down the tablecloth



 

The food will take a while to arrive-Island time-but we know it is being cooked to order as there aren't enough customers to warrant heat lamps and orders backing up the kitchen. We are in no hurry as it is so pleasant enjoying a warm breeze off the water.

[Bimmer09]

When the food arrives after 30 minutes at table it was well worth the wait! We both had a fish called Wahoo (also known as Ono), a mild flaky fish related to the mackerel (brother in law I think). Carol chose the sandwich version while I had mine plain but we both had great French Fries and a salad. Not a skimpy portion!

http://bistrodeparis.com

 

 

 

A very satisfying meal and Carol agreed that my idea of eating ashore in port had been a good one. By now we were the only diners on the patio. The bottle of Amstel was only $3.

 

 

We skipped ordering dessert as we planned to have some gelato onboard the Crown. It was hard to get up and leave the view though. I noticed that the Aqua Scape had left her berth since we were here before and was out on an excursion.

 

 

I asked the owner, Francisco who was tending bar, to call us a taxi, which he did. At the roadside Carol spotted some flamingoes away in the distance and dispatched me to get a photo but even a 250mm lens couldn't get them close enough.

 

 

 

 

Along came the taxi and we were off back to the harbor and the Crown.

[MisterMet]

 

 

 

Isn't she a beauty?

 

 



 

 



 

 

 

 

She certainly is!

[Bimmer09]

There's that sign at the gangway in our last port of call that says "Crown Princess sails for Ft. Lauderdale." What a buzz-kill. I'm a realist though and what goes up (my spirits at sailaway) must come down (the realization that The END is nigh). It's enough to drive a man to drink!

What a Capital idea!!

But first, as we board and pass our things through the metal detectors for one last time, we have an appointment at the IC for 3 scoops of gelato ($3.50 and worth it!)

 

 

In the Piazza a watercolor session was taking place and I loved that Princess came up with that idea-just another cool thing for people to do with their spare time and better for your brain and blood pressure than a game of trivia.

 

 



 

 



 

 

[MisterMet]

Trip-no note from your Mother?

You are absolved as I am always happy to have you along!

I find it odd that we don't have another Princess cruise booked even though we are holding FCCs. I imagine January 2020 might be my next review on this board. It is what it is. We like Celebrity S Class and am sure we will like Azamara too. There aren't many lines I am itching to sail and some I have zero desire to ever sail. Carol yearns for a TransAtlantic and I have said that has to be Cunard and the Queen Mary 2 as it may be the only time we sail that line and I want to see if "British service" has advanced from the lame memory I have of it.

Celebrity Edge appeals for it's envelope-pushing bravado in the concept but the "luxury" lines don't appeal. Princess is enough luxury for me and the food is good enough that I don't need to try Oceania in a hurry. I like ships that have photographers and casinos and places to smoke.

I don't need White Glove service and Formal wear after 6 or whatever. I don't need a party boat with a lot of boozing or a ship that is good for families with kids.

Sorry, just musing.

Back to the story....

Norris

 

Norris,

 

Mom was a school teacher and cut me no slack in those areas. I am prepared to take my punishment! We recently turned the future cruise credit we dropped down when we were on the CB to book a Western Caribbean 7 nighter on the CB again in July 2019. Booked an aft facing balcony. We are trying it for the first time in a Sky Suite on the Equinox this September for the 10 night ABC Islands. If we don't find it to our liking (I have no idea why that would happen) we can always rebook in a mid ship/mid deck balcony.

 

I'd love to do a Cunard Transatlantic too. The Edge also intrigues us. We are lucky in that we live within driving distance to Port Everglades and Port Miami so there might be an Edge cruise in the future. Pam and some of her friends have also talked about a Hawaiian Islands cruise on the Pride of America in the summer 2020 which is gaining some attention.

 

As always, I've been very entertained all the way around in this great review. Have a good weekend.

 

Trip

[Bimmer09]

Up at Tradewinds a little later

 

A really good steel drum player plays to a backing track. I like it when there is a 4 piece steel drum band with real bass, drums and guitar who can energize each other. Still it is a fitting sound in the Caribbean. I love music on deck but really don't need it at 5.30 a.m when I am having that first coffee. It's the same on Celebrity.

The mooring man is waiting for the signal to drop the lines into the water

 

 

People on deck are saying farewell to Kralendijk



 

 



 

 

[Bimmer09]

I take a look around from on high above Tradewinds where the Satellite domes live

 

 

A closer look at Klein Bonaire where we went on the Glass Bottom boat



 

 

and away in the distance seen through the zoom are the salt mountains



 

 



 

It's a little island with a population of 18,500 (2015 census) but there's still a lot more of it I would like to see and I hope to return some day.

[Bimmer09]

Pretty little Capital City!