Empress of the Seas Western Caribbean August 18-24

[tcmagnum]

Have an amazing trip...

[rafinmd]

On 8/18/2019 at 3:09 PM, crilski said:

Concerning USB - did you look at the light fixture(s) next to the bed?  Somewhat hidden -

I don't think so.  Here's what my bed light looks like.  I don't see anywhere on the fixture where it could be:

 

 

In any case, my tiny cabin was pretty well fitted out with power.  There are 2 US outlets at the foot of the bed.  My dual USB adapter pretty well takes care of my USB needs:

 

 

 

There's a third US outlet and a European one at the end of the desk:

 

 

 

And finally there's a shaver outlet in the bathroom:

 

 

More power than I'll ever need.

 

Roy

[twangster]

Have a great cruise!

[rafinmd]

Day E2, Monday, August 19, 2019, Key West

 

I was out of my cabin about 5:30.  The Empress has a teak deck that circles the ship where the lifeboats are.  I'll try to include pictures in another report but it was too dark fort that while I was walking.  I walked 6 laps for a total of 1 ½ miles.  As I rounded the bow on the first lap I noticed that the moon was starting to wax but was still pretty large and bright.  I finished my walk before it got bright enough to take any photos.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/moon0819.jpg

I watched Cece and Tanya's morning show for a while before heading up to the top deck for sunrise.  It was a little delayed by low lying clouds but still very nice.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/dawn0819.jpg

After sunrise I went into the Windjammer for coffee and a couple cartons of skim milk.  Each entrance to the WJ now has a trio of hand washing sinks as well as sanitizer dispensers.  I like the combination because some people won't take the time for a proper hand washing but will at lease pause briefly to use the sanitizer.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/washie.jpg

Empress has no Diamond Lounge.  They make up for it in part by serving breakfast in Chops Grill daily to those who are Diamond+ or above or in suites.  It doesn't really fit my lifestyle as I tend to snack my way through breakfast but I do appreciate the gesture.  This morning I stopped by for an omelet.  (It appears that those who are Diamond but not yet D+ have an area in the Dining Room).

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/chopsbkfst.jpg

I was working on my Sunday blog post well into the morning but headed out about 10.  I've been to Key West many times over the years and did not have major plans but had a little bit of sundry shopping to take care of and wanted to check out the Key Lime places.  My walk took me to the original Key West harbor; that's one place I don't remember seeing before.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/kwharbor.jpg

On the way back I stopped at the Shipwreck Museum and climbed the tower there for a photo of the ship and also of the Carnival Freedom, parked behind us.  The air conditioning in the museum was a definite blessing.  I returned to the ship around noon for skim milk and a simple salad from the WJ.

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So much for healthy eating today; Key Lime Pie was going to be the mainstay of my lunch.  In my morning walk I had settled on Kermit's near the old harbor as the place to go.  The blueberry Key Lime pie sounded interesting and tasted as good as it sounds.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/kermit.jpg

For most of the rest of the afternoon I relaxed on the ship.  Dinner and all aboard were both 5:30.  On the way to the dining room I looked out the window and it appeared the gangway had been completely broken down a little before 5:30.  Nobody has claimed 3 of the seats at Table 463 and the other 2 were dining at Chops so it was just me.  Dinner went very quickly.  I noticed that we started to move about 5:35, backing past the Carnival Freedom and turning out to sea.  I chose the fruit plate and New York Steak as well as ice cream for desert.  I had forgotten to get out my camera at desert so the last pane of today's collage is the Key Lime Pie.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/dishes19.jpg

I was out of the dining room around 6:10, in time to see the pilot leave she ship, and was in plenty of time for the first showing of the headline entertainer.  He was juggler Mike Price.  He was very energetic and quite skilled but I wasn't a fan of his show.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/price.jpg

After the show I checked out a couple of other activities briefly.  Kim Kincade was in the Schooner Bar.  I had assumed Kim was a woman but I was dead wrong.  I don't drink but I went up to the WJ for a cup of decaf and the bar area around the piano was pretty empty.  I stayed for probably 20 minutes before the activity picked up and left room for drink buying guests.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/kinrade.jpg

My final stop was Boleros where Karioke was in process.  When I returned to my cabin there was a beautiful towel swan on my bed.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/swan.jpg

I'm running quite a bit ahead of Sunday and got about 2/3 of this post written before calling it a night.

My parting shot will come from an email from my church.  Early next month one of our members will be installed as the Moderator of the Baltimore Presbytery, one of the highest volunteer positions in the Presbyterian Church.  Congratulations Guy.

 

Roy

 

[Pumbaamd]

Good to hear you had a Chops breakfast.  You are now D+, enjoy the new bennies. Hope you can make it to Chops every morning. Enjoy the rest of your time on EM!

R&D

[rafinmd]

10 hours ago, Pumbaamd said:

Good to hear you had a Chops breakfast.  You are now D+, enjoy the new bennies. Hope you can make it to Chops every morning. Enjoy the rest of your time on EM!

R&D

Thanks.  I'm curious about one thing.  I've been getting regular unexpected yummies from Room Service.  Is that a normal thing for D+ or is it peculiar to EM?

 

Roy

[Clarea]

6 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

Thanks.  I'm curious about one thing.  I've been getting regular unexpected yummies from Room Service.  Is that a normal thing for D+ or is it peculiar to EM?

 

Roy

 

One or two per 7-day cruise is (or used to be) normal for D and above.

[Pumbaamd]

Probably some of both, especially since John Denton is now on board. He treats his guests very well. Is there a top tier C&A event coming up?

R&D

[rafinmd]

1 minute ago, Pumbaamd said:

Probably some of both, especially since John Denton is now on board. He treats his guests very well. Is there a top tier C&A event coming up?

R&D

Already done.

 

Roy

[Pumbaamd]

Many D+ and P's on board?

R&DTop Teir Party MJ 62017.bmp

[rafinmd]

4 minutes ago, Pumbaamd said:

Many D+ and P's on board?

R&DTop Teir Party MJ 62017.bmp

Total Pax About 1600

Total C&A 851

I wrote the numbers down but can't find them right now

About 200 I think Diamond

About 80 D+

19 Pinnacle including one just reaching it.

 

Roy

[Pumbaamd]

Thanks. Enjoy your breakfast!

[rafinmd]

Day E3, Tuesday, August 20, 2019, At Sea, Empress of the Seas

 

Delete, bad photo links

Edited August 21, 2019 by rafinmd

[beachnative]

I like your review.

Please educate me on how to see your photos.

Thanks

[starrcards]

All the photos in this installment are showing up as "file not found."  Am I doing something wrong?  Thanks

[rafinmd]

Day E3, Tuesday, August 20, 2019, At Sea, Empress of the Seas

 

As is my normal custom I was up at 5, got coffee in the WJ, and headed out to deck 6.  I traditionally walk 5 miles on sea days.  I'm not sure if it's my age or the heat (likely a combination of the 2),  I was pretty beat after 3 miles.  It certainly wasn't the deck, it is very nice.  The photo starts at the port aft corner, continuing to the starboard side, crossing at the  bow, and back on the starboard side.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/deck6.jpg

I walked another mile when I went out on deck for sunrise, and a final mile about 9:30.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/dawn0820.jpg

 

The Empress shares a number of unusual traits with ships from my Holy Grail collection (Crystal and Prinsendam) and in one case with the Vision class but not There with the rest of Royal's fleet.  There are 2 mini decks above the walking deck that I like to call "porches".  I'm not sure where I'll use them on Empress but they are somewhat sheltered with great views and have been among my favorite hangouts on Glacier Bay and Panama Canal cruises.  Also like my Holy Grail ships they have the odyssey of no Diving Boards (those little platforms that swing out from the bow during docking).  

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/porches.jpg

 

Finally, like the Vision Class, the mooring deck is open for viewing and not covered by another deck.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/thebow.jpg

 

Royal does a Cruise Critic "Meet and Mingle" on cruises of a week or more.  Since this is only 6 days they did not sponsor one but the Roll Call starter took the lead and we met at 10:30 in the Viking Crown Lounge and had a good chat for about 45 minutes.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/meetgreet.jpg

 

A slot pull was held after the Meet and Greet with about 20 people participating.  I did not but watched.  People had fun but the highest theoretical winnings were $25.  The 3 best scores got prizes from Jonathan.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/slotpull.jpg

 

My afternoon started in Boleros  with a talk by lecturer Janis Leader.  Sadly, drowsiness overtook me and I missed most of it.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/leader.jpg

 

My other afternoon activity was a visit to the Next Cruise desk.  I'm heavily booked for 2020 but the Empress has some very nice itineraries.  The one that I could work into my schedule was to Bermuda July 20.  It's a great itinerary with 2 nights in the center of Hamilton and another in Saint Georges. Empress has a few "Studio" cabins and I got that (oceanview) for less than I would have paid for a regular inside.

The Crown and Anchor "Top Tier" event was held at 5 with several people making  welcoming remarks including Captain Diego.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/diego.jpg

Awards for the top cruisers followed the introduction of the key staff.  Hotel Director Denton called the Empress "The smallest ship with the biggest heart.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/srstaff.jpg

The evening dress code is variously called "Formal" or "Dress to Impress".  I noted that the Compass said "Tonight's Dress Suggestion".  I like that idea of a special night where people are encouraged to dress up without forcing it on people.  I went a little more casual than usual with a dress shirt, sport jacket, and tie.   There were the usual 3 of us at table 463, along with the usual 3 empty chairs.  I wish people who don't plan to go to the dining room would choose anytime dining.  My choices were the Caesar Salad, Chicken Parmesan, and the Fruit Plate for desert.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/dishes20.jpg

 

The Captain's welcome was in the Centrum between dinner seatings.  I have always preferred a Centrum over a Royal Promenade, although I think Centrums were done better in the Vision and Radiance Class ships.  On those ships there is a great view of the action on the floor most anywhere around the circle on most any deck.  The Empress Centrum has consecutively smaller circles on each higher deck and I found that even from deck 7 the view from the back of the circle looking forward gets pretty restricted.  I watched mostly from the front near the scenic elevators and while the view was good it was mostly of the backs of the line of staff.  I still enjoyed the welcome.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/welcome.jpg

 

The featured entertainment was the group "Horizons", a Detroit based trio featuring the Motown sound.  I came in late for the first (6:45) show but returned for the start of the second show, taking a seat near the back of the balcony where I could slip out quietly at the point where I had come in.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/horizon.jpg

 

I'll take my parting shot on the subject of loyalty.  These Top Tier events are typically called a welcome to "our most loyal cruisers".  Moi?  Much of the traditional wisdom holds that a "Loyal Royal" would never even look at another cruise line.  My response to that is that when a cruise line stops courting other customers I'll stop courting other cruise lines.  It's a business relationship, not a marriage.  I've been pretty open that Royal is my 4th choice among cruise lines but that's out of like how many?  I'll stake my case on coming back a number of times and while staying within the truth always emphasizing the positives of my choices.  I hope that's a pretty decent alternative definition of loyalty.  One area where to me Royal has missed the boat is the elimination of the basic Crown and Anchor parties.  To me the person who has come back a second time is likely the time where showing the cruise line's appreciation for repeat business makes the most business sense.

 

Roy

 

[Pumbaamd]

Roy,

The photos of the electric outlets were the last ones we were able to sea. Can't wait to view the others.

R&D

[rafinmd]

13 minutes ago, beachnative said:

I like your review.

Please educate me on how to see your photos.

Thanks

 

12 minutes ago, starrcards said:

All the photos in this installment are showing up as "file not found."  Am I doing something wrong?  Thanks

You did nothing wrong.  I left out a vital element of the path for the photo links to work.  I should have tested before I went to breakfast but didn't take the time I should have.  The links in the replacement post should work (I tested the first one).

 

Roy

 

 

[rafinmd]

I won't try to fix the photos in the Key West post.  Here's a link to the blog entry for that day:

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.wordpress.com/2019/08/20/day-e2-monday-august-19-2019-key-west/

 

The photos are at the bottom of the post.  If you click on the first one it should be enlarged with arrows at the right and left sides to go to the next photo,

 

Roy

 

Edited August 21, 2019 by rafinmd

[starrcards]

Thanks.  Are the so called "porches" at the bow of the ship. On our trip to Cuba we had stateroom 8500 and viewed the Skyway bridge and Havana harbor from the viewing area (Porch) in front of our cabin

[beachnative]

8 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

I won't try to fix the photos in the Key West post.  Here's a link to the blog entry for that day:

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.wordpress.com/2019/08/20/day-e2-monday-august-19-2019-key-west/

 

The photos are at the bottom of the post.  If you click on the first one it should be enlarged with arrows at the right and left sides to go to the next photo,

 

Roy

 

 

Nice.  Thank you.  Looking forward to following on CC AND blog. 😀

[starrcards]

By the way, did you post the menu for 8/20? Getting the same "file not found" error.

[coaster]

Curious if you are going to the brunch in the MDR. I was on Empress last week and found it to be very disappointing as the same selections were served everyday. Irish stew and italian sausage to name ones that were there everyday. I missed the normal lunch menu in the MDR  on sea days. No pasta stations set up either like I was used to on Rhapsody. I just cancelled my January cruise on Empress as I love the ship, but it was very low budget food wise.

[starrcards]

1 hour ago, coaster said:

Curious if you are going to the brunch in the MDR. I was on Empress last week and found it to be very disappointing as the same selections were served everyday. Irish stew and italian sausage to name ones that were there everyday. I missed the normal lunch menu in the MDR  on sea days. No pasta stations set up either like I was used to on Rhapsody. I just cancelled my January cruise on Empress as I love the ship, but it was very low budget food wise.

Was the tutti salad available?

[coaster]

Very small salad area. Maybe 10 toppings available. WJ could of had more variety for lunch, but I like sitting in MDR when it is open as it is less hectic. I just booked Rhapsody same week in January. Only 7 nights compared to 8 and had to take a $200 hit to change, but I don't want to ever see the same 3 or 4 lunch entrees everyday.

 

The positives are that the AC worked fine compared to when were on Empress 3 years after her extended drydock.  Liked seeing the same people we met throughout the cruise and loved the traditional teak promenade for sitting in the shade. The 4 shot  Cafe Bustelo expresso drinks were also a nice way to start the day.

Edited August 21, 2019 by coaster