Live from the Majestic Princess - August 8, 2021

[azbirdmom]

3 minutes ago, TinaLee said:

I've been wanting to ask - what is the star gazing like from up there? 

Would be incredible if we had clear skies. It’s very dark here over the bridge as you might imagine. I would take this mini suite over every other cabin on this ship. Loving it - other than the weather. 

[memoak]

1 hour ago, geoherb said:

 

37 different martinis/7 days = 5.3 per day. Sounds like a challenge for people with Princess Plus. 

Not a challenge. You can do it twice around on a 7 day cruise

[azbirdmom]

I have had a bit of trouble posting on CC but it looks like it is cooperating now. 
 

The weather however had not been on our side. It’s been mid-50’s and rainy off and on today but with a very strong wind that managed to penetrate two layers of fleece and a rain poncho. 
 

We got up early and had our first breakfast in the buffet. We then awaited clearance to depart the ship to meet at the arranged spot for our Princess excursion which was a trip to Haines and then on to the Kroschel wildlife farm. 
 

We went into the wind on the way there so it was a bit rough on the ferry. Got to Haines and met Jerry who drove us to the Kroschel farm. That trip was longer than usual too as they have a massive road construction project underway and only one way traffic could go at a time. 
 

When we got there we were met by a slightly crazy but very entertaining man who lead us through the muddy trails to meet his animals. There were a fox, wolves, bear, mink, wolverine, porcupines and several others. It was a fun excursion but it rained pretty much the whole time. 
 

Coming back was delayed a bit and we didn’t make it back to Skagway until 2. We immediately went searching for treasures and were shocked at both the empty storefronts and emptiness of the streets. Most of the stores I remembered going to in the past were still open except for two. The T-shirt factory that is nearer to the other docks was closed but I suspect it will be back next year (some others had signs to that effect). And the Alaska Shoppe that was at the far end of Broadway was closed. I bought something there every visit. The Harley store that was next to it moved into that space. 
 

Skagway Brewing is open but empty inside.  We sat at the bar and the beer was as good as I remembered. 
 

Tonight is Italian night and I hope that I like their take in eggplant Parmesan. It’s been my favorite appetizer on Princess ships for years but some ships make it better than others. 
 

will try to post a few pictures of technology will cooperate. 

[CruzeQueen2]

4 hours ago, jbhermes said:

Everything at embarkation went smooth as silk. We were on the ship in about 15 minutes of arrival at 10:45. Ordered food from the app last night to our room when we get a late night craving. It came fast—about 30 minutes. It’s nice cuz you can watch on the app when they’re making it and then when it’s on the way. I cannot recommend the Noodles bar enough. The vegetable miso ramen was fantastic. All the food has been great. Had alfredos pizza after an excursion all afternoon in Juneau. Went there at 6:30 and walked right in with no wait. Tonite we have reservations at Harmony—the Chinese restaurant. Right now we are sitting on the White Pass train waiting to head out of Skagway. You will love this ship!

Please, please feel free to share your thoughts (and pics?) about your experience at Harmony. Thank you!

[CineGraphic]

1 hour ago, TinaLee said:

Thanks for checking - Quantum of Solace was Absolute Citron, chambord and grapefruit juice. Hopefully I can find a bartender who remembers the recipe. How about a French martini? 🙂 

 

Back in '89 or '90, I helped introduce Absolut Citron to the market, and this recipe sounds wonderful!

[RJAM3]

Have 

any of the speakers from port towns come on board? Libby Riddles?

 

Edited August 12, 2021 by RJAM3

[PescadoAmarillo]

Just a quick update. We did the train trip (it was good, though I know we missed the best part, but we live near where there are lots of narrow gauge railroads so don’t feel deprived). The short walk back to the ship was chilling. 
 

Well into drinks and wine in the Crown Grill. Misha our waiter is fantastic. It’s been a good day. 

[redrobin]

2 hours ago, Astro Flyer said:

I’d like to have your impression of the new Americanized menu for Harmony.

I liked Harmony a lot. Glad I picked it over the other two specialty restaurants. Quiet location. Have pics but having trouble posting. For dessert I recommend the mango sago soup. 

[azbirdmom]

11 minutes ago, RJAM3 said:

Have 

any of the speakers from port towns come on board? Libby Riddles?

 

No Libby Riddles but a musher was supposed to be on today. We missed it and I usually try to make those. 

[PescadoAmarillo]

Order the elderflower Paloma.

 

You’re welcome. 
 

 

[wondertwinsmom]

28 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

I have had a bit of trouble posting on CC but it looks like it is cooperating now. 
 

The weather however had not been on our side. It’s been mid-50’s and rainy off and on today but with a very strong wind that managed to penetrate two layers of fleece and a rain poncho. 
 

We got up early and had our first breakfast in the buffet. We then awaited clearance to depart the ship to meet at the arranged spot for our Princess excursion which was a trip to Haines and then on to the Kroschel wildlife farm. 
 

We went into the wind on the way there so it was a bit rough on the ferry. Got to Haines and met Jerry who drove us to the Kroschel farm. That trip was longer than usual too as they have a massive road construction project underway and only one way traffic could go at a time. 
 

When we got there we were met by a slightly crazy but very entertaining man who lead us through the muddy trails to meet his animals. There were a fox, wolves, bear, mink, wolverine, porcupines and several others. It was a fun excursion but it rained pretty much the whole time. 
 

Coming back was delayed a bit and we didn’t make it back to Skagway until 2. We immediately went searching for treasures and were shocked at both the empty storefronts and emptiness of the streets. Most of the stores I remembered going to in the past were still open except for two. The T-shirt factory that is nearer to the other docks was closed but I suspect it will be back next year (some others had signs to that effect). And the Alaska Shoppe that was at the far end of Broadway was closed. I bought something there every visit. The Harley store that was next to it moved into that space. 
 

Skagway Brewing is open but empty inside.  We sat at the bar and the beer was as good as I remembered. 
 

Tonight is Italian night and I hope that I like their take in eggplant Parmesan. It’s been my favorite appetizer on Princess ships for years but some ships make it better than others. 
 

will try to post a few pictures of technology will cooperate. 

Thank you so much for all of this detailed information. We have been considering that excursion but haven’t booked anything for Skagway as of yet. It’s disheartening but understandable to hear of the lack of businesses being open. I definitely want to try to contribute a bit while we’re there.

Please let us know which port ends up being the best one to do souvenir shopping in. I have lots of people to bring Alaska goodies back for!

[PescadoAmarillo]

This is Christian, guitarist for Ocean Blvd. 

 

Once again, you’re welcome. 
 

[CruzeQueen2]

10 minutes ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

Just a quick update. We did the train trip (it was good, though I know we missed the best part, but we live near where there are lots of narrow gauge railroads so don’t feel deprived). The short walk back to the ship was chilling. 
 

Well into drinks and wine in the Crown Grill. Misha our waiter is fantastic. It’s been a good day. 

Misa is my guy! Oh I wish I was there!!!

[CruzeQueen2]

11 minutes ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

Just a quick update. We did the train trip (it was good, though I know we missed the best part, but we live near where there are lots of narrow gauge railroads so don’t feel deprived). The short walk back to the ship was chilling. 
 

Well into drinks and wine in the Crown Grill. Misha our waiter is fantastic. It’s been a good day. 

 

13 minutes ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

Just a quick update. We did the train trip (it was good, though I know we missed the best part, but we live near where there are lots of narrow gauge railroads so don’t feel deprived). The short walk back to the ship was chilling. 
 

Well into drinks and wine in the Crown Grill. Misha our waiter is fantastic. It’s been a good day. 

I met Misa in 2016 at Share on Ruby, then 2017 on Star where I found him in the dining room for a few years. Oh, how I miss him and cruising. Glad you found him!

[redrobin]

2 hours ago, TinaLee said:

Thanks for checking - Quantum of Solace was Absolute Citron, chambord and grapefruit juice. Hopefully I can find a bartender who remembers the recipe. How about a French martini? 🙂 

French martini is on the list. 🍸 

[P.A.]

On 8/8/2021 at 3:26 PM, kml246 said:

For those that have purchased Princess Plus, we were just setting up MedallionNet internet. There's a choice for redeem and purchase plans. Choose that, and it gives you an option to increase one device to four devices for only $35 for the week. This way we don't have to log off our phones and our laptops when were switching back and forth. I don't know if this was a bargain because we're Platinum, but at $35 it was a steal.

I have a question about just having the one device. So you are able to log off and use the wifi on another device just not at the same time if you only have purchased the one device pkg right? I know that is how it was on RCCL. Thanks! Enjoy your cruise and thanks for posting.

 

[P.A.]

Oh and one more thing. Perhaps it's already been mentioned. But what movies are showing at MUTS? Thanks!

 

[PescadoAmarillo]

1 minute ago, P.A. said:

I have a question about just having the one device. So you are able to log off and use the wifi on another device just not at the same time if you only have purchased the one device pkg right? I know that is how it was on RCCL. Thanks! Enjoy your cruise and thanks for posting.

 

Yes, that’s exactly how it works. It will tell you you’re logged in to MedallionNet  on another device and ask if you wish to log in on the current device. It’s pretty seamless. 

[PescadoAmarillo]

1 hour ago, RJAM3 said:

Have 

any of the speakers from port towns come on board? Libby Riddles?

 

We went to the musher talk for a short time. It was SRO. Steve Hites came onboard right behind us, and he was doing his show at 5:30pm in the Vista-less Lounge, but we couldn’t see him this time as we had a conflicting appointment with the Crown Grill. But, as I remember from 2012, he was very entertaining. 

[redrobin]

1 hour ago, wondertwinsmom said:

Thank you so much for all of this detailed information. We have been considering that excursion but haven’t booked anything for Skagway as of yet. It’s disheartening but understandable to hear of the lack of businesses being open. I definitely want to try to contribute a bit while we’re there.

Please let us know which port ends up being the best one to do souvenir shopping in. I have lots of people to bring Alaska goodies back for!

 

Juneau 

 

Skagway

[Steelers36]

4 hours ago, t&atravel said:

I believe what the app shows is the price of the drink plus the gratuity ($10.80 + 18% $1.95 = $12.75).  Since the plus package includes the gratuity and the actual price of the drink is less than $12 it was correct that there was no charge.  

I had wondered about that but didn't do the math.  Is this for real?  I would have thought Princess would show the base price to make each drink look more inexpensive.  Also, they didn't do it that way pre-Covid.  Just asking even though the answer has 6 Likes.  

[leck57]

All these photos really make it hard for those (like me) that cannot leave our Country as yet but I love seeing them. Alaska on Royal Princess was the second last cruise we did just before the world changed. One day.....

[P.A.]

On 8/10/2021 at 12:10 PM, azbirdmom said:

There was never one to remove. Remember how this ship was built for the Asian market?  Apparently poker isn’t a big thing in those countries. At least they have the draw poker machines now. They didn’t even have those when we were on the ship in October 2019. No bar in the casino either. It’s different. And yes there are the usual table games. 

Do you by chance remember or know if in the casino they have the card game "Let It Ride?"

[P.A.]

Can someone tell me the price of the basic bands for the medallion? If they are more once onboard? Not the bracelet just the band. They are normally $10 I think. Thanks!

 

[redrobin]

16 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

I had wondered about that but didn't do the math.  Is this for real?  I would have thought Princess would show the base price to make each drink look more inexpensive.  Also, they didn't do it that way pre-Covid.  Just asking even though the answer has 6 Likes.  

 
Update: Still no charge on my folio. But, you can see past orders on the app. For a short time tonight that order showed a charge of 89 cents, .75 + .14, as you expected. Now it’s gone, app is wonky on land and sea!