Live ! from the 2-25-06 sailing of Sapphire Princess

[CRUISAYEAR]

It was called "Royal Day" in L.A. Harbor. Sapphire Princess and the Queen Mary 2 were moored next to each other. Quite an impressive site.

We got underway at 4pm, the Princess being the first to leave port. After a battle of the ships horns, with Sapphire's deep tenor losing out to the Queen's heavy bass.

Fire boats were spraying water in all directions, the Goodyear blimp cruised slowly overhead, and camera helicopters buzzed back and forth recording the event for the evening news.

Within minutes of passing the Queen in the channel, she followed us out. We headed south. The sky was overcast, and as the sun was beginning it's decent, fog was rolling in. The Queen turned west and soon disappeared in the fog on her way to Hawaii.

It's Sunday and our first sea day. Sky is clear and sunny. About 72 degrees. Sea is calm, and we are making 22 knots.

I am writing from an internet station here in the ships library. Just outside the door behind me is deck 5 atrium area. A piano player is tickling the ivories accompanied by a violinist. Can't beat the ambiance.

Met a few of our roll call members last night at sail-away. DW and I had dinner with 6 of them. Nice folks all. Our official get together is today at 2pm near the Outrigger bar just outside the Horizon court, Lido deck, Aft. Will meet the rest of the group which numbers 31.

The ship is beautiful, staff very pleasant and attentive, the food so far has been great. Hope to see a show after dinner tonight (formal). Another sea day tomorrow, then a stop in Puerto Vallarta, the first on this Mexican Riviera cruise.

Lana, Annie and the girls, Bev and Lawrence, Kirk and Wanda.....you are supposed to be here. We miss you. But we will struggle through without you. I have to leave now to have a drink in your honor. Cheers ! Here's to ya.....later....

[melissa_bel]

I hate you already ;)

 

Have an awesome cruise, Cruisayear!

[mtaylor04]

Thanks for posting while on board....we will be aboard in 20 days.

 

Please continue to post if you can we all want to hear about your trip. If you could post about the temperature on the pool deck that would be great. My daughter gets cold easily and were wondering if we need to bring her warmer clothes for the first couple of days.

 

Thanks again for posting

Mary

[Colo Cruiser]

Keep em coming!!!

We leave in 13 days. :D

[winecountry]

Would you be able to find out if you can still purchase liter bottles of vodka from room service or has the Sapphire switched to the package deals, pints with mixers.

 

Hope your having a great time.

[Hulagirl]

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time so far. Can't wait for the next 33 days to go by and we will be on the ship.

 

Please let us know how the rest of the cruise goes for you.

 

One question though, when we were on the Grand in December there was no drink of the day. Was told that Princess had done away with it. Is this still the case on the Sapphire?

 

Have a great time.

[CRUISAYEAR]

To answer the questions asked above. It definitly was chilly up on the pool deck upon sail-away. So bring a sweater or jacket. Every hour it gets warmer as we head further south. Nice up there today, lots of sun. Pretty girls in bikini's putting on the lotion.

Foom service liquor still available in big bottles. Did not get any myself, but talked to someone who said they did.

Drink of the day still available. At least they had them yesterday. I have todays patter here in front of me and I see no mention of it, but they have little signs at the bars.

Our Cruise Critic group meeting went very well. Of 31 folks, 26 showed up. Really nice bunch of people. Nine of us are doing Sabatini's on Tuesday night. Myself and others are doing excursions together.

Went to early dinner in Santa Fe dining room. Our dinner mates Tom and Sue had been first at the door, so we had a table for four right away. Servers name was Randy, and he was great.

Saturday night we had a party of 8 CCer's. Pacific Moon dining room. No reservation. Big crowd. Robert the maitre'D and assistant Antoine made themselves and myself look good by handling things with aplomb. They did not have a table for 8, so they seated 6 of us at a table for six, and the last two folks at a table for two right near us. Someone was late for their reservation. They should'nt have been. We enjoyed their table, and the service of Manuel.

Saw "Piano Man" at the early show in the Princess theater. Very nicely done, great music of Billy Joel, Neil Sedaka, Elton John, Liberace. Talented hardbody 20somethings in over the top costumes, singing and dancing up a storm.

We then hit "Club Fusion" which on this new monster ship is the reincarnation of the old "Vista Lounge". Nice change , lots of huge flat screen video screens. Fantastic sound system. The group "Voltz" was playing and they were spectacular. Really talented group.

Meandered forward to "Explorers Lounge" and caught some of the performance of "Hip Pocket" a five piece group doing pop music so well, that we will definitely go see them again. Three of them can really sing.

Skipped "the Newlywed game" that came after the group. Went and had a couple of drinks on our aft cabin balcony and then went back to Explorers for the "Kevin Jordan" comedy show. The crowd was with him and he was great. LOAO. See this guy.

Ok, now were aft at Club Fusion again, saw the first five contestants of "Princess Idol", would have rather been up in Skywalkers listening to Billy Idol, but the contestants were REALLY good, but it was time to hit the sheets for us.

It's noon right now. Internet cafe. Burning free Platinum minutes. Outside temp 72 degrees. We have covered 777 nautical miles since sail away, @average 19 knots. Last night late, all four 28 foot tall 6 bladed props were churning up the water big time below our balcony and "Bridge TV" was showing 27 knots !

Time to go down to "Churchhills" and enjoy a cigar. Will take the the long way for the exercise. Had buffett breakfast. Swore to DW I was only going to eat fruit. I Lied.

[Northender]

Hi Hulagirl.

I hate to jump in here but I am trying like the little devil to get GlitterMaker

to work. I have made the text, but cannot seem to bring it over to my

post. I have picked both forum hotlink (1) and (2) and when I do copy and then paste in my post I only get the URL.

 

Susan, can you help.

 

Thanks all for letting me jump in here.:) :)

 

Adele

[Hulagirl]

Adele: I have your e-mail address off your profile and will write you. It took me a couple of tries, but I finally got it.

 

Cruisayear: Thank you so much for the updates on your cruise. Appreciate your looking for the drink of the day for me. Not that it is a big deal, but was always fun to see what they offered. Favorite is the martini of the day and missed that on the Grand.

 

Sounds like the cruise to Mexico is going to be wonderful. We loved the Diamond and of course all the other cruises on Princess and this one sounds like it will be wonderful also. Appreciate the information of who to see in the Explorers Lounge for the singing group and the comedy act. That is my favorite lounge on all the ships. Usually have great entertainment in there and great singing groups for dancing and just listening to.

 

Have a great day in PV tomorrow! Glad to hear the weather is warm and nice. Can't wait for April 1 to get here.

[Missybud]

Oh Gregg and Barb, how I wish I were with you folks! You two always have such a good time. I must say that I would have a go of it keeping up with your evening activities. Did you miss anything, lol!

 

I do have a request, do they still have the Bloody Mary/Mimosa promo between 9AM and 12?

 

How do you like your cabin? Annie says Hi. And please say Hi to Ruth!

 

Green with envy in SC!!!

[borgy]

Hey Missy-isn't it nice to know the big guy misses us? Thanks for that Cruiseayear. We wish we were there too. It sounds like you are having a great time. We look forward to hearing more of your adventures. Enjoy, you two--and feel free to have another cerveza or two on our behalf!!

 

The borgys

[janine543]

Oh....I am so jealous .....I have to wait 4 more long long weeks.

 

Please keep the information coming....and please save some liquior for me!!!

 

By the way, can you tell me if they are having a tropical night or western night? I always like to bring an outfit thats appropriate for the deck party. Haven't been able to see on the boards what this sailing will have.

 

Glad to hear the weather has been nice....can't wait to smell all that sunscreen...its below freezing here in New Jersey!

 

Janine

[Mjjpower]

We sail away on the Sapphire on April 1st. Can you tell me if the pools are warm? I remember on the Diamond they were freezing. Thanks!

Mary Jane

[newkim]

We are on the March 11th sailing and can't wait!! What movies have been playing this week? thanks

[Coolmama_1]

Sounds like you are having a great time! Keep us posted with your Platinum minutes!:)

[many cruises]

I'm so jealous. We will be on the Sapphire on April 8th. Take good care of the ship for us! ;);)

[cruzegirl]

I was at San Pedro on Saturday for the Royal Sendoff of the Queen Mary 2... And of course I had to take photos of the Sapphire Princess too.....lol.... Here's the Sapphire Princess leaving San Pedro......

[giggster11]

Sounds like a great cruise! Hope you enjoy the last few days and have great weather. Was on Sapphire 3 weeks ago and miss relaxation and good drinks.

[CRUISAYEAR]

Hey, he's back. Sorry about the delay, but I was having too much fun to make time to get in here. (Internet Cafe)

Here is answers to questions posted above that I know.

Yes, they have a tropical night party. Just like island night on the Caribbean cruises.

Yes, they have C&W night in Club Fusion. Line dancing lessons etc. Also a 50's sock hop night. With some of the entertainers dressed up and helping to get crowd involved.

Lana ! have not seen any drink promos in the daily patter, with the exception of a "Premium drink of the day@$6.50.

Borgy's..we are billing our liquor to your future cruise account. Actually, we were able to have the courtesy van at the Marina Hotel in San Pedro take us to a liquor store. 7 bottles of wine and a pint each of Southern comfort, and Bacardi Gold. Were good.

Have not been in the pools, but they seem popular enough with others, so they can't be that cold.

Have not been to the movies they have in Princess theater in the afternoons, so can't tell you what is playing.

 

PUERTO VALLARTA.....we had an enjoyable Tuesday here. We chose the "Marigalante" pirate ship excursion. We liked this a lot. It was a lot of fun, but in reflection, we would not do this again, as we felt that because it took most all day, we did not get to see any of the town.

As I said it WAS a lot of fun. It does not move under sail. It has an engine. Free drinks (alcoholic and not) breakfast, and lunch. Food was pretty good too ! This 100 year old boat is in remarkable shape, but it does not have proper ballast, I suppose to make more room below deck where food is served. So this boat rocks and rolls, even in the calm waters we had. We went easy on the booze because of it. Others were not so smart. A few were laid out with the heevies.

The crew puts on a fun pirate show, with lots of rope swinging and sword fights. Prizes of t-shirts, hats and bandanas to those who participate. Lots of kids on board, and they loved it.

After a 2 hour sail they anchor down in a calm bay and send those like myself out in a small boat to a snorkling area for 45 minutes. (water was cool but I got used to it right away. LOTS of fish !) The rest of the people are taken to a nice party beach. There are lots of places to sit in the shade and get drunkerer. Banana boat rides (no extra charge) aqua toys to play with, like kayaks and pedal boats. They started a beach volley ball game under the palm trees. The crew plays all sorts of games with the kids ! They did a wonderful job at this. It was fun just to watch the familys have a good time together. This goes on for a couple of hours. After reboarding the ship they served an nice lunch of chicken and ribs, corn on the cob and salad. And drinks alcoholiclylyly. It takes nearly two hours to sail back during which time they do more games and such. They park the boat right next to the Sapphire right where you got on it at 8 in the morning and now it is after 3 so it is a long day.

After a nice dinner with new CC friends at Sabatini's food orgy we saw comedian Dan Bennett in the Explorers Lounge. Funny guy, definitly worth seeing.

MAZATLAN...We spent an entire 8 hour day touring around the city and small country towns with "Mazatlan Frank", who came highly recommended on the Ports of call board. He gets our highest recommendation also. A true gentleman who is a wealth of knowledge on the area. A cooler full of ice cold Pacifico beer, soft drinks, and bottled water were in the new 15 pass. Ford van. Won't bore you with the details but we saw A LOT and had a great time ALL DAY for $50 per person. We stopped at "Tonys on the Beach" for lunch in the Shrimp capital of the world. Great place. Awesome view.

CABO SAN LUCAS...short stop. 8 to 2. Get up early ! have breakfast, get on one of the first tenders....or wait ! (You have to go to Explorers Lounge and get a ticket with a number on it, then wait to be called and herded to a boat. Or...if you are Platinum or Elite you just go down there and show your card and stand by the door and get on the first boat. WOO...HOO

I spent my time on shore steering DW away from "Diamonds International" but she did manage to stock up on some silver. Went to Sammy Haggars "Cabo Wabo cantina" to tell son Alex we were there. Big dark bar with overpriced drinks but they have a small bar area in the entryway that is open but shaded. Saw some cute waboritas while DW was in the banos.

Back to the ship for formal night. Have to go up and change. DW is pacing the balcony by now wondering where I have been. Sea day tomorrow, but we are on the turn around back to L.A...............bummer

[Missybud]

Gregg,

 

Thanks for the update. Sure sounds like you are having a great time! E me when you get home please. You and Barb enjoy your day at sea! L.

[CRUISAYEAR]

Disembarkation was a breeze as we had Red/1 tags. Off the ship and had our luggage by 8:30. Supershuttle right there to get us to LAX for $34.

Our flight did not leave until 12:20 so we had plenty of time to kill at the airport.

Flight itself, on Southwest, was fine. (get those boarding passes printed out online 24hrs. before departure, and be in their "A" group ! first to board)

Picked up car at Midway Park and Fly (painless).

Better today than on travel day, but it's been snowing furiously here all day. Back to Illinois winter reality.

[pistachio]

We thought you fell over board (or Barb pushed you), because we didn't see you the last couple of days. It was great meeting you guys!

 

Just to add to the drink specials - I was very disappointed that they didn't have the $3.95 drink specials that they used to have, and no martini specials either. They did have cheap ($3.00? $3.50??) specials in the casino - typically early in the day - Bloody Marys, etc.

 

Ditto the kudos for Mazatlan Frank - he was great! And the shrimp at Tonys on the Beach was 'to die for!'

 

I saw the final Princess Pop Star. I couldn't believe the talent. They were all great!

 

All of the entertainment on board was excellent. On the other 2 cruises that we've taken, some was great, some was ok. But we loved it all! I would have loved to have seen Lovena Fox again, but only 1 show the last night, and we were eating then. (Had to get that last great dinner, before returning home to reality.)

 

We had a really smooth disembark also. Our flight was at 11:40, so we got off early, at 8:15. Grabbed our luggage, walked outside, and asked the first people we saw if they wanted to share a cab. They did, so for $45 for 4 of us, we were at the airport by 9:00. I never would have done that if it weren't for all of you great people here at CC, sharing your ideas. We would have thought that we should pay $50 for the Princess transfers, to ensure that we got there in time.