Retrospect: Emerald Princess, (May 20-27).

[cr8tiv1]

Two of my friends recently lost their significant others and wanted to take a cruise, just to cruise.  I roomed with one.  I was completely out of my comfort zone in an inside with no beverage package (lol).  I booked this cruise just so that we could visit with each other and do really nothing.  No high expectations.  Both were in their 90’s.  I earned the name “mom” on this cruise.  Disclaimer, some of my remarks are short and may appear to be disjointed.  Just jotting thoughts rather than composing a formal review.

 

On the way to the port, my cabin mate told me she left her passport at home since she had a Real ID.  I made her turn around (yes, she was driving) and drove back to her house to pick it up.  That made us late for our 11 arrival time.  The agent did verify that she would not have been allowed to board without her passport.  Late for embarkation lunch.  We were finally “kicked out” of MDR (last passengers eating).  Made it to our Muster Station check in before arriving at our cabin around 3:30.  Turned on the television for the briefing.  Never made it up for sail away.  Thank goodness dinner was at 7 PM. 

 

Strange as it was, there was a 45 minute wait for a wheel chair at 12.  Several people ahead of us when about 5 attendants came down, lingered, and were dismissed for lunch.  I thought that was really strange, so did the person in the yellow vest.  We took the escalator upstairs, checked in quickly, and an agent “found” us a wheelchair who took my friend through security.  Another 45 - hour wait in the wheelchair area, so she walked on, using her cane. 

 

I was able to arrange to have dinner in DaVInci at 7 PM every night with the same wait staff/same table.  Excellent servers and Assistant Manager.  Several menu items on this cruise were new.  All of the meat meals were cooked to perfection and wonderful.  I had a dietary restriction.  I ate too much since we enjoyed our dinner meal in a small enclave away from the main area.  Each meal took about 2 hours since one eater was very slow.  Never felt rushed.  

 

Most breakfasts except for disembarkation day and room service was in the buffet.  2 sea days lunches in the MDR.  Several meals off the ship.  Made it to Skywalker lounge once (no one checked medallion).  Room service was on time or prompt when ordered by phone.  I was able to exchange my mini-bar for items I wanted.  Canapés were less than desired, but who eats them anyway?

 

Three production shows.  Rock Opera, Blame it on the Boogie, and Magic to Do.  It was relatively easy to find seats for the second show.  Blame it on the Boogie was scheduled for a really odd time.  Didn’t make it to either show.  Guest performers were a hit and miss.  Premier Package seats were on the top/stage left or bottom level/stage left.  Never fully used.  The Emerald Princess has a walk in Deck 6 Princess Theater.  Did not require any steps for wheelchair access.

 

The Meet and Greet was well attended.  4 officers were there:  Associate General Manager, Entertainment Director, Loyalty and Events Manager, and Guest Services Manager (might have had one more).  They introduced themselves and then did a Question and Answer session.  Each Meet and Greet is different.  All officers were invited.  Captain was heard everyday over the PA system but wasn't at the M & G.  He kept us informed of lots of things.  

 

I did understand that the 2 sea days would be packed with events since this was a port intensive cruise.  There were activities in the Piazza all the time.  I am not a trivia person so didn’t follow their sessions.  There were 2 formal nights that included a Champagne night.  The casino was packed and smoky.  The Captain Circle party, I thought was a dud.  There was no mention of the new Sun Class ships.  No Hip, Hip Hooray, for Princess.  Just drinks and thank you for coming.  On the night I attended, the Captain did not show up.  He was supervising a Medical Evacuation of a young 3 year old and her mother.  

 

https://abc7.com/santa-barbara-coast-guard-toddler-airlift/13308117/

 

Traveling with 2 ninety plus year olds can be quite a challenge (too personal to detail issues here).  Both were mobile.  I used the Medallion Class app to keep track of them.  iMessaging was a hit and miss. Not sure if this could be attributed to user error.  Some messages were sent in green.  Some never could be sent/received.  Yet, I did not have any trouble with another passenger on the ship.  We did run across 4 more friends on the ship.  That was a pleasant surprise.  

 

Used Crew Chat many times.  One night, around midnight, the toilet wouldn’t flush.  Concerned since the water level rose each time I pressed the button.  Crew Chat to the rescue.  She asked if I wanted to stay up for 30 more minutes if she could find someone to fix it.  I was so happy to see crew show up.  He did something on the outside of the cabin, then came in to make sure it worked.  Now, that is AMAZING !

 

Disembarkation was very smooth.  We left for breakfast around 7:30.  By the time we finished and went to the Elite Lounge for disembarkation, they had already called our color.  So we just walked off.  Facial Recognition.  Picked up luggage and out to the street.  

 

There were lots of walkers and scooters, but nothing to cause any concerns.  Now, on the other hand, there were more kids and young adults on this voyage.   There were 1021 Blue passengers.  There were more trays left in the passage ways.  No outward signs of covid.  Not a lot of coughing.  Maybe 1% were masked (me).  Elevators were plentiful.  Only had to let one pass.  

 

I was on the hunt for peanut butter cookies.  “Joel” in the buffet checked behind the counter, in the kitchen, went down to the IC, but could not find me any (that’s dedication).  Hit the IC after a day off the ship.  Several did not make it back to the cabin.  I was taught to share, so elevator people were offered/and they took.  On Ensenada day, I went down at 10, 11, and 12….to finally get a plate of hot Peanut Butter cookies.  Did not share this time, but relayed how to… Service was outstanding in all public areas.  Great Room Steward who managed to keep up with my pink post it notes.  He had cabins on opposite sides of the ship so was not always visually available.  (Elite) Laundry was returned the next day.  No suite amenities.  I did request a blue bag and they appeared for both of us.  

 

Lots of people in line for soft serve cones.  Emerald had ice cream too.  Very, very, very few were in line for the sundaes.  

 

I did purchase Medallion Net and it was fine.  Didn’t run any speed tests.  Sufficient for my online games, emails, iMessages, and basic surfing the news.

 

All in all, accomplished our goal for being on a cruise.  We all enjoyed the time together.  The ship was full (2900+ passengers).  The buffet and Piazza were busy but you could always manage to find a seat.  Sometimes you had to flag down a waiter in the buffet, but they were always visible.  It was a relaxing cruise for my friends, but I am exhausted.  WOW...this is much longer than I had planned.  Glad you are still reading...... 

 

Post cruise notes:  Tested Negative for Covid (may be too early).  This is just my routine when I travel (pre/post tests).  Cabin mate “forgot” to pick up a smaller bag in the terminal.  If you ever need this information, jot it down:

 

Dear R

 

Unclaimed luggage is handled by Princess' ground agent SMS. Please contact Tanya Euceda 213.321.7579 or Cindy Bustamante 206.849.6910

 

They should be able to tell you if they still have your luggage. 

 

Thanks 

 

Octavio

octavio.sanchez@portsamerica.com

 

steve.loevsky@portsamerica.com

 

[Kay S]

Thanks for the review.  There has been a bit of grumbling about the Emerald here on this board, but you show that every person's cruise is different.

[memoak]

9 minutes ago, Kay S said:

Thanks for the review.  There has been a bit of grumbling about the Emerald here on this board, but you show that every person's cruise is different.

We were on the Emerald for 15 days in March and except for getting Covid it was a good trip. Casino was not too smoky as long as you stayed on the no smoking side

[memoak]

31 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Two of my friends recently lost their significant others and wanted to take a cruise, just to cruise.  I roomed with one.  I was completely out of my comfort zone in an inside with no beverage package (lol).  I booked this cruise just so that we could visit with each other and do really nothing.  No high expectations.  Both were in their 90’s.  I earned the name “mom” on this cruise.  Disclaimer, some of my remarks are short and may appear to be disjointed.  Just jotting thoughts rather than composing a formal review.

 

On the way to the port, my cabin mate told me she left her passport at home since she had a Real ID.  I made her turn around (yes, she was driving) and drove back to her house to pick it up.  That made us late for our 11 arrival time.  The agent did verify that she would not have been allowed to board without her passport.  Late for embarkation lunch.  We were finally “kicked out” of MDR (last passengers eating).  Made it to our Muster Station check in before arriving at our cabin around 3:30.  Turned on the television for the briefing.  Never made it up for sail away.  Thank goodness dinner was at 7 PM. 

 

Strange as it was, there was a 45 minute wait for a wheel chair at 12.  Several people ahead of us when about 5 attendants came down, lingered, and were dismissed for lunch.  I thought that was really strange, so did the person in the yellow vest.  We took the escalator upstairs, checked in quickly, and an agent “found” us a wheelchair who took my friend through security.  Another 45 - hour wait in the wheelchair area, so she walked on, using her cane. 

 

I was able to arrange to have dinner in DaVInci at 7 PM every night with the same wait staff/same table.  Excellent servers and Assistant Manager.  Several menu items on this cruise were new.  All of the meat meals were cooked to perfection and wonderful.  I had a dietary restriction.  I ate too much since we enjoyed our dinner meal in a small enclave away from the main area.  Each meal took about 2 hours since one eater was very slow.  Never felt rushed.  

 

Most breakfasts except for disembarkation day and room service was in the buffet.  2 sea days lunches in the MDR.  Several meals off the ship.  Made it to Skywalker lounge once (no one checked medallion).  Room service was on time or prompt when ordered by phone.  I was able to exchange my mini-bar for items I wanted.  Canapés were less than desired, but who eats them anyway?

 

Three production shows.  Rock Opera, Blame it on the Boogie, and Magic to Do.  It was relatively easy to find seats for the second show.  Blame it on the Boogie was scheduled for a really odd time.  Didn’t make it to either show.  Guest performers were a hit and miss.  Premier Package seats were on the top/stage left or bottom level/stage left.  Never fully used.  The Emerald Princess has a walk in Deck 6 Princess Theater.  Did not require any steps for wheelchair access.

 

The Meet and Greet was well attended.  4 officers were there:  Associate General Manager, Entertainment Director, Loyalty and Events Manager, and Guest Services Manager (might have had one more).  They introduced themselves and then did a Question and Answer session.  Each Meet and Greet is different.  All officers were invited.  Captain was heard everyday over the PA system but wasn't at the M & G.  He kept us informed of lots of things.  

 

I did understand that the 2 sea days would be packed with events since this was a port intensive cruise.  There were activities in the Piazza all the time.  I am not a trivia person so didn’t follow their sessions.  There were 2 formal nights that included a Champagne night.  The casino was packed and smoky.  The Captain Circle party, I thought was a dud.  There was no mention of the new Sun Class ships.  No Hip, Hip Hooray, for Princess.  Just drinks and thank you for coming.  On the night I attended, the Captain did not show up.  He was supervising a Medical Evacuation of a young 3 year old and her mother.  

 

https://abc7.com/santa-barbara-coast-guard-toddler-airlift/13308117/

 

Traveling with 2 ninety plus year olds can be quite a challenge (too personal to detail issues here).  Both were mobile.  I used the Medallion Class app to keep track of them.  iMessaging was a hit and miss. Not sure if this could be attributed to user error.  Some messages were sent in green.  Some never could be sent/received.  Yet, I did not have any trouble with another passenger on the ship.  We did run across 4 more friends on the ship.  That was a pleasant surprise.  

 

Used Crew Chat many times.  One night, around midnight, the toilet wouldn’t flush.  Concerned since the water level rose each time I pressed the button.  Crew Chat to the rescue.  She asked if I wanted to stay up for 30 more minutes if she could find someone to fix it.  I was so happy to see crew show up.  He did something on the outside of the cabin, then came in to make sure it worked.  Now, that is AMAZING !

 

Disembarkation was very smooth.  We left for breakfast around 7:30.  By the time we finished and went to the Elite Lounge for disembarkation, they had already called our color.  So we just walked off.  Facial Recognition.  Picked up luggage and out to the street.  

 

There were lots of walkers and scooters, but nothing to cause any concerns.  Now, on the other hand, there were more kids and young adults on this voyage.   There were 1021 Blue passengers.  There were more trays left in the passage ways.  No outward signs of covid.  Not a lot of coughing.  Maybe 1% were masked (me).  Elevators were plentiful.  Only had to let one pass.  

 

I was on the hunt for peanut butter cookies.  “Joel” in the buffet checked behind the counter, in the kitchen, went down to the IC, but could not find me any (that’s dedication).  Hit the IC after a day off the ship.  Several did not make it back to the cabin.  I was taught to share, so elevator people were offered/and they took.  On Ensenada day, I went down at 10, 11, and 12….to finally get a plate of hot Peanut Butter cookies.  Did not share this time, but relayed how to… Service was outstanding in all public areas.  Great Room Steward who managed to keep up with my pink post it notes.  He had cabins on opposite sides of the ship so was not always visually available.  (Elite) Laundry was returned the next day.  No suite amenities.  I did request a blue bag and they appeared for both of us.  

 

Lots of people in line for soft serve cones.  Emerald had ice cream too.  Very, very, very few were in line for the sundaes.  

 

I did purchase Medallion Net and it was fine.  Didn’t run any speed tests.  Sufficient for my online games, emails, iMessages, and basic surfing the news.

 

All in all, accomplished our goal for being on a cruise.  We all enjoyed the time together.  The ship was full (2900+ passengers).  The buffet and Piazza were busy but you could always manage to find a seat.  Sometimes you had to flag down a waiter in the buffet, but they were always visible.  It was a relaxing cruise for my friends, but I am exhausted.  WOW...this is much longer than I had planned.  Glad you are still reading...... 

 

Post cruise notes:  Tested Negative for Covid (may be too early).  This is just my routine when I travel (pre/post tests).  Cabin mate “forgot” to pick up a smaller bag in the terminal.  If you ever need this information, jot it down:

 

Dear R

 

Unclaimed luggage is handled by Princess' ground agent SMS. Please contact Tanya Euceda 213.321.7579 or Cindy Bustamante 206.849.6910

 

They should be able to tell you if they still have your luggage. 

 

Thanks 

 

Octavio

octavio.sanchez@portsamerica.com

 

steve.loevsky@portsamerica.com

 

You mention being in an inside but then mention no suite amenities. Why would anyone expect amenities if not in a full suite

[cr8tiv1]

25 minutes ago, memoak said:

You mention being in an inside but then mention no suite amenities. Why would anyone expect amenities if not in a full suite

 

oops...I am used to suite amenities.  I meant to say elite amenities. There were no extra tube of lotion (large pump bottle), no shower cap, no q-tips, no emory board, no nothing.  When I asked about elite amenities, my room steward said they are no longer offered.  

 

Thanks for catching my mis-step.  

[memoak]

2 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

oops...I am used to suite amenities.  I meant to say elite amenities. There were no extra tube of lotion (large pump bottle), no shower cap, no q-tips, no emory board, no nothing.  When I asked about elite amenities, my room steward said they are no longer offered.  

 

Thanks for catching my mis-step.  

We always bring our own stuff so I have never worried about those. Most elite benefits we like are the mini bar and laundry service 

[cr8tiv1]

14 minutes ago, memoak said:

We always bring our own stuff so I have never worried about those. Most elite benefits we like are the mini bar and laundry service 

 

Got both of those.  

[cr8tiv1]

I should also add...cabin mate's daughter-in-law needed to get a passport for a flight to the UK...next week.  Let me try to explain (not going to be easy).

 

1.  DIL dropped us off at the port (we left car with them).  They were all (3) flying to Heathrow in a little over 2 weeks (from 5/20).  She had no current passport (maybe expired).

 

2.  Needed one ASAP.  Called somebody and was told to call back exactly two weeks before trip to get an appointment.

 

3.  Called while we were on the cruise.  Exactly 14 days out.  Best appointment was in San Diego after their flight left (so nothing available within 14 days).  Don't quite understand how that works.

 

4.  Found out when she picked us up.  They had to reschedule their flights for after the weekend.  After she drives to San Diego to pick up passport. For a small "expedient" fee (not the $400 she was expecting if she went through a service that wouldn't have worked).  

 

Luckily, they are flying to Heathrow for a different land occasion.  Will make that event.  But if she was boarding a ship...I'm sorry.  Luckily, "event" was scheduled with some buffer time.  

 

 

[jwattle]

Just looked, and 😥 upgraded toiletries / amenities are not listed for elites anymore.

[cr8tiv1]

The Loyalty and Events Manager on the Diamond (in March) gave me the new updated list (and warned me).  But I didn't take to mind....since we all know that Princess ships are not consistent across the fleet.  Wishful thinking.  

 

A couple more comments to thread.  I requested a hand held shower head.  Not in my cabin when I checked in.  Installed before I took my first shower.  Princess is trying very hard.  I appreciate all of the small things they are doing to make cruising easier on older folks.  I also received a shower chair that doubled as a "barrel chair" when needed.  Next cruise with this cabin mate will book a handicap accessible cabin. 

 

Also, after making her walk back from Pier 39, friend requested a wheelchair from street to ship.  One was summoned.  He took her all the way to her cabin.  How could you ask for more? Service was outstanding.

[cr8tiv1]

Technical director (aka my daughter) corrected me.

 

Premier Reserved Seats are HOUSE left (when facing the stage).  So far, on all of my cruises, the reserve seats are on the upper level.  I have seen it either above the second railing OR at the very top of Deck 7.  This was the first time I've seen Reserved Seats on Deck 6. No "guards" but an announcement was made a few minutes before show time.  Seats were never filled for second show.

[sunviking90]

1 hour ago, cr8tiv1 said:

The Loyalty and Events Manager on the Diamond (in March) gave me the new updated list (and warned me).  But I didn't take to mind....since we all know that Princess ships are not consistent across the fleet.  Wishful thinking.  

 

A couple more comments to thread.  I requested a hand held shower head.  Not in my cabin when I checked in.  Installed before I took my first shower.  Princess is trying very hard.  I appreciate all of the small things they are doing to make cruising easier on older folks.  I also received a shower chair that doubled as a "barrel chair" when needed.  Next cruise with this cabin mate will book a handicap accessible cabin. 

 

Also, after making her walk back from Pier 39, friend requested a wheelchair from street to ship.  One was summoned.  He took her all the way to her cabin.  How could you ask for more? Service was outstanding.

Yes, I agree they are trying. I particularly appreciate the feedback sheet left in the cabin in the first few days. On one cruise we noticed the MDR coffee very weak like dishwater. Commented on that and it was much better the next day!

Edited May 30, 2023 by sunviking90

[cr8tiv1]

Terminal Update for lost/left behind luggage:

 

I am in contact with a representative for SMS (agents for Princess).  She only has access the day before a ship arrives, to set up.  Left behind luggage is held for 2 weeks before being sent to Santa Clarita.  The Emerald will return on Thursday, so she will check on Wednesday.  

 

Very nice person.  Feeling more positive about locating left behind bag.  At least the Emerald will return to Berth 92.

[cr8tiv1]

Further UPDATE:

 

Shoe bag has been found.  At first, Tanya wanted a credit card to send it to us.  Then she remembered that we will pick it up.  Almost there.  Now the fun begins.  It needs to be picked up when the Emerald does a turn around (Cabo/Hawaii) on Thursday. At least there is only one ship in port.  

[theloo]

My mother in law left her phone on the Ruby about 6 years ago in LA.  Staff found it and mailed it back to her about two weeks later when the ship arrived in Florida.  No pictures of the Panama Canal though.

[cr8tiv1]

51 minutes ago, theloo said:

My mother in law left her phone on the Ruby about 6 years ago in LA.  Staff found it and mailed it back to her about two weeks later when the ship arrived in Florida.  No pictures of the Panama Canal though.

Great to hear.  Did they charge her for shipping?  

[theloo]

 

7 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Great to hear.  Did they charge her for shipping?  

Not sure, but I don't think so.

Edited May 31, 2023 by theloo

[dickinson]

@cr8tiv1 Great review!

[cr8tiv1]

5 minutes ago, dickinson said:

@cr8tiv1 Great review!

 

Thanks, I know who my cheerleaderS are!

[cr8tiv1]

Mission Accomplished:  "If only I had an airtag"

 

This is the end of this adventure (I think).  Owner of the bag daughter-in-law drove up to the curb, called Tanya, and she had someone bring the bag out to the car.  Terrific curbside service.

 

I won't speak for anyone else, but personally found the Emerald Princess to be up there with the rest of the cruises I've been on since the restart.  Buffet was okay, but I am not a buffet person.  They had my Peanut Butter cookies at the IC.  MDR dining was beyond fabulous.  I gained pounds.  AND my blood pressure is lower than it has been in months.  All I can say is that I did not have much planned for this cruise except to renew friendships.  I wasn't able to give Apple Device lessons that I had planned on.  Nor was I able to read any of my digitally borrowed books or compose a writing piece for a group I participate in.  I did walk a couple of miles at each port (except Ensenada).  The cruise was all that I expected except for the little "glitch" at the end. 

 

My mantra is:  Everything is fixable.  If it doesn't work the first time, you do what you need to do to make it a success.  I'm just happy to be on a cruise ship.  

 

Until my next voyage.....Pollyanna signing off.

 

 

 

 

[Kay S]

Glad it all worked out.

[Prost]

On 5/29/2023 at 11:16 AM, cr8tiv1 said:

...Post cruise notes:  Tested Negative for Covid (may be too early).  This is just my routine when I travel (pre/post tests)...

 

 I was in this 7 days California costal cruise and started having covid symptom (sore throat) on Monday.  Did a PCR test on Tuesday and was confirmed Positive yesterday around noon.  Had fever above 102F last night right after first dose of Paxlovid and Advils and the fever had subside to normal today.  Sore throat is better but still bothersome.  As most people said nowadays, very similar to a flu (first time covid).

[cr8tiv1]

2 minutes ago, Prost said:

 I was in this 7 days California costal cruise and started having covid symptom (sore throat) on Monday.  Did a PCR test on Tuesday and was confirmed Positive yesterday around noon.  Had fever above 102F last night right after first dose of Paxlovid and Advils and the fever had subside to normal today.  Sore throat is better but still bothersome.  As most people said nowadays, very similar to a flu (first time covid).

 

Still negative, but a friend that was on the Hawaii cruise before ours...tested positive for Covid on the way back from the islands and quarantined in her cabin.  Both tested positive.  They avoided covid during the pandemic and thought it would be safe to start cruising again.  

 

It's not over yet, but hope you are recovering.  

[Mrs K]

On 6/1/2023 at 7:13 PM, cr8tiv1 said:

 

Still negative, but a friend that was on the Hawaii cruise before ours...tested positive for Covid on the way back from the islands and quarantined in her cabin.  Both tested positive.  They avoided covid during the pandemic and thought it would be safe to start cruising again.  

 

It's not over yet, but hope you are recovering.  

I was on this trip and the next 5 day.  I tested positive on Sunday and was quarantined in the cabin for until the end of the cruise.  My husband was also positive.  We had excellent care by the medical staff, took paxlovid and Tylenol.  We are feeling better test negative but still very tired.  Now to deal with the insurance,  we have 65 cruises with princess and have never used the insurance, any suggestions?

[memoak]

37 minutes ago, Mrs K said:

I was on this trip and the next 5 day.  I tested positive on Sunday and was quarantined in the cabin for until the end of the cruise.  My husband was also positive.  We had excellent care by the medical staff, took paxlovid and Tylenol.  We are feeling better test negative but still very tired.  Now to deal with the insurance,  we have 65 cruises with princess and have never used the insurance, any suggestions?

You should automatically get FCC”s for try he days you were isolated but it may take a few months to get it. As far as medical charges ours were reimbursed by our medical provider so you should check with yours or your travel insurance provider