Live from Discovery Princess for Oct 21-Nov 4

[Cruise Raider]

Yesterday was a wonderful day again in the City of San Francisco.  We took a was down to Pier 39, just to get some exercise and walk off some calories from the delicious pizza we had at GiGis.  

We wanted a nice window seat in the Salty Dog GastroPub for sail away, so we decided to have dinner there.  BTW, we met with another CC member, WallyJ.  It was so wonderful to meet him and hopefully, we will get the opportunity to visit with him again today.  

I also saw a seal or sea lion pop right out if the water like Flipper  .. so graceful!  The seagulls and pelicans were flying by wildly once the engines started.  Wow, all such beautiful sights to see!  I had to film the crossing under the bridge because I never tire of that experience.  
At the GastroPub, I wanted to order something different this time I and got the mushroom dish with a Scotch Egg and the Calamari.  Wow, those were two great choices.  It wasn’t super crowded so we took our time for dinner until we were well out to sea.  
 

Knowing we really wanted to stay up for Leo Rossi’s show at 9:30 PM, as we missed it the previous night, we wanted to keep ourselves entertained and not go upstairs for a nap.  😆 

So, we decided to spend a little time in the casino.  I’d have never really was a gambling this cruise was as the casino floor was packed.  I nabbed one of the machines that became available.  Unfortunately, it was on the smoking side and there were so many smokers in there.  Nevertheless, I had fun and actually broke even.

 

We stopped in to the Future Cruise Office to see if there were any new specials added to the list for booking while onboard.  No, I think we booked them all already .. all other ones out of San Francisco anyway!  
 

Now, time to watch the comedian/impressionist, Jeff Berghart, in the Princess theater.  Oh my goodness, that man was absolutely fall down hilarious!  Some of his jokes might be lost on a younger crowd .. ones that didn’t grow up watching Carol Burnett.  But we laughed until there were tears in our eyes.  
The theater had a fairly good sized crowd but there were still seats near the side aisles. 

We kept ourselves entertained long enough to make it to Leo Rossi’s show.  Yes!  I’m so glad we did!  We have seen Leo and all his shows several times but he doesn’t work off a script so each show, something different is presented. His show last night, Divas 1,  was quite good.  You can tell he puts a lot of hard work into his shows.  We sat amongst friends, including Leo’s sister and bride, who are also such sweethearts!  I noticed that Al Jardin was there, as was Kimberly Locke, etc.  

 

As mentioned above, I’m growing fond of the mattresses and the even the crunchy pillows.  😆  I slept like a rock last night.  Not on a rock but like a rock!  
Here is 9:00 AM and I’m just having a lazy morning!  
 

Tonight is formal night and we prefer to go to the crown grill tonight.  I’m just assuming this but it looks like reservations for the specialty restaurants are not always showing as available on the app. The restaurant manager at GiGis, Lawrence, called to make reservations for me.  He said I would hear back from them.  While we were at the Slaty Dog, the bartender, Allan told me I had a phone call.  Lo and Behold, it was Grace and she confirmed our reservation at 5 PM for four.  I really do love the convenience of the medallion.  
 

Today, they have the pub lunch in the MDR.  We may try to get in there as it’s always a favorite of ours.  
Al Jardin, one of the original Beach Boys, will also have his talk with Leo this afternoon in the theater.  I haven’t looked much further it think that there may be another production show tonight.  If it’s Spotlight Bar, I have to be sure to go see that, too.  
 

The skies are cloudy but the temperature is pleasant and the seas are quite calm.  

 

[Cruise Craig]

19 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

Yesterday was a wonderful day again in the City of San Francisco.  We took a was down to Pier 39, just to get some exercise and walk off some calories from the delicious pizza we had at GiGis.  

We wanted a nice window seat in the Salty Dog GastroPub for sail away, so we decided to have dinner there.  BTW, we met with another CC member, WallyJ.  It was so wonderful to meet him and hopefully, we will get the opportunity to visit with him again today.  

I also saw a seal or sea lion pop right out if the water like Flipper  .. so graceful!  The seagulls and pelicans were flying by wildly once the engines started.  Wow, all such beautiful sights to see!  I had to film the crossing under the bridge because I never tire of that experience.  
At the GastroPub, I wanted to order something different this time I and got the mushroom dish with a Scotch Egg and the Calamari.  Wow, those were two great choices.  It wasn’t super crowded so we took our time for dinner until we were well out to sea.  
 

Knowing we really wanted to stay up for Leo Rossi’s show at 9:30 PM, as we missed it the previous night, we wanted to keep ourselves entertained and not go upstairs for a nap.  😆 

So, we decided to spend a little time in the casino.  I’d have never really was a gambling this cruise was as the casino floor was packed.  I nabbed one of the machines that became available.  Unfortunately, it was on the smoking side and there were so many smokers in there.  Nevertheless, I had fun and actually broke even.

 

We stopped in to the Future Cruise Office to see if there were any new specials added to the list for booking while onboard.  No, I think we booked them all already .. all other ones out of San Francisco anyway!  
 

Now, time to watch the comedian/impressionist, Jeff Berghart, in the Princess theater.  Oh my goodness, that man was absolutely fall down hilarious!  Some of his jokes might be lost on a younger crowd .. ones that didn’t grow up watching Carol Burnett.  But we laughed until there were tears in our eyes.  
The theater had a fairly good sized crowd but there were still seats near the side aisles. 

We kept ourselves entertained long enough to make it to Leo Rossi’s show.  Yes!  I’m so glad we did!  We have seen Leo and all his shows several times but he doesn’t work off a script so each show, something different is presented. His show last night, Divas 1,  was quite good.  You can tell he puts a lot of hard work into his shows.  We sat amongst friends, including Leo’s sister and bride, who are also such sweethearts!  I noticed that Al Jardin was there, as was Kimberly Locke, etc.  

 

As mentioned above, I’m growing fond of the mattresses and the even the crunchy pillows.  😆  I slept like a rock last night.  Not on a rock but like a rock!  
Here is 9:00 AM and I’m just having a lazy morning!  
 

Tonight is formal night and we prefer to go to the crown grill tonight.  I’m just assuming this but it looks like reservations for the specialty restaurants are not always showing as available on the app. The restaurant manager at GiGis, Lawrence, called to make reservations for me.  He said I would hear back from them.  While we were at the Slaty Dog, the bartender, Allan told me I had a phone call.  Lo and Behold, it was Grace and she confirmed our reservation at 5 PM for four.  I really do love the convenience of the medallion.  
 

Today, they have the pub lunch in the MDR.  We may try to get in there as it’s always a favorite of ours.  
Al Jardin, one of the original Beach Boys, will also have his talk with Leo this afternoon in the theater.  I haven’t looked much further it think that there may be another production show tonight.  If it’s Spotlight Bar, I have to be sure to go see that, too.  
 

The skies are cloudy but the temperature is pleasant and the seas are quite calm.  

 

I see that Leo Rossi is listed on my upcoming November sailing. I would have normally passed as I'm not familiar with him but with your high praise I'll make sure to check it out. 

 

I love that princess phoned the venue you were in to update you on your reservation. That's like the best of old school customer service and new tech in action. I find it fascinating.

 

Your updates have truly been helpful and enjoyable thank you.

 

[Cruise Raider]

So, I see they are having the Crab Shack in the Salty Dog GastroPub today and being run by the fine staff from the Bistro Sur La Mer.  
I see they have a few guests already dining in there .. it is about 11:30 AM.  I heard they are also having lunch in the Crown Grill but we will go for dinner instead because we want to see the Leo Rossi and Al Jardin show at 1:30 this afternoon so don’t want to be late.  
I also just had room service for breakfast about an hour ago.  
 

 

[tjcletzgo]

11 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

So, I see they are having the Crab Shack in the Salty Dog GastroPub today and being run by the fine staff from the Bistro Sur La Mer.  
I see they have a few guests already dining in there .. it is about 11:30 AM.  I heard they are also having lunch in the Crown Grill but we will go for dinner instead because we want to see the Leo Rossi and Al Jardin show at 1:30 this afternoon so don’t want to be late.  
I also just had room service for breakfast about an hour ago.  
 

 

I thought the Crab Shack was only on Alaska cruises?

[New2cruise2022]

2 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

Today, they have the pub lunch in the MDR.  We may try to get in there as it’s always a favorite of ours.  

For first timers like me, what is the pub lunch?

[New2cruise2022]

17 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

I heard they are also having lunch in the Crown Grill

Does this happen often? Is it the regular crown grill menu and pricing? Are times available before the cruise or is it something you learn about when you are on the cruise?

 

(thanks for any input — lots to learn still)

[Cruise Raider]

41 minutes ago, tjcletzgo said:

I thought the Crab Shack was only on Alaska cruises?

i thought so, too but evidently not.  
And it looks like maybe I was given bad info on the Crown Grill being open.  
 

We just had a light lunch of edamame beans and sushi for lunch.  Wow, was that ever great.  We both loved it!  
Off to the show soon.  

[Cruise Raider]

56 minutes ago, New2cruise2022 said:

For first timers like me, what is the pub lunch?

The Pub Lunch has British menu that includes fish and chips (sometimes it is shrimp and chips), Bangers and Mash, Shepherds Pie, a curry dish, ploughmans lunch (don’t know what that is) and bread pudding for dessert.  They also are serving split pea soup from what I’ve heard.  They always served mushy peas with the fish and chips and while it is a favorite of mine, a lot of people do not like them.  

[Cruise Raider]

58 minutes ago, New2cruise2022 said:

Does this happen often? Is it the regular crown grill menu and pricing? Are times available before the cruise or is it something you learn about when you are on the cruise?

 

(thanks for any input — lots to learn still)

We have seen it since they are filling the ships to capacity again. 
As mentioned, I think I got bad information that it would be open for lunch today as I see another event scheduled for there on Journeyview.  
When they do have it, the menu and pricing is the same as the dinner menu and only held on sea days.  It’s great for those of us that love to eat our larger meal in the middle of the day, it’s perfect.  But thankfully, we were able to get a pan early reservation for the crown grill for tonight.  
The Captains Circle party is at 7 PM and Spotlight Bar is the show tonight at 7:30 PM.  So, I think we may need to skip the Captains Circle party.  
 

There are really a lot of great events and activities happening all day onboard.  We will just have to stay onboard  and do what we missed this week.  😆 
 

[Cruise Raider]

Just came from the interview of Al Jardine by Leo Rossi.  I tell you, Princess has really done such a fabulous job with the entertainment and enrichment, especially since the restart.  This event was very special to all that were old enough to see The Beach Boys perform in person.  Waht a great event to attend.  

[westcoastBC]

24 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

Just came from the interview of Al Jardine by Leo Rossi.  I tell you, Princess has really done such a fabulous job with the entertainment and enrichment, especially since the restart.  This event was very special to all that were old enough to see The Beach Boys perform in person.  Waht a great event to attend.  

I am sure this has been asked and answered but could you please tell me where the smoking areas are?

much appreciated .

[Cruise Raider]

16 minutes ago, westcoastBC said:

I am sure this has been asked and answered but could you please tell me where the smoking areas are?

much appreciated .

 
i noticed that there was a smoking area on deck 7 towards the aft of the ship.  I am thinking that was the starboard side of the ship.  
There is smoking always on one side of the casino but you are supposed to be playing to smoke in there.  The gaming area isn’t split up that well on this ship, though.  
I’m not sure about the upper decks as we haven’t been up there as of yet.  
 

[cheetosrevil]

22 minutes ago, westcoastBC said:

I am sure this has been asked and answered but could you please tell me where the smoking areas are?

much appreciated .

Through a Google search, the aft of deck 17, the casino and Churchill's, although I think the latter is being converted into an arcade. Someone will be able to confirm.

Edited October 25, 2023 by cheetosrevil

[Cruise Craig]

47 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

Just came from the interview of Al Jardine by Leo Rossi.  I tell you, Princess has really done such a fabulous job with the entertainment and enrichment, especially since the restart.  This event was very special to all that were old enough to see The Beach Boys perform in person.  Waht a great event to attend.  

They have something simlar listed on my sailing but featuring the Fleetwood Mac crew. I heard that princess couldn't match other lines for daytime entertainment but I'm pleasently supprised by the amount of enrichment talks that happened.  Rock history is deffinately up my alley.

[westcoastBC]

19 minutes ago, cheetosrevil said:

Through a Google search, the aft of deck 17, the casino and Churchill's, although I think the latter is being converted into an arcade. Someone will be able to confirm.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. I was most interested about the aft areas. I took a leap and booked the aft cabin on 15 and was looking at the deck plan and there is a large blank space in the middle. Last time on the ship I remember there being a large smoking area but as a non smoker I didn’t pay attention. I really am hoping it is not on 15 ,if it is I will need to rebook quickly.

Anyone know for sure?

[cheetosrevil]

13 minutes ago, westcoastBC said:

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. I was most interested about the aft areas. I took a leap and booked the aft cabin on 15 and was looking at the deck plan and there is a large blank space in the middle. Last time on the ship I remember there being a large smoking area but as a non smoker I didn’t pay attention. I really am hoping it is not on 15 ,if it is I will need to rebook quickly.

Anyone know for sure?

If you're talking about the Discovery then only deck 17 aft for outside areas ("legal" ones if you get my drift). You might get residual smoke floating upwards on your balcony so keep that in mind when you're on your balcony.

Edited October 25, 2023 by cheetosrevil

[westcoastBC]

7 minutes ago, cheetosrevil said:

If you're talking about the Discovery then only deck 17 aft for outside areas ("legal" ones if you get my drift). You might get residual smoke floating upwards on your balcony so keep that in mind when you're on your balcony.

Okay, thank you. I can live with two decks below. Is the smoking the entire aft or off to one side? Do you happen to know what the large blank space on middle of 15 is?

[cheetosrevil]

8 minutes ago, westcoastBC said:

Okay, thank you. I can live with two decks below. Is the smoking the entire aft or off to one side? Do you happen to know what the large blank space on middle of 15 is?

Smoking is the entire aft of that deck.

 

I looked at several decks around what I think you mean the "middle" re: the blank space and maybe it's housekeeping?

 

Sorry @Cruise Raidersorry the responses segued your report. @westcoastBCplease start another thread with your questions.

[Incognito1]

On 10/23/2023 at 7:50 AM, tjcletzgo said:

Are the pillows too hard or too soft?

They're GIANT, almost like short maternity pillows 😀.  We also couldn't find one we liked, nor could our steward.  I'm using a rolled up sweatshirt for sleeping.

 

Maybe they're those $5 clearance ones from Big Lots.  They certainly are not quality.

[Cruise Raider]

16 hours ago, Cruise Craig said:

They have something simlar listed on my sailing but featuring the Fleetwood Mac crew. I heard that princess couldn't match other lines for daytime entertainment but I'm pleasently supprised by the amount of enrichment talks that happened.  Rock history is deffinately up my alley.

Leo Rossi was on the crew for Fleetwood Mac but also worked for many other bands, such as The Beach Boys, and other singers.  
I assume you will love attending his his talks.  

Princess really excels with daytime entertainment!  It’s possible that they didn’t do so prior to the CoVid lockdowns but now, there are so many things constantly going on that it’s hard to pick what you want to do.  Their theme cruises are all super fun!  
And there is always quiet places to relax and just read a book if that is more your style.  
Earlier this year, we were on a Celebrity cruise.  We were kind of bored!  We came back to Princess and haven’t looked on other lines ever since.  

 

[Cruise Raider]

16 hours ago, cheetosrevil said:

Smoking is the entire aft of that deck.

 

I looked at several decks around what I think you mean the "middle" re: the blank space and maybe it's housekeeping?

 

Sorry @Cruise Raidersorry the responses segued your report. @westcoastBCplease start another thread with your questions.

It doesn’t bother me in the very least.  But thank you for your responses.  

[Cruise Raider]

Last night, the four of us went to the Crown Grill for dinner at 5 PM.  Oh my goodness, it was outstanding in every way!  I like how their portion sizes are so much more reasonably sized.  I did not leave there stuffed for the first time ever.  
The orders at our table were lobster, filet mignon, Chilean sea bass.  The food was hot and delish!   That French bread they served was too hard to resist!  
We popped down to the Future Cruise office to see if there were any additions to the 50% off sale.  We’ve already booked all the ones we were interested in on our last couple of sailings.  Our friends found some good ones to book.  
We then went to Spotlight Bar production show.  They had already released the premier seating but the Entertainment director was there to help us find two seats together just in time for the show’s start!  If you’ve not seen Spotlight Bar before, you should make it a point to go!  It’s one show I could see time and time again.  
The incredible choreography, great music, extreme talent and hard work of the cast and the set make this the most phenomenal production show.  
After the show, we just headed back to the cabin.  We received instructions for our Back To Back procures and they have a meeting set up for tomorrow in case we have questions on the process.  
 

We are in San Diego today with gorgeous sunny weather.  We are probably staying onboard as we’ve been here so many times and we really don’t cruise for the ports but for the ship and crew.  I think we may head up to watch a movie up on MUTS and get a bit of sunshine and maybe a bit of exercise.  


 

[Cruise Craig]

39 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

Last night, the four of us went to the Crown Grill for dinner at 5 PM.  Oh my goodness, it was outstanding in every way!  I like how their portion sizes are so much more reasonably sized.  I did not leave there stuffed for the first time ever.  
The orders at our table were lobster, filet mignon, Chilean sea bass.  The food was hot and delish!   That French bread they served was too hard to resist!  
We popped down to the Future Cruise office to see if there were any additions to the 50% off sale.  We’ve already booked all the ones we were interested in on our last couple of sailings.  Our friends found some good ones to book.  
We then went to Spotlight Bar production show.  They had already released the premier seating but the Entertainment director was there to help us find two seats together just in time for the show’s start!  If you’ve not seen Spotlight Bar before, you should make it a point to go!  It’s one show I could see time and time again.  
The incredible choreography, great music, extreme talent and hard work of the cast and the set make this the most phenomenal production show.  
After the show, we just headed back to the cabin.  We received instructions for our Back To Back procures and they have a meeting set up for tomorrow in case we have questions on the process.  
 

We are in San Diego today with gorgeous sunny weather.  We are probably staying onboard as we’ve been here so many times and we really don’t cruise for the ports but for the ship and crew.  I think we may head up to watch a movie up on MUTS and get a bit of sunshine and maybe a bit of exercise.  


 

I am thrilled to hear that the Crown Grill is excellent. We have it booked on embarkation day as it's our tradition to eat at the steakhouse to start the cruise right. It's our first time on Princess so the first time at crown grill.

 

Speaking of speciality dining I keep hearing rumbling of The Catch opening in November. If you get the opportunity can you ask somebody from Bistro Sur Le Mer if they know when the change over will happen. Please don't go out of your way I'm just curious if the Catch will be ready for our Nov 11th sailing.

 

We have Premier as well and I was wondering how early we have to arrive to take advantage of the reserved seating at the production shows.

 

Thanks again Cruise Raider and I hope your B2B transition goes super smooth.

[Coolmama_1]

On 10/23/2023 at 10:46 AM, PescadoAmarillo said:

High praise indeed! 😉

 

We have recently discovered Long Beach as an alternative to LAX for cruises out of San Pedro. Do you recall how much the Uber cost?  Enjoy your cruise!  May softer pillows be in your future. 

We like Long Beach too! So much easier. We use Lyft and it was around 42.00 .

[Incognito1]

10 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

And there is always quiet places to relax and just read a book if that is more your style.  
 

Where, oh where?  I have been looking for a quiet place all week.  No library and the Internet Cafe is off the piazza.