***Live from the Pacific Princess***

[T&J]

Hi Tony,

 

Looking forward to your updates from the Pacific Princess---always so informative.

 

Curt :)

 

Hello Curt and Cindy!....we'll I'll be trying to post twice a day, however if you don;t hear from me it's because of the satelite link is down and especially in these parts of the world where we are going I think we will have a lot of black out areas.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[T&J]

Nice to have you back on board:)

I am leaving on Island Princess Hawaiian LA return on Thursday.Will try and read your reviews from the Pacific Ocean.:) Say Hi to Lorraine and Tom from me.Hope Dee has lots of luck at 'Trivia'.

 

Kruisey ....enjoy your cruise on the Island...she's a great ship from what I hear.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[TexasMom2]

Wow, I just noticed in your signature that you are visiting the Cook Islands twice before our trip next June. I can't wait for those reports!

[JotWorld]

Jotworld...the ship is pretty much the same I left it on August 1st after being on it for 2.5 consecutive months. I am finding that there is a lot more wear and tear on this ship than I would personally like to see. The service is excellent but I have to be truthful I was blown away on the Grand Princess at the level of service which was beyond "EXCELLENT".

 

Cabins are looking a bit tired as well. On a further note from my last posting of last night. the new linens are implemented on here but I don't understand why they are covering up the new comforters by putting the old ones on top of them???...that's why I didn't see them last night until the bed was turned down after dinner...very bizarre!

 

Tony

 

I hope the Golden in Nov is as Good as the Grand. We'll both be on that also in Nov, us 11/29 after the spruce up:)

Maybe the PP will be Face lifted when it's in "Dry Dock" Next Year:confused:

Any interest in the New Emerald 9/2/07 12 Day Rome to Venice Greek Isle,

Med Cruise(One of your Fav Areas:) )? We're thinking of adding that to our list, the prices for BC is about 32% off.;)

Our Best to you Tony & again Thank you!

Bill

[T&J]

Good Morning....Woke up this morning a little later than usual for me at 6:15am...just flooped into bed last night at 11:00pm and said when I wake up is when I wake up!FYI, the upgraded wine list is in effect on this ship now as well as the pay for coffee situation in all the bars for regular brewed coffee. Went downstairs at 7:00am to teh CLub Bar for a couple of espressos...Lucas my favorite bartender is still there and knows my routine. Breakfast was quick and dirty with some fresh squeezed orange juice and two poached eggs on english muffins.....trying to eat halthier on this cruise and cut out th aft intake as much as possible...HA! like taht will happen quick enough!Today we are at sea and the seas are a little choppy but not overly rough. everyone last night said it was rough but I didn't feel a thing at all.Trivia is today at 11:30am and I might go ahve a look and participate. It's Formal Night tonight so got my penguin suit ready to do the Dog and Pony Show at least 4 times on this cruise! I plan on going to the gym later today at some point just couldn't quite do the 7:00am thing this morning...just hope someone doesn't take a liking to treadmill #1 too much today!We are in Phu Muy tomorrow morning from 9:00am until 6:00pm and I do not plan on going into Ho Chi Nihn City as I haev done that 4 time already this past summer and last summer. Instead I plan on going into Vung Tau for a seafood luncheon with a couple of the crew that I know.More to follow later today from the Pacific Princess.Tony

[T&J]

Wow, I just noticed in your signature that you are visiting the Cook Islands twice before our trip next June. I can't wait for those reports!

Yes doing the Cook Islands and the Marquesas which Javier and I have done before...I really love those cruises and love French Polynesia as well. most certainly I will be doinga Live from on those two back 2 back cruises.Tony

[T&J]

I hope the Golden in Nov is as Good as the Grand. We'll both be on that also in Nov, us 11/29 after the spruce up:)

Maybe the PP will be Face lifted when it's in "Dry Dock" Next Year:confused:

Any interest in the New Emerald 9/2/07 12 Day Rome to Venice Greek Isle,

Med Cruise(One of your Fav Areas:) )? We're thinking of adding that to our list, the prices for BC is about 32% off.;)

Our Best to you Tony & again Thank you!

Bill

Bill and Irene...I have no plans on doing the Emerald next year since I tend to avoid new inaugural ships within the first 6 months until they iron out all the bugs which there usually is....As to the Pacific Princess..she's in dire need of a retrofit more than a drydock actually IMHO....she's still great and feels like my second home!I will certainly let you know about the Golden how she compares to my experience on the Grand Princess.Tony

[T&J]

We'll going to be heading down at 10:00am to see Anita the Captain Circle hostess to catch up and deliver her hair colour and lipstick she had me hunt down for her and also see Captain Michael Fatchen hopefully at lunch and have a catch up drink with him as well....I believe I am +13 hours ahead from the East coast so the postings will be a little out of sync until we get past India.More to follow later this afternoon from the magnificent Pacific Princess.Tony

[JotWorld]

We'll going to be heading down at 10:00am to see Anita the Captain Circle hostess to catch up and deliver her hair colour and lipstick she had me hunt down for her and also see Captain Michael Fatchen hopefully at lunch and have a catch up drink with him as well....I believe I am +13 hours ahead from the East coast so the postings will be a little out of sync until we get past India.More to follow later this afternoon from the magnificent Pacific Princess.Tony

 

Tony, Correct, It's 10:42 PM Sat EDT:) Now

[T&J]

Tony, Correct, It's 10:42 PM Sat EDT:) Now

OK good to know I still know my time zones and can count!Tony

[JotWorld]

[T&J]

 

Actually it's picked up a bit with light swells now since I was last on here and we had some hard rain all of sudden while out on deck earlier as well. Lokks to be a drb day at sea which may mean a "cat nap" will be in order this afternoon!

 

Going for lunch down in the Club Restaurant and will stop by the Panorama Buffet to get dessert since it's Senor's Ponch's themed Mexican buffet for lunch today.

 

More to follow later this afternoon from the very quiet Pacific Princess.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Instead I plan on going into Vung Tau for a seafood luncheon with a couple of the crew that I know.

 

Hi Tony,

Great to see you back aboard,and all the best for your Indian Ocean Voyage of discovery and adventure.

Noted above you are not heading into Ho Chi Min City again, but rather to Vung Tau.Is that far from Phu My,and does it offer more for cruise ships? I ask as HAL will be using Vung Tau as their port call in Vietnam on Amsterdams World Cruise.They call at 2 ports in Viet Nam...

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (Vung Tau) Vietnam

I have only been to Phu My which seems to be a long way from anywhere.

[Have a Good Trip]

Hi Tony,

 

Great to have you back "on the job" (so to speak!)

I see that you're not doing CPT-SYD now therefore won't be visiting Adelaide yet.

 

Looking forward to your reports

 

Tim

[arlenemilt]

Arlene...Yes Dee and John are 2nd most travelled and I am 3rd most travelled as the "Clarks" are onboard and are the most travelled pax's...will give your kisses to Giusseppe...his wife Janet is onboard again...don't know if you remember her while she was onboard the summer before with us with his kids?

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

 

Yes, Tony, Janet is a lovely lady and those boys are exceptionally well behaved. Regards to her too.

Arlene

[T&J]

Hi Tony,

Great to see you back aboard,and all the best for your Indian Ocean Voyage of discovery and adventure.

Noted above you are not heading into Ho Chi Min City again, but rather to Vung Tau.Is that far from Phu My,and does it offer more for cruise ships? I ask as HAL will be using Vung Tau as their port call in Vietnam on Amsterdams World Cruise.They call at 2 ports in Viet Nam...

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (Vung Tau) Vietnam

I have only been to Phu My which seems to be a long way from anywhere.

 

David...Vung Tau is approx. 45 minutes to an hour from Phu My depending on traffic...I don't believe it offers more than the little plce of Phu My IMHO but just soemwhere else different. Yiou can catch the hydrofoil from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Mihn City as well which I ahve never done.

 

I'll let you know more about it tomorrow after I am back on the ship and give you a personal perspective of it all.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[T&J]

Hi Tony,

 

Great to have you back "on the job" (so to speak!)

I see that you're not doing CPT-SYD now therefore won't be visiting Adelaide yet.

 

Looking forward to your reports

 

Tim

Tim, no I decided about 3 weeks ago after getting off the Grand with Javier that I really preferred staying in the Med and also doing Egypt for the first time instead of crossing the Indian Ocean for 8 consectutive days and repeating half of the same ports on this cruise again even though I have never been to Perth or Freemantle...my loss I know but some other time!Tony

[T&J]

Yes, Tony, Janet is a lovely lady and those boys are exceptionally well behaved. Regards to her too.

 

Arlene

I agree I love his two boys but they are in school now and there grandmother is looking after them while she is away. She disembarks in two days in Singapore.Tony

[T&J]

OK, so big intentiosn of going to the gym this afternoon didn't happen. Instead was watching CNN and past out on the bed after lunch and awoke at 4:30pm and then rushed to get into the shower and try on my tux and headed down to the Captains Welcome Cocktail (which btw I never attend). I shocked the **** out of most as I showed up to there replies..."but you never come to these." I don't usually but just thought I would shake things up a bit and not be so predictable.After a quick cocktail I went to dinner and had a great grilled chicken salad witha pesto dressing and grilled chicken with mashed potatoes, green beens and a medlley of vegetables. I also ordered a bottle of Veuve Cliquot which btw is now $64.00 per bottle onboard. The new price lists for wines and drinks are in effect everywhere on the ship!Had the drambuie and coconut ice cream dessert and I stayed away from the Basket of Death (bread basket) tonight as well.Went to my cabin and freshened up and went to the "office" for approx. 45 minutes and didn't make a thing..was minimum wage tonight as I would say.Meeting some fellow crew members for some drinks in a half hours time at the Casino Bar and I don't foresee it being a late night tonight.I am changing seatings and tables to second seating and have been invited (or rather invited myself) to John, Dee Miners and Tom and Lorraine Kennedy's and teh Marks table which should be a lot of fun!...not taht my table isn't any fun.I have noticed that it has been dead on the ship all day and thus all night...I don't know what or wehere people are going on this cruise thus far but will give them a chance as it is only day 2 of 28 days. I got bumped a notched as well, I am now 4th most travelled pax as another couple came out out of the wood work and bumped me...oh would ahve been the cheap **** anyways as a bottle!We are not sailing full, but rather 603 pax's out of a max 684 which is surprising as last year on this run it was sold out.More to follow tomorrow morning early from the Pacific Princess.Tony

[kruisey]

Have promised to write a report on my Island Princess experiences.

I find it hard remembering names never mind spelling unfamiliar last names.

How do you do it for your reports Tony?Do you take a wee notebook into the dining room for example and get the name of Maitre'd and spelling: ....Also what would be the reaction to my writing names in a notebook? :eek:

You, to me are the expert on this subject.....so a bit of help in this please.:)

[JotWorld]

"Went to my cabin and freshened up and went to the "office" for approx. 45 minutes and didn't make a thing..was minimum wage tonight as I would say."

Cute:) I was going to ask you about the office, you hadn't mentioned it.

BTW, Say Hi to Viet Nam for me(Pass on the Hi:eek: ), spent 13 Months in North - Da Nang Area, Marble Mountain, USMC Helicopters, right next to the Famous "China Beach" on the South China Sea Jul 67-Jul 68. Was at Khe Sanh for a while During "the Tet Offensive" peak of the "War":( Lucky to get out of there alive, many of my buddies didn't.:mad: ("The Siege of Khe Sanh") Oh well, War is Hell!(Got that off my chest, will not mention it again, Sorry:o )

[envy4u]

Have promised to write a report on my Island Princess experiences.

I find it hard remembering names never mind spelling unfamiliar last names.

How do you do it for your reports Tony?Do you take a wee notebook into the dining room for example and get the name of Maitre'd and spelling: ....Also what would be the reaction to my writing names in a notebook? :eek:

You, to me are the expert on this subject.....so a bit of help in this please.:)

 

Kruisey you don't have to be like Mr. T . He has a memory like an elephant . Just do your best in reporting about the ship and ports .

 

T...please find out what Pinot Grigios they have for me and a good Merlot for you know who . Otherwise I may have to pick up some in L.A. before we board the I. P.

[T&J]

Kruisey you don't have to be like Mr. T . He has a memory like an elephant . Just do your best in reporting about the ship and ports .

 

T...please find out what Pinot Grigios they have for me and a good Merlot for you know who . Otherwise I may have to pick up some in L.A. before we board the I. P.

They still have the Santa Margerita Pinot Grigio adn the Dazante on the menus. Some good Merlot's ...I'll have to check the wine list again as nothing comes to mind that is exceptional.Tony

[T&J]

Have promised to write a report on my Island Princess experiences.

I find it hard remembering names never mind spelling unfamiliar last names.

How do you do it for your reports Tony?Do you take a wee notebook into the dining room for example and get the name of Maitre'd and spelling: ....Also what would be the reaction to my writing names in a notebook? :eek:

You, to me are the expert on this subject.....so a bit of help in this please.:)

Kruisey as Envy4u says I do have a memory like an elephant and if I keep eating this way again I'll be the size of one too! I remember everything but that's from my Project Management background where it's all about the details etc....just do your best to remember the stuff that is most important.Tony

[T&J]

"Went to my cabin and freshened up and went to the "office" for approx. 45 minutes and didn't make a thing..was minimum wage tonight as I would say."

Cute:) I was going to ask you about the office, you hadn't mentioned it.

 

BTW, Say Hi to Viet Nam for me(Pass on the Hi:eek: ), spent 13 Months in North - Da Nang Area, Marble Mountain, USMC Helicopters, right next to the Famous "China Beach" on the South China Sea Jul 67-Jul 68. Was at Khe Sanh for a while During "the Tet Offensive" peak of the "War"

I would say your reaction is quite normal as I've been oboard most of teh summer here stopping here and I see people occasionally getting very emotional for the first time when they visit here.Tony