TheSkipper

Jackie: I think the main problem was that the ship was FULL and that screwed up the Anytime. Also their were tons of Asians traveling in large groups who tended to clog up the system. Not that they were doing anything wrong, just the size of the groups desiring to be seated together or near each other seemed to throw the system out of whack. Roe made reservations for every night. Most nights the earliest we could get in any restaurant was after 8 PM.

Yep, Keith, we are finished with "Anytime Dining." Just checked our two cruises for next year to make sure we are confirmed for traditional dining.

Hi James, A cruise out of LA or San Diego is within driving distance for us. So, it is more about he cruise ship experience than the ports of call. And we have found the ports are a little different every time we go. I've always called these cruises "warm-up cruises." We use them when we cannot or do not wish to fly somewhere else to cruise. Ed

Hello Crazies, Our review of our recent Sapphire Princess cruise is now posted in the Cruise Review area of the board. I hope you find it helpful and enjoyable.

Click here to view the cruise review

Sounds great. However we already have our two cruises book for 09 and a cruise in Europe is not one you can "slip in."

No, we were not the first ones on the ship, in fact we did not get to the Pier until 1:30 PM. We drove in from Las Vegas to San Pedro. I took the pictures the morning of our first port of call. Most everyone rushed off the ship. We have done these same ports about 15 times or more, so we took our time going ashore in PV. And no, we do not get up early while aboard ship. Usually get to breakfast around 10:30 AM or so. We are on a ship to relax not rush around. Glad you enjoyed the pictures. I've found if I don't get them on-line quickly, they just stay in the camera for weeks or months.

Howard, I sometimes wish that was possible, but can you imagine the commotion????

Here is the link to see cruise pics. Click on first picture to open then use "next photo" tab at top of photo. http://www.box.net/shared/p4t5dt0ydy Enjoy,

Yes indeed, they do call it Anytime Dining on Princess. Just got off the ship yesterday and the dress code was the same on Formal Night as for the International Dining Room. And, most dressed up with lots of tuxes and suits for the gentlemen. DW was the only one I saw with a floor length gown with a train, which made her a "show stopper." I should buy stock in Lily Rubin. Later,

Howard, The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce thank you!!! Actually, I think Vegas is getting cheaper right now than it has been, but then so is cruising. Both suffering from our failing economy, so rates are dropping.

Howard: Our cruise out of Brooklyn aboard the Crown Princess was the year it opened, and the area really was a dump. It looks far better in the picture I posted than it did back then. I honestly don't recall the check-in process, so it could not have been too bad. You are certainly correct about the view out into the harbor. Got lots of great video as we departed. Our biggest problem was getting from LaGuardia to the port. There was some kind of celebration going on in Little Italy and I did not think we would ever get to the ship.

Enjoyed your review Howard. Especially since we will be returning to Princess in a week. Stretch limo seems like it was a good idea. The Brooklyn (Red Hook) port area is not the greatest I've ever departed from. Later,

Thanks everyone. I'm sure going to try and make this a special one for Roe. Her Chemo and radiation starts in January. Later,

Having cruised on both lines a bunch (22 times on Princess and about 15 on Carnival) and have future cruises scheduled for both again, I agree with Howard. Princess has more "class." And is more sophisticated IMHO. But I still enjoy them both. I would advise you not to expect too many changes except that everything will be "toned down" a bit. You will find things like "High Tea" which you did not see on Carnival. Have fun and enjoy.

For $150 pp. I think I'll pass.

Today I became a Single Digit

I sure will, Joey. We always go to a private lunch with the ship's officers when sailing on Princess. This is cruise 22 with them. And, I'll simply ask. Good idea.

Joey, I'm missing something here. Who is cutting cruise ship staff?? As John said crew members are under long term contracts.

Good point, John. And the lines are really slashing prices to fill those ships. And, hopefully that will help the crew members.

Bon Voyage