Sea Day - January 22

Whoo Hoo, after spending an extra “miserable” day in Los Angeles we are finally on our way to Bora Bora. Yesterday was much better weather in LA, but we are eager to find warmer weather.

I think we left around 2:00 in the morning. I was up at 1:00 and we were bobbing in the water, but still at the port. Friends reported they felt a huge wave at around 2:15.

We have navigated through the Gulf of Santa Catalina and we have left San Clemente Island off our starboard side San Clemente is the southernmost of the Channel islands of California.

There are some pretty good swells out there as I type this. I didn’t take any photos of them, but it’s supposed to continue through tomorrow so maybe I’ll get a shot or two. Not sure it can portray the feeling of being on the ship though. The captain is trying to outrun the storm so we are hauling.

So, here are some photos that Greg took yesterday of sea birds:

 Brown Pelican

 Western Gull

 Heermann's Gull

 juvenile

 Ring-billed Gull

Even though this is a Sea Day for us, Princess is treating it like a port day so there is no Sunday Brunch. (a little tear is running down my face….sniff)

Bingo had the smallest crowd we have ever seen. Maybe a dozen people. Of course, that made the prizes really small. We didn’t win so it really didn’t matter.

We went to lunch in the dining room and then came back to the cabin to relax.

At dinner tonight we met 2 new table mates. They are a nice couple and will be good company. There are still 2 empty seats, but unsure if they didn’t come because of the choppy seas or if we don’t have anyone else assigned.

The show tonight was the musical comedy of John Bressler. Great piano player, but the comedy part was distracting. Not that funny and it took away from his musical talent. Of course, that’s just my opinion. We all have different likes and dislikes.

Here are some random thoughts about the cruise so far:

The daily Princess Patter since the start of the voyage in Ft Lauderdale has had a forecast of 81* and Partly Cloudy. Of course, the weather had been much colder these past few days. At the start of this segment they seem to be getting it right.

When we got on in Lauderdale our Patter said Day 1 of 111. At the start of this segment it starts over and says Day 1 of 111. While that is true for the ones that embarked the cruise in LA, we have to add 17 to each total. There are actually 2 round trip Full World Cruises, round trip Lauderdale and round trip LA. Seems, like they could list both stats for the Patter.

It’s hard not to compare this trip with the one in 2013. Not complaining as we are thrilled to be on board and exploring the world. (just noting some differences and it’s still early in the cruise…..)

Unlike in 2013 where they really made you feel like you were on a World Cruise, they seem to be putting more emphasis on the segments. Menus and Production shows weren’t repeated last time. Some of the dishes may have been the same, but mixed up with different menus. This segment we have the exact same production shows. The same menus started over.

The ship is “tired”. She goes into drydock for refurbishment after this cruise and it’s overdue. Upon arrival to our cabin, the first thing we noticed was the bed looked like a hammock it has such a dip in it. Our table mates said they had the same issue and when they complained they came and put a board under theirs. Greg rotated the mattress 180* so the biggest dip was at our feet. The bedding and towels are worn and our comforter had stains on it as did the pillow cases. None of this is the Cabin stewards fault as it’s what they have to work with. Cushions in both of the main lounges are out of shape and worn. Pacific Lounge is comfortable, the chairs just don’t look great.

The food has been good, but not a step above like it was in 2013.

She’s still a fine ship and these are just little things. The service in the dining room and our cabin steward are most excellent.

There are more people on this cruise that have taken numerous world cruises on this ship. Last time we only talked to a very few that had taken more than 1 or 2. So, a bit different “feel” to the ship.

I forgot a fun thing that happened at the Cruise Critic Meet & Greet. Karen had set up “speed friending” session and handed us questions to ask people as we changed seats and got to get to know a different person after a few minutes. One guy was particularly funny. In answer to “Where do you live?” He said he didn’t live anywhere as they have been RVing for 20 years. Then he said “we’re trailer trash”. I said “Hi trailer trash, we’re homeless people.” Explained selling most all our earthly possessions and living in Panama and upon return from this cruise we will also be getting an RV. It’s hard for “nomads” to answer questions like that.