We had a pretty uneventful drive to the port with light
traffic on a Saturday. We got there a bit later than usual, but they had moved
the rental car office and as usual it was a zoo and the wait for shuttles to
the port can be long. We got on board and dropped our bags in the room around
12:30 or so.
We headed up to the welcome aboard buffet and then came back
to the room to start the unpacking ordeal. Our cabin steward is Teddy and he’s
nice and helpful. We had 4 suitcases that needed to fit under the bed (as they
always have before) and there were 2 large bags each holding a duvet. They were
crammed so tight under there they were hard to get out. I don’t think Teddy
even knew they were under there.
We skipped the sail away except what we could see from the
balcony as our luggage was arriving and we just wanted to get it put away.
The ship had a refurbishment right after we got off in 2017
and it was in dire need of a facelift. The carpet is new almost everywhere. The
cabin had quite a few changes. New mattresses and bedding, Instead of a blank
wall with a picture on it over the bed, they now have a large padded
“headboard” that goes almost to the ceiling and goes a couple of feet wider
than the bed. We like to hang things on the magnetic walls, so that limits
where you can put things. The loveseat is gone and a smaller one in width is
there, but it’s way deeper so it sits out further into the room. (not a plus)
There is no table in front of the loveseat, but a skinny one on one side. The
night stands and desk are the same. They now have instead of a stool for the
desk, but a chair with a short back on it. Now it doesn’t fit underneath the
desk to get it out of the way and it blocks the desk drawer unless you move the
chair. (not a plus) These really are the smallest closets at sea I think.
Somehow, we make it all fit.
There is all new furniture in the restaurant and the buffet
area, casino bar has all new furniture. The only rooms they didn’t refurbish
are the main Cabaret Show Lounge and the Pacific Lounge. All new pool furniture
which is very nice.
our cabin
WC gifts
Teddy
atrium
lobby near purser's desk
library
pool area with new furniture - big improvement!
the grill area (burgers & dogs)
outdoor seating at the Panorama buffet
buffet - part of it
Pacific Lounge (dance class going on)
We are seeing quite a few familiar faces, but missing quite
a few that either aren’t here or we just haven’t run into them yet.
We went to dinner and we were at a table for 8 but there are
only 4 of us. We had gotten an email from Princess saying they had changed
their dining times and early seating was now 5:00 and late was 7:15. We
normally prefer early, but 5:00 is really early to get ready for. So, we
switched dining times prior to boarding. We get on board and the late dining is
7:45 and early is 5:30. So, we switched back which put us at an odd lot table.
The other couple had requested a table for 6 and were seated at a table for 8,
so they asked to be moved. Yes, we are at a table for 8, but they promised them
they would only fill the table to 6. Hopefully, there will be another couple
added as having just one other couple can get kind of “old” after a while.
We’ll see…..
The food was exceptionally good which was a pleasant
surprise after our 60 day on the Island which had terrible food in the dining
room and inedible pizza. (I tried a slice of pizza and it was their normal
pretty good pizza.) Hopefully, the trend continues.
The show tonight was a welcome aboard featuring a number by
the Pacific Princess singer and dancers and they seem very good. There was also
Steve Caouette, a comedian who was also pretty funny.
We went back to the cabin to finish putting things away.
Phew!
Here’s a list of some of the ship’s officers:
Captain: Andrea Spinardi
Staff Captain: Maurizio Di Prete
Cruise Director: Neil Rose
Giuseppe Pollara: Executive Chef
Maitre d’Hotel: Luigi Pascale
We have 2 more sea days before Cartagena
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