Royal Princess Preview Cruise 9-11 June 2013 (episode 1)

Following on from my last post - we had been allocated stateroom A104 – a standard outside with balcony. I was surprised to see our names on a card outside our cabin with our Captain's Circle level on them. No privacy then! 

It was nicely furnished in light woods with darker detailing, much like the Cunard Queens. Our twin beds were comfortable - although not the best I have had, and the bedside lights were well positioned. In fact the cabin lighting was the best I have come across and the bathroom lighting superb.

 

At the foot of the beds was a huge flat-screen TV, on which I guess you will be able to interact with - but it was not fully working yet. One nice feature I thought was to have some old episodes of The Love Boat available! There were two areas at which to sit - a writing desk with drawers (the hairdryer was in one of them), and the cupboard the fridge was in. The latter also had some useful corner shelves. The bedside tables had an open shelf and two small drawers, and that was it regarding drawer space. The walk-in wardrobe area next to the bathroom was spacious and had a shelve over the rail for lifejackets. there was also a floor-to-ceiling cupboard with shelves and a safe.

The bathroom however was arguably the smallest I have ever had.  So small in fact that I had to dry myself IN the shower! Sitting on the toilet my knees almost touched the door! It had three open shelves and an integrated basin in the worktop. There was also an open shelf under the basin. We had the usual toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and shower gel. Our Elite level toiletries arrived just in time to bring them home!- an additional body lotion, shower cap, room spray, buffing mitt and eye mask.

 

My friend's luggage had arrived so once she had unpacked (mine was much later despite handing them in at the same time!), and before muster drill at 4.15, we set off with our cameras to explore the whole ship, starting at the top - a good idea since we would be able to grab a bite in the buffet on the way!

 

 

Sunday 9 June 2013 - The Big Day!

The morning dawned - and as usual, Oriana had sneaked in past me as I lay dozing. Slowly the others arrived - Queen Elizabeth first, as the sun was rising.

 

She was later followed by Silver Cloud.

All the while, the sparkling new Royal Princess was lying quietly at Ocean Terminal awaiting her very first fare-paying passengers - among them me! Since our cruise this time was only two days, and we therefore had little luggage, we decided to do it by ferry and foot! Funny - it didn't look that far from Town Quay to the Ocean Terminal but it sure seemed like it by the time we reached to dock gate and had to show our tickets! Naturally, with the Duchess of Cambridge performing the naming ceremony in five days time, security was starting to bite.  The ferry allowed me the first proper look at the ship I was about to board though.

First impressions - she was big - very big. At 141,000 grt though, not the largest ship I will have travelled on since Queen Mary 2 is slightly larger, and Independence of the Seas is quite a bit larger again, although I have only looked over the latter on a day visit. I suspect it is the fact that every outside cabin is a balcony is what makes her look so solid.

Boarding was a bit chaotic for no apparent reason, except that when you move up to the far end of the Ocean Terminal ready to go through security following check-in, you cannot hear the tannoy announcements at all. Once boarding started it was quite slick - once through the scanners, ship security staff were lined up with portable barcode scanning machines which also took your photograph. Once that was done it was straight on board via the promenade deck. Cabins were not ready so we went up to the buffet for a quick bite to eat before exploring the ship. That will come in the next instalment!

Phew - what a busy week!

Well, that was a week and a half. It all began on Saturday when I drove to my friend whose home overlooks Southampton Water. Since we would be sailing together on the Sunday it was nice to have a more relaxed drive down without worrying about missing any ships! As it was , I was there in time to have a grandstand view of four cruise ships leaving that afternoon -

 

MSC Opera left first, followed by Celebrity Eclipse, Queen Mary 2 and Ventura

We headed for an early night as I knew the next day would be busy but also another four ships would be arriving in the early morning and I wanted to be up to see them arrive.

A week of ships

I am now trying to pack again for a very busy week of ships.
Although I will miss her arrival, on Sunday I board the sparkling new Royal Princess for a couple of nights. This is then followed by a day visit on board her, to photograph any parts I may have missed.!

I will stay with a friend because on Saturday I have a day visit to Crystal Symphony. Since this is a line I am probably never going to be able to sail with, I very much looking forward to looking over this 5*+ ship. She is a lovely size - around 50,000 tons and Finish built, so should be a beauty.  In fact she has the look of my beloved Artemis about her!

I last saw her in Newport Rhode Island, way back in 2006 when I was on QE2 so it will be good to refresh my memory.

Meanwhile - the latest book has gone to the publishers - so I am free .... for a little while (aside from the day job of course)!

Oriana - Day 15-17- at sea

Day 15 – at sea

Valencia was our last port and we are homeward bound. I woke up to the promise of a beautiful day. After a quick breakfast I sat out on the aft deck until lunchtime, reading and chatting in the warm sun. After a quick lunch of salad – eaten on the open terrace deck, I again sat out but this time round the Riviera Pool so I could watch the Oriana Regatta. After that I saw the end of the Virtual Engine Room Tour before going for a cup of tea and a cake. Now in cabin getting ready for Smart evening.

Popped back to cabin to find I was down for a book signing tomorrow – having been told it was cancelled due to the noro precautions. So went down to reception to sort that out, then into dinner. 

Day 16 – at sea

Woke to a slightly bumpy sea but lovely bright skies. After breakfast I went to the solo coffee morning and then collected my duty free rum. Had lunch in the Peninsular and then a deck chair at the stern in the sun but out of the wind – perfect. I didn’t come back in until 5pm. It was our last formal night so got ready and had a drink in Andersons before the Casino.

Day 17 – at sea – Bay of Biscay

It was a beautiful day – flat calm, bright sun, cloudless sky. After a few errands including attending the solo coffee meet so I could sign Mizzie’s book, I went back to my cabin and started packing. After a lunch in the Peninsular, I sat on the stern deck in the lovely sun.  We must be close to land now as a racing pigeon hitched a ride with us.

I didn’t go back until 5pm when I had a coffee and did the Individual Quiz in Tiffanys! The questions have been horrible all cruise!  Then showered and changed and completed packing and put the cases out.
 

In conclusion – another fabulous cruise on Oriana. I was a bit cross about the red-level precautions again, but nothing I could do about it and it wasn’t as stringent as at Christmas. She is beautiful ship still and just about perfect IMO. It’s going to be a long wait until next March!  But in the meantime.........Royal Princess -  watch this space

Oriana - Days 13 & 14 - Valencia

Day 13 – at sea

This was a miserable day weather-wise – with very rough seas and high winds so not allowed out on deck. Spent most of the time reading. Had lunch in the Main Dining Room and went to the individual quiz but that is about all.

Day 14 – Valencia

I was booked on a tour here. Unfortunately by the time Oriana docked we were about an hour late. There was a lot of confusion as to where tour passengers should wait. I saw from the prom deck that the coaches were on the quayside so ignored the huge long queues to get off at the airbridge and went down to deck 4 where I asked if this was going to be a passenger gangway. It was – but when they opened the gunport door part of the airbridge support was outside so once again, anticipating the tour manager, I dashed up one flight and along to the forward gangway on deck four, getting there just before all the others – some very angry indeed and yelling at the crew to the extent that a security officer turned up!

Once ashore and on the coach we drove through Valencia to the market where we got off and had 15 mins free time before starting a short walk through the old city.

We picked up the coach again at the old city gate and drove to the arts and sciences centre for a brief photo stop before heading out of the city to Albufera. Here there is a huge fresh-water lake with reed beds.

We all boarded a shallow flat-bottomed boat and set off to float amongst the beds watching for birds. I saw several nesting herons, mallards, coots and a bright orange stooped bird I still need to identify. It was lovely with the hot sun beating down and the peace of the lake.  On our return we walked to a nearby restaurant for a paella lunch, preceded by salad and potatoes roasted in garlic, oil and pimentos. There was ample wine and local water to go with it all, before we boarded the coach to return to the port. All in all an excellent tour. Although it had been shortened by an hour so we all got £10 back. We sailed at 3.30 – our last sailaway. It was a casual evening so I opened my free champagne and drank half while getting ready to go to Oriana Loosely Dancing – very entertaining.

Oriana - Day 12 - Catania, Sicily

Day 12 – Catania

For some reason I, like some others, thought today was a sea day! It was a horrible shock to find out it wasn’t!

I got up about 7am and had breakfast before going onto the forward deck. It was grey and showery – such a change from yesterday.

I knew Catania was not a very pleasant city to wander round so had booked a tour to a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna. We left at 9.20 and first drove through Catania to a Zafferano, a small town in the foothills.

We had half an hour to wander round and take photos before driving to the outskirts and a small honey farm. Here we saw how the honey was processed into Propolis, Royal Jelly, honey and pollen, as well as seeing some local olive oils. I bought some honey and some delicious pesto made from sundried tomatoes. Then to a 1992 lava flow where I took more photos and collected a few pieces. This is where I made a mental note to tell the shorex tram to suggest we didn’t wear sandals on this tour!

After trying to de-grit our feet (who knew volcanic dust was so sharp!), we got back on the coach to the winery to see the vineyards and cellars before a local lunch – buffet of anti pasta followed by pasta, aubergines black pig sausages etc – and wine tasting. All followed by coffee and almond biscuits. We tasted two white, two red and a dessert wine, all delicious but quite expensive. It was very strange walking across crunchy grass here, but then we realised the grass was growing through more of the black volcanic fallout. After that is was back to the ship arriving about 3pm, for sailaway at 3.30. It was still showery, although it had remained dry on our tour. At last I have seen Mount Etna properly! After five or so previous visits to Sicily – the top of the volcano had always been shrouded in mist or rain.

We are now on full red level anti norovirus precautions – no nibbles, no canapés, and no bridge tour!! I am not happy as it is impacting on yet another cruise.

Oriana - Day 11 - Corfu

Day 11 – Corfu

It was a beautiful morning as we approached Corfu. I was the only person on deck and it was silent as we quietly approached the port. There were four other ships arriving here – Ruby Princess, MSC Armonia, Splendour of the Seas and Norwegian Jade, the latter two going to anchor.

Norovirus has increased so we are back on the buffet being served. I don’t know how! We were under 48 hour quarantine when we left and have been gelled on and OFF the ship and nearly every announcement from the captain has emphasised the importance of going straight to our cabins when we get back on board to wash our hands thoroughly.

After breakfast I walked to the terminal to get the shuttle into the old town. I don’t know what I was expecting but it was very like the Plaka in Athens. I think I thought it would be more like Rhodes. When I got off the shuttle and crossed over the road I was immediately inside a picturesque area of narrow flagged streets lined with shops selling gold jewellery, natural sponges, local liqueurs and icons. Reached the church of St Spyridon where some sort of special service was going on. I started to go in but a service seemed to be in progress and I felt I was wearing the wrong clothes (a vest top) so after a peek through the door, I left after lighting a candle in the outdoor shrine.

Carried on walking and bought a crispy sesame and honey bun which I sat and ate in a small park. By now I was very hot again so caught the shuttle back for lunch of a sandwich and to sit in the sun / shade alternating. We were half an hour late sailing as a tour was delayed. Then stayed on the prom deck again in the late afternoon sun as we sailed through the Ionian Sea – perfect.

Oriana - Day 10 - Dubrovnik

Day 10 – Dubrovnik

I was up on the forward deck to watch us sail into beautiful Dubrovnik. It was very windy but not cold. There were two other ships in port with us – Grand Celebration (Ibercruceros) and Costa Magica. Splendour of the Seas arrived later and berthed behind us. The Costa ship left at midday and when the captain was asked where it was he replied – it probably sank! Three gangways were rigged as usual to get us ashore quickly. Verlhey directed me to a shuttle but when I climbed in there were no seats. She told the local guide off for miscounting! He said people were swapping buses and he couldn’t stop them!

With so many ships in port I was worried it would be packed in the old city. The shuttle took us to the Pile Gate and my fears were realised – it was heaving! However, most of the people there seemed to be getting on the shuttle back to the Costa Ship  - perhaps there was method is our arrival at around 11am, which one passenger was creating a fuss about! Once within the city walls it was fine – busy but not overly so.  

I walked – up the main street, past the monastery from where beautiful music was drifting out, the cathedral and other churches. When I got to the end I turned right and up some narrow streets to a huge flight of steps – took photo but baulked at climbing! So I turned left towards the old port.

It was still very windy as I walked along the quayside to the other gate and back into the old city. I had considered climbing the walls but they looked steep and the sun was beating down so changed my mind. I found a small café for an open sandwich (local cheese, tomato and olives on sesame bread). There was some lovely jewellery in the shops but I managed to keep my purse inside my bag! By now I was very hot so I got the shuttle back to ship and sunbathed all afternoon. I also noticed a tea trolley going round the prom deck. I’ve only see that before on Cunard! 

We lost an hour tonight and I wanted to get ready for Corfu so retired after dinner.

Oriana - Day 9 - Venice

Day 9 – Venice

I wanted to watch the wonderful sail into Venice so got up at 5.30am! Although a chilly wind, the sky was a cloudless blue. The sail into this city must be one of the, if not the, best in the world. We slowly made our way up the Guidecca Canal behind Norwegian Jade and followed by MSC Divinia. Splendour of the Seas was already in port. Because I was on an early walking tour I packed ready to go and didn’t return to my cabin at all, grabbing a croissant while watching us sail in.

I picked up my sticker from the tour desk and waited for the announcements. We were to board a launnch from Oriana’s tendering pontoon. Finally the order came – we had been delayed due to Divinia’s use of her thrusters rocking Oriana and delaying the airbridge attachment. It was now hot and sunny as we boarded the launch and travelled the 15 mins or so to the start of our walking tour, close to the railway station and the end of the Grand Canal. We had to disembark through another boat and over a narrow gangway which wasn’t much fun! In fact I thought it quite funny. I was at the head of the queue to board the local shuttle boat and we were held up slightly while they got out a different gangplank onto the Venetian boat and then insisted on mounting a handrail for people and then at the other end we have to balance on this narrow plank!

We then set off down tiny alleys only wide enough for two people, into stunning squares or campos (fields) past baroque churches and medieval palaces. Through the fish and vegetable market (strawberries to die for), over tiny bridges with gondolas and their gondoliers touting for business, over the Rialto Bridge ending up at a café for coffee and biscuits. It was all magical and I had forgotten quite how stunning Venice is in the ten years since I had been here.

Because we were off the beaten track it wasn’t too busy and it was a shock to finally arrive close to St Marks Square and see the crowds. I had intended to stay behind and wander on my own, catching the shuttle boat back but my feet ached now so I stayed with the group as we caught a large launch back to the cruise berths.

Got some good photos of three of the four ships – for MSC and Splendour it was a turnaround port so they were storing. After a quick snack I changed and headed for a chair in the sun – it was glorious. Around 3,30 I went back down and put on something warmer before getting my free sailaway champagne and going back up to the forward observation deck for our departure. After listening to the muster drill instructions in four or five languages on the other three ships!! we set off. Once again we had to use tugs – it’s the rule in Venice while in the canal. We had to back out of the berth and swing behind Divina and retrace our sail in of the morning – past the entrance to the Grand Canal, past St Mark’s and the Doges Palace – once again – it was magical on a beautiful afternoon.

I am so glad I did this cruise this year as from 2014, cruise ships will no longer be able to sail to the city using this route we were told due to the damage it is causing to Venice. Afterwards I just sat in the sun as it was too good to go indoors. Then showered and changed for a casual night.