Comments on cruise - last day in Victoria.

When we booked this cruise we knew it was the first time it's sailed with passengers in over two years,  The crew was new and did a fabulous job.  There were times when small things would happen, but they would apologize and it wouldn't happen again.  

The dining room breakfast had a shortage of staff in the kitchen.  We were told, if you order an omelette, you will wait for a while.  If we were in a hurry, we'd order something different.  If we had time, we would enjoy the ambiance of the dining room and enjoy the freshly made omelette.  

We didn't get turn down service at night or chocolates on our pillow.  Our stateroom attendant had 28 rooms to service.  He was always polite and did an excellent job.  The chocolates on this ship are two years old so they can't use them.  There is a supply problem with new chocolates.  Thanks for the explanation, we are getting enough food on this cruise anyway.

I love the medallion.  There have been a few problems, but they try to resolve them immediately.  We've never had a problem.  I am working on a blog dedicated to the medallion to help anyone on a future cruise that isn't familiar with it and will post it when I get home.

If you don't have a cell phone, people think you will have problems on board with the medallion.  This is NOT true.  I just heard from someone in Orlando with a flight on United to Canada who had to upload his vaccine passport and other items to board his flight.  This technology is going to be everywhere and everyone is going to have to accept it.  

We've heard about a three cases of COVID on board.  We haven't seen or heard anything from the staff, just passengers who know the people.  They are in isolation on Deck 9 getting room service, free movies and will get a future credit for the days missed.  Everyone we know wears a mask when outside their room and we are all fine so far.  It was worth the chance of getting sick, as COVID is everywhere and I could get it walking my neighbourhood.  Thursday night the Cruise Director Kevin was feeling unwell.  Tonight they told us he's been put into a 48 hour quarantine.  That means he's been in contact with someone whose tested positive.  We hope he doesn't get sick and it's just precaution.

This cruise has been awesome!  The entertainment was fabulous.  Being with people you don't know, kicking up a conversation is wonderful.  You forget how nice it is to see live entertainment, talk to strangers and just walk around in luxury ordering anything you want.  Having someone make your bed, clean your bathroom and serve you meals.  We all need this type of vacation.  Thank you Princess, it's everything I expected and MORE.  Your employees made us feel welcome, special and I will be following some of them on Instagram to see their travels.

Tulips outside The Empress Hotel

We left the ship yesterday in Victoria and saw a charter bus that would take us from Ogden Point to the Empress Hotel.  Cost US$15.00.  We've been here before and opted for Victoria transit CAD $5.00 for an all day pass.  #2 or #5 James Bay bus takes you downtown.  

We went to the BC Museum and saw the IMAX show.  Lunch at The Old Spaghetti Factory and a nice walk around the waterfront made a relaxing day.  

Dinner was very good last night.  We said our goodbyes to a wonderful wait staff.  Then off to the theatre to see Cheaza who does a Whitney Houston tribute.  She was full of energy and had a fabulous voice.  Then to Hollywood Hiccups Game Show and then we stayed for Broadway Musical Trivia.  Great night.  So sorry to see this cruise end.