Talbot Tour



Sunday 10th November 2018

Cruise and Flights booked.

Saturday 28th December 2019
Home

Up at 05:00. With the Christmas tree and decorations put away yesterday the house seems bare. After locking up and checking that the house was secure, it was time for the drive to Heathrow. Traffic was light and after leaving the M25 at the Terminal 5 exit we made our way to the long term carpark for T3. With the car parked we jumped the shuttle to the terminal.

Checking in at a machine and printing our luggage tags we were directed to the first class check in area to drop our cases. Once we cleared security and arrived airside we found a restaurant called Spuntino and ordered a coffee and bagel for breakfast. When our gate was announced we made our way along the pier and after a short wait we boarded our British Airways flight to Miami.

Flight BA207 boarded and we were met by some very happy cabin crew. We chatted with them while we waited for the people in front of us to stow their bags and sit down. Settling into our seats for the nine hour flight.

Lunch, Two films and a short nap got us to the halfway point overhead St John's Newfoundland, Canada. Now back to sleep, another film or music ? These are the tough decisions. Personal playlist on the phone while dozing.

Another film and a sandwich only left an hour and a half to touchdown. Landing at Miami International we eventually got off the plane and through to immigration. With only a ten minute wait we were in. Collecting our cases we expected the usual questions about food and plants and anything to declare. No straight out to the meeting area.

Surprised we found the cruise rep who wasn't expecting us for some reason. We were shown to a cab and dropped at the hotel for the night. After changing we went wine shopping before showers and bed

Sunday 29th December 2019
Miami, Florida USA

After breakfast we checked out and identified our suitcases then waited for the shuttle bus to the ship. There was another group in the hotel last night. Putting the clues together we think they are a marching band in town for the Orange Bowl tomorrow. Something to do with American Football.

Boarding the coach for the 45 minute drive to Port Everglades Cruise Port in Fort Lauderdale. We arrived at the ship and with our priority boarding, collected our Princess Medallions and were onboard in ten minutes. The Medallions are used to unlock the stateroom door as you approach and are recognised by the ships systems for all transactions and security functions.

Dropping our bags in our room we dropped down to Alfredo's for a pizza for lunch. Then a coffee in the International Cafe. With our cases delivered to our cabin we spent half an hour unpacking. At three o'clock the emergency practice drill took place. Later we stopped by at customer service and were surprised to find places still available on the ship's tour. So we signed up. We have been trying to get on a tour for the last four cruises.

We made our way to the Outrigger bar at the stern of the ship at seven PM for the Escape Room sign ups. While we waited we looked over the stern rail at the moon and two other liners following us. We got signed up for the six o'clock team tomorrow afternoon. After a bite to eat we dropped down to "Where in the world" Trivia. We made second place with 31/40. Leaving there we shot along to the Princess Theatre for the evening show. Then it was time for bed.

Monday 30th December 2019
Princess Cays, Eleuthera Island, Bahamas

With a lazy start we were woken by the noise of the anchor being dropped. Sounded like a train crash. Going upstairs for breakfast on the terrace we then dropped back down to Crooners bar to collect water shuttle tickets. After a very short wait we boarded the tender for the short trip ashore.

Wandering around we checked out the shopping and wildlife. The lesser-spotted cruise passenger has some strange plumage and habits. After a couple of hours we jumped a shuttle back to the ship. Stopping in the International Cafe for a salted caramel cappuccino before finding seats on the shady side of the Promenade Deck.

Getting cleaned up we made our way up to the Outrigger Bar to meet our team for the "Escape Room". We were told that half the teams fail. Making our way to the location we were told that a vase and the ships magician had gone missing. A timer started and we had 30 min to solve the clues and find the vase.

With all of us having input and solving parts of the puzzle we finished with 12 minutes to spare. The staff member running the game was surprised when we knocked on the door. He didn't realise we had finished and thought we had got stuck and were looking for help.

As we finished early and it was Italian night we had dinner in the buffet. We ordered a glass of wine using the new Ocean app. After twenty minutes it hadn't arrived so a member of staff went and got it. Not a good first try. Then it was time to go go the Theatre for tonight's comedian. We will see, normally American comedians don't make us laugh.

He was better than most we had a chuckle at some things but cringed at some that were not PC and would get him in hot water back home. Leaving the theatre we bypassed the queue for the lifts and walked up the two decks to our room and bed.

Tuesday 31st December 2019
At Sea

As it's a sea day and we woke to the sun burning past the curtains by the balcony doors. Dragging ourselves out of bed we went for breakfast before settling in for some serious relaxing.

Taking part in the trivia was hard as there were a lot of American questions. Fortunately we were joined by an American family. We managed 9/20. After chilling in Club 6 for a while longer we had lunch before retiring to the International Cafe for our daily coffee.

So far today we have celebrated the new year twice. Once at 08:00 for Australia. Then again at 11:00 for the Philippino crew members.

After a spruce up we dragged our party frocks on and went down for formal evening / new years. After dinner in the restaurant we caught the show "Born to Dance" in the Princess Theatre. Then after a photo shoot we joined the ABBA Party before moving up to the pool area for the new year show.

Wednesday 1st January 2020
Falmouth, Jamaica

Up and out early for breakfast at the International Cafe as we are on a tour today. After gathering in the Princess Theatre we disembarked and walked to the coach park. We boarded our coach and eventually left the port. Well it is island time.

After half an hour we arrived at Rose Hall historic house where back in slave times, the lady of the house was named the White Witch by her slaves. Seems her entertainment was watching slaves get whipped. She also killed her three husbands by poisoning, stabbing and strangling. After an hour and a half tour and a fruit punch to drink we were back on the coach for a short trip to the retail outlet.

Returning to the ship for a late lunch we chilled out in Club 6, in air-conditioned comfort.

After watching sail-away and a quiet Bavarian night dinner it was time for an early night.

Thursday 2nd January 2020
Grand Cayman

The anchor dropping at seven o'clock woke us but we aren't going to rush ashore today. After washing we climbed the seven decks to breakfast. Sitting on the Horizon Terrace looking our over Grand Cayman was a nice start to our day.

Dropping back down ten decks we got our tender tickets. Then down the last two decks to the tender port. After a five minute ride we were ashore in George Town, Grand Cayman.

Getting past the photographers and tour touts we strolled through town. Amazed at the chicken stood in the road outside KFC. We thought that he was very brave. After an hour we headed back to the tender jetty and jumped the next boat back to our ship. Chilling with a posh coffee watching other passengers go by before lunch.

After a trivia quiz it was time to get ready for dinner. It was a formal night and the Captain's cocktail party. So in our best clothes we sat in the Crooners lounge listening to a steel drummer playing before arriving at the cocktail party. We spent some time chatting to a nice young lady from Sao Palo, Brazil whilst enjoying a drink and listening to the band and singer.

Leaving the party we got a table for dinner and then returned to our cabin to change into more comfortable clothes. Relaxed we got seats in the Theatre for the nights show. A production of "Fierai". A musical with songs from Aerosmith, Ed Sheeran and others. Exhausted after a long day we retired for the night

Friday 3rd January 2020
Cozumel, Mexico

We had time for a relaxed breakfast this morning as the ship didn't dock in Cozumel until ten o'clock. After breakfast we stopped in at the Princess Theatre to join our tour. We were issued a tour sticker with a number 1. Once the other passengers had discarded their fruit that is not allowed to be landed we were allowed ashore in our groups. Taking the long walk down the jetty we were told to miss out the duty free shops and go through the staff only exit. Unfortunately no one had told the lady guarding the gate. After a hurried radio chat we were allowed through. Some of our fellow passengers were still caught with food by the detector dog. Maybe they got fined.

We boarded the fast ferry for the 45 minute crossing to Playa del Carmen. The crossing was a little choppy but we saw some flying fish on the way. When we got off of the ferry that was moving around quite a lot we were met by our guide Viktor. We were issued another sticker, this time with a number 7 and herded through town to our coach. At last in air-conditioned comfort we started the 45 minute drive toTulum . We stopped at a tourist centre for a Mayan welcome ceremony. Touristy but well done. Then after a toilet break we boarded the coach for the last leg.

Arriving at the heritage site we were shuffled along and through the entry and ticket process. After an educational lecture we escaped and wandered around the ruins. We saw iguanas, humming birds and white nosed coati. Then we started the long walk back to the coach.

The return drive was fast until we hit traffic. We were dropped off a short walk from the ferry port. Joining the queue we only waited ten minutes until we boarded the private ferry. While we were waiting we recognised Angel, the tour guide who took us to Chichen Itza three years ago. So we stopped him and said hi. The ferry crossing was uneventful if a little on the bumpy side. Boarding required timing the movement of the ferry and stepping smartly onto the moving ramp. We got on safely and claimed the first class seats we had on the outward journey.

After a rough crossing we disembarked and walked back to our ship. Back on board at half eight we had a late dinner in the Horizon Court before showering and bed.

Saturday 4th January 2020
At Sea

As we booked on the "Ultimate Ship Tour" and we needed to be in Vines Bar at 08:00 we had another early start. Up at half six to shower and dress and get down to the International Cafe for a light breakfast.

Joining the group at 08:00 with our completed waiver forms as we were going into areas not set up for passengers. We left the bar and started walking forward and then down the stairs to deck 4 and the Medical Centre. Here we were met the Doctor who showed us the hospital wards and equipment available.

From there we climbed back up to Deck 6 and the Princess Theatre. Invited up onto the stage we talked with the head of production and he explained a lot of behind the scenes information. Then we were led back stage to see where the cast of dancers and singers prepare. The automated costume hanger conveyor was interesting as was the information from the head of dance.

Walking along deck four, the crews main highway we arrived at our next stop the Galley. We were met by the Chef who after giving us all a glass of fruit punch, showed us the food preparation areas. We met the head of the bakery who demonstrated the bread roll making machine.

Next stop was head out provisions who is responsible for ordering and storing all the food and ingredients for the cruise. He showed us in one of the walk in fridges, as it's near the end of this cruise the store rooms are half empty.

Next was the photographic lab. Where we saw the industrial printers that churn out 1000s of photos a day. Then across the passage to the print shop where all the flyers, pamphlets, menus and other things like the quiz sheets are produced.

Then we arrived at the Engineering Control Room. This was really interesting with explanations of how most if the ships systems function and are controlled.

Then forward to the forecastle where we met one of the deck officers who showed us the mooring lines and anchor chains.

The last and most impressive stop was the bridge. Here we met the Captain and had champagne And handmade chocolates while he answered all our questions. He them handed us over to one of the officers of the watch to tell us about bridge duties. Then after three hours of touring it was time to do laundry then dinner.

After dinner in Symphony Diningroom we went to the evenings show, "Bravo". We had seen it before but with a different soprano. When we got back to our room we found a goodie bag each waiting from the ships tour. They contained a dressing gown, an apron, a notepad with our name printed on, photos of the tour, a book to the photos in and a signed copy of the photo with the Captain. After another long day itwas time for bed.

Sunday 5th January 2020
Fort Lauderdale

Cruise change over day. Eating breakfast with everyone else carrying their bags as they are leaving today was fun. Once they had all departed we were escorted off the ship. US Immigration require a zero passenger count on board then we were allowed back on.

Relaxing in the Piazza we watched the newbies boarding and standing trying to take it all in. Th half three we went out on deck for sail away.

Then after changing we had dinner with four Americans. Then sat backing the Piazza listening to a young lady play piano tunes drinking a free cocktail. The first drink is free when ordered on the Princess Ocean app.

Monday 6th January 2020
Princess Cays, Eleuthera Island, Bahamas

Up early for breakfast and down to get on the first tender ashore. Having been here last week we had decided to turn right getting off the tender. Most people go straight ahead, so going right between the buildings took us to the quiet beach. We got a couple of loungers under a tree and in the shade. It was half an hour before anyone else turned up.

After a morning of hectic relaxing we made our way to the beach bbq. After a nice lunch and walk around we took a tender back to the ship and got salted caramel cappuccinos in the atrium.

Trivia and dinner before stopping in at the Theatre for tonight's Comedian, Tony Thirdgill. Unusually for an American comedian we actually understood the jokes.

Tuesday 7th January 2020
At Sea

The clocks went forward over night so a late start this morning. Upstairs for a brunch before Trivia in the Club 6. We tied for the win with another team, but lost out on the tie breaker. The first ATM was in the sixties not the seventies like we thought. Then we dropped down to the atrium for a piano tune session.

Wandering outside on the Promenade Deck we enjoyed the sea air and sun. Then back up to our cabin for a siesta.

At five we got ready and climbed up to the Horizon Court for French night. French onion soup and crepes. Had the starter and sweet first then the main when we still had space. No one here to tell us no, so why not?

Then up one more Deck for Movies Under the Stars. Tonight was "Downton Abbey". The weather was warm with tropical shower squalls so we made sure we got loungers under a shelter in case we got a shower. Cushions pillows and blankets in case it got cold. We were all set. Pizza and popcorn brought around in case we starve in the two hours thr film runs for.

Wednesday 8th January 2020
St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Woke at 09:00 and walked out on to the balcony to see St Thomas on the horizon. We watched the sea birds, Masked Boobies soaring alongside the ship and diving for fish. We watched the ship dock whilst eating breakfast on the Horizon Terrace. It rained for a short while and everyone else ran indoors. We knew it was only a passing shower, so roughed it out. It rained lightly for two minutes and we dried almost immediately.

Walking off the ship we strolled around the shops. We decided not to take the taxi into town as we have been here before. Back on board for lunch and finding a quiet seating area relaxed and read for a while.

After dinner we watched sail away from the balcony of our Stateroom. It was dark and a little boat had to come along and unhook us from the mooring buoy.

Thursday 9th January 2020
Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten

We arrived early and were alongside before we woke up. After a quick breakfast we went ashore. Dodging the touts we walked into town and along the seafront. Politely refusing beach recliners for hire we found the church and town hall.

Finding a group of taxis we asked the cost of a taxi to Maho Beach and were told $20. Agreeing we walked towards the car only for a woman to say that the driver couldn't go with only two passengers. We told them we booked a taxi not a bus and if we were not going immediately then the deal was off. The driver decided to take us and it would take about 20+ minutes.

Well it's an election day on Sint Maarten and everyone was out and the traffic was so bad the driver kept moaning how it was too early to be that bad. Half an hour later we arrived at the beach.

Maho Beach runs right across the end of the runway of Princess Juliana Airport. We stood on the beach and watched 4 aircraft land passing just metres over our heads and got blasted by a Boeing 757 taking off. Although Jackie had dug her feet into the sand and braced herself, she had to drop to avoid being tumbled down the beach. Martin with flight deck experience managed to remain standing in place even if his video was a bit wobbly.

Jumping a shuttle back to the ship we showered and put on clean clothes before lunch. After lunch we spent time in the Atrium just chilling. With hardcore holidaying taking it's toll we retired to our cabin for a siesta.

Watching sailaway from the Promenade Deck, the ship opposite us sailed half an hour before us. We watched as they pulled in their Gangway, drop their mooring lines and thrust clear of the jetty. As they got about ten metres away a man came running up the jetty waving at the ship. No luck he had missed it. That's going to cost him a flight to their next destination.

Evening meal then Trivia followed by a Beatles tribute band "The Beatlemaniacs". An hour of singing and dancing to Beatle music. Then bed with sore hands from clapping.

Friday 10th January 2020
At Sea

After two busy port days it was nice to just wake up when we wanted to. Breakfast followed by a posh coffee. Chilling in the Piazza until the line dancing started then we repositioned to Club 6. Looking out of the window it's a little rougher today. Two to three metre waves with white-tops and a force 7 wind. Still if you didn't look outside you wouldn't notice.

The Captain has made the decision to take a slightly longer route through more protected waters, tracking between The Bahamas and Cuba. That has required a slightly higher speed of 20 knots.

Having spent time preparing for tonight's Captains cocktail party we had lunch before deciding for separate events. Jackie attended the Cruise director's chat and Martin the Staff Captains navigation lecture.

Then it was time to get pimped for cocktail party. Joining the queue to meet the Captain we met a couple the husband Keith was an ex-Aircraft Handler so Martin and he chatted in the queue and during the cocktail party. Saying goodbyes we got a table for dinner then with full stomachs climbed the stairs to bed.

Saturday 11th January 2020
At Sea

An even lazier start for our second day in a row at sea. Nothing to do today but relax. Breakfast then down to the Royal Tea Circle in the Atrium. Line dancing was just finishing and we got comfortable seats and settled in.

Back to our cabin and let packing commence. One suitcase with all our formal and smart clothes packed and weighed in at 21kg. That's 2 spare to allow for differences in scales. The second case, half packed. We will complete that at bed time tonight.

Lunch on the Horizon Terrace was a challenge the wind blew our salads off of our plates. Then down and sat on the Promenade Deck for a while before spending time in the atrium listening to piano music.

Checked in for the flight tomorrow we dropped down to the Princess Theatre for "Voice of the Ocean" a copy of TV's The Voice. After upstairs for dinner. Then finish packing and bed.

Sunday 12th January 2020
Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA

The ship docked at six and we got up at half past. Up for a quick breakfast then down to Princess Theatre to join our tour group. Once the Gangway opened we disembarked and grabbing our cases that were already ashore we hit immigration. Not a huge queue and we were through. Finding our bus we were on our way.

Arriving at Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours and Rides we joined the queue for our Airboat ride. It lasted about 20 minutes and we saw one alligator. Then into the Alligator show. A dozen rescued alligators.

Then back on the bus. We dropped off at Fort Lauderdale Airport and the cruise terminal before making the 45 minute trip to Miami Airport and our flight. If we had taken the direct transfer we would have had to get up and leave the ship an hour earlier. We would have been waiting in the terminal for 4 hours already. We only have three hours until departure now.

Getting changed at the airport Jackie managed to hurt her back. She popped some pills, hope we can complete the flight home.

Monday 13th January 2020
Home

Landing at Heathrow we cleared immigration and collected our case before finding the car park shuttle.

Heavy traffic on the M25, but home by nine o'clock. Another mini-adventure done.