KDslog Blog: Saphire Princess

California Cruise - Links

Because the blog reverses the entry of our blog, here is are links to each day in chronological order. Click on the links below to take you directly to a particular day of our cruise.

Day 0 - The Beginning
Day 1 - Santa Barbara
Day 2 - At Sea
Day 3 - San Francisco
Day 4 - At Sea
Day 5 - San Diego
Day 6 - Ensanada

Day 7 was the return home. Even though it is not that far between Ensanada and Los Angeles, the winds really kicked up before we left port. The ride home was interesting, listening to the hangers slide back and forth on the rod all night as the boat rocked up and down and back and forth. It took about 3 days to finally get rid of the feeling I was still on the boat. That or there were a lot of earthquakes in Utah.

We enjoyed the trip. The people we met on board were wonderful. The family next door were fun to get to know, our table mates were very enjoyable to talk to and dine with, and the other guests were very friendly and helpful. While it was spring break, there were not a lot of children on board. We noticed quite a few older couples, all enjoying themselves. There were plenty of events to keep all ages and interests busy but we still enjoyed sitting in our cabin, munching on free food, and watching the sea go by. The only crew we had a problem with was at the passenger services desk who jumped to conclusions before he really knew what we were asking for.

DeeAnn liked the food better than I did. I have to say I was disappointed in the selections of food for non-meat eaters. Royal Caribbean seemed to have better food in my opinion. But we would definitely cruise with Princess again, even with the minor problems we encountered.

So now we plan our next cruise. Our choices are New England in the fall, Hawaii (either fly there and cruise around the islands or cruise there, see the islands and cruise home) or return to Alaska or the Caribbean. I'd love to do the Panama Canal but that may have to be closer to the time we retire.

California Cruise - Day 6 - Ensanada

Buses lined up waiting for excursions. Interesting, since there is very little to do in Ensanada.

Relaxing?

Our ship from the dock

The ship from a distance

Close up of the ship name

Docks at Ensanada. Shops in the far red building that had typical tourist things. I refreshed my vanilla supply this trip. Vanilla from Mexico is pretty strong and rather good.

Ship docked

Crew that were designated to help wheelchairs up and down the ramps.

Deck 7

Deck 7 rear. One of the smoking areas of the ship, also a walking pathway.

Seals along the dock

Kent on Deck 7

Bridge of the ship

Now I feel like I am in a different country.

Another snack from the International Cafe

Some of the art on the ship

Club Fusion

Rear desk, just out from the buffet, on deck 14.

View from the rear, deck 14. Small pools on both of the decks.

Baked Alaska, served the last night of the cruise.

The Baked Alaska parade. The servers paraded throughout the dining room. Not real candles since they are banned from the ship. Interesting enough that when they have a birthday or celebrate an anniversary they use a real candle but under close supervision of the crew. Open flames and cruise ships done do well together.

Jansen, our server (left) and Gilang, our assistant server (right). Both from the Philippines.

Lynn & Jerry, table mates at table 42

Gretchen & John, table mates at table 42

California Cruise - Day 5 - San Diego

Approaching San Diego, our fifth day.

Airfield as we approach the harbor. I believe this is one of the armed forces airfields as Lindbergh Field was yet to come.

San Diego harbor

One of the historic schooners in the bay.

At the dock, looking south. That's the USS Midway in the background. The ship is now permanently anchored and open for tours. It's a very interesting tour to take of the ship.

Ship docked.

We chose to go to the Safari Park when we were in San Diego. Because it was so hilly and lacked good directional signage, we didn't really enjoy the park as much as we did in the past. yet it was still fun.