It was while I was standing in line for breakfast this morning at the Horizon Grill that I met Mr. and Mrs. Alan and Ann Reed………..hanging round their neck on a lanyard where their ship cards which were very shiny and very platinum.
I see you are Princess cruise land fans I said to Mrs………. and those simple words had us sharing breakfast together as I listened to the talk of their fondness for all things Princess. This cruise marks number 31 for them and they are booked on two more this cruise including the inaugural of the Ruby Princess.
I explained to them who I was and why I was being so inquisitive but they were only too happy to talk to me. They first cruised back in 1985 and were immediately hooked and later this year they will sail on the Caribbean Princess to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with their entire family.
They spoke about how they had tried another cruise line in 2002, I cannot mention which one but they had nothing good to say about the “something of the seas” ship so they returned to Princess……………….why ………..well it was the same reasons I have seen myself………beautiful ships, friendly and welcoming crew, great food and for Mr………….it was the Casino where he said…………..I always win ……………….. although he said that with a wry smile on his face.
Anyway, after my breakfast meeting it was time to explore Princess’s private island Princess Cay. This was a tender port and we had been given priority tender tickets. However, I wanted to see the system for my self so we went to the main lounge and sat for just 10 minutes until our group were called ………………..10 minutes is nothing………….although the couple in the seats in front of us were having a good old moan about having to wait……….what made me laugh about this couple was that they were moaning to each other about it being “ridiculous” and “unorganized” yet when Matt the Assistant Cruise Director walked up and down the row speaking to people he said “Good morning, how is everyone?” and Mr and Mrs. Moaner replied “Fine thank you” ……………..
It may come as no surprise that the couple were from the U.K. where complaining is not allowed and even if they had been bitten on the bottom by a rattlesnake during breakfast they still would have replied “Everything’s fine, thank you.”
As I said after 10 minutes we were called down to the tender which was one of the vessel lifeboats and we began the 15-minute journey ashore. I am positive this would have been quicker but the sea was a little choppy. Heidi and I sat and watched a family opposite us and neither of us said much as we were both paying attention to a young boy who looked like he was about to show us and the rest of the boat what he had for breakfast…………5 minutes into the journey he did………………..it was Cheerios.
That made us all feel ill but at the same time I felt sorry for Mum who was now on a round trip journey straight back to the ship to change and probably throw away her T-Shirt which now a Tie Dye mess of Cheerios and……….well………you get the picture.
We arrived at the island and were met by a friendly welcome from the staff. The weather was beautiful although a little windy and Heidi and I decided to explore. At this point I would normally slap on a few photos however I can’t……….this is why.
“Heidi, can I have the camera please”
“I don’t have it”
“Yes you do it’s in your bag”
“No, I gave it to you to bring ashore”
“No you didn’t”
“Yes, I did”
“Well, check”
She did
She had packed the sunscreen, the Eye Pods, the ship ID’s, money, lipstick, a spare pair of my underwear, a Lexus and three cabin stewards ………………but no camera.
Therefore, let me tell you that the island has beautiful beaches; watersports, amazing snorkeling and the ship’s crew were cooking up an amazing barbecue which looked fantastic. The best thing however was like most private islands it was exactly that …………… private……………..there was no other ship there and that in itself is worth so much.
This is a must visit place and if you haven’t yet, then choose an itinerary that has this as a port of call. There may be no diamond shops, no hair braiding, no long lines for taxis and no Burger King as on other Caribbean ports of call ……….instead you get unspoiled beaches and peace and utter tranquility ……………it’s fantastic.
Heidi and I stayed for an hour …………her in the sun…………me in the shade. I spoke to the staff who were organizing a tug of war and other activities. I mentioned how on a recent visit to Half Moon Cay that we had organized a sand castle making contest for adults and children…………..this seemed to be something that they were excited to try………………if I had built one it would have been of a doghouse …………. as that’s where I was for forgetting the camera.
Back on board there was only one place we both wanted to go and that was the Sanctuary. For those of you who are unaware of this pocket of total luxury and relaxation let me explain what this incomparable place is all about.
The Sanctuary is located at the forward part of the ship and the only thing you need to enter is a need to purify your body, mind and soul and a $10 bill. The adults only area is something that five star hotels in Mauritius and Bali would be proud to ask guests $1,000 a day for.
The Sanctuary is something that professional travel writers, which I am definitely not, would use words of poetry when describing it………………..all I can tell you is that to sail on the ship and not use the Sanctuary at least once and having a smiling friendly crewmember who spies a spot of sweat on your forehead and brings you a cold towel is like going to Egypt and not seeing the Pyramids…………not lying on one of the double extra soft luxury sun beds and watching the world go by is like going to London and not seeing Buckingham Palace………..not having a massage in one of the Sanctuary’s private cabanas is like going to New York and not seeing the Statue Of Liberty ……………..not relaxing on the double sun bed with your cold towel and sipping on a cold glass of fresh juice, cooling off with your fresh towel and asking one of the wait staff to bring you your lunch is like going to Paris and …………OK…………….bad example ………………. anyway………. you get my point.
Here are some photos of the Sanctuary:
The private cabanas
John on his blackberry to PA007
Fruit and Juice, pure luxury
Sanctuary Staff (look at that smile)
John’s spot
The wave pool
The flags
Lowering the flags upon sailing
It’s hard to express how relaxing this place is and the only way I really know how is to say this. As some of the blog readers know I have just recovered from an affair with Mr. Bells Palsy as well as a busy time onboard and in the last few weeks lots of trials and tribulations ………………well……………..this afternoon…………….for the first time in weeks………I was as relaxed as I have been in many, many weeks……………..I read my new Andy McNab book which I bought 6 months ago…………..
I had a nap………….had lunch and while Heidi enjoyed a Sanctuary bed in the sun and fell into a deep sleep and as I did, I wondered if there was a more relaxing and luxurious place on any ship anywhere………………I doubt it………….this was pure luxury and for just $10.
When I awoke I was pretty much the only person left in my area……………when I had fallen asleep the Sanctuary wasn’t as busy as you would expect …………. where had everybody gone?…………..maybe they were all getting ready for dinner………………maybe they had gone to the show……………..I couldn’t understand why everyone had suddenly left.
Anyway, it was time for me to go so I stood up, straightened my spandex Speedo g- string and went to get a hot dog.
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Ahhhhh, John, I can feel myself relaxing, just reading about the Sanctuary! How wonderful it sounds. The opportunity to totally relax is one of the things that I enjoy most about cruising. I’m glad that you are able to do so, as well.
“Anyway, it was time for me to go so I stood up, straightened my spandex Speedo g- string and went to get a hot dog.”
I loved it!!!!LOL….
thank you very much for brightening up my day!!!
Wow John, by the looks of the photos, it appears that Mr Bell has bid a very firm adieu! Excellent!
The sanctuary is indeed something else! I did an agents inspection on the Crown Princess when she came into Halifax and when we got to that area, none of us wanted to leave! Even though we were merely touring the ship, as soon as you strolled into that section you felt a little more relaxed as though you’d passed over a mystical magical line. Simply stunning! Sigh…I think I need another cruise! Is two in a month too much??!!
John!!
One thing doesn’t fit in the Sanctuary picture.It is completely out of place………..your blackberry!!!!!
Shame YOU didnt bring the camera to Princess Cay. Why are we always in charge of everything? BTW tell Heidi she got me in trouble when my DH read that she took out your clothes for the evening. He looked at me and told me “You don’t do that” Imagine my face and what I told him. Continue to enjoy your wonderful Princess cruise.
Nanni
Okay, you’ve done it, I have to go on a Princess cruise! The Sanctuary sounds marvelous, and just right for what ails you, and Heildi, and me!
Happy vacation,
Diane from Texas
Heidi, lock John in the dog house till he finds somebody that was there and had a digital camera so he can post their photos. I see he doesn’t forget to take his blackberry wherever he goes.
Like your short hair even though it was never long.
BIG ED
Millie,
That hot dog was not for John but for his speedo.
“BIG” ED
are you going to tempt me to book a princess cruise when i have finally become platinum on carnival john??? ha ha ha
enjoy mate!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Looks like your having a great time but you need to lose the Blackberry for the week!!!!
Hi John.
We didn’t use the sanctuary, but it certainly looks very nice. Certainly if we had taken an inside cabin it would have been well worth the $10, but we had a balcony cabin, so we chose to relax there, and enjoy the drinks from the free mini-bar that our platinum cards get us…..
In fact, our room steward observed “you are always in cabin – do you never go on tours?”
As I was limping round the ship… due to a small matter of the coming together of my knee and the duty free cart on the outbound flight… the answer was… no tours this vacation. We made so much use of that balcony, even on the day that balcony rails were being varnished, our steward chased the maintenance crew away with shouts of “No! No! Next Week! You not disturb my passengers! No way! Go varnish next door!” I finished half a dozen books, mostly from the well stocked library.
On the subject of my knee, the Princess ground staff at Miami Airport were amazing… when I said that I could not manage the steep steps into the Greyhound bus, a car was found for me… meaning that we were in front of 3 buses when we arrived at the hotel… so a short check-in queue, and a car again the next day to the cruise terminal… again beating the rush.
Check in was so fast… but it was the first time in years that Barry did not check us in… he was at the other end of the line of desks… and he’s always been a kind of “lucky icon” for us. He made up for it by taking care of us on the brilliant post-cruise package…
While ******* of t*e s*as take you straight from the ship to the airport, (once at 9am for a 8pm flight) Princess take their UK passengers for a hotel buffet lunch, then on to a shopping mall, then back to the hotel for an al-fresco afternoon tea, before finally to the airport for checking in.
The international mall was a source of a few amazing bargains… like lambswool sweaters for £6… it’s just a shame that the money we saved went to pay for an extra suitcase to carry the bargains….
Weren’t the hot dogs good? I just can’t resist a good hot dog. I also liked the hand made subs at Cafe Caribe late at night… better than the room service sandwiches… piles and piles of filling… they just keep piling it on if you ask… the subs were just as good as I remember the subs being on Carnival Conquest when we sailed out of New Orleans a few years ago.
The 5.15 shows are, I think, a new innovation, thanks to CD James Lay… as the ship has more cabins compared to other ships of the same class, the extra performance means every passenger gets to see every show if they want to.
Certainly James (or the Gerber Baby as comedian Vader calls him) is born to be a CD…
Sounds like you had a wonderfully relaxing day John – much deserved and needed after your journey with Mr. Bells. The sanctuary looks lovely…your doing a great job of selling me on Princess but it will have to wait until I get that platinum card on Carnival.
Dawn
Hi John and Heidi.
The ship sounds wonderful. I’m so glad you both are relaxing and enjoying each other and the break. Can’t wait to hear more great things about your cruise. Have a great day.
John & Heidi:
It is so nice to see the two of you relaxing. Take advantage of it while the two of you can.
Love,
Suzann
Hi John: I am so happy that you are finally getting to relax after all this time. This is just what the doctor ordered. You and Heidi must do this again before the end of the cruise. Take care.
Regards,
Terry
Dear John,
A Carnival CD named Heald,
against Mr. Bell, had no shield.
So with difficult diction,
he fought his affliction
and still is the best in his field.
Glad you’re better. Enjoy La dolce vita while you can.
Regards,
Diane and Rich
Hello John & Heid
Question I love Heidi but is there ever a time where you both share the doghouse? like for the camera incident? 50/50 fault? Just wondering?
The private Island still sounds great even without the pictures
However the Sanctuary sounds better, and the pictures proved it. THAT sounds like JUST what the DR ordered when he told you to rest.with old Mr. Bell. You are looking great. Thanks for the many updates.
Till next update
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
John,
This is why the vacation interchange problem has flaws people want to try other lines but don’t want to lose that next chance at a higher past guest level. If I’m platinum on princess why can’t it be platinum on carnival. It is the same company and it would probally help people working they way around on diffrent ships. But I guess the argument would be we try to keep the past guest program seperate so we can better define each of our cruise lines. So i vote we create the John Heald Past Guest Bloggers Card, Lance you out there ? Maybe it can offer free things like toilet paper, soap, tissues, beano, and when over used it says one of two things “thank you dear Heidi OW!!” or “Bugger it sounded like the engine was backfiring”.
Ok enough for today enjoy the cruise look forward to hearing about today
Kevin
Apparently the Sanctuary needs to frisk everyone before they enter! No blackberries! Glad you did relax. Just what you needed. It does look nice.
John,
I would love to relax right now. Woor kis just playing havoc on my nerves. I think if I just layed back in my chair and closed my eyes, I can almost feel the boat barely move and smell the sea, and oh the warmth of the sun. Wait, dangit. Yup, flourescent lights. Oh well…Nice thought.
From what you are saying, you really couldn’t ask for much more. Is the casino as friendly as Mr. __ said? Either way, money lost in the casino on board is money well spent!
Have a great time and looking forward to dinner pictures again!
-Adam from GA
Well, John… as I’m a very visual guy I was hoping that Heidi had the camera buried somewhere in her bag or perhaps in the Aston Martin that she had in there… but it just gives you a reason to return… you need to get pictures.
The Sanctuary is STUNNING!!! Wow, what a beautiful area! Ten dollars is a fantastic bargain for an area like that. Amazing…
The folks at Cruise Critic’s Princess board are enjoying your adventure on board the Emerald Princess and I’m sure you’ve gathered up even more loyal readers from their ranks.
John, you have me worried. You’re working so hard on reporting from on board that I fear you’ll be worn out and unable to perform at your usual high standard on board the Splendor!!
You need to pace yourself, my friend!!!
Howdys and thanks to Heidi and the magnificent MOB, Stephanie!!!
Ciao!
GregB
John and Heidi,
Just what the doctor ordered. They’re relaxing and resting at last! How sweet it is………..
Carolyn
On my Princess cruises I’ve always been able to find one of the main dining rooms open for lunch on embarkation day.
Will this be the case with Carnival Splendor?
Wow…great writing. I felt like I was there on board in those soft chairs with the sun shining down. Sounds like a wonderful sanctuary. We may have to try a princess cruise sometime! My sister and her family took one at Christmas time and enjoyed it alot! However, as long as Carnival is offering destinations I haven’t been to we will continue to book Carnival! Thanks for warming up my day! Gloria
Little Miss Muffet (aka Sanctuary guest)
Sat on a tuffet (aka double extra soft luxury sun bed)
Eating her curds and whey. (aka fresh fruit and juice)
Along came a spider (aka John)
And sat down beside her,
And frightened Miss Muffet away (and everyone else for that matter…) away! (and who wouldn’t be aghast with a fine gent wearing a spandex Speedo g- string)
Too funny….
The Sanctuary looks awesome!
Hi John & Heidi,
It all sounds so relaxing. I loved your talk with Mr. and Mrs. Reed.
Princess Cay sounds a lot like Half Moon Cay – can you compare them or the activities? Is there a difference at all?
I love the trees in the Sanctuary and the fact that it’s in the forward part of the ship. It would be an excellent reason to choose Princess, though I’d have to start from scratch instead of Platinum status (unless there are some changes coming?????). All of it is exceptional and absolutely worth $10.00.
And how about those stairs going into the wave pool? Better than climbing a ladder.
Shame on you John for bringing the blackberry. YOU’RE ON VACATION !
Can’t wait for the next installment of “As the Cruise Line Sails”.
Love,
Carol
Hi John, Maybe Carnival should make their adult area pool more like Princesses Sanctuary. I bet if kids had to pay $10 to get in that would eliminate all the kids. If you give people their moneys worth I think most wouldn’t mind paying extra. It sounds like you and Heidi more than got your moneys worth.
Jo
Calgone, take me away ! Remember that soothing bath commercial ! We were already to leave our cabin for the “Sanctuary” when we realized we’re sitting in Van Nuys! Yikes!
Kathy and Paul
So what is the equivalent of the Sanctuary on Carnival?? It looks positively heavenly….. I wish I were there **sigh** but alas I am here…… in front of a computer…… plugging away at databases……….
I can’t wait to see what you have for dinner tonight, last night was gorgeous. But I can’t complain either. A friend of mine and I went out for fondue: The Melting Pot. We had a nice 2 hours dinner. Yummy!
Will have to take a cruise to one of the private islands sometime.
Thanks for keeping us in the loop and for the daydreams at work.
Deanna
Sounds like you are having an amazing time!! I’ve been lurking on your blog the last few days and have really enjoyed hearing stories from “the other side”.
I love cruising and my hubby & I love Carnival. I’m looking forward to reading more from here on out!
John and Heidi,
I am soooo glad you two are finally relaxing. You need a check list before leaving the ship: speedo (), camera(), sunscreen(), towel(), extra undies(), etc.
The Sanctuary looks like a place I’d stay for a very long time. Wow.
Continue to enjoy your “mini vacation,”
Myra
I agree with Kevin. It would be great if the platinum status was shared by all of the cruise lines owned by the Carnival Corporation. By not doing so, discourages one from trying another line such as Princess. This is something Carnival Corporation should really consider.
The Cruise Director on the Princess Ship looks familiar. Has he previously worked on Carnival in some position?
Glad you are enjoying a cruise as a guest. Now you get to see the pleasure that you bring to others when they cruise.
Good afternoon my friend Mr. Heald. I’m really enjoying your blog about your cruise on the Emerald Princess. The Sanctuary seems to be lovely, a priceless chance to enjoy oneself for only $10. I wonder if the Sanctuary could be applied to the new Carnival ships being built? I’m very happy to see how relaxed to seem to be. It’s about time. Keep up the fantastic photos. You are doing a great job, but what else is new. You always do a top notch job. Any new things about the TV show? Well continue your cruise and remember to enjoy the fact that you and Heidi are together on a relaxful cruise. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John,
I longed to be there, at Princess Cay and in the sanctuary, the way you described it. We have a rain/snow mix here today and it’s cold. Thanks for sending some of that warmth this way. I’m going to go get a sweater now, and I think I’ll take a nap.
Shannan
I agree that priviliges should be shared throughout Carnival Corporation.
I have Elite with Princess, but nothing with the other Carnival Group lines.
Therefore, I’m as likely to try NCL, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity as I am likely to try Holland America or Cunard.
Surely a type of crossover deal would be worthwhile – even if you get 1 grade lower – it would get us “ringing the changes” within Carnival, rather than with the competition.
Hi John/Heidi:
Boy reading about the Sanctuary makes me wish I had one in my back yard.
Seems very pleasant.
Glad you are having a great time and enjoying your chance to catch up and relax.
Thanks for another great blog today.
Nice seeing that they are going to start running Eastern cruises out of Galveston. I’m not a huge fan of the ports they are running, but beggers can’t be choosers.
Thank you for listening CCL.
David
Anyone; How many cruises do you have to go on with Carnival to receive Platinum status?
Thanks, Kathleen
Kathleen (Bucket Lady)
10 cruises
John…
Here’s my $10… I’m READY… I’m more than ready!!! Emeralds and Sanctuary… What more could a gal desire???
Lambie
On your 10th Carnival cruise you are Platinum so you only need 9 under your belt.
John,
We just got back on dry land and here you are making it all sound so good I am ready to go again! I wonder if I can figure out a way to work remotely from the ship like I can at home? HHmmm if I could figure out how to do that (without breaking the bank) I’m not sure I would ever leave the ship! That sanctuary looks great! Carnival may not have one, but an extended balcony, a good book and a wife in the casino is almost as good!
Pingback: Top Posts « WordPress.com
Hi John and Heidi,
Thanks to God MR. BP seems to have left for Paris !!! ( Or maybe next door) Just joking !!!
Now you are enjoying what we enjoy when we cruise !!!! John , just remember the staff that you had on the Freedom is just as great as this crew !!! There was never a person that wasn’t helpful, happy , smiling , and said hello!!!
But, as you VACATION, remember to do so!!!
All of the extra bloggs are GREAT .
Heidi, Keep the door to the DOG HOUSE open I feel a great BLUNDER coming !!!!
HAVE A GREAT VACATION MATES,
TONY
Soooo glad you are finally having a relaxing vacation.
Jennifer
John the sanctuary looks fantastic and you really look relaxed. You sure needed the break. Wow 10$ that’s a steal!!! I would definitely pay for something like that on Carnival. Any chance of them adding something like this for the adults? I guess I’m going to have to book a Princess cruise after this blog. Is the sanctuary only on the Emerald???
Eva
John:
You are looking so-o-o relaxed. I, for one, had utterly enjoyed Princess Cay the many times we were there: from the abundant buffet, to being able to walk either on sand or a pathway to my favorite, relaxing and napping in one of their many hammocks. It is such a clean beach. Enjoy your trip . . . and oh, don’t forget your camera tomorrow!