2013 Royal Princess Christmas Cruise - Day 4 - St. Thomas

December 25, 2013 - St. Thomas

Merry Christmas!

We arrived that morning to St. Thomas and were back-to-back with our old friend, the Norwegian Epic!



It was fun because we stayed in an aft balcony when we sailed the Epic in May, so we could see our old stateroom. We loved sailing on the Epic, and would love to sail on her again. Rachel said that the Epic is her favorite ships of all she's sailed on (mine, too). Mom has some strange love of the Grandeur of the Seas.



The poor Norwegian Sun had to tender into St. Thomas!













We took the tram to the top eons ago...











We took an open-air cab to Sapphire Beach. Another family on the cab was headed to Coki Beach and asked us why we chose Sapphire and if we'd been there before. We told them we were going because it was very pretty and we enjoyed it a few years ago. They asked if we knew anything about Coki, and my dad chimed in that it's more of a local's beach and that it has a bit of a reputation for a high crime rate. "Don't let him stop you if that's where you want to go - it's been about ten years since we've been there." "Oh, no. Sapphire Beach sounds good - we're going with you!" They wanted to share the cab back with us, but they were leaving in two hours, and we wished to stay longer than that.

Disclaimer: I talked to some people later who went to Coki Beach and were very complimentary, suggesting that we go next time. It has been about ten years since we've visited, but we had a really bad experience when we did. It might be worth checking out again.









It was a bit difficult to find the chair guy, as we arrived late, and the beach was rather full (not to mention it was Christmas day and we were in port with the Norwegian Epic and Allure of the Seas). But after we got settled, it was nice. That is until the Jersey Griswold Family Reunion arrived. There were 21 of them, and they just blew my mind. As soon as they got there, they rented a paddle board and a kayak and had drinks in hand. I just don't know how they kept up with each other.

















I almost stepped on this guy... he freaked me out!









This is called the "painkiller." It's nutmeg - very interesting!



















Before dinner, Rachel and I went to play a game in the Vista Lounge that was listed as "Family Bongo." Sounded like fun... maybe an interesting twist on Bingo. Well, it was a TYPO! It was family bingo, and "family" is a real stretch because I guarantee you that not many under 20 knew any of the songs that they played short excerpts of.







Tonight, we celebrated Mom's birthday.







NEXT: Day 4 - St. Maarten

2013 Royal Princess Christmas Cruise - Day 3 - At Sea

This post is a chapter of my 2013 Royal Princess Christmas Cruise Photo Review.

This cruise review was originally published on Cruise Critic beginning January 3, 2014.  You can read the original review here.

December 24, 2013 - At Sea

So if you have ever been on a cruise before, you probably know that "a relaxing day at sea day" really means "wake up painfully early and find a deck chair." Rachel and I were a little late to the game, parking our butts in pool chairs at 9:30. The chair hogs were out in full force...



Great ideas they have, reserving chairs with their standardized cruise-line issued towels.



At least throw in a very valuable magazine. Nothing says, "I care about this chair," like reserving it with the latest issue of a gossip magazine.







It was windy and uncomfortable on the top deck, especially with the scattered rain storms. You should know that after the first rain, the deck attendants came around and removed all of the wet Princess towels. Being on deck 17 was so miserable that I can't believe I stayed as long as I did.

I left because I couldn't tolerate it anymore, and Mom and Rachel caught up with me soon later in the cabin. We decided to try out the deck 7 sun chairs. What I really like about the Royal Princess is that deck 7 has an uncovered sun deck. While it would be a lot cooler if it wrapped around, it's fun to be able to be in the sun on such a low deck. And the wind is much better down there, too.







Soon after we sat down, there was an announcement from the bridge that there would be storms for the rest of the afternoon, and they suggested that those of us outside might want to take cover.

We went back to our stateroom for an afternoon nap...



This evening, they had the Captain's Circle Welcome Back Party in the Princess Theater. It's very different from Royal Caribbean's Welcome Back Party where they serve horderves and champagne. We sat in the theater, and the Royal Princess Singers and Dancers did an excerpt from the show, then the Captain came to speak to us. They did draw for someone to receive Elite perks for one cruise which didn't sound that awesome to me. They also gave away two bottles of champagne... wouldn't have minded winning one of those. But the best thing was that as we exited, they gave us a certificate for a complimentary drink (up to $7.95 value) to be cashed in at any bar.

After the party, we went back to the room and finished getting ready for formal night. It was the Captain's Champagne Waterfall Party.



Looking all dapper in his Christmas tie...





















The medallions were very good.

After dinner, we went to Celebrity Liar's Club which is a cute game show. We were too late to play, but it was fun to watch.



Merry Christmas!



NEXT: Day 4 - St. Thomas