Day 5 Wednesday 28th September: the Atlantic
We were woken up again before 6 am by the ship’s fog horn booming. Looking out of our windows we could see the early morning fog.
The fog slowly cleared and then came back again with the ship’s fog horn celebrating!
We went to breakfast was early on Deck 6 and we shared a table with three other couples. From discussions around the table, we were persuaded not to try Sabatini‘s.
Out on deck the fog had gone and around the jogging track we were again buffeted by window as we rounded the corners.
Afternoon
The Captain made an announcement that due to IT issues, the ship’s clock would not be aligned with local time in Corner Brook. The required shift of 30 minutes was simply not possible.
Our cabin steward came back to ask you for more information about our forms. We had to add more information to the already provided ArriveCan forms. Plus guest services needed our receipt codes for our US ESTAs. Rather than squeeze the long code into the small space on the provided sheet of paper we gave him all the information on a sheet of ours. Hopefully this would avoid any transcription issues.
After a quick late lunch in the Piazza from the International Café, we again braved Deck 18. The Promenade Dick (Deck 7) was closed, except for the aft section for smokers. While Linda went to a lecture in the theatre for one of the ships speakers, I was out on deck looking for sea life but with no success.
Rather than get any colder back outside we went back to the cabin and watched a Bruce Willis movie “Fortress”. Then it was time for the Captain’s Circle in the Vista Lounge again.
Dinner in the restaurant on Deck 5 was a light affair with scallops as a main, but with cherries flambé as a desert.
MoBO in the theatre
The theatre was quite empty as we made our way to the front for the show from MoBO.
After the show
I went to the Piazza to watch Ocean Boulevard.
Overnight we had a time change for last time before we reached Canada. On our bed was a note about laundry on the ship.
Day 6 Thursday 29th September: the Atlantic
This was the last day of our Atlantic transit. After midnight we were again woken by the ship’s foghorn. Then again at 5 am, the rain was so heavy that we were working up again.
Our late start for breakfast was upstairs in the Buffet – Marketplace. The granola plus fruit was excellent. After breakfast we togged up and went up the jogging track on Deck 18. It was busy and again we were buffeted by the wind as we rounded corners.
Afternoon
The grill on the Lido Deck did have lots of choice, and I had my first Street chicken tacos from there. They were spicy hot and were excellent.
While we ate the Captain made an all ship’s announcement for his noon talk. The authorities in Charlottetown have decided that Sky Princess would have to miss the port due to the damage from the hurricane. We had seen the images of the town after hurricane Fiona had passed through on the Internet. It was sad to see so many trees blown over and especially sad to see all the damage done to the old buildings.
The next announcement from the Captain was that our visit to Sydney was also cancelled due to hurricane damage. The Princess Cruises shore team had been working on finding replacement ports for us. The good news was that we would have an extra call at Saint John after Corner Brook. Another day at sea and then arrive in Brooklyn a day earlier than planned on the 4th October. For passengers flying home. This was a bonus as they would now have some time in New York rather than leaving the ship on the 5th and heading straight to the airport as originally scheduled
Early Evening
In the evening, we spent some time in the Vista Lounge chatting with our acquaintances. We chatted with customer services director, who promised that we would be getting a letter informing of all the itinerary changes. She had worked on Princess ships for 15+ years and explained what her role entailed. She did emphasise that being responsible for reception took up less than 5% of her time!
Later we could see land on the port side as the ship passed between Newfoundland and the mainland.
Back in our cabin the letter from guest services was in the bed with the revised itinerary. After getting changed we were late for the restaurant. We asked to share a large table for eight. After 20 minutes we were served, but had the whole table to ourselves.
Change of itinerary letter
September 29.2022
Dear Princess Guest:
I hope you are enjoying your time on board Sky Princess.
I wish to advise you of a change to our cruise itinerary. As you may be aware Hurricane Fiona passed through the Canadian Maritimes last week. The storm has caused damage to destinations along our scheduled route. necessitating a revision to our itinerary. Our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected by the storm and its aftermath.
As the communities are still recovering and the ports are closed, we must cancel our calls to Sydney, Nova Scotia on Saturday, October 1, and to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on Sunday, October 2. We will instead call to Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick from 7:15 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 2.
We have also added an additional full day and another overnight in New York and will now arrive at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, October 4, remaining in port until our scheduled departure on Thursday, October 6. We hope you enjoy the extra time to explore this exciting city.
For Guests with Princess shore excursions booked for Sydney or Charlottetown, your shipboard folio will be credited automatically, and you do not need to visit the Shore Excursions Desk to receive your refund. Our teams are exploring options for excursions in Saint John and the additional day in New York, and we will advise you when they are available to book at the Shore Excursions Desk or on the MedallionClass app.
If you are disembarking Sky Princess in New York, your disembarkation will proceed as scheduled on Wednesday, October 5. For those guests sailing roundtrip with us back to Southampton, the new call to Saint John, New Brunswick on Sunday, October 2 will be in addition to the previously scheduled visit on Monday, October 10,2022.
We regret any disappointment these changes may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding. On behalf of my officers and crew, we look forward to continuing to serve you during our voyage together.
Kind regards,
Captain Heikki Laakkonen Master, Sky Princess
And we received our invite to the Captain’s Cocktail Party scheduled for the 12th October – a few days away!
Late Evening
The music (jazz) in Take Five was being provided by some of the ship’s orchestra. Their set only lasted for one number before they left the stage. As soon as the resident jazz band started we left. Their music was okay, but was way way way too loud for us in the small venue.
Instead we headed back to the Piazza where the ship’s house band, Ocean Boulevard, were performing to round our evening off.
Next day we landed at our first port – Corner Brook, Canada.