Service with a Genuine Smile

1/6/26

People tend to be very passionate about which coffee shop, mechanic, bank or supermarket they frequent.  In Georgia, you have 3 choices among the major supermarket chains, Publix, Kroger or Winn Dixie.  If you were expecting the Piggly Wiggly, sorry to disappoint you.  They still exist in rural Georgia but not metropolitan Atlanta, at least I haven’t seen one.  But it was fun to type Piggly Wiggly.  Ms Daisy is rolling over in her grave.

Where you shop says something about you.  Publix is considered the most elite, with slightly higher prices and better service.  Kroger is the common person’s supermarket, utilitarian perhaps, and limited on Pule, a Serbian cheese made from Balkan donkey milk, costing upwards of $600-$1300 per pound.  If Publix doesn’t have it, they’ll get it for you.  Kroger will apologetically tilt its head like a dog that doesn’t quite understand what you’re saying.  And then there’s Winn Dixie.  I’ve only shopped there twice and Laura Lynn (their store brand) is probably going into assisted living sooner than later.  We’re Kroger people, no nonsense, get-in, get-out.  Shopping doesn’t have to be a pleasure.  We’re happy with good service and reasonable selection at a fair price without all the pomp and circumstance.  (Sorry if you’re a Publix person).

You may be wondering why my travel blog is discussing grocery shopping.  Perspective.  We’re Kroger people.  We’re also Princess people.  The combination of service, selection and quality for the price is the BEST value trifecta in the industry.  I’ll discuss the #’s in a later post, but I’m constantly in awe at how much Princess exceeds my expectations, especially in the service category.  For example, this morning I ordered a cappuccino, included in our Premier Package (otherwise $5 each), and he asked if I wanted it in a coffee mug (porcelain) or a to-go cup (cardboard).  How thoughtful.  It gets better.  I said I’d actually like it in my Yeti.

He sized up my Yeti like Ina Garten measures out sugar (with precision) and proceeded to fill it completely with the perfect ratio of espresso and milk, with a beautiful design on top.  It’s like 3 cappuccinos but he knew we had the package so it was a safe bet I’d be thrilled….and I was.  When I ordered a custom omelet this morning, I asked if the onion was sauteed first. He said it was but was happy to sauté it more, which I nodded affirmatively to.  These are small examples of how much the staff goes out of their way to make our cruise a truly wonderful experience.  I feel like I’m getting Publix service at a Kroger price. 

Our first sea day unfolded beautifully.  After realizing that the fitness center doesn’t open until 7am, I adjusted to write yesterday’s blog post (from the day before) early.  Some initial internet issues delayed the actual post.  I stopped by guest services, where it was resolved.  And just in time for the first of many Meet & Greets.  At 10am, we met other 131’ers by the outdoor pool.  The cruise is full of folks just doing the Panama Canal segment, so it was nice to discuss the PC26 cruise with other people in the same boat. 😊.  That lasted till 11:30, which was just in time for a light lunch and then to head to my rescheduled workout, 1 hr on the treadmill or elliptical.   On my way, they were offering massage tasters, which lasted like 20 minutes.  That was awesome.  My workout lasted till 2pm which left me time for a quick dip in the Lotus Hot Tub, where the conversation was lively with a gentleman from Florida.  I lost track of time and raced back to room where Sherri was waiting for our 2:45pm wine tasting, something we’ll do 1x each segment as Elite Loyalty passengers.

The wine tasting had about 200 passengers and we were at a table of 8.  We tasted 5 wines in total, a sparkling wine, 2 whites and 2 reds.  It was really interesting and educational.  Our wine was accompanied by a fruit and cheese plate and water (to cleanse the palate).  Sitting 2 over from me was an older lady who happens to live in a subdivision we are looking to purchase a home in on Lake Hartwell.   What a small world.  She knows our real estate agent so I sent her a text to make the connection.

After the wine tasting, we headed back to the room to get ready for the first of many formal nights.  I’m pleased to report that “formal” night attire expectations have been reset to make it more comfortable, though many men still wore tuxedos.  On formal nights, we get hor’dourves delivered to our room, another benefit of being the Elite Loyalty level.  Who knew? Then we headed to the Explorer’s Lounge for a daily cocktail hour for Platinum and Elite Loyalty passengers.  We don’t go every day, but it is a nice way to ease into dinner.  They have drinks and more hor’dourves. 

We sat at a nice table of 8 for dinner and had another evening of lively conversation on all sorts of topics.  Dinner for me was seared halibut with a side of salmon.  I keep thinking I’ll tire of salmon but it hasn’t happened yet.  They offer filet mignon on formal nights but I find myself eating less red meat, not sure why because I love it.  Just wasn’t feeling like it.  Or maybe I’m just saving my carnivorous indulgence for our next Crown Grill reservation, where the steak is OUTSTANDING. 

We headed to the show, which is a Production Show on formal nights.  Sherri loved it.  I fell asleep, not really unusual.  Dark theater, comfy chair, full belly…..a combination that often leads to a power nap…..not unlike Thanksgiving.   The nice upgrade of the Premier Package was reserved seating.  So we had stellar seats for the show (or a nap, depending on your perspective).

About 9pm, we retired back to our stateroom to read and recap the day.  One of the nice benefits of a 131 day cruise is that there’s no compulsion to fit in as much activity as humanly possible.  I’ve had many vacations where I needed a vacation from my vacation because I was exhausted.  This won’t be like that.   I think that’s one of benefits of longer cruises.  All-in-all, a great first full day.