Travel Talk May 2012 Notes From Kel: Still More This & That Last month we mentioned quite a few re-deployments from the cruise lines. Well, this month is no exception. The biggest news I see is that Princess will be bringing The Grand Princess to the West Coast and basing her from San Francisco. The Grand will sail Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and California Coastals. The Port of San Francisco is getting BADLY NEEDED new cruise terminal and then remodeling of the current facility. The Golden Princess will for at least 2013, remain on the West Coast doing 3 and 4 night Costal sailings, plus Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. The Sapphire will also be homeported in Los Angeles and will be doing Mexico. The full details are available from us. It appears that Princess is once again becoming a major player in the West Coast Market; good news for those of us who do not enjoy long flights. What's New? The cruise lines are always looking for a new "hook", the latest being Celebrity with their announcement that The Reflection will have, are you ready for this, a suite with an outdoor shower. The shower will be all glass, including the floor, and extend beyond the ships exterior wall. According to Celebrity big wig Dan Hanrahan, it will be reflective glass so you will be able to see out, but no one can see in. Put this at the TOP of my list of the most ridiculous ideas I have heard. I can't wait to see what's next; probably one of the lines will offer a bridge simulator, or water skiing behind the ship. I don't know about you, but my tastes run more toward quality of the ship, service, and food than all the glitz which the ship planners seem to be running toward full force. Remember, if you have questions about a particular ship, or cruise ask us! Are you there? In the over four decades I spent behind the microphone, I always wondered that . The same is true with this news letter. Each month we send out a large number and yet receive very little feed back. Sometimes I wonder if it automatically becomes bird cage liner. I do appreciate the people who take the time to drop me an e mail or give me a call to either ask questions about something I have written, or make comments. Do we have your E Mail? About once a week we have the opportunity to send out information on specials from the various cruise lines. Since most of these specials are last minute, regular mail is out of the question. If you would like to be included in our e mailings then please drop me a note at my e mail kelwatts@mypayson.com. or give us a call.