pklein9747

We also received an email today for a $199pp upgrade to a mini suite. We passed. We really don't need that extra room and don't want to give up our regular balcony cabin which has a larger balcony.

Got off the Caribbean Princess two weeks ago and the kids loved the Kids' Club. Our 3 year old grandson would ask to go all the time. Lots of projects were made and the staff were so kind and good with the kids. They did not have a kids dinner at all...maybe because of covid. Also, did not take the kids outside at all. Club times were 9-12, 2-5 and 7-10. You can choose to leave your child after 10 for $5 an hour per child. We also did not leave any of our kids on a port day.

We returned last week from a one week Western Caribbean family cruise on the Caribbean Princess. Hubby and I are elite with Princess and wanted a ship that we were comfortable with but would provide a quiet respite for our two grown children and their spouses and also had a great kids' club. Each of our adult children and spouses have cruised before but this was the first cruise for our three grandkids, ages 9, 8 & 3. I know so many people have said Princess' kids' club is outstanding and they were right. Our grandkids loved it. Even our 3 year old, who is on the autism spectrum and struggles with communication, would ask each day, "Kids club? Go play?" The staff in the younger club were exceptional and really knew how to deal with the kids and were very caring. They each made so many fun projects that it was hard to find room to bring it all home. We only ate in the dining room the first two nights (just found the buffet easier and our early reservation time didn't work with our busy schedule), but the servers were very, very attentive to the kids and went out of their way to bring them whatever they wanted to eat. They would suggest items and try to get the kids to try something now (to no avail 😞 ) The servers in the buffet were also very helpful and would go in search of chocolate milk for our littles (turned out to be from the coffee venue where they have milk and chocolate syrup!). My 8 year old grandson's peanut/tree allergy was taken very seriously in the dining room. The never ending pizza and ice cream was probably the biggest hit with the two oldest. I think they ate their weight's worth. There is a great water play area on deck 16 outside the kids' club that the kids loved. The kids' outdoor splash area was okay but our guys preferred the big pool on deck, especially watching a movie while in the pool! I think Princess was a good choice for their first cruise and for this age. We had a port intensive cruise, and two sea days were fine. Any more and the kids may have been bored.. As they age, I would more likely choose Royal or a newer Carnival ship where they are more activities for kids.

Wanted to report back that no one ever questioned our grandkids' identity. As long as they had a Princess medallion on their wrist, they were good to go.

We went to Paradise Beach on 6/30 and did the AI with our entire family of 8. We made the reservation ahead of time and were glad we did because they were not accepting walk ins. The taxi wouldn't even take you if you did not have a reservation. There were only 4 ships in port that day but I think Paradise Beach is still limiting their capacity. It was very crowded when we got there at 11:30 but emptied out by 3:30. We enjoyed it immensely and felt it was worth the money.

We were there at the end of March. Two couples, rented Cabana #4 for the day. Beautiful area, Excellent service, drinks were reasonable. They give you a fruit platter and guacamole/salsa & chips. Snorkeling equipment was included. Area is small, only a few cabanas were rented on the day we were there. If all cabanas were filled, it might be too much. People next to us brought a speaker and were playing music a bit loud. The management came over to them and asked them to lower it. They are all about relaxing and enjoying the view. This is not really a beach. Access to the water was down a set of metal steps which were tough on the feet. If you're not snorkeling and wearing flippers, wear water shoes. Water at bottom of stairs is probably 6-8-10 ft deep. Snorkeling was decent. Saw parrot fish and quite a few spotted rays as well as other fish. If you're not a good swimmer, this area could be challenging. Our friends walked over to Chakanaub (sp?) Park. They weren't impressed. The cabanas were nice with a couch and lounge and small table. Two loungers outside the cabana and several hammocks close by. All in all, a relaxing place. We would definitely return.

When adults go ashore, we are always told to bring our cruise card and a photo ID to get back onto the ship. Do kids/grandkids need an ID? If so what do you bring with you? Thanks.