Griff4AU

Dry Dock exists for times when the line needs to work on the stuff that's usually wet, and therefore they put the ship into a space that can be pumped dry.

Usually, but not always. While I can't comment on the work below the water line, a cruise line will also pull a ship out of the water if the work they need to do make it non-revenue producing time. Yes, they were supposed to add new cabins. I am not sure if they did (we didn't go near that section)... There was new carpet in many locations... You can't really do that while underway. Several of the crew told me that the drydock time was a "every nook and cranny deep cleaning"... you can't do that while underway.... So pull the ship out of the water... Most of the crew only got 1 or 2 days off during the entire drydock.

As for the below the waterline work, I can say they didn't touch the hull paint (she needs it)... I do know that we did some extra thruster maneuvering while we were pulling out of the port, so she may have had some thruster work done, but that is a guess.

I guess I need to weigh in here, and respectfully disagree with some of the expert (and local) advice...

I work in Fort Lauderdale (Las Olas), live in Miami (Brickell), and cruise a lot out of both ports (3 cruises in the last 6 months), and fly in to or out of MIA or FLL about ever 2 or 3 weeks....... I think I am pretty comfortable offering my "Two Abe's worth" ($0.02)...

With 7 travelers and $60 airfare savings (per person, if I read that correctly), I'd fly in to FLL if you have adequate time before you board. Obviously MIA is closer to the PoM (about 8 miles), but I find that the traffic leaving MIA and heading East to the port can be horrendous at any time of day, rather than just the normal terrible that's around FLL. Neither of these are DC type traffic (I lived in Woodbridge and Richmond for 12 years), but they can be terrible.

Make sure you have adequate time and take a group shuttle, which your group will likely fill up (thus making it almost private)... You'll save money, which it seems like the primary purpose for your question. If the net, net savings (after airfare and differences in cab fares) is less than $150 or so, then I might stick with MIA.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

We just got back from Grand Turk and wound up using Oasis Divers, the first time I have used a ship's excursion for diving in 7 years. I'll offer our opinions / comments below, but as I know opinions are like a$$h....s (everyone has one), I'll qualify our dive experience so it can either match, or not match, your experience and what you are looking for.

Our experience: I'm a 30++ year diver who is a part time Divemaster (just for fun), so I consider myself (in the diving community) both experienced and knowledgeable. FWIW, experience and knowledge are NOT synonymous in diving, not at all. My dive buddy (now fiancee) has 150++ dives, is a frequent traveler (been to every continent and over 150 countries), is AOW/Nitrox - she is experienced but not extremely dive educated. We're South Florida residents who have a minimum of 25 dives per year (me, a lot more)...

Why Oasis and the ship's excursion? We simply wanted some shore-time (the boss wanted to shop) after the dives, and I read more than once that Blue Water has a lengthy surface interval / lunch spot... that would have eliminated the shopping / beach time. GT Diving had 8 divers on their 10/12 person boat, and that seemed like it might be crowded. So we took a chance with Oasis.. Again, we NEVER go with the ship's excursion...

Why so wordy with our qualifications? Well, because as divers we're a picky (and very opinionated) bunch.... Some will disagree with my review, and that's OK. But my review comes from a dive professional's viewpoint and is unbiased. If anything, I am biased towards NOT using an ship's excursion...

17 May 2014

Meeting with the excursion group on shore had me concerned... there were a lot of divers there... My first thought was "Cr@p, this is going to be a busy boat"... That concern was alleviated when I saw we had 2 dive boats. The check in was as efficient as can be with 25ish divers.

We each hopped in the boat for the 5 minute ride to the shop for gear checkout. With a ship's excursion group, I expected nearly everyone to need gear, and they did. Again, 25 divers, with probably 20 needing full gear. Three people were in the gear hut getting the equipment out.. Pretty efficient for the size of the group.

Each of the two boats left for their dive sites, and we went to different sites (very good call on their part). Our boat did Alien Nation and Connie's Reef. Our boat had mainly recreational divers, some of them well traveled (for diving), but no one hard-core (like us). Fortunately there were no air hogs on board and our bottom times were in the 55 minute range for the 55' and 65' dives (good for a recreational group). What I also thought they did well is that there were 3 DM's on board and our boat of 13 divers was broken up in to 2 groups of 6/7. I do not know if the other boat did that, but I did see they also had 3 DM's on board.

The DM briefings were good, thorough and professional, and for the most part the divers stuck to the plan. One diver in the other group got separated from the group, and the boat had to make an extra stop to pick him up - but at no point was he lost. 2 "inexperienced divers," a couple who probably never dives unless they are on a cruise (it was obvious by their lack of fitness and buoyancy control), tried to get on the ladder while someone else (me) was on it, so they received a gentle "safety scolding." But honestly I was pleasantly surprised by the adequate diving skills of 13 divers who are on a ship's excursion. Jason, Justin and the other DM (I am sorry I forgot his name) did a very good job of leading the dives...

So my take on everything? I think Oasis Divers did a nice job with a large group of divers. $129 pp, including all gear (except wetsuits) can't be beat (on Grand Turk). Podie above commented on the non-modern equipment... I agree and disagree, considering... New? No. Well maintained? Yes, surprisingly so considering how many divers go through their operation. I'll admit I used all of their gear except the reg (won't risk that) and it all functioned well.

So for hard core divers, and the internet commandos here who think they are hard core, I'd recommend Blue Water and /or GT divers. I am looking forward to trying Blue Water as I have heard wonderful things about them. We're back in Grand Turk in July and will try Blue Water. As for Oasis Divers, I have absolutely no problem recommending them for a novice or recreational diver, or anyone who just wants a simple dive. Are they a great and boutique dive operation? No. But they are a safe operation with well-maintained equipment and a good staff that can handle a lot of recreational divers.

I don't think we made it to the Wheelhouse, but I did save all the Patters. I'll find out tonight.

Then again, things may change by the time you sail.

As long as you are in the first group off, and the Royal hits the docks early, you SHOULD be OK....

I was in my office (DT Ft Lauderdale) by 8:30 yesterday... The first walkoff group met at 7:15... Why I rushed to the office... well, I am stupid..... And the airport is right next to the port...

It can be done if your in the FIRST walk-off group AND carry your luggage. I'd hate to risk it otherwise... FLL during December can be a bit of a bear.

Hate to ask a dumb question...but are you required to buy a card everyday or just on days you want it? Thx!

Not a dumb question... It's a sticker they put on your cruise card... so indeed you're buying it for every day of the cruise.. you can't buy it for just the days you're "extra thirsty".....

Well many congrats on your upcoming nuptials! And if you are looking to board the CB again--come when she leaves out on 6/21 for 7 days in the Caribbean!

Well maybe... We're looking at your sailing, or on the 28th to hit the Western side of the itinerary...

I know the crew hates short itineraries.... so I fully believe some of the squawks I mentioned will be cleared up when she starts doing 7 day sailings again...

Can I ask about the free coupon drink vouchers?? Never heard this before and wondered how to get them. My friend and I are sailing in June.

 

Thanks,

Laurie

Laurie,

Unless boca7 is referring to something that I am not privy to, I believe they are referring to the drink coupon that we get for being Platinum or Elite. As for Skywalkers being busy, that's because that is where they have the Platinum / Elite gatherings each late afternoon/early evening. I actually gave my ticket away (shhhh) since I had purchased the beverage package.

boca7: I pretty much agree with everything you shared.. Thanks... I popped some quick observations on yesterday morning (I was in the office by 8:15).

I didn't comment on the lifeboat drill (longest ever) as I believe the numerous late arriving passengers (it was pretty stormy and FLL was very delayed), but you're right.. .it stunk...

As for bar staff, that I did comment on... This was the fewest number of servers (behind the bar and walking) that I have ever seen. I honestly think (hope) that was a staffing blip due to the drydock and contract flips as we were on the Ruby in late March and didn't see a reduction in bar staff. I trust the CB will figure it out...

hmmmm. No CC Members on this 1st cruise after Dry Dock?

There sure were. I had a thread about her post dry dock up by 8:30am.

That thread around here somewhere. Maybe Page 2 by now. But I'll say a lot of the wish list items TVs and etc) were not a part of the dry dock.

Did you get to see the Mariachis onboard (Los Brillantes)?

 

Greg

We did, and they were very enjoyable. The Boss (who is Spanish) also enjoyed them immensely.

When I said that Greg said Hello, they each said "That guy owes us $100," so I ran.... OK, I really didn't speak with them... I was kinda busy with the proposal and planning (and taking advantage of the beverage package) and keeping the future Mrs. Griff happy..... Sorry... She liked the CB so much that we may get on her next Monday for 5 days....

Just off of our 2nd Princess cruise within the past 45 days, and both times we got the package. Absolutely worth it. A mimosa (or 2) with our breakfast? Absolutely - and we've never done that while cruising. "Real" coffee / cappuccino in the Piazza? Absolutely. Massive bottles of water for excursions or to bring in to the cabin at night? Yep... Trying new drinks... drinks that we'd never try elsewhere? Yes Sir / Ma'am. Hanging out at Vines, sampling nearly every wine they had, all while enjoying sushi, tapas and hummus... all while not paying for a drink and listening to the music and performers in the Piazza on a lazy afternoon? ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.....

When we sail NCL again, we'll "probably" get the package again. It's good, but a lot of drinks are excluded. RCCL? We likely will once we figure out which package to get .... Princess? Absolutely we will, without thinking twice about it. It's the broadest plan out there.. it covers nearly everything....... Oh, and having my end-of-cruise bill all fit on to one page without pages and pages of drink tickets to audit? As they say in Vegas: "winner winner chicken dinner!!!!"

Quick question. Did they upgrade the TVs? I read they were slowly upgrading to the on demand TVs like on the Royal.

Chris

If you're referring to the touch-screen smart-TVs that can do everything except pour your drink.... they did not, at least not in our cabin.

Thanks Rick. She did say yes. Another reason why the CB is my favorite Princess ship. Unfortunately we're having trouble figuring out a Princess honeymoon and it looks like we may have to hop back over to her favorite line, RCCL.

I guess what was most surprising / disappointing to me was with the drydock they didn't touch her exterior paint at all.

If it's your first sailing out of FLL, what others have said about the port is pretty fair... Princess does not do the best job an embarking, so unless you have a reason to get on early (Chef's Table, something you need to get on early to do) or are Platinum/Elite/Suite, you'll save some frustration by boarding either super early or later (2:00 ish).

I guess my other advice pretty much mirrors what others have said... Princess has "given up" with the stage shows compared to RCCL and the others. They are entertaining, but not great. That's why Crooners was packed as Dwight Blake was really good...

My Pleasure Rob. I'll add some more below..

As for the new cabins, I honestly don't know as I didn't go check.. I am sure someone checked. I believe they were added, but not in use yet as there was a small group of "non-crew" laborers on board and I always seemed to see them walking forward.. So I have a feeling the cabins weren't yet complete... or the workers were working on something else....

What else.... I know most have the Love it/Hate it attitude to the "shopping cart handle" that is the "old style Skywalkers".... Well, we made it up there twice and I do think it's views are better than with the newer Skywalkers...

Here's my quick thoughts as I need to see what I missed at work (unfortunately I was in my office before 8:00 am)

- In looking at the ship, and speaking with several crew, it appears this drydock was a "cleaning and carpet" drydock more than anything else. Lots of "new carpet" fuzz around.

- With the Ruby now in Europe, we saw a lot of crew from our Ruby sailing in March on the CB now.

- Inside of the ship looked good / very good, but not "new".. She is still a great ship.

- In our opinion, it was your typical very good Princess crew.

- I was sorry Bert Stratton got off the CB when she left Houston, but the "new guy" Dwight Blake was really very good and had the crowds going. It's been a while since I was on the CB and I forgot how small the "older style" Crooners is. I hope the next refit they can do something to Crooners as if they have a great singer / piano player i board, Crooners is always PACKED...

- Lee Childers is the new CD and I think he did a nice job. As others have said around here, Lee isn't always the most visible CD, but I measure the CD based on the job of the entire CD department, and I thought they did well for a short sailing. The ACD Duke will likely get his own ship in the future.

- I did notice less pool deck servers taking drinks than previously, and the bar lines suffered a little... Like any ship, you need find the right bar...

- MANY took advantage of the Beverage Package... I'd say well more than half of the folks I saw at the bar had the package.

- Pretty good entertainment in the Paizza all day and night long... Vines and the International Cafe were very popular. Princess did a nice job whenever they added those to the CB.

More later, and I know others will chime in. I'll try to answer any questions that pop up on this thread. MY quick summary is that if you know and love Princess and the CB, you won't be disappointed, but the CB isn't new. IT's my third time on the CB, the first time introducing my daughters to the cruising lifestyle, and this most recent voyage to get engaged (yep, I proposed on the CB with the photographers expecting it and blazing away)...

Time to head to the buffet.... (or go to work)

I've dropped bags and going to board within 30 minutes... I still enjoy seeing the CB more than any other ship...

What they DIDN'T do in dry dock is freshen up the paint... The surface rust from the salt water and air still show... although that's easy enough to remedy.. so I am a little surprised they didn't take care of it in the obvious areas..

It's raining here, but that isn't going to dampen the ride...

More soon...

Just another "+1"..... Do It!!!!

Thank you so much! I have read and seen so many bad reviews of the ship I was getting nervous. And yes I know there are good ones too but the bad ones kind of stick out.

I'm sorry to hear that. But I will admit my bias towards Princess and the CB....

Here's my take on how to have a great cruise, regardless of the ship and line:

1.) Talk TO each and every staff member, and not AT them.. You'll almost always get great service. If the opportunity presents itself, refer to them by name.

2.) Every ship and line has their pros and cons, even Princess. But unless you have a crappy mindset, it's difficult to have a bad cruise.

3.) As for some of the poor reviews on this forum (any cruise line sub-forum)... Many of the bad reviews come from simply cranky people... people who are going to find fault in anything. There are lots of people like that on internet forums of any kind... Folks tend to get an "internet bravado" and who love to "talk smack" with the anonymity of their PC... I call them Keyboard Commandos... Many are simply whiners... Princess has them too... (I'm Elite.. so I shouldn't have to pay for my drinks... and pool loungers should be reserved for me.. and I should never wait in line for ANYTHING)... ignore those folks... they are simply going to b!tch... that's how they feel important....

So when you see a bunch of conflicting reviews... Toss out the super great ones as they are from total loyalists, admittedly like me... Toss out the ones from the folks I mention in #3, and read everything in the middle. When a Princess loyalist says something nice about RCCL or X (our main rivals), that says something.. as does when an RCCL or X regular compliment Princess... those are the reviews you pay attention to as they are unbiased.

On Monday I will give some quick thoughts on the CB as I haven't been on her in years... but I am telling you this... I expect a great (albeit short) cruise on a great ship with a really good staff on the one cruise line that regardless of the ship I feel comfortable because there is a familiarity amongst all of their ships.

Dang.. .is it time to board yet?

Any chance you activated the Find My Phone app? Or tried it?

Why do we get so jacked about a moving cruise ship!?! I have been glued to the web cam watching her come in and dock. Are we all crazy!?! I just love watching cruise ships come in and out of ports. And don't get me started about watching sail away when ON a ship. :D

None of us know what you're talking about... :rolleyes:

I'm sure it's just you...

OK, I'll admit I'm jacked because I can see them dock from my office (well, the other side of my floor....) and I'll be on the CB in about 23 hours... and chances are my best friend is getting engaged on the ship later this week. But I am sure you and I are the only ones who get jacked about a ship's coming and going... No one else around here... :rolleyes: :cool: ;)

Griff, a Cruise-aholic...

It'll be my kids' first ship as well.

That's awesome, and it will be a great introduction...

My girls have been on a few cruises and 2 other cruise lines since, yet they still talk about the CB and prefer Princess, mainly because of the CB.

No worries...

I bleeping love that ship.. Not sure why it's my favorite amongst the line. Probably because it reintroduced me to cruising, and then a few years later it was my two daughter's first ever cruise ship...

....and I am glad they haven't hacked off the old-style Skywalkers....

http://www.ftlauderdalewebcam.com/

Corrected link!

... and it looks like she "Came Back New!".......

(sorry, I had to do that....)

Miranda, I think we're all excited for you and we're glad you're excited... What I think you're seeing is that you are casting a wide net with your questions and not really asking anything. There is a point that it can become a bit annoying and folks will start ignoring your threads... which defeats your purpose. A couple of pointers for you:

- I think most of "us" on this forum are probably your parents age (or a tad older) and happen to love cruising and Princess. Therefore it is safe to say that there is PLENTY to do for your parents. Leave it at that. Don't overplan.

- As for you and your siblings, I will offer you the cruise history of my daughters who are now 18 and 20. They took their first cruise 8 years ago on the Caribbean Princess. They have since been on Carnival, RCCL and Disney. They prefer Princess (which surprises me). They have stayed in touch with other "kids" (when they first met them) from cruises many years ago. After a Disney cruise, they said "Dad, this was really great, but next time can we go back to Princess?" The kids/young adults program is great.. Your parents will feel that your younger siblings are safe and watched, but your siblings won't feel like they have a babysitter. They key for them is to go to the kids/teen program the first night of the cruise as that's the night the kids make their closer friends for the rest of the cruise. Honestly, when I have cruised with just my daughters, I almost feel like a singles-cruiser after dinner (we always do the shore excursions and have dinner together) as they always have friends to do things with.

- Lastly, and probably most importantly, I think we would all suggest you look around the forum, go through several pages of threads, and try the SEARCH function BEFORE you start another thread. You'll likely find the answers to your questions, and better answers to your questions, because folks get tired of answering the same questions over and over again - especially when they answered the same question 1 or 2 or 3 days ago.

Have fun...