Caribensun

Thanks for taking time to do a live. Since you have done Crystal and now RCL, which would you be more apt to book again? Appreciate info on St. Bart's as will be there in Dec. on Crystal. Which line would you be more inclined to if price was not an issue. We enjoy all of the activities and not knowing everyone on the larger cruise lines, but miss the service of the smaller lines. Have you tried the spa?

Thanks, Sandipalms

Holland; only 70 yr old mom really likes Holland. 24 hr room service slow and not great on either line, but Princess is faster. Smaller more fish dishes on Holland, we had hard time finding something to eat. Buffet, Intl Cafe, pizza win on Princess, but ice cream wins on HAL- but closes after lunch until 10 or 10:30 pm. Shows better on Princess. HAL in room DVDs and lounge theatre showing movies. Promenade all non-smoking and flat-HAL wins. Gym goes to Princess. Spa goes to HAL, Casino to Princess, as gives free drinks playing a lot and staff around. Bingo goes to Princess. Rooms-basic room has tub, but sink area and storage seems smaller than Princess. Highly recommend A Neptune Suite, can use on Embarkation day for juices, snacks, also on disembarkation day, pastries, fruits for breakfast and suite breakfast is served in restaurant too -HAL wins here. Coffee, great coffee in Neptune lounge, no need for coffee card. Now coffee makers in Neptune Suites. Princess Full Suite vs Neptune Suite- Like the sitting area with 2 tvs on Princess, but the bathroom, closets (not just one), makeup area, bed(s), balcony and balcony furniture go to HAL. Couldn't use balcony on either cruise as smokers (what few there are-were next to us).

Better smokiing areas away from Passengers goes to HAL. Crows Nest with puzzle area and viewing lounge chairs/library goes to HAL

Pool area never feels crowded on HAL. HAL does Alaska the best and especially if in Neptune Suite. Pools are colder on HAL, didn't think a pool could be colder than Princess. HAL wins for non-smoking sports bar and people dress nice on sea days and for dinner, Staff is subjective. Smoking on balconies is what will keep me from cruising HAL agsin-again only went with mom. It will be a different experience from Princess, Princess is so much more casual dress and just casual to us. You won't know until you try and it took me 28 cruises before trying HAL. Can't wait for HAL to end smoking on balconies then will cruise HAL more.

HAL muster is outside, be prepared for your weather.

Take a different cruise as a new experience, you don't know until you try and how bad can it really be.?

North endear, Embassy Suites is very nice, Publix, huge alcohol store, short walk behind hotel. Ross, Dollar Tree and Carrabbas Itilian restaurant across the street, CVS a blue collar away. Good comp. breakfast, rooms are spacious and pool is nice. If you up to I think it was called Concierge level you have access to a vending machine with snacks, water, soda and juices. We took several bottles of water with us and Cranberry juice bottles. The concierge level was a huge let down from what the Ritz has. For $9.95pp hotel will pick you up from airport, another $9.95pp will take you to pier and another $9.95pp will get you from pier to airport. A cab is easily accessible from hotel to pier. With 3 women and all of our luggage we used Embassy's service and it was wonderful. For a fee Embassy can take you anywhere.

Tracie, glad you are living good without your suite. Thinking about leaving suite life too on a Coral Canal cruise as suites are not on aft. Thanks for taking us along

Sandipalms

Thanks for Crown info, what cabin number were you in? Maybe I booked the right suite. Did they replace in all Full suites and did you get the sleep amenities package too?

For paying full price I want a new mattress now tooooo, (sorry had to sob).

Best mattresses we have had hav been in the Grand Suites. We had a horrible mattress on Ruby earlier this year in full suite, no one cared.

Hello, Lurker here as trying to decide between; AZ, Crystal and Oceania.

Recently off HAL hot weather Caribbean cruise and inside ship everyone was complaining of how cold entire ship was, however outside temp was in 80's.

I had to wear a coat I brought (got offers to sell it), we were told by Ships Officers they have to keep the interior of ship cool/cold to keep the bugs from coming in and hanging out inside the ship.

For what it's worth, Sandipalms

We have used "Coolride" for the last 3 years and have had excellent service and drivers. Sandipalms

As long as on the subject, wish Vista Suites had the shelves on the wall next to sink and or a shelf under sink like interior to minis, PH & OS have, (prefer not being next to vent).

For at least the last two years we have had orchids in suite and on long cruises I don't have to add water. In Feb. missed chocolate covered strawberries from appetizer menu.

I have found the suite bath ammenities are missing and have to ask for some items, some I get some I don't.

Wish loungers layed down all the way like other cruise lines have on suite balconies and easier to move, on Ruby our loungers didn't even recline.

Do the GS suites still have all the nice arrangements? Loved coming into the room and seeing the large bouquets everywhere.

Can anyone comment on if suite breakfast in "Share" now?

Agree, stationary could go. i love having slippers.

Anyone on Crown recently in Full Suite? Hope they don't take Thermal Suite away.

Ahhh, It's still the "suite life".

Sandipalms

Didn't mean to scare anyone. Walking across the bridge is the highlight in Curaçao for us and even more special when can do it at night and look back at the ship all lit up. It was definitely a disappointment.

Just wanted to let everyone know so you would not be surprised when arriving at the bridge for your walk and it was missing.

Glad to see you like the bridge too.

Sandipalms

HMC was not affected by the hurricane, neither was PC on Eluthra. It was a beautiful day and highly recommend the guided walk. The water was warm at all ports on So. Caribbean itinerary.

Sandipalms

Cruisewhere, we never heard of the "neighbor party" although we were on back of ship. We booked Neptune Suite Deck 5 last May and loved it. Lawrence and Mei in Neptune Lounge were awesome!

we missed M&G as Our luggage never arrived after muster. Concierges made us wait in our room until after we sailed before they would see if it had even made it onboard. We did board early. We were so relieved when our Luggage finally arrived around 5:30pm, with no explanation as to why so late. Frustrating as we tipped the port porter very well. We did not have anything in our luggage (5) seperate pieces that would held it up. This was the first time in over 30 cruises this ever happened to me.

The steel drums never arrived onboard either we were told. Embarkation/debarkation was a breeze.

Pools were cool. Had a good cruise, great HOT weather!

Sandipalms

Just back from a So.Caribbean cruise with a stop at Curaçao and the Queen Emna (walking) floating bridge is gone. They hope to have a new one completed Jan/Feb. currently a ferry is running in its place. It is a further walk going past the area of the floating bridge and ferry runs every 30 minutes taking tourists and locals into town.

Sandipalms

Just back from 10 Cruise on Oosterdam.

The Queen Emma floating (walking) bridge is gone, you have to walk further past where the floating bridge was and take a ferry into the downtown. They hope the new floating bridge will be done in Jan/Feb.

The ferry runs every 30 min. It was very hot/humid and windy.

Curaçao is still a wonderful cruise port. Enjoy!

Sandipalms

Just off Oosterdam, only Neptune/Pinnacle suites get the shopping bag. Heard lots of complaints from passengers that did get one because of room booked.

Only stayed in Neptune suites, don't know if this is something new.

Sandipalms

My opinion only;

HAL Pros: Cabins except for obstructed ocean view window-Princess wins these.

Main Dining room food only.

Hydrotherapy pool (for a fee) and outside deck space and Promenade (walking deck).

Neptune Lounge if Neptune or Pinnacle Suite.

Smaller ship, fewer people.

Culinary Arts Center (for a fee you can participate).

Crows Nest comfy chairs and jigsaw puzzle area.

Lots of nightly dancing venues.

All rooms can order in room movies.

Nice balcony furniture.

Very quiet, relaxing cruise.

Robes in rooms and bathroom amenities.

Cons; SMOKING on Balconies!

Princess Pros;

Movies/sports under the stars.

food-always food and a wide variety, including best specialty restaurants,

HAL has times when nothing is open.

Ice cream, pizza, Vines for tapas/sushi, International Cafe.

Always something going on entertainment/games in Atrium.

Bingo and casino, trivia and every night a game.

Entertainment.

Thermal Suite and spa.

Muster Drill.

Pub Lunch.

Sanctuary.

If in "Full Suite" Sabatinis for breakfast and Full Suite perks, but like compare able cabin Neptune or Pinnacle Suite better on HAL.

Like interior of Princess ships, HAL is "old world" classic cruising -elegant.

Pool Games!

You won't go wrong with either and only smelling smoke on balcony ruins HAL for me.

Princess is more modern, lively and loud, HAL is quiet and reserved with refined elegance feel, but not stuffy.

Have a wonderful cruise!!!

Hi Dave and Laura, any concern for mosquito born illnesses, around Amber Cove or on any ship excursions?

Will Oosterdam be going to Amber Cove on Oct. 16, 2015?

If we will be there what tour would you recommend through HAL that goes to the fort?

Thank you for taking time to respond,

Sandipalms

Can you pay for beach chair and admission with a credit card or is it cash only?

Thanks, Sandipalms

Take the Canada Line to airport on sky train. There are kiosks that take VisaMC, you have to insert card for each ticket (twice). Very easy, takes about 45 min to get to YVR, then can take awhile to get through security, entry and customs.

Sandipalms

I did post a photo of vista balcony C751, Ruby Princess on review I did for April 2015 cruise. Tried to attach. Noise is from Pool, sounds like heavy door slamming all night, every 15 min.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=363419&stc=1&d=1443079059

Generously is not a cruise ship at this time. I do not recall who was on last week.

Sandipalms

Thanks for sharing. Is this a better balcony than E101-E110?

Sandipalms

Small fires happen, fortunately Princess has well trained staff to handle them. We have been on several cruises with small fires and trust Captain and crew.

Yes, kudos to Crown crew!!!

Sandipalms

Caribe vista suite balcony is narrower and has 2 beams. The beam outside of the bedroom does block your view and difficult to get around. We are not large people and table was hard on 4 of us sitting at it. The other beam outside of living room wasn't bad, you do get more space inside Caribe vista rooms as well as the desk. Prefer aft Vista suites on Dolphin/Emerald deck as beam is non-issue and large balcony, room is darker inside. We have had smell when in all aft suites ar some point.

Penthouse suites have largest balconies with no beams (aft suites only on Crown), but vent and pool vent that makes noise. Owner Suites have a beam not bad, but narrow balcony, personally not our favorite balcony suite.

Have seen balcony rooms on Baja deck and very deep and beams not really an issue. You will feel some vibration, noisier because of wake and more motion.

You will either like being in the back or not, wherever you choose a room you will have a great balcony on Crown Princess.

Not liking SHARE, similar menu to Crown Grill and would rather eat in Crown Grill. It seems like it's trying to be a "Vegas" style restaurant. Would rather see a totally different type of menu. Hope Suite breakfast will be in the SHARE restaurant. Expected a better menu from Curtis Stone, my opinion.

Will look forward to opinions from those trying it after opening.

Sandipalms

Thanks serendipity1499, didn't know about these.

Really appreciate your sharing the link.

Sandipalms