Live from Caribbean Princess 12/5-12

[PRDMAC]

:D cdamion; Great Caribbean Princess cruise coverage mate. Under the circumstances without the fiance, sounds like you made the best of it. Hope one day soon you will be able to cruise with your sweetheart!!! Also hope her Mom is doing well.

 

Only one question for you? Can you please tell me if there is still two (2) formal nights on the CB? I hear different stories and I'm confused, I've been told the formal nights have been cancelled on all Princess Cruises.

 

Hope to hear from you soon and that you have made it home safely.

 

Cheers,

Clarice & Paul :cool:

[cdamion]

Days 8/9 (Disembarkation/San Juan/Home)

 

Well, sadly, the day has arrived to leave the ship. I headed down to the dining room for breakfast and was seated at a table by myself. Went through the whole "you are alone?" thing again from several of the waitstaff.

 

After breakfast I only had to wait about 15-20 minutes to leave the ship. There was a slight delay because of a gangway malfunction. There was a very long line for customs, which went quickly - or seemed to because I was in a conversation with two gentlemen from Vieques. They confirmed the rumors of $200 advertisements in Puerto Rico for inside cabins. This was their first cruise and absolutely enjoyed it.

 

There was zero wait for a taxi and I headed to Old San Juan. I arrived about 10:30, so it took about an hour from walking off the ship to walking into the hotel. I could not check in because, as is always the case in San Juan, absolutely no check-ins until 3pm. I wandered around Old San Juan, headed down to check out the Carnival Victory, saw the forts. When I was leaving the second fort I was intercepted by a very large demonstration, effectively becoming "trapped" in the fort as thousands and thousands of people marched by. Something about the University of Puerto Rico and the police, but I couldn't translate beyond that.

 

After I checked in to the Gallery Inn (very different, interesting inn inside of the grounds of an over 300-year old house). From the rooftop deck of the building I could see all three ships in port. CB, the Freedom of the Seas, and the Victory. I watched the Freedom leave the port and wind it's way around Old San Juan. I was standing at the highest point in Old San Juan and was about even with the Royal Crown Lounge. It even made the CB look like a midsized ship.

 

Later on I had dinner at an area bar. I looked up and saw a very snowy football game - that's when I realized it was the Bears playing at home. I am sitting there overheated and sunburned and looking at the tv at a snowstorm where I am due to return in less than 24 hours.

 

After eating I headed down to the walls next to Fort Morrow to watch the Victory leave, and then finally (and sadly) the CB. It passed right by, only this time it left me behind.

 

---

 

I got up early this morning to head to the airport. The hotel's night desk clerk did not show up for work, so there was nobody to call a cab for me. I found the number for the cab company and called. The daytime guy arrived and said that it was the night person's 3rd night working there and he must have decided to quit. Oh well, I got the cab and to the airport.

 

There was a glitch in getting through security for me. In Bonaire and Dominica I purchased different salts from the Bonaire, and sulfer powders and soaps from the hot springs in Dominica. These items are both in plastic zip lock bags, some of which are not marked. The x-ray guy picked it up and TSA brought me and the suitcase aside where they were looking very closely at the bags with the white powdery substance. They even used some type of device that looked like a gun to get readings from the materials. After a few minutes they apologized for the inconvenience and let me go on my way. Funny thing is I joked about this very thing with somebody when I bought them - I didnt know it would really happen.

 

Flight was fine, just about 30 minutes late. Temperature in Chicago upon landing at noon: 11 degrees farenheit. Definitely not in the Caribbean anymore. I left the plane and K was standing there waiting for me by the baggage claim with a big hug.

 

I will post my review soon, while I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise, I spoke to several others that liked it too, and plenty that did not. Princess had some hits and misses, and I will point those out in the review. No, the cruise was not perfect, but nothing ever is. I enjoyed myself completely and have decided that Princess is the perfect fit for my tastes.

 

I hope you all enjoyed this "live from". Sorry about the delay with the last couple entries as my laptop crapped out because I transferred too many pictures from the camera and filled the hard drive.

 

and to all the other Cruise Critics out there that I met on board (there were several on board): It was great meeting you and talking to you!

[cdamion]

:D cdamion; Great Caribbean Princess cruise coverage mate. Under the circumstances without the fiance, sounds like you made the best of it. Hope one day soon you will be able to cruise with your sweetheart!!! Also hope her Mom is doing well.

 

Only one question for you? Can you please tell me if there is still two (2) formal nights on the CB? I hear different stories and I'm confused, I've been told the formal nights have been cancelled on all Princess Cruises.

 

Hope to hear from you soon and that you have made it home safely.

 

Cheers,

Clarice & Paul :cool:

 

There were two formal nights: the sea day, which was the 2nd day and the 2nd to last day. I hope they don't change that. All seemed to enjoy formal night and the dining room was more full on formal nights than non-formal nights.

 

Her mom is doing much better, thanks.

[PRDMAC]

There were two formal nights: the sea day, which was the 2nd day and the 2nd to last day. I hope they don't change that. All seemed to enjoy formal night and the dining room was more full on formal nights than non-formal nights.

 

Her mom is doing much better, thanks.

 

 

Thanks for your quick reply. We're happy to hear your future Mother-in-law is doing much better. Wish you guys the very best!!

 

We're both happy that Formal Nights are still available.

 

Thanks again,

Clarice & Paul

[Hank1468]

I LOVED following your LIVE thread, thank you! I truly appreciate it. I am looking forward to your review!! Thanks again!!

[cdamion]

We appreciate the sacrifices you've been willing to make on our behalf. If only in return we had the power to bestow upon you a longer cruise. Savor your remaining days onboard!

 

You asked about the crew saying this being a 'representative' cruise. According to the crew, this cruise was NOT representative of the typical cruise on board the CB. There are many more non-English speaking Puerto Ricans on board. Also, there are more kids than usual (outside of school breaks) and they are in less control.

 

This is what the crew said. I have from time-to-time seen the kids being a bit quiet, but for the most part, they did not impact me.

[srpilo]

Thanks for your efforts..

 

 

 

 

 

"Live From's" are always appreciated.

Srpilo

[cruisinleelee]

C- Thanks for a wonderful play by play. I have one burning question....What was the A/C like on board? Cabin? Public areas?

 

Thanks again!

[snowycruiser]

Thank you CDamion. I enjoyed vicariously cruising via your "Live" report!

[rdsqrl]

Thanks for answering my question -- that makes sense.

Really enjoyed your Live; thanks again for taking the time to do it. Looking forward to reading your full review (assuming you haven't frozen solid into a big block of ice -- 11 degrees??!! Yikes!).

[Liz54]

Thanks from me too! Good luck with flights to Chicago!

[cdamion]

C- Thanks for a wonderful play by play. I have one burning question....What was the A/C like on board? Cabin? Public areas?

 

Thanks again!

 

I was in Aloha 330, port side a little towards the front. If I kept the curtains closed, it was fine. If the curtains were open, the AC couldnt keep up with the temperature if the sun was on that side. Only one time on my deck did I feel the temperature was warm, once I got into the cabin it was fine. All of the public areas were fine.

[CrusinAgain]

You asked about the crew saying this being a 'representative' cruise. According to the crew, this cruise was NOT representative of the typical cruise on board the CB. There are many more non-English speaking Puerto Ricans on board. Also, there are more kids than usual (outside of school breaks) and they are in less control.

 

This is what the crew said. I have from time-to-time seen the kids being a bit quiet, but for the most part, they did not impact me.

 

C- this is very true that this passenger makeup is not typical but typical of all the cruises we have taken that have left from San Juan. People always said they got a great last minute deal with some a few years back on Carnival only paying the taxes and fees.

[u2cruiser]

cdamion,

Thank you for taking us along with you. Your reports on the cruise were really informative and entertaining. It all passed too quickly.

 

Looking forward to your review and pictures, especially 'the little MF' monkey :D

[Eleni2007]

Hi CDamien,

Loved your review...but missed the ARUBA review? I am heading there in 2 weeks and wondering what to do, where to go for swimming day, and a bit of casino, shopping? We are there from 8-8 pm.

 

Thanks!!

[cdamion]

Hi CDamien,

Loved your review...but missed the ARUBA review? I am heading there in 2 weeks and wondering what to do, where to go for swimming day, and a bit of casino, shopping? We are there from 8-8 pm.

 

Thanks!!

 

I wasn't a big fan of Aruba, but keep in mind I like the more undeveloped islands. I did not take a tour of Aruba, just headed out on the Atlantis submarine, which was nice, but nothing overly exciting if you scuba or snorkel. I had always wanted to do it, and took the opportunity this time. I did enjoy it.

 

There are two beach areas here that I know about - Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Eagle Beach is less crowded, but there is no shade and no facilities. There are a few hotels across the street and I believe you can pay them to use their pool areas. Palm Beach is where the big resorts are. There are facilities, and you can rent umbrellas and chairs. The beach looked nice, but the water was cold that day - this is NOT normal, I think the current was just running a bit odd that day. They had storms recently, so the water was a bit churned up. There are also catamarans, glass-bottom boats, snorkel trips, jet ski rentals, etc. that go off of this beach. It was very crowded where I was, but you could walk either direction and the crowds thinned a lot. In order to get to the beaches, take the public bus. The bus terminal is very close to where the ship docks. Taxis are pricey.

 

There is shopping in the town that is right across from the ship, everything from little booths selling stuff, to high end jewelry stores. Also you will see the Crystal Casino across from the ship. They have slots and tables operating during the day. I believe it is the only casino that has the tables open during the day. Maybe you can go withdraw some of the money I deposited there.

[rubydouble]

Hi Cdamion,

 

Great posts! Sorry we didn't meet up during the crusie. I was on the same Dec 5-12, Caribbean Princess.

I am wondering have you heard anything about the 4 major fights, some called it riots, happening on the last night on Deck 15? I ran into a couple who were involved in one of the fights at the airport and couple other passengers who just happend to be passing by at the same time.

[cdamion]

Hi Cdamion,

 

Great posts! Sorry we didn't meet up during the crusie. I was on the same Dec 5-12, Caribbean Princess.

I am wondering have you heard anything about the 4 major fights, some called it riots, happening on the last night on Deck 15? I ran into a couple who were involved in one of the fights at the airport and couple other passengers who just happend to be passing by at the same time.

 

I heard about one "demonstration" (for lack of a better term, actually the person who told me said it was a near-riot) at the MUTS pool when they tried to close it on the last day where the kids refused to get out, then the parents jumped in to join them.

 

I heard about several incidents on board, but did not witness any myself. A couple of times I heard of similar incidents from two different perspectives that were not opposite, but differed in the degree of severity (for example, one couple told me some kids ruined a show, while another couple at the same show said there was no impact at all). I am being specifically vague because both couples are Cruise Critic people and I do not want to imply that either is not being truthful. Just very interesting how different people interpret the same event.

 

I am really curious to see reviews of the cruise, because I think they are going to vary wildly.

[Mer123]

I wasn't a big fan of Aruba, but keep in mind I like the more undeveloped islands. I did not take a tour of Aruba, just headed out on the Atlantis submarine, which was nice, but nothing overly exciting if you scuba or snorkel. I had always wanted to do it, and took the opportunity this time. I did enjoy it.

 

There are two beach areas here that I know about - Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Eagle Beach is less crowded, but there is no shade and no facilities. There are a few hotels across the street and I believe you can pay them to use their pool areas. Palm Beach is where the big resorts are. There are facilities, and you can rent umbrellas and chairs. The beach looked nice, but the water was cold that day - this is NOT normal, I think the current was just running a bit odd that day. They had storms recently, so the water was a bit churned up. There are also catamarans, glass-bottom boats, snorkel trips, jet ski rentals, etc. that go off of this beach. It was very crowded where I was, but you could walk either direction and the crowds thinned a lot. In order to get to the beaches, take the public bus. The bus terminal is very close to where the ship docks. Taxis are pricey.

 

There is shopping in the town that is right across from the ship, everything from little booths selling stuff, to high end jewelry stores. Also you will see the Crystal Casino across from the ship. They have slots and tables operating during the day. I believe it is the only casino that has the tables open during the day. Maybe you can go withdraw some of the money I deposited there.

 

My parents have owned a timeshare in Aruba for 20 years and they go back twice a year (once in Feb and August). And they love it. I really like it too, but it's different. Palm Beach is the place to be. Aruba is great place though.

[cdamion]

My parents have owned a timeshare in Aruba for 20 years and they go back twice a year (once in Feb and August). And they love it. I really like it too, but it's different. Palm Beach is the place to be. Aruba is great place though.

 

I have been trying to figure out why I was underwhelmed by Aruba. I'm thinking that part of it was that it was the first port call without my fiancee. Part of it was that I spent a lot of money just to go to the beach. Part of it was that outside of recent cruises, our travels have been far off the beaten path. Im really not sure. I am not going to fully judge a place based on a few hours off of a cruise ship though.

 

I will say this. I would absolutely rather be back in Aruba than here in the snow.

[vickie_bernie]

I have been trying to figure out why I was underwhelmed by Aruba. I'm thinking that part of it was that it was the first port call without my fiancee. Part of it was that I spent a lot of money just to go to the beach. Part of it was that outside of recent cruises, our travels have been far off the beaten path. Im really not sure. I am not going to fully judge a place based on a few hours off of a cruise ship though.

 

I will say this. I would absolutely rather be back in Aruba than here in the snow.

 

i too am not a huge fan of Aruba, I am not a shopper, I don't like crowds either and lots of traffic. We have been there abour eight times now on a cruise ship, we have seen the island in taxi, bus, scooters, and even from above in a helicopter. We have been from one tip to the other and have enjoyed numerous activities there. The beach is amazing, but the wind was a pain litterally as it blew the sand up. The water crystal blue, really enjoy Emerald beach. but I too prefer bonnaire, Curacao of the three ABC islands. But then there are those that don't like those islands because they are too quiet. Thankfully we all have different ideals.

 

We will be back in Aruba in Jan and plan to get off to see friends but then plan to spend most of the day pool side on the ship enjoy the quietness of the ship.

[tigerlilly2358]

We are going on the Caribbean Princess on Jan 2, for your cruise in reverse. We are traveling with our 5 young adult children, my dad and his wife. We have snorkeling in St. Thomas, Kayaking in Dominica and Hiking in Grenada. We want to spend time with my dad and his wife, but they do not like excursions. My dad loves to swim. We are thinking of beach in Bonaire and Aruba. However, your post said no good beaches in Bonaire. What do you think?

[AJMissal]

I agree 100%, I'm on my lunch break and look forward to reading your next review. It's like waiting a week to see the continuation of your favorite show. Keep it coming and best regards to your fiance and her mother! Hope all is well. I am cruising on the Caribbean Princess in Feb.! Much needed! LOL

[cdamion]

We are going on the Caribbean Princess on Jan 2, for your cruise in reverse. We are traveling with our 5 young adult children, my dad and his wife. We have snorkeling in St. Thomas, Kayaking in Dominica and Hiking in Grenada. We want to spend time with my dad and his wife, but they do not like excursions. My dad loves to swim. We are thinking of beach in Bonaire and Aruba. However, your post said no good beaches in Bonaire. What do you think?

 

Klein Bonaire, the island just off the coast of Bonaire has beaches, but no facilities - you could also snorkel from the shore there.

 

I would switch up the activities for the islands a bit:

 

Bonaire - snorkel - it is tied with Honduras' Bay Islands as the best snorkeling I have ever experienced.

 

Aruba -beaches

 

St. Thomas - beaches instead of snorkeling - either Meagan's Bay on St. Thomas or Trunk Bay in St. John (where you can also snorkel).

 

Dominica/Grenada - toss up for hiking both are very lush. Grenada has a nice beach too.

[AJMissal]

OMG, Bonaire is by far our favorite island! Snorkeling off the ship to the right by the airport has fantastic snorkeling. Also, when we were there, we rented minivans very cheap and went to the Bonaire national park. It was so much fun! Bonaire is #3 snorkeling in the world. The beaches (all coral.Ouch!) in the park are rough but very good snorkeling. The area over by the airport is good, just watch because it drops off from like 6 ft to 25 quickly, but there is huge coral you can stand on. St Thomas, Mageens Bay was nice but the snorkeling was a few fish and not colorful. But this was the first island I was ever too and amazed by the clear water and fish!