Caribbean Princess questions

[the28thfish]

I was thinking of taking a cruise on the Caribbean Princess this fall. The Princess line would be entirely new to me, as will this ship. Does anyone have any suggestions are advice for this boat in particular? I am concerned after speaking to a representative from Princess that things may close a little early too my liking. For instance, I was told that bars, clubs, and casinos close before 3 am, and that there are very few options for 24 hour food availability.

 

I just came back from a cruise on the Norwegian Gem and was pretty unhappy with the food. Does Princess hold up its end when it comes to the food? How are the itineraries, amenities, and shopping on their ships? Any help would be most appreciated!

[beauty1492]

Been on her couple of times--loved it--a little more info please ==when and where are you thinking of cruising

[the28thfish]

Wow you have taken Carnival quite a lot!! Anyway :p I am planning on doing her Canadian/New England in October. The price seemed superb for a 7 day cruise. Basically any information you have on this ship would be helpful.

[stoneharborlady]

I have sailed her twice, and both were wonderful cruises. The buffet closes I believe at 11 or midnight, but the International Cafe is open 24 hours, as is room service. We were very happy with the food offerings. I was never awake after one, so news of the late night entertainment will have to come from someone else.

[fishin' musician]

If you want activity til 3:00, I don't think Princess is a good fit. RCL or CCL may be more to your liking.

[the28thfish]

This isn't really important, although enjoyable-how would you say the decor is on the Caribbean Princess? I heard from other people that she was bland.

[stoneharborlady]

Bland would not be my description of the Caribbean Princess. I think the decor is lovely, and quietly elegant. No neon, no blinking lights, definitely very different from the photos of the Carnival ship interiors I have seen. However, that type of decor would not be attractive to me, although there are many that love that, and thats fine. To each his own!

[beauty1492]

We have never done Canadian/New England since we live in the mid west and DH is from NY state. It will be beautiful! Princess may have a naturalist on bored like in Alaska. We have found ourselves late at night wandering the ship. Most of the cruisers are tucked a way. it is cool cause we met up with the entertainers more than once. She is one of our fav of all the Princess ships. I would recommend a balcony if possible. the scenery will be beautiful.

[BratDet]

9 days each..BUT I can assure you the IC is NOT open 24 hours...I'd be up early for my 6 am coffee.....and they were just getting the treats baked and stocked....

 

I think it used to close 10 or 11 PM.....

I remember hoping to go after show- but I missed it....

 

The pickings at the buffet that is open 24 hours are pretty slim...it seems they cut back the amount they have around....but at least you might find something you like...or make sure to grab a yummy slice of pizza before they close.....by the pool...YUM...

 

The food in the MDR was really really good, but not everything was...but such is life....

love their fettuccini alfredo....

 

Bernadette

[fishin' musician]

The buffet now closes at 11 or midnight. We did the 9 day last June and we had two days that were so foggy there were times when you could not see the water from the upper decks. It was like sailing in a cotton ball.

[IECalCruiser]

When Princess started closing the Horizon Court at 11:00 or 12:00, on those ships with an IC it started to be open 24 hours a day.

 

From the Princess Website:

 

International Café

 

Open 24 hours, the quaint café located in The Piazza serves an ever-changing array of quick bites and light meal choices.

In the morning, passengers will be attracted by the aroma of freshly baked croissants and Danish pastries; while in the afternoon the Cafe serves grilled-to-order paninis, quiches and salads.

At dinnertime passengers can stop by for paninis, salad or dessert. Throughout the day, the cafe features our famous fresh-baked cookies, and coffee lovers can also select from a variety of specialty coffee drinks and Revolution teas.

[kool kruiser]

When Princess started closing the Horizon Court at 11:00 or 12:00, on those ships with an IC it started to be open 24 hours a day.

 

From the Princess Website:

 

International Café

 

Open 24 hours, the quaint café located in The Piazza serves an ever-changing array of quick bites and light meal choices.

In the morning, passengers will be attracted by the aroma of freshly baked croissants and Danish pastries; while in the afternoon the Cafe serves grilled-to-order paninis, quiches and salads.

At dinnertime passengers can stop by for paninis, salad or dessert. Throughout the day, the cafe features our famous fresh-baked cookies, and coffee lovers can also select from a variety of specialty coffee drinks and Revolution teas.

Just off this ship. The IC is definitely now open 24 hours a day and the buffet closes 11 to 12 ish. As others say, IMHO Princess is not for party animals but is calm, warm and friendly. Our cruise had great service and food

[DeloreanGirl]

Just off the ship last week. Yes, bars and clubs close around 12-1am and only the International Cafe is opened 24 hours.

 

If bars/clubs is something you're interested in, I might stray from Princess. She's classy and attracts an older crowd, but if it's late night activities you're looking for, RCCL or Carnival might work out better.

[Apple5]

I was thinking of taking a cruise on the Caribbean Princess this fall...I just came back from a cruise on the Norwegian Gem and was pretty unhappy with the food. Does Princess hold up its end when it comes to the food?

 

NCL certainly has a more lively atmosphere than Princess (and many more public announcements), though on the NCL Star earlier this year everywhere was pretty quiet come 11pm. I suppose it was partly to do with the age range on board. The majority were much older so we were left with an empty ship in the late evening.

 

Princess decor is easier on the eye as far as I am concerned and IMHO the food is a step above NCL though you can still have the occasional disappointing meal. Having said that we always found the food and service in the NCL specialty restaurants to be very good.

 

We loved the Caribbean Princess last year and will cruise on her again at some point no doubt. Good luck.