Crown Princess Review 2/8/14-2/15/14

[DonJuan77]

I recently enjoyed a cruise on the Crown out of FLL to the Southern Caribbean and wanted to share my experience.

 

Embarkation:

Talk about a cluster. There were I believe 5 ships leaving the same port so trying to get into the port everglades terminal was a logistical nightmare. 4 lanes of traffic going into 1, then splitting and coming back again was overwhelming and ridiculous. It took us 1.5 hrs to get from the entrance of port everglades to our boat. Once we got our stuff out of the car it was very smooth from there. We are platinum princess members so we are very fortunate to have preferred check-in. This saved us probably 30 mins of waiting through security and checking in. I will have to say princess has probably one of the best rewards programs out there, this was the only preferred check-in I have been through where it actually makes a difference. Once we got through the line, our room was ready and our luggage came about an hour later. I also love the fact that princess has the rooms available as soon as you board.

 

Room:

We were in D735 (Deck 9 Aft balcony). The room was the same as any other balcony, except the balcony itself was huge! Also it was completely covered so there was no sun to be had. Family was staying in the St. John suite next to us and wow what a room. Also the location was great because the only time you would be at that area of the boat would be if you had to, so there was no foot traffic.

 

As for my experience in the room, I would not opt for an aft room again. It is very bumpy and you are constantly feeling vibration and every motion of the boat. One night we ended up just throwing the hangers on the floor because they would make so much noise. We had a lot of trouble with our A/C, it just wasn't cold enough. I would constantly wake up sweating, so we had to call customer relations twice and the second time around the maintenance guy cranked the fan as high as it would go and it seemed to be a little better. We had no problems with the plumbing either.

 

Ship:

The crown was a very nice ship, but a lot of things needed some TLC we noticed. One thing we always liked to do was mini-golf but the course was in such bad shape it just wasn't worth it. Our favorite bar was the Outrigger bar on the aft of the ship. This was an adults only area, and the bar was very rarely used which was great for us. The fitness center was good but really should be open earlier than 7, it was just too crowded and I found myself very frustrated everytime I went. Also, they have rooms underneath the fitness center so they have to block off some treadmills and bikes until 10 (I think, could be 9) so this creates even more frustration especially when people don't exactly follow the 20 mins maximum.

 

Day One: Princess Cays

We chose to get off the boat later, because trying to tender when everyone else does is a nightmare and takes forever sometimes. We got off the tender got our picture taken and walked almost to the end of the beach where we found enough chairs for all of us. We didn't do any excursions, and just decided to relax on the beach. Having purchased the all inclusive drink package ($49 a day plus 15% gratuity) I would say that was the best purchase I have ever made on a cruise. We met one of our favorite bar staff Wilfredo here. He was excellent and had a great personality. We sat on the beach all day until the ran out of budweiser and bud light (with the help of our crazy Canadian friends we met) and then made it back on the boat.

 

Day Two: At Sea

Being bingo lovers we went to both the morning and afternoon sessions, my brother ended up winning on the blue ticket in the morning session but nothing in the afternoon. I found it kind of amusing how into bingo some people get, some people were getting really pissed at the guy because he was going too fast, but I found it perfect because I like just getting in and out. We also found another bartender we fell in love with (Beth in club fusion). She was fantastic and we were her regular bingo customers. After bingo, we went bar hopping again around the boat and again sat at the Adagio bar and pool. This was the first formal night which we did at Sabatinis and we also did a renewal of vows ceremony for my parents (25 year anniversary). The renewal of the vows wasn't exactly what I expected, the captain came down did a short 5-10 minutes ceremony we got a few pictures with him and our whole family then it was done. It came with a framed picture as well as a bottle of champagne, and my parents loved the whole thing. Sabatinis was very good, but be prepared for a very long night. Dinner was over 2 hrs long but it was very good and I would recommend it to anyone who asks. We ended up in the casino where a went up in Roulette but lost in the slots.

 

Day Three: Curacao

Curacao was my favorite port to go out on. It was very inviting and clean. We walked all around and ended up sitting at an outside bar close to port. We went bar hopping around town and almost got stuck missing the pedestrian bridge that crosses the river. It was really cool walking across the bridge as it is moving, but takes forever to go back so be prepared to either wait or just jump over some barricades to get back. We tried to watch the comedian magician but showing up 30 mins early didn't help because the explorers lounge was so packed.

 

Day Four: Aruba

We were planning on hitting a beach since that is that thing to do in Aruba, but because it was overcast and very windy we decided to just walk around Aruba and see if there was anything interesting. We walked around the mall a little bit but couldn't find anything of interest so we went back on the boat to grab breakfast. We went out again around noon and went to Iguana Joe's for lunch which was very good. Had a couple beers and went back on the boat. I think we would've enjoyed Aruba more if it wasn't as overcast as it was. After getting back on the boat I decided that I was going to try every beer on the boat. There are 15 different beers including Stella on draft and I got through all of them. My favorites were blue moon and Grolsch. I was very surprised that princess doesn't offer Corona as a beer, hopefully they will in the future.

 

Day Five and Day Six: At Sea

I decided to put these two together to shorten it up and we basically did the same thing both days. Woke up, breakfast, bar, lunch, bar etc until dinner. There was a comedian that finally played in the princess theater (I may be on the wrong day) who was very funny and would recommend. One of the days my parents went to a show that was a tribute to female singers, they said it was terrible so I was happy I didn't go. Then the sad part of packing and putting everything away.

 

Overall Experience:

Overall we had a blast, but I think it had a lot to do with who I was with rather than the boat. Being mostly geared to an older crowd (I am in my 20's) there is a general lack of things to do for people my age. Case in point our excitement of the day was Bingo and Trivia. The food was fantastic, the beef wellington was awesome and as always the fettuccine alfredo bowls were a classic must have. The only food complaint I had was breakfast in general, the eggs were very soupy and there was a lack of variety for fruit. If someone asked my how my experience was I would say it was awesome but don't bring the kids. Lots of grouchy people on the boat who find any little thing to complain about. Other than the little things overall it was awesome. If anyone has the experience to meet Beth and Wilfredo, they will make your cruise a lot more fun!

 

I added a some pictures of D735 and of the beer list.

[Pam in CA]

Thanks for the review.

 

A couple of tricks with the hangers since they can bang no matter where you are on the ship:

 

1. Use every other hanger, or,

 

2. Push all the hangers tightly together, or,

 

3. Spread the hangers out across the bar so they don't bang into each other.

 

I usually use every other hanger. :)

[DonJuan77]

Thanks for the review.

 

A couple of tricks with the hangers since they can bang no matter where you are on the ship:

 

1. Use every other hanger, or,

 

2. Push all the hangers tightly together, or,

 

3. Spread the hangers out across the bar so they don't bang into each other.

 

I usually use every other hanger. :)

 

 

Haha yeah we figured out that the ones with our clothes on them didn't make noise after my fiancee threw them on the floor at 1 am.

[OceanDreaming2]

Thank you Don Juan. We'll be on the Crown in a few weeks and I'm trying to read as much as possible about the ship.

[2BeOnaBoat]

I recently enjoyed a cruise on the Crown out of FLL to the Southern Caribbean and wanted to share my experience.

...

I added a some pictures of D735 and of the beer list.

 

I like the format of your review. Short and concise.

 

BTW, last cruise my cousin was in my room when the banging started and took my hangers down and put them on the floor then complained that I had twice as many as her. :p

[DonJuan77]

Thank you Don Juan. We'll be on the Crown in a few weeks and I'm trying to read as much as possible about the ship.

 

I took pictures of the whole drink menu, it's just a pain in the @$$ to get them from my phone to email to computer. When I get a chance I plan on getting all my pictures on here for people.

 

We also spent a lot of time at the martini bar (Crooners Lounge) which at night had a fantastic pianist who did an incredible show and it was packed every night. Also the wheelhouse was a favorite before/after dinner stop. The singer there (Cinnamoon) was fantastic and got people up and dancing. The wheelhouse also had an english pub lunch a couple of days but was always packed so if you want it get there early.

[Gunner22aa]

Thanks. My one and only complaint with Princess is the dismal selection of beers that they carry. Over half of them I wouldn't even consider drinking. I was really ticked when they stopped carrying the Fosters in the oil cans.

[DonJuan77]

Thanks. My one and only complaint with Princess is the dismal selection of beers that they carry. Over half of them I wouldn't even consider drinking. I was really ticked when they stopped carrying the Fosters in the oil cans.

 

I really wish they had Corona. I like how they have 16oz Budweiser and Bud Light but had a lot of them that were very flat. I got one Bud Light that literally was just crappy water and had to give it back. I wish they had more draft beer options. I can understand how much of a pain it would be to try and keep all the barrels on board along with bottles.

[vantec]

One of our cabin stewards moved our hangers together and pulled a towel through the entire group - no noise after that! We've used that trick ever since.

[MtnBikerFallDown]

I think I just posted the exact opposite of your review. Super long and rambling. LOL!

 

Wasn't this a great cruise? It just flat-out hurt to go home to cold temps and no one feeding me every 2 hours. :p

 

thanks for your review. You covered a lot that I didn't, specifically the alcohol package. A lot of folks have been curious about that. We didn't go for it, as I'm allergic to alcohol (I know, sad times for me). But, DH said that the drinks onboard were really good and they were NOT stingy with the alcohol. So, I think if both folks in the cabin drink, it could work out to a good deal.

[DonJuan77]

I think I just posted the exact opposite of your review. Super long and rambling. LOL!

 

Wasn't this a great cruise? It just flat-out hurt to go home to cold temps and no one feeding me every 2 hours. :p

 

thanks for your review. You covered a lot that I didn't, specifically the alcohol package. A lot of folks have been curious about that. We didn't go for it, as I'm allergic to alcohol (I know, sad times for me). But, DH said that the drinks onboard were really good and they were NOT stingy with the alcohol. So, I think if both folks in the cabin drink, it could work out to a good deal.

 

I forgot about that, both people in the cabins need to buy it as well. My fiancee doesn't drink as much as I do, so she would be buying the giant waters and forcefeed me haha. I just read your review too, I forgot who the comic from Long Island was but he was hilarious, bascially one one-liner after another.

[MtnBikerFallDown]

I forgot about that, both people in the cabins need to buy it as well. My fiancee doesn't drink as much as I do, so she would be buying the giant waters and forcefeed me haha. I just read your review too, I forgot who the comic from Long Island was but he was hilarious, bascially one one-liner after another.

 

I could have watched him, the magician comic and Tom Franek every night and been happy. They were all really good.

[DShock]

Nice review. We love the Crown and have sailed on her many times. Yes she does need some TLC but we still prefer it over the Royal!

[DonJuan77]

Nice review. We love the Crown and have sailed on her many times. Yes she does need some TLC but we still prefer it over the Royal!

 

I went on the Ruby last year and you can really notice the difference in age. But overall it was a great boat. I like the Ruby's MUTS better than Crowns, it was impossible to get a seat for Captain Phillips.

 

I have also heard mixed reviews about Royal. My fiancees aunt went on the maiden voyage and she didn't really like it.

[Working 2 Cruise]

Thanks for your review!

 

By the way, the Crown is a ship not a boat! I know I'm picky!

 

We are getting the Crown on the West Coast when she returns from South America...

Edited February 25, 2014 by Working 2 Cruise

[riclop]

So you drank and drank and drank some more, thanks for the vision.

[RNGALNG]

We too were on your ship, same time! We had an aft room - last one on port side, balcony. We loved the rocking but, we have cruised many times and this was nothing compared to some of our other cruises! When our hangers started making music, my husband also used the beach towel to tie them all together. That's the engineer in him!

 

We loved the emptiness of the aft bar. We were just down a half deck so just 30 steps away from our 'back porch!' Loved the spot!

 

The weather was perfect the full time. Although I beg to differ about your overcast in Aruba! We went on a snorkel trip and it was sunny in our parts the full time we were out! Must have been closer to the ship.

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise your way as we did it ours!

[DonJuan77]

We too were on your ship, same time! We had an aft room - last one on port side, balcony. We loved the rocking but, we have cruised many times and this was nothing compared to some of our other cruises! When our hangers started making music, my husband also used the beach towel to tie them all together. That's the engineer in him!

 

 

 

We loved the emptiness of the aft bar. We were just down a half deck so just 30 steps away from our 'back porch!' Loved the spot!

 

 

 

The weather was perfect the full time. Although I beg to differ about your overcast in Aruba! We went on a snorkel trip and it was sunny in our parts the full time we were out! Must have been closer to the ship.

 

 

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise your way as we did it ours!

 

 

If you were on Dolphin then you would've been next to my brothers who were in D734.

 

 

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[DonJuan77]

So you drank and drank and drank some more, thanks for the vision.

 

 

I saved time for meals, bingo and a couple of shows. Oh yeah and late night ping pong.

 

 

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[MtnBikerFallDown]

I saved time for meals, bingo and a couple of shows. Oh yeah and late night ping pong.

 

 

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I love a man with priorities! LOL!!!

[Zoolou]

I forgot about that, both people in the cabins need to buy it as well. My fiancee doesn't drink as much as I do, so she would be buying the giant waters and forcefeed me haha. I just read your review too, I forgot who the comic from Long Island was but he was hilarious, bascially one one-liner after another.

 

 

you talking about Peter Sasso?? Yeah he was great...

[cruiselover10]

Can you tell me if in the coupon book in your cabin was there anything about buying the coffee card and getting a free travel mug? I have read different things about this. We will be on the Crown in April doing the California coastline and so looking forward to getting out of the cold and snow.

[RNGALNG]

If you were on Dolphin then you would've been next to my brothers who were in D734.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

No, we were on Rivera. Right next to the door to get to the pool. Only 30 steps from our room to the pool and lounge chairs! Another 15 to the bar, and another 20 to the buffet. Best of all worlds!

[DonJuan77]

Can you tell me if in the coupon book in your cabin was there anything about buying the coffee card and getting a free travel mug? I have read different things about this. We will be on the Crown in April doing the California coastline and so looking forward to getting out of the cold and snow.

 

I don't even really remember a coupon book to be honest with you. I know the first couple of hours we were on the ship they were trying to sell the coffee card but we already had the all inclusive package so we weren't interested. I remember the coffee card being around $30 for punches.