Caribbean Princess Live 3/1/2014

[satxdiver]

Saturday

Boarding

We were notified that boarding would be delayed until 1:00 and that they would have phased boarding. The ship had arrived at about 11:30 the night before due to fog. We arrived at the port to park since we had driven at noon. Check in for preferred was quick and then they sent everyone to a large tent that had been set up outside the terminal to wait. The tent had no ventilation and all sides except for a large door was closed. Several pax took matters into their hands and opened the other end to allow wind to blow through. At a bit after 1:00 they started calling pax depending on their status. Elite was first followed by suit pax followed by phases of platinum. We were on board by 1:45 but there were many to follow. The mandatory safety briefing was delayed until 4:30. There was no liquor table and nothing was said about our 7 bottles of wine we were bringing with us.

Sailaway:

We left the pier about 7:30 PM which was just before the infamous fog started to roll in. Due to the late hour, there was no sail away party on the Lido deck. Most were at dinner. Yah we were under way!

Saturday Night:

Dinner was served the usual times and the show was the Welcome Aboard routine. The piano player, Bert Stratton, was in Crooner’s Lounge and it was standing room only so go early. One of the waiters, Mano, was really funny so hope you run into him. Movie that night was Last Vegas. Cryptic Blue Duo performed in the Wheelhouse Bar. Passion Band played in the Piazza. There were piano melodies by Konstlantyn in the Piaza before dinner. Skywalkers had the welcome aboard dance party and it was hopping.

Primary Crew:

Captain: Dino Sagani (Italian)

Staff Captain: Marcello Mancini

CD: Marahscalh Stanton (from Alabama)

Executive Chef: Antonio Cereda

Maitre d’Hotel: Mario Propato

Smoking Policy:

Designated areas of casino and Skywalkers, Churchill Cigar Lounge (deck 6), Promenade starboard side by the last door in the aft, deck 16 port side near Tradewinds bar. $250 fine for violations. (copied from Patter).

NORO;

Last cruise had some Noro so we were delayed boarding while they once again cleaned the ship. Some of the cabins were not ready when we started boarding. Our cabin had been cleaned but lacked the usual Patter, ice, etc. We went to the HC for lunch (MDR never opened due to late boarding) and they were insisting on using the hand sanitizer (ineffective against Noro), handing out the plates and silverware and were serving the food. No self help in the HC so far. Drinks were served and salt/pepper had been removed from the table. That evening we went to the MDR and bread and butter was served. Nothing was on the table. Salt, pepper or sugar had to be requested and came in small packets.

 

Sunday – Formal night:

This was a day at sea and it was warm (70’s) but the wind was strong. The Lido deck pools were busy and the sun worshipers were out in force. We had requested room service for breakfast but the delivery time came and went so we went to the HC. It was the same as Saturday with long lines due to the slow food serving. Afterwards we went to the gym and there was no problem getting a tread mill. These pax don’t exercise. Lunch was in the MDR (no more waiting in the HC!) and like the night before we got right in since we accepted a larger table. We had dinner in Sabatini’s and it was delicious. This is the first formal night, so we had made reservations right after boarding on Saturday. Afternoon pool game was adult wet, wild and wacky pool games. This is a partying group on board this week.

Shows that night:

MUTs: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Theater: Do You Wanna Dance (7:00, 8:15, 10:00) – I made it to the last show and it was good

Piaza early: Konstiantyn on piano

Piaza later: Passion Band

Club Fusion: Pavarotti – The Live Event

Wheelhouse Bar – Cryptic Blue Duo

Explorer Lounge – Trivia followed by East Coast Connection

Crooners Bar – Bert Stratton (crowded SRO again!)

Skywalkers – Latin Fiesta Hour then Wild Bunch Party (well attended)

 

Monday:

We arrived in Cozumel late at about 9:00 and they started letting pax off the ship about 9:40 or so. We were scheduled to arrive at 8:00. They changed the ship tour times and canceled at least one longer excursion. We had to be back on ship by 5:15. However the chartered ferry to the Yucutan was late in returning to the Puerta Maya pier so we had to wait – always buy a Princess tour so they will wait! We went down to the plaza where they were preparing for a Mardi Gras parade later that afternoon. Despite the extra crowds we managed to have a few brews and some Mexican food.

We had breakfast in the MDR again and went down after they started letting pax off the ship thinking it would not be crowded. We were wrong but were seated fairly quickly since again we accepted a larger table. For some reason they dropped two of their life boats in the water.

Ships in port:

Puerta Maya: Carnival Dream and Caribbean Princess

International pier: Ruby Princess

Night entertainment:

MUTS: the Hobbitt: The Desolation of Smaug

Theater: Comedy Showtime with Rollin’ Jay Moore (7:00, 8:15 and 10:00)

Wheelhouse Bar: Cryptic Blue Duo

Explorer Lounge: trivia followed by Passion

Crooners – Bert Stratton (crowded again)

Club Fusion: East Coast Connection – 50’s & 60’s Rock and Roll

Skywalkers – Motown Hour and then Late Night Party (lightly attended)

[wrongwaywatson]

Thank you! Please keep us updated! We are sailing 4/12 and can't wait!

[douglinc@msn.com]

Thanks, looking forward to more. We will be on her 3-29.

 

Doug

[elpasomom]

Thank you for the live report! We board on Saturday for a desperately needed vacation. What type of stateroom do you have?

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for checking in, seems like the failed experiment Houston continues. :(

[cubfan63]

Thanks for checking in, seems like the failed experiment Houston continues. :(

 

 

Please help me understand what about OP causes you to be so negative about Houston.

 

They left late but the captain made up time to only be late an hour to Cozumel. Leaving on time and bad weather could result in the same thing. Norovirus concerns happen on many ships, so I don't think you can attribute that to Houston.

 

A lot of people have had a good time sailing out of Houston, even when there have been fog issues. Do you consider those good times failures?

 

 

 

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[Colo Cruiser]

Please help me understand what about OP causes you to be so negative about Houston.

 

They left late but the captain made up time to only be late an hour to Cozumel. Leaving on time and bad weather could result in the same thing. Norovirus concerns happen on many ships, so I don't think you can attribute that to Houston.

 

A lot of people have had a good time sailing out of Houston, even when there have been fog issues. Do you consider those good times failures?

 

 

 

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Never said a thing about Noro????

If you read the many reviews and issues with the fog week in and week out it is a hit and miss proposition whether you will make it out or back on time. We have sailed and were late 1 day returning, my son sailed and was 1 day late returning. We then had to make new flight and hotel bookings.

This has nothing to do with the Captain, why would you say that?

It is a weather/region issue.

 

We always have a great time on our cruises.

Edited March 4, 2014 by Colo Cruiser

[08cruiser]

Saturday

....There was no liquor table and nothing was said about our 7 bottles of wine we were bringing with us....

 

Where did you have your bottle? Have you had to pay a corkage fee yet? We are sailing 3/8/14 and I'm curious as to how many bottles I can reasonable bring. 7 sounds great!

[cruzrbachoua]

Love the review, keep it up love to see the entertainment stuff and your take on the tours. Have a fabulous time!

[Thrak]

Aside from any other issues due to Noro I would truly hate not having the rolls and butter at dinner. My wife and I both absolutely love those rolls! ;)

[cruzrbachoua]

Aside from any other issues due to Noro I would truly hate not having the rolls and butter at dinner. My wife and I both absolutely love those rolls! ;)

So do we:D

[caribill]

Aside from any other issues due to Noro I would truly hate not having the rolls and butter at dinner. My wife and I both absolutely love those rolls! ;)

 

You would still have them and as much as you want. They will just be served by your waitstaff instead of already being on the table.

[satxdiver]

Thank you for the live report! We board on Saturday for a desperately needed vacation. What type of stateroom do you have?

 

Balcony on the Caribe deck

 

Where did you have your bottle? Have you had to pay a corkage fee yet? We are sailing 3/8/14 and I'm curious as to how many bottles I can reasonable bring. 7 sounds great!

 

6 bottles were in a special wine carrier. Last bottle was in my carry on luggage.

[satxdiver]

Love the review, keep it up love to see the entertainment stuff and your take on the tours. Have a fabulous time!

 

Because we have been to all three ports many times including last December, we are not taking any tours. Sorry.

 

The tours to the Yucutan on a chartered ferry were late in returning to the ship and of course we waited. If you want to go to the Yucutan, only take a Princess tour or risk being left behind!

 

Aside from any other issues due to Noro I would truly hate not having the rolls and butter at dinner. My wife and I both absolutely love those rolls! ;)

 

Unlimited rolls but they are served by the waiter instead of being on the table. They will bring more so just ask.

[rdsqrl]

You would still have them and as much as you want. They will just be served by your waitstaff instead of already being on the table.

Yeah, but that way someone is monitoring my breadstick consumption . . . It's less embarrassing to sneak my second and third one out of the basket when no one is watching.

 

Hi, I'm rdsqrl and I'm a Princess breadstick-aholic.

[wineforhealth]

 

Hi, I'm rdsqrl and I'm a Princess breadstick-aholic.

 

Looks like we need a "friends of Pillsbury" meeting scheduled in the patter

[satxdiver]

Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) - Roatan

We arrived at about 9:00 on schedule. Since we were the first ship in port, the captain had to back the ship into the pier about 4000 feet (bit less than a mile). The channel is very narrow and we could see the channel markers. The Costa Luminosa was right behind us. We went again to the MDR for breakfast and it was very crowded probably due to the situation in the HC. We love this port and stayed in the Mahogany Bay complex. Some rode the chair lift but most walked to the beach area. Fat Tuesday has the three bars. They had several places to buy food in the beach area but we did not buy any. Waiters would bring food to your chair if you wanted. All payments were in USD cash. There were many free loungers available with many in the shade as well as the sun. We were able to find two loungers in the shade after going ashore at about 11 AM. Because Costa is a European line, there were a lot of Europeans aboard even though it sailed out of Miami. Be prepared for scantily clothed pax of all ages! We departed the port about 30 minutes late for some reason. The Luminosa left about an hour before us of course.

 

When we returned to the ship, I noticed there was no alcohol collection table set up. I did not see anyone bringing alcohol back but would assume that they were not collecting it. I saw the same thing last fall in Aruba and did bring 2 bottles of my favorite gin (Bombay Saphire) aboard. I was told the ship is sold out and we have a lot of pax from the northern parts of the USA as well as Canadians from the middle provinces. I have heard many times about being sick of this winter! We don’t have many kids aboard.

 

We went to the MDR again and they put bread, butter and salt/pepper on the table as always. Later I went up to the HC and they were no longer serving the food but were handing out plates and silverware. Pax could serve themselves and the drink areas were now open to the pax. I guess the captain decided he had Noro licked for now.

 

Ships in port:

Mahogany Bay - Caribbean Princess and Costa Luminosa

Coxen Hole – NCL Dream

Dinner Theme – Italian

Daily pizza - Hawaiian

Night entertainment:

MUTS – Karaoke Under the Stars preceding the Ultimate Deck Party

Theater – Caribbean Caliente (7:00 and 8:15)

Crooners – Mike Gardner

Explorers Lounge – Bert Stratton

Wheelhouse Bar – Cryptic Blue Duo

Club Fusion – East Coast Connection

Piaza – Dixieland Mardi Gras Celebration with CB orchestra (8:30)

Calypso Pool – Ultimate Deck Party with the band Passion (9:15) (well attended)

Skywalkers – Ultimate After Party

Casino – no smoking night

[caribill]

Starting May 15 Princess is selling four "new" cabins on the CB that do not exist on the current ship map.

 

They are inside cabins C324, C328, C332 and C336 (located opposite the currently numbered balcony cabins C322, C324, C326 and C328).

 

If you get a chance, can you see what is in the area where those four "new" cabins will be?

 

Thanks.

Edited March 5, 2014 by caribill

[lw4484]

How is the MDR for breakfast/lunch? Does it take an incredibly long time to eat? We like the HC cuz we can usually grab food fast and then go do something else.... Maybe on a sea day we will try the MDR. We sail in a few weeks so are so glad to see your post!!! Thank you! :)

 

 

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[Stevesan]

Houston has had miserable weather the last few days, but it's looking better for Saturday. Low 48deg, high 68. Morning should be dry: a slight, 20%, chance of rain in the afternoon.

 

The current dew point is 37. If that holds up till Saturday, fog shouldn't be a problem.

 

Bon Voyage!:)

[Colo Cruiser]

Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) - Roatan

We arrived at about 9:00 on schedule. Since we were the first ship in port, the captain had to back the ship into the pier about 4000 feet (bit less than a mile). The channel is very narrow and we could see the channel markers. The Costa Luminosa was right behind us. We went again to the MDR for breakfast and it was very crowded probably due to the situation in the HC. We love this port and stayed in the Mahogany Bay complex. Some rode the chair lift but most walked to the beach area. Fat Tuesday has the three bars. They had several places to buy food in the beach area but we did not buy any. Waiters would bring food to your chair if you wanted. All payments were in USD cash. There were many free loungers available with many in the shade as well as the sun. We were able to find two loungers in the shade after going ashore at about 11 AM. Because Costa is a European line, there were a lot of Europeans aboard even though it sailed out of Miami. Be prepared for scantily clothed pax of all ages! We departed the port about 30 minutes late for some reason. The Luminosa left about an hour before us of course.

 

When we returned to the ship, I noticed there was no alcohol collection table set up. I did not see anyone bringing alcohol back but would assume that they were not collecting it. I saw the same thing last fall in Aruba and did bring 2 bottles of my favorite gin (Bombay Saphire) aboard. I was told the ship is sold out and we have a lot of pax from the northern parts of the USA as well as Canadians from the middle provinces. I have heard many times about being sick of this winter! We don’t have many kids aboard.

 

We went to the MDR again and they put bread, butter and salt/pepper on the table as always. Later I went up to the HC and they were no longer serving the food but were handing out plates and silverware. Pax could serve themselves and the drink areas were now open to the pax. I guess the captain decided he had Noro licked for now.

 

Ships in port:

Mahogany Bay - Caribbean Princess and Costa Luminosa

Coxen Hole – NCL Dream

Dinner Theme – Italian

Daily pizza - Hawaiian

Night entertainment:

MUTS – Karaoke Under the Stars preceding the Ultimate Deck Party

Theater – Caribbean Caliente (7:00 and 8:15)

Crooners – Mike Gardner

Explorers Lounge – Bert Stratton

Wheelhouse Bar – Cryptic Blue Duo

Club Fusion – East Coast Connection

Piaza – Dixieland Mardi Gras Celebration with CB orchestra (8:30)

Calypso Pool – Ultimate Deck Party with the band Passion (9:15) (well attended)

Skywalkers – Ultimate After Party

Casino – no smoking night

 

 

Another great day!

[cruzrbachoua]

Houston has had miserable weather the last few days, but it's looking better for Saturday. Low 48deg, high 68. Morning should be dry: a slight, 20%, chance of rain in the afternoon.

 

The current dew point is 37. If that holds up till Saturday, fog shouldn't be a problem.

 

Bon Voyage!:)

 

Love it...keep the great weather we will be there 3/14 and boarding on 3/15!!:D

[douglinc@msn.com]

They should be in Belize today.

 

Doug

[cruzrbachoua]

Yup they are!

 

[nnt1986]

I love how there are some of us from the 3/15 cruise checking this live feed! keep it coming! :D