Would I recommend Caribbean Princess? Absolutely! (With Pictures)

[sky61]

Even though I personally had some issues with the ship, the crew, the food, etc. on our Caribbean Princess cruise in March, I, too, loved the itinerary and would highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for a very relaxing and soothing vacation. Of course I am sure there were many pax who saw and did many exciting and stimulating things on this itinerary, but we found it to be the perfect laid-back vacation we were looking for! We found Mahogany Bay to be particularly calm and peaceful, as our starboard balcony overlooked the bay and the shipwreck.

 

 

Cool photo! I agree about it being relaxing. I guess that's one of the nicer things about cruising...you can make it as "thrilling" or "chilling" as you want. Mahogany Bay does look beautiful and I like how close it is to the port for sure.

[sky61]

You are welcome, but you know that I am not the OP, right? and that I am not the one providing the review. I posted my shots of our mini-suite bathrooms only because the OP said she had not taken any shots of hers. I imagine they look the same...

 

Yes same bathroom. So glad you had the pics. Another great thing about CC!

[sky61]

Thanks for your great review & excellent pics. We're sailing this ship in June & anxiously looking forward to our cruise. It's funny reading 2 completely different reviews of the same cruise. The other reviewer actually called the food disgusting but no pics were taking to back up her displeasure.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I saw that review and always feel for people who don't enjoy their vacation. I guess we've been lucky because we've had a great time on each of the three cruises we've taken so far!

 

One thing I loved was the people, both crew and other guests. We met lots of folks from Texas and Oklahoma and what nice people. Everyone was super friendly but not artificial friendly...it was genuine and we had some great conversations. Also got to speak with a few people from our area and it was fun commiserating about the brutal winter together. I think everyone was just so grateful to be on this lovely ship and getting the chance to relax.

[sky61]

The atrium area was lovely and usually there was some form of entertainment going on (lots of Flamenco dancing demos this cruise) somewhere close by. Of course this is also where the International Cafe is so DH was often stopping by for his Cappuccino. For Easter (Yup...there I go back to the beginning again) there was a wonderful display of eggs and some kind hearted people managed to put together a nice church service which was held in the Princess Theater.

 

Later on in the week (I believe it was the Thursday night Formal) the balloons were there just waiting to be dropped. We thought about coming back but there was a band, East Coast Connection, we were hoping to catch so we missed the big drop.

 

As for the band...loved them when we heard them play. They were from NYC and were a fun band to dance to and interact with. They played lots of covers of classic music like the Beatles, Doobie Brothers, and Elton John.

 

 

 

Unfortunately they missed a couple of nights because the drummer hurt his leg. Hope he's feeling better!

[sky61]

Speaking of entertainment we also really enjoyed the comedian and a couple of the shows. We popped in on some trivia and noticed lots of crowds around the pianist who had quite a following (whoops can't find my Patter but I'm hoping someone will jump in with his name).

 

Of course the casino looked lively but that's not our thing, if it is I wish you lots of luck. One of the gentlemen I met had won several hundred dollars...he was really excited to be paying off his beverage package and coming out a few bucks ahead. Good for him I say! I'm the unfortunate type who throws twenty dollars at scratch tickets every few months then bemoans the coffees I could have bought instead. I guess I just don't have it in me. Must be enough of a gamble to drive these Massachusetts roads each winter...

 

Here's a picture showing our favorite form of entertainment this cruise (well other than eating I guess). We "discovered" this quiet space aft, on the sundeck above the adult pool, and just parked ourselves there for two days. Ahhhhh...heavenly. Whenever we started feeling crispy we dunked in the pool. The proximity to Cafe Caribe made it waaaay to easy to grab a nice cold lemonade or bowl of fresh fruit. Yummy!

 

[abbydancer2003]

Nice review and great pictures. Thank you.

 

We sail on the ship in late 2015.

[TracieABD]

Lovely photos and fun review!

[Joanne G.]

Glad you enjoyed the Caribbean Princess. We were on the Carnival Liberty the same week and docked next to you in Cozumel. Here you are arriving shortly after we docked.

 

Views from our balcony. I took a lot of pictures because I have been on the CB. Such a lovely ship.

 

 

 

 

And as we sailed away.

 

 

You followed us into the night after leaving Cozumel. I think the sight of another cruise ship all lit up in the dark is a breathtaking sight - but, unfortunately, not a sight easily captured in a photo.

[Woobstr112G]

Nice review and great pictures. Thank you.

 

We sail on the ship in late 2015.

 

I agree. Great review and awesome pictures.....:):):)

 

Bob

[SeagoingMom]

We got on the open boat (bring shades and a hat...there is no protection from the sun) right at the restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised at the length of the trip, which was at least another hour and a half (I think it was 22 miles altogether). Carla the guide was with us, along with the captain of the boat and another "spotter" guy who sat up front and called out to the driver when he saw some wildlife for us to pull up to. We saw crocodiles, pretty huge lizards, monkeys and several species of nifty birds. Here's a link to some video that you bird lovers may find entertaining.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLaKsl9mvUc

 

And here's the jungle:

 

 

I heard about the salt water crocs among the mangroves in Belize -- how big were the crocs you saw? And did you see any boas? -- I've heard they like the mangroves, too. (Of course, I was told about these creatures after I went snorkeling among the mangroves! :eek: I am happy to report that all I encountered of interest were some extra large and brightly colored starfish.)

[SeagoingMom]

I'm sure some people got better shots but this gives you an idea of what you might see if you book this excursion.

 

IMO, you win the prize for best shot until someone shows up to challenge your title! I love it.

[SeagoingMom]

Speaking of entertainment we also really enjoyed the comedian and a couple of the shows. We popped in on some trivia and noticed lots of crowds around the pianist who had quite a following (whoops can't find my Patter but I'm hoping someone will jump in with his name).

 

Of course the casino looked lively but that's not our thing, if it is I wish you lots of luck. One of the gentlemen I met had won several hundred dollars...he was really excited to be paying off his beverage package and coming out a few bucks ahead. Good for him I say! I'm the unfortunate type who throws twenty dollars at scratch tickets every few months then bemoans the coffees I could have bought instead. I guess I just don't have it in me. Must be enough of a gamble to drive these Massachusetts roads each winter...

 

Here's a picture showing our favorite form of entertainment this cruise (well other than eating I guess). We "discovered" this quiet space aft, on the sundeck above the adult pool, and just parked ourselves there for two days. Ahhhhh...heavenly. Whenever we started feeling crispy we dunked in the pool. The proximity to Cafe Caribe made it waaaay to easy to grab a nice cold lemonade or bowl of fresh fruit. Yummy!

 

How interesting! At what time of day was this shot taken? On our cruise in March, this pool was never empty! It seemed to be the favorite gathering spot for a special interest group on the cruise. In addition, unlike you show in your beautiful shot, we had mostly cool, windy, rainy weather -- maybe the pool temps were warmer than the outside air, and folks went there to keep warm!

Edited May 7, 2014 by SeagoingMom

[richkauf]

How was the entertainment on the ship- ie- evening shows?

Any feedback would be appreciated

[whataboutport]

How interesting! At what time of day was this shot taken? On our cruise in March, this pool was never empty! It seemed to be the favorite gathering spot for a special interest group on the cruise. In addition, unlike you show in your beautiful shot, we had mostly cool, windy, rainy weather -- maybe the pool temps were warmer than the outside air, and folks went there to keep warm!

I was going to comment the exact same thing! I guess this is pretty early in the morning, from the looks of the shadows. When I was on CB last Nov this area was always packed, and I never got a chance to sit in the loungers lining the aft railing. They were always taken, and with actual people, not just towels.

 

One of my favorite places on the ship.

[sky61]

Glad you enjoyed the Caribbean Princess. We were on the Carnival Liberty the same week and docked next to you in Cozumel. Here you are arriving shortly after we docked.

 

Views from our balcony. I took a lot of pictures because I have been on the CB. Such a lovely ship.

 

 

 

 

And as we sailed away.

 

 

You followed us into the night after leaving Cozumel. I think the sight of another cruise ship all lit up in the dark is a breathtaking sight - but, unfortunately, not a sight easily captured in a photo.

 

 

Hi and thanks for posting your pictures. I met a really nice lady in the hot tub who was on Liberty at Nachi. We spoke about CC. Was that you?! How funny if it was and hello again if it was :) I agree about seeing the other ships at night...the romance of the sea is so clear then.

[sky61]

Nice review and great pictures. Thank you.

 

We sail on the ship in late 2015.

 

Thanks abbydancer. I can see from your Princess line-up that you've enjoyed the "product." Looks like you're getting ready to board within a day...how exciting! Can't wait to hear all about it. What a beautiful time of year for a cruise (yup...I'd pretty much say that anytime). Bon voyage and safe travels.

[sky61]

How interesting! At what time of day was this shot taken? On our cruise in March, this pool was never empty! It seemed to be the favorite gathering spot for a special interest group on the cruise. In addition, unlike you show in your beautiful shot, we had mostly cool, windy, rainy weather -- maybe the pool temps were warmer than the outside air, and folks went there to keep warm!

 

whataboutport is correct that it was the morning but I don't recall exactly what time. We are pretty early risers and like the sun so probably about 8:30-9am? I remember wanting to get a pic before it got crazy crowded.

 

The pool was often empty, though, which I thought was funny. Many people thought it was too cool (as you know it is in the shade) and with the hot hot air comparison I guess it felt colder for sure than the pools open to the elements more but coming from New England we are used to numbing cold water until late July so it felt perfect.

 

Our cruise definitely did not feel "sold out" and I didn't notice any special big groups so that probably made a difference, too.

 

Here's a shot of the hot tub, which was sometimes closed, and the area we sat near on the sundeck. There is a kiddie type pool near the hot tub so you would think it would be noisy but it was very mellow. Just enough kids voices to make me feel the fun energy but often the area was empty of families...I think most of them preferred the movie/pool area.

 

[sky61]

Sorry if this is overkill but here's one more that gives you another viewpoint.

Edited May 7, 2014 by sky61

[sky61]

[sky61]

IMO, you win the prize for best shot until someone shows up to challenge your title! I love it.

 

LOL! Thanks. I'm gonna have to remember that one...

[tbmrt]

Our balcony was one of those ones where everyone can easily look down and I thought that would bother me but it was really fine. I mean I'm not exactly doing anything super private out there and rarely did I even see anyone above me. There was one really fun day leaving the Port of Roatan where we had about three levels of balconies carrying on a conversation...loved that!http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u648/siobhansky/P1020483_zps5e5e3b54.jpg' alt='P1020483_zps5e5e3b54.jpg'>

 

Thanks

[SeagoingMom]

whataboutport is correct that it was the morning but I don't recall exactly what time. We are pretty early risers and like the sun so probably about 8:30-9am? I remember wanting to get a pic before it got crazy crowded.

 

The pool was often empty, though, which I thought was funny. Many people thought it was too cool (as you know it is in the shade) and with the hot hot air comparison I guess it felt colder for sure than the pools open to the elements more but coming from New England we are used to numbing cold water until late July so it felt perfect.

 

Our cruise definitely did not feel "sold out" and I didn't notice any special big groups so that probably made a difference, too.

 

Here's a shot of the hot tub, which was sometimes closed, and the area we sat near on the sundeck. There is a kiddie type pool near the hot tub so you would think it would be noisy but it was very mellow. Just enough kids voices to make me feel the fun energy but often the area was empty of families...I think most of them preferred the movie/pool area.

 

You know what I like about this shot? That is shows the crazy "upstairs/downstairs" layout of Caribbean Princess that I found so choppy, confusing and inconvenient. But your photo makes it look so attractive that it seems appealing! You should work for Princess!

[Joanne G.]

Hi and thanks for posting your pictures. I met a really nice lady in the hot tub who was on Liberty at Nachi. We spoke about CC. Was that you?! How funny if it was and hello again if it was :) I agree about seeing the other ships at night...the romance of the sea is so clear then.

 

No, that wasn't me. We spent the day on a Carnival excursion to a private beach house, with a small group of about 16 people - one of the best excursions ever, by the way! But we also spent time admiring the CB, mentally picking which type of balcony we would like if we choose it for a future cruise. :D

[SeagoingMom]

No, that wasn't me. We spent the day on a Carnival excursion to a private beach house, with a small group of about 16 people - one of the best excursions ever, by the way! But we also spent time admiring the CB, mentally picking which type of balcony we would like if we choose it for a future cruise. :D

Am I right in assuming you wouldn't opt for the uncovered Dolphin deck balcony? We had it (unexpectedly! I booked it before I found out it was uncovered -- if I had known, I would never have been on the cruise, as it was all that was left when I booked...) BTW I found out that the balcony was uncovered from Cruise Critic -- not from Princess or my TA -- but too late to change. (I never thought to research it, as I never imagined there was such a thing as an uncovered balcony on any cruise ship!)

 

In the end, given the choice of looking straight down to the sea from our balcony or having to look over lower balconies from above, I think our situation was better. Still, I missed the privacy of a covered balcony, and the lack of cover made our balcony mostly unusable -- rain (too wet -- duh) or shine (too hot). Wouldn't do it again.

[richkauf]

going on caribbean princess in july. Nachi Cocum looks like exactly what we like for a beach day. How long is the cab ride from the cruise terminal? Also thanks for posting pictures- nice to see the place from the guest perspective. - more interested in a beach with fewer kids- would that describe nachi Cocum