28/29 day CROWN PRINCESS Hawaii/South Pacific Oct 2014

[Gert2011]

Great review Reba and it was nice to meet you.

 

It was a great cruise and we had a fantastic time.

 

Yes, the Future Cruise guy was more than a little upset about the person not getting off and the internet manager had a rough 29 days.

 

The only two negatives for us were the audio problems ship wide the whole cruise and the almost non-existent internet after we left Bora Bora. We ended up not using 320 minutes of our internet and wasting about 200 minutes trying to connect.

 

When they make a ship-wide announcement it cuts the audio ship wide (TV's, lounges, everywhere) so I'm wondering if all the audio cutouts were due to something wrong with that system because it was ship wide.

 

We have some friends on the ship now and will be interested if they experience audio problems. We get back on the ship in Jan.

 

Our wonderful waiter had medical problems with 6 days to go. Kidney stones and kidney problems our Jr. waiter told us. Hope he is well again as we want to request him again in January.

 

Oh, and thanks for the double D batteries. Those ought to last her more than just one day :)

Edited December 5, 2014 by Gert2011

[Barry H]

Hi Reba.

It was a pleasure to have you as a neighbor, were you there, I saw you once or twice.

Your work on shutterfly really helped get into cruise mode fast.

 

Our cruise was a great adventure. We had plenty to do and didn't haunt the shops out of boredom.

 

One tip, if you do any kind of exercise you can do Zumba (complimentary with the cruise staff) and I will watch for it in future.

Heather

[Janrexcruisers]

Reba what a nice review. Making me sit here and think of the great time we had on this cruise. Much in part to you - my friend! Just yesterday I took the pictures off of our camera and loading them to the computer. Now to find time to look at them!

 

I will add to the review that we played lots of bridge and a special thanks goes to a couple - not on cruise critic - that hosted the bridge games. Since Princess did not have a Certified Bridge Director on board. And they should have had one. Especially since the cruise was for 28 days! We had anywhere from 10 to 14 tables every morning and another 6 or so tables in the PM.

 

Tisa's Barefoot Bar - For the review, I personally was in touch with Tisa for this tour on Pago Pago. She told me how many she could handle and I signed them up. I think the total on the tour was around 95. A couple cancellations at the last moment. But I do thank everyone for showing up for the tour. There was four buses at the port awaiting our group. This time the tour took us to the east end of the island. Stopping for picture taking, etc. Then to Tisa's place for a wonderful lunch, drinks, music and fun. Some even went into the water. Back on the buses for the return to the ship.

 

Met lots of people from cruise critic. Since we had the roll call up for nearly a year, it was great putting a face to the names.

 

I will also tell you about an experience with the photo department on this cruise. Rex and I were celebrating our 50th anniversary on this cruise. So I would make Rex put on his "monkey suit" on formal nights so we could get a picture of the two of us. First formal night the pictures were not good. So the second formal night, Rex said he would put on his suit one more time! Picture taken and one met with our approval. Purchased one picture, but I noticed there was a dark spot under my chin. No problem, they said they would "photo shop" the pic and it would be fine. And it was. So at the same time I said to go ahead and put the print on a CD so I could make some prints at home and send with our Christmas cards this year. So a couple days after getting back, I loaded the CD into the computer to look at our picture and --- you guessed it ---- the picture was not of us two, but of four people that I did not know! I called Princess and was connected to the photo department in Santa Clarita, CA. This wonderful person named Lisa took all the information I could give her. Numbers on the back of the original photo helped. I was then put into touch with Dorin who was on the Crown and he found the picture. He then emailed me the pic and also sent a CD. So a special thanks goes out to the photo department.

 

This is the second time Rex and I have done this cruise and we would certainly do it again. Special thanks to all the ones that went out of their way to plan tours. And the shutterfly page that Reba did was the best!!

 

Jan and Rex

 

PS - Rex did put on his suit again for the other formal nights, but no picture was allowed to be taken!

[drdede]

What a great review. Echoing everything you said. Adding that we were so impressed with Captain Lawes and with the Maitre d'. Lots of wonderful memories. Reba.......what a hoot and so much hard work. We thank you.

 

Happy New Year and best in 2015.

 

Doris and Bill

Northridge, CA

[FoghornLeghorn]

What a great review. Echoing everything you said. Adding that we were so impressed with Captain Lawes and with the Maitre d'. Lots of wonderful memories. Reba.......what a hoot and so much hard work. We thank you.

 

Happy New Year and best in 2015.

 

Doris and Bill

Northridge, CA

 

Thanks Doris and Bill!

Such a pleasure getting to cruise with you - hope we can do it again.

[hillslife]

Just saw your post, Reba. Great review.....as well as an awesome Shutterfly page . We couldn't have stayed so organized without your expertise.:p. thank you.

 

So fun to meet you all...what a great roll call.....

 

Until we meet again

Dolores

[Bxmt54]

We are going on this same cruise in 2015. I would like to ask if you got any of the shots suggested by the CDC, for example, hep A or Thyphoid. Also what about the Mosquitos...was that an issue on any of the islands. I had never given any of this a thought until it was brought up on our shutterfly page.

[FoghornLeghorn]

We are going on this same cruise in 2015. I would like to ask if you got any of the shots suggested by the CDC, for example, hep A or Thyphoid. Also what about the Mosquitos...was that an issue on any of the islands. I had never given any of this a thought until it was brought up on our shutterfly page.

You're in for a wonderful time!

and

no....no shots for me. I have several health issues and talked to my Dr and two of my specialists. I came home fine :D

 

I did not have any issues with mosquitos either.

I know some people put on spray when they were out on excursions.

 

I also didn't exchange any money. Every place I went, took U.S. dollars.

At one place in Papeete, I got change back in French Francs.

[Bxmt54]

Thank you for answering so fast. I wasn't looking forward to having to get them. I have a couple of other questions if you don't mind. I heard the Crown was going in sometime this year for a little refurbishment. Do you happen to know when that will be? The other thing is the drink cards...worth it or not?

[FoghornLeghorn]

Thank you for answering so fast. I wasn't looking forward to having to get them. I have a couple of other questions if you don't mind. I heard the Crown was going in sometime this year for a little refurbishment. Do you happen to know when that will be? The other thing is the drink cards...worth it or not?

 

Last I heard the Crown was going in for a freshen up the first couple of weeks in May of this year.

 

Drink Cards:

I don't drink alcohol and rarely drink soda. So, it would not be for me.

However, I've had two friends recently buy them and they loved them.

They bought "the big one" because they got all their mixed drinks, sodas, milkshakes, etc.

They always had big bills at the end of the cruise, and they liked knowing the amount beforehand. They said they'd do it again.

[florida fanny]

Really enjoyed our 29 day cruise but we are still trying to get ALL our extra expense money back from Princess!

Anyone else having the same problems!

Florida Fanny

[Debathome]

Thank you for the detailed review and access to the Shutterfly site. Great job and really helpful. :)

I am doing this cruise in October along with some of the other folk that have posted here and really looking forward to it. j

 

I notice that a few people on board did the Blue Hawaii Helicopter tour and was wondering how they enjoyed it. We are booked for this as well but sat on the fence for a while on whether to do it or not. I have heard good things about the company and was wondering what their thoughts were.

[Kamloops50]

We have booked this cruise for 2016 . I'm looking forward to seeing Moorea again. I spent a lovely holiday there in the 1970's . Always wanted to go back and take the DW.

Did you post in the review section ?

Edited June 12, 2015 by Kamloops50

[FoghornLeghorn]

We have booked this cruise for 2016 . I'm looking forward to seeing Moorea again. I spent a lovely holiday there in the 1970's . Always wanted to go back and take the DW.

Did you post in the review section ?

 

I did not post in the review section.

Probably should have :)

Moorea was one of my favorite places. Besides the beauty of the island, the people were so kind and friendly.

[san diego sue]

Glad to see review again. We will experience the same cruise this October and it was fun reading your experiences . I am so excited.

We have cruised on the Crown Princess three years ago and am looking forward to boarding one of our favorite ships again.:D

[brownblonde]

Going on this years cruise 2015 and just found your post. Sure was lovely

Thanks for what to expect

[FoghornLeghorn]

Thanks Sue and brownblonde!

 

I've never had a bad cruise, but I think this one has been my favorite (so far)

 

Besides the wonderful ports and beautiful views, the other thing that made this cruise so enjoyable was the people I traveled with.

We had a huge roll call and it was so much fun getting to make new friends and re-connect with old ones....do excursions and Sea Day activities with them.

Just a perfect combination.

 

I thought I'd have time to work on a book I am writing, do some reading.....

NOPE :) I was rarely in my room - always something to do, attend, crafts, card games, shows, casino, bingo, afternoon tea... The month just flew by.

 

Enjoy your upcoming cruise and come back and tell us about it!

:)

[Ariel Playe]

Hello,

 

I am new to this site and am happy to have had it recommended to me. Posts thus far are helpful, informative, and fun to read. In October 2015, I'm sailing on the Crown Princess to Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa ... I'm hoping to communicate here with fellow travelers to that location.

 

Thanks,

 

ariel playe

[Colo Cruiser]

Hello,

 

I am new to this site and am happy to have had it recommended to me. Posts thus far are helpful, informative, and fun to read. In October 2015, I'm sailing on the Crown Princess to Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa ... I'm hoping to communicate here with fellow travelers to that location.

 

Thanks,

 

ariel playe

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic! :)

[RetiredNTraveling]

Hello,

 

I am new to this site and am happy to have had it recommended to me. Posts thus far are helpful, informative, and fun to read. In October 2015, I'm sailing on the Crown Princess to Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa ... I'm hoping to communicate here with fellow travelers to that location.

 

Thanks,

ariel playe

 

Glad to see you have found Cruise Critic! The Oct.17. 2015 Hawaii, Samoa & Tahiti cruise group will welcome you with open arms! Come on over to the following forum!

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2031190&goto=newpost

 

We have a very enthusiastic group and can always use a new member or two>>> :D :eek: :D

 

Just Mike

[suzyed]

November 8th AT SEA

SHOW: Trevor Knight 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Princess Liar’s club

MUTS: Movie:

 

November 9th AT SEA

This was the day the Captain announced we had a medical emergency.

We were diverted to the island of Nuka Hivi.

 

Blackjack Tournament $20.00

 

SHOW: Doug Funk (Comedian) 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: David Aiken (The Checkerboard Guy)

MUTS: NFL game Movie: The Blind Side

 

 

November 10th AT SEA

NUKA HIVI

Sailing into this island was absolutely beautiful.

It looked like something from Fantasy Island.

The ill crew member was tendered into the island and flown back to Tahiti.

 

This put us a day behind.

Everyone I talked to was very concerned for our sick passenger and many prayers and well wishes went out for him. I never heard any complaining or whining. We all realized it could have been us.

The Captain kept us well informed the entire time.

 

SHOW: Ric Steel 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: 50’s Trivia Challenge

MUTS: Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding & The Pink Panther

 

Clocks set ahead 1 hour

 

 

November 11th AT SEA

Veteran’s Day

Veteran’s Day Remembrance Service

 

Slot Tournament $20.00

SHOW: Trevor Knight (Tribute to John Denver) 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Movie Sound Byte game

MUTS: Movie: The Italian Job & The Proposal

 

November 12th AT SEA

Formal Night

 

We’re going to be a day late!

Princess went above and beyond for the medical emergency.

When it was announced we wouldn’t be disembarking on Saturday, November 15th, the staff helped us with travel changes. We would be disembarking on Sunday, November 16th instead.

Phones were opened up in 6 or 7 different areas for us to call our airlines and make changes.

The lines were opened for us for days.

 

The lines were long and it took everyone about 20 to 30 minutes on the phone to get through and reschedule. Standing in lines took hours. I went down at 1:00 a.m. and the lines were still long.

I got in line. At 2:00 am I got to use the phone…I was done with airline changes and a hotel reservation by 2:45 am.

(Princess provided Clorox wipes for all the phones, as we had been told of the Noro Virus at this point)

 

The Captain had told us not to make airline reservations before 4:00 pm.

I was not able to find any flights, so I had to spend the night and fly out on Monday.

Princess told us to send the receipts for the changes and hotel stay to their main office in Santa Clarita. Hopefully, I’ll be hearing from them soon.

 

There were quite a few passengers from California and they just needed to make new arrangements for pick up from the port and let family/friends know of the change. Everyone was very orderly and tried to help each other.

 

Of course there were a few that decided to use the open phone lines to call family and CHAT!

When others heard this, they were quick to get that situation rectified 

 

We had also heard, earlier in the cruise, that there was a Laundry Room incident/fight and people put off at the first port. Rumor is all I know 

 

Navigational Talk with Ship Officers

SHOW: Production Show “Blame it On the Boogie” 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Comedian Doug Funk

MUTS: Movie: Tootsie & The Devil Wears Prada

 

 

November 13th AT SEA

SHOW: Crew Talent Show 7:00 8:15 & 10:00 (very talented crew members)

Explorer’s Lounge Show: David Aiken (The Checkerboard Guy)

MUTS: Movie: Big & Raiders of the Lost Ark

 

Time goes forward an hour

 

 

November 14th AT SEA

Slot Tournament $20.00

 

SHOW: Michael Minor (Comedian) 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Urban Myths Challenge

MUTS: Movie: The Philadelphia Story & Top Gun

 

 

November 15th AT SEA Our EXTRA day

SHOW: Ric Steel 7:00 8:15 & 10:00

Explorer’s Lounge Show: Treasure Quest

MUTS: Movie: Grease Concert: Sheryl Crow

 

Last Day Internet Access Special: $8.00 for 15 minutes

(Printing available)

 

Great review so far, Reba!!

 

Just to be clear...and as a point of reference should a delay again occur....Princess DID NOT reimburse us for the increase in airfare, only the "change fees" that the airlines charged. We had a $1400 increase on the price of our tickets when we had to change it. Princess only reimbursed us the $400 change fee. We also had a tour/transportation arranged with a company in LA and we were not reimbursed for the $50 deposit we made.

Thank goodness for travel insurance, as we did get $1000 back from them!

 

OK Reba...carry on! LOL!

Edited July 19, 2015 by suzyed

[emmak8]

Thank you for your detailed review. A wonderful cruise!

[FoghornLeghorn]

Thank you for your detailed review. A wonderful cruise!

 

Thanks! :)

[suzyed]

Great review, Reba!! You provided a lot of detail and that is just great! :D

We loved cruising with you, it was so nice to have a buddy to go to Bingo with and all the other "girl" things, that DH didn't want to do!!

Looking forward to the next one...or two! ;)

[Duffysmom]

Great review Reba. We are on the October 2015 cruise and your review

 

helped to lessen my anxieties regarding what to do on all those see days.

 

I wonder if you know whether or not they have Yoga classes on board.:rolleyes:

Edited August 2, 2015 by DUFFYSMOM