CARIBBEAN PRINCESS - Thoughts & Observations

[eroller]

CARIBBEAN PRINCESS - Thoughts & Observations

December 4, 2014

4-day Cruise - Ft. Lauderdale; at sea; Grand Cayman; at sea; Ft. Lauderdale

 

Pictures Link:

 

 

I just disembarked today and overall this was a very enjoyable cruise at a great value. I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was relaxing and the weather was fantastic. There was only one port which was Grand Cayman. We took the Turtle Farm/Hell/Tortuga Rum tour and it was worthwhile and well organized. The Turtle Farm was the highlight without question. If you like turtles, go for it!

 

I'm Elite status with Princess but I cruise on all the lines. My last cruise was the maiden crossing of QUANTUM OF THE SEAS which was pretty incredible. Of course I didn't expect CARIBBEAN PRINCESS to live up to that, but I was disappointed in certain aspects of the Princess experience that seem to have deteriorated over the years. Specifically the condition of CARIBBEAN PRINCESS which is overdue for a dry dock and some TLC; the cuisine which was really bland for the most part; and the increasing commercialization of the Princess product which honestly was more in-your-face compared to my last Carnival cruise. I'm all for cruise lines making money and the need to generate onboard revenue in light of cheap cruise fares, but there has to be a balance. Too much pressure to generate onboard revenue cheapens the overall experience.

 

Again overall I really enjoyed myself and it was money well spent. Here are some highlights about the ship and experience.

 

 

What I loved:

 

- Embarkation & Disembarkation. Piece of cake and absolutely painless. Well organized and no waiting. We opted for Express Walk-off and were off the ship and catching a taxi by 7:40am.

 

- Super fast luggage delivery. Our luggage arrived at the cabin at the same time we did! Impressive especially considering that we headed directly to the cabin upon boarding.

 

- Princess@Sea App. I really enjoyed using this relatively new feature on my iPhone. You can view all the daily activities and also check your shipboard account. Technically it's not an App, but it works like one. I included a few screen shots of it in my pictures link.

 

- Staff and crew. Overall fantastic and a credit to the ship and Princess Cruises. Lots of smiles and engagement.

 

- Elite Benefits. This was my first cruise as Elite status and I enjoyed the upgraded status and most of the benefits. The one benefit I was most looking forward to didn't quite work out. I'll explain more in the "what I didn't love" section to follow.

 

- Tendering. Super smooth operation and no waiting. Nicely organized Princess!

 

- Shore Excursion. As stated above a well put together tour and nicely organized. There was plenty of time afterwards to enjoy some shopping or lunch. I felt it was worth what I paid for it.

 

- Weather. Could not have been better. Sunny, breezy, not too hot or humid but warm enough daily to swim and work on that tan.

 

- Deck Space. I was reminded of a main reason why I enjoy the Grand Class so much. There is an abundance of great deck space and a variety of pools. Plenty of space to spread out and no problems finding deck chairs.

 

- Layout. The overall layout of the Grand Class just works. Spaces flow nicely into one another and overall there is little crowding. The three stair towers and amount of elevators handle the passenger load with ease.

 

- Balcony. The was my first time in a Caribe Deck balcony cabin. I head the balconies were larger but I had no idea just how much! I loved, loved, loved the balcony and it was one of the best I've ever had. First of all it was huge and second it was partially exposed to the sun and partially covered providing a private area. The best of both worlds. I highly recommend a Caribe Deck balcony cabin!

 

- Cabin Location, design & quietness. We were in C310. The location was fantastic being very close to the forward stairtower but far enough away there was no noise. Although the cabin lacks a sitting area like most ships offer, I love the closet and bathroom arrangement. It's basically a walk-in closet when you exit the bathroom which also provides a great private changing area out of view from the rest of the cabin. This is a perfect arrangement if traveling with a friend. Something simple but one I appreciate is a real fitted sheet. I tend to move around when I sleep and I hate when a flat sheet is used over the mattress as often times I end up pulling it apart by morning.

 

- Crown Grill. This was the highlight of our dining experience onboard. Great quality, service, and presentation. Highly recommended and worth the $25 cover charge.

 

- Air Conditioning. It works well on CARIBBEAN PRINCESS. I can't say the same about all ships. The thermostat in the cabin could get the room as warm or as cold as you could possible want.

 

- Aft Terrace Pool. An aft pool is hard to come by on most modern newbuilds. The Grand Class has one of the best aft pools and surrounding deck afloat and it was my favorite area of the ship to spend an afternoon. Quiet, adults only, and a view to die for! What more could you ask for?

 

- Bow View. Another great feature of the Grand Class is a full wrap-around Promenade Deck and the ability to walk all the way forward to the bow of the ship. Leaning over and watching the ship plow through the ocean is absolutely mesmerizing. There are very few ships where this is possible so be sure to take advantage!

 

- Steel Drummer. So many cruise lines seem to be getting away from live bands especially a steel drum player/singer by the pool. I'm happy to say this is not the case on CARIBBEAN PRINCESS. I really enjoyed the Steel Drummer both out on deck and in the atrium.

 

 

 

What I didn't love:

 

- Ship's Condition. A drydock is hopefully scheduled soon as the ship is showing its age with plenty of wear and tear. Things like dirty and frayed fabrics, old style plastic deck chairs that are dirty and falling apart, carpets that are worn and faded, and pool tiles that are stained and cracked. I expect better from Princess in this regard.

 

- Cabin Condition. Along the same lines as my last comment. Stained, worn, and faded carpet. Old mattresses with big sags. Really dented ceilings and a chair so dirty and worn I didn't want to sit in it. Not a great presentation and again this is not what I expect from Princess.

 

- Cuisine. In a word, unmemorable. Nothing really stood out as being great and memorable except for the dinner we paid for in Crown Grill. Honestly I remember the cuisine being better on Princess. Nothing was bad mind you, but nothing was really great either.

 

- Too Commercial. I touched on this in my opening comments. I felt the push for onboard revenue was excessive. The revenue producing announcements throughout the day, the flyers in the cabin, the shop tables around the atrium, the art auctions, the "bazaar" in the dining room, etc. etc. I know all mass-market ships have a need for onboard revenue, but it was just a bit over the top and somewhat cheapened the experience. I didn't experience this level of revenue pushing on a recent Carnival cruise and that is where I would expect it most.

 

- Elite Mini-bar. My dreams were smashed when I discovered my Elite mini-bar setup did not include rum and there was no way to exchange anything for it. I'm a rum drinker so the free mini-bar was wasted on me except for sodas. Why not have rum on a Caribbean cruise? The two go hand in hand don't they?

 

- Buffet. This was the only area of the ship which was crowded. There wasn't a problem finding seats it was the actual food service area. It was like a free for all and not well organized. Honestly it was too small to handle the amount of people. I don't remember it being so small and crowded on other Princess cruises but perhaps I have just forgotten? This is one area that is really superior on the newest ships like QUANTUM OF THE SEAS and ROYAL PRINCESS.

 

- Production Show. We only went to one, Caribbean Caliente. The show itself was fine, but honestly it was rehashed from a show I remember on Princess some 20 years ago! I had to laugh a bit about that one. The show seems rather dated especially when compared to some of the competition. None the less it was enjoyable if only for nostalgic sake!

[zoncom]

So get the largest size RumRunner online, fill with rum and you will be all set.

[eroller]

A few pics from the gallery:

 

 

Edited December 8, 2014 by eroller

[Hobbsey]

Thanks for this concise yet very informative review!!

 

I watch your sail away last Thursday (on web cam), getting myself prepared for my own on 1/26.

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

Most Princess shows are rehashes of previous years. They change the names & a few songs & call it something new & exciting. There are a few exceptions on the Royal, Coral & Island but not to many.

Even the guest entertainers don't change their routine for years on end.

[pcsunlover]

Hi eroller,

 

We just returned from the same cruise and I have to agree with everything you posted. I hope you don't mind if I add some of my thoughts rather than starting another thread. :)

 

We also had a balcony cabin on Caribe deck. I would advise against cabin C706 if you prefer a more quiet location. The room opens right in front of the elevator bank so if the door is open anyone standing waiting for an elevator can see directly into the room. It was also very noisy for that same reason. The balcony walls, glass, and railing were filthy and we had to slam the door especially hard or it wouldn't shut. We were also upset that we could not receive any wifi service at all. On a positive note, the bed was very comfortable - no dips, the air worked great, and our room steward, Perde, was excellent.

 

The ship was definitely not sailing full. 9 times out of 10 we were in elevators by ourselves and we never had a problem finding lounge chairs at the pools in the sun or the shade at any time of the day. That was a big plus!

 

We thought the food was good as was the service we received. Our biggest disappointment, once again, was the entertainment. The outdoor movie screen is not in good shape (at least when viewing it at night) and the sound wasn't much better. It would've been nice if more movies or newer music videos were shown during the day. We thought the production show we saw was very dated and frankly, not much better (if at all) than a high school production. The illusionist was ok; we didn't see the comedian but heard from several people that he wasn't very good and they saw people walking out. We felt that unless you are into the Casino or just listening to music, the night life was pretty boring.

 

We had a nice time together because the weather was great, the port was fine, our fellow passengers were friendly, and the price was right. But, we are seriously considering cancelling our 7 day cruise on this ship in March because the entertainment was so poor.

[Hobbsey]

Hi eroller,

 

We just returned from the same cruise and I have to agree with everything you posted. I hope you don't mind if I add some of my thoughts rather than starting another thread. :)

 

We also had a balcony cabin on Caribe deck. I would advise against cabin C706 if you prefer a more quiet location. The room opens right in front of the elevator bank so if the door is open anyone standing waiting for an elevator can see directly into the room. It was also very noisy for that same reason. The balcony walls, glass, and railing were filthy and we had to slam the door especially hard or it wouldn't shut. We were also upset that we could not receive any wifi service at all. On a positive note, the bed was very comfortable - no dips, the air worked great, and our room steward, Perde, was excellent.

 

The ship was definitely not sailing full. 9 times out of 10 we were in elevators by ourselves and we never had a problem finding lounge chairs at the pools in the sun or the shade at any time of the day. That was a big plus!

 

We thought the food was good as was the service we received. Our biggest disappointment, once again, was the entertainment. The outdoor movie screen is not in good shape (at least when viewing it at night) and the sound wasn't much better. It would've been nice if more movies or newer music videos were shown during the day. We thought the production show we saw was very dated and frankly, not much better (if at all) than a high school production. The illusionist was ok; we didn't see the comedian but heard from several people that he wasn't very good and they saw people walking out. We felt that unless you are into the Casino or just listening to music, the night life was pretty boring.

 

We had a nice time together because the weather was great, the port was fine, our fellow passengers were friendly, and the price was right. But, we are seriously considering cancelling our 7 day cruise on this ship in March because the entertainment was so poor.

 

Really appreciate this addendum.

 

Was there any entertainment in the Piano Bar? Crooners I think its called.

 

Thanks

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the review.

There is a ton of info and even photos on CC of the mini bar setup. It has never contained rum. We prefer rum as well so we just trade out the bar for other items.

[pcsunlover]

Really appreciate this addendum.

 

Was there any entertainment in the Piano Bar? Crooners I think its called.

 

Thanks

 

Yes there was. I believe it was Bert Stratton. We wanted to see him, but Crooners seemed like a very small venue for an entertainer of his popularity and as a result, we were never able to find a place to sit and enjoy him. On a previous cruise he was in the Explorers lounge which was a nicer venue for more people to enjoy his show.

[jean s]

I agree with your review. Love the grand class ships with the open space and promenade deck you can walk around. Really miss these areas on the new builds.

[lynwar]

Hi,

Nice review. We were on the Caribbean Princess in September after a 10 year break. The first thing I noticed was how small the atrium area was upon boarding compared to the Royal Princess. And, I noticed the wear and tear, as well. There was one fellow in a white jump suit varnishing the rails every day. It got to be "cute". But, we found the rails to be tacky quite often after they had been polished. LOL. (Much later)

With that said, we had a wonderful cruise in 2004, same month, with a great roll call group, a few I still correspond with today. And, once I got back into the groove of the ship, I was quite comfortable and enjoyed the ship.

I did notice that the floors up on Lido deck had puddles or water after a rain or cleaning or something. I had forgotten about that.

 

We did catch up with Bert Stratton the second night but it was standing room only. We stood back awhile and then gradually worked our way up to the post at the entrance by the piano, where I stood. Happily, there were some nice cruisers who let me get in front of them since I'm 4'11 1/2 ". The third night, he was in the Explorer's Lounge where he and his audience had much more room. We were in the seats to his right. From then on, I was in Crooners every evening, either in front (behind)? of the piano looking toward the window, or to his left with other fans. He calls it his "living room".

I do agree that it's too small for his type of delivery, but he's booked for Crooners on the short cruises. We were on a combined 5/4 (9 day)cruise. The folks way back by the bar were like in a different room, almost, although he did try to include the ones who were about halfway back. His second set is instrumental, unless he gets caught in a song request that really sounds better sung. He is a wonderful pianist and the performance is much more serious, low key and mellow. I hope you get to hear him and participate on a cruise with him at some point. Bert is a great guy.

 

Thanks, again, for your review. I'm really enjoying it.

 

Lynne

[geoherb]

Thanks for posting your review. We're heading back in less than three weeks for our short CB cruises--December 27 & 30. We sailed on it for a week in August since it was the only Princess ship sailing in the Caribbean. I guess that's better than previous years and next year, when there aren't any ships there in the summer months.

[cruiseintoheaven]

Thanks for your review with what appears to be a good balance of pros and cons.

 

Have to admit, so many reviews of the CB in regards to its condition have me a bit concerned about our upcoming trip. It's confusing as well because in most of the pictures posted I see minimal if any wear. But straight off the Regal, little nervous it will seem massively dated, though we enjoyed the Ruby very much. Not too worried about entertainment on a 4 night cruise, or food either - though I am curious if the current roundup of entertainment will be on board January 8(?). Pretty sure we saw Logan Swank on the Ruby last February, not sure about Bert Stratton though the name sounds familiar. Question about the CB specialty restaurants - subjective I know - but on the CB, CG or Sabatinis? Like both menus so more interested in quality, service, etc....thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your report.

[eroller]

Hi eroller,

 

We just returned from the same cruise and I have to agree with everything you posted. I hope you don't mind if I add some of my thoughts rather than starting another thread. :)

 

 

 

 

 

No problem at all! Interesting to read other viewpoints from the same sailing. Sorry to hear your cabin was noisy. Ours was really quiet. I was a bit worried because it was right across from a laundry room, but that was no problem at all.

[eroller]

Thanks for your review with what appears to be a good balance of pros and cons.

 

Have to admit, so many reviews of the CB in regards to its condition have me a bit concerned about our upcoming trip. It's confusing as well because in most of the pictures posted I see minimal if any wear.

 

 

I'm glad you enjoyed the review!

 

Please don't be too stressed about the ship's condition. Remember I had just come off the brand new QUANTUM OF THE SEAS so I think CB looked especially dated and worn to me. The same will probably be true of you if you're just coming from the new REGAL or ROYAL. On the plus side there are many aspects of the Grand Class that I consider superior to the Royal Class. Some areas of the CB actually look really good. The aft section for instance including the aft Palm Dining Room. I think it received all new carpet and the chairs were recovered. The area around the Crown Grill also looks good as does the casino. Other areas are really showing their age, like the Explorer's Lounge where some of the cushions on the couches along the walkway are pretty nasty. The Wheelhouse Bar could use a little love too along with the lounge chairs in the atrium (Piazza). All the deck chairs should be replaced with new versions that you see on most ships today. I'm thinking that maybe there is some ongoing refurbishment and they are hitting the areas they can? More than anything my cabin really needed new carpet, mattresses, and a recovered chair. It was all looking pretty worn and dated. My partner could feel the springs in the mattress and he is pretty skinny. That doesn't make for a great night sleep. Luckily my side was much better but still had a sag. LOL

 

Anyway I still had a great time and so will you! There are a lot of great things about CB and I think they outweigh the negative. I just wish that Princess would spend a little $$ to spruce up CB as I think she is worth it!

[nfox211]

I wish I had seen your thread before I started my own. We were on the same cruise too. We did see Bert Stratton and he was one of our favorites. Don't be overly concerned about the ship's condition. I thought she looked great and our cabin was also in good shape until... Our only downfall was that someone managed to "flood" three cabins with "something" they flushed in their toilet that "didn't belong there" on our second day. Two cabins beside us and one diagonally. We had water in about 4-5 feet into our cabin and the adjacent wall was damp with one large sopping wet spot. They tried to wet vac it but it stayed damp the entire rest of the cruise. Of course I found out when I stepped in the water in bare feet - yuck! We had to call twice - once for the extra wet spots and once for the awful smell that started in the hallway from the adjacent cabins. it was bad - they had to remove all furniture in those cabins and ran the blowers to dry them 24/7. They were apologetic both times but I think they should have offered to move us. Instead, they gave us slippers so our feet wouldn't get wet. The first night the cruise director said the ship held around 3000 but only 2200-2300 were sailing so there should have been a room somewhere. Oh well, we still had a nice time but it did "dampen the situation".

[Mackenzie1]

Thank you for your helpful review. I'll be on the Caribbean Princess two times next year, and your review will help tap down expectations. I haven't taken an ocean cruise since 2005, and things apparently have changed.

Edited December 9, 2014 by Mackenzie1

[golfb4cruzing]

We return to her in April and looking forward to another fun trip. Not bothered by little ticky tack issues with stains or spot of rust. We just were on the Ruby and had bland food as well. I wonder why they don't season their foods during preparation?

[pcsunlover]

I wish I had seen your thread before I started my own. We were on the same cruise too. We did see Bert Stratton and he was one of our favorites. Don't be overly concerned about the ship's condition. I thought she looked great and our cabin was also in good shape until... Our only downfall was that someone managed to "flood" three cabins with "something" they flushed in their toilet that "didn't belong there" on our second day. Two cabins beside us and one diagonally. We had water in about 4-5 feet into our cabin and the adjacent wall was damp with one large sopping wet spot. They tried to wet vac it but it stayed damp the entire rest of the cruise. Of course I found out when I stepped in the water in bare feet - yuck! We had to call twice - once for the extra wet spots and once for the awful smell that started in the hallway from the adjacent cabins. it was bad - they had to remove all furniture in those cabins and ran the blowers to dry them 24/7. They were apologetic both times but I think they should have offered to move us. Instead, they gave us slippers so our feet wouldn't get wet. The first night the cruise director said the ship held around 3000 but only 2200-2300 were sailing so there should have been a room somewhere. Oh well, we still had a nice time but it did "dampen the situation".

 

That's disgusting, and they should have moved you. The ship wasn't even close to being full.

[pcsunlover]

I'm glad you enjoyed the review!

 

Please don't be too stressed about the ship's condition. Remember I had just come off the brand new QUANTUM OF THE SEAS so I think CB looked especially dated and worn to me. The same will probably be true of you if you're just coming from the new REGAL or ROYAL. On the plus side there are many aspects of the Grand Class that I consider superior to the Royal Class. Some areas of the CB actually look really good. The aft section for instance including the aft Palm Dining Room. I think it received all new carpet and the chairs were recovered. The area around the Crown Grill also looks good as does the casino. Other areas are really showing their age, like the Explorer's Lounge where some of the cushions on the couches along the walkway are pretty nasty. The Wheelhouse Bar could use a little love too along with the lounge chairs in the atrium (Piazza). All the deck chairs should be replaced with new versions that you see on most ships today. I'm thinking that maybe there is some ongoing refurbishment and they are hitting the areas they can? More than anything my cabin really needed new carpet, mattresses, and a recovered chair. It was all looking pretty worn and dated. My partner could feel the springs in the mattress and he is pretty skinny. That doesn't make for a great night sleep. Luckily my side was much better but still had a sag. LOL

 

Anyway I still had a great time and so will you! There are a lot of great things about CB and I think they outweigh the negative. I just wish that Princess would spend a little $$ to spruce up CB as I think she is worth it!

 

Once again, I totally agree with you. Our cruise before this one was on the Royal Princess this past March. I think I noticed more of the wear on Caribbean Princess because I was remembering all of the great (comparable) features on the Royal. I was spoiled by the awesome tv mounted on the wall directly in front of the bed in our Royal minisuite. Those on demand movies and tv shows were wonderful. I found myself getting irritated on the Caribbean that I had to hold the remote over my head to change channels when laying in bed. Silly complaint? Probably, and of course it didn't ruin our cruise - just one of many little things (like no wifi!) that made me realize I appreciated the Royal much more than I thought did. But that being said, I find myself feeling a little more relaxed on the Grand Class ships, maybe because they are more familiar.

 

Even with the little annoyances, and the big one (entertainment), we still had a nice time and a very smooth sailing! I think if you are booked already you will be fine.

[eroller]

I wish I had seen your thread before I started my own. We were on the same cruise too. We did see Bert Stratton and he was one of our favorites. Don't be overly concerned about the ship's condition. I thought she looked great and our cabin was also in good shape until... Our only downfall was that someone managed to "flood" three cabins with "something" they flushed in their toilet that "didn't belong there" on our second day. Two cabins beside us and one diagonally. We had water in about 4-5 feet into our cabin and the adjacent wall was damp with one large sopping wet spot. They tried to wet vac it but it stayed damp the entire rest of the cruise. Of course I found out when I stepped in the water in bare feet - yuck! We had to call twice - once for the extra wet spots and once for the awful smell that started in the hallway from the adjacent cabins. it was bad - they had to remove all furniture in those cabins and ran the blowers to dry them 24/7. They were apologetic both times but I think they should have offered to move us. Instead, they gave us slippers so our feet wouldn't get wet. The first night the cruise director said the ship held around 3000 but only 2200-2300 were sailing so there should have been a room somewhere. Oh well, we still had a nice time but it did "dampen the situation".

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing your experience! Yikes I don't think I would have been as forgiving as you in the same situation. Raw sewage flooding the cabin? I would have insisted on being moved but really you shouldn't even have to ask. Good service recovery would have been Princess offering to move you, perhaps to an upgraded cabin even, and maybe a dinner in a speciality restaurant as well. They had a great opportunity to really make things right that would have cost them nothing considering the ship wasn't full. I'm glad you still managed to enjoy yourselves and it didn't spoil your cruise.

Edited December 9, 2014 by eroller

[eroller]

just one of many little things (like no wifi!)

 

 

 

The wifi was really temperamental in my cabin. There were only two places I could pick up a strong single, and if I moved from those locations I would lose the wifi signal entirely. One was right at the cabin door entrance, which I assume was the closest location to the wifi router in the corridor. Not the best best place to surf the web as I had to stand by the door. The other was actually on the balcony, but only the forward half of the balcony. Funny place to get such a strong signal but at least I could sit down.

 

I agree about the TV as well. Both the RP and QUANTUM had great large TV's right in front of the bed. Oh well, as you say minor annoyances but they do make you appreciate some aspects of the newer ships.

[cruiseintoheaven]

I wish I had seen your thread before I started my own. We were on the same cruise too. We did see Bert Stratton and he was one of our favorites. Don't be overly concerned about the ship's condition. I thought she looked great and our cabin was also in good shape until... Our only downfall was that someone managed to "flood" three cabins with "something" they flushed in their toilet that "didn't belong there" on our second day. Two cabins beside us and one diagonally. We had water in about 4-5 feet into our cabin and the adjacent wall was damp with one large sopping wet spot. They tried to wet vac it but it stayed damp the entire rest of the cruise. Of course I found out when I stepped in the water in bare feet - yuck! We had to call twice - once for the extra wet spots and once for the awful smell that started in the hallway from the adjacent cabins. it was bad - they had to remove all furniture in those cabins and ran the blowers to dry them 24/7. They were apologetic both times but I think they should have offered to move us. Instead, they gave us slippers so our feet wouldn't get wet. The first night the cruise director said the ship held around 3000 but only 2200-2300 were sailing so there should have been a room somewhere. Oh well, we still had a nice time but it did "dampen the situation".

 

 

Wow....I admire your ability to make the best out of what sounds like a pretty rotten situation. I think this would have tipped me overboard:-).

 

Compared to other Grand Class ships like the Ruby, I'm wondering why the CB isn't being maintained, especially since these are not issues that require dry dock, which she apparently had only a few years ago. Why isn't Princess showing the CB some love so others can love her back :confused:

[Cop Chef]

Hi Eroller, please forgive me for piggy backing on your thread. I too sailed on the December 4, 2014 Caribbean Princess. Since this was only a 4 day cruise my DW and I decided to try an interior stateroom located on Baja Deck (11), Room #244. Being that this is our first time in an interior and for only a short trip, we thought it was worth the price we paid for it ($170 each), plus a $100 on board credit and a $50 military credit. Our only complaint we had was the bathroom shower stall. I'm not a twig kind of a guy at 5'10" & 220 lbs. but it was really cramped. Our room attendant, Marlon, was fantastic, anything we asked for he addressed and came through.Lots of hangers in the roomy closet area, plenty of shelves in the cabinet with an easy to use safe,and about seven small draws (and I mean small), in total in the desk and end tables.

The food – In the Horizon Court for breakfast, I was kinda of turned off when I saw a lot of flies hovering and landing on the cut up Cantaloupe and Honey Dews in the fruit section. I informed the staff and he removed only the tray of Cantaloupe and replaced it. But still, nothing was done about the flies landing on all the fruit.I looked to see if there were more flies around the other food trays and I didn't notice any.After seeing this again the next morning, my wife and I decided to eat in the dining room for the remainder of the cruise. The service was excellent from Mallely the head waitress and her Assistant Dennis at table #266. I also agree with Eroller that nothing stood out as being great – for the most part it was good – for instance the first night we both had steak which was really tough, the vegetables were really good so we ate that and sent the steak back for something else. Mallely and Dennis were so accommodating and so helpful we felt bad sending food back. The steaks were excellent on the last night. It was all a hit and miss - I know everyone's palate is different, but for the most part like I said it was generally good.

The Specialty Restaurants – unfortunately my wife wasn't feeling so good when we boarded so we skipped out on this.

Pools – the forward pool by the Lotus Spa was nice a quiet but it was limited to only about 7 lounges on either side of the pool.

The Lotus Spa – after we boarded we headed to the Lotus Spa. We just wanted to use the steam room and the heated lounge bench without the massages and all the other amenities. The young lady explained we had to purchase the package, I forgot what the price was but we just wanted to use the facility for one or two days not the full four days and she told us it could not be sold individually. On the forth day (Sunday), we went back and she charged us $20.00 each ($40.00 total) for the entire day. The heated lounge bench could have been a little warmer, I know there probably is a set temperature for safety reasons, but I know for sure other cruise ships are warmer. The steam room was dated and could have used more steam. The aromatic steam room was a closet, two benches that maybe, maybe, four skinny people in total could sit on, facing each other, and your knees would be touching each other. I thought it was too cramped. The heated room felt like it was plain room temperature. Over all, we felt the heated bench and the regular steam room was worth it.

The Clubs, Lounges, Entertainment, and all the rest of the On Board Activities we were unable to do because of my wife's upper respiratory infection. Thank God for the Z-Pack and the Steam Room.

Boarding and Disembarkation – boarding was no problem at all. Parked the van in the parking garage next to the pier (#21) wound up on level #5 on the other end of the garage nearer to Pier #19 stairway, not that far of a walk back to the ship. Only one area where the elevators are, closer to Pier #21, there are three elevators, but 2 are working, room for 4 people with maybe 4 large luggage. Cost for parking is $15.00 a day (we paid $60.00 for 4 days). We arrived at 1235 hours and were on board in 35 minutes. Best and easiest boarding I have seen yet. Disembarkation was great which was smooth and quick. When our color code was called at 0920 hours at the Fusion Lounge, we were off the ship in less than 20 minutes. Customs, what can I say, they have a job to do, same as any place else, one huge serpentine line with X amount of agents working. Now the fun begins - the ship docked at a different pier (#2) on the northern part of Port Everglades. Small shuttle buses were supplied by Princess Cruise for transferring back to the original Pier#21 where the garage is. Me, personally I thought the ship should have made an announcement about the change of piers, but it still worked out well. The line for the shuttle wasn't long and getting back to the original pier took only a few minutes.

Over All – I know this is an older ship and somewhat dated, but for the price we paid, the performance of all the staff members on board who were all friendly and courteous, the food was good, and this being our first time on a Princess Cruise. We thought it was worth it and would cruise with Princess again.