New to Princess

[DebbieMacG]

I'm delighted to have booked our first Princess Cruise today, we've cruised 8 times on Celebrity and we booked a Baltics cruise dep late May with them, but we've done that itinerary before and so when I saw the North Cape and Summer Solstice cruise at a great price we cancelled with Celebrity (just before final payment!) and booked it :)

 

I'd be grateful for any do's and do not's specific to Princess and particularly Caribbean Princess. :D

[Shogun]

Hi There,

 

Welcome to Princess, have done more than a few, anything in particular you want to know about,

 

 

yours Shogun

[Pam in CA]

I'd be grateful for any do's and do not's specific to Princess and particularly Caribbean Princess. :D

Unlike Celebrity, Princess allows TAs to discount fares so I hope you were able to get a nice 10-20% discount plus OBC and perks.

 

When you board the ship, your cabin will be ready and you can go directly to it and start your cruise. No waiting around.

 

Princess allows OBC from various sources to be combined. You don't have to choose which OBC. If you or your cabin mate is or was military, you can apply for a military OBC. It's a pretty good one. If you or your cabin mate owns 100 shares of Carnival Corporation stock, you can apply for the stockholder's OBC which can be up to $250. If you decide you will sail Princess again, it's worth getting Future Cruise Deposits for $100 each. Next time you book, you can get up to $150 in OBC. It's not unusual to board the ship with $400-600 in OBC.

 

Unfortunately, a 'mini-suite" on Princess is mis-named. It's really just a larger cabin with a larger bathroom. Only full suites get perks.

 

Princess cabins are laid out differently from Celebrity. Less "living" space, no couch unless you've booked a mini-suite or full suite, but a very large, walk-in open closet that doubles as a dressing area. There's a wardrobe with shelves from floor to ceiling. The desk and night tables have far more storage than I had in my Celebrity cabin.

 

Skywalker's on deck 19 aft is a great place to hang out during the day for scenic viewing while staying warm inside.

 

On deck 5 midship is the International Cafe, which is open 24-7. In the morning, it has pastries, muffins, donuts, yoghurt parfaits, breakfast sandwiches, etc. The rest of the day and evening, it has pastries, cookies, sandwiches, salads, and other goodies. No charge.

 

There's a self-serve laundry room on every passenger deck. I believe it's $2/load. There are irons and ironing boards free to use.

[DebbieMacG]

Hi and thanks :)

 

Best place for breakfast?

 

Is the soda plus package good for someone who doesn't drink alcohol?

 

is the coffee card worth it?

 

Are the specialty restaurants worth the extra charge?

 

Do they serve drinks poolside or do you need to buy at a bar?

 

Any hints for tendering when you have no priority

 

Whats good on the MDR menu?

 

I've seen videos of the buffet and people seem to be queuing to get in as if only so many are allowed in at once?

 

Whats good and whats to avoid? :D

[DebbieMacG]

Thanks Pam, I got a great rate direct with Princess. I couldn't find anything cheaper and no one offering OBC but here in the UK we don't generally get anything much offered from the TA really. The TA I normally use was the same price as direct and couldn't offer any perks.

 

International cafe sounds good :)

[Shogun]

Hi Pam,

 

In UK Princess normally cheaper than a TA, some might block book,

 

but have not found one offering a better price, sometimes a package of flights

 

transfers and may be a tour, can be cheaper with a TA.

 

yours Shogun

[OCruisers]

Debbie .... Lots of British Isles folks cruise on Princess so you'll feel right at home! :D

 

Think you'll enjoy the IC (International Café) with good things to eat 24/7.

We've found the food in the MDR about the same as on Celebrity.

Great to be able to go directly to your cabin once you board.

Princess has a very good variety of bar/lounge entertainment. Crooner's is one of our favorite places on the ship. Overall, the entertainment is better on Princess.

Regular cabins on Celebrity are larger than on Princess ... but Princess has nice closets and storage areas.

 

Look forward to having a wonderful cruise! :)

LuLu

[stevea20]

Hi and thanks :)

 

Best place for breakfast?

Horizon Court for variety, DR for service and peacefulness.

Is the soda plus package good for someone who doesn't drink alcohol?

Yes, if you are drinking several glasses a day. Only one or two isn't worth it.

is the coffee card worth it?

Can't tell you this one. I don't drink coffee.

Are the specialty restaurants worth the extra charge?

We like the steakhouse once a cruise.

Do they serve drinks poolside or do you need to buy at a bar?

I've always found it faster to just go to the bar but, yes, they do serve you.

Any hints for tendering when you have no priority

Get there early.

Whats good on the MDR menu?

Depends on your tastes but I always find things and I'm extremely fussy as an eater. Chilled fruit soups have always been good.

I've seen videos of the buffet and people seem to be queuing to get in as if only so many are allowed in at once?

As with any public place there's supposed to be an occupancy limit but it's usually not a problem. Just try to arrange to eat at non peak times and you'll be OK. And remember you can take your plate outside.

Whats good and whats to avoid? :D

Only you can answer that. Try as much as you want and see.

Enjoy. :)

[Pam in CA]

Hi and thanks :)

 

 

 

Best place for breakfast?

 

 

 

Is the soda plus package good for someone who doesn't drink alcohol?

 

 

 

is the coffee card worth it?

 

 

 

Are the specialty restaurants worth the extra charge?

 

 

 

Do they serve drinks poolside or do you need to buy at a bar?

 

 

 

Any hints for tendering when you have no priority

 

 

 

Whats good on the MDR menu?

 

 

 

I've seen videos of the buffet and people seem to be queuing to get in as if only so many are allowed in at once?

 

 

 

Whats good and whats to avoid? :D

Best place for breakfast is the dining room but you have other options such as the buffet, International Cafe, etc. It depends on what you want and how fast you want to eat.

 

Yes, the "Soda & More" is a very good option for someone who doesn't drink alcohol. Unlimited soda, mocktails, smoothies, juice (no charge at breakfast), etc. My daughter gets it and loves the strawberry banana smoothie.

 

Most people find the free coffee acceptable so whether to get the coffee card is a personal decision. It includes unlimited brewed coffee which is not available in the buffet or dining room as well as specialty coffee using the 15 punches, which you can order in the dining room.

 

The specialty restaurants are also a personal decision. I think the Crown Grill is worth it but dislike Sabatini's and someone else will have the opposite opinion. Overall, I think the food in the dining room is really good and you can always pre-order something the night before. I often get tired of the rich entrees and order a dinner salad with grilled chicken as my entree. Or ask for a menu item to be modified, such as no sauce, a baked potato instead of what's included or steamed vegetables.

 

Drinks can be ordered anywhere: lounges, bars, restaurants, dining rooms, buffet, pretty much anywhere on Lido deck, etc. Princess wants your money. :)

 

To disembark early, get to where tender tickets are being distributed as early as you can with everyone in your party.

 

As for the dining room menu, one person's "Yum" is another's "Yuck." Always available is shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, fettucini Alfredo, grilled chicken, tournedos of beef, grilled fish and a hamburger. Princess pastas are probably the best at sea so you can never go wrong with them.

 

The buffet is not a "line up" buffet but rather an entrance and then stations inside. You can go back and forth or to any station you want. At busy times, there may be a line to get something. Some people are just plain slow at selecting what they want. There can be a line at the entrance as people get hand sanitizer and then just stand there rubbing their hands.

 

In the buffet, tables are pre-set with tableware and there's tableside beverage service. You don't have to carry silverware, cups or glasses as you go through the buffet.

[AKman2495]

Hi and thanks :)

 

Best place for breakfast?

 

In my opinion, the MDR is best. It is seldom crowded, you can sit comfortably and have a conversation and the breakfast items are a nice variety. Even if you just eat pancakes every day, it is still better than the buffet.

 

Of course, if you have a port call and an early tour hit the buffet, but the MDR is my favorite.

 

 

Do they serve drinks poolside or do you need to buy at a bar?

 

Yes, they have plenty of waiters wandering around waiting to serve you.

 

Any hints for tendering when you have no priority

 

Yes, the early bird get the worm. We have tendered on tours and they will assemble the group in a lounge and then march you down. For times when there is no tour, get there early and you should have no problems.

 

Whats good on the MDR menu?

 

Lots of things.:) The pasta is great and you can order it in an appetizer size. Otherwise, it depends on the menu. IMHO everything is done well, but obviously you are not going to like many things on the menu. You will have plenty of other choices that you will like.

 

I've seen videos of the buffet and people seem to be queuing to get in as if only so many are allowed in at once?

 

Fortunately, I have never been there when it is packed, but they do proceed in an orderly fashion. that way people can't cut in line or push others out. It does make things slower. Also, the line is mostly for the hot dishes. If you want a salad, for example you can get into the buffet and break off to get it.

 

Whats good and whats to avoid? :D

 

That's up to you. There are many things good not much to avoid. Obviously you will have your one preferences. Each day you will receive a Princess Patter and you can go through that to see what things and activities are offered. You can simply pick what you want and do it! Even if that means doing nothing for a while!

 

That is one of the nice things about cruising.

[skynight]

Hi and thanks :)

 

Best place for breakfast?As some mentioned the DR, however, breakfast in the DR will take about 1 hour and you may over eat. I normally go to the buffet and just get cereal and fruit. Some like the International Cafe with it's selection of sweet rolls, doughnuts, etc. Free Room Service is also available with a limited menu (full suite passengers get a full menu). Many passengers do provide a cash tip to the room service waiter.

 

is the coffee card worth it? If you like espresso drinks, yes. The coffee bar in the International Cafe is very popular. You can also get free unlimited brewed coffee and special teas while on your cruise. If you don't use up all the 15 punches you can save the card for your next Princess cruise. The punches never expire, however the free coffee/tea does.

 

Are the specialty restaurants worth the extra charge? We like the Crown Grill, but Sabatini's (Italian is also nice). The current surcharge of $25pp is worth it. There is also a Crab Shack with selections of buckets of sea food at $20/pp. Make reservations early on in the cruise by calling the dine line.

 

Do they serve drinks poolside or do you need to buy at a bar?

Yes poolside and everywhere there are bar waiters. However, in a North Cape cruise you may not be spending too much time around the pool.

 

Whats good on the MDR menu? Try one of the special chocolate 50th Ann. deserts.

 

I've seen videos of the buffet and people seem to be queuing to get in as if only so many are allowed in at once? It will get crowded at certain times, especially on port or tendering days when many wish to leave to ship at the same time. But it moves fast once you know the layout.

 

Whats good and whats to avoid? Advice, read the Princess Patter each day and make a plan for the activities you want to see. There are more than you can do. Also, note that for early (8 to 8:30) shows in the Princess theater you will have to arrive early. Later shows are easier to get in. :D

 

See above

[happy cruzer]

You mentioned poolside service. Princess has great fresh water pools. Aft has a nice bar and very nice hot tubs. The two center pools have bands and mts. The front spa pool is open to all, as well as a steam room.

 

Room service on princess does not have as many options as celebrity for lower category cabins.

[Colo Cruiser]

Congrats on booking your first Princess cruise on the CB.

You will love it. :)

[JF - retired RRT]

The main points have been answered, but here are a couple of my favorites:

If you decide to buy a coffee card, call Princess and order ahead of time. You will save a couple of $$ (or pounds;))

 

If you manage to get on the ship before 1:30PM on embarkation day, drop off your carry-on in your room, read the back page of the Patter (also in your room) and go the the MDR that is almost always open for lunch (on occasion it is closed - no one here seems to know why)

 

The adults only pool that is near the spa and Sanctuary is FREE and very quiet. Most think it is part of the Sanctuary and assume they can not go there. Not true.

[Thrak]

Tendering: Do not try to get tender tickets for part of your group that isn't there in person. Everybody will need to be there in person to get their tender ticket. No exceptions.

 

Soda: The soda package will only get you soda and only from "the gun" - not in a can. The Unlimited Soda & More package runs $8.05 per day (including the gratuitity) and it gets you soooooooooooo much more. Mocktails, shakes, soda, etc. I got it once as a trial and it was great. I will likely do it again one of these days. I do drink alcohol but I also enjoy the non-alcoholic versions of a Bloody Mary, Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada, etc. The Nohito is refreshing. Others like the Choco Banana drink. They have a "menu" of non-alcoholic drinks but will actually make you any drink you like without the alcohol.

[DebbieMacG]

Thanks everyone for the great replies and welcome :)

 

Ok so for starters:

 

I will buy the soda plus package for me and coffee cards for hubbie (bought in advance to save $) I will do MDR breakfast as I'm happy to take my time and over eat :D I will get tender tickets early and we will both be there to get them. I will look out for the pool near sanctuary and try and board early enough to do MDR lunch. I will try both specialty restaurants, look out for the special choc anniversary dessert in the MDR

 

It says on my cruise info to board between 12-3pm but then theres a mention of staggered boarding? this indicates that my deck (10) cant board till 2pm, will I miss MDR lunch if I board this late? is this advisory or compulsory? (The boarding not the lunch :p):p

[Liz54]

The staggered boarding is a suggestion. I have rarely heard of anyone doing it. We usually get to the ship between 10.30 and 11 AM and are on by noonish. On the dining room...We go for breakfast because it causes us to eat less not more. Each to his own. :)

[alaskakat]

About the coffee card... If you, like me, really love a good cup of coffee the card is worth is. The coffee in the buffet and mdr are not fresh brewed, it's from a syrup, I think. It's pretty bad imo. The international cafe has good brewed coffee, and with the card it's unlimited along with the espresso punches.

 

 

Sent using only the power of my mind 😊

[Cruisin' Chick]

On our last few cruises (two week ones), we never made it to the MDR for breakfast. Hubby likes the made-to-order omelets that are in the Horizon.

 

And speaking of the Horizon, have never had to wait to actually go in, even at peak times. On the ships we've been on (never been on the Caribbean Princess so I can't say for sure about it), there's two main entrances to the Horizon (actually on the Golden Princess, there's also a back entrance which was great for us because we had an aft cabin the deck below). When there's a food switchover (breakfast to lunch, lunch to afternoon, afternoon to dinner), one side will close while the items get switched but the other side remains open. If you can't find an available table, see if there's a door (by the beverage serving area). If there is, that means there's another room with meals (the Golden had four dining areas in the Horizon, but if the door to the extra room is closed, you might not know about the extra area).

 

For tender ports, you can go to the MDR that serves as the waiting area and see if you and your party can get tickets yet (as someone said, they won't give you tickets for nonpresent friends). If you're on a Princess-booked tour, your ticket will tell you where and when to meet and a crew member will escort you to the gangway. In addition to those on a Princess excursion, those in suites, and elite passengers will get priority for the tenders. After a while, those with tickets can go to the gangway. So it's suggested that you don't book a very early excursion through an independent company.

 

As for food, that's subjective. The only time we've eaten in a specialty restaurant was when we were given a complimentary dinner. We're not foodies so we probably won't pay to eat there. There's certain things that are favs (our teen loves the pizza that's from the poolside pizzeria, hubby loves the grilled chicken sandwiches at the grill that's next to the pizzeria, I'm jonesing right now for the chocolate chip cookies from the International Cafe.

[pablo222]

Is the soda plus package good for someone who doesn't drink alcohol?

 

This really depends on whether they like soda.

 

If they drink neither alcohol nor soda, I would say no...

[paul929207]

The MDR is only open for lunch until 1:30pm. So if you board after that you would miss it. So far the staggered boarding is just a suggestion.

[PtownGirlz-NH]

The buffet is not a "line up" buffet but rather an entrance and then stations inside. You can go back and forth or to any station you want. At busy times, there may be a line to get something. Some people are just plain slow at selecting what they want. There can be a line at the entrance as people get hand sanitizer and then just stand there rubbing their hands.

 

See I agree with you about the buffet SHOULDN'T be a "line-up" thing. I am a strict yogurt and fruit breakfast person. I know where my yogurt is and I know where my fruit is so I am a walk around kind of person to get what I need. BUT... the people that are standing in line look at me with daggers as if I'm "cutting" when I say, "excuse me please, I just need a yogurt!!" as I reach to get my container and then walk away to get my fruit. Ahhhhh, thank goodness this is my biggest worry on a cruise!!!!

[Pam in CA]

See I agree with you about the buffet SHOULDN'T be a "line-up" thing. I am a strict yogurt and fruit breakfast person. I know where my yogurt is and I know where my fruit is so I am a walk around kind of person to get what I need. BUT... the people that are standing in line look at me with daggers as if I'm "cutting" when I say, "excuse me please, I just need a yogurt!!" as I reach to get my container and then walk away to get my fruit. Ahhhhh, thank goodness this is my biggest worry on a cruise!!!!

I get daggers as I slip past the people just standing at the entrance and not moving. I'm allergic to the hand sanitizer so I now bypass it. Like you, I go directly to the fruit and cottage cheese at breakfast and the salad bar at lunch, and then go back to see if there's anything else I want to take. I pop in and out. I have no problem going around people stopped and taking forever at a dish. If they have a problem with that, as long as I'm not then holding them up, I don't feel guilty.

[Northender]

I'm delighted to have booked our first Princess Cruise today, we've cruised 8 times on Celebrity and we booked a Baltics cruise dep late May with them, but we've done that itinerary before and so when I saw the North Cape and Summer Solstice cruise at a great price we cancelled with Celebrity (just before final payment!) and booked it :)

 

I'd be grateful for any do's and do not's specific to Princess and particularly Caribbean Princess. :D

 

Welcome to the Princess forum and your first cruise on Princess. Great answers and ideas here have already been stated. As far as to what to avoid, I suggest nothing. Try everything you can and then on your next cruise you will know what to avoid. ;);)

 

Did you join your roll call?:)

[DebbieMacG]

Welcome to the Princess forum and your first cruise on Princess. Great answers and ideas here have already been stated. As far as to what to avoid, I suggest nothing. Try everything you can and then on your next cruise you will know what to avoid. ;);)

 

Did you join your roll call?:)

 

Yes I did thanks :)

 

I phoned Princess today to book an excursion that's not listed on the website but had been mentioned on the roll call. with very little info from me the lady found it and I'm booked on it, i also didn't need to pay in advance. She was very very helpful, so far I can say I'm impressed :) I do love Celebrity, I wouldn't have done so many cruises with them if I didn't but there's a few little things so far that I've found impressive about Princess and I've not been on a ship yet! :D