A favorable and honest review of CB-- Best cruise yet!!!

[Colo Cruiser]

Love the reviews and photos. :)

[BigJH]

Superb review... We are sailing on CB in May, out of Southampton going to Scandinavia, and really looking forward to it. Would you be able to find out whether the area around Morgan's bar, and pools is smoking please? I've asked on other threads but haven't received a reply. I can't imagine it would be as they have a children's splash pool, but one post suggested that it was?

 

Cheers

[Cindy]

I'm really enjoying your review. My husband and I will be on the Caribbean Princess in December for our first Princess cruise since 2007! We're looking forward to it!

[BeachinBeauty]

Superb review... We are sailing on CB in May, out of Southampton going to Scandinavia, and really looking forward to it. Would you be able to find out whether the area around Morgan's bar, and pools is smoking please? I've asked on other threads but haven't received a reply. I can't imagine it would be as they have a children's splash pool, but one post suggested that it was?

 

Cheers

 

I am copying this directly from the Patter:

 

"For the enjoyment of the public lounges and facilities, indoor areas onboard Caribbean Princess are non-smoking. Smoking is only permitted in designated sections of the Casino and Nightclub. For those passengers who would like to enjoy a cigar or pipe, the Churchill's cigar lounge is located on Deck 6. Smoking cigars or pipes outside of the his lounge and on open decks is not permitted. Outdoor smoking areas are clearly marked and are located on Promenade Deck 7, Starboard side Aft, near the Tradewinds Bar on Deck 16 Portside Forward, and on Deck 17, Portside Aft."

 

I believe Morgan's bar is deck 17 Aft. So, there will smoking near the bar. Hope that helps.

[BigJH]

It does, thanks - can't say that I agree with having a smoking area so near a children's splash pool, but it wouldn't be the first, and most certainly not be the last odd decision made by those that decide these things...

[shredie]

It does, thanks - can't say that I agree with having a smoking area so near a children's splash pool, but it wouldn't be the first, and most certainly not be the last odd decision made by those that decide these things...

 

 

The splash pool is seldom used due to some rules of the kids' facilities. Counsellors can't take kids in it so parents must be present. No diapers allowed so the ages of the kids are often beyond splashing pool wishes.

[lynwar]

Hi There,

Welcome! You are hearing from many cruisers who post regularly about this ship and others. Now you are part of the group. In fact, I believe that Paul929207 was part of an Emerald Princess cruise we were going to be on in 2007. :)

 

Anyway, thank you for the kind words about the Caribbean Princess. We were on her during her inaugural season in September 2004, then, because of a great offer for 9 days, were aboard her exactly 10 years later in September 2014. It was like returning home. I just thoroughly enjoyed being on her.

 

I got to "know" the guy who served the brats/french fries, etc.. next to where the pizza was served. Let's just say that he recognized me after a couple of times at the counter. Hubby eats pizza, but I do not, so I'd wander over to the brats area. That's what's great about the staff; they get to know you after awhile and then you feel like a million bucks after that. We frequented the Horizon Court often (mostly) and enjoyed sitting out by the Terrace Pool, aft, to eat. It was also a great hideout during the afternoon-and ooh, the sunsets back there.

 

I am thoroughly enjoying your review. We live 2 1/2 hours north of the port-Central Florida, right in the middle of the state and that ride is long enough. :D If we stay down in Ft. Lauderdale for a weekend, we try to stay at the Beach Patio Resort, or the Ocean Sea Resort, that has The Deck restaurant attached to it--north of the port. It sounds like you found a great deal for your needs, though, with breakfast provided.

 

Take care for now. Hello to all fellow posters!

 

Lynne

[lynwar]

Hi, again,

I just caught up with the part I missed before I posted. We went on the ship tour to the turtle farm, Hell, etc. We had another couple with us who were our hosts for the cruise in 1998 and got us forever interested in cruising, so the experience was a bit different, I guess. I don't remember Tortuga, but we did go to the Turtle Farm and walked around the "pools" of turtles and held one, and saw a big iguana in a cage. We went through a building, I think, that had some sort of food. We weren't about to eat turtle soup. :eek: Our friend, Jorge, also had his picture taken next to the standup devil in hell. The picture of him is still in our collage of pictures. And, there was the deck with the ruins behind it. And, we had stop at the 7 Mile Beach and walked around there. I don't remember a promised beach stop at the end. But, it sounds like you made the best of it. Our first try at buying a meal at a restaurant, at the Hard Rock Cafe, I think, sure opened our eyes to the prices there. We just order a drink-beer and diet coke (that came in a can. lol).

 

Who was the Piano Man? Was he different than Bert Stratton in Crooners? I don't remember him doing Elton and Billy and Barry. His signature is "Sweet Caroline"-audience participation to start...

 

I am thoroughly enjoying how you write. :)

[casavaha]

We are embarking on the CP for 28 days, TA, British Isles and then the Caribbean.

Should be a fantastic cruise. This will be our 2nd cruise on the CP. We are looking forward

to going to the IC every morning for coffee and dancing in the Wheelhouse to the

Messina Duo, the best Latin group in the fleet.

 

Enjoyed your review, very detailed.

 

Greg

[BeachinBeauty]

The splash pool is seldom used due to some rules of the kids' facilities. Counsellors can't take kids in it so parents must be present. No diapers allowed so the ages of the kids are often beyond splashing pool wishes.

 

This is true. I never saw any children in it. I thought it must be under repairs or something because the crew were repairing so many parts of the ship while we were onboard, and the times I saw the splash pool it was vacant... like an old ghost town.

 

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[BeachinBeauty]

Hi, again,

I just caught up with the part I missed before I posted. We went on the ship tour to the turtle farm, Hell, etc. We had another couple with us who were our hosts for the cruise in 1998 and got us forever interested in cruising, so the experience was a bit different, I guess. I don't remember Tortuga, but we did go to the Turtle Farm and walked around the "pools" of turtles and held one, and saw a big iguana in a cage. We went through a building, I think, that had some sort of food. We weren't about to eat turtle soup. :eek: Our friend, Jorge, also had his picture taken next to the standup devil in hell. The picture of him is still in our collage of pictures. And, there was the deck with the ruins behind it. And, we had stop at the 7 Mile Beach and walked around there. I don't remember a promised beach stop at the end. But, it sounds like you made the best of it. Our first try at buying a meal at a restaurant, at the Hard Rock Cafe, I think, sure opened our eyes to the prices there. We just order a drink-beer and diet coke (that came in a can. lol).

 

Who was the Piano Man? Was he different than Bert Stratton in Crooners? I don't remember him doing Elton and Billy and Barry. His signature is "Sweet Caroline"-audience participation to start...

 

I am thoroughly enjoying how you write. :)

 

"Piano Man" was the name of the production put on in Princess Theater one night. It was a tribute show to Billy Joel, Elton John, Barry Manilow and I feel like I'm forgetting another artist. We really liked it. Although, at times, I wondered why the cast did not have matching or coordinating costumes.

 

In the atrium, there was a lovely pianist. She was female and her name escapes me at the moment, but I want to say it was Katrina or something along those lines.

 

There was also a band that played the Piazza several times. They had a female lead singer. They were okay, but one night I was a little put off when they were covering "Mack the Knife," by Bobby Darin. The female was singing, "mack tonight," instead. Probably not a big deal to anyone else. Most people my age probably have never heard the song. It just has significance to me and a past cruise experience. If I'm nit picky about anything, it's music! That's why I almost won music Trivia ;)

 

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[BeachinBeauty]

Hi, again,

I just caught up with the part I missed before I posted. We went on the ship tour to the turtle farm, Hell, etc. We had another couple with us who were our hosts for the cruise in 1998 and got us forever interested in cruising, so the experience was a bit different, I guess. I don't remember Tortuga, but we did go to the Turtle Farm and walked around the "pools" of turtles and held one, and saw a big iguana in a cage. We went through a building, I think, that had some sort of food. We weren't about to eat turtle soup. :eek: Our friend, Jorge, also had his picture taken next to the standup devil in hell. The picture of him is still in our collage of pictures. And, there was the deck with the ruins behind it. And, we had stop at the 7 Mile Beach and walked around there. I don't remember a promised beach stop at the end. But, it sounds like you made the best of it. Our first try at buying a meal at a restaurant, at the Hard Rock Cafe, I think, sure opened our eyes to the prices there. We just order a drink-beer and diet coke (that came in a can. lol).

 

Who was the Piano Man? Was he different than Bert Stratton in Crooners? I don't remember him doing Elton and Billy and Barry. His signature is "Sweet Caroline"-audience participation to start...

 

I am thoroughly enjoying how you write. :)

 

Also, thanks for complimenting my style :) Bert was still on board, I suppose, because I heard Sweet Caroline multiple times while I was near the Piazza, throughout the trip. I will have to look back on my Patter to confirm. Do the performers move ship as often as the crew? I know the wait staff only stays on one ship for around seven months. Not sure if the same remains true for the performance staff (singers, dancers, pianists, etc.).

 

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[lynwar]

Hi,

Bert was still on the ship, all right. :D He departed today after being on for 7 weeks, I believe. He goes for that long, then takes a break for a few weeks before returning. He will be on a different ship and itinerary during the summer, with the same set up before returning to the Caribbean Islands in the fall. I don't think the Caribbean Princess will be returning to Ft. Lauderdale after it goes on its transatlantic cruise.

Yes, most contracts are for 6 months, I think, but performers constantly come and go from what I've seen. Like they'll get on at an island, perform for a few nights or set time and then leave. Someone can correct me who is more knowledgeable about such things. :)

 

It was interesting timing in that I went to a Princess forum somewhere after I saw that you were going to the Piano Man, and someone wrote in and asked if Mark was still around doing it!!!

 

Take care for now. Lynne

[BeachinBeauty]

Hi,

Bert was still on the ship, all right. :D He departed today after being on for 7 weeks, I believe. He goes for that long, then takes a break for a few weeks before returning. He will be on a different ship and itinerary during the summer, with the same set up before returning to the Caribbean Islands in the fall. I don't think the Caribbean Princess will be returning to Ft. Lauderdale after it goes on its transatlantic cruise.

Yes, most contracts are for 6 months, I think, but performers constantly come and go from what I've seen. Like they'll get on at an island, perform for a few nights or set time and then leave. Someone can correct me who is more knowledgeable about such things. :)

 

It was interesting timing in that I went to a Princess forum somewhere after I saw that you were going to the Piano Man, and someone wrote in and asked if Mark was still around doing it!!!

 

Take care for now. Lynne

 

Yes, the ship is headed for Texas as a permanent home. Emerald is coming to Ft. Lauderdale in it's place, I believe.

 

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[BeachinBeauty]

Left off with drinks at Club Fusion happy hour.

 

Bahama Breeze, this is. Get one, you must.

 

 

After drinks, I'm sure we went back to our room and got ready for dinner. If I'm not mistaken, we lounged around and watched TV until it was time.

 

This night, I had the caesar salad, of course. For the life of me, I cannot remember my second appetizer-- in hindsight, it was a soup with a chicken broth base, pieces of chicken and vegetables. I can't remember the menu title, but it tasted a lot like chicken and rice soup. My entree was, I believe it was short ribs. It came with whipped potatoes and roasted vegetables. The beef was tender, the vegetables, a proper texture. The only thing that would've improved the dish would've been the addition of some salt. The potatoes and meat were a tad bland.

 

 

For dessert, I got fudge brownie with ice cream. As with everything else, it had a name that I cannot remember. But, if you're a chocoholic, like myself, don't pass this one up!

 

[Colo Cruiser]

Yum a Bahama Breeze and the Ultimate cooler. My favs. :)

[BeachinBeauty]

After dinner, we went to the show in Princess Theater. That was our nightly source of entertainment. This time, it was a magician named Alex Ramon. I'd forgotten my glasses in the stateroom, so I could not really see the illusions for myself. Therefore, this was the least enjoyable show for me. My mother in law is not a fan of magic and she wasn't fond of this performance, either. I am pretty sure I would've liked it had I been able to see. Everyone else seemed to really get into it.

 

Just want to add in a little snippet about seating in Princess Theater. On the magician's night, and this may have only been the case because it was a sold out spring break cruise, you'll need to be in the theater no later than 45 minutes before starting time. Because magic is generally geared towards children, the place was packed out. There were people in the floors and lining the walls... And this show was like all others with both an early and a late showing. People hog seats like no other. At least, the passengers on this ship did. There was a couple and three kids attempting to reserve an entire, very large row for people that didn't show up until right at starting time. They even had one of the children approach someone who sat down and ask them to move!

 

Anyway, after the show, I left my sweater on the back of my seat. Trying to get back into the theater was like full-on bull stampede. It took me about ten minutes to finally be able to weave through the hoards of people that endlessly kept filing out. It was like ants at a picnic! I did get to personally speak with the cruise director, briefly, though. While I was pinned up against a wall, he inched up to enter a staff door I was standing beside. He's a pretty funny guy!

 

After I was able to successfully retrieve my sweater, we returned to our stateroom. I wanted to go out to the hot tub, so I got into my swimsuit and went out solo. I picked the first empty one I found. I sank in and let the comfortable warmth penetrate my muscles. When I opened my eyes is when I realized there were empty beer cars and cocktail glasses all along the drain that runs the circumference of the top of the jacuzzi. That spoke volumes about the poor manners of the guests on this sailing. A lot of people talk crap about Carnival cruises/cruisers. Say what you will, I've never seen a mess of that magnitude in a Carnival hot tub.

 

I wanted to make the most of this quiet alone time, though, so I closed my eyes again and tried to ignore what I'd seen. The water line was below the drains, so it wasn't like the water was mingling with the DNA left behind on the cans and glasses. At least, that's what I told myself.

 

I was attempting to hold back a guttural moan of relaxation when I saw them. A group of teenagers headed my way. A horrifying sight, indeed. I braced myself for my most disliked age group. They entered into the tub and greeted me, politely. I am socially awkward. I get uncomfortable around teens because I am not old enough to be "uncool" or "irrelevant," but I am too old to really have anything to relate to them. I nervously avoided eye contact. Then, much to my surprise, the teens began speaking to me. They wanted to make conversation. So, I obliged.

 

I found out that they were seventeen and eighteen year olds who were on a senior trip, sponsored by their parents who were also onboard but not supervising. Thank goodness these were seemingly good kids! They informed me they'd been sent out onto the islands with no escorts. Two girls went out alone and had plans to do so the next day in Jamaica. The thought of that horrified me! It's one thing to trust your kids, and these kids seemed quite trustworthy, but you cannot trust strangers in foreign countries. We've all seen and heard the news stories. But, I digress.

 

After about an hour of talking to these teens, I decided to call it a night and head over to the ice cream shop/stand/counter... whatever you want to call it. Scoops is the name. I had a vanilla cone with rainbow sprinkles. I loved the availability of sprinkles!

 

This was Love Boat Deck Party night. I found a chair where all the action was and watched enough drunken disco dancing to satisfy me before returning to my cabin.

[Dartmoordan]

Thanks for your review we are going on Princess for the first time in July so it's good to hear some positives and see all your pics.We were a bit anxious about the food but the pics look amazing sounds like we did the right thing by not taking the anytime dining option.

[ssaleenie]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!! We booked this cruise for January 2016...good price and itinerary made it a good choice, but after reading all the negative reviews, I was getting very nervous. Of course, our deposit was non-refundable, so ..... I'm so gald to hear it's not a run down ocean jalopy. Older yes, but as one poster said: A day on ship is better than a day in the office any time. Thanks again for taking the time to pose this. You've eased my mind a bit. :)

[smeck]

Great review were sailing in two weeks on the CB so the timing could not have been better. One quick question does the self laundry take coins or do you swipe your cruise card?

[BeachinBeauty]

Great review were sailing in two weeks on the CB so the timing could not have been better. One quick question does the self laundry take coins or do you swipe your cruise card?

 

In the laundry room there is a touch screen machine where you swipe your card, make your selections, and it spits out coins for you to insert into the washers and dryers.

[BeachinBeauty]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!! We booked this cruise for January 2016...good price and itinerary made it a good choice, but after reading all the negative reviews, I was getting very nervous. Of course, our deposit was non-refundable, so ..... I'm so gald to hear it's not a run down ocean jalopy. Older yes, but as one poster said: A day on ship is better than a day in the office any time. Thanks again for taking the time to pose this. You've eased my mind a bit. :)

 

Definitely no jalopy! However, my previous cruises were a step down from the CB. So, I may not really know what I'm talking about. I think it's just all a matter of attitude.

[BeachinBeauty]

On the morning of April 2nd, 2015, we woke up in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We were super excited about this day because we had purchased day passes to an all-inclusive, adult only resort through Resort For A Day. Before I start, just want to say that if there is anyway you can do this: DO IT!!! The cost is $90 per person. That includes transportation to and from your ship, admission to the oceanfront resort, towels and lounge chairs both pool and beach side, two large pools and hot tubs, swim up bar and multiple dining establishments with unlimited food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks all day. Moving on...

 

We rushed to dress and prepare to debark, when there was an announcement made over the loudspeaker. The transportation department was on strike against the government. Somehow, the transportation dept. had gotten the keys to the port gates and had locked it in protest. We were the only ship in port, so I guessed they figured they wouldn't lose much trying to make their point? So, we were all told we would have to wait for a resolution or we would not be able to get off of the ship. Heartbroken doesn't even begin to cover it!

 

So, we decided to go down to Coral for breakfast and wait it out. Luckily for us, the resolution didn't take long to happen. We were on the stairwell headed to the dining room when the CD came back on the speaker to announce the problem was resolved and the gates were being opened and that debark would begin around thirty minutes from that time.

 

We took our time with breakfast. On the print out I'd received from Resort For A Day, it said that if your ship arrives before 8:00 AM, the shuttle would meet at 9:15 AM. Well, it was still only about 8:15 AM at this time, so we had an hour to kill. At least, that's what we thought.

 

After breakfast, we went back up and grabbed our bags and headed to the gangway. Getting to the port gates, we were approached by an individual asking us if we had shore excursion reservations. We told them we did and handed them our confirmation paper. Frantically, the gate attendants began hunting down our shuttle, which was nowhere to be seen. Eventually, someone got ahold of the driver on the phone. He'd already left and was pulling out of the port! So, he stopped and pulled to the side of the road as we ran to meet him. We were sort of chastised for being late. It was 9 AM! The paper said 9:15!!!

 

Anyway, the bus was nice. Very clean and air conditioned. There were only a handful of people on board with us. As we drove the twelve minutes to Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort, the driver told us little facts about the area.

 

Arriving to the resort, I was in awe. The landscape and architecture were absolutely beautiful. I felt like I was in a movie. You know the kind... soft, romantic comedy where the protagonists end up having a Caribbean getaway fall into their laps. As the taxi pulls in, the camera pans the scene, allowing you to soak up every inch of tropical paradise.

 

That's what the Jewel was like. We exited the bus with a couple and proceeded to the check-in counter. We paid the additional $45 per person that was due at the resort (You pay $45 per person to reserve the day passes in advance, then pay the remaining balance at the resort) and given a wristband.

 

It wasn't hard to find the pool. Unfortunately, it was very overcast when we arrived. We got set up at a pool chair and I Skyped my husband (free wifi). We spent about an hour talking business, then I slid into the pool to order my first swim-up bar drink, as the sun had finally made an appearance. It was only about 10 AM, but I didn't care. I was on vacation!!!

 

The rest of the day proceeded in a very leisurely fashion. We waded on resort-provided foam floats, ordered countless Bob Marleys, lounged in the (not always constant) sunlight to the tune of a steel drum band. It was nice. There was a momentary rainstorm that swept through. By the time we'd sought cover, it was over.

 

For lunch, we couldn't figure out where the buffet was, so we went to the grill and got cheeseburgers and fries. They had nacho cheese, which I indulged in for the fries. The menu at the grill also included jerk chicken and other items. Looking back, I wish I'd maybe tried some more things, but the burger was good. It was large. We took our food and ate in a secluded, lush courtyard. As we were dining, we were approached by someone who asked us if we wanted a drink. It kind of surprised us to be waited on like that. The guy returned with two rum punches and we drank while we enjoyed our burgers.

 

There were beautiful peacocks and some cats roaming the resort grounds. It wasn't blazing hot, but it wasn't too cold. The pool took some getting used to.

 

At one point, we decided to go down to the ocean. There were two women right at the bottom of the steps peddling handmade merchandise. Before I knew it, $90 of our spending money was gone. We'd only budgeted $40 for souvenirs. I'd tried to warn my mother in law about shopping in Jamaica, but she didn't absorb what I was saying. I told her that we would take our budgeted allotment out of our envelope BEFORE approaching any sales people and then go to them, tell them how much money we had to spend, and how many things we were looking to purchase. It didn't go that way. By the time my feet hit the bottom of the stairs, my mother in law had things in her hands and then asked me to count our money... in front of the sales person. So, miraculously, the things she'd picked out and the two things I said I wanted equaled the precise amount of money we had.

 

So, just a warning about that. I will say that I am glad to report those were the only hassling sales people we encountered that entire day, though!

[Colo Cruiser]

Sounds like a great day in paradise! :D

We did that a few years ago at another resort. It was an excellent day.

[Hoosier-Cruiser]

We were next to get off the ship when they halted the line. Actually, my son was already scanned out. We could hear the radios talk about a spontaneous riot outside the port.

 

Honestly, we thought we were cursed. We had the Mystic Mountain Bobsled tour booked. We had the same excursion booked 6 years ago, but our ship had to miss Ocho Rios due to high seas. We had been looking forward to the excision back then and thought we were cursed and weren't meant to do it this time either.