Calling All Princess Professionals - Refresher Course Needed!

[BayouGirlUSA]

Hello Out There in Cruise World!

 

I will be cruising on March 6th on the Caribbean Princess out of Houston with 2 of my best girlfriends and I need a Princess Refresher Course.

 

I've sailed Princess twice, once to Alaska onboard the Golden Princess and once to the Mexican Riviera onboard the Sapphire Princess. We thoroughly enjoyed both of our cruises with Princess. Our last 6 or so cruises have been with Norwegian and we have enjoyed those as well. It's very hard to compare apples to apples with cruise lines together with a particular itinerary. Norwegian fits us quite nicely when we sail out of New Orleans, which is our home port.

 

On to my questions, I love coming to Cruise Critic for my research; you just can't go wrong...so many people willing to help with a vast knowledge of so many things. Thank you all in advance!

 

Like I said, it will be me and 2 of best girlfriends going on this cruise. All of my other cruises have been with DH; so, this will be a different animal. We have chosen Aloha Deck Cabin A338. We didn't have much choice because balcony cabins were limited this late in the game. I've never booked a cruise this close to sailing. I'm a planner!

 

1. How is bed configuration in a balcony cabin? I know there will be twin beds set up but where is this "bunk"? If anyone can describe, or even better, have a picture, that would be great!

 

2. What is provided in the shower? Shower Gel, Shampoo, Conditioner?

 

3. Blow Dryer - please refresh my memory regarding blow dryers. Can we bring our own blow dryer? What is electrical outlet situation?

 

4. Room Service - I know there have been some changes regarding room service but it may not be Princess. What is free (with tip of course) regarding room service. I'm probably most interested in breakfast items.

 

5. Formal Nights - I know this used to be a HUGE topic on the Princess Boards in years past. What is the consensus now? When are formal nights on a 7 day itinerary and what is considered formal for women? On formal nights, does this include Anytime Dining Rooms? When we cruised on Princess in the past, we did Traditional Dining; so, any thoughts or tips regarding Anytime Dining would be greatly appreciated.

 

6. Specialty Restaurants - What are the upcharges for these restaurants? Any recommendations are greatly appreciated. We're Louisiana girls and we do like our Seafood. I'm hoping the Crown Grill is a good choice, but I am looking forward to hearing what you have to say about the restaurants. Is there some sort of "Crab" restaurant onboard the Caribbean Princess? I've gone to the Princess website but I'm not seeing charges on there and this "crab" restaurant may be on one of the newest ships...I'm not sure.

 

7. Entertainment - What can we look forward to on the Caribbean Princess? Are there any "must see" shows?

 

8. Spa - Any spa tips and/or information would be great!

 

9. Princess Cay - Out of all the cruises I've taken, I've never been to a Cruise Line's Private Island before. Any information you can give on this would be wonderful. At this time, we may opt to stay on the ship for a spa day.

 

10. Freeport, Bahama - Any recommendations for a private resort beach day are welcomed.

 

I am so excited about this cruise for many different reasons. First, it will be my first just girls cruise and I can't wait to see what fun we have in store for us. Second, I can wait to go to Key West. None of us have been to Key West and this will be our "where no man has gone before"; we're all extremely excited about Key West. Last, but not least, I'm happy to board a Princess ship again. A quick comparison between Princess and Norwegian...Norwegian's food does NOT compare to Princess and Princess' entertainment does NOT compare to Norwegian's...in my humble opinion, of course! After reading Cruise Critic for many years, I know every cruise line has that one thing that attracts a person. I'm happy to just be attracted by the ambiance of cruising itself!

 

OK, all you Princess Lovers out there....BRING IT ON! Let me have it...

3, 2, 1...GO!

 

BayouGirlUSA (Melanie)

[reedprincess]

Hello Out There in Cruise World!

 

I will be cruising on March 6th on the Caribbean Princess out of Houston with 2 of my best girlfriends and I need a Princess Refresher Course.

 

I've sailed Princess twice, once to Alaska onboard the Golden Princess and once to the Mexican Riviera onboard the Sapphire Princess. We thoroughly enjoyed both of our cruises with Princess. Our last 6 or so cruises have been with Norwegian and we have enjoyed those as well. It's very hard to compare apples to apples with cruise lines together with a particular itinerary. Norwegian fits us quite nicely when we sail out of New Orleans, which is our home port.

 

On to my questions, I love coming to Cruise Critic for my research; you just can't go wrong...so many people willing to help with a vast knowledge of so many things. Thank you all in advance!

 

Like I said, it will be me and 2 of best girlfriends going on this cruise. All of my other cruises have been with DH; so, this will be a different animal. We have chosen Aloha Deck Cabin A338. We didn't have much choice because balcony cabins were limited this late in the game. I've never booked a cruise this close to sailing. I'm a planner!

 

1. How is bed configuration in a balcony cabin? I know there will be twin beds set up but where is this "bunk"? If anyone can describe, or even better, have a picture, that would be great!

 

2. What is provided in the shower? Shower Gel, Shampoo, Conditioner?

 

3. Blow Dryer - please refresh my memory regarding blow dryers. Can we bring our own blow dryer? What is electrical outlet situation?

 

4. Room Service - I know there have been some changes regarding room service but it may not be Princess. What is free (with tip of course) regarding room service. I'm probably most interested in breakfast items.

 

5. Formal Nights - I know this used to be a HUGE topic on the Princess Boards in years past. What is the consensus now? When are formal nights on a 7 day itinerary and what is considered formal for women? On formal nights, does this include Anytime Dining Rooms? When we cruised on Princess in the past, we did Traditional Dining; so, any thoughts or tips regarding Anytime Dining would be greatly appreciated.

 

6. Specialty Restaurants - What are the upcharges for these restaurants? Any recommendations are greatly appreciated. We're Louisiana girls and we do like our Seafood. I'm hoping the Crown Grill is a good choice, but I am looking forward to hearing what you have to say about the restaurants. Is there some sort of "Crab" restaurant onboard the Caribbean Princess? I've gone to the Princess website but I'm not seeing charges on there and this "crab" restaurant may be on one of the newest ships...I'm not sure.

 

7. Entertainment - What can we look forward to on the Caribbean Princess? Are there any "must see" shows?

 

8. Spa - Any spa tips and/or information would be great!

 

9. Princess Cay - Out of all the cruises I've taken, I've never been to a Cruise Line's Private Island before. Any information you can give on this would be wonderful. At this time, we may opt to stay on the ship for a spa day.

 

10. Freeport, Bahama - Any recommendations for a private resort beach day are welcomed.

 

I am so excited about this cruise for many different reasons. First, it will be my first just girls cruise and I can't wait to see what fun we have in store for us. Second, I can wait to go to Key West. None of us have been to Key West and this will be our "where no man has gone before"; we're all extremely excited about Key West. Last, but not least, I'm happy to board a Princess ship again. A quick comparison between Princess and Norwegian...Norwegian's food does NOT compare to Princess and Princess' entertainment does NOT compare to Norwegian's...in my humble opinion, of course! After reading Cruise Critic for many years, I know every cruise line has that one thing that attracts a person. I'm happy to just be attracted by the ambiance of cruising itself!

 

OK, all you Princess Lovers out there....BRING IT ON! Let me have it...

3, 2, 1...GO!

 

BayouGirlUSA (Melanie)

1) can't help, sorry.

2) Shower gel and "conditioning shampoo" in dispensers on the wall. Shower gel is fine, shampoo not so much. I bring my own. Also provided is bar soap and small, 3Oz lotion that will be replenished on request, and is pretty good.

3) Blow dryer provided and works fine. Also, you can bring your own, no prob. Two outlets at desk.

4) room service is no charge on Princess. Breakfast will have a door hanger with a great breakfast sandwich, pastries, juices, cereals, etc. Some people have success with writing in extras like bacon or scrambledd eggs. Day/night choices include sandwiches, salads, chili, desserts, and pizzas ($3 charge for the pizzas.).

5)

Formal nights are usually 2ND night and 2ND to last night, can vary by itinerary. Will not be first or last night. As formal as.you like. Ladies generally in gowns, cocktail dresses, maxi dresses, slacks and blouse, etc. Go for it with what you're comfortable with.

6) Specialty dining is great. Crown Grill, $25. Sabatini's $25. Crab Shack will be offered a few nights, $20. All are good, Crown is great. We don't do crab shock as hubs doesn't eat shellfish. Also offered, Chef's Table at $95. Ultimate balcony breakfast or dinner.

7) expect to production shows, comedian, guest entertainer, etc. Lounge bands and Crooners piano guy.

8) Port days are cheaper than sea days. Always some treatment offered on special each day. Thermal suite is nice if interested

9) Not a fan of Princess Cays, we don't get off the ship. Long, long, long tender lines back to ship...

10) we also don't get off the ship in Bahamas. Check out the Ports of Call forums for ideas.

Have a great time! We love Caribbean. She's a great ship!

[BayouGirlUSA]

Thank you so much ReedPrincess! Exactly what I was hoping for in the information department. I can always count on cruise critic!

 

BayouGirl

[fishywood]

I'm not a pro and my perspective is of the opposite gender, but I'll take a crack at a few of your questions:

 

1. The cabin will likely be set up as two twin beds perpendicular to a side wall with the upper berth parallel to the wall above it. You will not be able to have the lowers made up into one queen bed as there will be no room for the ladder to the upper berth (though I gather twin beds is your preference in the first place). Someone should be by with a photo that will explain it a lot better than I just did.

 

2. Shower will have two dispensers with body wash and combo shampoo/conditioner. General consensus is not the best of quality, a comedown from when Princess supplies little bottles of separate shampoo and conditioner. You need to decide if you can live without your personal brand for a week.

 

3. No problem bringing your own blow dryer or any other hair appliance. Outlets are limited to two next to the mirror over the desk; bathroom has only a "shaver" outlet that a heating appliance cannot plug into. And the lower current flow on the ship may not allow your personal dryer to get as hot as at home.

 

4. No charge for room service other than if you order a whole pizza. Breakfast menu mostly limited to continental style items other than an English Muffin sandwich of egg, cheese and ham.

 

5. Compliance with the dress code is requested in both fixed and anytime dining rooms but nowhere else. For the ladies I can't imagine being turned away unless in ripped jeans, cutoffs, tank tops or pool or gym attire. Simple smart cocktail attire will put you well into the upper half of dress. For anytime dining as you are a group of three you should be seated quicker than those waiting for a table for two, especially if willing to share a large table with others. There can still be a wait during the busiest times which are other than either right when the dining room opens or after 7:30.

 

6. Crown Grill and Sabatini's are $25 cover per person. Crab Shack is offered once or twice per cruise in a section of Cafe Caribe (the aft seating area of the buffett). Cost is $20; check the patter when you board for which days it will run, or call the dine line if you don't see it advertised.

 

7. Personally I prefer to dine leisurely and don't worry about making the shows. My tip is to check the Patter carefully each day for whatever alternate entertainment or live music is playing in one of the smaller lounges and work my evening around that. But the production shows on the formal nights are usually the highlights; if a pre-dinner show at 6:45 or 7:00 is offered heading to that first and dinner later avoids crowds and having to rush back and forth.

 

8. I'm not a spa person, but there will be port day specials including the day at Princess Cays.

 

9. For days at Princess Cays I usually wait for the first rush to end and head over when 'open tendering' with no tickets required begins (after 11:00 or so). I enjoy the BBQ lunch they serve there--but you are right that it is a good day for the spa (or Sanctuary) onboard with so many people ashore not returning until late afternoon.

 

10. Boy I haven't been to Freeport in forever...and I don't think Princess has either until they added the particular sailing you are on. Not much there other than a private beach day (or a casino). Hope someone else has an idea.

 

Welcome back to Princess and bon voyage :D

[BayouGirlUSA]

Fishywood, thanks so much for the information opposite gender perspective and all! It was great info.

 

We have never been to Freeport either. I know Princess offers an all-inclusive resort/beach day excursion for $69.99 but I don't know how to go about finding out which resort it is so I can go and take a peek at it online.

[Jasperdo]

2) This is what's provided in the shower. I was fine using it. My wife always brings her own anyway:

 

 

4) Here's what the Room Service menu looks like, along with the breakfast hang tag:

 

 

 

[BayouGirlUSA]

Jasperdo, thanks for the pics! That's great information. I sure hope someone comes through with a balcony cabin picture with a bunk. *Crossing fingers*

[GUT2407]

Wife has thick hair and hates the blow dryer.

 

She also ates the Shampoo/Conditioner, I on the other hand love it.

 

Not a fan of the breakfast sandwich the egg was always over cooked and dry.

[CaliopeQ]

Great information here thanks BaypuGirlUSA for posting this thread and everyone who's answered. I'm absorbing so much wisdom from cruise critic

[BayouGirlUSA]

Great information here thanks BaypuGirlUSA for posting this thread and everyone who's answered. I'm absorbing so much wisdom from cruise critic

 

I have been a member of Cruise Critic since 2009 and it's a wealth of information! It has been my go-to source since we began cruising in 2010!

 

BayouGirlUSA (Melanie)

[JF - retired RRT]

I have been is balconies on a couple of different ships and the bunk is usually hidden in the ceiling. It is lowered by the steward as needed.

The wall mounted bunks (I call them "head bangers") are in the way, horrible and prevent putting the beds in a queen configuration. All the ones I have seen have been in inside and ocean view cabins.

[BayouGirlUSA]

I have been is balconies on a couple of different ships and the bunk is usually hidden in the ceiling. It is lowered by the steward as needed.

The wall mounted bunks (I call them "head bangers") are in the way, horrible and prevent putting the beds in a queen configuration. All the ones I have seen have been in inside and ocean view cabins.

 

 

This is what I have pictured in my head (I realize this could be dangerous) but, I picture two twin beds with a nightstand between the two beds. The bunk comes down from out of the ceiling with the ladder coming down in between the two twin beds and in front of the nightstand.

 

Is this a fair assessment?

 

BayouGirlUSA (Melanie)

[Corinda]

If you have a Smartphone Princess now has an app called Princess Messenger for messaging on the ship - I recommend downloading it ahead of time. Won't work until you are onboard but it's great. You can view the Patter, message your friends (works way better than walkie talkies) and see your charges. Uses the ships system so no charnges. Only downside is that there is no notifications for messages - you have to keep checking and sometimes the messages don't come in a timely manner. but all in all well worth the money - oh yeah - it's free :)

 

For formal nights - I always suggest wearing what you would be comfortable in if you were going to a really nice restaurant.

 

Your other questions appeared to have been answered. Enjoy Girls week - Key West is a blast!!!!

[BayouGirlUSA]

Wife has thick hair and hates the blow dryer.

 

She also ates the Shampoo/Conditioner, I on the other hand love it.

 

Not a fan of the breakfast sandwich the egg was always over cooked and dry.

 

GUT2407, I'm thinking in our all girls' cabin that our home products will be there with us! I think it's a girl thing! Thanks for responding.

 

BayouGirlUSA

[BayouGirlUSA]

If you have a Smartphone Princess now has an app called Princess Messenger for messaging on the ship - I recommend downloading it ahead of time. Won't work until you are onboard but it's great. You can view the Patter, message your friends (works way better than walkie talkies) and see your charges. Uses the ships system so no charnges. Only downside is that there is no notifications for messages - you have to keep checking and sometimes the messages don't come in a timely manner. but all in all well worth the money - oh yeah - it's free :)

 

For formal nights - I always suggest wearing what you would be comfortable in if you were going to a really nice restaurant.

 

Your other questions appeared to have been answered. Enjoy Girls week - Key West is a blast!!!!

 

Corinda, NOW, that is some good information right there! I did not know about the app and I LOVE that idea!

 

I love your answer about Formal Night!

 

I've already reserved our excursion for Key West; we're very excited!

 

Thanks!

 

BayouGirlUSA (Melanie)

[OCruisers]

1. No help

2. The normal shampoo & soap. I take my own shampoo. DH is fine with what is provided.

3. There's a blow dryer but you can take your own if you wish.

4. No charge for room service except for a pizza.

5. Both Anytime & Traditional Dining have the same dress code. At this point, something you would wear to a nice restaurant is absolutely fine.

We like the flexibility of Anytime dining. You can call the DINE Line in the morning and make Anytime reservations if you wish.

6. Since you are use to great seafood, don't think you'd like Crab Shack on the ship. Crown Grill is never a bad choice for steak.

7. For entertainment also consider the bars/lounges. Crooner's normally has a good piano entertainer.

8. No help

9. Princess Cays is nice beach day. There's no charge for anything (buffet included) except for drinks you order. If you have the All Inclusive Beverage Package it is honored there. We always enjoy going to the Banana Beach Bar.

10. Freeport. Not much help! We've never been there on a Princess cruise.

Did take a Carnival with a port stop in Freeport. The cruise terminal area now has a Senor Frog's and a few vendors so it's better than it was. We took a taxi ($5) into town where there's a decent looking beach. It began raining so we didn't hang around to check it out.

 

Look forward to having a fun cruise with your friends. :)

LuLu

[BayouGirlUSA]

1. No help

2. The normal shampoo & soap. I take my own shampoo. DH is fine with what is provided.

3. There's a blow dryer but you can take your own if you wish.

4. No charge for room service except for a pizza.

5. Both Anytime & Traditional Dining have the same dress code. At this point, something you would wear to a nice restaurant is absolutely fine.

We like the flexibility of Anytime dining. You can call the DINE Line in the morning and make Anytime reservations if you wish.

6. Since you are use to great seafood, don't think you'd like Crab Shack on the ship. Crown Grill is never a bad choice for steak.

7. For entertainment also consider the bars/lounges. Crooner's normally has a good piano entertainer.

8. No help

9. Princess Cays is nice beach day. There's no charge for anything (buffet included) except for drinks you order. If you have the All Inclusive Beverage Package it is honored there. We always enjoy going to the Banana Beach Bar.

10. Freeport. Not much help! We've never been there on a Princess cruise.

Did take a Carnival with a port stop in Freeport. The cruise terminal area now has a Senor Frog's and a few vendors so it's better than it was. We took a taxi ($5) into town where there's a decent looking beach. It began raining so we didn't hang around to check it out.

 

Look forward to having a fun cruise with your friends. :)

LuLu

 

Lulu, thanks for the information! I giggled a bit at "since you are used to great seafood" and we are! Sometimes we are stubborn though and will still try some seafood and then think "what were we thinking"! :eek: LOL!

[moki'smommy]

Most of your questions have been well answered.

 

Room service on Princess is at no additional charge other than pizza which is $3. You can get pizza on the Lido deck at no charge about 12 hours a day. It is even GOOD pizza--made from scratch, not the frozen yuk that some other lines have. Room service breakfast is good. The rest of the time, service is slow and not always accurate. The buffet has generous hours and the International Cafe is open 24/7 for the munchies.

 

It is easiest to think of the private island as an extension of the ship. Those items which have a cost on the ship will have a cost on the island. Those which are included on the ship will be included on the island. Obviously,booked excursions have a cost.

 

The provided hair dryer is the wall mounted kind that is typically found in hotels and many health clubs. It isn't bad, but isn't the most powerful thing in the world.

 

Suggestion with 3 women in the room...do a little advance planning. Bring ONE hair dryer (not 3). See if you can agree on a shampoo and conditioner brand and buy one bottle of each. You don't have a ton of space in the room or in the suitcases. Saving on luggage fees/space is always a good thing.

Edited December 10, 2015 by moki'smommy

[TracieABD]

One more thing about the hair stuff.

 

I might, or might not, chemically alter my hair's otherwise drabby appearance. I bring my own product to protect all that chemistry.

 

You also might want to bring your own blow dryer. I do not have thick hair, but I swear, I could breath on my hair and have it dry faster. You have to have a lot of patience (or ge at the top of your weight allowence) to use a Princess blow dryer. I get tired just thinking about it!

[CaliopeQ]

If you have a Smartphone Princess now has an app called Princess Messenger for messaging on the ship - I recommend downloading it ahead of time. Won't work until you are onboard but it's great. You can view the Patter, message your friends (works way better than walkie talkies) and see your charges. Uses the ships system so no charnges. Only downside is that there is no notifications for messages - you have to keep checking and sometimes the messages don't come in a timely manner. but all in all well worth the money - oh yeah - it's free :)

 

Does this messenger app require WiFi or an Internet package. I am hoping to go on a social media hiatus for our upcoming cruise and was hoping to avoid getting an Internet package

[cruisingram1]

My daughter and family had a standard balcony for 4. There were two twin beds and beds 3 and 4 came out of the ceiling when it was time for bed. As noted the bottom beds had to remain in twin bed configuration. Beds 3 and 4 were parallel to the beds on the floor. Could have actually been right above them. The room was very tight when the beds were down. Steward put them up during the day which helped as it was cave like with them down. Small chair near the slider and desk with a desk chair.

[Times Prince]

If you have a Smartphone Princess now has an app called Princess Messenger for messaging on the ship - I recommend downloading it ahead of time. Won't work until you are onboard but it's great. You can view the Patter, message your friends (works way better than walkie talkies) and see your charges. Uses the ships system so no charnges. Only downside is that there is no notifications for messages - you have to keep checking and sometimes the messages don't come in a timely manner. but all in all well worth the money - oh yeah - it's free :)

 

Does this messenger app require WiFi or an Internet package. I am hoping to go on a social media hiatus for our upcoming cruise and was hoping to avoid getting an Internet package

The thing on the cell phone becomes active as soon as your phone logs into the wifi system. There is no wifi cost for the package that gives schedules (like in the Patter) and allows one access to your room account. (Note: don't panic for some of the transitory room account actions - for instance when we had a change to the sequence of ports the phone picked up all the canceled excursions, followed a day later by the rescheduled ones. The printed account statement from the Purser's office. had none of the transitory data.).

 

The downloaded app is only supported on some ships (e.g. Royal, Regal). When we did our Transatlantic last May it was not supported on Caribbean Princess. However the connection on the cell phone wifi was supported on this ship.

 

The provided hair dryer is the wall mounted kind that is typically found in hotels and many health clubs. It isn't bad' date=' but isn't the most powerful thing in the world.

 

Suggestion with 3 women in the room...do a little advance planning. Bring ONE hair dryer (not 3). See if you can agree on a shampoo and conditioner brand and buy one bottle of each. You don't have a ton of space in the room or in the suitcases. Saving on luggage fees/space is always a good thing.[/quote']Remember there is only one (1) plug that can be used for a hair dryer, so having multiples does not provide the benefit of being able to dry two persons' hair simultaneously. One cannot plug in two dryers, as the circuit is not rated for it, and you may end up with none working.

 

BayouGirlUSA: Hope to see you onboard - we're making final payment tomorrow. :)

Edited December 11, 2015 by Times Prince

[skynight]

This is what I have pictured in my head (I realize this could be dangerous) but, I picture two twin beds with a nightstand between the two beds. The bunk comes down from out of the ceiling with the ladder coming down in between the two twin beds and in front of the nightstand.

 

Is this a fair assessment?

 

BayouGirlUSA (Melanie)

 

I think cabin A338 can handle (or may only handle) the 3rd passenger with a roll-away. You should call Princess about this. You may have the option of a roll-away or the bunk. If it is a roll-away then the bed is placed in the open area by the balcony door. If a bunk then it lowers down from the ceiling as you describe.

[Corinda]

If you have a Smartphone Princess now has an app called Princess Messenger for messaging on the ship - I recommend downloading it ahead of time. Won't work until you are onboard but it's great. You can view the Patter, message your friends (works way better than walkie talkies) and see your charges. Uses the ships system so no charnges. Only downside is that there is no notifications for messages - you have to keep checking and sometimes the messages don't come in a timely manner. but all in all well worth the money - oh yeah - it's free :)

 

Does this messenger app require WiFi or an Internet package. I am hoping to go on a social media hiatus for our upcoming cruise and was hoping to avoid getting an Internet package

 

The app doesn't connect to the internet - more like the ships intranet. So no charges to use it and no facebook or eonline or cnn.

[talltexan]

You didn't ask for this kind of information, but it occurs to me that with three women sharing a cabin your experience might be a bit different than traveling with just DH! The best advice I can offer is to get a dollar store fabric shoe hanger to hang on the inside of the bathroom door. Everyone's beauty/body/bath products can tuck in there, be seen and accessed easily, and all without taking up counter space around the sink. Happy sailing!