Crown Princess - 9 thru 17 December Review

[DrivesLikeMario]

Totally agree about Sabatini's. Not very authentic or tasty in our opinions and not worth the money. (n)

Enjoying your review!

[TSM AND JP]

Loving your review!

[ksm77]

I have enjoyed your review of the Crown. We spent 3 weeks on the Crown this past July in the Baltic. We loved every minute of the trip. I really don't understand what all the bad reviews are about. I could not agree more about the food in the MDR. Thought it was some of the best of all our Princess cruises. We will be on the Regal Princess over New Years I am hoping the food will be as good as the Crown was. Thank you for such a positive review.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[Gabanna31]

Excellent review! Love your rich descriptions and honest opinions, truly does make one wonder about all of the bad reviews :confused: I believe you're correct when you ponder: "what do these disdained people eat" when the complaints run rampant.

It also sounds like your travel group was LOTS of fun!

Cheers and thank you

[Keith1010]

Have been enjoying your review.

Keith

[USCcruisecrazy]

Did your mini suites have the new beds? If not what were the conditions of the beds? Just saw a very recent review in the review section and it showed photos of the bed, two combined, with huge craters, and that was the owners suite. Very concerned as we are going for 34-35 days.

 

We definitely didn't have the new beds. The beds weren't too bad...my wife likes her side softer than I do, so it worked better for her. The pillows were nice though. I guess how good or bad the current bed is depends on each stateroom and who has slept there before. Hopefully, they change them out before you sail. If it's after the re-fitting, I'm sure they will all be new bedding!

[USCcruisecrazy]

I have enjoyed your review of the Crown. We spent 3 weeks on the Crown this past July in the Baltic. We loved every minute of the trip. I really don't understand what all the bad reviews are about. I could not agree more about the food in the MDR. Thought it was some of the best of all our Princess cruises. We will be on the Regal Princess over New Years I am hoping the food will be as good as the Crown was. Thank you for such a positive review.

 

I hope you enjoy your New Year's cruise. I think we need to put that on our bucket list. I appreciate the nice words about my review...just trying to give my honest opinion and be fair to the folks on the Crown that worked very hard in order for us to enjoy our time aboard.

[USCcruisecrazy]

Excellent review! Love your rich descriptions and honest opinions, truly does make one wonder about all of the bad reviews :confused: I believe you're correct when you ponder: "what do these disdained people eat" when the complaints run rampant.

It also sounds like your travel group was LOTS of fun!

Cheers and thank you

 

You are most welcome! Yes, our group was quite a riot. I'm sure some folks look at us crossways because we can tend to be a little loud when on the excursions and having fun. I blame that on my genes. LOL! At dinner last night (I cooked tilapia, brown rice, and lima beans) my wife and I looked at our plates and said the presentation was lacking...they needed to be sent back to the kitchen. LOL! We never had that issue on the Crown...always an excellent presentation.

[USCcruisecrazy]

Day 8: Our last day at sea! :( We decided to sleep in since the day before was filled with too much sun, too much rum punch (and wine) and too much great food. Of course, for us sleeping in while on a cruise (or any vacation for that matter) means we didn't have the coffee delivered to the room until 0830. I could really get used to someone bringing me coffee on the back patio every morning. This is one perk we used every day while on the ship and I must say again, they always showed up within a few minutes of the start time for delivery, always had the order as requested, and had a pleasant word to say. I think almost every day was the same young man...he worked the "night" shift so was at the end of a day of work, yet he still had a smile on his face. Once we got rolling, we headed to buffet for breakfast, since the Da Vinci was about to call it a day for breakfast. We filled up on a little of everything and planned our day ahead.

 

I'm not much for bingo, but the ladies in the group convinced me that the jackpot had grown large enough that it was time to take a chance. So, we headed over to the lounge, bought some cards, found a seat and ordered a morning cocktail. Yeah, I know, a Mai Tai doesn't normally fit the agenda as a morning drink, but it seemed like the right thing at the time. I am sad to say none of us won any of the four games, but it was a nice relaxing time and it's always fun to see someone else get so excited. The rest of the morning was spent wandering the ship, doing a little shopping, and trying out a few flavors of gelato from the International Café. I haven't mentioned the International Café yet and that's my bad. It was something we always saw but never ventured over to try. Boy, did we miss out. The Panini's were excellent! I wasn't overly excited about the doughnuts or Danish. They looked yummy but were not really what I expected (sort of like German pastries that look very sweet but don't have that "sugar" impact you are looking for). Anyway, they were okay and I'm sure many folks would enjoy the not too sweet indulgence. I never tried the coffee, mainly because I'm not a fufu coffee guy so I can't give you an opinion on that. The line was usually pretty long so I assume it was quite good.

 

We spent part of the afternoon packing the bags and just sort of hanging out. Princess provided plenty of tags (we were Cream 7), but if you need more they can get them for you. We ordered up some orange juice (8 glasses) and 6 of us (my brother from a different mother and my best friend and their wives) had a pre-pre dinner toast of Mimosa's. It was time then to get ready for dinner, put the bags in the hallway, and head to Crooners. Before we punched out to Crooners we called our room steward over and handed him a little extra for his efforts. We didn't want to risk missing him. I know tips are already included, but it just feels right to slip a little extra to those folks on board that have made our experience so pleasant. Off to Crooner's and a new martini (wish I could remember the names...but all of them were pretty good). We asked for our guy Lester that had taken great care of us and slipped him a few bucks as well. Then it was dinner and the "last night" tradition that is only Princess.

 

So, I need to explain that my best friend (the Tuxedo guy) had never been on a cruise before. His wife has done a number of them, but he was a Cruise Virgin! This being the case, none of us told him what was going to happen when it came time for dessert. We had a very nice meal like every other night and then the lights went down and the Staff proceeded to march around the DR carrying their baked Alaska. For a newbie, he was quite thrilled. I know it's not as exciting with candles and not flames, but it's still a nice production. Everyone at the table chose the baked Alaska for dessert...why wouldn't you! Keeping with the trend, we handed Ramil some cash, told him to treat his team fair, and we headed off into the sunset. Well, the sun had actually already set, but you get the idea. We just hung out the rest of the night, reminisced what was a great 8 days, and talked about plans for the next adventure. We are thinking about a 10 day Southern Caribbean Cruise, so any recommendations on islands that are a must, please pass along! We then crashed for the last time on the Crown.

 

Next Up: Disembarkation Day

[USCcruisecrazy]

Disembarkation Day in Ft. Lauderdale. I knew as soon as I looked out over the landscape that we were in for a hectic morning. The Crown was docking at Pier 21 and we had boarded her at Pier 2. That was the location for the last 8 days of our transportation. Yes, we had 4 vehicles parked in another part of the Port. We had done this before, so knew what the options were. But, before we got into all of that, it was time to do one more breakfast in the Da Vinci. Note: they do not deliver to your room on the last morning so coffee or juice or whatever is your mainstay is not their to welcome your new day. We quickly got ready, made sure all our goods were packed into the backpack or overnight bag, since the cabin had to be vacated by 0800. We just took our stuff with us to the DR.

 

Once again, we were greeted by smiling faces and great attitudes from the wait staff. Considering this was going to be one of their busiest days with the turnaround, I was impressed with their behavior. To think that they start all over again with no days off between groups of people, that must be tough mentally and physically at times. Yet, they always seem to be very professional and pleasant. Just my humble opinion, but I think part of the reflection from them is the way we treat them. I see some people (and if this is you, sorry to offend you) that never seem to smile, act like it is a requirement for the staff to treat them as special even when they are rather crude, and think the issue is with the cruise staff and never them. I just shake my head, because some people can't really enjoy life no matter how great it really is. Okay, off the soap box...just wanted to say that because I saw some people that just didn't seem to know how to have fun and count their blessings!! Anyway, breakfast was very good, our waiter gave us a little extra because he knew we had a long drive ahead. Then we went and found a spot to veg out until our disembarkation time of 0935.

 

Getting off the ship was very smooth. We found our luggage with no problem and had a porter there to grab all the bags and roll them out for us. Customs took about 15 seconds since we had nothing to declare. We found a good spot on the curb and the guys with vehicles jumped on one of the Princess shuttles and made our way to Pier 2 to grab the vehicles. It was pretty smooth, non-eventful, and just required some time. There were a lot of ships in port that were being loaded up that day, so the traffic was already heavy. I made my way back to Pier 21, grabbed the luggage and the ladies and my best friend and zipped off towards I-95. Another great trip. I commend Princess for the process from start to finish (including the on-line booking and excursions and documents). I thank the Crown's staff for a great trip and for their excellent attitudes. I especially thank my dear wife, family, and friends for coming along and making this one more adventure in life that will generate many stories and lots of laughs. Finally, I want to thank those of you on Cruise Critics that gave me so many pointers, provided encouragement during the planning process, and answered every question I ever had. Just one more note: for those of you heading to the Caribbean in the near future, please open your pocket books and wallets and give a little extra to the people on the islands. They were very hospitable even in a time of trouble. They deserve our support!!! Thanks!!! Until nest time...Bon Voyage and smooth seas!!

[gotta cruise again]

Thank you for the wonderful review; DH and I board the Crown soon for the New Year's cruise and it was so very nice to have such a good report!!

 

If you have photos you'd like to share of all of you dressed up on formal night, please post (and thank you in advance!).

[kmkristianson]

Thank you! Glad to read such great comments and thoughts....was nervous about our upcoming cruise! Thanks again and I agree photos would be fun!

[USCcruisecrazy]

Thank you for the wonderful review; DH and I board the Crown soon for the New Year's cruise and it was so very nice to have such a good report!!

 

If you have photos you'd like to share of all of you dressed up on formal night, please post (and thank you in advance!).

 

I'm a little technology hampered, but I'll try to get some pics uploaded this evening.

 

I hope you really enjoy your cruise!! :)

[USCcruisecrazy]

Thank you! Glad to read such great comments and thoughts....was nervous about our upcoming cruise! Thanks again and I agree photos would be fun!

 

You're very welcome. I hope you have an awesome time. I'll try to get some pictures posted!

[cruizer2d]

Thank you so much for your review. I loved it . We went to some of your islands on other Princess cruises and loved the reminiscing I did because of your review.

My daughter got married in April ,5 years ago on the Crown .We just had immediate family for the trip. If anyone who is reading this is getting married, please check into having a cruise wedding.

My daughter worked with a wedding planner from Princess .

The ceremony was beautiful .. one of our guests was a concert pianist, so she played the piano that was provided, with all the music my daughter wanted.

We ended up buying all the pictures that the photographer took, because they were that good-- (they were also expensive).

We requested Sabatini's for our little party. The staff went "overboard" in food prep, service and generally , having as happy a time as we were having. The food was EXCELLENT My daughter mentioned to the staff that I loved Princess' clams casino---they kept bringing out plate after plate to me!

I digress--your review was as good as any I've read and I'm glad you enjoyed the Crown. BTW, Lester makes the BEST chocolate martinis!!

We're going on the Crown for a T/A cruise this April and I'm so looking forward to it.

Many happy cruises to you.

[USCcruisecrazy]

Thank you so much for your review. I loved it . We went to some of your islands on other Princess cruises and loved the reminiscing I did because of your review.

My daughter got married in April ,5 years ago on the Crown .We just had immediate family for the trip. If anyone who is reading this is getting married, please check into having a cruise wedding.

My daughter worked with a wedding planner from Princess .

The ceremony was beautiful .. one of our guests was a concert pianist, so she played the piano that was provided, with all the music my daughter wanted.

We ended up buying all the pictures that the photographer took, because they were that good-- (they were also expensive).

We requested Sabatini's for our little party. The staff went "overboard" in food prep, service and generally , having as happy a time as we were having. The food was EXCELLENT My daughter mentioned to the staff that I loved Princess' clams casino---they kept bringing out plate after plate to me!

I digress--your review was as good as any I've read and I'm glad you enjoyed the Crown. BTW, Lester makes the BEST chocolate martinis!!

We're going on the Crown for a T/A cruise this April and I'm so looking forward to it.

Many happy cruises to you.

 

Thanks for the words. I have to agree on the wedding piece. We started on Princess because 7 years ago our son and daughter in law were married on the Emerald. It was a fantastic way to celebrate for 7 days with family and friends. We had a big reception in the Adagio Lounge. I hope you have an awesome time on your T/A cruise. I need to put that on our bucket list as well!! Cheers!!

[Cancruizer]

Great review! Glad that you all enjoyed. Thanks for the info about the wine :-)

[RNRcruisers]

Thank you for the great review. Very informative. I agree with your opinion regarding the dining room meals. I have never been to a specialty restaurant because we never felt the need.

[Vacationdreamer<><]

I was already plenty excited for my 1/7 KP cruise but this review has me over the moon. THANK YOU!!!

 

 

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[mellon1]

We definitely didn't have the new beds. The beds weren't too bad...my wife likes her side softer than I do, so it worked better for her. The pillows were nice though. I guess how good or bad the current bed is depends on each stateroom and who has slept there before. Hopefully, they change them out before you sail. If it's after the re-fitting, I'm sure they will all be new bedding!

 

Thanks for your response. I guess I will pray they will be good mattresses. What else to do!

[eagletwo]

We were on the same cruise. You nailed it with your review. I agree with everything. We were in E727. Most important thing you brought up was please treat the staff well. They work hard, 10-14 hours a day for 6-9 months. A smile, kind word and a little extra cash to those who busted their butt for us to have a good time. We loved the Crown

[Vacationdreamer<><]

We were on the same cruise. You nailed it with your review. I agree with everything. We were in E727. Most important thing you brought up was please treat the staff well. They work hard, 10-14 hours a day for 6-9 months. A smile, kind word and a little extra cash to those who busted their butt for us to have a good time. We loved the Crown

 

 

 

I’m in E707. Wa there much noise from Club Fusion?

 

 

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[eagletwo]

I’m in E707. Wa there much noise from Club Fusion?

 

 

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No noise at all from the Club. You could feel a small vibration when cruising and when using the thrusters to dock, but that was it. We like the E deck. Our favorite cabin is E731 which comes with a larger balcony. We have E731 booked on the Caribbean Princess next August.