Caribbean Princess Circle Caribbean - A Quick Review

[Geoffa30]

Just got off the Caribbean Princess yesterday after the 14 night Circle Caribbean. Had a fabulous time. Personally it was one of our best cruises. Loved being on a 14 night Caribbean cruise which didn’t return to Fort Lauderdale half way through. Would definitely do a similar itinerary again.

 

Food was very good and a lot of menu selections in the MDR which I hadn’t seen before. We had traditional late sitting dining (although disappointingly at 7.45 rather than 8.15 which is our preference). Our wait staff were great and generally all staff were very good. All pretty cheery. The only ones who weren’t were those checking people on and off the ship in ports. This always seems to be the case though.

 

Good mix of passengers; younger, older and lots of nationalities. Around 1000 Platinum and 500 Elite.

 

Ship in good condition. We even had new carpet in our Caribe balcony stateroom. There was some shaking when they let go of the lines which tended to make the PES lounge each night less enjoyable. Not something I would condemn the ship for though. As someone else mentioned on another thread, we managed to make up time after having to return to Aruba for a medical emergency which lost about 3 or so hours so she can operate at higher speeds if needed. Passenger had to be taken off the ship at sea and was transferred to a local tug. People stood all along the Promenade watching. A little disrespectful. I even spotted someone taking photos :o

 

 

Tried Planks which was good. New buffet layout was also much better. Food selections were sometimes limited there though but definitely liked the lunchtime sandwich selection. There was even a new Belgian beer in the dining room which was my nightly treat. 10.6% alcohol ;p but it did cost $11 before gratuity :o

 

There were two disappointing things; the first was the Sanctuary where service was not as attentive as on the Royal and Regal. It seemed to be a much bigger area and was a lot noisier. The second was the scheduling of entertainment with the theatre shows at 6.30 and 8.15. This was the first time we had had shows scheduled like this and it did make seeing the shows more difficult. We are usually getting ready at 6.30 and we’re at dinner at 8.15. We are used to 8ish and 10ish shows usually attending the later one after we have eaten. Overall we didn’t think much of the Cruise Director (Steve Campbell). He never seemed to be out and about that much.

 

Would be happy to sail the Caribbean Princess again.

[Sea and Me]

Thank you for your review:) I have been looking at the same itinerary for October 2018. We sailed the Caribbean Princess a few years ago and liked the ship. The one port that we have never been to is Trinidad. What excursion (if any) did you do at that port??

 

Thanks again for posting. Have a good day.

[Aeryn2014]

Just got off the Caribbean Princess yesterday after the 14 night Circle Caribbean. Had a fabulous time. Personally it was one of our best cruises. Loved being on a 14 night Caribbean cruise which didn’t return to Fort Lauderdale half way through. Would definitely do a similar itinerary again.

 

 

 

Food was very good and a lot of menu selections in the MDR which I hadn’t seen before. We had traditional late sitting dining (although disappointingly at 7.45 rather than 8.15 which is our preference). Our wait staff were great and generally all staff were very good. All pretty cheery. The only ones who weren’t were those checking people on and off the ship in ports. This always seems to be the case though.

 

 

 

Good mix of passengers; younger, older and lots of nationalities. Around 1000 Platinum and 500 Elite.

 

 

 

Ship in good condition. We even had new carpet in our Caribe balcony stateroom. There was some shaking when they let go of the lines which tended to make the PES lounge each night less enjoyable. Not something I would condemn the ship for though. As someone else mentioned on another thread, we managed to make up time after having to return to Aruba for a medical emergency which lost about 3 or so hours so she can operate at higher speeds if needed. Passenger had to be taken off the ship at sea and was transferred to a local tug. People stood all along the Promenade watching. A little disrespectful. I even spotted someone taking photos :o

 

 

 

 

 

Tried Planks which was good. New buffet layout was also much better. Food selections were sometimes limited there though but definitely liked the lunchtime sandwich selection. There was even a new Belgian beer in the dining room which was my nightly treat. 10.6% alcohol ;p but it did cost $11 before gratuity :o

 

 

 

There were two disappointing things; the first was the Sanctuary where service was not as attentive as on the Royal and Regal. It seemed to be a much bigger area and was a lot noisier. The second was the scheduling of entertainment with the theatre shows at 6.30 and 8.15. This was the first time we had had shows scheduled like this and it did make seeing the shows more difficult. We are usually getting ready at 6.30 and we’re at dinner at 8.15. We are used to 8ish and 10ish shows usually attending the later one after we have eaten. Overall we didn’t think much of the Cruise Director (Steve Campbell). He never seemed to be out and about that much.

 

 

 

Would be happy to sail the Caribbean Princess again.

 

 

 

Definitely would agree that a 14 day cruise is wonderful. Had a marvelous time also. Also agree that the entertainment times were a challenge. We missed about half the shows. I did find the production shows lacking but the comics were fantastic. I also thought they could do with a little better late night entertainment. Best was piano player at the Martini Bar and that venue was way to small for the crowd he drew. I wish our accommodations were as nice as yours. We had a few stains on the carpet and our sink kept leaking. They always came quickly to fix but it did seem that the maintenance crew was busier than usual on this ship. I guess it’s time for a major overhaul. Still in all we met many wonderful people and had an outstanding time.

 

 

 

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[msmoger]

 

Good mix of passengers; younger, older and lots of nationalities. Around 1000 Platinum and 500 Elite.

 

The second was the scheduling of entertainment with the theatre shows at 6.30 and 8.15. This was the first time we had had shows scheduled like this and it did make seeing the shows more difficult. We are usually getting ready at 6.30 and we’re at dinner at 8.15. We are used to 8ish and 10ish shows usually attending the later one after we have eaten. Overall we didn’t think much of the Cruise Director (Steve Campbell). He never seemed to be out and about that much.

 

Would be happy to sail the Caribbean Princess again.

 

We also were on this cruise and really loved it. I agree with much of Geoff's assessment. As far as the timing of the production shows is concerned, I couldn't agree more. For us, 6:30 (dressing for dinner and Cocktail Hour:cocktail:) is much too early and 8:15 is dinner.

 

We were speaking with someone who said he spoke with the CD (Steve) and was told this was due to the number of elites and the older demographic of the passenger population. There were definitely more older cruisers given this is a 14 day itinerary. However, I hope this isn't a new trend. We basically did not go to any shows, except for one mediocre comic (my opinion).

 

I don't know if this means anything, but the Entertainment Director is Lee Childers (sp).

 

Having said all this, the cruise was great. 14 consecutive days of sun certainly helped. :cool: The ship looks great, the redesign on the Lido Deck is an excellent improvement (we ate at Sabatini's Trattoria, Crown Grill, Planks BBQ and Steamers and very much enjoyed them all). The crew was fantastic as always and we can't wait for our next cruise (as elite ;)).

[AF-1]

Thanks to all who posted a mini review of this ship.

[lola2013]

Geoffa, you hit all the nails on the head...I agree with all of your points; although as Aeryn said, we could have used the new carpet also (we were also on Caribe on the port side). I kept thinking my fridge was leaking, but it was a stain. But that didn't detract from the wonderful time that we had. I cannot say enough good things about the itinerary and the great people we met.

 

I walked up to someone at the Sailaway that I thought was you (based on a few pics I saw on Instagram)...oops, wrong guy. When I saw him in line at customs yesterday, he said "sorry, still not Geoff!". Sorry we didn't meet. Michael...great meeting you and Anthony.

 

I'm only back at my desk for four hours and am already anxious to return!

 

Susan

[Frflatt]

Thanks Geoff for writing the review - it was a really lovely cruise and, as you say, I’m sure we would do a similar itinerary in the future (especially if it were to be offered on the Sky Princess).

 

Two interesting things from the cruise:

 

One night in the PES lounge instead of the usual table with self service snacks the wait staff brought round little (very little) portions of things like prosciutto wrapped bread sticks and a shot glass of crudités/dressing - we were told they were trying something new! I’m sure they have a lot of waste from the usual selection but I wasn’t at all keen on this new offering - it returned to normal the next night.

 

I was speaking to the barista about the expiration date on the coffee cards (31st December 2018) and he was saying that they are bringing in a new ‘coffee package’ and doing away with the cards - hence the expiration dates. I don’t know how true this is but would explain the change.

 

All in all a fantastic cruise with probably the best cruise ship food we’ve ever had and some really lovely crew and passengers.

[Delta Dear]

Thanks for the review. We’re doing that itinerary in Jan. 2019. Can you tell me if the Sanctuary is only accessible by stairs. We both use mobility scooters. The Coral Sanctuary had two levels so we were able to access the lower level. Looking forward to Jan.

 

 

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[Delta Dear]

Thanks also to the others of you whom have chimed in.

 

 

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[RMM34667]

Thanks for the review. I am wondering what Steamers is? I

Thanks. (68 days and counting)

 

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[msmoger]

Michael...great meeting you and Anthony.

 

I'm only back at my desk for four hours and am already anxious to return!

 

Susan

 

Same to you Susan and boy do I know how you feel. :D:D

[EatonDoolittle]

Same to you Susan and boy do I know how you feel. :D:D

 

I'm only back at my desk for four hours and am already anxious to return!

 

Susan

 

All right you guys - get off Cruise Critic and get back to work so you can plan the next adventure.:D

Enjoyed meeting you both.

Susan - I just booked Calabaza for next Feb, they now offer an 'adults only' version for $10 more.

 

Laurie - retired, but wow, did I come home from this trip with a serious head and chest cold!

 

 

 

 

:D

[floridalover5623]

 

I was speaking to the barista about the expiration date on the coffee cards (31st December 2018) and he was saying that they are bringing in a new ‘coffee package’ and doing away with the cards - hence the expiration dates. I don’t know how true this is but would explain the change.

 

He didn't happen to mention anything about the punches expiring on the newer cards and how they treat the older ones with no expiration date at all?

[Clarea]

Thanks for the informative review.

[tawlaw1526]

Thanks for the review and comments. We will be on the Caribbean Princess in 29 days which will also be our first Elite cruise. We will be in a balcony on Lido. Does anyone know if Lido Mid-Forward balcony’s have new carpet?

[Tak8]

Thanks for the review. I'm looking forward to being on the Caribbean Princess in May.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[BRANDEE]

Thanks for the review and comments. We will be on the Caribbean Princess in 29 days which will also be our first Elite cruise. We will be in a balcony on Lido. Does anyone know if Lido Mid-Forward balcony’s have new carpet?

 

 

I'm positive the answer is no. My friend's cabin on Lido was the usual mauve, but I did pass one cabin (lido)that was not the mauve color but gold w/brown rings. That is the same carpet being used in cabins that have had damage to the rugs the past three years. My cabin carpet was changed three yrs ago due to a flood (mid cruise). When walking in the hall on carib deck, every so often you see a gold carpet cabin..all the rest still blue. (I've stayed in the same cabin 3 yrs in a row). However, the hall carpets have all been changed.

 

Only change in most cabins is new TV.'s Huge screens and on demand shows. So nice to pause a movie and continue when returning to cabin. Beds and pillows were comfy. Top sheets are being used on beds again.

 

All self service laundry rooms have been cut in half..access only from one side of deck now. FYI our cruise had so many Elite it took 3+ days for complimentary laundry to be returned.

 

This sailing had major wifi/internet problems...wondering if the new tech being installed..hurt the old tech..lol. Never had trouble logging in and using my minutes before..Not this cruise. Glad I didn't pay for them.

 

The crew, as usual, were fantastic. Cabin steward, waiters, passenger service, tour service, bar service, etc.

 

As stated before, an improvement could have been the CD and ED and the entertainment selections. We did have some good entertainment but for the most part...not. The new show hours of 6:30 and 8:15 created too many conflicts..miss that late show at 10.

 

The new Horizon Court , aka World Market, is open and bright. More seating area. The back of Horizon court, now Steamers and Planks at night, also great seating area for breakfast and lunch. Fresh omelets and eggs made to order are placed here. It is now optional to wash hands while entering the food court..no purell police to remind you to clean hands before handling all the food utensils. Some changes not always for the better!

 

Muster drill did not require life jackets..instead you get to sit at muster and listen to a rendition of the Love Boat theme joking about safety and at the end you promise to eventually go back to your cabin and try on your life jacket. My muster drill was in the casino and they didn't even shut off the TV so we were able to continue to watch the basketball playoffs at the same time. I'll repeat...Some changes are not always for the better!

 

The Caribbean Princess is a lovely ship. So many places to find a lounge chair and relax. So many pools to take a dip or do a few laps. Her promenade deck was packed everyday with walkers and readers breathing in the fresh sea air. The ports were great and it was nice not tender so everyone got the chance to get off if they wanted to.

 

Captain Marco Fortezze gave a nautical story/lesson at noon every day. The captain and staff had two medical emergencies on this sailing and everything ran smoothly, especially the turn back at Aruba. Hopefully, all is well with both passengers who had to leave.

 

Wow..looks like a gave a review. I'm sure I will be back on the Caribbean Princess again and in the same cabin.

[Geoffa30]

Thank you for your review:) I have been looking at the same itinerary for October 2018. We sailed the Caribbean Princess a few years ago and liked the ship. The one port that we have never been to is Trinidad. What excursion (if any) did you do at that port??

 

Thanks again for posting. Have a good day.

 

We weren’t going to get off the ship in Trinidad because of its reputation for crime but we decided on the day to book an island tour type excursion. We are glad we did as we saw a lot of the rain forest and a few view points before ending up on Maracas beach. Unfortunately there was torrential rain when we got to the beach so didn’t get off the bus.

[Geoffa30]

Geoffa, you hit all the nails on the head...I agree with all of your points; although as Aeryn said, we could have used the new carpet also (we were also on Caribe on the port side). I kept thinking my fridge was leaking, but it was a stain. But that didn't detract from the wonderful time that we had. I cannot say enough good things about the itinerary and the great people we met.

 

I walked up to someone at the Sailaway that I thought was you (based on a few pics I saw on Instagram)...oops, wrong guy. When I saw him in line at customs yesterday, he said "sorry, still not Geoff!". Sorry we didn't meet. Michael...great meeting you and Anthony.

 

I'm only back at my desk for four hours and am already anxious to return!

 

Susan

 

Hi Susan

 

Am I right in assuming you are Suseq.. on Instagram? If so, thanks for all the likes and sorry that we never got to meet on the ship. We always plan to do lots of different stuff but then end up not doing anything hence why we never got to the CC meets. Glad you had a good time too. It’s my first day back at work today and I’m already counting down the hours until I can go home! Three hours left. I’ll hopefully post some photos on this thread at the weekend once I’ve gone through them.

[Geoffa30]

Thanks for the review. We’re doing that itinerary in Jan. 2019. Can you tell me if the Sanctuary is only accessible by stairs. We both use mobility scooters. The Coral Sanctuary had two levels so we were able to access the lower level. Looking forward to Jan.

 

 

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Hi. I believe The Sanctuary isn’t accessible. We tended to access it via the Spa and then walk back to midship stairs when leaving which involved a number of stairs. Sorry.

[Geoffa30]

Thanks for the review and comments. We will be on the Caribbean Princess in 29 days which will also be our first Elite cruise. We will be in a balcony on Lido. Does anyone know if Lido Mid-Forward balcony’s have new carpet?

 

The new carpet was quite random. On our floor I spotted a few that had the new beige carpet like the Royal / Regal but others had old pink carpet. Another had a brown carpet which also looked new.

[Geoffa30]

I'm positive the answer is no. My friend's cabin on Lido was the usual mauve, but I did pass one cabin (lido)that was not the mauve color but gold w/brown rings. That is the same carpet being used in cabins that have had damage to the rugs the past three years. My cabin carpet was changed three yrs ago due to a flood (mid cruise). When walking in the hall on carib deck, every so often you see a gold carpet cabin..all the rest still blue. (I've stayed in the same cabin 3 yrs in a row). However, the hall carpets have all been changed.

 

Only change in most cabins is new TV.'s Huge screens and on demand shows. So nice to pause a movie and continue when returning to cabin. Beds and pillows were comfy. Top sheets are being used on beds again.

 

All self service laundry rooms have been cut in half..access only from one side of deck now. FYI our cruise had so many Elite it took 3+ days for complimentary laundry to be returned.

 

This sailing had major wifi/internet problems...wondering if the new tech being installed..hurt the old tech..lol. Never had trouble logging in and using my minutes before..Not this cruise. Glad I didn't pay for them.

 

The crew, as usual, were fantastic. Cabin steward, waiters, passenger service, tour service, bar service, etc.

 

As stated before, an improvement could have been the CD and ED and the entertainment selections. We did have some good entertainment but for the most part...not. The new show hours of 6:30 and 8:15 created too many conflicts..miss that late show at 10.

 

The new Horizon Court , aka World Market, is open and bright. More seating area. The back of Horizon court, now Steamers and Planks at night, also great seating area for breakfast and lunch. Fresh omelets and eggs made to order are placed here. It is now optional to wash hands while entering the food court..no purell police to remind you to clean hands before handling all the food utensils. Some changes not always for the better!

 

Muster drill did not require life jackets..instead you get to sit at muster and listen to a rendition of the Love Boat theme joking about safety and at the end you promise to eventually go back to your cabin and try on your life jacket. My muster drill was in the casino and they didn't even shut off the TV so we were able to continue to watch the basketball playoffs at the same time. I'll repeat...Some changes are not always for the better!

 

The Caribbean Princess is a lovely ship. So many places to find a lounge chair and relax. So many pools to take a dip or do a few laps. Her promenade deck was packed everyday with walkers and readers breathing in the fresh sea air. The ports were great and it was nice not tender so everyone got the chance to get off if they wanted to.

 

Captain Marco Fortezze gave a nautical story/lesson at noon every day. The captain and staff had two medical emergencies on this sailing and everything ran smoothly, especially the turn back at Aruba. Hopefully, all is well with both passengers who had to leave.

 

Wow..looks like a gave a review. I'm sure I will be back on the Caribbean Princess again and in the same cabin.

 

Thanks for adding this.

 

We also loved the TV although I did bang my shoulder on it many times when coming back into the room from the balcony.

 

As you say, the internet was not good. I assume everything is in place for the upgraded Regal type internet but it hasn’t been turned on. The internet person didn’t know when it would be enabled either and said Princess were being very secretive. There was no internet the whole of the last day which meant we were unable to check in for our flight. We did manage to get a small refund for unused ‘bonus’ minutes bought for $40 when we first accessed our free Platinum allowance.

[msmoger]

All right you guys - get off Cruise Critic and get back to work so you can plan the next adventure.:D

Enjoyed meeting you both.

Susan - I just booked Calabaza for next Feb, they now offer an 'adults only' version for $10 more.

 

Laurie - retired, but wow, did I come home from this trip with a serious head and chest cold!

:D

 

It was great meeting you also Laurie. Thanks for steering us to the Curacao tour. We had a lot of fun and very much enjoyed spending the day with you. And guess what, I'm developing a cold also. :( But there's always the next cruise. ;)

[geoherb]

Thanks for posting your review. We enjoyed 12 nights on the CB in August and liked the new layout for the buffet. Lee Childers was my least favorite cruise director. I guess the Peter Principle is still true.