Caribbean Princess, what to expect

[tawlaw1526]

On 9/7/2023 at 9:30 AM, PMGS247 said:

I thought I had read an account stating that they were opening back up, dinner only, and only one of the two each night, either planks or steamers.

I was just on CB for 16 nights and both Planks and Steamers were open.   Yes, you are correct, they rotated every other night.    One night Steamers, next night Planks.   Only open for dinner.   Not a seafood lover, I ate at Planks twice and it was excellent.   

[tawlaw1526]

On 9/7/2023 at 2:15 AM, Torfamm said:

We were just on the Caribbean Princess for 16 nights and had no issues. 

I was on the 16 night Greenland cruise as well and I had no issues either.   I thought the ship was clean and yes showing it’s age but that did not take away from my excellent cruise.  

[cr8tiv1]

PrePandemic, the Caribbean Princess went into dry dock in Oregon for some much needed work (propulsion being one).  Then she sat for several years...as did many other ships.  I was just on her.  There were still some issues, but nothing to do with the overall ship.  Cabin specific:  some ac (down the hall) my cooler box (aka refrigerator) never got cold, bathroom door was very hard to manage (hinges), etc.  Furnitures and bedding was fine.  No distinguishing carpet patterns port/starboard.

[vickie_bernie]

On 9/10/2023 at 10:49 AM, eltigre said:

On the 10 day New England and thought our first would probably be the Porland port day. It is 4pm all aboard, no tender and not the Bay of Fundy excursion day which also is a 4pm port. The second one will be the Sea Day after Charlottetown before Quebec.

 

formals on the Sept 19 cruise are Sept 22 Saint John, NB and last sea day Sept 26

[GonzoWCS]

Great information here.  Thanks for all of the data!!

 

Cheers

[voljeep]

I have 'zero expectations' on our upcoming CB cruise - mostly based on our last CB cruise last Thanksgiving at over 100% capacity.  Was still a good cruise and won't cancel this cruise based on the ship - and hope to never book another on the CB even when it is ported in Canaveral ... maybe this cruise will change my opinion back

 

but if we are offered a move over, or even move down - we will be all over that.

[Mrs_Whatsit]

On 9/7/2023 at 12:52 AM, Kitty Ellas Mom said:

I'm on a Canada / New England 10 day on Caribbean Princess in 1.5 weeks.  Obviously I did a lot of research before finalizing my booking, but someone on my roll call just posted that they read the recent reviews and they weren't favorable, so I unwisely read them.  Now I'm worried about things like AC being broken and propulsion issues (but I know in Canada it might be more of an issue if heating didn't work).  I've been on CC long enough to know that a lot of ship reviews are negative, so I take it with a grain of salt, but I'd like to know what people who've cruised recently on the CP think.  This is my 1st cruise so I don't have another ship to compare it to.  What positives and negatives should I expect, now?  I am mostly just looking fwd to a break from my responsibilities at home (I'm traveling solo) so it would be hard for the ship to seriously displease me, although inadequate climate control would be a problem.  

You may already be back from your cruise by now, or close to it, but for anyone else who's nervous about the Caribbean Princess, please relax and enjoy. We were on the August 30-September 9 New England/Canada cruise, and we absolutely loved it. There were no problems with the ship at all and the crew, as always, was so nice and helpful.

 

I'll admit we're not your typical cruisers—we ate mostly in the buffet (except for one night at Planks, which we really enjoyed, and a couple nights when we had pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, or street tacos on the Lido deck). We didn't go to any shows, never dressed up for formal nights because we used the buffets, and when we had excursions in the morning, we spent lovely afternoons or sometimes evenings in our cabin (mini-suite; we splurged) with the sliding door open and my husband napping while I read (I read three full novels, and it was heavenly!) or watching movies. Loved the stops and the excursions we went on (although I was so sorry we missed our stop at Sydney, Cape Breton but that was weather-related so out of everyone's control). We just enjoyed the heck out of everything and came home totally and completely stress-free.

 

Besides the nasty smokiness of the casino (and we wore masks in there, which helped a bit), our only real complaint was something I understand happens on lots of ships: Too often, it was so hard to find a table in the buffet. But we always managed, and if they pay any attention to the surveys, I wrote an essay about that problem.

 

If you're on your cruise now or just back, @Kitty Ellas Mom, I hope your expectations were exceeded on your cruise, too!

Edited September 23, 2023 by Mrs_Whatsit

[Idratherbeatsea]

42 minutes ago, Mrs_Whatsit said:

You may already be back from your cruise by now, or close to it, but for anyone else who's nervous about the Caribbean Princess, please relax and enjoy. We were on the August 30-September 9 New England/Canada cruise, and we absolutely loved it. There were no problems with the ship at all and the crew, as always, was so nice and helpful.

 

I'll admit we're not your typical cruisers—we ate mostly in the buffet (except for one night at Planks, which we really enjoyed, and a couple nights when we had pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, or street tacos on the Lido deck). We didn't go to any shows, never dressed up for formal nights because we used the buffets, and when we had excursions in the morning, we spent lovely afternoons or sometimes evenings in our cabin (mini-suite; we splurged) with the sliding door open and my husband napping while I read (I read three full novels, and it was heavenly!) or watching movies. Loved the stops and the excursions we went on (although I was so sorry we missed our stop at Sydney, Cape Breton but that was weather-related so out of everyone's control). We just enjoyed the heck out of everything and came home totally and completely stress-free.

 

Besides the nasty smokiness of the casino (and we wore masks in there, which helped a bit), our only real complaint was something I understand happens on lots of ships: Too often, it was so hard to find a table in the buffet. But we always managed, and if they pay any attention to the surveys, I wrote an essay about that problem.

 

If you're on your cruise now or just back, @Kitty Ellas Mom, I hope your expectations were exceeded on your cruise, too!

 

43 minutes ago, Mrs_Whatsit said:

You may already be back from your cruise by now, or close to it, but for anyone else who's nervous about the Caribbean Princess, please relax and enjoy. We were on the August 30-September 9 New England/Canada cruise, and we absolutely loved it. There were no problems with the ship at all and the crew, as always, was so nice and helpful.

 

I'll admit we're not your typical cruisers—we ate mostly in the buffet (except for one night at Planks, which we really enjoyed, and a couple nights when we had pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, or street tacos on the Lido deck). We didn't go to any shows, never dressed up for formal nights because we used the buffets, and when we had excursions in the morning, we spent lovely afternoons or sometimes evenings in our cabin (mini-suite; we splurged) with the sliding door open and my husband napping while I read (I read three full novels, and it was heavenly!) or watching movies. Loved the stops and the excursions we went on (although I was so sorry we missed our stop at Sydney, Cape Breton but that was weather-related so out of everyone's control). We just enjoyed the heck out of everything and came home totally and completely stress-free.

 

Besides the nasty smokiness of the casino (and we wore masks in there, which helped a bit), our only real complaint was something I understand happens on lots of ships: Too often, it was so hard to find a table in the buffet. But we always managed, and if they pay any attention to the surveys, I wrote an essay about that problem.

 

If you're on your cruise now or just back, @Kitty Ellas Mom, I hope your expectations were exceeded on your cruise, too!

We were on CB 13 nights 7/22-8/4. You have nothing to fear. Yes she is aging but cabin was great, ac worked fine and food in MDR was very good. Relax and enjoy 

[cfkm1]

We were on CB 16 nights from 8/14 to 8/30.. We had dinners at the MDR daily and they were indeed very good..

 

 

[Kitty Ellas Mom]

I think I was the OP of this thread. I'm halfway through my cruise and am having a wonderful time. I've had a few snags but they've been solved quickly. Things like medallion not opening door.

[Rick&Jeannie]

1 hour ago, Kitty Ellas Mom said:

I think I was the OP of this thread. I'm halfway through my cruise and am having a wonderful time. I've had a few snags but they've been solved quickly. Things like medallion not opening door.

We are on this cruise with you. I've seen no real issues at all with the ship or staff. Great cruise so far. 

[abbydancer2003]

I was on the previous cruise, and while I had a good time, I probably won't sail this ship again unless it was an itinerary I couldn't get another way.

 

The ship has a similar layout to the the Grand (and the dearly departed Star and Golden) it has about 500 more people than the Grand though.  It also has about 100 more than the Ruby/Emerald/Crown.

 

Our crew was great, no complaints there.  However the ship always felt crowded.  There was always a line for coffee at the IC and the only time we got seating was when we were in port. There was always a line at Guest Services, although calling them worked well (we had an issue with our shower temperature and they never really did fix it, although we did get a workaround).  

 

We did have one issue with service at Planks, and they offered us a free repeat, but since we had a Crown Grill reservation, I asked if they'd just take off the charge (old Plus Package) and the assistant manager said he would, but two days later, when I was at Guest services, they said he hadin't done it, so they did.

 

I also don't like the size of the Wheelhouse dance floor, and on this cruise they had the good dance bands in the Piazza a lot of the time, which has a mosaic floor, and thus hazardous.

 

And finally, to see a production show you had to get to the theater about 45 early.

 

We still had a nice time, but I didn't love the ship.

Edited September 24, 2023 by abbydancer

[Robkat]

3 hours ago, Kitty Ellas Mom said:

I think I was the OP of this thread. I'm halfway through my cruise and am having a wonderful time. I've had a few snags but they've been solved quickly. Things like medallion not opening door.

Hi @Kitty Ellas Mom,

Really happy to hear from you that you're currently on this cruise and having a good time. (You too @Rick&Jeannie!)

 

We were on her earlier this summer.  It was our first cruise back on Princess in 14 years.  We're now just about to turn Elite, so we had cruised on Princess quite a bit back then.

We had a fantastic time.  We enjoyed the ship completely, and in spite of a couple of issues (which got dealt with fairly efficiently), we loved the whole 2 weeks.  The crew and staff were great, and our meals in Sabitini's and Crown Grill were very good to excellent, and the MDR meals were also good to very good. 

Yes, there are a few places where her age shows, but nothing that was appalling or inexcusable.

We enjoyed being on her so much we booked on the 16 night TA for next year, and we would never had done that if we had found issues at every turn on this recent cruise.

There is something to be said for a ship that has a little more of a "traditional, classic" vibe.

 

Hope you continue to enjoy your cruise.  And lesson learned, right?  Everything we hear or read should be taken with a grain of salt ... maybe around the rim of a margarita???

[cr8tiv1]

2 hours ago, abbydancer said:

I was on the previous cruise, and while I had a good time, I probably won't sail this ship again unless it was an itinerary I couldn't get another way.

 

The ship has a similar layout to the the Grand (and the dearly departed Star and Golden) it has about 500 more people than the Grand though.  It also has about 100 more than the Ruby/Emerald/Crown.

 

Our crew was great, no complaints there.  However the ship always felt crowded.  There was always a line for coffee at the IC and the only time we got seating was when we were in port. There was always a line at Guest Services, although calling them worked well (we had an issue with our shower temperature and they never really did fix it, although we did get a workaround).  

 

We did have one issue with service at Planks, and they offered us a free repeat, but since we had a Crown Grill reservation, I asked if they'd just take off the charge (old Plus Package) and the assistant manager said he would, but two days later, when I was at Guest services, they said he hadin't done it, so they did.

 

I also don't like the size of the Wheelhouse dance floor, and on this cruise they had the good dance bands in the Piazza a lot of the time, which has a mosaic floor, and thus hazardous.

 

And finally, to see a production show you had to get to the theater about 45 early.

 

We still had a nice time, but I didn't love the ship.

 

You are absolutely correct on many of your points.  The Wheelhouse is the Wheelhouse.  At least this class of ship still has one.  It has always been too small for dancing with many couples.

 

I complained about the party band/dance band in the Piazza.  They belong in Explorer's Lounge.  Not only was it loud...but not a good place for dancing.  AND....they played after 10 sometimes.  

 

Princess needs to do something about their theater shows.  Too many passengers, not enough seats.  Time to add a third show back.

[Wichenford Wolf]

In response to the OP, by now you’ll probably be addicted to cruising. Enjoy many years on board like most of us have. I only wish we had discovered this type of holiday years before 2008 (when we went with our two daughters to the Caribbean on the very nearly new Ruby Princess).

 

We’re on CB a week on Monday with two friends from Colorado Springs we made on an Alaska Cruisetour four years ago. We plan to have a very special vacation 🛳🍹

[Negril60]

I sailed the Caribbean Princess when she was new. What a beautiful ship. I just sailed her last March on a partial Panama Canal Cruise. I  had a balcony on the Riviera Deck. Every thing worked fine. The staff is great. The first night( to be expected) there were some lines in the dining room. After that you could walk right in and be seated. After we returned , some people on facebook were speaking of the aweful smells and the shape of the ship. I walked 10,000 steps every morning before breakfast. I covered a lot of area. I never smelled anything. You will have a great time. I will be sailing her again October 19th again with some ladies I met in the Panama Canal.

[GonzoWCS]

On 9/29/2023 at 3:21 PM, Wichenford Wolf said:

In response to the OP, by now you’ll probably be addicted to cruising. Enjoy many years on board like most of us have. I only wish we had discovered this type of holiday years before 2008 (when we went with our two daughters to the Caribbean on the very nearly new Ruby Princess).

 

We’re on CB a week on Monday with two friends from Colorado Springs we made on an Alaska Cruisetour four years ago. We plan to have a very special vacation 🛳🍹

Will be looking forward to your post-cruise report  🙂

 

Cheers

[Ken the cruiser]

For those interested I’ll be posting to my below Live From CB thread, to include posting our experiences on and off the CB once we board the ship for a 17-day B2B cruise from Quebec to Ft Lauderdale.

 

 

Edited October 11, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[IndyKid]

For those recently aboard the Caribbean Princess, are the 2 formal nights in the MDR scheduled during the sea days?

[NavyVeteran]

It depends on the itinerary - Quebec City to New York, New York to Quebec City, and Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale may be different. Once she is in Caribbean, things may change again.

 

I am on the October 19th cruise from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale with two formal nights and ten smart casual nights.

• The first formal night is already listed in JourneyView in the app. It is October 17th (the first sea day). The first formal night is also the "Captain's Champagne Waterfall".
• The second formal night is not yet listed, but it will be either October 28th or 29th at the end of the cruise. This cruise has three sea days at the end, and the last night is never a formal night.

You can find the formal nights in JourneyView by looking for "Formal Portraits Tonight" in the list of Events as soon as they are listed - sometimes in advance, sometimes not.

[Wichenford Wolf]

22 hours ago, IndyKid said:

For those recently aboard the Caribbean Princess, are the 2 formal nights in the MDR scheduled during the sea days?

We are currently on board Caribbean Princess, journeying from New York to Quebec. There is only one sea day on this cruise and it may well be the second formal night will be then (the penultimate night of the cruise).

 

The first formal night was on the second night of this voyage. We did leave Newport quite early and that might be the reason it was chosen.

 

Hope this helps.

[LRCruzr]

On 9/7/2023 at 12:52 AM, Kitty Ellas Mom said:

I'm on a Canada / New England 10 day on Caribbean Princess in 1.5 weeks.  Obviously I did a lot of research before finalizing my booking, but someone on my roll call just posted that they read the recent reviews and they weren't favorable, so I unwisely read them.  Now I'm worried about things like AC being broken and propulsion issues (but I know in Canada it might be more of an issue if heating didn't work).  I've been on CC long enough to know that a lot of ship reviews are negative, so I take it with a grain of salt, but I'd like to know what people who've cruised recently on the CP think.  This is my 1st cruise so I don't have another ship to compare it to.  What positives and negatives should I expect, now?  I am mostly just looking fwd to a break from my responsibilities at home (I'm traveling solo) so it would be hard for the ship to seriously displease me, although inadequate climate control would be a problem.  

The Ship for Many can be referred to as needing updates. Just Did Caribbean Cruise and Canada New England on the Carib Princess.  Food exceptional, Buffet More than Adequate, Bars are Above Average, Princess Theater is 50% Good Entertainers.  There is NO Climate Control on the Ship other than opening your Door. The Thermistat seems to be just for Show.  It is ALWAYS somewhat Cool in the Cabin. Service throughout the Ship is Above Average. If you like Onboard Games in the Piazza there are Really Fun, Ring Toss, Goofy Golf, Bean Bag Games etc.  Won a couple Medals Just Fun Stuff for ME. The Caribbean Crowds are younger and PARTY.  We were out of Quebec this October..Average age 80, Only 3 kids on the ship. They were under 5 years of age. Go on and Keep a Positive attitude and Allow yourself to have a Fantastic Cruise.