Caribbean Princess - suite with kids and premium package - Iceland and Greenland - AMA

[cr8tiv1]

On 8/14/2024 at 9:53 PM, BarneyCat said:

Reserve dining was just a section of the MDR on deck six. Aside from day two when there were delays and chaos getting everyone seated it was a case of walking up and being seated straight away. MDR fare which was good, sometimes great, sometimes poor. It’s a nice perk to not have to book or queue. 

 

@BarneyCat, I tried to find you, but never was successful.  I was looking for "kids".  Were you the family with the 2 boys and Stanley Bear?

 

One of the best part of Reserve Collection dining is that Princess has made an effort to make this a really nice place.  For breakfast and lunch (on port days), this is the only section open on Deck 6/Midship.  The MDR for all other passengers was moved to the AFT dining room (Palms), Deck 6.  So it was very quiet for those meals.

 

Dayesh (host) was fantastic.  So was Paco (Assistant Manager), Andrii and MA Christa.

 

I showed the Customer Service Supervisor a note about smoking in the casino (Princess website said that there would be designated no smoking nights).  I received a call from Sabastian (I think, casino manager).  As always, he said the website was incorrect and that smoking is allowed every day of the cruise.  He would address the message on the website (to have it removed).  We had a very long "talk".  He said that he had spoken to a few people who were smoking and not playing.  He did offer to "monitor" the slot I was at, but I chose not to be in the casino often enough for him to police.  And the CB still has a Churchill's (not arcade).  Disappointed with Princess and smoking policy.

 

 

[BarneyCat]

9 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

@BarneyCat, I tried to find you, but never was successful.  I was looking for "kids".  Were you the family with the 2 boys and Stanley Bear?

Yes, two boys and a Stanley Bear! 

[cr8tiv1]

6 hours ago, BarneyCat said:

Yes, two boys and a Stanley Bear! 

 

Yes, my sister and I did meet your family and Stanley Bear at Sabatini's a few mornings.  I hope Stanley is resting after such an exciting journey.  Do you mind if I add a few thoughts about my time on this cruise also?  Actually, it may be long winded (but I really don't want to start a new thread).

[BarneyCat]

3 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Do you mind if I add a few thoughts about my time on this cruise also?

Of course, go ahead. I was hoping it would be a useful thread for those considering similar cruises in the future. 

[2old4this]

On 8/8/2024 at 3:55 PM, BarneyCat said:

Hello!

 

I was hoping to do a live during this cruise, but we’ve been so busy and now we’re on the stretch back home so that’s gone out the window. Instead, with four sea days ahead of us, I wondered if I could help answer any questions? This forum was so helpful to me when planning so I’d love to give something back. And if I don’t know the answer I’m sure one of my fellow passengers will…

 

 So for context, we’re a couple in our 40s with two children. We’re in a suite after booking in April for a July departure. We’re on the 16 night itinerary from Southampton to Iceland and Greenland. 
 

Can I answer anything for anyone?

What did you do while visiting Greenland? It is on my travel list to do. I read somewhere that Denmark constructed a showpiece of a prison there just to keep the locally convicted close to families. Please comment! Jack

[2old4this]

1 minute ago, 2old4this said:

What did you do while visiting Greenland? It is on my travel list to do. I read somewhere that Denmark constructed a showpiece of a prison there just to keep the locally convicted close to families. Please comment! Jack

Lastly, were the port stops on Iceland and Greenland worth leaving ship? Were you able to try the thermal waters? Did you visit the Puffin bird colonies while in Iceland? What would you suggest was the best port stop of them all - and tell why. Jack

[2old4this]

On 8/10/2024 at 4:51 AM, BarneyCat said:

The internet is fine - slow to load sometimes, and FaceTime can be blocky, but it’s absolutely amazing to be connected in the middle of the ocean and it’s come forward so far since we last cruised. I’ve had no issues around the ship, but in some places it’s been slower than others - for example when docked outside nanortalik a couple of days ago. 
 

Best things - the lobster ravioli at Sabatinis, the lamb chops in the MDR, the granola parfait at the suite breakfast in sabatinis, and the ameretto crème brûlée in the MDR. Oh, and piping hot fresh pizza from Slices. 
 

Worst things - I was disappointed with a steak in the MDR the other night. I forget the cut but it came with a red wine sauce and it was gristly. Last night’s fillet mignon in Crown Grill wasn’t good either. I don’t think I’m particularly fussy, but I’d have been disappointed with both if paying in a restaurant. And the chocolate cake that is a premium dessert was gross - liquid was coming out of it on the plate. 

We are cruising on Caribbean Princess out of Orlando on 23 December, 8 days, and will visit Mexico twice and once each in Honduras and Belize. I'm reading your reporting on the oozing liquid from the cake and the unsatisfactory meals with fillet mignon and the gristly steak. The lobster at Sabatinis holds promise as do 'hot' and fresh pizza slices from Slices. Thanks! Jack