...another 7/2 Crown review

[moonmom]

Just returned Tuesday from the 7/2 sailing of the Crown Princess. Our group had a fantastic cruise! I just read through some of the other’s reviews and comments, and while I certainly appreciate their honest opinions, I just had a different experience…

 

Like a lot of the posters on this board before my cruise I tend to over plan and prepare, trying to get all of the information beforehand (just part of the anticipation I think)…but the moment I get onboard I just tend to take the days as they come and play it by ear….

 

Embarkation: We arrived earlier than we thought we would due to very light traffic…about 10:30am and were checked in by about 11am. Porters were readily available to take our luggage…the rest of our group arrived a little later and encountered the long lines to drop off their luggage. We boarded the ship by noon.

 

Stateroom: My mom and I were in PS Aloha 750. The room was very pretty, but as a comparison not as roomy as the Grand Suite on RCCL voyager. I did like that the toilet and sink were in one room and the shower/tub were in a different one. The closet was a little small as far as space to hang clothes. The balcony was worth the price of admission though with nice teak furniture… a table and 4 chairs and 2 full size loungers and a side table. Our room was next to the a/c unit on the back of the ship…which was pretty loud and created a breeze when you were close to the railing. There was little to no sun on the balcony because of the position of the ship on all but maybe two days. It was very private and could not be viewed from above. It was very quiet in the back of the ship…even with the terrace pool above.

 

My friends had the 2 balcony cabins below us and my sis and family were in caribe 534. The rooms and balconies appeared to be pretty much the same dimensions. The caribe balcony was half covered, half open, and seen to be a good choice for those who would like to get a little more sun (am sun going south and pm sun coming back north).

 

Our cabin steward, Somchai, was very good as far as all of the basics. Towels, making up the room and fixing the sofa bed when we went to dinner. I took advantage of the included laundry and dry cleaning services.

 

Room Service: We liked that all of the menus were available in our room and being in the suite we were able to order from them…we ordered appetizers from the dinner menu on 2 occasions to have with our pre-dinner cocktails. They were always prompt with the deliveries.

 

Food: The buffets were just fine..i don’t eat breakfast so I can’t comment on that, but there was a big selection during lunch and dinner…only had a problem finding a seat once after a port day…everyone was hungry at the same time and we couldn’t use the part of the caribe café that was being set up for dinner. I didn’t mind the set-up at all…jumping around from station to station rather than standing in one long line. The pizza was very good as well as the hamburgers.

 

We chose anytime dining and requested the first waiters that we had each night we dined there, hector and alex.. we were told to make a ressie each day; we couldn’t reserve for the whole cruise…

 

There was always something on the menu that satisfied our hunger…but I wouldn’t necessarily say anything was out of this world must haves but definitely good.

 

7 out of our group of 10 went to Crown Grill and Sabatini’s. We really enjoyed our meals, the food and service, but especially the laughs we had together. We made both sets of reservations on the 2nd day of the cruise without a problem…but after a few days when we wanted to increase from 7 to 10 in sabatini’s, they were not able to accommodate us. I checked for cancellations that afternoon but again they were booked. It was a little disturbing that there were plenty of empty tables, including the 10 top that went unused for our entire meal at 9pm to about 1130. Not sure what happened there. Our waitress ramona was excellent, as well as the food…great night.

 

Entertainment: I am not one to go to the shows so I cannot comment from my personal experience…but some in my group went to a few of the shows and enjoyed them. I enjoyed some of princess idol in club fusion and laughed hysterically at the “dance heads” that was set up in the back of the club…too funny……

 

I enjoyed the pool bands and also the musical entertainment at the various venues. I probably hung out most at wheelhouse and club fusion because they actually had smoking sections…rare in the indoor venues…I’m sure many will be happy with that! Skywalkers has a very young crowd and they seemed to be having a lot of fun.

 

Pools: Never had a problem with finding a lounge chair on the deck above the pool…We preferred to hang out there rather than on the pool level because of the crowds there……..but the lounges were hard to come by on the terrace (adult only) pool in the back of the ship….big time chair hogs…my friend would go the gym early in the morning only to find all of the chairs with towels on them and no people! Oh well there were plenty of other quiet spots that were empty…

 

never used the sanctuary but it never looked crowded there to me. There was a large section of lounges just outside that area with very few people in them whenever I walked there.

 

Piazza: Loved this area and tried to get ready early for dinner to just walk around and have a drink, listen to music, window shop. Yes the cookies were delicious, especially the chocolate chips…had sushi one night before dinner and it was very good. Tried numerous times to utilize the internet café, but I was never able to retrieve my mail on optimum online….people seemed to be able to use other email programs though…never even bothered to take out the laptop to test out the wireless internet…would’ve used it if available in the cabin though.

 

Every member of the crew that I encountered was friendly, professional and provided great service…

 

Had a lot of fun in the casino…but did not come home a winner…or a big loser...so that was good!

 

Ports: Yes, the grand turk disappointment…oh well what are you gonna do? Someone screwed up…I thought the 200pp was generous…honestly I didn’t expect anything but was pleasantly surprised…and had no problems spending it onboard…

 

Puerto Rico: I was happy to be on dry land again and as I have been there before I just walked around for a while, went to the casino and got back onboard early before the rush…had lunch and relaxed at the pool.

St. Thomas: 3 of us hopped in a cab and went to magen’s bay…just beautiful…too short a time but this I knew going into it…had a little time to shop for liquor on the way back…was hoping they would take the 6 bottles from me but because of the crowds they did not…had to carry it all the way back to the cabin…wasn’t planning on drinking it anyway…good deals though!

 

Bermuda: The wait for cabs was sooo long and since it was a Sunday there were fewer available. After waiting a while, half our party walked to snorkel park….we were the second ones there and it was very pretty…great snorkeling..clean, rentals, snack bar and upstairs bar with fantastic views.

 

We left there at about noon and easily caught a cab to horseshoe bay – possibly the most beautiful place I have ever been…it was crowded when we arrived but people started to leave by about 1:30 or so. Took a walk to the left through the rock formations – so many scenic spots – we hated to leave! Left by 3:15 and was back at the wharf by 3:45 to do a little shopping at the clock tower mall before returning to the ship. I left Bermuda knowing that I had to return there…….stunning.

 

Disembarkation: Our color was brown/maroon 3…about halfway down the list of colors…we were in the terminal with luggage in hand by 9:45….and back to long island by 11am….

 

Our group ranged in age from 13 to 72, and there was plenty to keep everyone happy…I left the ship feeling that the cruise was long enough to not feel bad about returning home…and bringing with me wonderful memories of an awesome vacation.

 

I am sure I left something out so feel free to ask any questions that you may have. I will provide a link to my pics as soon as they are uploaded!

 

Happy sails!

 

jane

[Guest BeckyThane]

Thank you, Jane!!!

 

~ Becky

[maltesemom]

Thanks for a great review. Did you take any photos? Would love to see them.

[cook5]

Thank you for the post Jane. We are from Long Island, too and are crusing on the Crown next week, 7/20. Frankly we were getting worried with all the negative posts lately. Glad you had a great time.

[Host CJSKIDS]

Thanks Jane. Sounds like you had lots of fun and it was nice to read the a balanced review. We're in a PS suite on Caribe in November also next to the AC unit. Not happy to hear about the noise but I'm sure we'll still love the experience.

 

From a former Long Island girl! (Actually West Islip prior to here!)

Carolyn

[barbarah33]

Thank you for such a nice review. It's great to hear something other than all negatives!

[funduo]

moonmom, thanks so much for your review. Its refreshing to feel what you are reading is an objective review by someone looking to have fun and just flows with life enjoying everything.

I have just a few questions... Were there any pools or hot tubs open after midnight? In St Thomas, did the cabs charge per person or per trip and what was the charge to go to megans bay? - Thanks so much!

 

Cook5 - We will be traveling with you. We have, what seems to be, a very active and fun CC Group. Join us if you like. The link is: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=166147&goto=newpost

Have a great cruise

[IKE]

Really appreciated your balanced review of your cruise. So many people are finding so many negatives with the new "Crown". I feel for the passengers that missed going to "Grand Turk". However I feel the $200 per person Shipboard Credit was reasonable. I could spend it quite easily myself. However, missing this Port of Call would not ruin my cruise. It is only a 5 hr. stop and really not much to see or do here. I, myself will be sailing "Crown" in Sept. and I am looking forward to stopping at Grand Turk and Bermuda only because I have never been to these islands. It will be something different to see. So I am happy You had a lovely cruise and missing Grand Turk didnot ruin your trip.

[Sandytoes]

What a nice, refreshing review of the Crown.

It's great to know someone who knows how to enjoy a new ship.

I believe we'll see continued improvement in certain area's, we just have to give Princess time.

 

I wished I heard better reviews on the dining. It seems that most agree that there really isn't much to write home about. Sad! I hope Princess gets wind of this. Food does make a difference in ratings, weather on land or sea.

 

"Chair Hogs". shame on them....

I say toss the Chair Hogs all overboard and let the rest of us civilized folks enjoy our cruise without them...You paid a lot of money for your cruise, you deserve to enjoy every part of the ship just as others do.

 

Casino - how was that? 3% service charge? Cashless slot machine?

 

I hope you took pictures. We would love to see them.

[dmerc]

moonmom, what a great review, now I don't have to write one since you did such a great job.

I was one of the friends with moonmon and her family and all I can say is, my family and I had a great vacation. Was there things that were not perfect yes, but that did not ruin our trip in anyway. I was the one who went to the gym and was at the terrace pool by 8 am and the towels were all over the chairs, I just went to other spots on the ship and found chairs. Life is too short to worry about a chair by the pool. I was there to have a great 9 days and make the best of it, and my family and I did just that.

Yes it was dissapointing to not go to T & C but it was something that I had no control over. I was not expecting anything from princess because those things happen but was very happy with the credit. I came off the ship with my lowest bill ever.

Had so many laughs and good memories with moonmom and her familiy and we will do it again next year.

Moonie see you on LBI in 2 weeks!

[moonmom]

Hi again everyone....i've uploaded my pics...you should be able to view them here or in my signature line...hope you enjoy them!

http://community.webshots.com/album/552216696fvzkEt

 

Sandytoes: mom and i spent MUCH time in the casino...we play poker slots...i'd say we broke even...(isn't that what most gamblers would say??!!) I loved the cashless system...its easy to set up your account right at the machine and you can debit and credit your casino account with no service charge...the 3% charge does apply to cash advances from your onboard account and i used it more than i'd like to admit...when i was lucky enough to win i cashed out at the casino window and promptly brought my cash to the pursers desk to keep my charges down! The people in the casino were very helpful to those who needed assistance setting up their account...but bring a sweater it was COLD in there! When we stopped in PR i withdrew cash from the ATM in the casino there...it was only a 1.50 charge while the bank right outside it was more!

 

funduo: the charge to go to megan's bay was per person...i believe it was 8 + tip each way...there were people directing you to cabs on both ends...they do wait for them to fill up before they leave...we didn't wait too long though. Couldn't tell you about anything being open after midnight...but i do know the casino was open til 3am!

 

cjskids: please...don't worry about the noise...it will not ruin your experience...dmerc was right below me and it really didn't bother her...you are 1 deck down from there...enjoy! I grew up in west islip! graduated in '78...small world!

 

dmerc: yes i will see you soon!! can't wait..........we'll have to put a dent in those st thomas purchases! ;)

 

jane

[galelynn]

Moonmom thanks for the pictures, we sail on 10/27/06 the repo cruise.

[Mrs. Gump]

moonmon-

great pix - thanks for sharing.

I feel the same way about Bermuda. DH and I honeymooned there 16 years ago. Of all the islands I've been to, Bermuda is my favorite. Refined beauty!

[mississauga]

Thanks for the great review and pictures. Nice to hear you had a good time!

[Mr Veendam06]

Hi very good review . We we going to be on the cruise with you but had to cancell do to illness in the family . Did you find it hard to get diner res. when you wanted it . We rebooked for august 25th cruise now . Great photos thanks alot for puuting them on line .

Mr Veendam:)

[bluefintuna]

Thanks for the review and the pictures are great. Haven't been to Bermuda in a long time. How much was the cab to Horseshoe Bay? Was there any shade there? What else did you do there? Can't wait for 9/30 cruise.

[cruzjunkie22]

Moonmom,

Those pics were FABULOUS!!!!!!!:p

Most looked like postcard pics. I loved the rainbow's in St. T. and the different pool pics.

I still have 3 more months before I'm "Crowned", but enjoyed reading your balanced review.

Mer

[Sandytoes]

WOW ! ! What great pictures....You really had a nice vacation.....

The Desserts.............Hummmmm.....

The Cabin ..................OOOOHHH...

Rainbow....Blue Seas....Balcony shots --Outstanding....

 

Thanks for posting....Enjoyed so much, will look at them again.....

Thanks for the casino update.

 

Can I ask you another question, I am planning to go to Horseshoe Bay. You took a cab? How much was it? Should I take a cab or bus? What is easier?

On another post they said a man is there to drive you up the hill, was he there? $1.00? Any shells? I noticed not many people with chairs. Can you rent chairs and umbrellas there? Sorry, so many questions......Please give me details, if you have the time.

Thanks...

[TexasMom2]

Moonmon, great pictures...I loved the closeup of the pink sand. You should have that blown up and framed...it would be really pretty with a white matte and black frame.

[LARGIN]

Thanks for the pics and the review...

[F5Loar]

Your excellent review pretty much nailed the one I would have given for our 7/23 on the Crown which did the same ports. We did go to GT and I would compare it to being better than any private island I've been too like Princess Cays or HalfMoon Cay. The addition of Buffet's big place gave us a great fresh water pool (I thought sure it would be salt water but it was fresh our week), and the resturant/bar right there with DJ music and entertainment made this place a great stop. Next time we will probably do snorkeling there which we've heard was great. One odd thing about GT is they(Carnival,Buffet and others) build this great port stop with all new high dollar building and don't bother to put in telephone lines and internet lines. Not one phone in that area. You had to go into town to find a phone. I know local cell phones worked but it's nice to be able to call home on a port stop. I do agree that almost every night it was hard to choose from the main DR menus but with the old standbys every night you couldn't go away hungry. It's not that it was bad it just wasn't great. And having to pay extra every night to eat elsewhere makes no sense either. I know some do that. The International Cafe was confusing on what was free and what had a charge to it. One reviewer said the tapas were free but our week they were $1 each. Same for the sushi. But cookies were free anytime as well as some other things but the majority of the things there had a charge. After 11PM they changed it out to mini sandwhichs and other goodies that were free but you didn't know that unless you asked. There was no sign hanging up saying "FREE FOOD" after 11PM so many didn't enjoy it. Same for pizza. Many thought the pizza had a charge to it since it was right next to the ice cream parlor which did have a charge to it. Our week had a few disappointments in entertainment.

Seems the comedy acts interfereed with our eating times at night or you would miss the main show. One afternoon the Platter said "Hard Days Night" would be shown at MUTS but when we got there in time for it another movie was playing. The reason we were told is that they had no DVD of Hard Days Night on the ship yet the CD seemed to think it was there. Bad planning there. Chair hogs were there our week too but we did noticed some staff enforcing the 30 min. rule if only a towel was left. I agree the $15 charge for the Sancuary was a bit steep and there was very little use of it. They should at least allow any spa treatment to allow you a few hours there. Only the ones booked in the tents there got the one hour free our week. I called it the "Sanitorium" because you would have to be crazy to spend $15 for a cool seat on a ship for 4 hours. They need to work on that immigration check in SanJuan. That was a sore point our week. Getting on and off this ship was a breeze. Great cruise, great ports of call on a great ship run by great staff. What more could ask for?

[Suncat]

Thank you for the post Jane. We are from Long Island, too and are crusing on the Crown next week, 7/20. Frankly we were getting worried with all the negative posts lately. Glad you had a great time.

 

Hi Cook5 - there are over 200 of us on the 7/20/06 roll call - come join in!

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=166147

 

 

Jane, thanks for your review. Even if there are a few hicups in a cruise, so what... - people need to get on with having fun, life is too short to complain about almost every little thing! We'll be sailing in a week!:D