Review of the Crown (minus the list)

[lallainie]

Ok it's 1am on a Sunday and I can't sleep so I figured I will post my review of the 7/11 sailing on the Crown Princess up untill the list. Since the list has been a very hot topic and a somewhat traumatic one for myself as a bit of therepy i'd like to think about the days where my husband and I had the best vacation experience ever. Please ignore the spelling and I appologize in advance for my rambling. :D

 

This was our first cruise and I was lucky enough to find this web site a week prior to our sailing while searching for some kind of information from seasoned cruisers. I found so much fantastic information I was really excited to share my review with you all of this brand new ship.

 

We are from NY so getting to the ship was very easy and we had actually booked this cruise because I have a fear of flying and did not want to fly twice in one year, ironic eh (we did a trip to Cali in May).

 

The terminal in Red Hook I found to be extremely well organized and their were plenty of people around to assist us in where to go and what to do. We dropped our luggage and went inside. At 1pm it took about 30 minutes to get through and on the boat. We went directly to our room (E416 portside) where we were immediatly greeted by Reggie our steward. Reggie is fantastic, he is right on top of things and very concerned that you have everything you need. From their we set out to explore the ship it didn't take long to notice how beautiful it really is.

 

The room was perfect for us. We were surprised to find that the "obstructed view" was not obstructed at all. One negative we did have was when our brand new luggage was delivered it was almost the last to make it on the ship and was damaged badly (torn and bent) as if it got stuck in the machine (and yes we gave the man who took our bags a very nice tip). I did pack 3 big bottles of wine which made it on with no problem we then asked at a bar for glasses. I would fill my glass and enjoy it with dinner.

 

Our first night we ate in the Michelangelo dinning room and although I wasn't impressed with the food my husband was plesantly surprised. We ended up at the Divinci dinning room the following day due to the slightly differing times of the two restaurants and found the food in the Divinci dinning room to be much better.

 

We're gambling folk so we spent most of our nights down at Gatsby's Casino. We had a great time with the dealers there and Javier our waiter knew our names and made sure we had anything we needed. We both participated in the blackjack tourny and we both qualified. I represented all of the women on the ship and was estatic to come in 3rd place. They gave us all t-shirts and the 2nd and 3rd place winners got hats, playing cards, and an ice cold beer in one of those little drink holder thingies. Congrats again to Stewart for winning the 500 dollar prize.

 

Our first port of call was Grand Turk. All of the excursions were ship sponsord. We chose the glass bottom kayaking and snorkling. Based on what the cataloge said i though we would be kayaking to an area for snorkling, this was not the case.

 

We got into a beat up bus and took a 30 minute drive to an area where our guides met us. They escorted us down to the docking area where we put on our lifevests and got into our 2 persons kayaks. We paddled our way through the mangroves into a wide open area where we could follow our guide who kept pulling stuff out of the water to show us, or we could go exploring on our own in the area. The whole kayaking event took about 2 hours i believe, I remember it being very long. We then made our way back to the bus which took us to another location to snorkle. The snorkling was amazing! The water was so clear and in the area we were in if your a chicken (like we are) you didn't have to go very far into the ocean to see some really cool reefs with tons of fish inhabiting them. There was even an old anchor decorating where we were.

 

The whole excursion took about 5 hours and we had enough time to go to all of the local shops at the dock and made it inside just before the rain started.

 

The next day we arrived in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I was a bit worried about Jamaica due to what friends have experienced and from what i've read online plus the fact were people who don't like to be hassled, so I booked our excursion on the boat which made me feel safer. We did the Green Grotto Caves and Dunn's River Falls.

 

We had the best time on this excursion i've ever had!!! We took a 45 minute bus ride up to where the caves are situated, the ride was a breeze since our guide was very good. She told us all about Jamaica and it's history which was very interesting. The caves were fantastic, again we had a great guide who was extremely knowledgeble and quite entertaining.

 

After the caves a 40 minute drive back down to Dunn's river Falls where we made the climb. I had seen everyone saying you have to do this if you go to Jamaica and I can't agree more!!! When we got their we meet our guide who after a bathroom stop brought us down to the area in which to start the climb. He took all of our cameras for safekeeping and my god he did a fabulous job, not one drop of water on my camera. He would also stop at certain areas and take our pictures for us with our cameras and he knew exactlly who's belonged to who so their was no hassle whatsoever. On our way up the falls we also had a camera man filming and were offered the option to buy a dvd for 40 bucks or a VHS for 30. He was the only person I met in Jamaica who I found to be pushy. However not once was I offered drugs and while shopping in the Island Villiage afterwards not one person harrased us.

 

Our 3rd port was in Grand Caymen which I hate to admit was my least favorite stop. I went to Grand Caymen with the goal of bringing back a bottle of Big Black Dick's rum for each of my girlfriends, unfortunatly I found out there not allowed to sell it on Sunday's. We got off the boat bright and early at 8am and scheduled a later excursion figuring we'd shop first, only to find 90 percent of the stores closed and an island that was more like a ghost town.

 

We did the semi sub see and see and after taking a short bus ride to a small dock we got on a catameran which took us out by where the stingray sand bar is. We then boarded a semi sub which goes about 5 feet into the water, and watched as Lenny played with the stingrays. He was amazing, Martin the Captian said hold on a sec Lenny will go get the stingrays... and he did. They all came following right behind him, he feed them and brought them right up to the glass. From there we went back to the bus and took of basicly every tourist area in Grand Caymen. We drove by seven mile beach, went to Hell (i thought it would be bigger), the turtle farm (also a bit of a dissapointment but very good shopping and the best prices we had seen on the island), and a stop for rum cake. Then back to the boat. Had I known better we would have just spent the day at seven mile beach.

 

We only lounged pool side three of the days, hubby hates baking in the sun, and found out that the earlier the better when trying to get a seat. Although I generally used to pool where MUTS is located. I found that the other pool tended to be more crowded and roudy, but the live music at that pool was fantastic. Where the movie side was is much more relaxed and even around 10-11am you can still get a pretty good seat to see the movies.

 

Although we intended to go to many more shows than we did (blasted casino) we did make it to one of the comedians. He was ok but like its been said before its good clean family humor. We had heard from other passangers that "destination anywhere" was awful but the hypnotist and international show were must sees.

 

The buffet was what was to be expected, I felt it had a decent selection but it's still buffet food. They also say it's open 24 hours, which is a lie, it's not. You can however get room service 24 hours which basicly consisted of 4 different choices of sandwhich, hamburgers, hotdogs, salad and a few desserts. We took full advantage of room service after a few nights of late gambling and heavy drinking and for what they offer its very good food.

 

We ate at Sabatini's and absolutly loved it! They put us at the table right in front of the fountain which was really nice and all you have to do is decided which entree you want. Everything else on the menu is brought out to you in small portions and the food is excellent! Well worth the extra cost.

 

We also ate at the Crown Grill...twice. Our first time we had a table toward the hall area where people go at night to see the pictures the photographers had taken of them and we felt like we were in a petting zoo. It got very crowded out there during our dinner and it did take away from the experience. The second time we asked for a table in the back and we had a much better time. The food is really good, I had the filet which was excellent and their mashed potatoes are to die for. Our waiter was so nice he didn't even think I was crazy when I asked for extra mashed potatoes to bring up to my room, he had a fresh plate made up for me and had room service deliver, it was great!

 

I also had the pleasure of getting a manicure and pedicure at the Lotus Spa (since we did so well at Gasbys, Yay). Yolande was amazing and although I turned a little green at the price it was so worth it. Almost a week later and my nails still look fantastic I don't think i've ever felt as relaxed as I did after that trip to the spa.

 

We were told on our sailing that the Crown was full and although there was 3100 passangers on board you really only noticed during the muster drill, otherwise the ship was pretty quiet as there was such a variety of things for people to do.

 

By the time we had hit Port Canaveral we were whipped out and figured its only Florida, so we slept late had a nice quiet lunch and sat up at MUTS and watched Shrek. We were thrilled to find out we didn't have to wake up early to go through customs. At 2:30ish we left Port Canaveral and you all know the rest.

 

I must say despite the last two days we really had an amazing 6 1/2 and I hope all future Crown passangers have an amazing vacation!

[Overworked]

I am so glad to hear about your cruise ( it sounded great) up until the episode at the end.

 

Question for you.

 

You said you ate at the Crown grill twice & Sabatinis once.

 

If you could only go to one of the two , which one would you choose ?

[azdmelani]

Can I ask which obstructed view cabin you had? I will be in E425 on our cruise and was wondering how it was.

 

Thanks!

[lallainie]

Overworked... that kind of a toughie Sabatini's was great for really good Italien foob but the Grill was a steak lovers dream. I'd have to say the Grill, thier mashed potatoes trump Sabatinis. They have a nice 4oz lobster included in the cover charge that was delicious also.

 

azdmelani... we were in E416 and the room was perfect for us. The only thing I would suggest is bringing your own pillows from home, their pillows sucked. We had the beds in a queen configuration, tv, frigde, a very nice view. They fit 2 side tables and a desk/chair in it as well and the closet space was ample to accomidate my over packing. The bathrooms are also very small which we did expect.

[ugly]

Thanks for your review Lillainie! Would you be able to tell us whether they still offer drinks of the day on the Crown? What are the approximate drink prices for alcoholic beverages?

 

Thank you!

[lallainie]

For beer the prices went from 4.25 for say a Becks up to 6 dollars. Wine was 4 dollars and up per glass or 22 dollars and up for a bottle (bring your own) and mixed drinks like strawberry margaritas were close to 7 dollars, you could also get double glasses for double the price. The only thing I was surprised about was the 10 dollar fruit punch we bought (no alcohol) and soda was 2 dollars a can without the soda card.

 

They do offer drinks of the day (one day it was Mojitos mmm $6.25) They also offer times where they teach you how to make the drink of the day.

[Nliedel]

Excellent review! Thank you for posting it. Hang tight on the stress. This too shall pass. I've not slept in days, but I know I will soon and so will all of us. Humans are resiliant. That said, talk to someone if you need to.

[lallainie]

I think with everyday and every person I tell the story too I begin to relax just a little bit more, although a trip to the spa for a massage might be in order. Isn't it amazing being in a crowed area and just thinking all these people have no idea what i've just been through... Nliedel if you have time take a trip to bath and body works and pick up some lavender oils, a hot bath with lavender in it, a nice massage from the hubby with it or even just rubbing some into your hands and feet will help you sleep.

[Nliedel]

I think with everyday and every person I tell the story too I begin to relax just a little bit more, although a trip to the spa for a massage might be in order. Isn't it amazing being in a crowed area and just thinking all these people have no idea what i've just been through... Nliedel if you have time take a trip to bath and body works and pick up some lavender oils, a hot bath with lavender in it, a nice massage from the hubby with it or even just rubbing some into your hands and feet will help you sleep.

 

I just spit Diet Coke all over the screen. You are unintentionally hysterical. My husband does not do massage. Oh he will, when pressed, but the kvetching is not worth the asking. :p

 

Hmm, it's not a bad idea though. A massage. Will have to think about that.

[lallainie]

Ha yeah i'm thinking about going out for one since my husband has pizza man hands and ends up hurting more than helping, how many time can ya tell someone your not dough.

It's the lavander thats the key though the aromatherapy of it is naturaly relaxing and sleep inducing. :D

[azdmelani]

Thank you for the advice!!

[Clipper T]

Hello Lallainie

Let me compliment you on a great review. I have searched the boards for an answer to a few questions but have come up empty so I am hoping you can answer them for me. This will be our 22nd cruise but only the second on Princess and first personel choice.

We are not planning on wearing formal attire, did you see any smart casual dress in the dining rooms and does Princess request you stay dressed formally the entire night?

[Merion_Mom]

I saw no requests about remaining in formal wear the entire night, but most people seemed to. And most people really did dress up beautifully for the occasion.

 

Maybe they had a premonition that we weren't going to HAVE a second formal night.......................:D :D

[Sandytoes]

Thanks for the great trip report, Lallainie.

Glad to hear the list did not affect your opinion of the Crown.

 

DH & I will be cruising on 8\7....I'm thinking of getting a manicure and pedicure at the Lotus Spa. But, I don't know if I should have my nails because it's time consuming and costly.

[Nliedel]

Thanks for the great trip report, Lallainie.

Glad to hear the list did not affect your opinion of the Crown.

 

DH & I will be cruising on 8\7....I'm thinking of getting a manicure and pedicure at the Lotus Spa. But, I don't know if I should have my nails because it's time consuming and costly.

 

I got the, $44.00 hand thing (exotic hands), it was nice, but not much better than the manicure I get up the street for 14 bucks.

[Cindy2]

lallainie,

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. We're booked on the 11/4 sailing and after your review we'll definitely being reserving the Crown Grill.

 

However, $10.00 for fruit punch? Where was that? My kids could run up quite a big bill that way! They don't drink much soda so I don't buy the card. Thanks for the post, I've been a little nervous.

[caviargal]

Did you use the Sanctuary? If yes, was it full?

 

Just wondering how the $15 per half day charge is working for them.

[lallainie]

Ok a few answers to your questions...

The formal night was actually way more formal than I imagined it would be. Gentlemen in their tux's and women ranging from simple dresses to ball gowns. Alot of the younger girls looked as if they wore their prom dresses and i'd say the majority of people stayed dressed up. My hubby and I however changed after dinner before we parked ourselves in the casino.

 

They say in the dinning rooms that you be dressed in smart casual, no shorts or t-shirts and on formal night for you to be dressy. It was actually a nice night to wear something i've had in my closet forever but seldom find an oportunity to wear.

 

I loved the mani/pedi at Lotus. I chose to wear a dark plum color on my nails thinking it would last the whole trip... a few days in it was a wreck so the trip to Lotus made me feel much better. If you do go for both make sure you book with Yolande, she was fantastic.

 

The fruit punch we got at one of the pool side bars. I gotta admit it was some dam good fruit punch (they mixed the juices themselves) but 10 bucks and no alcohol (we added that in our room, banana rum and fruit punch are an excellent combo) a glass guaranteed I didn't go back for more. To be fair they were double glasses. They do have ice water, iced tea, hot tea and coffee for free 24 hours a day. They also have crandberry and oj in the buffets for free for breakfast. I'm sure if you asked during the day for some they'd be happy to get it for you.

 

We did not use the sanctuary at all. Personally I feel $15 bucks is too much to ask, and since my hubby hates to bake in the sun too long and I hate to sit at the pool by myself, we passed on the sanctuary. Between 10 and 3 at the MUTS pool was very relaxing and not too packed. From the people that I had talked to about the sanctuary though they all said it didn't get packed.

 

A side note about bringing alcohol on board... since I hate to pay so much extra for it. We brought 3 big bottles of red wine on board with us packed in our suitcase. I also brought a water bottle full of vodka. At Jamaica we bought a bottle of bannana rum and I put it in my beach bag which went right through security without a problem. We would mix drinks in our room and bring them with us or pour a few glasses of wine for dinner and make a few stops to the room here and there. Mind you when you do order drinks on the boat there is a service charge and they charge you for every single time for every single drink even though its only a few cents added it does get a bit coastly after only a few days. To put it into perspective, for 10 beers we spent just under 50 bucks, on land you can get a 12 pack for 16 bucks (Bass Ales).

 

In Jamaica they were at the ship selling rum while passangers were getting back on from their excursions and in Grand Caymen you had to purchase your liquor before 1pm so that it could be delivered to the ship. A word of advise... buy your alcohol in Jamaica, if you pay cash you can carry your own onboard. What you can buy in Jamaica and what you can buy in Grand Caymen is exactlly the same except for Big Black Dick's rum... which you can't get on sundays. I never saw the bottle of wine I bought in Grand Caymen, also because the last thing I wanted to do was bother people about a bottle of wine when so much was going on.