7/24 Carribean Princess Review - Long !

[marc b]

DW and I just got back from a wonderful time aboard the CP. Since this board gave us a lot of help, figured we would pay it foward. Forgive me if this gets a bit winded. This was approximately our 15th cruise, 2nd on Princess (we were previously on the Grand in 2002).

 

Pre-cruise: We flew into Ft. Lauderdale a day early and stayed at Amerisuites on 17th Street. A fine hotel for an overnight stay before a trip. Shuttle picked us up at airport, and dropped us off at Port the next day. We walked to Publix for cruise goodies - beer, soda, water, etc. There is also a Winn Dixie there. Ate at Outback, as we were tired from the journey, and it is a stone's throw from hotel (Happy Hour is 4-7...)

 

Embarkation: Could not have been easier - got to the Port a bit before noon, and despite hundreds of people in line, we were in our cabin within 20 minutes - unbelievably efficient ! We walked on with water, 7-Up and Diet Coke in our bags and no problems. Our heavy bags showed up an hour or two later. Hard liquor made it through intact in plastic flasks.

 

Cabin: We had a mini-suite on Dolphin Deck. Our Cabin Steward, Jun, was awesome. Everything we needed - he was there (soft pillows, safety pin, extra beach towels, etc.). Balcony was fully exposed, but not really a worry for us. Only issue was the occasional idiot throwing a cigarette. Beautiful place to watch the water and the stars at night.

 

Entertainment: Previous posters here were correct - the Rock and Roll show was pretty risque - not that we mind half naked people running around a stage, but I imagine there were some not pleased parents. The show itself was pretty weak. We also saw Carribean Caliente - it was much better - good dancing, etc. Heard Graham Seymour more times than I cared to -many posters here seem to really like him, but I found him mildly amusing to mostly annoying.

 

I visited the casino nightly - I am a blackjack and craps player. DW plays blackjack and the slots. Slots were very tight. Blackjack is 8 decks and the average player there is clueless, so hard to get a flow going to the tables - take small wins when you can and go. Refused to play in the tornament since they only give one $ 500 prize, whereas they had previously retruned 90 % of tournament money (i.e. - they've turned it into Bingo). Craps has 2X odds - very good for a cruise ship, and had some runs of luck there. Staff is typically dry-witted Brits and Aussies.....

 

Food: Selection was great. We are both extremely picky eaters and there was something on the menu for us every night in the entree department. Hard to go wrong when you can get a shrimp cocktail, caesar salad and baked potato any time. Talapia and Swordfish were excellent. Stay away from Mahi-Mahi. We did anytime dining - ate in the Palm most nights, Coral once, and Sterling and Sabatini's once each (see below). Other than the first formal night, we never had to wait for a table for 2. Unfortunately, the 1st formal night they were completely confused in the dining room. Utter chaos, long lines, and we had a one-hour wait for a table. But if that's the worst thing we can say about a cruise, amen. So we went off to the photo gallery and to get a drink. I think I ate the Love Boat Dream for desert 5 times. DW loves souffles, and they had those 3-4 nights. We found the waiters and bussers to be attentive and friendly - Maitre D's were a bit stand-offish.

 

Buffets were fine - typical fare. They do need more drink selections than iced tea and water. Milk and OJ should always be out. We asked for milk and were given cartons upon request, but I suspect many did not know to ask.

 

Sabatini's and Sterling Steakhouse: We did these Tuesday and Friday. Opted for Sterling Tuesday, since Monday night was Italian night in the dining room. We were able to phone a reservation into Sterling's once we wer on board, but had to wait in about a 20 minute line to make reservations for Sabatini's. Sterling Steakhouse was incredible. Folks on these boards rave about Sabitini's, but we had the better meal at Stelrings. Some of the best Steasks we've ever had- absolutely delicious. Sabatinis was very good as well - so much food !!

 

Coffee and the mystery dining room sodas: Coffee on the ship was just fine. Best cup to be had is the free fresh pot that sits outside the coffee bar on the 5th floor. Dining room coffee was good too. In the dining room, we probably ordered coke or Diet coke 6 times. 4 times we were given a free foutain pop, twice charged for cans. A mystery for sure. Perhaps they did not want to be bothered to check for who had a soda card, and who did not ?

 

Jokers: Card room on the 5th floor - go down there and check out the daily quiz given out on single sheets of paper. Some quesitons easy enough for kids, others very hard. Good trivia fun with topics like "who invented it" and "who said it".

 

Pools: We spent all of our pool time at the pool outside the Lotus Spa - very quiet and adults only. A bit windy because it is at the front of the ship - this is a small wave pool, but it's really all that's needed. Main pools were crowded, but chairs were there.

 

Ports: We went to Coki Beach in St.Thomas, since we had previously been to St. John and Meaghan's Bay - nice, but does not compare with Meaghan's Bay. In St. Maarten we went snorkeling - beatiful water and a nice Catamaran trip. We blew off Pricess Cays to relax on the quiet boat !!

 

Debarkation: Smooth and orderly, other than having to wait 30 minutes in line at Purser's desk for 2 mischarges on our bill. We were at the airport by 9:30 - no wait for a taxi and $12 bucks to airport - no need for Princess transport.

 

Overall, a great time - you never would know there were 3000 people on that ship. Staff was very friendly and attentive, and the ship was clean and beautiful. This is a great way to take a vacation, and we will continue to cruise with Princess. Please let me know if questions - sorry so long-winded !!

[soohoo]

I'm glad ti see you had such a wonderful time and how the coffee has improved!

[untailored bostonian]

marc b said:

We blew off Pricess Cays to relax on the quiet boat !!

How quiet was it? What about lunch? We are planning on staying on the boat that day too.

 

We have two tours planned at the other ports, but we might also opt for a “private” boat on those days.

[beachnative]

Thanks for posting the review (and it really wasn't all that long). Glad you enjoyed the cruise. We agree, embarkation with Princess is fantastic and they should give an in-service to the other lines. The only thing I missed were the cookies that RCCL serves during embarkation, but I'll rather register with the lightening speed time over the cookies.

[isujim]

Thanks for posting the review.........you mentioned Monday night was Italian night........what other nights were themed for dinner??

 

Thanks again for taking the time to post this review.........we are up in November.

 

Jim

[marc b]

on questions asked :

 

The ship was very nice with everyone on the private island. They still had all of the buffets and food stations going - so we had pizza and hung out by the main pool - maybe 20-30 others - very relaxing and quiet - until about 1 o'clock when folks starting coming back. By the way - the pizza was incredible - just like Sbarro's, if that's your preference - thin and crispy !

 

I know folks in earlier posts had done the theme nights and posted all the menus, but if memory serves me right: Sailaway was Saturday; Captain's Welcome was Sunday; Italian was Monday; ; Carribean was Tuesday (go to specialty restaurant !); Chef's night was Wednesday; Captain's Gala (Lobster !) was Thursday; and Landfall was Friday. Having good food on this ship is not a concern !!

[Zoey1]

Thanks for posting the review.........you mentioned Monday night was Italian night........what other nights were themed for dinner??

 

Thanks again for taking the time to post this review.........we are up in November.

 

Jim

 

Can't recall which nights, but they had island night, and American night I think was Friday night. The caribbean night which I *think* was Wednesday was our least favorite.

[isujim]

Marc and Zoey:

 

Thanks for the info on the dinner theme nights.........I will plan specialty restaurant nights around the info.

 

Jim

[TexEm]

Thanks for taking the time to post your review, enjoyed reading about the CP--we were on it 7/10, Western itinerary. A lot of your comments echoed our thoughts, too. I did gamble in the casino, just the nickel slots, I guess I was so excited to see my favorite game (Jackpot Party) that I had to play, even though I'd heard from others on these boards that I shouldn't expect to win. I was able to play for awhile, though, so had a good time--my entertainment (on the Norwegian Sky last fall, the slots were even worse). Glad you had such a good time, sounds like your attitude made it so!

[marc b]

thing to us was the friendliness of all of the staff. Have sailed many times on RCCL, NCL, etc., but first time I can recall buffet workers, maintenance workers, etc. making a point to smile and say "hello". I expect the maitre d's and the casino staff to be somewhat "cold", but we were impressed with how Princess obviously makes a point of training workers to greet passengers.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Marc B,

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. Sounds like you had a great cruise. I echo your sentiments exactly about Sterlings. Simply awesome!

 

Would you mind if I posted your review on my website for future cruisers?

 

Bill

[tom-n-jules]

Marc, very nice review, thanks!

Best cup to be had is the free fresh pot that sits outside the coffee bar on the 5th floor.

What deck/area is that, do you recall?? I'm amazed and intrigued to know there's good coffee outside of the dining room! :p

 

Thanks!

[marc b]

Bill : You are more than welcome to post my review on your website. Is yours the one with the Patters and Menus ? If so, it is an awesome resource. We were able to plan our specialty dinners utilizing it.

 

T'n' J: Coffee Bar is on 5th Floor - Walk down staircase from Purser's Desk, and you'll run right into it. It is next to the Shopping/Port Consultant Desk. There are two pots of coffee (reg and decaf) on the bar - coffee is free, but fancy coffee drinks are not. I did not find it until the next to last day. I am sure there are other parts of the ship I never found (but none of them had food, I bet !). Enjoy !!

 

-Marc

[JanMD]

We did the same thing regarding Princess Cays. We really enjoyed the ship with not many people on board, and was able to do alot of things. The seas were rough to get into Princess Cays and the water we figured it was COLD back in March. And it was. It was a very relaxing day with not many people on the ship. Where else did the ship go??? Besides, St. Thomas and Princess Cays??

[stoneharborlady]

Thanks for posting the review (and it really wasn't all that long). Glad you enjoyed the cruise. We agree, embarkation with Princess is fantastic and they should give an in-service to the other lines. The only thing I missed were the cookies that RCCL serves during embarkation, but I'll rather register with the lightening speed time over the cookies.

 

Beachnative, We received a little plate of cookies (one each, but they were wonderful) in our minisuite on embarkation day. Didnt you get some?

[stoneharborlady]

Thanks for a great review. You have made me homesick for the Caribbean Princess.

[cruisingfreak]

We were also on the 7/24 Caribbean sailing. We too had a problem with our dinner seating. Glad I happened to check our key card early. They had us in Personal choice, instead of late traditional seating. Hope everyone checks their key cards right away, to see if they have a table & diningroom.

 

We had to wait in line at Sabatini's at 1PM, to speak to someone from Princess. They happened to have our name on a list of people, who didn't have a table. Princess said, that by the time our name came up for a table, the tables were filled. That seems funny because I booked the cruise in November. We did finally get a table the next day.

 

The cruise was wonderful, the ship beautiful & Graham Seymore is a nut case. Soooo funny. Our cabin was C752. The balcony was huge & had 2 loungers on it. I loved the balcony so much, that the second day onboard, I booked another cruise on the Caribbean(western itinerary) for July 16,2005. We're going to be in cabin C752 again. We truly loved that cabin & especially the balcony.

 

If anyone has any questions about the cruise, just ask.

 

Minette

[marc b]

Jan - we also went to St. Maarten - beautiful island - we did some snorkeling and shopping - hung out on the Dutch side.

 

Stone harbor lady - Thanks for the kind words - DW and I were laughing when we got onboard and saw the two cookies - we were wondering if maybe the fruit plate had been downsized - of course, it showed up the next day.

 

Another hint I forgot to mention is the Martini Bar - 5 bucks for those Martini's is a heck of a deal, but you better have a bit of drinking ability - one of those will throw you for quite a loop...also, the poolside waiters will always ask you if you want Medium or a Large when you get a drink - unless you are real thirsty, feel free to ask for a Small......

[S.S.Oceanlover]

While I do have Patters and menus on my site I think you may be referring to Meyerhaus' wonderful page. :)

 

Thanks for letting me post your review. It helps all the future get revved up about their impending cruise.

 

Bill

[Smooth sailin']

Marc b - We leave for 8/7 CP in 3 days and I'm confused by what drinks/snacks you can take on board. I take it that soda and water are okay, but what about beer/hard liquor? Seems like I read somewhere that they won't let you take alcohol on board because they want you to buy theirs. Can you help me?? Thanks.

[marc b]

We had 7-up and water and trail mix which we walked on Board with in a couple of bags (carry-on, etc.). We put 6-pack of beer in ziplocks in Suitcase that is given to porters - we also had a couple of flasks for hard liquor in that suitcase - all made it to our cabin. My understanding is they confiscate hard liquor and beer out of the carry-ons.

 

Several weeks back, there was a huge thread devoted to this topic (Cruiselover and Heineken, I believe), and it seemed to be on target. Hope this helps, and have a great cruise !!

[dab18]

Marc-

 

Thanks for the review on the casino. I, too, am a blackjack player

and was disappointed to read that there was a lack of flow to

your games. Did you even have any problems finding a table?

What are the minimums? Is it typical Vegas rules?

 

Thanks.

[beachlovergirl]

marc -

 

Did you visit the Caribe Cafe?

 

We're also in a mini-suite on Dolphin (D416)....what cabin were you in?

 

Thanks for the review and we're looking forward to Sterlings!

[marc b]

There were plenty of 5 dollar tables to be had at blackjack, although some required a wait in the late evening. 8 deck games with double-down after splitting - 9 seats at each table. Seemed like cards were never shuffled well - we'd see everyone at the table with a 20 one round, then all the little cards later - dealers would then fill all their stiff hands. Too many decks, too many players, but I've seen worse.....also, dealers, when they bothered to give advice, were usually wrong (i.e. -they'd say nothing to a player who stuck with a soft 6 (A-5) )- which should always be hit; then told a player (who asked for advice) to double a 4-4 against a dealer 5 (never double an 8 in multiple deck blackjack), simply hitting or even splitting the 4's (against dealer 5) would have been the better play. A dealer also chastised me for doubling an A-7 against a 6. Winning in a casino on a cruise ship is a tough mountain to climb - let alone with the dealers giving advice that goes against the math !!

 

We snacked at Caribe Court - there was always plenty of food there, especially seafood for either snack or meal in the evening. You could eat crab and lobster at 6, then go to the main dining room later. Enough food 24/7 - unbelievable availability !

 

We were in Dolphin 317. 416 will be a bit more mid-ship than we were. Ship is plenty quiet at night and you can't hear your neighbors, which was great. Plenty of room - nice cabins !

[lawofraven]

Are the foods heavily covered in gravy/sauce? We will be sailing in 38 days!!! Your review along with CruisingisLife's have me so pumped up. I can't wait. Thanks for the heads up on the coffee. Our cabin happens to be right down the hall. Are they open at breakfast time?

Angie