Very long Caribbean Princess review 04/13 - 04/20

[cruisejourno]

After reading so many helpful and insightful reviews on cruise critic I feel almost duty bound to pass on my thoughts to future (and past) cruisers but it's an incredibly daunting task - SUCH a big adventure and so much to write but phew! Here goes...

 

We were a family of five, first time cruisers from the U.K. I’m a journalist and am writing a travel piece about cruising as a family for an English newspaper so was bringing my husband and three children (aged nine, seven and five) along as guinea pigs.. Apologies to all our neighbours from over the pond but this review might be more relevant to travellers from the U.K!

 

The Day Before the Cruise

 

So we landed in Miami on the Saturday afternoon, whizzed through customs with no problems and picked up our luggage – even more amazingly as we’d travelled from Terminal Five at Heathrow! Arrived at the Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale where I’d specifically requested a port side room – to see the ship arrive on Sunday morning. Popped across to the mall to buy snorkel stuff from water sports shop next to Total wine and also our requisite two bottles per person to sneak into the cabin. Amazing selection of wines, by the way, from all over the world. Participated in some free wine tasting which helped the jet lag no end but didn’t help much in making any purchase decisions! Had a swim in the very nice hotel pool (although the following morning – and this is a bit disgusting – my husband found two discarded condoms by the side of the pool which he had to deposit in a bin before the children saw. NOT v. nice just after breakfast - or any time for that matter!)

 

We had dinner on the Saturday night at Gators – again at the mall across the road. There was this guy playing live music outside on an electric guitar and it was fab – really atmospheric and a great start to the holiday. The Embassy Suites also offer this really unusual thing – ‘manager’s drinks’ in the foyer between 5.30 and 8ish. Basically free booze from the bar and popcorn and snacks for the kids. Great idea and very welcoming but be warned – the queue for the free drinks was so long we gave up in the end. (Then again we’ve got the luxury of our pound against your dollar so you might want to hang in there a little longer for your complementary beer!)

 

Day of Embarkation:

 

Woke at 4am (jetlag again) but in plenty of time to watch the ship sail gracefully into port. Just be aware.. a couple of other ships come in before 6am and in the dark it’s quite difficult to see, but there’s no mistaking the CB when she does make an appearance at about 6.15.

 

We opted to take the Princess Transfer from the hotel at 1.30 and made the most of the morning to have a tour around FL on that yellow tram bus thingy. 50 cents for a roundtrip which takes you past the beach etc.. And for all you ladies who didn’t have time to get that pedicure before the cruise…. There’s a great little nail shop in the mall also, that opens at 11am on the Sunday morning.. Takes about 25 minutes to paint ten toes.

 

Embarkation was a breeze as everybody suggests. Was onboard the ship by 2.30pm, dumped stuff in our mini-suite on the Dolphin deck (we also had an inner cabin just along the hall which we unofficially put our two daughters in to sleep at night). Avoided the Horizon Court buffet (thanks Cruise Critic!) for lunch and had pizza at the grill by the pool. Some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted, by the way, and I’ve travelled quite extensively in Italy. We had opted for Anytime Dining and again – another great tip – headed straight for the Palm Court on Deck 6 aft. Much quieter and somehow more genteel.. Although the Coral Dining room was fantastic for breakfast. We ate at the buffet the first two days and then tried the dining room and never went back! I mean, WHY would you tolerate that ridiculous queuing system, having to get up and down constantly, the TERRIBLE coffee, awful juice, when you can sit at a table with a tablecloth and five waiters to bring everything to you?? It’s a complete no-brainer.. Plus the quality of breakfast food was so much better in the dining room. The Eggs Benedict were divine and they also serve pineapple juice which was actually okay. Plus – you can order proper coffee like Espresso etc.. Okay, you can tell I’m a breakfast girl… moving on..

 

DAY TWO:

 

Got the kids registered in the clubs, walked around the Promenade Deck (well worth a visit and was quite tempted to do a Kate Winslet on the bow of the ship except my hubbie refused to play Leonardo Di Caprio). I would say if you didn’t have children it’s probably worth checking out the pool at the aft of the ship and also the Lotus Spa pool because they’re much quieter. I would have loved to read my book there in the mornings in peace except I knew that once I picked up the children when the kids club closed for lunch there would be no way I’d get a space at the main pools unless I got there early to stake my sun bed. I know this is a huge issue on the forums and I can see why. Even getting there at 10am there were no front line sunbeds (or even second or third row available) and this is a problem for parents, I think. With no other pools available for children on the ship, it would have been nice to be able to sit near the pool, at least, to keep an eye on them. Most of the time – even getting there quite early – I was forced on to the upper decks, quite a long way from the pools and also my children swimming. I wonder whether Princess could reserve sunbeds for parents (a bit like parking spaces). I’m not usually precious about stuff like this but there is nowhere else for them to swim on the ship and passengers without children don’t need to be right next to the pool.. Anyhow, I’ll probably get slated for saying this!

 

We never bothered with lunch in the dining room. Much more fun to eat pizza on a sunbed (even if it is miles from the swimming pool!) Also, thought the band by the pool was great, especially the female singer.

 

The second day at sea followed a pretty similar pattern to the first. Notably, the idea of High Tea in the dining room is a good one – (such a fab meal High Tea – what can be nicer than the combination of sandwiches and cake eaten at the same time!) Although I think it would be nicer if it was served in the foyer with piano music and also – don’t shoot me – but the sandwiches left a lot to be desired. Come on guys – if you’re going to do something so traditionally English the bread should be thin and moist and with the CRUSTS CUT OFF!! A bit of cucumber wouldn’t go amiss either. I told Angelo the Maitre D’hotel and he v. kindly had a plate delivered to my cabin.

 

Evenings onboard..

 

Now I know this is going to cause a riot and is a very contentious subject but evening entertainment and children were a big issue on board for me. I don’t know whether it’s different without the jetlag element – probably – but there was no way my children, especially after a day in hot sun swimming, were going to be able to make the kids club after 7pm in the evenings. I did try but they just got so over tired and fractious it only resulted in a miserable day for everybody the next day. Which if you’ve paid thousands of dollars and you’ve only got a week’s holiday is not a good thing!

 

But where does that leave parents who want to eat dinner in the dining room at a civilised hour? I don’t know why Princess don’t offer a cabin listening service (because I’m convinced it would help overseas passengers enormously) but there’s probably an insurance issue or something. We tried baby monitors – didn’t work. So – deep breath – on the nights they were too exhausted to go to the club we fed them early in the buffet, put them to bed in the cabin, had a drink on the balcony whilst they fell asleep, then went for dinner and took it in turns to check on them every twenty minutes. Now I know a lot of parents would feel very uncomfortable doing that but you know your own kids and once mine are out – they’re out. I’ve read plenty of views on the forum from mothers saying they would never do this because ‘who knows what could happen?’ But I took a risk assessment, and decided the worst that could happen was them waking up and coming to look for us – in which case we’d have found out pretty quickly. But, still, I didn’t feel 100 per cent comfortable and I’m sure I’m not the only mother in this position, so it would be great if Princess came up with some solution to this. And by the way, I have interviewed Kate McCann – I’m one of the only journalists in the U.K she asked to fly to Portugal to speak to her – so I know about worst case scenarios. It’s just a shame Princess can’t remove the dilemna in the first place. I would have been happy to pay for in-cabin babysitting.

 

On to lighter matters. And I’ll be brief now because this is turning into a v. lengthy review.

 

St. Maarten. We hired a jeep from Arthurs Rentals – just across the road from the port. Alarmingly laid back and rough around the edges but the jeep was a good price and what we saw was what we got. We headed straight for the Pelican Resort on Simpson Bay and the play station – which is basically a converted catamaran out on the water with swings and slides for the kids to leap off into the sea. A big hit for them and actually, lovely beach although you don’t hear much about it on the forums. We drove through Marigot and Grand Case but didn’t stop. Headed straight for the ferry to Pinel Island and one of the most gorgeous, delicious lunches I’ve ever had at Karibundi (I think that’s right). Basically a waterfront seafood restaurant on decking and planks over the water. The kids played in warm, two foot deep water literally a stone’s throw from our table whilst we feasted on lobster, barbequed swordfish, and then complimentary rum bananas – don’t even remind me.. Such a tranquil, quiet place away from the crowds. You’d never have known there were three ships docked that day. And a great place if you’ve got children because the water is like a bath. The man who ferried the boat to and fro from the mainland was a bit grumpy though, so watch out!

 

Went to Sabatinis that night. It was good, but I think it’s a bit overrated. There isn’t actually nineteen courses because ten of them are antipasti and come at the same time all on one plate. Anyhow, way too much food. It’s a bit like visiting the Vatican – so many gold, opulent rooms that by the time you get to the Sistine Chapel you’ve had enough really. Although the langoustine was out of this world (and put the seafood buffet at the Horizon totally to shame). Had a very nice Barola for 49 dollars as well.

 

St. Thomas.

 

This was the best day for us. We chartered our own boat and skipper for the day through a company called Lion in da sun, who are based in St. John. They picked us up from Red Hook at 9.30am and we headed straight over for some snorkelling in a cove just off St. John. And then we went to Joss Van Dyke (one of the British Virgin Islands). Had to pass customs etc.. but it was THE most archetypal, Caribbean island I’ve ever seen.. White sand beaches, turquoise flat-calm water.. Beach bar with hammocks and, again, fab seafood for lunch. Great rum cocktails as well. Also the joy of having your own boat is that the skipper can take you to all the little bays and coves you wouldn’t otherwise see. Definitely the best way to see the islands in one day is to get OFF the islands!

 

Had Chef’s Table Dinner that night – amazing food, lovely chef and service..Had to keep leaving the galley in my white overalls to check on the kids (snoring away) but they were v. accommodating and even escorted me there and back the quickest route..

 

Princess Cays..

 

Actually, I thought this was the weakest link of the entire cruise. Not helped by the fact that they stopped serving lunch at 1pm and we didn’t realise. But didn’t miss out on too much if accounts are to be believed. I don’t know, I just found it all a bit sanitised and false. The idea of shipping 3,000 people onto a stretch of sand – it felt a bit weird. Almost like they’d brought their own tropical fish along as well from an aquarium and then carefully tipped them out into the sea just below the look-out point for everybody to view! But that’s probably me just being cynical. Also thought it was totally rubbish that they shut the bars down at 2pm, forcing everybody to stand in a long queue in the heat of the midday sun to get back on the tender boats with only bottled water on sale. It was just a bit day trippy and cattle market for me. Especially for a company that are otherwise providing quite a good four to five star service.

 

Sterling Steak house for dinner on the last night – and we didn’t even make a reservation! Just had a few cocktails at the Lobby bar and then, at about 8pm asked the waiter (Archie?) if he could ring up and check if there was a table – which there was. Yippee. Food was incredible and wish I’d eaten there twice. Loved it. Our Romanian waiter was quite risqué though – made reference to my bread bowl with the clam chowder looking like nipples.

 

Disembarkation.

 

Again, easy peesy. We opted for the post cruise package and went to the Inter Con in Miami for the day to dump luggage, swim and shop before flying home to the U.K in the evening.

 

All in all – a fantastic week. And about as relaxing as things ever are on holiday with three children. I even managed to read about half my novel. I think the aspect I loved most was being able to wake up in a new place every day – or just wake up to limitless ocean and sky. Please feel free to ask any questions (because I’ve got lots more info), or disagree with any of my views. And I hope I’ve been as much help as cruise critic was for me!

 

 

 

rs from the U.k

[LARGIN]

Thanks for the review...

[Solara]

Thanks for the great review. We sail on her in 3 weeks.

 

Who is the cruise director?????

[rdsqrl]

I really enjoyed reading your review -- some very droll observations.

I'm not a parent, but I have to say that your point about lounge chairs near the pool for parents made some sense to me. Besides the obvious safety concerns, one can't very well complain about children misbehaving in the main pools if their parents can't actually get near enough to keep an eye on them.

As for your other possibly contentious story re evening babysitting, you're right that Princess should have it and that's all I'm sayin' about that (except that as a society we have become way too paranoid and risk-averse). On a lighter note, thank you on behalf of your fellow passengers, for not bringing your fractious and tired children to the dining room or evening shows!

Glad you enjoyed your trip.

[cruisejourno]

Phew - thanks! Was expecting an uproar.. And I think the cruise director was Dan somebody? An Aussie anyhow - he seemed to have things ticking over v. nicely.

[scooterzidel]

I loved your review - I believe that you chose the night option that worked for you. I felt so safe on the cruise ship last summer on the Crown - my 6 year old son was in the room alone 1 level below the pool on a few occasions because he wanted to play his Nintendo DS and had enough of the sun - we periodically checked on him and when he was ready to come swimming he came up to the pool. Luckily our kids (6 & 9) had lots of energy for an early seating dinner and a swim or an early magic or illusion show afterwards on most nights. We're cruising on the Caribbean Princess this summer - we can't wait!!!

[dforeigner]

Thank you for taking time to write a review.

[Trannynanny]

Thank you for your GREAT review, Cruisejourno. I can definitely see why you're a journalist! Although we aren't taking our kids with us, I appreciate your honesty about the trials and tribulations of dealing with the kiddos (both yours and others) on board. I respect your decision to deal with dinner and after-dinner issues the way you did. I probably would've done the same thing although mine are a lot older now. Don't be too hard on yourself for that!

We'll be on the ship May 11. Hoping for a great trip!

[jag27]

You made some excellent points about what Princess should do with kids cruising. There should be a "family" section near the pool so parents can be near their children at the pool. I'm sure your kids were there on the sea days!

 

Though I am not a parent (yet), but I think you did what was best for your children and yourself in the evenings. I think your children are old enough to be by themselves for an hour or two at night. But you are right, Princess should offer in-room babysitting services, even if it is at an addtional cost.

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the review. :)

[indyguy65]

Cruise Director was Dan Stynes...I think that's how you spell his last name.

[4cats4me]

You brought up interesting points regarding Princess Cays. We've been there twice and the first time it was serene as we went to the right

after getting off the tender, and it was very peaceful, away from most of

the crowd.

 

However, imagine our surprise this time a couple weeks ago when we

banked right, and to our amazement were all the cabanas [that you had

to purchase for $25 a day BTW] and so there was absolutely no appeal

for us to stay on the right-hand side of the island.

Therefore, we went to the left-hand side as you get off the tender, and

there was much more activity, but also some great snorkel area as well.

 

It's very interesting about the times that they shut down the drinks, too.

We managed to avoid the tender lines somehow [by luck] because we

were on the first or second tender over there, arriving by 9:20 a.m.

Therefore, by 1:30 p.m. we'd had enough and there wasn't a line

of any kind for the tender. I guess we lucked out.

Now that I hear they shut down the drinks by 2:00, well that explains

why everyone starts departing the island, and of course I can

understand the need to shut down the food since they have to

bring all the food items over there from the ship.

 

As far as the reserving of lounge chairs, I don't think we're ever going

to see this, especially since cruises used to cater to primarily couples.

I realize they're also trying to cater to families, to a degree, but can't

you just imagine the mutiny if they reserve loungers for those who have

children? Nope, it's not going to happen, and if it does, I'm outta there

and on to another line. Can't please everyone. Unfortunately, that's

the way it goes even at land-based resorts -- can't always have a front row seat. Bummer.

 

Also, I would never leave young children unattended, but that's just me.

What if a fire broke out like on the Star Princess? :eek: Perhaps a longshot,

but just too many things to go wrong.

 

Enjoyed reading your review though. Glad you had a great time;)

[Psee]

Thanks cruisejourno!

 

Your comments on the cuisine and ports are very much appreciated by us folks across the pond! :cool:

 

Glad you you had a good holiday with the guinea pigs... :)

[cubfan60004]

Awesome review, thanks for taking the time to write.

[Sandytoes]

Enjoyed reading your review.

Thanks for sharing.

[Guest arowe6]

walked around the Promenade Deck (well worth a visit and was quite tempted to do a Kate Winslet on the bow of the ship except my hubbie refused to play Leonardo Di Caprio).

 

 

I love that line!!!!! What a fabulous review. Thank you.

 

-Andrew :)

[Illinoisgal]

I am really amazed at all of you leaving small children alone and are ok withit. things can happen in an instant . No dinner is worth the risk of having my child sick, hurt etc and not have me there. the rest of your review was very good thanks

[vowsatsea]

Thanks for the review. Very honest and well written!

 

As for leaving children alone, I, personally would not do it, but as long as you're comfortable with it.

 

Like someone else said...if there was a fire, or list (as with the Crown Princess). It's scary not being in the same place as your children.

[ancldaca]

Great review - from one Long Review Writer to another!!!

[quincytoo]

Great review :)

 

I would have left the kids exactly the way you did, we are talking about a 9,7, and 5 year old.....not a almost 3 year old and toddlers.

[Ldyandrea]

Great review :)

 

I would have left the kids exactly the way you did, we are talking about a 9,7, and 5 year old.....not a almost 3 year old and toddlers.

 

I agree, but certainly understand those who might not be comfortable with it. When I was 9, I was at least capable of looking after my younger brother and sister for short periods of time if needed. I think it's as much a matter of the particular kid as it is their age.

 

It's too bad they don't have a little evening sleepaway camp kind of thing for kids. Almost like a little dorm where kids could wear their jammies and crash, being supervised, and then get picked up by parents after dinner. Something like that would at least offer more supervision over the kids, and controls over the people looking after them.

[quincytoo]

I agree, but certainly understand those who might not be comfortable with it. When I was 9, I was at least capable of looking after my younger brother and sister for short periods of time if needed. I think it's as much a matter of the particular kid as it is their age.

 

It's too bad they don't have a little evening sleepaway camp kind of thing for kids. Almost like a little dorm where kids could wear their jammies and crash, being supervised, and then get picked up by parents after dinner. Something like that would at least offer more supervision over the kids, and controls over the people looking after them.

 

Oh yes I so understand those who might not be comfortable with it. It all depends on the children.

 

My soon to be twenty three and twenty year olds I could have left like that (with checking in alot :)

 

My 16 year old no way could I leave alone. In fact even now if my husband and I go out for dinner or something we still phone home and try to get home at a reasonable hour, our youngest has never liked being alone.

 

One would think Princess would offer in cabin babysitting, we took advantage of that once staying at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver and it was wonderful :)

[frofro]

Just had to say I enjoyed your review....can't wait for July :)