Caribbean Princess 12/11-12/18

[MaryLS]

Just off CP today and still have my sea legs. What a wonderful experience! Prior to leaving, I saw very negative reports on this board and was getting a bit apprehensive. Happy to report IMHO I thought the cruise was wonderful.

 

Embarkation: Departed Phila on a 7:20am flight on Southwest, arrived in Tampa but did not have to get off the plane. Unfortunately the captain got sick so we had a slight delay (about 30 min.) until they got us another captain. Took a taxi to the pier (a very short ride) and arrived at port around 1:00pm. Had Platinum check-in (absolutely no line). Security was another issue. The line seemed to stretch for miles but moved very quickly. We were only in line for about 25 minutes and were in our cabins by 2:00pm.

 

We had 2 mini-suites (Dolphin D723 & D725). Cabins were spacious with light, neutral colors which made them look larger. Balconies were a decent size with 4 chairs and a small table. I liked the fact that the closet was right outside the bathroom which gave ample space to hang things without crawling over the bed. There were plenty of hangers.

 

Sonny was our cabin steward and was wonderful. He accomodated our every request with a smile. Only did room service in the AM for coffee. It was always delivered right at the requested time.

 

I cruised the Norwegian Dawn in July, and while I would cruise it again, I think Princess has won my heart. We ate at the buffet most of the time and found the food to be a step above NCL. The seafood buffet was quite impressive.

 

I didn't do MUTS but kind of walked through and it looked like people were enjoying it. The popcorn was quite good. The movies also play during the day so they can be viewed while swimming or sunning.

 

In comparison to the Norwegian Dawn, I didn't see any poolside barbecues on the CP and I enjoyed the bands on the Dawn a bit more. I found the Princess staff to be more service oriented.

 

I heard there were only 43 kids on the ship but most of the rest of the 3,000+ passengers were seniors. I did hear, however, most of the time the population is in the 30-40 year old range. The cruise going out today was scheduled to have 900+ kids on board. I really didn't see a whole lot for kids to do on this cruise. There was no arcade as there was on the Dawn. Unfortunately, the seniors I came in contact with this past week were miserable for the most part. They complained from morning until night! I found 99% of their complaints to be invalid. For example, one gentleman wanted a $40 refund because it rained on Thursday??!!! This was the caliber of most of the complaints. I also found them to be quite rude to their traveling companions. We had a person in our party in a wheelchair. While waiting for elevators, when one would arrive, they would barge in front of us and completely ignore the fact that we had been waiting patiently. They would ask what I thought of the cruise and I would tell them I thought it was wonderful...then their complaining would begin. I would always respond with: "I am having a wonderful time and just feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be cruising this beautiful ship." That would ususally shut them up.

 

We had Anytime Dining which gave us access to the Coral and Palm dining rooms. I preferred the Palm. It does still make sense to make reservations. On Wed., I attempted to get a 6:30pm seating for Thurs. and Fri. but they were booked so we settled for 5:30pm. The Beef Wellington, Prime Rib and Lobster Tails were outstanding, as were the desserts, i.e., Love Boat dream and white chocolate mousse.

 

Don't miss the Sterling Steakhouse! Cover charge was $15/pp and well worth it. Our waiters were David and Omar. They were very attentive and liked to have a good time. Joke around with them so they see you like to "play". They were the best!

 

I heard complaints that the casino didn't pay but I must have had the "Midas Touch". I won in excess of $3,300 during the week...most of it on the quarter machines.

 

I did enjoy my very first spa treatment while on board. I had booked a "Swedish Massage". I was a bit apprehensive as I am very modest. I found the Massuse (?sp) to be very discreet. It was the best!!!

 

Debarkation was a snap. We had an 11:55am flight on Air Tran out of Ft. Lauderdale. We were in the airport by 8:30am.

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Romano. He is wonderful! He is such a "down to earth" person and a perfect gentleman, quite willing to answer all questions.

 

I had a wonderful first-time experience on the CP and look forward to my next Princess cruise.

 

If you have any questions, please e-mail me at MLScan1833@aol.com.

[AliceJ]

Thanks for taking the time to write your review - I too was a little apprehensive about the CP after reading some of the reviews. Glad to hear you had such a positive experience!! Hope your transition back to the land-based world goes well!

[TorontoTL]

Hi, thanks for your review. I'm going on the Caribbean Princess in just over a month. Really looking forward to the vacation and glad to hear that you had a great time despite the grumblings of others around you.

[vette]

Hi MaryLS,

 

Thanks for the good words on the CP! We are departing on February 12th and can't wait! I do have one questions for you - I have seen pictures of the Seafood Buffet in the Caribe dining room and it looks scrumptuous, but is the seafood (lobster claws, shrimp, and crab legs) cold or hot. Just wondering.

 

Also, I am assuming that you stopped in San Juan. What did you do there?

 

Vette

[KAJOKG]

MaryLS - Thanks for your review. We're going on the CP in Feb., and I was getting a bit nervous from all reports, and you have eased my concerns. Although I am a firm believer that only you can make or break your cruise/vacation. Regarding the old folks....I usually jump to their defense -- they are my peers and I find myself making excuses for them. However, we just came back from a few days at Disney. There were hundreds of old folks driving around on the motorized carts. Normally I applaud them for being out and about. BUT, none of them seemed to be having a good time....they just drove their carts into whoever or whatever with a "look out for me" attitude. I have seen many with this attitude on cruises too, and have defended them. No more. I am in their age group, and I am now horrified that so many of my peers have grown into complaining, grumpy, selfish old crabs. So what I'm saying to all of you crabby old folks, wake up and smell the roses. Sure, getting old isn't always a whole lot of fun, but, hey, you made it and can still travel. Be grateful for that. Thank goodness there are many exceptions among our senior citizens, but a "few bad apples" do spoil the pie. Forgive my "soapbox" lecture. I hope there are 900 kids on our cruise in Feb!

[spongerob]

Thanks very much for the review! I'm pleased you enjoyed yourself so much.

 

I think many of us are rightly concerned that Caribbean Princess isn't measuring up to established standards that have been set by Princess. That doesn't mean, though, that people sailing that ship can't have a great time, just that some of the little things might be absent or limited. The one thing that makes any cruise, regardless of the ship, is the people you meet, so I think it is important even when encountering problems to not try and transfer any disappointment to others during the cruise. Just save it, and discuss your opinions here, where all opinions are welcome and open for discussion.

[Pam in CA]

Glad to hear you had a great time. We're on the Caribbean Princess next week -- whoo hoo!

 

A couple of comments about your review by way of information. I haven't been on NCL but there is a grill near the pools that serves hot dogs, hamburgers, bratwurst, etc. Also, the kids area is laid out so that you won't see the kids -- there's plenty there for them to be active and busy.

[marly]

My husband and I were on the 12/11 sailing as well. MaryLS, you wrote a wonderful review. We had a great time, despite all the complaints around us. I felt very sorry for the staff, who were all excellent and I thought really went out of their way to be friendly and helpful.

 

This was our third time on the ship and I did notice it being more crowded. I'm not sure what to attribute this to.

 

In general, I thought the old folks were very rude. They represented a culture of our society that makes me embarrassed to be an American. However, it seems they only come out in December, so anyone with a future cruise booked, you probably won't have to deal with that kind inconsiderate and abbrasive behavior. And as I said previously, the staff is wonderful and their great attitude really permeates the ship to create a pleasant atmosphere and a good time.

 

The highlights of this cruise for me were, Bert Stratton at Crooners, Sarge and Scott Wyler, both very funny comedians, Hector ,the bar waiter at Explorer's, a magician in the making. We also booked a really nice excursion on our own in St. Maarten called Lord Sheffield.

 

Anyone going on Caribbean Princess, I know you'll have a great time -- just don' t sweat the small stuff :)

Marly

[monk888]

Hello out there. Been gone for a long while. Just popped on to say Hello and that I'm still alive. I just had to comment on this review. I've seen so many negative statements about the Caribbean Princess and others recently that I was just turned off by the whole thing. It's nice to hear someone come on and say they had a great time.

 

My cruise on the Carribean Princess was great. We went on June 26, 2004. I wrote a long review a long time ago about it. Yes, we had some complainers on board too. They seem to want the whole world to know what a miserable time they're having. As they say, misery loves company.

 

When I was on my honeymoon back in 1990, my bride and I went to Italy. We took the Perillo Tour out of NYC since so many in my extended family had used them for years, always reporting a good time. We'd never been to Europe before, so thought we'd go on a tour rather than on our own. We had a ball! Rome, Florence and Venice. Continental breakfast and dinner every day in every town was included. In Rome, we had a lavish breakfast buffet. You could not believe the extent of it! They went above and beyond. When we got to Venice, our hotel was right on the Grand Canal! Back in 1990, the rack rate per night for the cheapest room was $350. Believe me, I checked. I doubt that even a few people in our tour could have afforded to book that hotel on their own.

 

You should have heard about half of our tour group whining and complaining about the breakfast in Venice. They got coffee, danish, rolls, OJ, fresh fruit, etc. A very good "Continental Breakfast", just as advertised, by any standard. You would have thought they were served slop from a pig trough! I'll never forget the look on the face of Pino, our tour guide for the whole week. He just sat there politely taking this abuse. After breakfast was over, I walked over to him and apologized on behalf of the whiners in the group. He really appreciated it. He said he heard these complaints all the time and just couldn't believe it in light of the accommodations, transportation, dinners, etc that was provided for the incredibly low rates being charged. We could not have duplicated that tour, everything included, for three times the price we paid.

 

I guess what I'm saying is that some people are not happy unless they're miserable, and boy do they want everyone to know about it! That's why I loved the reply of the OP to the whiner on board. That's not to say that there aren't legitimate problems and issues that come up that need to be addressed, but it would be nice if those having their usual miserable time would keep it to themselves while others around them are clearly having a good time. I say enjoy and have a great time with a positive attitude, 'cause you're gonna be dead a long time. We now return you to your scheduled program.

 

The Monk

 

P.S. Hello Sue. Hope all is well.

[MaryLS]

At the first seafood buffet, the seafood was cold. However, later in the week (I don't remember which night), it was hot (crab legs, mussels, clams, etc)

[MaryLS]

We arrived in San Juan at 4:00pm and got off the ship around 6:00. We were told the forts and other historic sites closed at 5:00. We took a taxi to the Puerto Rico Drug Company (kind of like an old 5 and 10 cent store). Personally, I did not like San Juan. It was rush hour and the traffic was horrendous. There was also some kind of parade but our driver, though he could speak English, didn't care to speak to us. I think he was annoyed at something. While walking down the sidewalk, some guys through something at our feet. I still don't know what it was but it made a popping noise. It really startled and frightened us. After that, I just wanted to get back to the ship.

 

The liquor store in the port had great prices and conviently boxed my purchases.

[jlsdunn]

So glad you had a great time! I was on the CP 11/27-12/04. My exerience was wonderful!!!!!!

 

My experience with the seniors on board (and there were LOTS of them) however, mirrored yours exactly. What's the deal with that? I've never seen so many rude older people in my life. Well, we had a ball anyway and I can't wait to go back.

 

Jen

[SeaTrailer]

Mary,

 

Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. I thought it was extremely informative.

 

My wife will be happy to hear about your casino winnings! She loves the one arm bandits.

 

Curious as to why you preferred one dining room over the other? Would assume the quality of the food is the same.

 

Thanks again.

[MaryLS]

Hi Sea Trailer,

 

We chose Anytime Dining so our options were either the Coral or Palm. Yes, the food and service were the same. I preferred the Palm as it impressed me as more intimate dining. I found the Coral quite loud. Other than that, both are equivalent in both the food and service. In either dining room, don't miss the Love Boat Dream or the White Choc. Mousse. Both are incredible. If you are able, don't miss the Sterling Steakhouse. The set-up is kind of strange in that you are kind of out in the open with people walking by. But it really didn't bother us and the food and service were outstanding. Our T/A gave us an onboard credit to be used at one of the "premium" restaurants and we chose the Sterling. Both the Rasberry Creme Brulee and Choc. Pecan Pie were incredible. Feel free to e-mail me or post here for any additional info. My e-mail is: MLScan1833@aol.com.

 

Have a great trip...

 

Mary

[dolfinmusic]

Hi Mary!

Thanks for the review!! I am sailing on the CP in September! Do you live in the Philly area?

 

Terri

[MaryLS]

Hi Terri,

 

Yes, I live in the Philly area.

[dolfinmusic]

Hi Mary!!!

 

We have a Philly cruise group and we are getting together at Chickie and Pete's on Jan 15th. It will be our 1 yr anniversary! Please join us!!! If you would like more info email me: dolfinmusic@aol.com

 

Terri

[snow 4 sand]

Thanks for your review,I too have now mixed feelings about the ship. Even though we have learned alot on this board,sometimes it is negative and you question whether you have made the right choice for your holiday. I too agree with your about some senoirs. Last year on the Oosterdam was crowded with scooters, walkers and canes.Sometimes I too had to just hold my tongue,we will all age eventually,although the kids don't think they will !!!!!

Our tickets came this week, and even with the Hoildays fast approaching nice to think about the Jan trip. I am slightly concerned as we had wanted first dinner and find the tickets say we are waited listed #200+,but Princess says usually do change but slow to this time of the year,so to check back closer to the cruise. We are not against trying the PC,as it seems most people that do try it like.Anyone have any thoughts on what our chances are to get Trad. first????

When making reservations for Sterlings did you do that early in trip or it is easy to just decide that day???

Can you think of any thing else we should not miss?? Thanks some much for your help.Regards Liz

[IKE]

Hi Mary,

I am sailing CP in Feb. This will be my 45th Cruise. Only you can make or break your Cruise. These Crouchy and nasty Seniors are all over. Not just on the Ships. I see them everday at the Mall or Grocery stores. I just try and ignore them.My Husband feels its not their age but the way they are. They were probable this way all their life. Some people are never Happy! As one of the Posters on this tread said, these seniors should be happy they are well and able to travel . I agree and add that they should reallize "Life is Short" and they should try and have fun and enjoy themselves. This is the only Llife you get so enjoy it!!!!!!!!

Ike

[marly]

Liz: You can make your reservations for Sterling and Sabatinis around 1 p.m. the day of boarding. I recommend that you do it at that time although there were people who were able to get a reservation at the last minute. You may also want to reserve movies under the stars on that first day as well as any spa treatments.

 

If you book your spa treatment online, be sure to print it and bring it with you. I booked a massage online but didn't print the receipt. After the massage, the price they charged me was $15 more than what I remembered the online price being. I had no proof, so therefore I paid the extra money.

Marly

[MaryLS]

Hi Ike,

 

I totally agree with you. Old miserable people were once young miserable people! I don't believe people get miserable just because they get older!

 

Mary

[MaryLS]

Hi Marly,

 

Could the extra $15 the spa charged you have been the automatic gratuity? I booked a treatment for $100 and it came to $115. Somewhere I read (in fine print) that an automatic 15% was charged as the gratuity for spa treatments.

 

Mary

[mojodani]

Mary,

 

Did the CP ever feel crowded to you? Looking at the brochure, it appears that the common areas are similar to the grand class ships with the exception of an extra deck of staterooms. I realize certain areas of ships can get congested during dinner but what is your take of the additional 500 pax capacity?

 

Thanks,

Joni

[JB007]

I love Princess and now in the process of boOKING new cruise. Just came ofFCarnival Glorys Dec 11 Th we docked right next door to CP in St. Marrtin and St Thomas it was a huge ship. But we shared a taxi tO French side of St.Martin with CP pasSENGERS who stated CP was boring when at sea and that entertainment on CarnivaL IS BETTER. THEY CRUISED ON cARNIVAL cONQUEST EARLIER THAT YEAR. wE HAVE BEEN ON 22 CRUISES THERE IS PROS AND CONS TO All JUST CURIOUS ABOUT CP ENTERTAINMENT AND FOOD?

[marly]

Mary: No, unfortunately, the extra $15 was not the gratuity. I'm not sweating the $15. I learned a good lesson at a relatively cheap price!

 

JB: Carnival does have a lot to do on their ships, and perhaps maybe even a little more than Princess does. I was on Carnival Miracle in November, a two night cruise to nowhere, and had a really fun time and enjoyed the shows. The biggest problem I have with Carnival is I really hate the decor of their ships, tacky, tacky, tacky and dark. Maybe that doesn't apply to all of their ships, but I really disliked Miracle and Sensation. But I have to say I did have a good time.

That being said, I'll stick with Princess for the longer cruises and leave Carnival for the four nighters.

 

I don't particularly care for Princess's production shows -- others may disagree -- but I really enjoy the comedians they have. And as I mentioned in my earlier post, Bert Stratton at the piano bar is phenomenal.

Marly