Just off the CB on 7/26

[FiveFamily]

Hello to all. I'm an infrequent poster on this board. I did write a number of weeks ago as to a seemingly high number of negative reviews and a general decline in dining and serive in the mainstream cruise industry. So here's my second attempt at a review from the CB from its 7/17 to 7/26 voyage(I wrote a whole review then somehow wiped it out while posting).

Cruised with my wife, son age 21, daughter age 22 and her boyfriend age 22. Have cruised on Home Lines, Carnival and RCI from 1985 to present. This was our 6th cruise and first on Princess. Two inside cabins, Riviera Deck(14). R252 forward and R721 aft.

 

Embarkation: Fabulous in Brooklyn. Miles ahead of Manhattan. We drove down from Connecticut just after rush hour on Friday morning. Unloaded vast amounts of luggage with the stevedore, parked literally in minutes and boarded the ship within 30 minutes thereafter. We were having lunch on the Lido by 1:00. What could be better?

 

The Ship: Beautiful and well maintained as most people report. We particularly like the small club venues(Club Fusion, Explorer's, etc..) for live music and entertainment. The Princess Theater is always full and some complained about the lack of adequate seating. Having read this Board carefully, we knew to get there early for seats and we had no trouble on any night. We also especially enjoyed the smaller adult pool area, Deck 15 aft. Great view of the ocean, seats in the shade and sun(we do shade), hot tub one deck above. It was almost felt yacht -like within the vast confines of a 116,000 gross ton ship. The main pool areas, as usual on most ships are jammed. This is especially the case on the CB with its added passenger cabins. We needed to secure our places aft in the adult area early as seats were gone after 8:45am. This ship does have air conditioning issues. Fortunately for us, cabins were fine as long as we kept the AC on the lowest settings. Inconistent AC in various areas including portions of the casino and at times, the Horizon and Caribe Cafe buffets, even the Palm Dining Room, especially with the sun shining in at 6:00 pm dinner. In mingling with other passengers, we did hear complaints about cabin AC issues as well. Its strange how this issue seems to pervade this ship. I did email Princess in advance of the voyage about it and received an email response denying any AC issues.

 

Dining and Service: Except for a major issue noted below that arose on the last night of the voyage, dining quality, dining service and service at all levels throught the ship exceeded our expectations. We chose traditional first seating dining. Our waiter Edgar, and his assistant(who's exact name escapes me so I do not want to mis-state it) anticipated our every dining wish. They could not do more for us. Edgar brought extra crab legs, lobster tails, and especially made sure my wife and daughter, both of whom do not eat red meat, were happy with their selections. The food quality in the dining room was really good to excellent as was the Horizon and Carribe buffets. Certainly better quality than Royal Caribbean and significantly better than Carnival. This is subjective of course. I don't know where the negative reviews on Princess food quality come from. Only my wife's turkey scallopini selection was not very good and had to be sent back. Edgar brought a vegetarian choice that my daughter had originally ordered and they both found it to be excellent. The desserts were really very good and the Baked Alaska on the last night was excellent. Edgar indicated to me that the end of cruise surveys are really important and we of course gave dining the most excellent of reviews. We also extended additional gratuities to our waiter and assistant for their fabulous work. Daughter and her boyfriend went to Sabatini's one night. They said it was worth it, very filling and very good though not the best meal ever, necessarily. We all went to the Crown Grill one night. They were surprising out of the Brazilian Lobster Tail(which is an additional charge) so for those of us that wanted that and "settled" for steak, our waiter brought us 4oz lobster tails and we made our own "surf and turf". It was really very nice and very good. Golden Fleece on Carnival still remains the best ship speciality restaurant though, in our opinions. Cabin stewards were excellent. They got to know us quickly, always left the "correct" number of towels and pool/excursion towels. Cabins were very well kept and clean. We hardly saw the stewards after the first day yet all the service was wonderfully provided. Could not ask for more. Unlike especially Carnival, the crew top to bottom greet you with eye contact and a smile and are eager to please.

 

The Cruise: By the first night, the ship was shaking back and forth due to being on the edge of a tropical depression and by day 2 at sea, although sunny, we encountered gale force winds. It caused rapid shaking of the ship rather than large rolls. This was tolerable to us but some passengers appeared to be seasick. The movement did cause a number of falls on deck. Though we enjoyed a sunny day at sea, given the past history, we were not hopeful as to being able to dock in Bermuda but by the evening of day 2, the seas calmed and we docked in Bermuda the next morning uneventfully. We took a cab to Governor's Beach which the kids said was the best they've been to even compared to beaches they've experienced in the Caribbean. Then, it was on to San Juan, not our favorite port. During breakfast, the Captain announced that there were near gale force winds in the port, that he had ordered two tugs and would reassess when and whether he would enter the port. We were delayed about 20 minutes and then entered and docked. The cautiousness of the Captain and caring attitude in keeping the passengers informed added a great sense of security and trust in his experience and competence. Safety was the priority and he made that clear. It always amazes me that some people would complain about missing a port due to sea conditions. In San Juan, we decided to try something different. We took a hotel room at the Marriott to have a beach day. Fairly nice beach, nice pool area. Nice hotel all around. San Juan defeated us as the rains came at 1 pm and never stopped. We laughed about it. Its only money. We took naps in the room(nice Marriott special bedding) and went to the casino after only about an hour or so at the beach and pool. So it was an experience of a sort. Went back to the ship about 7 for the late dinner at the Crown Grill mentioned above. We've been to St. Thomas several times, which was the next port. We repeated the St. John Beach and Snorkel excursion through Princess. The ferry called the Island Girl was late picking us up to depart and was late picking us up to return to the pier. We had reduced time at the wonderful beach and spent time waiting in the hot sun at both ends of the ferry trip. This was uncomfortable and aggravating. We made appropriate comments in our excursion survey requested by Princess. The next port, Grand Turk was very crowded at the pier because the Carnival Liberty was also in. The shopping in the controlled area at the pier was excellent. The beach right there was so crowded there were no lounges or cabanas available. We sat at the Margaritaville restaurant and nursed several Pina Colata's while the kids went into the crowded water. In retrospect, we should have taken a cab to a beach elsewhere but at least the shopping worked out. Of note, there was a bridge announcement on the last night at 1:30am apparently dispatching appropriate crew to a fire alarm. About 10 minutes later, there was an additional announcement for this crew to stand down so very thankfully, the incident ended. Questions in the morning to the Purser were answered vaguely, although we were told there was a minor incident in a crew area that was immediately taken care of.

 

Problems: The safe in one cabin had a low battery and was never fixed despite two attempts. This was only a minor inconvenience. Here's the problem. On the last night, after going back to sleep following the bridge announcements to crew, groups of teens were shouting and swearing and running up and down the hallway near our aft cabin on Deck 14. We scolded them outside our door. When the conduct persisted, we called security twice between 2 and 4am. At 4am we went to the Purser's desk. While we were there, there were kids banging on the grand piano in the Piazza. Here's what got us. We demanded to speak with someone in charge and spoke to the night manager. While he was apologetic, he said there was little he could do "since there were 800 kids on the ship." This was entirely unacceptable to us. We said sufficient security personnel should be available and dispatched to control this type of behavior. He said they try to talk to these kids but it doesn't really help. I did not ask for nor was I offered an account credit. I didn't care about that aspect. I felt very badly that my family was disturbed by all of this. Where are the parents? Some of these kids appeared to be drunk as well. They were shouting, cursing but slurring there speech. We basically got no sleep and as we were slated for express walk off at 7:30, the last night was ruined.

 

Final Comments: Before the events of the last evening. we were already talking about planning another cruise on Princess. Our experience was unfortunately somewhat tainted, following a wonderful cruise on a wonderful ship. I will write a letter to Princess. Time will tell as to our decision making. Please feel free to ask questions.

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the review.

 

Did they offer the sailaway seafood buffet in the HC on Embarktion Day?

[JulesNJ]

Thank you for your very well-written review! We are sailing this ship August 13th.

 

I am so sorry to hear about the drunk teenagers. I do understand how frustrating that must have been.

 

I have a fiery temper and I am not one to keep my mouth shut. :mad: If I experience any rambunctious teenage or kid behavior, I'll let loose at the kids and parents who deserve it. I think my fiance will have to bail me out of jail. LOL I have absolutely ZERO patience for bad manners and lack of consideration for others.

 

All in all your holiday sounded like a lot of fun and I can't wait to sail the CB in August!

[kath00]

Which ship is this a review of?? Thanks! K

[julia]

Very nice review... thanks so much for taking the time to post it.

 

What an ABSOLUTE shame about the rowdy teens ruining the final night. Princess used to be the best at controlling that type of behavior with crew that walked around in yellow jackets marked "youth patrol". In cost-cutting measures, they no longer have these much needed patrols. Sounds like they should re-think that cutback, or beef up their existing security on the summer sailings.

[bhopal21]

Which ship is this a review of?? Thanks! K

 

CB is the designation for Caribbean Princess.

 

Mike:)

[TracieABD]

Welcome home and thank you for the honest review.:)

[bskmom]

I have posted under a different thread about this cruise but since I kept reading about the last night and the teenage problems I questioned my teens. According to my teens they know of some of the "kids" that you speak of. The teen club is open till 3 am and that was my kids curfew but on the last night I did let them stay out later. I did not sleep that night either but because I would constantly check on my kids (17, 16 and 16 year old nephew) They were by the pool deck usually talking with other kids. The kids that were banging on the piano were not teens. They may have been young looking adults but in fact were 24 and 25 year old special ed teachers that my kids got to know. There also was a youngish 20 year old group that was running and yelling around. As soon as I mentioned these posts my kids knew exactly what I was talking about. So there are no parents so to speak as these kids are young adults who unfortunately are drinking to excess and behaving badly. There may have been teens as well but this was the account I got from my kids. I actually spoke to some of the staff that was up late and told them that if my kids were a problem to come get me. I don't know the answer to this problem. I don't know if it is good or bad that they keep there teen club open so late but it did give my kids ammunition when we discussed curfew. I really wish there was more space for the kids so that they were not in the public areas as much. PS I just questioned my older one and he did confirm that teens were given drinks by the young adults if you asked. He said there were a lot of drunk teens. I really think that is irresponsible of the "of age" adults. He said some parents were giving their own and other kids drinks as well but he said a lot of them were Canadian (I know the drinking age is younger) but you should still follow the rules. I have not encountered this behavior on other lines or I was unaware of it. I really am a strict parent and am tired of the total disregard to the drinking age (ship or home). Now I am getting angry at the thought that these teens were given drinks. That cold have been a very dangerous mix considering it may have been the first time for some of these kids. Again I am not sure of the answer but I almost think it should be like at home. If you are disturbing the rights of other passengers your rights should be taken away. If under age a parent should be contacted. If you are older and misbehaving I think that they should be escorted to their room (harder one to enforce I admit since they are paying passengers but so is everyone else.) Well I will certainly be more aware of the fact that total strangers could potentially offer my kids drinks. I did make my kids come to my room each night to say good night no matter what time it was. If alcohol had been consumed I would hope I would have realized it but who knows. I do know they know me and if they had been caught those 9 days would have seemed like a life sentence and that is no joke. Sorry you were disturbed.

[jean s]

Nice review...thanks for sharing. We have also witnessed inappropriate behavior of teens on some Princess ships. I agree that the youth security team who wore yellow shirts/jackets did a great job keeping things under control. Maybe Princess will rethink cutting back in this area.

[bskmom]

they used to have youth security. That definitely would be worth bringing back. As a parent of teens I would welcome that.

[BalconyGal]

Thank you for your review. Please don't let some badly behaved children ruin your good impression of princess.

[3LittleBirds]

First the comment. I'm sorry about your experience the last night of the cruise. Personally - I just don't like kids. Some people think this is terrible, I can't help it. Kids just aren't my cup of tea, and this type of situation just makes it worse. What I really can't stand is when parents bring their splashing kids into adult only pools. :mad:

 

Anyway, now for the question. What's up with the A/C on the ship? I keep reading people's comments but I can't figure out if it's too cold, or if it's not working and it's too hot?

[noobiecruiser]

Thanks for your review! We can't wait for our voyage on the CB in late August. I'm really sorry to hear about the drunk teens on the ship - and I wonder where the parents were. Another poster also mentioned that there were some young 20s posing as teens, which doesn't surprise me. Maybe Princess should double up on security?

[Robinob]

First the comment. I'm sorry about your experience the last night of the cruise. Personally - I just don't like kids. Some people think this is terrible, I can't help it. Kids just aren't my cup of tea, and this type of situation just makes it worse. What I really can't stand is when parents bring their splashing kids into adult only pools. :mad:

 

Anyway, now for the question. What's up with the A/C on the ship? I keep reading people's comments but I can't figure out if it's too cold, or if it's not working and it's too hot?

 

Too warm....

[klugh]

I was on the CB in June and I had a scare. My son (17) was to be in the cabin by 3:00 and 3:30 was not back so I went out to look for him. Walking the entire ship 3 times and couldn't find him, I went to the pruser's desk to ask if she has seen any kids (said no ). She did not offer any help and could care less. Went back to the pool deck to look again and ran into a security guard and ask him. Well what a joke!! couldn't speak enlish and went on his way (no offer to help me look), My husband desided to look in every row of the explorer lounge and there he was with a friend a sleep.

Reason for telling this story is to say the security is a JOKE. No one offered to help or look.

Why don't they have better security? The cruise lines should look into this matter, that is all they need is bad press because the lack of security.

[Clutterlady]

Thank you for a well written review! Glad you enjoyed the CB as much as we do:)

[Sandytoes]

 

Dining and Service: Edgar brought extra crab legs, lobster tails, and especially made sure my wife and daughter, both of whom do not eat red meat, were happy with their selections. ... Certainly better quality than Royal Caribbean and significantly better than Carnival.

.

 

Thanks for your review..

 

Just wondering how big were the lobster tails? :p

[TravelingProf]

Perhaps Princess and other lines should a have a teen curfew--say 1:00 or 2:00 for teens without their parents. It might eliminate some of the all-night revelry but would not hamper families enjoying the nightlife together. I might be a bit off base here, but why do teens need to be out at 3:00 AM?

 

I also think teens gone wild in the middle of the night is a tragedy waiting to happen. Most cannot handle alcohol and have an exaggerated idea of their own immortality. Alcohol, water, teens out all night--lethal mix.

 

I am not a stick-in-the-mud or anti-teen; I happen to love young people and have chosen a career in which I spend most of my time with them. But I also have seen the tragic consequences of their actions. They are, after all, teens. Think of some of the stupid things each of us did at this age--ever wonder how you survived :rolleyes:.

 

A curfew would make parents responsible for their teens. Perhaps a fine (with a warning first) would make parents exercise a bit more parental control.

[FiveFamily]

Thanks for the review.

 

Did they offer the sailaway seafood buffet in the HC on Embarktion Day?

 

I'm not sure. We went right to the dining room for 6 pm traditional. Sorry.

[FiveFamily]

Which ship is this a review of?? Thanks! K

 

Sorry for the lack of clarity on that. CB= Caribbean Princess.

[FiveFamily]

First the comment. I'm sorry about your experience the last night of the cruise. Personally - I just don't like kids. Some people think this is terrible, I can't help it. Kids just aren't my cup of tea, and this type of situation just makes it worse. What I really can't stand is when parents bring their splashing kids into adult only pools. :mad:

 

Anyway, now for the question. What's up with the A/C on the ship? I keep reading people's comments but I can't figure out if it's too cold, or if it's not working and it's too hot?

 

 

AC issues mean too warm or too hot, at least in my view. You can always put a sweater on or a blanket if you're sleeping.

[FiveFamily]

Thanks for your review..

 

Just wondering how big were the lobster tails? :p

 

 

Definitely more than the 4oz tails on the Crown Grill menu without an additional surcharge. The 12oz Brazillian tail from the Crown Grill with a $9 surcharge were not available. So the ones at regular dining were in between, I'd say about 6-8 oz. They were very good.

[FiveFamily]

I was on the CB in June and I had a scare. My son (17) was to be in the cabin by 3:00 and 3:30 was not back so I went out to look for him. Walking the entire ship 3 times and couldn't find him, I went to the pruser's desk to ask if she has seen any kids (said no ). She did not offer any help and could care less. Went back to the pool deck to look again and ran into a security guard and ask him. Well what a joke!! couldn't speak enlish and went on his way (no offer to help me look), My husband desided to look in every row of the explorer lounge and there he was with a friend a sleep.

Reason for telling this story is to say the security is a JOKE. No one offered to help or look.

Why don't they have better security? The cruise lines should look into this matter, that is all they need is bad press because the lack of security.

 

 

 

This is what upset us so much. You've hit the nail on the head. We couldn't believe the response which was no response. Just an empty apology which is useless. I can imagine how you felt walking that ship in the middle of the night.

[cruzin4us]

I don't think this problem is limited to Princess. We were on Celebrity, and witnessed (and I kid you not) kids hanging from the drapes and swinging on them like Tarzan. Where were the parents???? I love kids, but sure don't want to have little monsters running around ruining my trip.

[Sandytoes]

Definitely more than the 4oz tails on the Crown Grill menu without an additional surcharge. The 12oz Brazillian tail from the Crown Grill with a $9 surcharge were not available. So the ones at regular dining were in between, I'd say about 6-8 oz. They were very good.

Whew!

Sounds like they went back to the regular size lobster tails.

On my last cruise, they were the size of a shrimp...:(..:cool: