Review of Caribbean Princess 11/27

Just returned from Eastern Cruise on 11/27 and still doing wash!! To fill you in my husband (53) myself (46) sister (47) and brother-in-law (62) along with other family members and their friends from Florida (mostly seniors - 65 plus) were on the cruise. I have sailed 7 other times ( 1 Holland America, 2 Carnival, 4 RCCL and this was our first Princess). This time without our teenage children - so it was truley a vacation!!

We were on Riviera Deck (room 726) and what a great location. Four rooms from the back of the ship and the door was there to the aft pool and up four steps to the Carib and Horizen Grill.

This review may/will compare with RCCL at times. The ship was beautiful in a subdued way. Alot of wood, where RCCL has more glass/chrome. The layout was fine, a little confusing at times, but not too bad. We had Personal Choice (not by preference) and my sister/bil had late sitting with everyone else. They opted to eat with us instead. On the forth night my mom asked the head waiter if the table that was next to them , and always empty,was avialable. It was (and she he said he should have aked earlier). Anyway for the last two nights we all ate together. The personal choice is nice, and we made a fixed time/table. The service was good, but it lacked that personal touch the waiters always gave us in the early/late seating. When we went to the late seating (the last two nights), it was there. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't "bad" in the Palm Dining room, it was just not the same.

The food was good, some nights better than others. Most people we talked to thought it was better on RCCL (and we had to agree). Our last cruise on RCCL was in August on Mariner of the seas. (Before that - the Nordic Empress, Soverign of the Seas, and the Enchantment). WE enjoyed all of these.

Ports: San Juan - not too long there so we decided to walk UP the hill to the shopping area (good workout). Didn't by much, things we found were overpirced, but really nice old town. Notice that the utility polls are on the roofs (electricity was brought in in the 30's and the streets to narrow to put the polls up) Interesting site.

St Thomas - this time we did a ship tour - shopping in the am in town and beach (Emerald Beach) in the p.m They took us downtown to the stores, shopped two hours, brought us back to the ship, 1/2 hour to change, leave bags and grab a bite to eat, then off to beach for 2 hours. This was $29 and worth the money. The beach was resort/hotel. It included use of the pool, beach and a lounge chair (under trees or in the shade). Truly quiet, not crowded at all. There was a pool with a waterfall too. It was so beautiful and peaceful.

St. Marteen - We shopped in Philipsburg in the am. then took a ship tour - "afternoon beach bash at Orient beach" This included transportation to Orient beach, unlimited rum punch, lounge chairs (umbrellas were $3.00 extra). When they say the rum puch sneaks up on you - believe us - THEY DO. We had a great time - the water here has alot of waves, which knock you over big time!

The ship itself: Didn't go to many shows, but the ones we caught were ok. What was fun/funny was the amature night with the crew. Definately found Bert Statton a few times - what a talented person. Also saw the comedian/alusionist (forget his name). He too was very good. Spent some tiems in the casino (not as much as my husband). It definately took a donation from us - but most of the dealers were very friendly.

I must say just about everyone we came into contact with that worked for Princess were very friendly. Only once (at the purser's desk did I find two different people on a Thursday afternoon to be rude). They were the only two out of a whole ship!

The average age people on board were 50/60 and up. There were some younger people, but more older. After spending an afternoon by the pool with quite a few older people, he siad he knows why you pay more in the summer - for the "view" of those in bathing suits (no offense meant) Some were very intersting to talk to. One 90 year old man was fascinating!

Music under the starts was fun - but we spent more time at Neptune pool. Did watch Rocky Horror Picture show one night at 11:45 - which was alot of fun. Not many people there. Those walking by thought it was "the dirty movies" and some teens thought they entered the X rated movies too. Maybe it wasn't the movie to show with so many seniors on board, but we had alot of fun remembering.

This is getting long. Ask me any questions if you want. Will we go on Princess agian - yes. This ship? Probably not. I was a little disappointed in how it was (not) decorated by the pool. No greenery, palms, etc. But still, we had a great time and will definately go again. But I think we all had to agree we liked RCCL somewhat better. I told my husband I think I have to take another Princess cruise (soon) to really decide!

PS - our room (a balcony was great) We really enjoyed the layout better than any other cruise line --

Thanks for taking time to write the review. The CB was our first cruise early Nov... We had a great time and are now considereing the Grand or one of the gulf coast RCCL cruises.... Would love to hear your thoughts about which RCCL. We are 50'ish!!!! lol

I'm not sure what you want to know. We really enjoyed RCCL on all our cruses with them. It seems to be our favorite. Kids program was the best we have come accross. Food rates top (not that others were bad by any means) we just decided they were tad better. The devcor seemed to be more to our liking than others (again not that they were bad!)

Just ask a specific question, I will be happy to answer.

Thanks for taking the time to write a review. We go on the CP in March and I find all the differing opinions very interesting.