A somewhat short review of the Caribbean Princess 10-30-04

This was my hubby and I's 1st cruise with Princess. Our favorite being Royal Caribbean. Embarkation wasn't that bad. We arrived around 11:30 and it took about an hour. We had cabin R512 with a balcony. The room was not huge but it was perfectly fine for 2 people. Ample amount of storage and clothes hanging space! The bathrooms were very small. We made reservations for the Palm dining room table #85 for all but one evening when we ate at Sterling Steakhouse. The dining room service was great. We were done eating within an hour and 15mins. each night and never had an empty water glass! The coke card is an excellent deal even though I feel the waitstaff by the pool and in the Theaters weren't overly thrilled to get you a coke. They're not making $ off of it so I can see why. I usually went to the bars myself to get it anyways--in a big glass :) We loved Movies under the Stars as well as the sun! We went to the pool every day around 10:30 to get a good seat to sun ourselves and to watch movies. Shrek 2 and the Terminal were the 2 movies being shown at night.

We loved all of the comedians on this cruise. We didn't see the main dance shows but thought the entertainment was excellent. The ships crew had probably 30 uniquely individually carved pumpkins in the atrium for Halloween. Lots of people were dressed up that night. The "Tree" costume won the costume contest that night. Hats off to that guy--don't know how he packed that costume-branches and all to get on the plane! Must've been from Florida and didn't have to fly! :)

We did not book any excursions but did self tours instead. We didn't do anything in San Juan, Went to Paradise Point in St Thomas then took the ferry to St John (Trunk Bay),and went to Dawn Beach in St Martin. I LOVE Trunk Bay---excellent snorkeling and the beach was to die for. We WILL go there again! We went to Dawn Beach for snorkeling but it wasn't that great. The beach was clean and the water was pretty but I'll go back to Orient beach next time.

Caribe Cafe is a great place to horse down a pile of King Crab(not the cheaper snow crab) and lobster. They had it 2 nights I know for sure. I LOVE crab and it was free flowing! :D 2 thumbs up for Princess being generous with the crab and lobster!!!!!!

I know others have posted that there are crowding problems on this ship. It didn't bother me except for when they had entertainment (Examples: Love and Marriage show and comedian Wilt Able) in the Explorer's Lounge and Club Fusion. It was PACKED and no where to sit let alone stand. FYI:Have it in the Princess theater next time Princess!!!! :(

Smoking----there was a lot of it! Princess encourages smoking in the hallways and at the elevators buy having ashcans next to ALL of the elevators. There were even ashcans with non-smoking signs on them with a cigarette put out on and around the sign. I had to walk through a cloud of smoke one night in front of the Palm dining room. I about died while waiting for the Maitre' D to seat the 3 couples in front of us then us. This is not a good thing for non smokers and people with allergies. I can understand when I'm outside or in a bar but not at the elevators and hallways. This was my biggest dissappointment. Otherwise we had an EXCELLENT cruise! As far as RCL comparing to Princess. I think they are both my favorites now. They are somewhat the same but each has their pluses and minuses. I went on this cruise not thinking that I would be booking another while onboard but I was wrong! Princess has a GREAT idea~listen up RCL! You can book a cruise for just $100 deposit per person and DO NOT have to give a date or ship to book it. You have up to 4 years to decide when,where and on what ship you want to sail on~just contact you're own personal TA!. We'll be getting $100 shipboard credit per cabin for an outside or balcony($50 for an inside). I really like the freedom of this choice. There's no need to sit down with the future cruise consultant--just drop your filled out request in the provided box and your papers are given to you before you disembark. I'm sure this encourages a lot more onboard bookings! Very smart idea Princess! Well, enough of my rambling! I give this cruise a 2 thumbs up! :)

Thanks for the review. We'll be there in a few days ourselves, and it is always interesting to read other peoples thoughts. I hated hearing about the smokers ~~ we've never run into this before! ~~ will have to avoid that all together.

Glad you enjoyed your Princess experience!

Also sad to hear about smoking everywhere. In the past, this has been a problem in the casinos but not really anywhere else.

Thanks for your review Birmancrazy. We will be on the Caribbean Princess in Nov., 2005.

Sorry to hear about the smoking issue on the ship at this time. DH & Sailed the Dawn Princess out of San Jan last November and did not notice this smoking problem on that ship. Smokers smoked in designated areas which definitely did not include at dining room doors or in hallways.

Definitely hope the generous portions of crab and lobster pervail until our 2005 cruise. :D

Dianne

Just a quick couple of questions for you BirmanCrazy... my wife and I are first time cruisers on the Nov. 13th Caribbean Princess cruise and have heard a great deal about Trunk Bay on St. John. We would like to snorkle there, but don't really want to do it with a ship excursion. How difficult is it for complete newbies to make the trek over to Trunk Bay without a "guide" or any real idea where we are going? Also, is snorkleing gear rented on the beach or do you have to bring your own?

Thanks in advance.

They serve fountain coke so you would have to drink about 10, 000 cokes to equal your $20 investment. Just make sure you ask for a large coke each time.

Terry & Christine

2000 Ocean

2000 Ocean

2001 Grand

2002 Grand

2003 Sun

2004 Caribbean

2005 Diamond(1/22/05)

Thanks for your note on the CP. We are going on a cruise in Jan. and have a couple of questions for you. How did you find getting off the ship???? We have an 11:30 flight home from Ftl Lauderdale and am slightly concerned about timing. Do you think they let you carry all your own luggage off ,rtather having to pick it up in the big room??? How did you find the about of people during the day???? Any suggestions for quiet areas???? How was the food in the Horizon Court??? We sometimes like to go there for a quick lunch rather than the dining room jfor every meal???Any other helpful hints would be appreciated.Has anyone else seen a review by an fellow from England?? It was quite good and am anxious to show it to the husband. Regards Liz

Snow 4 Sand: We had a 12 noon departure and was well off the ship in time to get to the airport. We were Aqua 4 tag )there were aqua 1-3 let off before ours) and we were off at 9:30. Just make sure you get the color tag corresponding to your flight departure. I'm sure you'll be fine! The Fort Lauderdale airport is very close to the port. I could actaully see the Caribbean Princess from my gate at the airport! What a sad sight! As far as luggage is concerned-we set 3 of our big bags and had a rolling carry on and a backpack with us when we walked off. I guess you could not leave them out to be collected since you don't go through customs until you collect all of your luggage in the terminal anyway. Quiet areas: hmmm... really wasn't looking for one but I'm sure there are plenty! This ship seems to be built to give a small ship feel to a big ship. Opposite to the Granduer of the Voyager class ships of RCL with their large show room, Promanade and 3 tiered dining room. We seemed to run into a lot of dead ends on this ship. But I guess it made it seem more small. It was fun investigating the ship. You'll have no problem finding that quiet space! Horizon Court: My hubby brought me food each morning after he worked out. I slept in :) The food was fine at breakfast-the ordinary fare. We ate pizza or burgers for lunch.

Coke cards: Princess is still cheaper than RCL in this catagory. I you calculate that the average large coke you buy at a local fast food restaurant costs you approx. $1.75 then you need to drink at least 11.5 of them before you come out ahead. I did and more so I still think it's a good deal! :D

JVince: We love Trunk Bay! Such a beautiful pristine place! It was our first time to go there as well. We got off the ship and went to Paradise Point. After visiting the Mountain Top we caught a taxi at the bottom to Red Hook(approx $8 per person). From Red Hook we JUST made the ferry-it was about to pull away! I think they sail every hour. It was $3 per person I believe. From Cruz Bay, St John we took another taxi to Trunk Bay for I think $6 per person. Then you needed to pay to get into the Beach area of Trunk Bay. I have my own snorkeling equipt. b/c I don't know how well they clean that stuff. You might want to look at the port of call boards to get more specific. My hubby paid for most things so I'm a little fuzzy on exact prices except for the taxi ride to Red Hook. It can be done and with ease. Just bring alot of $$ in smaller bills. The snorkeling was very good. Someone even saw a Stingray.

Thanks for your help. Last year we went on the Oosterdam, and I felt it was jjust the right size and am thinking that this ship is soooo big. My husband loves to explore all the ship,while I like to watch the water go byetc etc. We seemed to have gotten a great deal price wise and are looking forward to traveeling with Princess again. I think all the lines and all the ships have there plus and minuses and by reading reviews and all the great info etc. found on this site you gain more insite. Did you go to early or a later dinner in the dining room?? Thanks for the review and all your help. Regards Liz

Just a quick couple of questions for you BirmanCrazy... my wife and I are first time cruisers on the Nov. 13th Caribbean Princess cruise and have heard a great deal about Trunk Bay on St. John. We would like to snorkle there, but don't really want to do it with a ship excursion. How difficult is it for complete newbies to make the trek over to Trunk Bay without a "guide" or any real idea where we are going? Also, is snorkleing gear rented on the beach or do you have to bring your own?

 

Thanks in advance.

You can rent it at Trunk Bay or even in the town, Cruz Bay. I would bring my own. St. John is a beautiful, unspoilt island and you can snorkel any of the beaches except Honeymoon which is a private beach on the Caneel Bay resort. Trunk Bay is crowded and there is better snorkeling almost anywhere but Trunk Bay.

The entire island is fringed by shallow coral reefs and you can just wade out a bit and snorkel. You don't need a guide as there is seldom any current because of the fringing reef. I personally like Hawksnest Beach because it is shallow enough to skin dive and get very close to the coral and fish. There are retirees in the 70s and 80s snorkeling the beaches. All the beaches are fringed by sea grape trees and people hang their clothes and personal belongings in the trees while they are snorkeling.

When you get off the Redhook ferry, you can catch a dollar cab, which are converted pick-up trucks, and you can get to any beach within a few minutes. It is a very small island with only 2 roads. You can stand by the side of the road and another dollar cab will come by and take you to the next beach. People hitchhike all over St. John. Stand on the side of the road and point your index finger in the direction of where you want to go and someone will pick you up and you'll probably get some great advice from a local on where to snorkel that day.

There is practically no crime on the island. People walk around and say "Good Morning" and "Good Afternoon" to everyone they pass. It is like living on another planet. If you plan to spend the day there, bring your own food as it is very expensive ($17.00 for a hamburger). It is one of the most exclusive, expensive islands in the Caribbean and to limit yourself to just Trunk Bay is almost criminal when people are on waiting lists for $6000 per week condo rentals.

Buy a copy of "St. John Off the Beaten Path" and make you day there count.

Sound like we have a lot to see on St. John. Thanks for the advice you guys, it is greatly appreciated!

As far as RCL comparing to Princess. I think they are both my favorites now. They are somewhat the same but each has their pluses and minuses.

Les

taxatty: RCL seemed a little more consistant in the dining room and at breakfast. I always found something on RCL's menu that I like. Princess was a little hit and miss. The lobster was excellent though(last formal night) ~I feel better than RCL. Caribe Cafe at night is a win win situation. Might've been a better place to eat a couple of the nights. Entertainment~they were equal in this department BUT....we did not see any of the production shows of Princess. The pool games were great but RCL does this pretty well too. Service: I had an EXCELLENT cabin steward, Elric was his name. My waitstaff in the dining room were very fast and efficient. Sebastian from Poland was our asst waiter and he was absolutely wonderful. Never had an empty water glass and we drink a lot during dinner! He has great personality and always wears a smile! Looking forward to seeing him in the future!

Cabins: They seemed smaller than RCL's but I think they use alot of space for luggage and storage purposes. We were quite comfy. I did miss having a couch. The interactive TV on RCL is great. Wish Princess would look into that. RCL had more on their TV programming as well. I also would like to see Princess show shows that were held earlier on the TV like the "Love and Marriage show". So if we missed it (b/c the Explorer's Lounge is too small) we could watch it on the TV and not be so disgruntled b/c the lounge was to small for all the people that would've liked to see it.

Oh! Another thing that I noticed, Princess's cruise video is much better than the short cruise video RCL sells. Princess' video is long and has more detail about ports and events on board-not just short snipets. Worth the $40 price tag. Hope this helps!

Just a comment about the smoking. We were on the 10/2 CP sailing and I don't remember ever noticing a problem with smokers, even in the casino. And, believe me, I would have noticed!! I have a huge aversion to smoke! So, I hope the cruise you were on was just a fluke because we loved our cruise and certainly hope to cruise again on the beautiful Caribbean Princess.