Live from ... Cruise Critic's Caribbean Kick-Off on Crown Princess (11/7 - 14)

[Older Sister]

I sailed on the Crown in August 2009 . . . I'm 5'10", and I just barely avoided smacking my head into the ceiling when I used the elliptical trainers. From the photos Dan posted earlier, it doesn't look like anything has changed in the fitness center, so I think that anyone that's above 6 feet tall will have problems with the elliptical equipment -- unless you can remove the ceiling tiles!

 

I'll be doing this same itinerary in February . . . love the ship, can't wait for my trip!!

[Dan Askin]

Hi Dan! So exciting to hear from you on this thread, as we will be on the Crown for Thanksgiving. I have a couple of questions:

 

Last year many of the tapas in the International Cafe were cost items. As it was confusing for many, can you clarify which items are paid for, and which are free? Are the sushi in Vines also gratis?

 

We hear there is a self-serve soft serve for free on board. True? Where is it?

 

You mention that Adagios is a Cognac and Cigar bar. Has it become a smoking lounge? (oh yuck) Do they still serve the tiramasu martini? Who is bartending there? That was our fave hangout last year.

 

thanks

 

Marianne

 

Quick correction: No cigars in Adagio's (cigar bar is lower down; I've amended the earlier post).

[barbaraanne]

Wow, thanks Dan for doing all this! We are going in January and can't wait.

 

Questions:

 

How is the new port in Roatan, did you go there? What to expect? What about outside tour operators, were they "outside the gates," like the other Roatan port? How is the beach nearby? Did you go to West Bay beach?

 

I hope you get into Grand Cayman with the weather. Let us know how the tendering process goes and let us know what you do there.

 

Where is the thermal suite? We couldn't find it last time we went on the Crown. How much does it cost?

 

Is the aft pool warm?

 

Which dock in Cozumel?

 

Thank you so much!!!!!!

barb

[justluv2cruisewithhubby]

Dan

I'm logging on to my pc twice a day just to read your updates...love them. I know others have asked if there is a way to scan in the daily patters we'd all love to see them. Thanks a bunch

Mimi

[Kerry&LuAnn]

How is the new port in Roatan, did you go there? What to expect? What about outside tour operators, were they "outside the gates," like the other Roatan port?

 

The new Mahogany Bay Cruise Center in Roatan isn't scheduled to be in operation until later in the month.

[Eileen G]

Hi we are also on this cruise. On first night there is a sailaway buffet. This had lobster claws, crab nuckles, shrimp, and calamari. It also had prim rib. The food has been very good. We have also stopped rocking and rolling and seas have calmed down.

[lovevacadays]

Hi Eileen,

Thanks for info on the seafood buffet. I'm assuming it is in the Caribe Cafe. Do they have side items as wells such as potatoes, rice etc.?

[Bob and Deb]

:) Any info on the shore excursion Dolphin Encounter/Stingray City would be appreciated.

Cruising 11/28

[mom23guys]

Sorry I'm a little late with this question but do you need to purchase the clamshells on Princess Cays before you get off the ship or can you do it once on the beach? As you can see we'll be on this cruise in a few weeks.

[UT-Volsfan]

Dan,

 

we've really enjoyed reading your posts. We're sailing on the Crown on Dec. 5 and are really getting into the mood to sail.

 

A few questions on the entertainment:

 

1. Has Princess updated their production shows or are they the same shows we've been seeing for the past couple of years?
   
2. Can you post some information on the performers at Explorer's lounge? Recommendations would be great.
   

Thanks a lot!

 

UT-VolsFan

[Dan Askin]

Hi Dan! So exciting to hear from you on this thread, as we will be on the Crown for Thanksgiving. I have a couple of questions:

 

Last year many of the tapas in the International Cafe were cost items. As it was confusing for many, can you clarify which items are paid for, and which are free? Are the sushi in Vines also gratis?

 

We hear there is a self-serve soft serve for free on board. True? Where is it?

 

You mention that Adagios is a Cognac and Cigar bar. Has it become a smoking lounge? (oh yuck) Do they still serve the tiramasu martini? Who is bartending there? That was our fave hangout last year.

 

thanks

 

Marianne

 

Sushi in vines and ice cream are both free of charge. Will have to check for you on the prices of International Cafe items ... haven't really had a chance to hang in the International Cafe yet -- was busy with a 5-HOUR ultimate ship tour -- but I'll hopefully get a chance to check things out on Friday, the second sea day.

[crazygirl!]

Hey Dan--

 

I just wanted to say thanks for the GREAT info!!! Keep it coming! I love hearing about anything and everything. Although, you're killing me since I still have to wait another 5 weeks...:p

 

P.S. - We always have to de-dog before we leave :D

[Dan Askin]

Sorry I'm a little late with this question but do you need to purchase the clamshells on Princess Cays before you get off the ship or can you do it once on the beach? As you can see we'll be on this cruise in a few weeks.

 

Hi mom23guys,

 

You can go either way, pre-reserve them or snap one up onshore.

 

Dan

[Dan Askin]

Hi we are also on this cruise. On first night there is a sailaway buffet. This had lobster claws, crab nuckles, shrimp, and calamari. It also had prim rib. The food has been very good. We have also stopped rocking and rolling and seas have calmed down.

 

Thanks Eileen, that's exactly right -- while they no longer offer the "Seafood Extravaganza," which was a massive seafood sailaway buffet that one poster was referring to, they still offer some seafood favorites at the first-night's buffet. I'm heading off to Crown Grill shortly...

[Dan Askin]

Hi Dan. Thanks for all the info you've provided so far - we're cruising on the Crown on January 9 and this report is making everything sound even more exciting :D:D

 

If you do get a chance at the end of the week, I'd also like to see some sample Patters (even if it's not every days). We've selected 2nd seating dinner and are hoping we won't miss too much by eating at a set time, but if it looks like we miss a lot, we may switch to anytime dining...

 

Can you also comment on what options there were for lunch on embarkation day? Buffet, poolside grill, main restaurant, etc? Thanks!!

 

Probably won't be able to get the Patters up this week (unless I can obtain an e-copy), but I certainly will keep them for when I return to the office. Don't think you'll miss much by doing the late seating -- there are multiple shows each night. For instance, the hardworking old-school comedian Billy Vader, who whipped the crowd up with cruise-specific humor (vacuum toilets, speedos), cornball prop jokes (says, "Wire for the cruise director," like the CD has a call, then hands cruise director an actual wire) and silly song parodies, performed three times on Sunday at 7, 8:15 and 10:30 p.m. The production show, "Destination Anywhere," will be at 8:15 and 10:15 tonight.

 

Don't the exact options for main restaurant on embarkation day (I'm working on getting menus and such), but I hit up a nice trio of the poolside grill (cheeseburger with a few fries), buffet (Tuscan white bean soup and coffee) and International Cafe (caprese sandwich).

[Nrknits]

Thank you for this wonderful, and informative report. We will be on board next week adn are wondering about Rotan. According to the Mahogany Bay website, we will be docking there. After your stop could you please let us know if you docked there as well and is Mahogany Beach open and available to use yet?

Again thank you for spending your valuable vaction time keeping up up to date.

[Bluegirl]

This thread is pretty exciting. My family is sailing on the Crown in 10 days and there couldn't be a better appetite-whetter! Thanks for your reports, Dan.

[cruisingChell]

Thank you so much for your live review ^__^! I'll be sailing on the Crown during Thanksgiving week! I'll be waiting excitedly for your review of Roatan ^__^. It is the only island where I am undecided of where to go. And if you get the chance, could you let me know how the Playa Maya Resort is.. in Cozumel? Even if you don't get the chance to go, at least what other cruisers thought about it ^__^. thank you!

[Dan Askin]

Hey Dan, quick question on the fitness center subject: When I was last on a Princess ship, the gym's ceiling was so low, I couldn't use the elliptical trainer without ducking my head. Have they raised the ceiling (or lowered the cardio machines) so six feet and taller people can use the gym on Crown Princess? Or is the ceiling still pretty low.

 

I sailed on the Crown in August 2009 . . . I'm 5'10", and I just barely avoided smacking my head into the ceiling when I used the elliptical trainers. From the photos Dan posted earlier, it doesn't look like anything has changed in the fitness center, so I think that anyone that's above 6 feet tall will have problems with the elliptical equipment -- unless you can remove the ceiling tiles!

 

I'll be doing this same itinerary in February . . . love the ship, can't wait for my trip!!

 

Funny (ha ha) you two should mention the height issue. I'm about six feet with shoes, so the elliptical could be an issue with my head coming perilously close to the ceiling. I guess I'd tell the taller passengers to use the treadmills or bikes (discrimination of sorts, I know), but I'm not sure what else can be done. On another strange height issue point, the shower head in the mini-suite is anchored in place at a ludicrously low position. Hits me square in the chest ... and can't be adjusted. Bending slightly to wash the face and hair is pretty minor, but I wonder if there's something karmic in play here.

[Dan Askin]

Wow, thanks Dan for doing all this! We are going in January and can't wait.

 

Questions:

 

How is the new port in Roatan, did you go there? What to expect? What about outside tour operators, were they "outside the gates," like the other Roatan port? How is the beach nearby? Did you go to West Bay beach?

 

I hope you get into Grand Cayman with the weather. Let us know how the tendering process goes and let us know what you do there.

 

Where is the thermal suite? We couldn't find it last time we went on the Crown. How much does it cost?

 

Is the aft pool warm?

 

Which dock in Cozumel?

 

Thank you so much!!!!!!

barb

 

The new Mahogany Bay Cruise Center in Roatan isn't scheduled to be in operation until later in the month.

 

Thanks Kerry&LuAnn, that's the story with Roatan: Carnival Legend is scheduled to be the first ship to visit the new Mahogany Bay cruise terminal on November 20. We actually posted a poll about the "chair lift" attaction, which takes passengers from terminal to beach (all-you-can-ride for 5 clams). You can check that poll out here.

[Lynzchat]

Thanks for sharing your vacation with us, Dan! These are amazing reports.

 

We board the Crown on Sat, the 14th, we are so excited. It's our first ever Princess

 

1) Do you recommend that we 'run' to sign up for the Sanctuary or "run" to sign up for Chef's Table? Did you do either and how was it?:D

[caber]

As another poster indicated, the ship no longer features the sailaway seafood buffet (with the lobster claws, etc.).

Dan,

You must have missed it. It had been on the last two cruises, this one and the one we started on in Quebec. It was very good.

 

It was in the Horizon Court in the evening. I haven`t had it before so it was good for me.

 

Nice to meet you and everyone at the CC meet yesterday.

[Minoushka]

Have you noticed more cleaning or scrubbing by the crew to avoid spreading of H1N1 or any other germs?

Any mention of it?

Are there more sanitizers around?Can you select your food at the buffet or do they serve you now ?

 

Looking forward to your PICTURES of Atrium ,cabins Casino Public rooms

Thanks

 

Michele

[go noles]

See your bow on the royal palms beach cam along with a couple of whale tails. Looks a little cloudy. Have a great day.

[KruzPrincess]

Greetings from the Crown Princess in Grand Cayman.

 

Had a nice time meeting my CC roll call folks yesterday. Thanks to Dan from CC for the FABULOUS gifts!!

 

It was sunny and lovely this morning, but a big black cloud is passing over right now. It may even be raining outside. Hopefully it will pass quickly. Yep, I can see the windshield wipers going on the tender out the window.

 

Went to the Pub Lunch yesterday in the Wheelhouse. It was pretty good. Ale and Fish & Chips. There's been a lot of football on MUTS - too much for me. We now have flat screen TV's in the cabins, so that's nice. The Sailaway Seafood Buffet is just the same as it was last year: lobster claws, shrimp, etc. I have to say it's not all that good, but they do still have it. As mentioned earlier, prime rib at the carving station. I did the buffet for formal night last night and they had lobster claws and crab knuckles again. Also, had a really good beef item at the carving station.

 

If my friend HOUCH reads this......have a great time on your Holy Land cruise next week!