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

[wdblake]

Don your white jacket (included), and parade through the main dining room during the dinner rush. Rule one as you enter the galley: Wash your hands. Rule two, stay out of this server's way (especially if he's carrying salad, which he's very protective of):

 

 

 

On Crown Princesss' "Chefs Table," a $75 galley tour and dinner led by the ship's chef and maitre d', the goal is to showcase the inner-workings of the galley ... during the bustle of peak-hour operation (7 p.m.). The ship's top two men in dining lead the tour, and it's clear that this is one of their favorite things to do onboard (they told me so, as well). You simply don't get this kind of time and candor from ship's staff anywhere else. Francois told a woman in our tour that she "reminded him of his fifth wife" when she didn't eat the whole caviar canape in one bite (she ate half of the cracker). He also told the story of when his dog ate over a pound of top-quality, black market caviar. Enough said.

 

This is not an experience for the weak of gut -- after the extensive Q&A, where we learned everything from the cruise line's policy on facial hair (not good in the galley) to the amount of butter florettes served per cruise (nearly 45,000), the ensuing meal was the most calorie-laden I've ever had (running tally will accompany each course) ... but I don't imagine it's anything anyone needs to do twice. Here are some photos from the event.

 

How did you go about booking the Chef's table? Did you see the Maitre D or did you dial DINE on the phone? What day on the cruise did they offer it? Did you know right away you were booked or did you have to wait for awhile?

[Dan Askin]

I was wondering if you had the time to take picture of interior of Crown .2 more weeks before we board so if you have a slide how of it I would appreciate it I'm glad you had a GREAT time in spite of the sometime naughty weather.

Bon RETOUR Home

 

Michele

 

Yes indeed Michele, will be posting pictures on Monday. For everyone else whose questions I failed to get to (Roatan, ultimate beverage sticker, entertainment), I'll try to post some answers as soon as possible. And if anyone's interested, I'm putting up some Oasis of the Seas photos -- the ship was docked right across the channel from us in Fort Lauderdale.

 

Thanks,

 

Dan

[ggprincess2004]

Did the stingrays have those barbs on their tales which are common here in SWFL?

 

The rays do have barbs on their tail, they are Southern Rays, a relatively docile species. They are "wild" rays, but they are used to being fed by the people at Stingray City, and used to the crew who "wrangle" them for the tourists.

 

The worst thing you could do is step on a ray, which is why you are told to have bare feet, no fins (could hurt the rays) or water shoes, and shuffle through the sand. Unless they feel threatened, the stingray won't use it's barb.

[cantwaitfornextcruise]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for taking us all with you, this is the best live from ever. Feb can't come quick enough.

Again thank you

[jackdiamond]

The rays do have barbs on their tail, they are Southern Rays, a relatively docile species. They are "wild" rays, but they are used to being fed by the people at Stingray City, and used to the crew who "wrangle" them for the tourists.

 

The worst thing you could do is step on a ray, which is why you are told to have bare feet, no fins (could hurt the rays) or water shoes, and shuffle through the sand. Unless they feel threatened, the stingray won't use it's barb.

Thank you. Here in SWFL we call that the stingray shuffle. However. occasionally someone will accidentally step on one; and, the resultant sting is very serious. As a matter of fact, if not treated soon and properly, it can cause significant injury including death. But, there are very few reports of fatalities.

[KruzPrincess]

I'm home from the Crown today. Had a really nice time.

 

I did EZ Check with my luggage and just wanted to say it was great. It is SO worth the money. I got the airport, walked in the door, went straight to security and was through within minutes. It's wonderful. And, my suitcase DID make it home with me. I hope they have this on every cruise I take in the future.

[jackdiamond]

We just had a report from a neighbor who yesterday returned from this cruise; and, they were disappointed. They taught bridge to some of their regular pupils and others on the ship were invited to join the group; and, our friends complained that some of those folks were late for the classes. Additionally, they hated the food; and, indicated that they would never again sail on the Crown.

We were interested because we sailed the Emerald for ten nights in April; and, we were pleased with the cruise, and the food. As a matter of fact, we are booked on the Ruby in March of next year; hence, we are interested in ascertaining if there has been a decrease in the service or food quality on this class.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We just had a report from a neighbor who yesterday returned from this cruise; and, they were disappointed. They taught bridge to some of their regular pupils and others on the ship were invited to join the group; and, our friends complained that some of those folks were late for the classes. Additionally, they hated the food; and, indicated that they would never again sail on the Crown.

We were interested because we sailed the Emerald for ten nights in April; and, we were pleased with the cruise, and the food. As a matter of fact, we are booked on the Ruby in March of next year; hence, we are interested in ascertaining if there has been a decrease in the service or food quality on this class.

I am curious were you neighbors brought on the ship by Princess to teach Bridge? They may have been on the ship under the entertainment department of which case it was possible they were kind of treated like crew in which they only could eat at the buffet.

 

But the one thing that you have to remember as much as you think you may know your neighbor Food is Subjective and not everyone has the same tastes in food as you might have. Food is one of those things that if you do not like it everything having to do with eating is bad and that includes service.

 

Princess is still filling those ships faster than many of the other cruise lines and since most of cruising involves food and dining they must be doing something right. I would not worry about it and enjoy your upcoming Ruby cruise :)

[ggprincess2004]

We just had a report from a neighbor who yesterday returned from this cruise; and, they were disappointed. They taught bridge to some of their regular pupils and others on the ship were invited to join the group; and, our friends complained that some of those folks were late for the classes. Additionally, they hated the food; and, indicated that they would never again sail on the Crown.

We were interested because we sailed the Emerald for ten nights in April; and, we were pleased with the cruise, and the food. As a matter of fact, we are booked on the Ruby in March of next year; hence, we are interested in ascertaining if there has been a decrease in the service or food quality on this class.

 

Princess cannot make people be on time for activities. Some people have difficulty finding their way around the ship, and might run late because they got lost on the way. Others might just be inconsiderate enough not to care about inconveniencing others.

 

Food - highly subjective. That being said, it has been our experience that the quality of the food is dependent on the chefs who are on board. Over 90% of the time the food has been very good to excellent - depending. Occasionally, the cooking of the kitchen staff just isn't to our liking. IMHO the quality has not decreased at all, it's just sometimes you miss on the chef lottery. Not very often.

 

We did very much enjoy our Emerald cruise this past January, and thought the food on the Caribbean in August/September was very good. Boarding the Crown in a few more weeks, and hoping the chefs on board are some of the better ones!

 

We think Princess continues to deliver a reasonably consistent cruise experience, which we enjoy immensely.

[jackdiamond]

LAVNVEGAS,

No, they did this on their own; and, apparently were given a room where they could teach the classes. I guess that the folks who did not report on time were people that the cruise line allowed to participate in return for our neighbors being allowed to use the room. It is of no consequence to me, since I do not play bridge; and, I do not sweat the small stuff.

[Av8tor]

Dan-

 

Your updates have been great! Thanks so much for letting all of us tag along. We will be on the 11/28 sailing and one of our cruise traditions is a ship pub crawl. Can you confirm all the places onboard that serve alcohol? here's what I pulled from the Princess web site, but want to check as we're going to make up a little sheet to fill out as we go along for our post cruise memories. Thanks!

 

Princess Theatre

Aft Pool

MUTS Pool Bar

Neptune's Reef Pool Bar

Gatsby's Casino

Explorers Lounge

Skywalkers Nightclub

Club Fusion

Wheelhouse Bar

Adagio Bar

Crooners Bar

Speakeasy cigar lounge

 

You've got a good list going there and here are some comments:

 

I don't think the cigar "lounge" actually has any alcohol available in it. It's just a room where smoking is allowed...

 

Don't forget VINES on the Plaza deck for a great selection of wine...

 

Check to see if the International Cafe on the plaza deck has cocktails like the Lobby Bar or Patissere on other ships...

 

Enjoy the "crawl"!!

[Eileen G]

I just came off the Crown and I will be posting my review shortly however I did want to comment on the food. I told my DH several times that this was some of the best food we have had on any cruise. The breakfast items were better. French toast, waffles, aanf egg mcmuffin type sandwitches were better. The lobster claws and tail were also the best I have had on a ship. Best onion soup and scallops. Of course not every thing was great but overall I really enjoyed the food and thought they must have a darn good chef.

[Dan Askin]

Originally Posted by mjksmonkey

Dan-

 

Your updates have been great! Thanks so much for letting all of us tag along. We will be on the 11/28 sailing and one of our cruise traditions is a ship pub crawl. Can you confirm all the places onboard that serve alcohol? here's what I pulled from the Princess web site, but want to check as we're going to make up a little sheet to fill out as we go along for our post cruise memories. Thanks!

 

Princess Theatre

Aft Pool

MUTS Pool Bar

Neptune's Reef Pool Bar

Gatsby's Casino

Explorers Lounge

Skywalkers Nightclub

Club Fusion

Wheelhouse Bar

Adagio Bar

Crooners Bar

Speakeasy cigar lounge

 

You've got a good list going there and here are some comments:

 

I don't think the cigar "lounge" actually has any alcohol available in it. It's just a room where smoking is allowed...

 

Don't forget VINES on the Plaza deck for a great selection of wine...

 

Check to see if the International Cafe on the plaza deck has cocktails like the Lobby Bar or Patissere on other ships...

 

Enjoy the "crawl"!!

 

International Cafe has a bar attached (for spiked coffee drinks or anything else you might want).

 

You can certainly bring alcohol (ordered from Gatsby's Casino is easiest) into the cigar lounge if you want to add a stogie to your crawl.

[Ambitiousspice]

Hi Dan,

 

Thanks for all the info thus far! I am enjoying the pictures too :)

 

Giovanni was working the traditional dining room as head waiter in March, but he could be in any of them if he is onboard. I saw him walking through Michelangelo several times while we were dining. He also supervised up in the Horizon during lunch sometimes. I am sure he is well known.

 

Thanks :)

 

I met Giovanni in the DaVinci dining room last week on the Crown Princess.

[Dan Askin]

When I asked about beards in the galley, I wasn't expecting a five-minute treatise ... but the response was the epitomy of the personalized attention you get from the tour. Here goes ... there's little place in the kitchen for beards (there are probably one or two, said the chef, of 250 galley crew). If you join the ship looking scruffy, they won't hold it against you, but you'll be given a beard-safe galley task (perhaps cleaning glasses rather than cutting vegetables). For some reason, moustaches are fine (not the curly, Rolly Fingers variety, keep it cropped, pleased) ... but even Francois had eventually decided to shave his signature stash. Why is he carrying around these photos? He likes to be reminded of his younger self.

[Dan Askin]

The number of times Princess' ships offer the service depends on the demand, but groups will be no larger than 12 people ... small enough not to obstruct the crew from working. Inquire about times on the first day of your cruise.

 

Like the Ultimate Ship Tour, there are lots of facts tossed out -- 1400 cold appetizers served a night, 400 Fettuccini Alfredos ordered every dinner -- and then it's time to eat ... the most food I've ever consumed in one sitting ... some of it cooked or "finished" (tableside sautéing of veal) by the chef himself. Here's a shot of chef and maitre d' in action during the galley portion.

[Dan Askin]

While we chatted in the galley with Francois and Guisseppi -- who've been on ships for over 40 years combined -- we ate canapés (750 calories total) including a king crab dish in a martini glass, mini quiche with truffles, foie gras and caviar. On a side note, if you combined those four appetizers into one megatizer, you'd have the most upscale canape ever.

[Dan Askin]

"Dinner" in the dining room at a reserved table: goat cheese soufflé (500 calories), Guiseppi's asparagus and lobster risotto (500 calories, incredible), palette cleaning raspberry sorbet with Grey Goose (100 calories), veal shanks/tenderloins with vegetables (finished tableside by the chef himself), lobster tails. I was told that my dinner plate (lobster, veal, vegetables in butter) was in excess of 2,000 calories. Didn't matter of course, as I couldn't fit anything else in the stomach at that point.

The baked camembert (by now they had stopped giving me calorie information) was the only disappointing dish, and odd combination of a mild cheese, pine nuts and port wine sauce. Just didn't work for me ... but then again I never had to eat again at that point. Cookies, Guiseppi's homemade biscotti and coffee followed.

Then there was the wine thoughout (refilled immediately post sip) and bread. Glasses of Champagne in the galley, red and white in the dining room.

All totaled, we're talking about 6,000 calories ... but again this will be your last meal on earth. I'd like to suggest that they finish the meal with a wafer thin mint...

 

One other thing: Besides the wine, food and galley tour, you get a Princess cookbook and a chef's jacket.

[Dan Askin]

So we ran a little poll prior to the cruise asking readers to select my Cozumel shore excursion. The winner was ... "Tulum Mayn Ruins and Beach Break." The winner is ... MSN-Travelers, who'll take home a sweet trio of Yucatan hot sauces.

As poster Shogun said on the fast ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (26 knots, 12 mile trip), we dock in Cozumel to get away from Cozumel. So the first thing to know about visiting Mayan ruins (Tulum, Coba, etc.) is that they're on the mainland, the Yucatan ... and you'll be in transit for roughly half the day. Take the ferry to and from Playa del Carmen (45 minutes each way, with serious sea sway), and then a bus to the ruins (about an hour each way for Tulum). With a bit of loitering thrown in, it all adds up to 4-plus hours in transit. That leaves you with an hour to visit the ruins and about two for lunch ("local" food) and beach (at an approximately four-star resort).

Carlos (who called us his "amigos" and told us in Quintana Roo, "You don't have to worry about banditos...") and Enrique led the tour, a slick operation with pitch to buy a personalized Mayan calendar and stop at a jewelry store built in. The craft went too far when Carlos basically coerced everyone into paying an extra $2 to take the tractor trolley from parking lot to ruins (3/4 mile). "Amigos, we should all stay together, ok amigos? So we'll take the trolley then? $2 each amigos. Gracias!" Two other guys and I didn't want to pay the $2 (Carlos was annoyed, stopped calling us amigos), but to keep everyone together, they let us ride free.

What's been built up around the Mayan ruins at Tulum is terribly tacky (a Subway sandwich shop, Mexican hat and poncho hawkers, bars touting two Coronas and a tequila shot for $4, etc.) -- the ruins are not, temples and and other buildings set up on 40-foot cliffs that give way to Caribbean sea and sky:

You don't really get much time to explore (enough to get bit in the face by a mosquito -- definitely bring the DEET, which hawkers conveniently sell if you forget). After a quick primer on the Mayans -- inventors of the calendar, ancient brain surgeons, astronomers and mathematicians (credited with the concept of "zero") -- we were left to wander among the remains and iguanas. "Amigos, meet in front of the jewelry store at 12:15."

[Dan Askin]

For part two of the excursion -- which I didn't mention was $129 through the line -- we headed 20 minutes down the road to the beach. Some were miffed that we didn't get to stay and swim right at the spectacular strip of sand situated 40 feet below the ruins, but ... as we arrived at Ak'iin Beach Club, any disappointment was sucked away with the tide. The food at the Ak'iin resort was more than adequate (it was great) -- guacamole, black beans, pico de gallo, steak fajitas, tortilla, salad. There was obligatory bar and masseuse ($1 a minute) ... masseuse wasn't good at keeping track of time, but was excellent at applying proper pressure, said fellow cruisers. After lunch, just about everyone headed to the water for a swim or beach chair for a snooze, something impossible a day before in rained-out Roatan. With just our group of 40 occupying the beach club, it provided a balance to the day, one part massively popular tourist site, one part lazy beach day.

[TwinCruiserMom]

I met Giovanni in the DaVinci dining room last week on the Crown Princess.

 

Thank you so much for reporting that Giovanni is still onboard! I will cross my fingers that he will be there for my December 5th cruise. If so, it will be the 4th time I have sailed on a ship where he is working :)

[bighairtexan]

This may be a randomly weird question which you cannot answer, but here goes. My best friend and I are going on a Princess cruise on the 5th of December for my birthday. I really want to do the Chef's Table. She is "sensitive" to garlic. She actually loves it but it doesn't love her. A little isn't an issue but a LOT will make her nauseated a few hours after she eats it. Because of this we're going to pass on Sabatini's. And of course we'll ask when we try to sign up for the Chef's Table, but did you find it heavy on garlic?

I mean if it was garlic laden (as Italian or Chinese food can be for instance), there's no sense even trying to get on the Chef's table list.

TIA

[ladyselene]

For part two of the excursion -- which I didn't mention was $89 through the line -- we headed 20 minutes down the road to the beach. Some were miffed that we didn't get to stay and swim right at the spectacular strip of sand situated 40 feet below the ruins, but ... as we arrived at Ak'iin Beach Club, any disappointment was sucked away with the tide. The food at the Ak'iin resort was more than adequate (it was great) -- guacamole, black beans, pico de gallo, steak fajitas, tortilla, salad. There was obligatory bar and masseuse ($1 a minute) ... masseuse wasn't good at keeping track of time, but was excellent at applying proper pressure, said fellow cruisers. After lunch, just about everyone headed to the water for a swim or beach chair for a snooze, something impossible a day before in rained-out Roatan. With just our group of 40 occupying the beach club, it provided a balance to the day, one part massively popular tourist site, one part lazy beach day.

 

 

It is gorgeous there and we enjoyed this excursion to the same resort and Tulum through RC last December, it was $89 for Tulum and the beach break. It sounds like that is how much the same excursion was for your sailing this past week. I wonder if you would know the answer to this, but why would the same excursion be $129 for the December 5th sailing? Tulum only is $79 and an 8 hour trip. Tulum and the beach break is $50 more at $129! That is a lot of $ for fajitas. I'd love to do that again but that is a huge difference!

Any idea why it changed so much in a month?

Thanks!

[Rosebud218]

We are also booked on the Crown Princess on November 28th. Any hints or tips??

[boards]

We will be on the Crown next year and I have just looked at pictures of the beds in balcony cabin on a thread here and they do not look very comfortable. Can you tell us anything about them, are they more comfortable than they look?