REVIEW of Caribbean Princess 5/14-5/21/05

[princesscay]

Saturday 5/14

I only slept maybe 2 hrs the night before because I was so excited

to go on our first cruise! Went to the airport and got on Delta Song.

Real nice relaxing plane. I listened to music after choosing my

playlist on the screen in front of me, which was on the back of

the seats. There were also tv stations to watch or you could

play trivia games against other passengers. Also, you could watch

movies if you used your credit card. Drinks were free. You need to

pay for food if you want to eat. But we waited because we knew

what was coming!!!!!

 

Took taxi to ship. Taxi's were very organzied!!!! Boarded ship shortly

after 12pm. The process isn't bad. I won't go in to details and bore everyone.

 

Went to our cabin to check it out and then walked around ship and

ate at the buffet. They had some people walking around in the

buffets holding up signs for wine tasting classes. We signed up

for one and it was $9.50 pp.

 

At the sailaway party the steel drum band Tenacity played.

Very good! We got the drink of the day while sailing away:

Rum Punch. That was my favorite drink of the WEEK!

 

Seafood buffet was for dinner. Seafood is my favorite so

I was happy!!! Lobster, shrimp, crab, etc. Lots of other

items to choose from. No one will go hungry.

 

Went to Princess Idol in Club Fusion. Most contestants

(passengers) I wasn't into except Lenora from NYC. We

skipped all the rest of the competition for the week and

went to the "finale" Friday night...

 

Also the first night we went to see comedian Rodney

Johnson. We both agreed he wasn't that good. He was ok.

Not a must see.

 

Sunday 5/15 - Sea Day

We had filled out a breakfast card that we hung out

the night before, so we had crousiannts, danish and

drinks brought to us and we ate on the balcony in our

room. Love the balcony. So relaxing and great view

of the peaceful water.

 

Our cabin was a good size. Can't complain. Bathroom was

small but the counter was long enough to put things on,

and also there were small shelves for items. We hung a

"dollar store special" shoe holder on the bathroom door for

any extra items we needed stored. It worked great!!!!

 

There were lots and lots of hangers for our clothes in

our long closet. Plenty of room. Also shelves for clothes.

A safe for valuables. Tv, refrig, desk, plenty of drawers,

hair dryer near desk (right next to balcony). Lovely view!

 

So we were all unpacked and comfy. We saw the fitness

room. I wanted to workout that week, but the buffet

and dining rooms took me over! LOL! Fitness room was great

for whoever needs it. The spa was packed with people

the first day, maybe making reservations. Great place.

 

In your room they give you a ship map (card) to take

with you. Also, in the hallways you will see a map of the

ship with the "you are here" red dot. You won't get lost

too often!

 

We tried to use the stairs as much as possible to take

off those many extra calories. We didn't want to wait

for elevators. Though we never saw any large group

waiting like we thought we may see.

 

We ate in the Coral Dining Room for lunch this day. They sat

us with 4 other people. If you want a table for 2, you probably

should ask for that.

 

Portions were small for lunch, but ok. I had the Red Snapper.

 

Went to get something else to eat an hour or two after

because I was still hungry.

 

French fries from the Trident Grill helped! Also they

serve hot dogs, hamburgers, brattwurst, chicken, sausage.

 

We had another drink of the day. A chocolate banana drink.

It was a little like a frosty shake. It was ok.

 

The pizza at Prego is the best pizza I ever ate in my life. It

literally melted in my mouth. I love that pizza!!!

 

The guys at those stations were friendly. And the bartender

there was our favorite bartender. I gotta get his name from

my hubby. I think he said it was Michel. Pretty sure. He made

great drinks!!!

 

Went to the casino. My husband is pretty good at blackjack.

We met Cabana (Bill and Kim) this afternoon.

 

It was formal night but we chose to relax and go to the buffet.

Seafood extravaganza.

 

We went to Princess Theatre after dinner to see Star Search

winner, Kenny James. Great singer. He was so energetic and

FUNNY! He was probably my favorite performer/show of the

week. Must see. He really was excellent and he got a standing

ovation. A real one. The only true ovation of the week!!!!

He really deserved it.

 

We went to Movie Under The Stars and saw "Shall We Dance".

 

That was the best movie experience of my life! You lay on the

top deck of the ship on lounge chairs with a blanket and you

are served popcorn!!!!!!!! My husband actually fell asleep. It

was so COZY!!!! Right above the movie screen was the

moon. ahhhh...

 

Had to get a piece of pizza just before it closed at midnite.

YUMMY!

 

Monday 5/16 - Sea Day

Breakfast was brought to our balcony at 8:30. We sat and

enjoyed the sound of the ocean. We went to the wine tasting

class in the afternoon. That was fun. They gave us 5 glasses

of different wines to taste. The class was about an hour or

maybe less.

 

Later we got the drink of the day: Melon Ball, and relaxed

at the pool around the time when everyone was getting

ready for dinner.

 

Then after we got ready for the buffet.

 

After dinner we headed to the casino.

 

While walking around we saw a tennis court/basketball

court, large chess game, ping pong, minature golf.

 

Tuesday 5/17 - St Thomas

Sunny Liston bus tour. He picked us up after we got

off the ship. Great guy. Funny, easy going. Brought

us to the shopping area for a few hours and then picked

us up at noon.

 

Took us on a tour of the island. BEAUTIFUL views of the

beaches/water. Island itself isn't that pretty inland.

 

Brought us to Sapphire Beach where we relaxed for

a while before a rainstorm came. But that was ok. He

picked us up an hour later while we waited in the covered

bar area. There was food/drinks/restrooms.

 

The beach was still beautiful in the rain. Some people

stayed in the water.

 

Went to the sailaway and had Pina Coladas. They were good!

 

Then we headed to the buffet. Saw the show in the

Princess Theatre, "Caliente" and then to the casino. I had

a Rum Punch while I watched my husband play.

 

Since at the sailaway it rained, they were having a party

at the Explorer's Lounge, so we went to that. Lots of

appetizers were passed around! But I was full so I didn't

try anything.

 

Got a Mai Tai. That and Rum Punch were my favorite

drinks of the week.

 

I've never seen people work so hard and be so attentive

and professional as they were last week on the cruise. We were

sooooo spoiled!

 

Wednesday 5/18 - St Maarten

Went on the pirate ship Lord Sheffield that we booked ahead

of time. Took off from 11am-3:30pm.

 

While sailing, they gave us (about 14 people) drinks (OJ, water,

beer, rum punch) and ribs, cheese, crackers, bread, grapes.

 

Brought us to a place to snorkel/swim by a beach.

 

On the way back, we all celebrated a few couple's anniversary

and wedding/honeymoon. It was our 5th anniversary so I got

to pop a cork off a bottle of champagne!!!

 

We got back and got showered and dressed. Had our picture

taken together by a photographer. We went to the dining

room in the Coral. That was a great meal. Next cruise we are

going to the dining room for dinner more often. It was a great

experience.

 

I had bread, salad, asparagus and Fettucine Alfredo. It was

fabulous! Jim had shrimp, rice, salad and asparagus. For dessert

(gasp!) he had the Princess Love Boat Dream. I had a small

vanilla/chocolate sundae.

 

We went to see comedian Jonathon Stamp in the Princess

Theatre. He was hysterical! The International Crew show

was a riot. Had a strawberry daquiri during the show. That

was good too. Nice and sweet!

 

Thursday 519 - Sea Day

Went to breakfast buffet for the first time. It was good. Then

we shopped on the boat and booked a cruise for next May

but on the Western for next time!!!!

 

In the afternoon we went to relax on deck and I got some

french fries and watched the steel drum band play while

sipping the drink of the day: Ocean Breeze. Green. Very

GOOD. Jim slept an hour while Tenacity played!!!:rolleyes:

 

Got ready for dinner and Jim took pics of the sunset. We had

seafood.

 

Went to see the show Kimika. They are a couple. It was ok.

Entertaining but not a must see.

 

After that we went to the Explorer's Lounge and saw comedian

Steve Morris who tours with the Beach Boys. My husband thought

he was so HYSTERICAL. He laughed like heck.

 

After that they had a champagne tower on a lower deck. Free

champange FOR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

 

Friday 5/20 - Princess Cays

 

Happy Anniversary To Us....

 

Jim sent a "dedication" to me on the ship tv channel where

James, the Cruise Director reads them each morning. I think

he put the dedication in at the Library.

 

Thanks, honey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:p

 

Anyway....

 

Went to Princess Cays. I was soooo looking forward to this

from the pictures I saw of the island online. WOW!

 

So beautiful! We had booked a cabana on the beach. Sat

by the water. Jim went snorkeling and on a banana boat

ride.

 

They had so many things to do there. Next year I will

do more on that island. They had volleyball and basketball

on the beach.

 

All different water sports to do. This is THE place!!! Also

they had a buffet from 11am-1pm. Hot dogs, hamburgers,

cole slaw, mac salad, etc...

 

In the water I saw crab, a blue and yellow fish and smaller

ones near the rocks. Beautiful beach. (did i say that yet??)

 

We took a few shells and some sand to remember it.

 

Bartenders up and down the beach to take your order.

What more can we ask for??? ha ha. Took the tender

back around 2:30pm. There is some shopping there too

on the island.

 

We had a 7pm reservation for dinner in the Palm Dining

Room for our anniversary. That was a great meal too.

The food for dinner is wonderful. We will definately do

more dining room than buffet for dinner next year.

 

Went to see Princess Idol finale. A woman from Rhode

Island won. I am originally from there, so....YOU GO GIRL!

 

This boat was beautiful, clean, and the crew were

incredible. They work so hard!

 

Our room steward Eldie, A603, had our room cleaned

with clean towels and our pillows with chocolates on

them every night with our bed turned down. He was

good to us.

 

It was almost like he had been hiding under our bed

and then when we were gone, he kept our room up.

We'd come back a little while later and something new

was done for us!!!!

 

This was the best vacation of our lives. This was the

first cruise for both of us and we absolutely loved it

SO MUCH that we booked another while still on the cruise.

 

One more year!!!!!!!!!!! Cannot wait. It was also the

most relaxed I ever was. We were taken such good care

of and I am really appreciative of how we were treated.

 

Gotta get back on the treadmill....:rolleyes:

 

Pass me a carrot...

 

 

[PSCruiser]

Great review!

Question - for room service, were hot items available for breakfast? Also for lunch and dinner, could you get items off the dining room menu for room service? We will be in A602 next year - first balcony!, I want to eat a lot on the balcony.

[princesscay]

there were no hot items on the "card" we filled out

for breakfast. just crouissants, danish, fruit and

yogurt, along with drinks.

 

and for dinner, our room service menu were sandwiches,

etc.

 

but i've seen in pictures online where people had huge

dishes of food/breakfast on their balcony, so I am sure

you can find out.

 

good luck!!:D

[venusbello1]

Wow, your review made me soooo excited for my cruise (6/4/05)! My mom and I did the Eastern last year in August (during Hurricane Charley, in fact) and had such a wonderful time that we are now doing the Western. It sounds like you had a blast--thanks for reminding me of all the great things I have to look forward to... and happy belated anniversary!

[cruzinchris]

PrincessCay,

Thanks for the nice review. I'm so glad that you enjoyed your first cruise and that you are already booked on the fabulous Caribbean Princess again.

 

DH and I sailed on the CB in January and didn't have a chance to do all the things that we wanted, so we will sail on the CB again the week of January 28, 2006.

 

Congratulations on your anniversary! DH and I hope to do an Alaskan cruise (Princess, of course) for our 35th anniversary in June, 2006.

 

Happy future cruising!

Chris

[dolfinmusic]

Thanks for the great review!!!!!!!! Sounds like you had a wonderful time! I can't wait till Sept!!

[redd]

Princesscay I will be joining sailing next year on that day as well. Hope to see you there.:) :) :)

[dec]

A great review! This will be our first cruise too. We are doing b2b cruise in July and we are so excited.

[dawne577]

Great review!

 

We will be doing a review of the same cruise. I think you were in front of us in line at embarkation. Glad you enjoyed yourselves--we did! Too bad the meet got rained upon.

[princesscay]

hi

 

how did you know it was me?

 

was it my post of my polka dots? LOL!:D

 

i do remember a younger girl behind me.

was that your daughter? i cant remember

the couple (you) behind me......hmm....

 

you should have said something. it wouldnt

have been so boring waiting in line! :p

[princecay]

This cruise was fantastic! We could add so much more to DW's review, but she covered the highlights.

 

Questions? Let us know. We'd be happy to answer since so many on CC helped us out.:)

[Julia & David]

princesscay,

 

Our first cruise was two years ago on the Grand Princess. It seems by your post that you feel the same way we did. It was simply the most amazing time.

 

Glad you enjoyed it. The year will seem long but it will be well worth it when you board again.

 

dec,

 

What ship are you booked on?

[Hello-Kitty]

princesscay~~ I was on the Caribbean Princess 5/14-5/21 as well. Glad u enjoyed!!!!

 

Funny story the friends that met up w/ us are from N.H. and flew the Song as well!!! How strange, they raved about that flight!

[Pam in CA]

I've flown Song from Boston to FL several times and I like Song much better than JetBlue. The seats are more comfortable and the TV is much easier to use (it's touchscreen rather than having the controls on the armrest.) I flew just this past weekend and the crew were hysterical. They really made the flight comfortable. Song also offers some pretty reasonably-priced food if you want to snack or have lunch. I had a honey ham and cheese on a pretzel bun with honey mustard that was outstanding. Oh, and the flights were cheaper and there were more to choose from than JetBlue.

[Hello-Kitty]

pam in MA ~ you would just die if u swa the planes i take to Fl. Spiritair does not get an generic, you are lucky if they have a bathroom!! LOL

 

But they are cheap, and they get me there safe! Song does sound real nice!! I am jealous

[virginia600]

Hello everyone-

 

I was also On May 14-21 cruise on the Caribbean Princess. I had a fabulous time! I think the food was great, the service was wonderful. I really do not have any complaints. It was one of the most relaxing cruises, I have been on in a long time. I also enjoyed Princess Idol and MUTS. The Seafood buffet was awesome. This is the 2nd time I have been on this ship and was consistent both times.

Happy cruising,

Susan

[princesscay]

glad to see you all enjoyed the cruise like we did!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[britsbest]

Last year on Golden we missed out on the coffee at the patisserie.

I'd hate to miss out this time on CP. Did any of you guys find it and could tell me 1) Where it is

2) Is the coffee still $1.50 or so

3) Is it good?

 

 

Thanks

 

Bob

[laurashelby]

Hi Princess Cay...I have a question about the cabana rental on Princess Cays. How big was it, and are they only on certain parts of the island, or do they set it up where you want it?

 

And...thanks for the wonderful review!:D

[princesscay]

$10 for cabana rental. they set up on one part

of the island. you can see it as you get off the

tender. :D

 

they are big enough for 2 lounges.

[laurashelby]

Thanks for the info Princesscay. Someone was mentioning a rocky section of the beach...is it that section?

 

[CoronaCpl]

Thanks for the great review! Couldn't help but laugh as you mentioned each drink you had (sounds like us!), and your dining experiences outside the main dining rooms. Was wondering if you ever were going to try eating in one... glad you did. Dining room experience, for us, has always been fantastic!!!

 

We're sailing on CP in August and can hardly wait!

 

Enjoy your next cruise!!!

 

 

Harry

[Layla]

princesscay - Thanks for the great review! How do you put in dedications? We are sailing to Alaska on July 3 and will be celebrating our 31st anniversary while on board. I'd love to do a dedication to my DH.

 

Thanks!

[princesscay]

where our cabanas were was rocky going into the water, but

after those rocks there was just sand i believe. and the water

near the cabanas a little farther down from ours i heard was rocky.

 

i guess if you have water shoes (or whatever they are

called) then it wont be bad. enjoy!!!:cool:

 

princess cays is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :p

[jerseygirl3]

Princesscay, did you select your next ship/sailing date already or did you do an open booking? If you already selected it, which ship did you pick? We'll be on the Caribbean Princess in September. Can't wait. We've been on the Golden Princess and Grand Princess, and so far, Princess is our favorite cruiseline.