CROWN PRINCESS remembered in photos and video

[Bimmer09]

It was very nice to see the ship lit up at night in port. My daughter and I enjoyed the balcony dinner while in port that evening.

 

Great choice Whimsy! UBD is fantastic. My surprise one was the night after as we sailed away from Aruba. Full story to follow soon including video and photos aka

Food Porn.

 

I'd like to do more night-time sail-aways. So nice to see the ship and the ports lit up in a blaze of color.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Neville is the best! We met him on the Crown Princess also and still keep in touch with him. He just finished a contract on the Sea Princess down under (including a World Cruise) and is now home with his family in Poland.

 

Neville is a character, blessed with wit and personality. Thanks for the info Chris!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Here is another reference card that was at each seat on the sub. I scanned it looking for perhaps my favorite fish-Beer Battered Cod. I noticed that the windows on the sub didn't open (believe me I tried) so even if I did see such a cod there was no hope of catching it, and even if I did I had no "chips" to go with it and no means of frying it on the sub. They had taken my single burner and frying pan as I got on board "for safe keeping". The salt and malt vinegar I had stuffed down my underwear escaped detection

 

The fish on the chart obviously posed in a brightly lit studio as the fish I saw out the window were mostly blue.

 

 



 



 

[Bimmer09]

 

We passed over a sunken boat

 



 

Our maximum depth

 



 



 



 

[Bimmer09]

Our time was up and so the Captain purged some ballast and let some air into the tanks so we could slowly rise to the surface.

 

 

While we were below the tender had gone to fetch the next group of passengers (26 max capacity). We got off and they got on and we said goodbye to the sub.

 

 

The tender was taking us back to the Crown pier to let us off to continue our day. Here are some shots of Oranjestad, the capital where the ship docked.

 

 

 



 

 



 

 

We decided to go to a beach and went back on the Crown to get our swim gear.

 

 

[Bimmer09]

Norris,

Thanks for doing these reviews (this one and the Alaska review a few months ago). Its fun seeing some of the same sights that we saw a few years before you went. Great memories! :cool:

 

We did the submarine in St. Thomas in 2000 and your video looks just like mine from back then, all blue down there. Even looks like the same fish that we saw. :)

 

I am sure that some of them are the same fish you saw as I believe (and I'll believe anything

) that the St Thomas fish vacation in Aruba. If the sub only had lights it would be a whole other kettle of fish, no doubt- vibrant colors such as you see in an aquarium and we have a stellar one in Chicago.

 

Glad you read the Alaska one- I will be up to date soon- 4 cruises, 2 in Alaska, 2 in the Caribbean and 4 reviews for my archives. 2 more on the books and will review them chronologically and not so far after the fact.

 

Norris

[Skip2MySue]

I am sure that some of them are the same fish you saw as I believe (and I'll believe anything

) that the St Thomas fish vacation in Aruba. If the sub only had lights it would be a whole other kettle of fish, no doubt- vibrant colors such as you see in an aquarium and we have a stellar one in Chicago.

 

Glad you read the Alaska one- I will be up to date soon- 4 cruises, 2 in Alaska, 2 in the Caribbean and 4 reviews for my archives. 2 more on the books and will review them chronologically and not so far after the fact.

 

Norris

 

If you would be so kind, we are a group of 7 that have booked the Crown for Alaska in May. Would love to share your Alaska reviews with the gang. Could you please supply the link?

Thanks Skip

[Bimmer09]

If you would be so kind, we are a group of 7 that have booked the Crown for Alaska in May. Would love to share your Alaska reviews with the gang. Could you please supply the link?

Thanks Skip

 

Skip- I have written 2 Alaska reviews;

 

Coral Princess Southbound (Anchorage to Vancouver)

 

and * Diamond Princess Northbound (the reverse)

 

Which way are you heading?

 

* Diamond Princess, favorite ship.

 

Norris who will find a way to get you the link

[Bimmer09]

Skip here are links to the long reviews of my two Alaska cruises. Hunker down.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1798138

 

(Diamond Aug 2012)

 

and

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1850609

 

(Coral Aug 2011)

 

Hope these help you and your friends.

 

Both are photo/video reviews, shot on location and with a cast of thousands.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

We took a taxi to Palm Beach about 15 minutes from the dock. Jus the two of us in an SUV cab for $14 agreed with the driver. Good roads with little in the way of 3rd world sightings.

 

When we got there and began to walk down the lane to the beach a young woman accosted us and offered to escort us. I was waiting for a scam but there wasn't one unless it was to lead us to the beach rental place where we paid $30 for two loungers and an umbrella. Fair enough. A guy came with us, we chose a spot near the water and he began to dig with a shovel a hole to place the umbrella in.

 

We were all set but needed a drink as it was hot. Behind us were the beach tables and loungers for the Radisson hotel where a waiter was bringing drinks for the guests. My option was to walk for a few minutes along the sand to the Boogaloo Bar on a small pier. Driven by thirst I did this. It had a thatched roof and was open on 3 sides. Island music was playing so I ordered a Myers rum and coke and a Club Soda for Carol. My drink was $8 (US dollar accepted) and I think Carol's was $3 or 4. We stayed 2 hours, each had a leisurely swim or two in fairly warm water (not bathtub warm like our favorite swimming beach on Marco Island FLA) but pleasant once you had gotten wet. People were being towed by a speedboat, sitting in an inflatable sofa, which made me smile. There were parasailing people, but alas I wasn't one of them as I love parasailing. Too much to enjoy but so little time.

 

I had to keep an eye on the clock for the return to the ship (sailed at 5 pm) and the set-up for the secret UBD at 6pm.

 

A few photos of the beach and then a 1 minute video to set the mood...

 

 



 



 

The Bar on the pier

 



 

[Bimmer09]

 

 

Here is a short video I shot on the beach...

 

 

If that doesn't work (as it has an underscore which gets lost in the underlining of a hyperlink) just type in to your search bar http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 8_8Y6YV5Hqw

 

(based on previous experiences and their less-than-well-considered link addresses)

 

We went back to the ship by taxi, which we had all to ourselves. Plans for the UBD had to proceed. Early that morning I had called the Dine line within Carol's earshot to book an MDR dinner for 6, explaining that I wanted to eat earlier as we would miss afternoon tea on the ship most likely and couldn't wait to our customary after 8 repast.

 

Back on the ship I surreptitiously cancelled that by phone when Carol was in the bathroom. We went out on the balcony for the sail away (part of my plan) as I knew Carol would feel the nap urge once the ship started moving and the wake music (like a loud washing machine) kicked in.

 

I knew somewhere in the bowels of the ship, Leticia was prepping her cart to serve us an Ultimate Balcony Dinner...

 

First I would have to get Carol off the balcony... "I think I might just nap here" she said and my heart froze." Naw-you have a big comfy bed inside and can draw the curtains and be in the dark where you nap best (she has Blue Ribbands for falling asleep at the drop of a hat) and you'll still hear the distant soothing sounds of the wake."

 

"Yeah, you know me too well" she said and I heaved a sigh of relief as she went in and I made sure the curtains to the balcony were drawn and that the heavy curtain to the living room was also drawn, to seal her in a cocoon of slumber while my plan unfolded.

 

Coming up-sailaway from Aruba and surprise Ultimate Balcony Dinner on video..

[Bimmer09]

While Carol was blissfully asleep, expecting to wake up in time for just another MDR dinner, Leticia from Room Service came to our door which I had left open. I motioned to be quiet and she and Russell came in and went out to the balcony to prep. Fresh linen tablecloth, folded peach colored napkins, a champagne bucket with bubbly on ice, fine flatware and glasses were laid quietly.

 

When the table was laid and perfect and Leticia and Russell waiting outside in the hallway I went in to wake Carol up. "Are you ready for dinner in the MDR"? Hmm, not really, that was a great nap, she said " Or-would you like to eat here?" I said as I drew the bedroom curtains to reveal the table set-up on the balcony.

 

"What???" she said

 

So it was she got up and got dressed in the clothes she had hung out for dinner and the game was afoot. Leticia could now continue her labors without any cloak of secrecy. It was a great moment and a plan carried out secretly and flawlessly.

I high-fived myself.

 

I'll include the video here and follow up later with more detailed photos as the light faded while we were eating. A ship's photographer came by and later we chose a free 8 x 10 for our collection.

 

UBD

 

v=8_8Y6YV5Hqw

Edited November 3, 2013 by Bimmer09
bad URL

[Bimmer09]

Looks like I got my URLs mixed up....here is the beach video...

 

 

Norris

[ar1950]

Just watched the UBD video. Now I am hungry! :cool:

 

Nice surprise, btw.

Edited November 3, 2013 by ar1950

[mom2bcr]

Loved the UBD video!!!

 

what exactly comes with the UBD? the food, yes, but do the predinner drinks, the champagne and the photo??:confused:

 

Leaving on Saturday for our 25th anniversary cruise...thinking of surprising my hubby!:rolleyes:

 

thanks!

Terri

[Bimmer09]

Loved the UBD video!!!

 

what exactly comes with the UBD? the food, yes, but do the predinner drinks, the champagne and the photo??:confused:

 

Leaving on Saturday for our 25th anniversary cruise...thinking of surprising my hubby!:rolleyes:

 

thanks!

Terri

 

Terri- for $100 for two people you get the meal plus one cocktail each, the champagne and the ship's photographer takes half a dozen photos and you get to pick one as an 8 x 10. You can keep the menu which Carol did. We have done it on the Crown and Diamond and will do it on the Caribbean probably and the Ocean definitely as the balcony is enormous and it's the Med.

 

Do it. Choices are 6pm or 8 pm. Takes about 90 minutes. As you can see in the Aruba video it is dark by the time we get to the desserts.

 

I'll put up the photos soon so you can dwell on them and anticipate. Call Room Service as soon as you get to your cabin to arrange it.

 

You will get a meeting to discuss the menu with them well in advance. Make changes if you need to. Carol dropped the filet and had two lobster tails when we did our 2nd UBD on the Diamond. You could have a different appetizer or change the salad. Don't change the dessert!!!! it is stunning. The cookies and chocolates we ate next day.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Back on the ship

 

 

A cargo ship pulls in to dock before we leave

 

 

 

5 pm we cast-off

 

 

[Bimmer09]

 



 



 



 



 

[Bimmer09]

 



 

Complimentary cocktail-Mohito

 



 

Crab tarts

 



 

 



 

 

 

8 oz filet and Brazilian lobster tail

[Bimmer09]

 

 

We gave Leticia and Russell a $40 tip for their stellar service. They were a great team and the meal was superb.

 

Afterwards we had coffee-complimentary but I used my Coffee Card for a double espresso and charged a $7 Sambuca to my card. Each time I ordered a double espresso on the card they only punched my card once so I used it on my next cruise.

 

Norris

[melody hounddog]

Loved the UBD video!!! You and Carol really make a nice couple.

[RavaRiles]

Cracking review Norris, really enjoyed your insight into what looks a fantastic cruise, especially the youtube video with that steak !!! Got me hungry now.

I managed to see caribbean princess in liverpool in September whilst she was doing a British Isle cruise and she looked every bit as great as the crown. Only done RCI so far but would love to give princess a crack.

Thanks for the great review

Kind regards

Ian

[Bimmer09]

Cracking review Norris, really enjoyed your insight into what looks a fantastic cruise, especially the youtube video with that steak !!! Got me hungry now.

I managed to see caribbean princess in liverpool in September whilst she was doing a British Isle cruise and she looked every bit as great as the crown. Only done RCI so far but would love to give princess a crack.

Thanks for the great review

Kind regards

Ian

 

Ian the Caribbean Princess will be much like the Crown I imagine except for the icing on the cake for me-the fully aft Skywalkers lounge (the "shopping cart handle") which is somewhere I spend time on this class of ships. She has a very dramatic profile thanks to this.The same lounge on the Crown is tucked into the aft superstructure and not standing alone. I will be taking more photos than I did on the Crown as I have upgraded my camera and have excursions in 3 ports (Cozumel, Roatan and Belize) not two.

 

I only have two sea days and two days in Fort Lauderdale left on this Crown cruise and a lot more "stuff" to upload including more photos and videos around the ship.

 

Thanks for visiting!

 

Norris

[simok99]

Cracking review Norris, really enjoyed your insight into what looks a fantastic cruise, especially the youtube video with that steak !!! Got me hungry now.

I managed to see caribbean princess in liverpool in September whilst she was doing a British Isle cruise and she looked every bit as great as the crown. Only done RCI so far but would love to give princess a crack.

Thanks for the great review

Kind regards

Ian

 

Hi Ian, I too saw the Caribbean Princess in Liverpool, I caught sight of her a couple of times while she was in our home port, I have sailed on her for a 14 night Caribbean cruise back in 2009, we are sailing on the Crown Princess from 16th of this month for another 14 night B2B from FL, we fly out from Manchester on the Friday and stopover in Miami......can't wait lar....as we say in Liverpool. Lol. Ken

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Skip2MySue]

Skip here are links to the long reviews of my two Alaska cruises. Hunker down.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1798138

 

(Diamond Aug 2012)

 

and

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1850609

 

(Coral Aug 2011)

 

Hope these help you and your friends.

 

Both are photo/video reviews, shot on location and with a cast of thousands.

 

Norris

 

Thank you soooo much for your efforts. We are on the Southbound cruise but I'll enjoy both of your reviews and so will our group!!!!

Skip