Live-ish from Crown Princess Jan 4-8 2015

[737binhog]

Are the Los Brillantes on the cruise? They are the Mexican Mariachi group.

 

 

 

Thanks,

 

 

 

Greg

 

 

They were on our Christmas cruise Dec 19th-27th. They were great.

Edited January 8, 2016 by 737binhog

[KikisDad]

Thanks for the updates. We board the Crown today.

[Piepkorn]

No baked Alaska. :(. It's not the last night without it. Yes we have r246. Great cabin. I like these aft balconies. No issues at all. Comfy bed. Dining service is just off all over the ship. Pizza. IC. Buffet. Little things like too slow or running short on things. The whole operation needs some management. The sea is still choppy. I have seen worse. The boys said a bunch of kids got sea sick in kids club. DD and SIL won trivia. Gave the lanyards to the kids. Wheelhouse is even more salty doggified than when I was here last. There's only one small section left with the comfortable chairs. It's all the tall tables and hard chairs.

 

Thanks for the 'almost live' reports. If you have the capability of scanning the platters - it would be appreciated. I am sailing on Crown on 2/9.

[CruzinNoony]

Thanks for doing your "live". Who is the cruise director on the Crown?:rolleyes:

[cr8tiv1]

Just off the Crown's cruise to no where. I was one of those happy campers. Will responds when I get settled. In the meantime...replies for "page 3".

 

Dan Appleby was the Cruise Director (more later).

Yes, there was Baked Alaska (but no parade) on the last night.

Compensation for missed Ensenada was a glass of house wine (nasty) and return of $2.17 port fees.

Not Jones Act (cargo) but Passenger Vessel Service Act. We did stop long enough to board authorities so they could sign the necessary paper work.

Yes, Los Brillantes was on board. Casavaha...lots of dancing on these 4 days in all 3 venues plus piazza. Where were you?

Astro Flyer: I was one of those really happy to go to San Diego.

 

Scanning the Patters wouldn't be a sample of a "normal" cruise. I do have them...

[shredie]

Thanks for the 'almost live' reports. If you have the capability of scanning the platters - it would be appreciated. I am sailing on Crown on 2/9.

 

Since nothing turned out as planned, the Patters were not accurate. I didn't keep them. Sorry.

[Piepkorn]

Scanning the Patters wouldn't be a sample of a "normal" cruise. I do have them...

 

Since nothing turned out as planned, the Patters were not accurate. I didn't keep them. Sorry.

 

A few of us on 2/9 are primarily interested in the timing (and availability) of the entertainment. Wasn't the first day the originally planned day at sea? If so that one would be accurate.

 

Thanks. :)

[shredie]

Disembarkation was the usual nightmare this time enhanced with people dragging along their six fifty-pound suitcases with them in the elevators and in the lounges. Some people seem to need a lot of stuff with them for four days. (The entire ship was walk off.) Because we didn't physically stop in Mexico, people seemed to think they didn't need the customs declaration, and customs slowed to nothing because of it. Took forever to get off the ship and then to stand in the long lines. I think there were many inexperienced cruisers on this voyage, and Princess didn't communicate to them what they needed to know. My daughter said if she were a new cruiser, she would avoid Princess in the future based on all the problems.

 

I think the staff in the dining rooms must have been a bunch of trainees. We didn't get stuff we ordered. They brought the wrong things to the table. The waiter was always confused. Whenever I asked him something ("Is there baked Alaska tonight?") he said he would go ask someone. When I told him I wanted coffee after dinner, he said "Tell my partner." The partner was as confused as he was and she disappeared a lot. DH sat at the table alone for 20 minutes after the rest of us had left waiting for his coffee. He said he didn't plan to budge until they brought it. We saw the late seating people waiting outside the dining room more than once because the staff was so late in getting the early seating people through. This is the same ship where we had that dud waitress in October, so I'm think the Crown has a management problem. (Then again, I was hugely spoiled by Nelvin and Mauro on the PP.)

 

Our steward, Joseph, was outstanding. He made towel animals for the baby. He did everything for us with a smile. The bathrobes were even in the cabin when we got there!

 

I don't know if it was the missed ports, but there sure were a lot of grumpy and rude people about. I saw a couple (old enough to know better) push in front of a man in a wheelchair and take up his spot because they "have been waiting here forever." They literally squeezed the man in the chair out of the way and got on. The grousing about the ports was annoying after awhile. "I could park this ship. I don't know why the captain can't." Uh huh...:rolleyes:

 

The kids' club problems seemed to center around one staff member who appeared to be trying to scare parents off. She first threatened that there wasn't going to be enough room (and there was plenty of it) and she also told parents to keep their kids away because too many of them were sea sick. In general, this one staff member was negative about everything. This has never been a problem for us before.

 

Then again, my bed was comfortable, and the balcony was nice, completely enclosed so we were out of the weather. No plumbing issues at all. And the best part is that I got to cruise with all my kids, so that always makes me happy.

[shredie]

A few of us on 2/9 are primarily interested in the timing (and availability) of the entertainment. Wasn't the first day the originally planned day at sea? If so that one would be accurate.

 

Thanks. :)

 

Everything was messed up. Sea days were out of order. I really don't think the Patters would tell you a thing about future cruises. Was there something in particular you wanted to know about the entertainment? I never got to a single show on this cruise.

[Colo Cruiser]

Its over already? :(

[cruznliz]

We just arrived home and had a good time, even with all the changes. We were disappointed to miss Catalina, but not a big deal. We were traveling with adult kids and grandkids. We had traditional early dining. Our Cruise Card said the dining was at 5:00, but there was a notice in our cabin that said our dining was at 5:15, so that's when we arrived. It seemed as though there was staggered dining times. Our waiters were fine and we got out around 7:00 each night. We were offered Baked Alaska the last night, but no parade. :(

 

I was a little surprised at the Youth Center. We were told there were 350 kids onboard. On the one Sea Day they did fill up and not admit additional children. We also tried to go up in the afternoon of our San Diego stop and were told we couldn't because "port" days needed reservations in advance for the Youth Center. The crew member showed me two pages of "waitlist" reservations. Then on our Ensenada Sea Day, there was no problem getting in to the Youth Center. :rolleyes: I guess by that time they had scared enough people away. I did hear about kids getting sick, but ours didn't!! :p It was noisy in the Youth Center, but the kids had fun. We have never traveled during a holiday period like this and I was very happy the kids all seemed well behaved and we didn't see any unattended kids.

 

The nightly entertainment was good. They had two production shows: "Disco - Blame it on the Boogie" and the new show "Magic To Do". Both excellent. They also had a comedian, Derrick Cameron and a vocalist, Tim Campbell. We only went to the production shows, but I heard people saying they liked the comedian. Also, the Mariachi band "Los Brillantes" was excellent. Lots of fun dancing in Piazza when we got out of dinner each night.

 

Any questions, I'd be happy to answer.

Edited January 9, 2016 by cruznliz

[Patty2005]

Just got off of the crown. Was not impressed. Dinner service was very slow. Drinks did not arrive. Kids club was rude. Attendant told my daughter she had the hardest job on the whole ship. Never got requested robe. Had a plumbing problem that I called in about and no one ever came. (Resolved itself thank goodness). Tried to order room service three nights in a row after 11pm. No one would answer the phone. Was not aware ship would be walk off. Had assumed we would have porter assistance. They wanted us out of our room with our luggage at 8am to disembark at 10:30. No service at the pool.

[floridalover5623]

Just got off of the crown. Was not impressed. Dinner service was very slow.

 

What size table were you seated at? Traditional or anytime?

When you say slow, how long did it take to complete dinner? 1 1/2 hours is not uncommon.

[Astro Flyer]

Astro Flyer: I was one of those really happy to go to San Diego.

We enjoy SD much more than Catalina & thanks for overlooking my oversight about your SD day. :o

 

We had Dan on the Royal when he was the ACD & got used to his quirky sense of humor. He's scheduled to be our CD on the Crown in April and also Capt Lawes like when we sailed with you in October.

[shredie]

Liz, I looked for you but I never saw you! :( I asked the boys if they met more twins in kids' club and they told me there was a brother and sister. When I asked if they knew their names, they said no. I guess it didn't occour to them to introduce themselves and find out other kids' names. :) At least they all got into kids' club. I think the problem was that one grouchy staff member. She told my daughter there were 150 kids on board, so I see her story "grew" as the days went on. LOL. She is in the wrong job. Patty, I'm sorry your experience was bad. At least I did get that great steward! I sure did miss the Baked Alaska parade, however, since the kids like it so much.

[Patty2005]

What size table were you seated at? Traditional or anytime?

When you say slow, how long did it take to complete dinner? 1 1/2 hours is not uncommon.

 

Traditional early. Table of 4. Waiter assistant did not seem to help. Did not bring ordered drinks all of first dinner even after reminding. Dinner at 5:15. Did not get out before 7. I would have hated to have late dining because I am sure their tables were not ready.

[Patty2005]

Was great to meet you Liz. Sydney loved the chance to play with her pen pal

[shredie]

What size table were you seated at? Traditional or anytime?

When you say slow, how long did it take to complete dinner? 1 1/2 hours is not uncommon.

 

Believe me, I know slow, and when the 5:30 diners are still waiting for courses to be served when the 7:45 diners arrive, the service is too slow. There is no way to paint this any prettier, and I know exactly what Patty is talking about. I was there.

[cruznliz]

Was great to meet you Liz. Sydney loved the chance to play with her pen pal

 

Great to meet you too! Too bad the girls couldn't get together for a cabin "Play date". That would have been fun.

 

I spent most of the Youth Center time in the Pelican's room because our 3 year old grandson wasn't about to be left alone. Then the 8 year old twin boy decided he liked the Pelican's better than the Shockwaves, so he stayed with us as well. Only the 8 year old twin girl seemed to enjoy the Shockwaves. It was just too short a cruise for the kids to really bond with the other kids and enjoy the Youth Center.

 

As a side note, we discovered a playground in San Diego right across the street from where we docked! There were a lot of kids from the ship there enjoying the fresh air and getting a lot of exercise! It was great! :D

[san diego sue]

We were on the Crown in Oct for the 28 day Hawaii-Tahiti and service in the dining room was good (late fixed).

I wonder what happens on those 3 and 4 day cruises. Does the help just stop trying because they know you are gone in a few days?Maybe they use it as a training time for new help. Whatever the problem it needs to be fixed. First time cruisers on these cruises won't give Princess another chance.

I was thinking of doing a 3 or 4 day cruise but am rethinking after reading this thread.

Thank you posters for posting the facts.

And that Youth Center person should be fired.

[victory2020]

Were both dining rooms early seating at 5:15? I have 6:00 seating in a couple of weeks & I really hope it's not 5:15.

[cruznliz]

Were both dining rooms early seating at 5:15? I have 6:00 seating in a couple of weeks & I really hope it's not 5:15.

 

Our original Booking Confirmation said "5:30". Then our Cruise Cards said 5:00. Then there was a notice in our cabin mail that said 5:15. I think the dining room opened at 5:00, but the dining times were staggered, I'm guessing. The Crown actually has 3 dining rooms. I think the one on Deck 6 aft is entirely Traditional, whereas the one on Deck 5 and the one on Deck 6, are a combination of Traditional and Anytime.

[Colo Cruiser]

Our original Booking Confirmation said "5:30". Then our Cruise Cards said 5:00. Then there was a notice in our cabin mail that said 5:15. I think the dining room opened at 5:00, but the dining times were staggered, I'm guessing. The Crown actually has 3 dining rooms. I think the one on Deck 6 aft is entirely Traditional, whereas the one on Deck 5 and the one on Deck 6, are a combination of Traditional and Anytime.

 

I agree......

They tend to adjust theses times based on demand the first couple of days of the cruise or if they think there will be lines.

They did this in the Island based on all the extra passengers after the refit to 5:00pm.

They did it on the Coral too but because people wanted to eat early.

[Piepkorn]

Everything was messed up. Sea days were out of order. I really don't think the Patters would tell you a thing about future cruises. Was there something in particular you wanted to know about the entertainment? I never got to a single show on this cruise.

 

I've got recent Patters from a 7 day trip on Crown, will try and figure out what I need off of those. Wanted to skip the regular dining and do just specialty dining on this one. Was trying to figure out when they would be open ie: Gastropub and Crab Shack, and line it up with entertainment times...etc.

[shredie]

Our original Booking Confirmation said "5:30". Then our Cruise Cards said 5:00. Then there was a notice in our cabin mail that said 5:15. I think the dining room opened at 5:00, but the dining times were staggered, I'm guessing. The Crown actually has 3 dining rooms. I think the one on Deck 6 aft is entirely Traditional, whereas the one on Deck 5 and the one on Deck 6, are a combination of Traditional and Anytime.

 

We were TD 5:30 in Botticelli, the aft deck six dining room. Our cruise cards did say 5:30. That dining room is supposedly traditional all the time, but they did escort some ATD people in later, I guess assuming the empty tables they occupied would have stayed empty. Early dining is not for me, but we do it when we have kids with us. I much prefer to lounge with a drink for awhile before dinner and then take my time with the later seating. This cruise, however, had more problems than just staggered dining times. I'm convinced the dining staff was mostly trainees.