Caribbean Princess concerns.....

[Rhitson88]

Just booked a 6 day for my wife and I on the Caribbean Princess for December 11th of this year leaving out of Fort Lauderdale. Never sailed at this time so I have a few questions and would appreciate if I could get some input on these concerns.

 

First of all, how is the weather at this time? Yes it's December and technically a winter month, but being born and raised in Tampa I know it normally isn't getting cold till the end of December into January. Should I expect the same?

 

Secondly, I have read a lot of bad reviews on the Caribbean Princess lately. Yes they are by older people. (We are both 28). But I have cruised on the Caribbean Princess before and it was great. We are on vacation so tend to make the best out of any situation when on vacation. So just some input on the current state of the Caribbean Princess would be helpful, whether good or bad.

 

Also, when do they put up Christmas decorations? Should we expect to see some up already on our cruise or will they probably wait until the cruise after to put them up?

 

Lastly, We are doing the Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Honduras, and Belize). Have been to all of these before, but any "hidden gems" or things to do and see that won't break the bank is helpful. Thanks in advance for any and all input.

[Dietemann]

 

Also, when do they put up Christmas decorations? Should we expect to see some up already on our cruise or will they probably wait until the cruise after to put them up?

 

.

You should have Christmas decorations. They normally put them up at the end of the Thanksgiving cruise.

[MCC retired]

You have chosen a sailing date that normally attracts an older passenger mix .

Schools are still in and pre Holiday cruise rates attract those with time off.

[Kamloops50]

I would ignore bad reviews of any ship. The ship and cruise is what you want it to be , not someone's complaints.

Just board and enjoy.

[Babr]

I must have read those same bad reviews. A "tired" ship is one thing, but filthy is something else altogether. I saw some pictures with those reviews that would make me very unhappy if it were my cabin. There also seemed to be a lot of reports of malfunctioning toilets and showers along with a strong smell of sewage in some parts of the ship.

 

Some of these reviews go back as far as February and March. Are things any better now?

[Rhitson88]

I must have read those same bad reviews. A "tired" ship is one thing, but filthy is something else altogether. I saw some pictures with those reviews that would make me very unhappy if it were my cabin. There also seemed to be a lot of reports of malfunctioning toilets and showers along with a strong smell of sewage in some parts of the ship.

 

Some of these reviews go back as far as February and March. Are things any better now?

 

 

Exactly, that's what I am trying to figure out.

[TNTLAMB]

We thoroughly enjoyed our March cruise on the CB. I have discovered over the years the most of the "bad reviews" here are most frequently puffery in an attempt to make the poster feel important. There are of course situations that arise from time to time but almost always they are perception.

 

Beer in Belize is always an experience, beaching in Cozumel and shore side massage is always a highlight. I'm a fan of the Dzul Ha Beach Club. Its just a few minutes from the pier by cab. There is no cover charge to use the facilities (although they do expect you to buy something...... (very reasonable)

 

In hondouras I'd hook up with Victor bodden Tours. Tons of possibilities al a carte if you are with a group (I couldn't get my wife on zip line for anything)

[Kenswing]

We just got off the cb last week.. She's surely not the most shiny ship in the fleet but I've already booked another cruise on her.

 

We walked around the ship A LOT. I only found two things of note. In one passenger deck hallway there was water coming through the ceiling. Maintenance personnel were working on the problem.

 

The other problem was a sewage smell outside of the Explorer's Lounge. It was quite noticeable and seemed to be there on several occasions.

 

Other than that everything else I saw seemed to be okay. The crew was exceptional..

Edited May 27, 2016 by Kenswing

[BratDet]

the CB for the 6th time this summer due to the itinerary.

 

I would have like to sail a different ship- JUST for the sake of a different ship...

 

but even though we have been on Ruby, Royal, and Golden, we know we will have a wonderful time on the Caribbean Princess!

 

I'll report back after...

 

The ONE place we avoid like the plague is Churchills- the cigar bar...to me it is just a stench..even walking by if door are open, or are opened briefly......blech! BUT- there are plenty of other places to wander!

 

Bernadette

Edited May 27, 2016 by BratDet

[TNTLAMB]

the CB for the 6th time this summer due to the itinerary.

 

I would have like to sail a different ship- JUST for the sake of a different ship...

 

but even though we have been on Ruby, Royal, and Golden, we know we will have a wonderful time on the Caribbean Princess!

 

I'll report back after...

 

The ONE place we avoid like the plague is Churchills- the cigar bar...to me it is just a stench..even walking by if door are open, or are opened briefly......blech! BUT- there are plenty of other places to wander!

 

Bernadette

 

 

Boy do I agree on that one!!!! There was time when an evening with a great Cigar and 3 fingers of an OLD single malt was highlight evening. NOW Churchills seems to be filled with chain old smokers filling the already full ashtrays with more butts. Its a dark Dank stinky hole that has lost the very cool atmosphere it once had. I doubt even a top to bottom spit shine cleaning would help. On the other hand its nice to have place for everybody.

[moki'smommy]

We were on the Caribbean Princess in December 2015. I honestly didn't see any real problems. The ship was well maintained, and when a small problem occurred, it was immediately being handled. Yes, it had a bit of a tired look, but nothing bad at all. The new mattresses would have been nice.

 

We actually cruised as a "try out" before a long cruise. Got off and booked 2 more cruises on the same ship.

Edited May 27, 2016 by moki'smommy

[OCruisers]

Keep in mind, many enjoy CB. We are booked on her for 22 days in January.

Actually, Churchill's is a fun and very friendly place. :)

[Kenswing]

Keep in mind, many enjoy CB. We are booked on her for 22 days in January.

Actually, Churchill's is a fun and very friendly place. :)

 

But for non-smokers it can be a little overwhelming. Churchill's was our muster station.. The smoke smell was so strong that I had to stand at the door during the drill.. And I fight wildfires for a living..LOL

[Nanaoften]

We were on the CB in April and it was fine! Our room was clean, no problems with the toilet ( but then we don't flush anything but toilet paper!) the shower was clean, our "stewart" was awesome, food was good, everything like it was expected to be! There were some very rude older passengers... The entitled type who are better than everyone else... And i am 66 so i am not being ageist!! Being older entitles you to nothing AND it is not a free pass to be rude!

Anyway back to the subject... There are some rust spots but then it is salt water! We would go again tomorrow if my husband would spend the money! Have fun!

[ekka49]

I would ignore bad reviews of any ship. The ship and cruise is what you want it to be , not someone's complaints.

Just board and enjoy.

 

 

 

Agree, any cruise is what you make it. Go relax and enjoy

[High C's]

We just disembarked last weekend after spending 32 nights on board. And I would sail her again in a heart beat!

 

And we DID have toilet issues. At the beginning, we were given the run around, and given the silliest of reasons. BUT I was able to elevate the issue to the Hotel General Manager, who was an absolute gem. Turned out that the valve needed replaced on our toilet. After that there wasn't a moment of problem. As well, during our cruise they were working on replacing drain lines for the toilets in the 600 and 700 series cabins (all decks) as well as replacing heat exchangers. We saw the workmen often when walking the outside decks, and then saw the old exchangers and lines dockside when we arrived in Liverpool. I have no idea if this work caused the sewage smell.

 

But I can tell you that it was one of our best cruises, and we loved every minute on board. We don't expect to get on a ship and not see some signs of wear and tear. Heck, my house shows signs of wear and tear! We were on vacation. And we were treated extremely well. The staff were friendly and hard working. And I appreciated everything they did for me.

 

Like life - a cruise is what you make of it. There were miserable people on board, but I can't help but think they are the same when not travelling too. We met some wonderful people, and look forward to staying in touch with them.

 

Our sailing was not without issues. We had a rough start due to weather and the ship was delayed by 24 hours departing the first port (Houston), was late arriving in FLL to pick us up, had an emergency medical evacuation in the middle of the Atlantic, missed a port due to weather, missed another port due to dock workers strike. I'm probably missing stuff. But if you are not able to roll with the changes, then cruising isn't for you. "Stuff" happens. Despite all of it, I'd give anything to still be on board! :D:D

[LeeW]

No one as commented on weather. Last time we sailed on Caribbean Princess (10 day to Aruba) it rained and high winds the whole trip. We were basically the only ones in the Sanctuary up front just behind the glass. Attendants kept covering us up with dry towels even though we told them they could stay inside where it was dry. Did get chased out one day when the wind and rain were roaring over the top of the glass wall. But that is pretty unusual - all previous trips had great weather. Generally once you get into the Caribbean it is nice. Check the weather underground site for December weather at your ports.

[Go-Bucks!]

I must have read those same bad reviews. A "tired" ship is one thing, but filthy is something else altogether. I saw some pictures with those reviews that would make me very unhappy if it were my cabin. There also seemed to be a lot of reports of malfunctioning toilets and showers along with a strong smell of sewage in some parts of the ship.

 

 

Last year when I was planning a cruise on the Grand Princess, I read so many "reviews" that said there were leaks from the ceilings with buckets under them, stained carpeting, furniture with rips, etc. Really surprised me since I can't imagine any cruiseline allowing it to look like a slum apartment.

 

Well, those posters must have been on an acid trip or something! The Grand did look a bit worn (especially our suite and balcony furniture and light fixtures), but wasn't literally falling apart. Hopefully the bad reviews you read about the Caribbean are similar, especially since I'll be on it in March, 2017. :D

[floridalover5623]

But for non-smokers it can be a little overwhelming. Churchill's was our muster station.. The smoke smell was so strong that I had to stand at the door during the drill.. And I fight wildfires for a living..LOL

 

You should have told then about the problem & requested another muster station. ;)

[FawnRiver]

Same thing with the Island, reading some reviews after the refurb it wasn't sounding good, but we had no problems and had a fantastic time.

 

As to weather, I can't comment because:

1. I haven't cruised in the Caribbean in December

2. I'm from Toronto - the weather would be fantastic to me regardless ;)

 

I'll be on Caribbean Princess in November.

 

Happy Cruising!

[Mom33]

Just booked a 6 day for my wife and I on the Caribbean Princess for December 11th of this year leaving out of Fort Lauderdale. Never sailed at this time so I have a few questions and would appreciate if I could get some input on these concerns.

 

First of all, how is the weather at this time? Yes it's December and technically a winter month, but being born and raised in Tampa I know it normally isn't getting cold till the end of December into January. Should I expect the same?

 

Secondly, I have read a lot of bad reviews on the Caribbean Princess lately. Yes they are by older people. (We are both 28). But I have cruised on the Caribbean Princess before and it was great. We are on vacation so tend to make the best out of any situation when on vacation. So just some input on the current state of the Caribbean Princess would be helpful, whether good or bad.

 

Also, when do they put up Christmas decorations? Should we expect to see some up already on our cruise or will they probably wait until the cruise after to put them up?

 

Lastly, We are doing the Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Honduras, and Belize). Have been to all of these before, but any "hidden gems" or things to do and see that won't break the bank is helpful. Thanks in advance for any and all input.

 

We spent two weeks in the Caribbean on the Regal last December and had beautiful weather (Nov.29-Dec. 13) Temps were in the upper 70s to low 80s.

 

They began installing Christmas decorations right after we boarded. :D

[oskidunker]

There have been some who have complained about overcrowding on this ship. They added the riviera deck some years ago which

Means there are 500 more passengers on this ship than other Grand Class Ships.

 

If the ship is full,3100 passengers you may find the public areas overcrowded . You may need to get to the shows at least a half hour early to get a seat.

 

Many of have said overcrowding is not a problem. I am looking at a 2 week cruise next year. Probably would take a chance as I like the itinerary

 

If you can find an itinerary on another ship that has not been modified,I would do that.

[High C's]

There have been some who have complained about overcrowding on this ship. They added the riviera deck some years ago which

Means there are 500 more passengers on this ship than other Grand Class Ships.

 

If the ship is full,3100 passengers you may find the public areas overcrowded . You may need to get to the shows at least a half hour early to get a seat.

 

Many of have said overcrowding is not a problem. I am looking at a 2 week cruise next year. Probably would take a chance as I like the itinerary

 

If you can find an itinerary on another ship that has not been modified,I would do that.

 

This is very true. And on our sailing, it bothered some people an awful lot to have to be in the theatre early. We only went to shows that we really wanted to see. We worked our dinner time around it, and planned on the extra time there. We'd read our books and enjoy an after dinner drink. It is what it is. We didn't let it bother us.

[Viesczy]

We were on a B2B on Caribbean Princess from 3.20.16 to 4.10.16.

 

There are no concerns with her condition then, everything worked/looked fine.

 

We are a little older than you (44/48) and had no problems entertaining ourselves. The first part of the cruise (10 day portion) was livelier as it was over the Easter break and there was a good # of folks our age and younger. The second portion (11 day) we were among the youngest, but that is to be expected as break was over.

 

When all else failed, there was always MUTS to entertain us if the ship wa sa little sedate.

 

Going to Belize, you simply must do the behind the scenes tour of the zoo as you get to go into the jaguar enclosure. I got a big ole kiss from Junior and was F2F w Rocky!

[elliair]

 

The ONE place we avoid like the plague is Churchills- the cigar bar...to me it is just a stench..even walking by if door are open, or are opened briefly......blech! BUT- there are plenty of other places to wander!

 

Bernadette

 

I have often wondered why Princess put the Churchill Lounge in areas where the smoke permeates public spaces. I noticed this very thing on the Coral Princess. During the retrofit of the Coral, they could have moved the Churchill to the casino area, and put the IC cafe where the Churchill Lounge is. We'll be on the Caribbean Princess in October for the New England repositioning cruise. I'll try not to read the negatives - but, the sewage smell may be bothersome. It can't be any worse than the Carnival Legend garbage odor which permeated our cabin for 7 days last week.:eek: I always pack a can of Febreeze!