I was on Princess Caribbean July 9th-23

[krufrank]

Hey everyone. My DW and I did the 14 day (back to back) Western/Eastern Caribbean cruise July 9-23. We were on the Caribbean Princess and used EZ Air to travel. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.  

[whitecap]

7 hours ago, krufrank said:

Hey everyone. My DW and I did the 14 day (back to back) Western/Eastern Caribbean cruise July 9-23. We were on the Caribbean Princess and used EZ Air to travel. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.  

Oh krufrank have you opened a big door 😀  Here goes:

Was the ship at full capacity?

Were mask being worn both at outdoor and indoor venues?

Were the sewage issues still ongoing?

What were the requirements at the various ports of call, i.e. mask?, vaccination cards? etc.

Food is subjective but what was your opinion on MDR, Buffet and or other food venues?

Any word on numbers of passengers testing positive?

How did they handle the back to back passengers, did you have to test at the end of the first leg? Did you have to leave the ship on turn around day? 

Elevators back to normal, crowded?

 

Thanks so much for taking the time.  We have a 14 day scheduled on Caribbean Princess in January.

[krufrank]

1 minute ago, whitecap said:

Oh krufrank have you opened a big door 😀  Here goes:

Was the ship at full capacity?

Were mask being worn both at outdoor and indoor venues?

Were the sewage issues still ongoing?

What were the requirements at the various ports of call, i.e. mask?, vaccination cards? etc.

Food is subjective but what was your opinion on MDR, Buffet and or other food venues?

Any word on numbers of passengers testing positive?

How did they handle the back to back passengers, did you have to test at the end of the first leg? Did you have to leave the ship on turn around day? 

Elevators back to normal, crowded?

 

Thanks so much for taking the time.  We have a 14 day scheduled on Caribbean Princess in January.

Let me try and answer these questions for you in the order you asked:

 

1. The ship was technically sold out BUT on 12th floor they had a row of “quarantine” rooms set aside in case of COVID cases. Our fist week we were told by numerous staff that they only had 2/3 of the needed workers. The second week saw many new workers come aboard but they were trainees it seems. 

 

2. First week I estimated 20%-30% of passengers wearing masks in venues and on deck. Second week it was noticeably higher - maybe as high as 50%. The staff were always wearing their masks. 
 

3. From what I could see, they “fixed” the sewage issue. However, there is always a distinct smell on all levels, mid-ship, rooms 300-320 because that is where the “garbage shoot” is. 
 

4.  Every port we went too had many obvious signs saying “masks must be worn or you can’t enter stores” but no one - including people working in ports - were wearing masks. I mean, a very low percentage. It was NOT enforced at all! And proof of vaccination was NOT required in the ports. A few ports did want Government issues ID with your picture on it so make sure you take some with you. 

5. The MDR dinners were great. You could always find something to choose. My favourites were: Teriyaki Salmon, the Turkey dinner, the pan roasted Mahi-Mahi and a Southern Fried Chicken dish. 
 

That said, the whole “Dine Your Way” is a joke and was a disaster. I hate it. You can’t sit with the same people and have the same server every night. People with reservations for a later dinner time often had to wait in line for 40 minutes. I mean, it was a gong show.
 

Also, due to staff shortage (1st week) and trainees (2nd week) dinner took way too long. Our reservation was for 6:00pm and we often did not get out of there before 8:30!!! 

I personally do not like the buffet - never have and still don’t. We grab some breakfast items in the morning and supplement our lunch with the odd thing or two but strictly speaking we stay away from the buffet. 
 

The Salty Grill was fantastic. I didn’t like their hotdog but their hamburgers, grilled chicken and pulled pork were all great. As were their fries. This is where we mainly ate lunch. 
 

We also ate at the Specialty Restaurant Crowne Grill. Stupendous!! Way too much food but all of it delicious. Worth the $29 per person service charge. 
 

For this ship at least, Princess changed their soft ice cream to frozen milk. What a disappointment. And the pizza place closed at 10:00. What the…???!!! 
 

6. Because CDC no longer requires cruise ships to report COVID cases I can not give an answer to how many COVID cases on board. I can tell you my DW and I were fine. No symptoms. I knew of one person testing positive when they got home and, I’m not not a doctor but, I believe I encountered a handful or more that seemed like they had symptoms while on board. Can’t say for sure though. 
 

7. Back-to-Back was easy, albeit a little odd. You get a notice in stateroom asking you to bring medallion and passports with you to Princess Theatre at a certain time on disembarkation day on Day #7. We sat there with 600 people. No staff ever came to give us any explanation of what the steps were. Finally a staff person entered thru the side door, asked the people sitting near the door to follow him. Like Lemmings, once we saw people moving we all wanted to get in line. LOL. 
 

We were walked off ship, medallions scanned and were marched straight thru to customs where we were scanned and then walked over to a waiting room to get back on board. Finally someone asked a port person what was going on. They couldn’t believe Princess failed to give us any instructions. They took the time to explain that we needed to stay in waiting area for 10-15 minutes while Customs cleared the staff on board. Then we were back on board. The entire process took less than 45 minutes. 
 

No mid-cruise vaccination needed and we did NOT have to re-watch the safety video (LOL). Our on board stateroom account just carried on but we did get a “final” bill on Day 7 - more as an update. 
 

That said, we chose to cash out our Casino Account the night of Day 6. They were having too many glitches all week that I did not trust the fact they claimed our Casino Account would roll over for second week. On Day 7 evening, the start of the 2nd leg, we simply went in and added money to the zeroed out account. 
 

8. Elevators were fine. There are signs restricting elevators to 6 people or one family unit but it was mostly ignored. There are signs all over where they recommend masks be used - including elevators- but again mostly ignored. 
 

I found that people respected each other’s decision on face masks. I wore mine a few times - when I felt unsafe near someone who appeared to have symptoms - but otherwise I went maskless for entire journey. 
 

Closing comments: our Medallion experience on Caribbean Princess was negative. It kept breaking down and causing havoc for staff and passengers alike. And the internet was so bad we requested a refund on the extra internet we purchased - which they gave us with no hassle. 
 

I hope these responses help!

[whitecap]

39 minutes ago, krufrank said:

Let me try and answer these questions for you in the order you asked:

 

1. The ship was technically sold out BUT on 12th floor they had a row of “quarantine” rooms set aside in case of COVID cases. Our fist week we were told by numerous staff that they only had 2/3 of the needed workers. The second week saw many new workers come aboard but they were trainees it seems. 

 

2. First week I estimated 20%-30% of passengers wearing masks in venues and on deck. Second week it was noticeably higher - maybe as high as 50%. The staff were always wearing their masks. 
 

3. From what I could see, they “fixed” the sewage issue. However, there is always a distinct smell on all levels, mid-ship, rooms 300-320 because that is where the “garbage shoot” is. 
 

4.  Every port we went too had many obvious signs saying “masks must be worn or you can’t enter stores” but no one - including people working in ports - were wearing masks. I mean, a very low percentage. It was NOT enforced at all! And proof of vaccination was NOT required in the ports. A few ports did want Government issues ID with your picture on it so make sure you take some with you. 

5. The MDR dinners were great. You could always find something to choose. My favourites were: Teriyaki Salmon, the Turkey dinner, the pan roasted Mahi-Mahi and a Southern Fried Chicken dish. 
 

That said, the whole “Dine Your Way” is a joke and was a disaster. I hate it. You can’t sit with the same people and have the same server every night. People with reservations for a later dinner time often had to wait in line for 40 minutes. I mean, it was a gong show.
 

Also, due to staff shortage (1st week) and trainees (2nd week) dinner took way too long. Our reservation was for 6:00pm and we often did not get out of there before 8:30!!! 

I personally do not like the buffet - never have and still don’t. We grab some breakfast items in the morning and supplement our lunch with the odd thing or two but strictly speaking we stay away from the buffet. 
 

The Salty Grill was fantastic. I didn’t like their hotdog but their hamburgers, grilled chicken and pulled pork were all great. As were their fries. This is where we mainly ate lunch. 
 

We also ate at the Specialty Restaurant Crowne Grill. Stupendous!! Way too much food but all of it delicious. Worth the $29 per person service charge. 
 

For this ship at least, Princess changed their soft ice cream to frozen milk. What a disappointment. And the pizza place closed at 10:00. What the…???!!! 
 

6. Because CDC no longer requires cruise ships to report COVID cases I can not give an answer to how many COVID cases on board. I can tell you my DW and I were fine. No symptoms. I knew of one person testing positive when they got home and, I’m not not a doctor but, I believe I encountered a handful or more that seemed like they had symptoms while on board. Can’t say for sure though. 
 

7. Back-to-Back was easy, albeit a little odd. You get a notice in stateroom asking you to bring medallion and passports with you to Princess Theatre at a certain time on disembarkation day on Day #7. We sat there with 600 people. No staff ever came to give us any explanation of what the steps were. Finally a staff person entered thru the side door, asked the people sitting near the door to follow him. Like Lemmings, once we saw people moving we all wanted to get in line. LOL. 
 

We were walked off ship, medallions scanned and were marched straight thru to customs where we were scanned and then walked over to a waiting room to get back on board. Finally someone asked a port person what was going on. They couldn’t believe Princess failed to give us any instructions. They took the time to explain that we needed to stay in waiting area for 10-15 minutes while Customs cleared the staff on board. Then we were back on board. The entire process took less than 45 minutes. 
 

No mid-cruise vaccination needed and we did NOT have to re-watch the safety video (LOL). Our on board stateroom account just carried on but we did get a “final” bill on Day 7 - more as an update. 
 

That said, we chose to cash out our Casino Account the night of Day 6. They were having too many glitches all week that I did not trust the fact they claimed our Casino Account would roll over for second week. On Day 7 evening, the start of the 2nd leg, we simply went in and added money to the zeroed out account. 
 

8. Elevators were fine. There are signs restricting elevators to 6 people or one family unit but it was mostly ignored. There are signs all over where they recommend masks be used - including elevators- but again mostly ignored. 
 

I found that people respected each other’s decision on face masks. I wore mine a few times - when I felt unsafe near someone who appeared to have symptoms - but otherwise I went maskless for entire journey. 
 

Closing comments: our Medallion experience on Caribbean Princess was negative. It kept breaking down and causing havoc for staff and passengers alike. And the internet was so bad we requested a refund on the extra internet we purchased - which they gave us with no hassle. 
 

I hope these responses help!

Great information!  Thanks so much.  We are scheduled for a "true 14 day" (no return to Lauderdale halfway) in January.  We have sailed the Caribbean Princess a few times and have always enjoyed ourselves.  We are so looking forward to getting back on the water.

Thanks again for all the good info.  Have a great weekend.  And, GO MAPLE LEAFS!!

[KKB]

6 hours ago, krufrank said:

 

2. First week I estimated 20%-30% of passengers wearing masks in venues and on deck. Second week it was noticeably higher - maybe as high as 50%. The staff were always wearing their masks.  

I also was on the ship these 2 weeks. I'd say your mask estimates are far too high. Maybe 10%.

Perhaps where you went you saw more. But I wouldn't say I saw that many.
 

That said, the whole “Dine Your Way” is a joke and was a disaster. I hate it. You can’t sit with the same people and have the same server every night. People with reservations for a later dinner time often had to wait in line for 40 minutes. I mean, it was a gong show.

I found that NOT having a set time & coming early were the key

I personally do not like the buffet - never have and still don’t. We grab some breakfast items in the morning and supplement our lunch with the odd thing or two but strictly speaking we stay away from the buffet. 

The buffet area is far too small for a ship this size! And it was very repetative.
 

The Salty Grill was fantastic. I didn’t like their hotdog but their hamburgers, grilled chicken and pulled pork were all great. As were their fries. This is where we mainly ate lunch. 

Loved the burgers, hot dogs & cheesy fries!
 

For this ship at least, Princess changed their soft ice cream to frozen milk. What a disappointment. And the pizza place closed at 10:00. What the…???!!! 

I agree. And International Cafe gluten free choices--while fantastic in AM--SUCK in evening.
 

7. Back-to-Back was easy, albeit a little odd. You get a notice in stateroom asking you to bring medallion and passports with you to Princess Theatre at a certain time on disembarkation day on Day #7. We sat there with 600 people. No staff ever came to give us any explanation of what the steps were. Finally a staff person entered thru the side door, asked the people sitting near the door to follow him. Like Lemmings, once we saw people moving we all wanted to get in line. LOL.

It was odd. I couldn't believe how many of us there were!!! 
 

That said, we chose to cash out our Casino Account the night of Day 6. They were having too many glitches all week that I did not trust the fact they claimed our Casino Account would roll over for second week. On Day 7 evening, the start of the 2nd leg, we simply went in and added money to the zeroed out account. 
As did I. I had a couple say their points rolled over. Mine did not--started back at zero week 2. Sat next to a lady on Day 2 who already had 12K points. Since mine didn't roll over I was stunned...perhaps hers did.

 

Closing comments: our Medallion experience on Caribbean Princess was negative. It kept breaking down and causing havoc for staff and passengers alike. And the internet was so bad we requested a refund on the extra internet we purchased - which they gave us with no hassle. 

They really shouldn't roll something out that still has such issues; and they damn well should have a plan for when it does! 

I had planned to do a live report--HA. THAT wasn't possible. Worst internet at sea I have experienced in at least 5 years. But it was our 1st Princess cruise in 10 years.

 
 

 

 

[flying fingers]

I was on the second week. KKB I'm the lady who recognized you in spa pool and mentioned that I always travel solo, and your husband shouldn't be so worried. We chatted for a minute in Sanctuary. Well, I got really ill Thursday night/Friday morning. Tested myself Friday morning and negative for covid but spent most of Friday sleeping. Masked in k95 all the way home. Tested positive on Sunday. Still positive yesterday and have been pretty miserable. I worked out intensely and daily in fitness center and suspect that is where I was exposed. Oh well. It had to happen someday! 

[cr8tiv1]

10 hours ago, krufrank said:

7. Back-to-Back was easy, albeit a little odd. You get a notice in stateroom asking you to bring medallion and passports with you to Princess Theatre at a certain time on disembarkation day on Day #7. We sat there with 600 people. No staff ever came to give us any explanation of what the steps were. Finally a staff person entered thru the side door, asked the people sitting near the door to follow him. Like Lemmings, once we saw people moving we all wanted to get in line. LOL. 
 

That said, we chose to cash out our Casino Account the night of Day 6. They were having too many glitches all week that I did not trust the fact they claimed our Casino Account would roll over for second week. On Day 7 evening, the start of the 2nd leg, we simply went in and added money to the zeroed out account. 

 

We were walked off ship, medallions scanned and were marched straight thru to customs where we were scanned and then walked over to a waiting room to get back on board. Finally someone asked a port person what was going on. They couldn’t believe Princess failed to give us any instructions. They took the time to explain that we needed to stay in waiting area for 10-15 minutes while Customs cleared the staff on board. Then we were back on board. The entire process took less than 45 minutes. 
 

I found that people respected each other’s decision on face masks. I wore mine a few times - when I felt unsafe near someone who appeared to have symptoms - but otherwise I went maskless for entire journey. 
 

I hope these responses help!

 

Thanks for your perspective.  It's too bad there wasn't a letter in your cabin explaining the turn around day.  What you experienced is normal procedure.  

 

I'm not a buffet person.  Maybe once a cruise, i make it up to the Lido deck.  Salty Grill has great french fries.  Thumbs up for Crown Grill too.

 

It's a wise step to close out casino account for each segment of your b2b.  Be sure to do it on a sea day night (when the casino is open).  I did just that.  Then had to re-open an account.  Did you zero out your balance and keep your account or closed account?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[krufrank]

On 7/30/2022 at 5:38 PM, cr8tiv1 said:

 

Thanks for your perspective.  It's too bad there wasn't a letter in your cabin explaining the turn around day.  What you experienced is normal procedure.  

 

I'm not a buffet person.  Maybe once a cruise, i make it up to the Lido deck.  Salty Grill has great french fries.  Thumbs up for Crown Grill too.

 

It's a wise step to close out casino account for each segment of your b2b.  Be sure to do it on a sea day night (when the casino is open).  I did just that.  Then had to re-open an account.  Did you zero out your balance and keep your account or closed account?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I kept my account but zero it out on Day 6 evening. 

[krufrank]

On 7/30/2022 at 4:53 PM, flying fingers said:

I was on the second week. KKB I'm the lady who recognized you in spa pool and mentioned that I always travel solo, and your husband shouldn't be so worried. We chatted for a minute in Sanctuary. Well, I got really ill Thursday night/Friday morning. Tested myself Friday morning and negative for covid but spent most of Friday sleeping. Masked in k95 all the way home. Tested positive on Sunday. Still positive yesterday and have been pretty miserable. I worked out intensely and daily in fitness center and suspect that is where I was exposed. Oh well. It had to happen someday! 

 Not sure if your post was meant for me, OP? If it was, you have wrong person. First, I never went in any pools on the cruise and second I am male and have a wife - not a husband. Sorry to hear you got sick. I hope you get better fast. 

[cr8tiv1]

12 minutes ago, krufrank said:

I kept my account but zero it out on Day 6 evening. 

i guess I was given incorrect information on the Grand.  Wish Princess had some consistency.  Generally, when you go to the cashier, they only give you dollars and no change if not closing out your account.  I did have to register again on the second voyage.  hmmmmmmmm

[caribill]

28 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

  Generally, when you go to the cashier, they only give you dollars and no change if not closing out your account.

 

If you ask for the change, they will give it to you.

[KKB]

On 7/30/2022 at 5:53 PM, flying fingers said:

I was on the second week. KKB I'm the lady who recognized you in spa pool and mentioned that I always travel solo, and your husband shouldn't be so worried. We chatted for a minute in Sanctuary. Well, I got really ill Thursday night/Friday morning. Tested myself Friday morning and negative for covid but spent most of Friday sleeping. Masked in k95 all the way home. Tested positive on Sunday. Still positive yesterday and have been pretty miserable. I worked out intensely and daily in fitness center and suspect that is where I was exposed. Oh well. It had to happen someday! 

I never hit the gym (I take the stairs everywhere unless I'm in heels) so that wasn't it for me!

I was tired Friday but rallied after a couple drinks🤭

Still tired Saturday & no symptoms except I kept clearing my throat.

I figured the exhaustion was from 2 weeks of playing hard!

And I figured the throat was due to I spent Thurs-Fri mostly indoors as I got sunburned Weds.

I popped lozenges all the way home & masked as well.

I did test as Dad is battling cancer--POSITIVE.

I would have never known & probably wouldn't have not even tested had I just not gotten off a cruise with slight symptoms. I don't think the symptoms alone at home would have made me think to test!

Negative by Weds.

I had it in January & was in bed for 5 days with zero energy & insidious headaches.