Princess Cays Bungalow Review

[soo z q]

Double post -- see below

[soo z q]

Hello, all!

I called Princess "again" because I wasn't satisfied with my earlier conversation with them. This rep was more helpful. She called customer service and talked to someone who was just at Princess Cay. He said that the bungalow area is staffed separately and you have your own set of wait-people. She also said they'd be more than willing to bring you food if you ask and treat them nicely (I assume that means tipping well!). She also said the bar area is close to the bungalows, so drinks would be delivered more readily. There is no preferred tendering, according to the Customer Service rep who's been there recently.

There was no mention made of one free drink, tables set with linen, 6 preferred tendering tickets -- as I've read from other cruise critic posts. I guess that's it then. The only explanation I can think of would be that the servers have taken it upon themselves to add the little extras.

To me, Princess is going to be getting a lot of flack from guests who expect much more from their "bungalow experience" and for their $199.

Susan

[Typhoon1]

Hello, all!

I called Princess "again" because I wasn't satisfied with my earlier conversation with them. This rep was more helpful. She called customer service and talked to someone who was just at Princess Cay. He said that the bungalow area is staffed separately and you have your own set of wait-people. She also said they'd be more than willing to bring you food if you ask and treat them nicely (I assume that means tipping well!). She also said the bar area is close to the bungalows, so drinks would be delivered more readily. There is no preferred tendering, according to the Customer Service rep who's been there recently.

There was no mention made of one free drink, tables set with linen, 6 preferred tendering tickets -- as I've read from other cruise critic posts. I guess that's it then. The only explanation I can think of would be that the servers have taken it upon themselves to add the little extras.

To me, Princess is going to be getting a lot of flack from guests who expect much more from their "bungalow experience" and for their $199.

Susan

 

What a shame, we experienced a bungalow in March 2007 and experienced all of the things you mentioned, that's what made it special.

 

Would I do it again with what they are offering now? Absolutely not.

[camperhawk]

What a shame, we experienced a bungalow in March 2007 and experienced all of the things you mentioned, that's what made it special.

 

Would I do it again with what they are offering now? Absolutely not.

 

Just what I was feeling, a shame, the service, linens,water waiting,the ride to the bungalows all made the experience. Would I do it for an empty bungalow,no service and walking to the buffet to get my meal? Nope! I still would of course enjoy the lovely beach day, and hope Princess realizes their error in the future!

[Big Slick]

Well, as of last Saturday (1/5), they still had the linens, servers, golf carts (at the beginning and end of the day), priority tender tickets, pitchers of ice water, etc. My party was on a CB Eastern Carib cruise. We had two bungalows, and we couldn't have been happier.

[soo z q]

Well, as of last Saturday (1/5), they still had the linens, servers, golf carts (at the beginning and end of the day), priority tender tickets, pitchers of ice water, etc. My party was on a CB Eastern Carib cruise. We had two bungalows, and we couldn't have been happier.

 

I am so glad to hear that!! Why doesn't anyone at Princess seem to know?? We're taking the CB Eastern Caribbean in 2 weeks. I still have a bungalow booked but was seriously thinking about cancelling it. Now maybe I'll re-think that. How did you get your priority tendering tickets? Also, did they bring you food from the buffet or did your group go to the buffet? Why doesn't anyone at Princess know about this???? :confused:

Susan

[CrusinAgain]

Well, as of last Saturday (1/5), they still had the linens, servers, golf carts (at the beginning and end of the day), priority tender tickets, pitchers of ice water, etc. My party was on a CB Eastern Carib cruise. We had two bungalows, and we couldn't have been happier.

 

Was the pricing still $199 for each bungalow?

[Big Slick]

How did you get your priority tendering tickets?

Also, did they bring you food from the buffet or did your group go to the buffet?

They contacted the room that made the reservations and asked how many people would be using the bungalows. I don't know if the tickets were then delivered or had to be picked up at the tour desk, but they were those green priority tender tickets you may have seen on past cruises.

 

The waiters brought our food to us. Big platters of everything--fresh fruit, cheese, cookies, brownies, corn on the cob, chicken, ribs, burgers, hot dogs, buns, lettuce, tomatoes . . . even little dishes of condiments. Everything was swapped out for paper plates, though, in the afternoon.

 

Was the pricing still $199 for each bungalow?

Yes, indeed.

 

Other info:

The additional bungalows have been completed.

Watch your toes on the little step up to the patio--there was lots of stubbing going on!

[karen_g]

Something I've been wondering about: does one tip the servers? If so, how much (for 2 people sharing 1 bungalow)?

[GSDsky]

Are actually from the ship. You may even get your waiter if lucky.

Your call if additional to the 15 on your slip for drinks.

[Typhoon1]

I am so glad to hear that!! Why doesn't anyone at Princess seem to know?? We're taking the CB Eastern Caribbean in 2 weeks. I still have a bungalow booked but was seriously thinking about cancelling it. Now maybe I'll re-think that. How did you get your priority tendering tickets? Also, did they bring you food from the buffet or did your group go to the buffet? Why doesn't anyone at Princess know about this???? :confused:

 

I would keep your bungalow, check with the shore excursion desk once aboard.

 

If you don't like what they have to offer, you can cancel then.

[soo z q]

I would keep your bungalow, check with the shore excursion desk once aboard.

 

If you don't like what they have to offer, you can cancel then.

 

Thank you for that suggestion. I'll do that. I wasn't sure if there was a time limit on cancellations. According to the info from "Big Slick" (a big thank you!), it's all looking good!

Susan

[Typhoon1]

Thank you for that suggestion. I'll do that. I wasn't sure if there was a time limit on cancellations. According to the info from "Big Slick" (a big thank you!), it's all looking good!

 

You can cancel anytime, there will probably be 50 people on the waitlist, so that's not a problem.

[soo z q]

You can cancel anytime, there will probably be 50 people on the waitlist, so that's not a problem.

Thank you! That's helpful!

 

I read this review that I found on the net and wondered if anyone has experienced the bugs that are mentioned here. I'm assuming the season for them would be in the summer months (as this reviewer cruised in June), but just thought I'd ask for those who have been there.

Posted by: seagarsmoker (Explore, Dream, Discover)

Pastry Chef Supervisor

Date: June 15, 2007 05:23PM

 

 

We were on the Caribbean Princess last week and had bungalow #6 while at Princess Cays.

First thing, they are in the process of building 10 more of these. Five next to the six they have now and five on the other side of the island (to the right when you get off the tenders).

Our bungalow experience:

We were assigned two people for setting up inside table, chairs, towls, ice/water, etc.

We had two Princess waiters from 9:00 until 1:30. They had to help with island cleanup, but had all our drink orders within five minutes.

Lunch - they do it family style and bring covered trays with tons of food.

Shower on side of building and the other side had a water spicket for just washing off your feet.

Beach umbrella that four chairs could sit under - which was nice when we had a quick 5 minute drizzle.

A/C was wonderful!

Private stretch of beach with some excellent layout chairs on water / rock edge.

Now the bad part - BUG BITES!

They do provide Off spray and , but almost everyone in our group had 50+ bites within two hours. My wife and nephew had over 200 and she was on the beach 90% of the time.

Long walk to the bathroom.

Overall the family really enjoyed it. I'm not sure we would go back as it has been several days and my wife and nephew are still covered with bites.

FYI - I have since learned the bungalow area is pretty much the only problem area for bug bites and have been told by Princess this is seasonal and happens right before it rains. It did rain on us for a few minutes about 90 minutes after arriving and then again a few minutes before we left. Thus, I am prone to believe them.

 

 

Any comments??

Susan

[GSDsky]

Use the spray.

 

Half of our group of six had bites all over ankles.

 

I didn't but DW did...

[GSDsky]

Use the spray.

 

Half of our group of six had bites all over ankles.

 

I didn't but DW did...

[Typhoon1]

We were there last March, and I can't say we encountered a bug problem. Perhaps it could be a seasonal thing.

 

The bungalows are located in an area called the Palm Grove, so you are surrounded by trees.

[kittikat]

We will be there at the end of March. To those of you going before me, please let us know the inside scoop. Also what DO you get extra for the extra $99.00 and how are the sand fleas this time of year? Will be checking back here, thanks in advance and have a GREAT cruise

[momofsamandeden]

Okay so here is my question after reading all these posts. We are thinking about reserving two bungalows when were are there in Nov. and renewing our vows with 12 people in attendance. We would like to reserve the bungalows to make it special and a place to change into bathing gear/wedding gear in between. We are planning on doing the vow thing further down on quiet end of the beach so as not to disturb people. Then we would like to change into bathing suits etc and enjoy the time on the island with our family.

I read about a golf cart which is my concern since I will have elderly people in attendance and do not want them to have to walk long in the sand to get to the spot. Is is possible to arrange anything before you get to Princess Cays because I do not want to pay 600 only to realize that half my family will struggle to get to the bungalow.

[dep283]

A couple of weeks since the post was updated.....any recent cruisers have news?

[rubegoddess]

We enjoyed a bungalow just last saturday and it was WONDERFUL. Yes, we had a golf cart to schlep us back and forth. No problem at all.

[Quinn]

We rented a bungalow 3 weeks ago and we were told that once we got off the tender to go to the info desk on Princess Cays and there was a golf cart to take us to it. As far as going back to the tender, we did walk but I'm sure that if you ask for it, they will send one. Have a great time - It was great

[WahooNKS]

Quinn or Rubegoddess -- many people are wondering if the bungalows are full-service?

 

Did you receive preferential tendering?

Did you have a personal waiter/waitress to bring you drinks and food?

How far are the bungalows from the beach?

How far is the restroom?

How many bungalows were there? Several new ones were being built.

Info ... info ... info .... please? For $199, I wanna know what to expect.

 

Thank you so much for any more info you can provide!

[Quinn]

Hi WahooNKS - As far as tendering - we rec'd 6 priority tickets in our stateroom - this entitled us to go to the front of the line. No one escorted us to the tender.

 

We had a waiter who also took care of one or two other bungalows but I did tip him and he was really great - brought drinks, lunch, a fruit platter. But I must also say that out of the 10 - 12 bungalows only 4 were occupied on our trip so that may also account for the time that he spent with us.

 

The bungalows are right on the beach - not very far from the water. The restrooms are close to the tendering area which is definitely walkable. Hope this helps - wish we were there now:)

[WahooNKS]

Quinn -- thank you so much for the info! There has been conflicting info on the boards about the services. We are cruising March 25 on Emerald Princess and the bungalows are waitlisted. I reserved one quite some time ago, but have read differing info on these boards. Some folks were charged quite a bit extra for the personal service. If you didn't pay the extra, all they rec'd was the bungalow -- no wait staff, no preferential tendering, no drinks, nada! I didn't want to reserve the bungalow at $199, only to find once on board there was an upcharge for the 'extras'. This has been very helpful ... thanks again!