Caribbean Princess Review - Western Itinerary – 7/31/04-8/7/04 PART 1

[Julia & David]

Suncat,

you are doing a great job, keep it coming.

[Suncat]

[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]Here is Part 4…[/size][/font]



[size=3][font=Comic Sans MS]We woke up and we are mysteriously docked in Montego Bay, Jamaica. We decided not to jump right up this morning, and took our time deciding what we were going to do. Our main mission was to go procure some Rum, Coffee and visit Margaritiville and we had all day to do it, so we order our breakfast again and left the ship around 10:30am[/font][font=Times New Roman]. [/font][font=Comic Sans MS]We just walked off, if was nice not having to tender. We caught a cab/bus to town for $6. Went shopping and were harangued by the locals, “You make deal with me, YOU BUY, lady you BUY NOW!” That was enough, thank you! We ended up buying only 1 bottle of Appleton’s Rum as we thought it to be too high of a price, boy were we right. We got back to the port and you could buy Duty free in the liter size for $11 and we paid $15 (after bargaining with them forever) for a 5th. So do not buy in town, buy Duty free or on the Ship, it’s a much better deal! Also, beware; all the Cuban cigars in the little town area they drop you off at are NOT REAL!! (No big surprise). We know as my husband is a cigar distributor. OVERALL – THIS WAS THE DOWNFALL OF THE TRIP - I SEE NO NEED TO STOP HERE AND WOULD HAVE RATHER HAD ANOTHER SEA DAY![/font][/size]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]While shopping we ran into Marlinmike and Wife and we all decided to catch a cab to Margaritiville together. Margaritiville is Wild!!! It’s mostly younger, of course, but a very rowdy, drunk atmosphere. I thought it was fine and the Margarita’s were great! I bought several souvenirs here for my Margarita loving friends and we took a bunch of pictures of the slide, trampolines in the water etc. and decided to head back to the ship so Marlinmike and Wife could get back to prepare for the Cocktail party they were throwing in their San Juan Suite!!!!!!!![/size][/font]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]We got back to the ship, took a quick dip to cool down in the main pool (met with BL and Mr. Moon, by chance) (met with Karen and Jan, by chance) shared a pice of Pizza and then got ready for our evening of cocktailing and the balcony dinner and then island night ( I think I made a reference that Island Night was on Cozumel night before, but I was wrong – this was the night!!!!)[/size][/font]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]We met the best people off this board and we had a great time at Marlinmike’s & Wife’s cocktail party. They are great people and we are lucky we live only a few miles away from each other near Seattle. We were still in port (Montego Bay) and their San Juan Suite was port side Mid Ship on the Riviera deck (correct Mike?). The Suite is Magnificent, Huge Jetted soaking Tub, Full shower, 2 TV’s sitting area, wet bar w/sink granite coutertops! It’s literally a small condo! Our party was great. We all ended up out on their balcony, literally yelling at all the late comers running back to the ship. We noticed we should have already been underway and started yelling (I should say BL did most of the yelling and the rest of us did most of the ducking out of site!) “LATE, LATE, LATE you’re late”. (or something to that effect) Nobody took us seriously, in fact we got most of the people on the Port side out on their balconies and we had quite a large party going now. Everybody started talking to each other from balcony to balcony and we even got a wave from all those on the Bridge! Everybody wanted to see what we were yelling at and it became quite a funny scene![/size][/font]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]We left the cocktail party and headed for our stateroom – Cabin B-749 “The 10 year Anniversary” Room! We had our Ultimate Balcony Dinner scheduled for 7pm. The Room Service arrived precisely at 7pm. They put white linen table cloth on the outdoor table and took the small end table from our room to place the bucket holding the ½ bottle of Moet Chandon. There were candles, flowers, fine linens, silverware, water glasses, wine glasses, champagne glasses and our own 6 foot inflatable palm tree as the back drop! I called to make the reservation and pre-ordered cocktails, a Martini for Mr. and a Cosmopolitan for myself. These drinks were included. They also ask if you want Steak – Filet Mignon or Lobster or both, and what do you think we did? – Both of course! First the Room Service manager for the entire ship comes in to introduce himself and to advise he would like to know exactly how we enjoy our services and to please let him know personally if there is anything he can do further. (Very Nice Touch – he came back again at the end of the meal to make sure everything was satisfactory). [/size][/font]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]1st course – Canapé’s 10 per person and the Cocktails[/size][/font]

[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]2nd course – Very Very Very Very Large Crab cake baked in a Puff Pastry type shell (we ate the whole thing and regretted it later and we were too stuffed to even come close to finishing the main course) [/size][/font]

[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]3rd Course – Beautiful Butter/Bib lettuce salad with tomatoes, pears sugared walnuts, fried goat cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. This was a perfect salad, but way too large![/size][/font]

[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]4th Course – Main Course – A HUGE FULL Lobster tail and the biggest cut of filet mignon I have ever had! Cooked to perfection. The side dishes were new potatoes, carrots broccoli and they were all cut into almond shapes. (I”LL POST PICTURES SOON)[/size][/font]

[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]5th Course – Desert – we could not eat it, we could only taste it. It was 4 different kinds of Mouse, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Hazelnut and Vanilla with a presentation like no other, edible crepe fan laced in chocolate with a small edible crepe dish of strawberries with a mint sprig! It’s hard to image all of this – I know. All I can say is: DO THIS – especially for a special occasion. It is the best $100 dinner you will ever have! [/size][/font]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]After all this food we went to Island Night at the Terrace Pool – See my previous post for Island Night events!!!! – It’s not to be missed![/size][/font]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]Day 4 Grand Cayman[/size][/font]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]We got up early today as we had made arrangements to go with Captain Marvin’s to Sting Ray City and the snorkel of the Barrier Reef. We tendered to shore at 8:45 am and walked to the left of the pier a couple of blocks to the Captain Marvin Location. This was a great Snorkeling experience and the Sting Rays are very Cool! This is not to be missed for a first timer to Grand Cayman. I just wish we had more time in this beautiful port. It is so clean here. We had the tour guide drop us off at Seven Mile Beach on the way back into town and we ate at a small burger place on the beach and downed a few Sting Ray beers. You know – I don’t usually drink beer, but when it’s hot, I don’t think there’s a better beverage of choice! These beers went down too easy! After lunch of Swordfish burger and Cheeseburger – we decided to walk as far down the beach as possible towards the town. With beer in hand we walked and took more self photos of us two on the beautiful white sand beach! THEN – it started to rain, and you know…when it rains, it pours. We sought cover under a bar on the beach and caught a cab the rest of the way into town. We did approximately 15 minutes of shopping and caught the very last tender back to the ship – What a great Day we had.[/size][/font]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]Tonight was the second Formal and we again made it to the Palm at 7pm without reservations – no problem – I think they knew us by now! We ate dinner and went to Sarge in the Princess Theatre. It was a great Evening. I think we ended up in the Casino – and yes we lost – but it has never been so fun loosing![/size][/font]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]As for employees on the ship. We met quite o few very accommodating all around nice people. I think we did see Sydney’s Devonish at Skywalker’s, but we did not speak. The people we got to know the best were Scott and Claire, Donna (Senior Assistant CD) and Graham (from going to the horse races) oh and Rose our cabin stewardess extraordinaire – of course! Scott is the Deputy Cruise director – He helped Graham with the Horse races and also was MC for anything Graham or Donna weren’t MCing. These people do a great job on this ship and they have such a long working period – some up to 11 months, then with 2 months off and then back on a new ship! I know Claire and the woman who sis my make-up will be on the Sapphire in a few weeks as it starts it’s Mexican Rivera trips![/size][/font]



[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]Ok – I’m tired reliving this… More in a couple days – I have to go to bed!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: [/size][/font]
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[Julia & David]

I was there but I want to hear more, more , more!!!!!!

[Rustynail]

[b][i][font=Comic Sans MS][size=6][color=darkorchid][/color][/size][/font][/i][/b]
[b][i][font=Comic Sans MS][size=6][color=#9932cc]I'm getting sooo excited! Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us!!!!!:D :D :D [/color][/size][/font][/i][/b]

[CruiseFever]

[quote name='Rustynail'][b][i][font=Comic Sans MS][size=6][color=darkorchid][/color][/size][/font][/i][/b]
[b][i][font=Comic Sans MS][size=6][color=#9932cc]I'm getting sooo excited! Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us!!!!!:D :D :D [/color][/size][/font][/i][/b][/QUOTE]

Rusty- I can't wait to hear what you have to say about this ship!

[LunaMoon]

Suncat,

Hummmmm, now let me recall.........I have a vague recollection of gleeful hooting, and giving a lady-like version of the bronx cheer to late comers from the gorgeous balcony of marlin and wife.....and I have a misty recall of the entire port side of the ship's balconies filling with laughing onlookers......and then lots of waving and hilarious remarks flying, even from the chagrined stragglers who slithered back on board....and, I do seem to remember something about the bridge joining in to our festivities.............BUT, other than that, I donno what you're talking about! :D

[Julia & David]

I am going to be bad here. Memory fading????

I know my husband was just as bad.

[LunaMoon]

Thank you, Julie, for fess'in up :D So there! It' ain't me babe.....or shall I say, It ain't ONLY me, babe.... :)

[Julia & David]

Oh how I miss your humour. And yes, the bridge did seem to enjoy it also.

[Suncat]

[quote name='LunaMoon']Suncat,

Hummmmm, now let me recall.........I have a vague recollection of gleeful hooting, and giving a lady-like version of the bronx cheer to late comers from the gorgeous balcony of marlin and wife.....and I have a misty recall of the entire port side of the ship's balconies filling with laughing onlookers......and then lots of waving and hilarious remarks flying, even from the chagrined stragglers who slithered back on board....and, I do seem to remember something about the bridge joining in to our festivities.............BUT, other than that, I donno what you're talking about! :D[/QUOTE]
[color=deepskyblue]Wow - you sure on pleading the 5th on a lot of things lately. Thanks for tuning into the great Cruise Novel!!! More tomorrow. I need to get other stuff done today![/color]

[LunaMoon]

I can't wait to read the next part of this opus, which I'm sure I'll have only a fuzzy recollection of as well :D

Love you cc buddies! xo

[Suncat]

Part 5 - Day 6 - Cozumel tomorrow...:)

The memories are fading, it's been 11 days since we disembarked - How horrible!!!

[Julia & David]

Please, please more!!

[Rustynail]

[b][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=blue][/color][/size][/font][/b][i][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=blue][b]Honestly I'd have to say that this is one of the most interesting, funny and inspiring threads that I've ever read in my 2 years on CC. If I wasn't already booked on the Carribean Princess I certainly would be after reading this thread.[/b][/color][/size][/font][/i]
[b][i][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font][/i][/b]
[b][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=#0000ff][i]There is no bickering over people's ages, kids, jeans or social status, rather, it seems that everyone who has sailed on this ship and everyone about to all share the same common link ......to have [/i][color=red]FUN!!!!![/color][/color][/size][/font][/b]
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[b][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=blue][i]Chris, I have no doubt that my cruise this January will be the best one yet! If you folks are a true gauge of the caliber of people we'll meet on board how could it not be.[/i][/color][/size][/font][/b]
[b][i][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=#0000ff][/color][/size][/font][/i][/b]
[b][i][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=#0000ff]Can't wait to read more.:D [/color][/size][/font][/i][/b]
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[b][i][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=#0000ff]Dan[/color][/size][/font][/i][/b]
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[LunaMoon]

Suncat, Julia & David, Marlinmike, et al

Mr.Moon has added to this year's western CP album extravaganza (which you are expertly reporting on here and we happily and gratefully shared with you!:) ), last year's eastern caribbean cruise on the Grand.

If you haven't seen it yet, take a look......

In it, you will see for yourself evidence of that notorious excursion we unwittingly took, the one with the ticket that states "clothing optional" :eek: hahahahahaha...I think Mr. Moon titled it, "Paradise".........what a hoot!

[url="http://community.webshots.com/album/172505051dPYAUJ"]http://community.webshots.com/album/172505051dPYAUJ[/url]

[Suncat]

[quote name='LunaMoon']In it, you will see for yourself evidence of that notorious excursion we unwittingly took, the one with the ticket that states "clothing optional" :eek: hahahahahaha...I think Mr. Moon titled it, "Paradise".........what a hoot!

[url="http://community.webshots.com/album/172505051dPYAUJ"]http://community.webshots.com/album/172505051dPYAUJ[/url][/QUOTE]
[size=4][color=darkorchid]Yes - I saw the Ticket - How funny is that - What a great souvenier!!!![/color][/size]

[vamcd]

suncat-could you please give me the post where chris tells how to bring the soda and liquor on board- we are on the 11/27 cp and it is our anniversary!! thanks for the complete review, very informative.

[Suncat]

[quote name='vamcd']suncat-could you please give me the post where chris tells how to bring the soda and liquor on board- we are on the 11/27 cp and it is our anniversary!! thanks for the complete review, very informative.[/QUOTE]
Hi vamcd!

Goto Chris's web site - [url="http://www.lifeiscruising.com/"]http://www.lifeiscruising.com/[/url] he has a review of his trip which includes his story on getting the beer on. I copied him! It's simply wrapping it in beautiful paper to detract from the whole thing. As for getting alcohol on, we ordered a liter of Grey Goose on the Cruise Personalizer for a reasonable amount and we took white tequila (the only differnce between white an Gold is food coloring, did you know that?) in a water bottle and put in in a plastic bag. We took some Canadian Whiskey in a listerine bottle. No problems! Wine and Champagne can be carried on in quantity. All of this stuff goes through an xray too and I didn't see anyone questioned, or refused.

[marlinmike]

Hey ML,

Just thought I'd jump in here and give you a hand. Maybe the videos I posted on my website will get you back on track! [url="http://www.marlinmike.com/caribbean%20index.htm"]Caribbean Princess Reflections[/url]

BTW: I'm ready to do a makeover, ML (if you know what I mean).

MM

[Suncat]

[quote name='Suncat']Part 5 - Day 6 - Cozumel tomorrow...:)

The memories are fading, it's been 11 days since we disembarked - How horrible!!![/QUOTE]
[size=3][color=lime][b]OK - I'm now quoting myself. I promise the final volume will be done soon, I'm just extremely busy now. Cozumel and the last Day will be here soon![/b][/color][/size];)

[Suncat]

[quote name='marlinmike']Hey ML,

Just thought I'd jump in here and give you a hand. Maybe the videos I posted on my website will get you back on track! [url="http://www.marlinmike.com/caribbean%20index.htm"]Caribbean Princess Reflections[/url]

BTW: I'm ready to do a makeover, ML (if you know what I mean).

MM[/QUOTE]
[size=3][color=darkorchid]Marlinmike:[/color][/size]
[size=3][color=darkorchid][/color][/size]
[size=3][color=darkorchid]What a great website you are creating. You are one of my favorite Cruise Guru's!!!!:D [/color][/size]

[Viki]

[B]Great Review[/B]
Who did you call to reserve the balcony dinner?
Thanks :)

[Suncat]

[quote name='Viki'][b]Great Review[/b]
Who did you call to reserve the balcony dinner?
Thanks :)[/QUOTE]
CALL ROOM SERVICE as soon as get on board. It may be busy, but it didn't take us longer than 10 minutes to get a hold of them. You can also call Passenger services and they can transfer your call to room service.

We got on board at 11:30 and called them by noon!

Good luck - I will post pictures of the food soon!

:)

[Viki]

My DH saw your review and suggested that we do the dinner. :)

It's look great!!

[marlinmike]

[size=4][b]Anyone see a school house?[/b][/size]