Carribean Princess Review Sep 9 - Sep 16

[sherman931]

Editorial Comment: This was our fourth cruise on CB. I don’t cruise for the purpose of visiting foreign lands, doing excursions or exotic shipboard entertainment. I do like “decent” food, good wine, gambling and plenty of relaxing/downtime; and an occasional show. Thus I may not be able to provide a lot of info about shore excursions and ship board activities. Also, I make the best of life so you won’t find me commenting negatively about the cruise, except of the damn slots…man I lost a lot of money. Otherwise, IMHO, it was a great cruise.

 

Embarkation – Day 1

Captain: William Kent

Cruise Director: Tim Donovan

Weather PC/showers

Dress: Casual

Menu: Roast Pork

Caribe: Chilled Seafood Extravaganza

 

This was our fifth cruise with Princess and our fourth on the CB. Fortunately, we live in Boynton Beach, FL which is about a 45 minute drive to Port Everglades. We left our home about 12:15 PM and were on board in our stateroom R723 AT 1:45pm. We cruised with another couple who were in the adjoining stateroom R727, they were celebrating their 30th anniversary.

 

There was a long line outside the terminal building, but it moved quickly. Check-in was a breeze. Later found out that there were only 70+ kids aboard compared to previous cruise which allegedly had 700+.

 

Hot Topic: Bringing wine on board: I brought 9 bottles of wine and 1 bottle of Champaign. I packed the wine/Champaign as follows: 1 bottle in each of our two large pieces of luggage and the remaining 8 bottles I packed in a roll-aboard size suitcase. Zipped right through security without them so much as batting an eye.

 

Our cabins were located aft with easy access to Horizon Court ( 1 deck up) and on the same level as the, which was just a short walk aft. the

 

Using the info provided on this site I had faxed a request to Princess for egg crate mattress but it didn’t work. However, we were fortunate to have a great steward (Nilo), I asked for the egg-crate, a larger table for our patio, robes, a Champaign bucket with ice, as well as Champaign and wine glasses. Nilo immediately complied with all my requests and I gave him a tip. I also tipped him additional again at the end of the cruise.

 

Odds and ends that I brought: Cloths steamer, I-Pod w/speakers, small flashlight, extension cord with 3 outlets, Downey Wrinkle Release, night light, insulated coffee mugs. Best of these was the Wrinkle Release:) , least needed was the extension cord:mad: .

 

Wish I had brought: some type of small clock that you could see in the dark. When DW needed to know the time in the middle of the night she kept taking my watch off the night stand and into the bathroom too see the time….needless to say her taking it off and putting it back on the night table right by my head often woke me.

 

 

We had anytime dining and after settling in I called the concierge and made dinner reservations for 8 PM in the Coral Dining Room for 4 people. We ended up making a standard reservation and had the same wait staff and table for the entire cruise. Apparently they have a new reservation system and the head waiter/maitre’d cannot enter reservations from the dining room anymore. You have to call the concierge.

 

We then headed up to Horizon Court and bumped elbows with the rest of the mob looking for food and tables. It was the usual chaos, but who cares, we are on-board. After a quick bite, we went back to our cabin and most of our luggage had arrived so we unpacked and then it was time to head to the lifeboat drill.

 

We didn’t go topside for sail away as there were showers at the time. So we just toured the ship to see what, if anything, was new since our last cruise a year ago. Everything looked and was pretty much the same. That being said, DW and I headed for the casino.

 

Note: New Card System: the casino/slots now have the technology that allows you to use your cruise card to “store” your money. I thought it was pretty simple and convenient, but hazardous if you have no will power, because it allows you to debit your account right from the slot machine, as DW discovered the hard way.. Here is how it works:

 

First you set up your card by inserting it in any slot and follow a few simple steps to set up a 4 digit PIN number. Once you have your PIN number you can then move money to and from your cruise cards. For example, here is what I did when setting up. I inserted $300 into a slot machine, then pressed the appropriate button allowing me to transfer the money from the slot to “Player Account”. Once that is done you can the draw as much as you want off your card and on to the machine. Using my example, I then transferred $10 of the $300 from my account to the machine, which I quickly lost, leaving me a balance of $290. I could then continue drawing down more money to that machine or take my card and move to any other machine. Sounds complicated but I though it worked great. However, word of warning; later when I caught up with DW she tells me she has been playing various slot machines, but still has the same $300 she started with. I ask her how she performs the transactions and it turns out she is selecting the option that allows you to debit your shipboard account (at no charge). When we got our bill at the end of the cruise, she had already burned $70 before we discovered her mistake.

 

After the casino excursion, we head back to the room for Champaign to celebrate our friend’s 40th anniversary. Being just below the Horizon Court I run up and get a selection of fruit and cheeses to accompany the Champaign.

 

After our little soirée, we headed down to dinner. We had anytime dining and 8 PM reservation. When we arrived at the DR we were seated right away. We sat at table 350, our wait-staff were Xaveria from Mexico, assisted by Oliver from Macedonia. The Head Waiter was Giovanni from Italy. Giovanni was very helpful in assisting my DW with her dinner selections as she is allergic to nuts and shellfish, both of which could be found in great abundance on the menu and incorporated into the many dinner selections.

 

As you may have noted, I hauled plenty of wine aboard. We brought one of the bottles to dinner and we were charges a corkage fee, however, every night thereafter we brought wine to dinner and were not charged a fee for the balance of the cruise. Needless to say, the wait staff got a nice tip on our last night. When we were given the menus, DW said she thought these were different (new) from our previous cruises and I said looks the same to me. What do you know….it was the new menu. The only thing I remember about the menu was a main entrée of Roast Pork. Good news, they still have the Fettuccine Alfredo for those of you who are fans. Overall, the dinner was good, there are enough choices and variety that most people should be satisfied.

 

After dinner we went to the 1030 show “Grand Adventures Showtime” which was essentially an advertisement for the weeks entertainment. A comedian, Steve Moris, gave a preview of his up coming show. I had seen him before, and I enjoyed his show. After the show DW and I headed for the casino where we promptly made a contribution to Mickey Aronson’s welfare fund.

 

Other Entertainment

 

Wheel House – Early - Carl Williams Quartet; Late – Phoenix Rising

Crooners - Lucien Romelus (Sorry Bert left the ship Sep 9th)

MUTS – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spiderman 3

Casino: Low Limit Gaming Reduced minimums on all table games

Skywalkers - Let's Get This Party Started

Club Fusion - $500 Bingo, Karaoke Power Hour, Princess Pop Star, 50 Years of Solid Gold

Churchill Lounge - NFL Football 1PM NE vs. Jets; 4PM Bears vs. Chargers

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

 

 

 

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[Bakincakes]

I did notice that your friends anniversary went from 30 years to 40 years by the time you started having your pre dinner cocktails.:D

[sunshine426]

Thanks for starting this. My daughter will be on the Nov11 sailing, so I will give her a heads up that a review is in the making

[tennisobo]

Keep it coming. I'm especially interested in the new menus. Thanks for your review! :)

[kennden]

thanks for sharing this. We will be on the CB in just three weeks:) I was under the impression that if you used your shipboard account card in the casino, there was a sur charge:confused:

[sherman931]

I did notice that your friends anniversary went from 30 years to 40 years by the time you started having your pre dinner cocktails.:D

 

40 Years is the correct date, but if you asked me by day 7 my reply would have been "This is their 75th anniversary, but I have no idea who these people are"

[crusinpeg]

Thanks for starting this. My daughter will be on the Nov11 sailing, so I will give her a heads up that a review is in the making

 

We are also on the Nov 11th sailing...has she joined our roll call yet?

[Whimsy]

Oooohhhhh......I am going to enjoy this immensely as we sail next Sunday! Looking forward to the next installment!

[TSM AND JP]

This is a great review - thoroughly enjoying it. We cruise 2 weeks today, and are looking forward to all you have to tell us.

Jenny

[DiTomCruisers]

great review thus far.... Can't wait to read the rest

[sherman931]

thanks for sharing this. We will be on the CB in just three weeks:) I was under the impression that if you used your shipboard account card in the casino, there was a sur charge:confused:

 

No surcharge, as I said my wife "accidently" pushed the button to debit account and when we got our bill here was no surcharge. It even shows up on the little screen on the slot as you complete a transaction as (No Charge).

[sherman931]

At Sea – Day 2

 

Weather: Mostly sunny/a few rain squalls

Dress: Formal

Menu: Filet Mignon, Cornish Game Hens, Halibut

Caribe: Welcome Dinner Buffet – seafood extravaganza & roast beef tenderloin

 

.This was the first full day of our cruise, which was a sea day. Each morning, upon awakening, I would zip up to the HC (Horizon Court) to bring back coffee, juice and a roll or pastry. The insulated coffee mugs were great for getting coffee. DW and I would then enjoy a leisurely morning snack on our balcony. This way we could hold out for a later breakfast (around 11 AM) at HC and avoid the morning crowd. We only used the room service order forms for Continental Breakfast once. We had used it on previous cruises, but could never be sure what time we wanted the room service waiter banging on the door in the morning. The one time we did use it on this cruise, we checked the box on the form for delivery between 8:30 and 9:00 AM and he showed up at 8:15, no big deal; it was just easier to zip up to HC when I woke up.

 

Our traveling friends, Len and Julie, liked to head out early for breakfast and that was okay, We had decided early on that we would not try and match each others life-style (preferences) and to feel free to enjoy what we each liked whether that be together or on our own. Worked out great and that is what made them a pleasure to be with. We did however, always meet at the end of the day at Crooners for cocktails and dinner together afterwards.

 

After relaxing with our light morning snack on the balcony, we showered and then went up for our late morning full breakfast. Never had any problem finding a nice table. In fact, most mornings we would get our breakfast at HC and then find a table in the Carribe Café. I think many people didn’t realize that you good sit in there even though the food line was closed.

 

We then headed out for sun and relaxation. Our cabin was located aft within a short walk to the terrace pool and easy access to the lido and sun deck. We never had a problem finding deck chairs. There are always chair hogs on every cruise, but they are mostly found around the main pools. Unfortunately there will always be chair hogs because they do not see anything wrong with what they are doing so they don’t know they are chair hogs, just like A-holes just don’t realize they are A-holes.

 

MUTS – morning and afternoon movies included, Herbie Fully Loaded, Sunbed Bingo, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, Mission Impossible III..

 

Other activities during the day included the usual gamut of Princess Merriment such as Trivia Games, Scavenger Hunt, Art Auction, pool games. There was also the ubiquitous Bingo, both morning and afternoon. A Ryder Cup qualification was held on the Princess Links, miniature golf course. Our friend Len, being an avid golfer participated in this, as well as other golfing activities.

 

That evening was the Captain’s “Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party” from 7:15 – 8:15 PM which is held in the Atrium. The captain makes a brief speech, introduces his officers, and the waiters walk around giving out free foo-foo drinks. After the reception we headed for dinner in the Coral DR…..we went right in to our reserved table. Brought my wine, and from this night on, no corkage fee!

 

After dinner, DW and I headed for the casino, which by the way, had a NO SMOKING policy for tonight only from 6 PM till closing. I am a former smoker so I respect other peoples right to smoke. However, that doesn’t mean I enjoy playing the slots adjacent to a smoker and there is a cigarette within 3 ft of my face. Could Princess be experimenting with permanent “no smoking” in the casino???? Only time will tell.

 

Other Entertainment and Events

 

Princess Theatre – Piano Man

MUTS – Freedom Writers

Explorers – Comedian Chris Rayman

Club Fusion - Adult Princess Pop Star

 

At Sea – Day 3

 

Weather: Mostly sunny/a few clouds

Dress: Casual

Menu: Caribbean Night - Seafood “Stew”, Butter Fish

Caribe: Oriental Buffet

 

Getting into the cruising routine. Day 3 was not much different from day two. Pretty much did the same thing(s), following the same routine. Today was the Princess Grapevine Wine Tasting ($9.95). We did not sign up in lieu of attending the Maitre’d Wine Tasting – more on that session later.

 

As the date was September 11th, at noon an announcement was made over the PA system acknowledging the day our country was attacked. A moment of silence was observed and at the end TAPS was played. It was a somber few minutes.

 

MUTS Morning and afternoon: Toy Story, Batman Begins, Night at the Museum,, Marvin Gaye Concert and Superman Returns.

 

Bingo – late morning and afternoon session

 

Ryder Cup Golf Tournament continues on Princess Links

 

After our dinner that evening we went to the show in the Explorers Lounge – Comedian Steve Morris. He put on an enjoyable show.

 

Other Entertainment and Events

 

Princess Theatre – Spotlight Cabaret starring Brandi Chapman

MUTS – Wild Hogs

Club Fusion – Karaoke Power, 50’s Music Trivia, 80’s Disco Daze

Skywalker’s – All Night Dance Party

 

TO BE CONTINUED

[espo56]

Thanks - this has been a great review. Very informative. It's nice to read a review which gives you the facts without complaining on and on. Please keep it coming as we are cruising this ship for our 30th Anniversary next June.

[sunshine426]

Yes, thanks for the review. We also don't like to decide what time we wanted toget up so didn't use the pre order room service, but call when I get up. Coffee and juice always there within 10 minutes. Sometimes, I would zip up to Horizon Court as well. It's nice to have the choice isn't it.

[sherman931]

Yes, thanks for the review. We also don't like to decide what time we wanted toget up so didn't use the pre order room service, but call when I get up. Coffee and juice always there within 10 minutes. Sometimes, I would zip up to Horizon Court as well. It's nice to have the choice isn't it.

 

DUH! I never fail to learn something every time I read this board. I never even think of room service!!!! I like your method better of waking up and then calling for coffee and juice. Sometimes I wonder how I made it as far as I have. Next time I leave the mugs home....two less items to pack:D

[CruiseLiz]

Great reviews! I love all of the details. I was wondering which days on the Caribbean Princess would be formal. I'm booking my spa treatments now :)

[sunshine426]

DUH! I never fail to learn something every time I read this board. I never even think of room service!!!! I like your method better of waking up and then calling for coffee and juice. Sometimes I wonder how I made it as far as I have. Next time I leave the mugs home....two less items to pack:D

 

My mom loves using the preorder card and room service then becomes her wake up call! For me it is much easier to pick up the phone. Gives me time to brush my teeth and put on a pair of shorts. Then prop my feet up on the balcony wall and have my first dose of caffeine for the day.

[One More Cast]

Editorial comment: Our family of 7 that sailed on the same cruise as you included three former Executive Chefs (two of us retired) and a pastry chef. My comments will be directed at the food service.

 

We were not a tough lot to please. We were intensely curious as to the food service: quality, variety, presentation, sauces, etc. and we all came at this bit of curiousity from different culinary directions.

 

We learned that this was the first week this menu was to be used...and it showed. Palm dining room staff was attentive and helpful as expected but were a little off kilter as to suggesting one appetizer over another or recommending entrees. We were thrown off a bit until we were informed that they were seeing the menu for the first time as well. We thought, "No worries, how bad could it be?"

 

The Small Bites were excellent and well thought out, vegetarians will rejoice at the selection. Soups were fine, certainly not memorable; the Mushroom soups and the chilled soups were above average, the spinach and shrimp soup was not...this one needs work.

 

Pasta courses each and every night were stellar. The Alfredo was a fine effort (for mass production) but the Veal Ravioli with Mushrooms and Veal Jus was perfection in a bowl. Every pasta offering was perfectly cooked, presented al dente and well sauced, here you could not go wrong.

 

Seafood offerings were equal to the pastas, the Mixed Seafood in a Saffron Nage was the best seafood entree I have ever been presented with....do not miss this entree.

 

Salads were nicely presented although not spectacular save for the endive presented with grilled vegetables.

 

Afternoon Tea was a Fire Drill, staff cluless as to what order trays were to be presented in, the clotted cream follows the tray of scones by the way. Lots of blank looks when we asked what was on each tray.

 

As the week went on, we noticed in each and every dining room small clusters of training sessions going on. The Dining Room Manager told us that they had gotten a new crew from Carnival and they were mainstreaming them in with the seasoned staff on theis ship. Training payed off as they got better and seemed to work more as a team every day.

 

More later

[One More Cast]

The Horizon Court was a Scavenger Hunt. Bagels on one side of the room, Lox on the other. During lunch where Sushi was featured, amongst the very pretty trays of California rolls was the butter tray no one could find. Weird. Never did find yogurt.

 

If you find the Horizon Court to be full (as we did at times) keep walking aft, there is more seating.

 

Desserts at the Horizon Court were So-So at best, fresh fruit was always the best choice. Banana Cake was the best of a poor selection of cakes. The breads and rolls (except from room service) were very nicely done at every meal.

 

The Breakfast included very nice cheeses and a different smoked fish each morning, Smoked Mahi was the best with the Smoked Trout a close second. The cauldron of Grits sat next to some smoked Venison Sausage, ovened nicely and a great combination. Oddly, hidden behind that was the Miso Soup. looked good but was too full of grits to try it.

 

More later

[Louise34]

Thanks for the reviews. I see the CB is holding up quite nicely, as in Feb. we will be on her for the 3rd time. We just came off the new Liberty of the Seas, which was an awesome ship. The big difference was the bedding/pillowtype mattress..the best I have ever had on a ship. Also, no spread to deal with. So... has the CB gotten the new bedding or will I still need to order an egg crate mattress? Do they still use spreads on the beds? I am glad to see they have a new menu, tho we were always satifsfied with the food. So we will look forward to that as well as being back on the CB.

[poolcc56]

nice reading about your cruise, taking our first Princess cruise on the CB in three weeks. look forward to the rest of your review.

[Zoey1]

I am so enjoying these reviews, we are sailing on 12/9 which will be our 2nd time on CB(first time was 7/04)

 

Did anyone experience any fabulous treatments at the spa that they would recommend and do they still offer seminar at sea?

[NthernLgts]

Louise we just got off the CB a month ago (2nd time). Sadly, no new bedding, but the linens were very nice. The CB is well maintained & still looks very good.

[Whimsy]

Can you please tell me how long it took to get thru customs in St Thomas?

[NthernLgts]

For a US citizen, about three minutes.