Crown 4/12-4/19 Comments and Observations

[sherman931]

Introduction

 

Wife and I enjoy Princess. Cruise to relax, eat, drink good wine and regularly donate to the casino. Fortunately, we live close by (45 mins from the port) so travel is easy for me. Left home shortly after 10 AM and arrived to check bags at the port just before 11. Dropped off DW, parked in the garage and was inside terminal within a few minutes. After waiting for clearance, we boarded the ship at 11:45.

 

Went to our cabin A714 to drop off our carry on. Met our steward and requested robes, wine glasses and egg crate. All were promptly provided. We always bring an ample supply of wine aboard and had no problem with exceeding the “limits”. Had wine on both carry-on and checked bags.

 

It was spring break so there were a lot of kids (small thru teenagers). Aside from the usual elevator nonsense (pushing all the buttons) I did not see any problems and was disturbed by all the kids.

 

Overall Impressions

 

In general, this was a most enjoyable cruise. The food in the dining room seemed better than usual. Horizon Court is what it is…an okay buffet.. Found time for pizza and hamburgers, good as usual. Enjoyed the snacks at the Piazza: quiche, chicken salad, cookies and milk. The ship was clean, the staff were friendly and courteous. The bed was showing wear and tear…the springs can’t take much more, time to change them out. Wasn’t impressed with the cruise director, Ron Goodman. The weather was fantastic, except for the early part of Saturday morning (cloudy with moderate seas) all of the days were sunny, warm and smooth seas.

 

Dining

We did anytime dining as we always do. Made friends with the Maître’d and the Head Waiter on the first night and had the same table for the entire cruise. Service was great and the Head Waiter made a special risotto and/or bruschetta for us each night. We brought our own wine to the DR most every night and only got charged corkage one time. One night the Head Waiter brought a filet minon from the Crown Grill when my wife had ordered a plain steak off the DR menu. Needless to say the Maître’d and Head Waiter (as well as our waiter and assist. Waiter) were given additional tips at the end of the cruise. We did not try any of the specialty restaurants on this cruise as we had tried them all on previous cruises.

 

We did try the English Pub Lunch at the Wheelhouse; DW had the Fish and Chips and I had the Bangers and Mash. Both were better than expected.

 

Note About The Dress Code Debates

 

I noticed people on casual night and formal night in the dining room who were dressed inappropriately. I discreetly asked the Maître about this and he explained as follows. He said he was tired of being the “Princess Policeman”. When he challenged people he got accused of being rude and embarrassing them. Passengers would then leave “negative” remarks on the comment cards and it was difficult to defend himself because he didn’t know who was writing what about him after the fact. He said his “name was out there too much” and he wanted to keep a low profile. He said there is no support from upper management about enforcing these rules, so he just stopped and his life improved greatly. Makes a lot of sense to me.

 

Entertainment

 

The entertainment was okay. They repeated shows so more passengers could see them. I thought the best entertainment was in the Piazza. Performers included Doo Wop group Spank, steel drummer Wilson Jean Baptist, Quadri a string quartet that was very good and Cirque artists Vladimir and Elena.

 

In the main theater a few of the shows were; Destination Anywhere, Motor City (tribute to Motown), Magical Showtime (an illusionist), What a Swell Party (Cole Porter Tribute) and the International Crew Show.

 

Comedian Darrell Joyce was good in Explorers Lounge.

 

Ports

Princess Cays – been there many times

St. Thomas – ditto

St. Marteen – ditto

Grand Turk – first time there and a great addition to the schedule. The ship dock at what is called the Cruise Center. We were the only ship there. The area ( all within easy walking) contains a great beach with hundreds of free lounge chairs, a shopping area, and a Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville that has a huge pool with lounge chairs which are free to cruise ship passengers. Personally, I thought it was a pretty nice setup and enjoyed the stop.

 

Movies

To name a few:

 

Tom Jones In Concert

Beyonce In Concert

Christina Aguilera In Concert

Tina Turner In Concert

HairSpray

Cirque Du Soleil: Delerium

Indiana Jones/Crystal Skull

Flash of Genius

Quantum of Solace

Incredible Hulk

Dark Night

Mamma Mia

Madagascar II: Escape to Africa

Eagle Eye

 

Observations (Good, bad and otherwise)

Not enough people use the hand cleanser at Horizon Court.

Too many pictures, portraits, video CD and art sales being pushed. Enough already.

Slooooooooooooow Internet connections.

Loved the Piazza.

International Café food is great.

Don’t miss the Fettuccine Alfredo.

Crown needs new beds.

Air conditioning was good in the room and public areas.

Loosen up the slots in the Casino, PLEASE.

Continental Breakfast always arrive almost half-hour before requested time.

Bingo – one game for $40 to win a free cruise – rip off (except for the guy who won).

Nice weather, a balcony and good wine.

Texas Holdem in the casino.

Despite it being spring break problems with fellow passengers were non-existent.

 

All that said it was a great cruise and we purchased a future cruise TBD. Maybe Panama Canal again?

[shopperwhite]

who was the piano guy? was he any good.... thanks. just was on the grand and maurizio was outstanding so i figure no one will be able to compare to him.

[sherman931]

Piano guy in the Crooner's Lounge was Ray Coussins. He was pretty good. Played a variety of old standards, broadway tunes, classical and jazz.

[kywildcatfanone]

Bob, Your review is very thorough, and as I read it, it sounded almost exactly like what I would have written. We were on the Crown three weeks ago, and Grand Turk was my favorite stop as well. Great job on the review!

 

Mike

[sherman931]

Third paragraph, last sentence should read ......was not disturbed by all the kids.

[Mom33]

Bob, Your review is very thorough, and as I read it, it sounded almost exactly like what I would have written. We were on the Crown three weeks ago, and Grand Turk was my favorite stop as well. Great job on the review!

 

Mike

 

How lucky for those who visit Grand Turk when no other ship is there. We were there a few weeks ago and another ship was docked an hour before us. There were no chairs to be had anywhere. Tried the pool, no luck. Ended up taking some pics, browsed the shops then went back to the ship and found a wealth of chairs by the pool on the ship :).

[sherman931]

Mom33

 

I was wondering if two ships docked there, wasn't sure if the water on the shore side of the pier was deep enough. Guess it is; and I can see why it wouldn't be so great with two ships there.

[Mom33]

Mom33

 

I was wondering if two ships docked there, wasn't sure if the water on the shore side of the pier was deep enough. Guess it is; and I can see why it wouldn't be so great with two ships there.

 

sherman 931.....It was way too crowded. If only we had gotten there first:o

[curlerguy]

Bob: How did you schmooz the matre d' so well to get the same table every night and the wine with no corkage fee?

We are on the Crown in Europe in May and would love to bring my own wine to the dining without a corkage fee.

[kywildcatfanone]

Mom33

 

I was wondering if two ships docked there, wasn't sure if the water on the shore side of the pier was deep enough. Guess it is; and I can see why it wouldn't be so great with two ships there.

 

Bob, when we were there 3 weeks ago, we docked on the shore side. I saw a marker on the ocean side that said "Eurodam", I assume referencing the HAL ship. I agree, there isn't enough activity and room for more than one ship. I'm glad we only had one there when we docked.

 

Mike

[sherman931]

Curler Guy:

 

We went to the DR late (around 8:30) genrally the rush is over or at least slowed down. There is a table just around the corner to the left of the Maitre'd station (365) that we always try to get on the Grand Class ships. It was available on the first night so we requested and got it; in addition to being friendly with the MD, I also slipped him a $20 when I asked for the same table for the rest of the cruise.

[rcacace]

 

Note About The Dress Code Debates

 

I noticed people on casual night and formal night in the dining room who were dressed inappropriately. I discreetly asked the Maître about this and he explained as follows. He said he was tired of being the “Princess Policeman”. When he challenged people he got accused of being rude and embarrassing them. Passengers would then leave “negative” remarks on the comment cards and it was difficult to defend himself because he didn’t know who was writing what about him after the fact. He said his “name was out there too much” and he wanted to keep a low profile. He said there is no support from upper management about enforcing these rules, so he just stopped and his life improved greatly. Makes a lot of sense to me.

 

That's most logical explanation I've ever heard concerning the situation. It's obvious that if he makes waves by enforcing the dress code he'll just get bombarded with negative complaints, true or not, and he'll have to just defend himself thought out his career. It makes life easier for everyone to smile & turn the other way knowing you'll not be receiving any negative comments & possibly a bigger tip to boot.

[shopperwhite]

thanks for the piano player info.... i will look forward to hearing him....

[JMUMOM]

We were on the Crown from 4/5-4/12. It was a wonderful cruise and our first time sailing Princess. In fact, our first time sailing since 1987. So we considered outselves first time cruisers since the one in '87 was only for 3 days. What a wonderful ship the Crown is, and we were on the Plaza deck and loved hanging out in the Piazza! Food was wonderful on all parts of the ship and we loved the ice cream buffet everyday at 3:30 pm. Hopefully we don't wait too long before we are back cruisng again. Our DD, DS and DSIL all enjoyed the cruise as well as we treated them! :D We were the only ship in Princess Cays and Turks so it was not too crowded. Can't imagine being at these ports with two ships! Thanks for the great review.

[sherman931]

RCACACE

 

That was my conclusion as well. He was frustrated because he was consistently getting "written up" by passengers for trying to do his job, and we know the passengers were not providing info on the comment cards about wearing inappropriate dress and being confronted by the Maitre"d. That is one think about the cards, you can lie all you want and the employee is unable to defend themselves.

[rcacace]

RCACACE

 

That was my conclusion as well. He was frustrated because he was consistently getting "written up" by passengers for trying to do his job, and we know the passengers were not providing info on the comment cards about wearing inappropriate dress and being confronted by the Maitre"d. That is one think about the cards, you can lie all you want and the employee is unable to defend themselves.

 

As my old boss used to say, "one ahhh sh*t, negates 100 Ata boy's".

[Mom33]

RCACACE

 

That was my conclusion as well. He was frustrated because he was consistently getting "written up" by passengers for trying to do his job, and we know the passengers were not providing info on the comment cards about wearing inappropriate dress and being confronted by the Maitre"d. That is one think about the cards, you can lie all you want and the employee is unable to defend themselves.

 

Isn't it sad that an employee can be reported for following the companies rules and regulations? I have seen this problem first hand in public many times. For instance, in a 10 items or less line in a grocery store, someone who felt the rules didn't apply to her, got on line with a full order. When the person behind her complained, the cashier asked the patron to move to a different register. The line offender complained to the manager and he let her continue through the line any way. The cashier had egg on her face and several of the other patrons moved to other shorter lines.

 

Lack of respect for others has become quite a societal problem.

[Host CJSKIDS]

Isn't it sad that an employee can be reported for following the companies rules and regulations? I have seen this problem first hand in public many times. For instance, in a 10 items or less line in a grocery store, someone who felt the rules didn't apply to her, got on line with a full order. When the person behind her complained, the cashier asked the patron to move to a different register. The line offender complained to the manager and he let her continue through the line any way. The cashier had egg on her face and several of the other patrons moved to other shorter lines.

 

Lack of respect for others has become quite a societal problem.

 

While I agree with you, I think the problem is that they are suggested guidelines and not rules and regulations. Rules and regulations are enforced, as in everyone going to the muster drill which is Coast Guard regulation and therefore Princess follows that. It's when we run into "suggest guidelines" that a problem seems to arise.

 

Of course the person with lots of groceries who goes on the 10 or less line is a huge pet peeve of mine!

[sherman931]

The bottom line is "the bottom line". Princess does not want to lose a paying customer because they wore a T-shirt to the DR and were then offended when a crew member attempted to point out their faux pax (sp?). I agree with the previous poster that they are ultimately only guidelines and the crew shouldn't be at risk for enforcement.

 

That said, don't want my review to turn into another "dress code debate".:D

[rcacace]

Isn't it sad that an employee can be reported for following the companies rules and regulations? I have seen this problem first hand in public many times. For instance, in a 10 items or less line in a grocery store, someone who felt the rules didn't apply to her, got on line with a full order. When the person behind her complained, the cashier asked the patron to move to a different register. The line offender complained to the manager and he let her continue through the line any way. The cashier had egg on her face and several of the other patrons moved to other shorter lines.

 

Lack of respect for others has become quite a societal problem.

 

It's unfortunate but if the line offender got annoyed by being rejected all they would have to do is complain that the cashier said something snotty & not even mention anything about the full basket. Dammed if you do & dammed if you don't.

[JRT5000]

We were also on the same cruise and echo your views. We also thought the food was very good. We actually felt it might have been the been food we have had on a cruise. Having sailed on Celebrity in February, I can honestly say in my opinion that Princess has surpassed Celebrity in the food department.

The only complaint we had was we felt the lead singers in the production shows and the Cruise Director were weak. Comedians though were both very good.

 

We also loved Grand Turk. Best snorkeling we have experienced in 10 cruises.

[tcsmithh]

I definitely think this was the best cruise we have taken (out of 8, 1st on Princess). The food in the dining room was excellent, crown grill is a must!!!!. Did not really like the dining area on lido (except for the hamburgers and hotdogs). The ship is beautiful the staff were pleasant.

 

I too got a little annoyed with the super casual attire in the dining room, but i figure if they are ok looking like hobo's, im ok thinking they are hobo's imho.

 

happy cruising :D

[Desert Cruisers]

We will be sailing the Crown Princess next Sunday to Europe so have been following the roll calls of the last few Caribbean cruises. We are surprised by the comments made about the Cruise Director Ron Goodman. We met Ron on the Coral Princess last December. We have cruised a lot on Princess (Elite level) and found Ron to be very professional and approachable. He actually returned our call regarding a programming question. On the Sapphire Princess in January, we met an assistant cruise director who has worked with Ron and was trying to arrange her schedule to work with him again on the Crown in Europe. I guess he's not everyone's cup of tea but we feel that he is one of the better cruise directors.

 

For those on the Crown right now, hope that you have a great week.:)