LIVE from the CROWN - Western Carib with SUNGIRL 3/13

[Riskytou]

Looking forward to going in April. Can't believe you didn't do the HC. My hubby has a habit of enjoying buffets too much.! Did you find if you ate breakfast/lunch in the sit down dining areas did it take too long Curious, cause if I can eat and go, it would be better for us. Tell us about your experience on the cruise, did you have a balcony and though your cruise had to bypass ports, what did you do for excursions. Too bad you had to go home. The weather here is just getting to be Fla. weather.

[Colo Cruiser]

Hey All!

 

I was on this sailing, and have to tell everyone what a difference it makes having such a fun group of Cruise Critic folks to meet every night over cocktails and laugh at what we did during the day. Making new friends is what it is all about! Hi KCSungirl, Geoherb and XBarbX and all-we hope all made it home safely and will miss you for cocktails and sunset!

 

I set a new record on this wonderful, and I do mean wonderful, cruise...NO visits to the Horizon Court during the entire cruise. My traveling friend, a first time cruiser, and I do not like buffets, so we ate exclusively in the dining room, the International Cafe', Vines (for sushi) and a slice of pizza here and there. For those wondering, this may have been the best dining room experience I have had in 11 Princess cruises. There was rarely a wait, and then no more than ten minutes, to get into the Anytime Dining room at dinner, and we usually arrived in the range of 7PM. Service was friendly, prompt and efficient-I had warned my friend about the uneven service we would most likely encouter in Anytime, but it did not materialize. Food was very good-I had all of my Princess favorites-pastas, salads, escargot, lobster, prime rib, rack of lamb, even the strip steak on the last night, and it all was cooked pefectly, served the temperature it should be, and presented well. The sushi in Vines was great, and the International Cafe seems to always be adding wonderful things to it's standard quiches, Greek Salad, Chicken salad, etc. The desserts were just great---too great, I'm afraid.

 

I read so much about food on these threads, and while it is all subjective, and while my friend and I may not be "foodies" we are both very good cooks and both agreed that the quality of the dining experience was very, very good on this cruise.

 

Any questions about the Crown, let me know!

 

 

Thanks for your comments too.

[KCSungirl]

Friday At Sea

 

After our port of call at Princess Cay was cancelled, the CD delivered to the cabin an updated activity agenda for the day. The CD does a fantastic job reorganizing when necessary. We also got a $15 credit for port charges. Many activities on the schedule - movies, bingo, trivia, ballroom and line dancing, make-up seminar, art framing, pool games, art auction, Red Hat society, water volleyball, basketball shootout, golf games, and lots of other options.

 

Jan and I got a late start. We had our HC breakfast, got coffee at the IC, and went to play trivia at 11:30am in the Wheelhouse bar. My boyfriend, Neal, already had a full team, so I joined another group. Trivia is a lot of fun and I always leave feeling a lot smarter than when I came. After trivia we went to the HC for the lunch buffet that would have been served at Princess Cay. I got the spareribs and coleslaw. Love the coleslaw, but I have to pick out the raisins. Jan had a little bit of everything. We headed to the upper decks to find our campground in the sun. It was a beautiful day, sunny with a cool breeze. We soaked up as much sun as possible.

 

I had been packing slowly for three nights so I didn’t ruin the last day of the cruise frantically packing. I over packed, but not as badly as some trips. We joined our CC group in the Elite lounge for our last happy hour at 6pm. They featured shrimp cocktail with cheeses, olives and raw veggies with dip. It was great to see our CC friends every night for a drink. We got our luggage set outside our cabin door after happy hour. We went to the HC for the dinner buffet. The featured menu was Creole Cookery, not my favorite type of food, but I found many things I really liked. I had red beans and rice, a wonderful fish filet with a cornmeal crust, mashed potatoes, and a Caesar salad. After dinner we shopped in the atrium shops, donated another few dollars in the casino, and I had some Gelato at the IC. The gelato is very good. Jan bought some Crown Royal at the liquor store on board. We had a ten percent off coupon, plus my ten percent elite bonus and the Crown was only $16. I think that was the bargain of the week. I have never bought Crown before so I don’t know the prices. We went to the Princess theater for the Farewell show at 9pm. The show featured a hula hoop artist, the hypnotist, and comedian Troy Thirgill. I was amazed that every seat in the theater was taken. Our final activity was the Princess Pop Star Finale. I have no interest in nightly Karaoke, but the Pop Star Finale is always a fun way to end the cruise. We met my boyfriend Neal and his partner Sam. I think Sam is fine with Neal having an open relationship with a girl from Kansas. Neal and I could not agree on the winner, as it is one vote per table, not one vote per person. Jan and Sam agreed on the winner and picked the winner. It was a lot of fun. We said our goodbyes and went to bed.

 

Entertainment -

 

Princess Theater Afternoon movie - Mamma Mia

Princess Theater Evening Movie - Men Who Stare At Goats

Featured Cabin Movie - Twilight New Moon

MUTS afternoon - Star Trek XI, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Tina Turner Concert

MUTS evening - Love Happens

Princess Theater - Farewell Show 7pm/9pm

Explorer’s - Classical Music Concert

Wheelhouse - Ballroom Dancing, Jazz Cats

Club Fusion - Gameshow, Trivia, Princess Pop Star

 

I will be back with the disembarkation details and some final thought. Cheers, Sungirl

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the continuing comments.

[KCSungirl]

Disembarkation

 

It’s always a very short night on the last night of a cruise. I am lucky if I get four hours of sleep. I figure I can sleep on the plane and sleep at home. I don’t want to miss one second of action. We were out of our cabin around 7:15am. I never have time for breakfast, but all of the venues were open. Instead of going to the Elite lounge at Club Fusion, I thought we should go to the Wheelhouse, as it was closer to the “door“. We had luggage tags for the first group off with independent early flights. We were escorted out by an officer at 8am, found our bags, a porter, and a airport shuttle van. The taxi line was somewhat long, so I spied a family using a shuttle van service and asked if I could join them. No problem. The FLL airport - OMG! You have NEVER seen FLL like this before. Every cruiser AND every spring breaker were there. The SWA check-in lines were bad. We stood in line for the counter for 30 minutes until I decided the line at the curb might be faster. We stood another 30 minutes at the curb. The security lines were moving faster, but the line was almost backed up down the people mover going toward the car rental building, (If you know FLL, you will understand). After we finally made our way thru security I rushed to find my boyfriend Neal at his gate. I could not leave him without one more goodbye. Our relationship was only seven days long, but I was in love. He was so delightfully wicked. We said our final goodbye and I will look forward to the day we meet again. We were over an hour late arriving home due to de-icing at Chicago Midway and landed in a snow storm As much as I travel, usually over 18 trips a year, I can’t remember ever having to de-ice before.

 

I never think it is possible, but my Princess cruises just keep getting better. It doesn’t matter if they are seven day, ten day, or fourteen day - they are complete JOY for me.

 

I hope you enjoyed coming with me on the Crown. I will address some questions now that I have completed my journal/blog. I will go back through the posts and see what I have missed.

 

My advice for a great cruise - BE NICE and SMILE. Actually that is my advice for a good life. ;-) I will leave you with a profound bit of advice from my trivia loving boyfriend, Neal, -FIGHT FOR YOUR ANSWER

 

Party On , Sungirl

 

PS. May book the Carnival Dream on April 24. If I write a blog, I will give you a heads up on the Princess forum.

[Colo Cruiser]

Did they offer the SW bag check outside the cruise terminal?

[seacrystal]

I'm almost as sorry to see your cruise end as you are. I have enjoyed every nautical mile with you. I can't wait until you go on the Carnival Dream so that this will start again.

 

Paige, I am truly one of the members of your posse:D!!!!!

 

I hope you see the doctor so you can eat your heart out on the next cruise.

 

Party on, and on, and on, and on!!;)

[sunsetbeachgal]

Paige,

 

Thanks for such a great read, after the fact, since I am now home with unlimited internet minutes and can re-live all of the fun we had on the Crown! Great meeting you all! Keep us updated on your health!

 

Carole

[maxxedout2]

Thanks again for the interesting reading you all provided.

Wish you good health.

 

We are glad to hear there was not a big wait at MDR and

we are going to use the ICafe more this next cruise as well

as try the UBD. These boards are great for getting info

to new cruisers.

 

I am in awe that you all could take the time to post

from the ship, 'cause I leave my 'puters behind for a

relaxing week on the water.

 

:cool::cool:

[luv2travel2beaches]

KC...thanks for sharing your wonderful week. I live just 20 minutes from you, and I was searching for some sun in this horrible spring snowstorm we just had. I found my sun in your report! I could almost visualize the sunny days and hear the waves lapping at the ship. Hope you get your GI problems under control quickly!

 

PS, I totally agree about out of state travelers getting extra credits. It sucks to be landlocked in KS. Thank goodness for SWA!

[KCSungirl]

I went back and answered everyone's questions and then some......

 

Thank you to everyone who so kindly took an interest in my daily blog. I write a few travel logs each year, and if I am able to make a difference in one person’s cruise experience or give someone a laugh, it is well worth it to me to share.

 

Tinatark - have a great cruise. Yes, you can rent snorkel equipment everywhere. I recommend people bring their own mask and snorkel if they have their own equipment and rent the fins. I prefer my own mask to the rental masks. As far as creative activities, I didn’t note any unless you paint ceramics. The teen clubs/kid clubs probably have lots of activities a long those lines

 

Choochella - thanks for following along. I am so sorry I forgot to ask Bert how long he was staying onboard. Maybe another cruiser can help you

 

AFTLOVER - have a great cruise

 

Cfodonna - give us a report on your cruise

 

Colocruiser (keith) - thanks for your devotion. You keep me writing. No SWA does not participate in EZ check or have any alternate bag check options other than curbside or counter check in. your assessment of the Broward General ER was correct, but I think in an emergency that is the place to be.

 

Celandine - have a great cruise

 

Chloe mom - hope I brought back good memories for you. My next cruise might be April 24 on the carnival dream. I have been gone four weeks since jan 24 and my house is starting to show signs of a man - wrong sheets on the bed, dishes not washed, white laundry turning blue, etc. My DH has mastered the Crockpot thank GOD.

 

cool mama - Hope I didn’t disappoint

 

Arlene236 - Wasn’t the Grand awesome?

 

Carolina cruiser - next time you will have to sign up with Carole and go with us

 

Binky66 - have a great cruise

 

Jroban - I hope you hair looks fabulous for your cruise

 

Shogun - thanks for coming along, I always enjoy your “live” threads

 

Ulcards99 - come back and give us a report

 

Mycruz - I hope we can write a “live” thread together someday

 

Ndavis7517 - great minds think alike, enjoy your cruise on the Crown. I have no complaints about the condition of the Grand or the Crown. I am just dang happy to be on a cruise. I have had some good mattresses, bad mattresses and everything in between. Usually the cabin steward can help you with any problems

 

Scopwest - hope you had fun with me!

 

Mcnuss - hope you had a creat cruise

 

SF - I hope I was thorough enough on the entertainment schedule

 

Woobstr112G - Hope you had a good time with me

 

Onebzyldy - Hope you enjoy your movies on MUTS. I love movies too! Definitely bring the rain ponchos!

 

Lady Pandora407 - Thanks for the food advice and sorry I couldn’t help you the snorkel question, as we did not make it to Princess cay

 

4Cats4me - thanks for your diet help and concern

 

High C’s - thanks for your diet help and concern

 

Riskytou - I probably wasn’t a lot of help on the excursions because I did not take any formal excursion. You asked about the dress code. Wear whatever you are comfortable in. honestly, I don’t think there is a dress code anymore. They are letting people in shorts in the dining room during spring break.

 

Older sister - I did enjoy at least 10 peanut butter cookies. It’s the only dessert I ate other than the gelato on the last night. I did not have any of my beloved soufflés. Next time.

 

Sea crystal - I am hiring you to be my publicist when I write my book. Or President of my fan club! Your enthusiasm was much appreciated. Do you ever shop at Bellaterra? My sister perform there sometimes.

 

Coral - I took a chance, for sure, but I would have to be unconscious not to get on that ship!

 

Smilz - I ate a lot of shrimp cocktail, and fried shrimp. I had two waffles and they were delicious.

 

Maxxedout2 - I am so glad you were in AWE of my blog. I love to write. Thank you for the weather forecasts. That was nice. Have a great cruise.

 

Ssbeagle - really appreciate your advice on the nuts, does popcorn fall into that category also? I don’t know anything about the Captain/Cruise Director for future cruises.

 

Rjrice1 - I hope you enjoy Roatan. I love it and I am so glad Princess traded Ocho Rios for Roatan.

 

Crusaded - this was definitely a bizarrO cruise. No soufflés, no burgers/fries, no prime rib. So sad.

 

ROCsabres - enjoy your charm bracelet. On the western itinerary you can collect three charms!

 

Charlestongirls1 - MmmmmmBarBQ, in my dreams at the moment

 

Jostrad - don’t worry about the weather. You will have more nice weather, than not. Bring a light fleece jacket for the cooler nights, especially if you plan on watching MUTS. Bring something to cover with if you get cold in air-conditioning. I never leave the cabin without a wrap or jacket. I buy the 500 minute internet package for $175. Enjoy your cruise

 

Sailing Jim - I am sorry I didn’t check on Bert Stratton’s schedule. Maybe you can try his website

 

Whoo - I am glad I made you laugh!

 

MrBill64 - I don’t want to miss a meal or a snack

 

Kywildcatfanone - have a great cruise

 

Sunset Beach Gal - Did I accurately describe my cruise?

 

Luv2travel2beaches - Hi neighbor, thanks for posting. I think I will use Joe Petelin at SMMC for my gallbladder. He is a pioneer.

 

 

I have a few after thoughts I will share tomorrow. Need to get a little more sleep.

 

Cheers, Sungirl

[KCSungirl]

Last but not least, to my new boyfriend Geoherb - without you in my life I would not have known the joy of trivia on cruise ships. Next time don't forget to trust me when I write down an answer.

[SF]

Thanks again for a great "live" thread and glad to see you made it home safely.

[kywildcatfanone]

So glad you had a good time, and really enjoyed your comments. You are what makes CC so much fun!

 

Mike

[jorstad]

so you are a chicago girl????

we live in the western burbs of chicago

only supposed to be a high of 60 while we are gone next week

[sunsetbeachgal]

To answer Risky's queston-I am the one who didn't go to the Horizon Court even once during this cruise. My friend and I ate in the dining room for most meals-neither of us like buffets as we eat too much, don't find the food as appetizing and just don't like all of the people in such a concentrated area, especially children around food-too many little fingers everywhere!

 

Dining room service was excellent-attentive and efficient, but not rushed. We usually just sat at a table for the 2 of us-the times when I have had slower service were at those large tables where folks order course upon course of food. We usually ordered for dinner: appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. It was probably the best run Anytime Dining Rooms we have experienced. There are also lots of yummy food options in the International Cafe and at Vines if you like sushi as we do.

 

Hope that helps!

[NYGirl1002]

I enjoyed your blog so much KCSungirl! I actually went back and found your last one (over Christmas) and loved it.

 

I hope you're planning on posting pictures.. especially of your boyfriends!

[geoherb]

We also did not eat in the Horizon Court--other than a quick snack of lobster claws and shrimp at sailaway. We ate every meal in the dining room. We also had some quick snacks from the International Cafe and at Skywalkers in the evening before dinner. And I ate one piece of pizza.

 

Breakfast and lunch in the dining room did not take too long for us. There was only one time when we had to hurry the waiter along. They had placed us at a table for six--and we were willing to share--but everyone else was requesting tables just for their parties. We ended up telling the waiter not to wait any longer and that others could join us mid-meal.

[geoherb]

This trip we tried carrying off our luggage for the first time. It was great not to have to pack everything the last night of the cruise. It was also great not to have to search for our bags. I saw a few frustrated people the last morning who were looking for the luggage.

 

If we could have only gotten down to two large pieces of luggage instead of three it would have been perfect. Our cabin was on the Emerald Deck, which was two decks above the place they let us get off the ship. There was another exit on the Promenade Deck, but the guard there (who originally told us we could leave that way) told us we had to go down another level.

[tinatark]

Will either of you be able to post patters for the week? I almost hate to ask - you guys have been awesome all week! Thank You again!

[paul bev]

I read somewhere, that on the Crown menu, they are not offering escargot as an appetizer. They said the waiter may, or may not ,offer it to you on formal night, but you may have to ask for it. Did you find this to be the case on your recent sailing, and if so which formal night was the escargot offered? First or second?

[Colo Cruiser]

I read somewhere, that on the Crown menu, they are not offering escargot as an appetizer. They said the waiter may, or may not ,offer it to you on formal night, but you may have to ask for it. Did you find this to be the case on your recent sailing, and if so which formal night was the escargot offered? First or second?

 

 

On the CB in Nov my son and I had a standing order of 2 each for the entire cruise.

We set this up in advance with the waiter.

[sunsetbeachgal]

It was offered on the first formal night by the waiter, and we took them up on their offer-very good as usual! I spoke to a fellow passenger who said he had escargot every night (I was on the Crown last week).

[paul bev]

Wow, that sounds like a great deal. I'll have to give it a try.

[Older Sister]

Never saw escargot on the menu, but our server mentioned it on the second formal night. Most of our table ordered it (myself included) . . . yum!