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Royal Princess Caribbean Calypso 4-10-24

ExDean

By ExDean,
in Princess Cruises

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ExDean

ExDean

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To start our two weeks we had a terrific CC Roll Call with some 34 folks whom we met on the ship. We even had a group meet in FLL for a pre-cruise dinner on Friday. It was a fun group and made it nice to run into people “you know” all during the cruise.

 

The Ship: What can best be described as elegant. The layout was, of course, compact and yet with plenty of space so as to not seem crowded. The wood paneling and furniture was a pleasant change from the glass and chrome of the bigger ships. A small casino, which quickly took back the $16 I won on the slots. The one thing we liked was being able to sit on our balcony and not have to look at the sea through blue, sometimes salt stained, Plexiglas. The one-level dining room was intimate and enjoyable. We did not sit by the pool but preferred the sun deck (It wasn’t open on our first sea days due to the wind.) We were pleased with her ambiance and style.

 

Cabin: Smaller than many and yet quite comfortable. We had a balcony on deck eight and, contrary to some recent CCer comments, we had no noise problem from the pool area above us. Yes, the bathroom was small but not cramped. We had our evening “cocktails” either on the balcony or at the couch (love seat) inside. The only time we found the balcony wanting was when we had our champagne breakfast and had to put some of the food inside the door – and was there a lot of food for two.

 

Eating and Imbibing: For the most part the food was varied and plentiful. The different themes in the dining room and at the Horizon Court were interesting and tasty. We felt there was a good selection on the dinner menu. (Did think we could have had a bit bigger and greater number of shrimp on the shrimp cocktail – four small ones; yes, we could have ordered two each…) The epicurean highlight was the Chef's Table. Our Maitre d' Silvio and Head Chef Gaetano Patamia made this a wonderful evening. People were asking how does one know about it as it wasn't advertised. Told them I found out on Cruise Critic.

 

Crew: One of the most enjoyable and friendly staff we have encountered. From the Captain to the cleaning crew everyone was upbeat, helpful and enjoyable. Our cabin attendant Thawon was a delight. One evening as we were leaving our cabin chatting with Twahon and Captain Lawes came down the hall and stopped to visit. (Never before have we seen a captain in the hallway.) Our diner waiters, Jessie and Emerson, were a delight even if Jessie occasionally mixed up who had what entree. At our M&G we had the opportunity to meet many of the officers and they seemed to remember us when we would see them later in the cruise. We really felt at home, especially since we had the Godmother, Lorraine Artz, on board who we would frequently see in the lounge, at the casino and at dinner.

 

Entertainment: David Bradshawe, our CD, did an excellent job of keeping us entertained. The variety of shows seemed to appeal to most as the Lounge was usually filled – at least when we were there. Of course, the comedy magician Bernard Reid and Billy Verda were excellent. Bobby Brooks with his songs of recording legends put on a high energy show. We saw Billy on the Crown and were excited that he was on board with us. Also Bernard Reid also presentred a very informative two-part talk on Houdini. There were also talks on the Bermuda Triangle (which we went through) and hurricanes (which we didn’t go through). The lounges peovided entertainment that was upbeat or relaxing which ever your mood called for at the time.

 

DW enjoyed her recreation with Wii. She set a new bowling record score for the Royal and then taught the dancer/staff how to play. They had always set it up but never played. Another example of fun crew/passenger interaction.

 

St. Thomas: Been there four times so all we did was take the cable car to the top ($21/ea) and had a drink.

 

Virgin Gorda: Taxi to the Baths, a bit of sunning and then to the pier for an adult beverage. The Baths were very interesting even though we didn’t take the whole tour through the boulders – and they were large. The path down to the beach could be a challenge for anyone with walking difficulty, although we did encounter some brave folks who took their time. But remember, it is also a walk back up!

 

Antigua: The Zip-line through Princess was a whole lot of fun. Warning: you end up at the bottom of the valley and there are about 150 steps back to the top. No cameras allowed so they can take your picture and sell it to you for $15.

 

St. Barths: Walked to the shell beach then stopped off at a water front watering hole for a beverage. Drinks were/are expensive, but then the whole island is beautiful but expensive.

 

Dominica: Here we had a tour of the rainforest with Reyno Tours. Reyno was our driver and Roselind was our guide. We can highly recommend him without reservation. We drove to Emerald Pool Falls where we encountered the rain forest up close and personal – in a downpour. We bought ponchos ($3/ea). Some of our group decided to walk through the forest in their bathing suits as the rain was warm. Wear sensible shoes as the trail can be tricky. The falls, due to the heavy rain, was beautiful and the roar was awesome. In less torrential times one can swim in the pool beneath the falls, but not when we were there, you’d get washed away. Well worth the walk. We then were taken Trafalgar Falls for spectacular view after another walk in the forest – by then it had stopped raining. Two beautiful sights..

 

Barbados: We took the Best of Barbados through Princess. Saw a lot of the countryside but the highlight was the Sunbury House plantation Mansion/Museum where we learned how to make Bajan Rum Punch and Corn N Oil - Planters drink and sampled some wonderful local snacks. They gave us the recipes and we brought home some Falernum to make our own.

 

Scarborough/Tobago: We booked the Off-road Jeep Safari with Fabrizio (aka Fab). This was by far the best of our cruise. We had three jeeps with two couples per Jeep. We took off into the forest/jungle where we walked about 30 minutes to the Highland Waterfall. No tourists, just our party. Some of our party took time to swim beneath the falls in its natural pool while the rest of us took pictures. From there another hike through the jungle to the Hillsborough Dam Reservoir to look for the Caymans, smallest of the crocodile family. We had to be very quiet and wait for them to surface. We saw a half dozen or so. The jeep ride over less than smooth roads through the center of the island was great fun. Half way lunch was provided on the hood of the jeep. On our way back from the falls a man and his dog were tending his “farm.” He had fresh bananas laid out on a banana leaf for us. From the tree to the mouth…don’t get no fresher than that. Our last stop was an abandoned sugar cane factory. Our driver, Laury, gave us a very interesting description of the whole process of making sugar. Fab told us Tobago was quite safe since it is a small island and everyone knows everyone. Again, wear sensible shoes as you do a lot of narrow, uneven trail walking and stream crossing. Fab and his crew do a great job, driving and entertaining, and we can recommend him highly.

 

Aruba: Also have been here four times so we walked to the marina and then to a grocery store to buy some wine for our next two days at sea.

 

Ft. Lauderdale: Took two days in FLL to “recuperate” from two relaxing days at sea. We took the water taxi ($15/ea hop-on-hop-off all day) and saw the many mansions and mega yachts along the canals and the intercostals. A great, fun way to see how “the other half lives.” But then, what's $20 million for a 100+ foot sailboat.

 

Great CC people, great islands and a great ship made for a most memorable cruise.

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rdsqrl

rdsqrl

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Thank you for your review, sounds like you had a great time. I've only sailed on the "old" little girls, not the new ones, but I agree with you about the crew-passenger interaction being much different on the smaller ships.

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caribill

caribill

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Eating and Imbibing: The epicurean highlight was the Chef's Table. Our Maitre d' Silvio and Head Chef Gaetano Patamia made this a wonderful evening. People were asking how does one know about it as it wasn't advertised. Told them I found out on Cruise Critic.

 

The Chef's Table is usually mentioned on page 1 or page 2 of the Patter on embarkation day. Many people do not fully read the Patter that day.

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ExDean

ExDean

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Hi Caribill...

 

Just looked at our 4/10 Patter and nary a mention of the Chef's Table. Maybe because we were a smaller ship. We did, however, have two CT sittings so seems there was a demand.

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caribill

caribill

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Hi Caribill...

 

Just looked at our 4/10 Patter and nary a mention of the Chef's Table. Maybe because we were a smaller ship.

 

It was mentioned on the first page on our recent Ocean Princess cruise, so at least one small ship publicizes it the first day.

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