Live from the Caribbean Princess

[Frugalist]

Well, just about everything but Skywalker's is closed down for the night, so I thought I'd take advantage of my free internet access to check my email and some forums that I like to follow, including this one.

 

This is my first cruise at the Platinum level and in addition to the free internet access, which I know will be very valuable to me, I found out that we get priority check-in, which saved us a lot of time waiting in line this morning.

 

We've been on both the Grand and the Golden twice each and we've noticed a few differences with the Caribbean. Obviously, there's Movies Under the Stars. We just watched the Tina Turner concert tonight and the system is awesome. The sound system is very powerful and they had it cranked up! The screen is very clear and bright even during the daytime.

 

I guess everyone also knows about the Caribe Cafe buffet. It was open for lunch today with the same fare as the Horizon Court. I thought it would be open for dinner too for the Cold Seafood Extravaganza (Princess's words), but it wasn't -- just the Horizon Court.

 

We've also noticed a few subtle differences between the Grand/Golden and the Caribbean. On Deck 7 Forward, heading toward the Princess Theater, on the Grand/Golden you have to walk through the restaurant, walking right past people trying to enjoy their dinners. On the Caribbean, they've made a small, but vastly significant change. Now, you're directed around the outside of the restaurant, which is separated from the walkway by a small glass wall. It makes all the difference to us walking to the theater. And I'm sure it makes a world of difference to the diners.

 

Club Fusion has replaced the Vista Lounge. I'm not sure about this one. There are 500 more people on this ship and one less show venue since Club Fusion seems to be a club geared mainly for the teens. At least tonight's Patter has a Teen Disco scheduled there from 10:30 till Late.

 

In the Skywalkers Nightclub, on the Grand/Golden, on either end of the club there's a seating section that's sunk down from the main floor. We loved that section as it provided great privacy (no, we didn't do anything nasty -- we just loved that section). On the Caribbean, the entire club is on one level.

 

The Internet Cafe has 14 computers. The connection has been very fast today. Awesome LCD monitors. They appear to be about 17".

 

If anyone has any questions, I'll do my best to answer what I can. I hope to get online late every night after the ship closes down.

 

Having a wonderful time as usual. Looking forward to the coming week.

[kpauley]

Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on your sailing. I'm interested in what's playing on MUTS this week as we'll be on next week as you're disembarking.

 

Thanks and have a fabulous week.

 

Kathy

[Frugalist]

The two movies that you need reservations for are playing Sunday, Monday and Thursday nights. They are The Incredibles and Shall We Dance.

 

Earlier today they showed Ice Age and Finding Nemo. Tonight they showed the Tina Turner Conert 4 times (no reservations, fancy lounger cushions or popcorn at these).

[CRUISEinTIME]

Frugalist,

 

Great info, thanks !

 

Tom

[Bloemerl]

Frugalist,

 

Are you kidding ?? FREE INTERNET for platinim members ? We will be going on the caribbean Princess in TWO WEEKS and with winter still going strong here in Michigan you can imagine how anxious we are to go. This will be our first platinum cruise with Princess.

 

Would be interested as to what time you were able to get onto the ship as we plan to be at the ship at abour 10:30 AM.

 

Would also be interested in what the entertainment is each night. Louise and I are part of a 26 person wedding party and many of them are first time cruisers.

 

 

 

Look forward to your postings. Thanks,

[Crazsea]

Frugalist,

Please find out what's up with the "Cold Seafood Extravaganza" missing from the first night dinner choices.

It's one of the main reasons I enjoy the Caribbean Princess so much.

Thanks!

[Frugalist]

Bob and Louise: you will be among the first at the ship. When you arrive, they will have you line up against a wall outside the terminal. In the past, they've opened the doors to the terminal for checkin around 11:00. Yesterday, they didn't open till around 11:40. Once inside, you snake through a Disneyland line to go through the airport-like security checkpoint. When you get to the end of the Disneyland line, but before the airport-like security, tell the staff person you are Platinum and you will be directed to a separate security checkpoint. You'll probably be the only ones going through it and you'll be the first at the Platinum/Elite checkin counter. Once through the checkin, you'll be directed upstairs, where you'll wait till they open the ship for boarding. Yesterday, it was just a little past noon. We dumped our stuff in our room and started exploring.

 

I don't have yesterday's Patter with me that lists all the entertainers for the week. I'll try to remember that for later. There's always a big show in the Princess Theater and musical entertainment a various styles around the ship. There's also the movies under the stars, the casino and just sitting out on deck enjoying the ocean go by.

 

Another subtle difference I noticed this morning: if I remember correctly, on the Grand/Golden the barrier (more like a half-wall) separating the Promenade Lounge from the public walkway was just a plain wall. On the Caribbean, they've created a very nice and decorative half-wall. Nothing all that important or critical, but it certainly makes the area look more elegant.

 

I just finished breakfast in the dining room. On my last trip on the Golden I learned on these boards about their fabulous corn-flakes-coated French Toast. It's not on the menu until the last day, but if you ask for it, they will be happy to make it for you. I was really looking forward to it again on this trip. Unfortunately, the French Toast is rather plain. Thick slices, but no corn flakes coating. Oh well. There's always plenty else to choose from if you don't care for your first selection.

 

Time to go out and about. More later.

[Bloemerl]

Frugalist,

 

Who is the Captain ?

 

Bob

[Frugalist]

Frugalist,

Please find out what's up with the "Cold Seafood Extravaganza" missing from the first night dinner choices.

It's one of the main reasons I enjoy the Caribbean Princess so much.

Thanks!

 

I guess my original post was a little confusing on this. The "Cold Seafood Extravaganza" was definitely NOT missing. What I had hoped to get across was that it was set up in the Horizon Court. The Caribe Cafe was not set up for dinner Saturday night, although the seating area was open. Sorry for the confusion.

[Frugalist]

Frugalist,

 

Who is the Captain ?

 

Bob

 

Giuseppe Romano. There's a brief bio on him on the front of today's Patter.

[reggielew]

Hi Frugalist!

 

We were on the Caribbean Princess the week of February 12th and loved it. It was our 7th Princess cruise (33rd cruise overall) and we were very pleased with the food, service, etc. Make sure that you don't miss Bert Stratton in the Crooner's Lounge (used to be the Promenade Lounge on the Golden). He doesn't perform on Saturday night, so tonight will be his first show. He is by far the best entertainer that we have ever seen on any cruise ship. You may already know about him from other Princess ships that you have been on, but if not, DON'T MISS HIM!!! Have fun. I wish we were back on the Caribbean Princess!!!

 

Reggie

[Coral]

I am enjoying your reports!

 

FYI - when I was on the Star Princess, they were no longer routing people through the Sterling Steakhouse/Tequilas, people had to walk around it (outside of the restaurant). I heard similiar changes were made to the Golden and Grand but can't verify that.

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[Crazsea]

Thank You Frugalist!

Have a GREAT time!!

Jonathan

[hendey47]

Regarding the french toast, all you have to do is let the headwaiter know you want it. Let them know the night before and they will have it for you in the morning.

[CruisenCommando]

Could you let me know which night they have the Caribbean menu in the traditional dining room. Thanks

[edeco]

If you have a chance to check out the fitness center, will you see if they have spinning classes? These are group exercise classes on a stationary bike. My husband did these last year on RC and really liked it.

 

Thanks for posting, and enjoy your cruise!

[Ziggy7]

For the free internet access are you restricted to certin times you can use it or is it anytime :) Thanks!

[SRQfireman]

Platinum and Elite---->24 hours a day

[paradise4ever]

thanks for all the info. We will be sailing the Caribbean Princess in June. I especially like to try the French Toast W/corn flake coating. I love French Toast. How is the weather. We will be experiencing our first Platinum cruise also. I can't wait.

[CruiseFever]

Good to hear all is well on the CB. Thanks

[Frugalist]

For the free internet access are you restricted to certin times you can use it or is it anytime :) Thanks!

 

Unlimited access, 24/7.

[Frugalist]

thanks for all the info. We will be sailing the Caribbean Princess in June. I especially like to try the French Toast W/corn flake coating. I love French Toast. How is the weather. We will be experiencing our first Platinum cruise also. I can't wait.

 

Weather has been beautiful so far and they expect it to stay that way for at least the next 48-72 hours.

[Frugalist]

If you have a chance to check out the fitness center, will you see if they have spinning classes? These are group exercise classes on a stationary bike. My husband did these last year on RC and really liked it.

 

Thanks for posting, and enjoy your cruise!

 

We're not gym people. Sorry. Maybe someone else can chime in on that one.

[Ziggy7]

Unlimited access, 24/7.

Awesome Thanks!

[nanjoe]

My daughter is scared to go swimming in the beautiful Caribbean waters for fear of sharks. I never thought about it before, but are there sharks there? Neither the closing of beaches in Ft. Lauderdale this past week due to shark sightings nor the movie last night "Spring Break Shark Attack" (which we didn't watch), did anything to reassure her that she would be OK to swim on our cruise.

 

Also, does anyone know the names of the rental companies that are right on the pier in St. Maarten? I would like to reserve ahead of time.

 

April 2nd on the Caribbean Princess can't come fast enough!