Caribbean Princess 12/1 - 12/8/12

[TMS9539]

Just off the CB. Had a great cruise. I read a lot of negative reviews here before we left and I really don't get it. The service was outstanding in every way. I think it was probably the best of any cruise I've been on. All the staff was friendly and helpful and our room steward never missed a thing.

 

We had a mini-suite for the first time which was fabulous. The only problem is now we are spoiled and never want to go back to a regular balcony room! We were in room D633 which was a great location towards the back of the ship but right around the corner from the elevators. Our balcony was open and it didn't bother us a bit. And from the inside looking out it was nice to have the openness and be able to see the sky. The first day or two it was a little hot for a few hours in the afternoon with no shade, but other than that we used the balcony a lot. The last two days were sea days and our balcony was shaded the entire day because the sun was in the back of the ship.

 

I read several reviews that said the ship was hot. I was worried because I tend to be hot when nobody else is, but it wasn't an issue. Whatever the problem was they must have fixed it. Most places were comfortable. It was a little warm sometimes walking by the exploreres lounge where they display all the pictures, and club fusion was freezing, but other than that, very comfortable. Or I should say, I was comfortable. My mom needed a sweater sometimes.

 

We didn't do a lot of activities. We went to the Unexpected Boys show one evening and it was really good. That's the only show we made it to, in spite of our best plans. Somehow we just preferred our balcony and a good book most of the time. Never even made it to MUTS. They showed a lot of football and concerts. The evening movies I remember are The Dark Knight Rises and The Bourne Legacy. And I think Moonrise Kingdom. I really planned on going for the Dark Knight movie, but then when it was time to go it was so pleasant on the balcony and I really didn't want to move. Oh well, maybe next cruise.

 

The food was good. Didn't care for Italian night, but that's probably just us. We ate in the dining room every night except the last two. We had anytime dining and always shared a table. It was very enjoyable to meet and chat with fellow cruisers. However, we were always at a table for eight and dinner tended to take two hours, which is why we opted out the last two nights. Food in the Horizon Court was also good and the last two evening at Cafe Caribe were also quite good. No complaints there. There was one night where the line for the dining room was really long, so we left and came back in an hour and were seated immediately. If you are dead set on dining between 7 and 7:30 you will probably have to stand in line.

 

Overall, a really nice and relaxing cruise, which is just what I needed. Oh - and my mom won $1000 on slot machine on our last evening which was very exciting.

 

I'm happy to answer any questions.

[Crusin Hogs]

We board this Saturday 12-15 1st Princess cruise , looking forward to it

[TracieABD]

Glad you had a great time on the CB!:)

[piggybabymcpig]

We were on the same cruise just down the hall from you - D733. Had a very similar cruise experience with the exception of our dinner in the dinning room on the first formal night. The waiter was very unfriendly and seemed to be in a hurry to get us out. The food was good however and the rest of the cruise was great. Wish we were back on the Caribbean Princess!

[Mom33]

Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed the cruise.:D

[bacci]

We were on the cruise the week before you,and have to say that we also had the most wonderful cruise. Met some wonderful people,and I cannot fault the cruise on anything.Cant wait for my next Princess cruise!!!!

[nimiq]

Wow I am almost book for this cruise feb 2nd just looking around to see what to do with the late arrival into Curaçao.

 

Tell me what did you do in Curaçao ?

 

Eric

 

Just off the CB. Had a great cruise. I read a lot of negative reviews here before we left and I really don't get it. The service was outstanding in every way. I think it was probably the best of any cruise I've been on. All the staff was friendly and helpful and our room steward never missed a thing.

 

We had a mini-suite for the first time which was fabulous. The only problem is now we are spoiled and never want to go back to a regular balcony room! We were in room D633 which was a great location towards the back of the ship but right around the corner from the elevators. Our balcony was open and it didn't bother us a bit. And from the inside looking out it was nice to have the openness and be able to see the sky. The first day or two it was a little hot for a few hours in the afternoon with no shade, but other than that we used the balcony a lot. The last two days were sea days and our balcony was shaded the entire day because the sun was in the back of the ship.

 

I read several reviews that said the ship was hot. I was worried because I tend to be hot when nobody else is, but it wasn't an issue. Whatever the problem was they must have fixed it. Most places were comfortable. It was a little warm sometimes walking by the exploreres lounge where they display all the pictures, and club fusion was freezing, but other than that, very comfortable. Or I should say, I was comfortable. My mom needed a sweater sometimes.

 

We didn't do a lot of activities. We went to the Unexpected Boys show one evening and it was really good. That's the only show we made it to, in spite of our best plans. Somehow we just preferred our balcony and a good book most of the time. Never even made it to MUTS. They showed a lot of football and concerts. The evening movies I remember are The Dark Knight Rises and The Bourne Legacy. And I think Moonrise Kingdom. I really planned on going for the Dark Knight movie, but then when it was time to go it was so pleasant on the balcony and I really didn't want to move. Oh well, maybe next cruise.

 

The food was good. Didn't care for Italian night, but that's probably just us. We ate in the dining room every night except the last two. We had anytime dining and always shared a table. It was very enjoyable to meet and chat with fellow cruisers. However, we were always at a table for eight and dinner tended to take two hours, which is why we opted out the last two nights. Food in the Horizon Court was also good and the last two evening at Cafe Caribe were also quite good. No complaints there. There was one night where the line for the dining room was really long, so we left and came back in an hour and were seated immediately. If you are dead set on dining between 7 and 7:30 you will probably have to stand in line.

 

Overall, a really nice and relaxing cruise, which is just what I needed. Oh - and my mom won $1000 on slot machine on our last evening which was very exciting.

 

I'm happy to answer any questions.

[wdnoble9999]

Thanks for the review. We're heading out on the CB this coming Saturday, and it's good to know that all is in order.

 

Quick question for you. Which night is Italian night in the MDR? We're going to want to schedule dinner in the Crown Grill and Italian night is one dinner in the MDR that we wouldn't mind missing.

 

Thanks... Bill

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the review!

[dread_pirate]

Hate to bring up a sticky issue, but . . . was there any noro on the ship? I have a friend who got off the Ruby at about the same time as you did, and he said there was an outbreak there.

[CleoPat]

I'll be on CB in April and also am wondering what do do on Curacao in the evening?

[randyfipps]

We did the Caribbean Princess Thanksgiving and did the Crown Grill on the Curacao night. We booked for as late as possible I think 8:30. That way we didn't have to hurry back on the ship to make our regular dining. Tom in the crooners bar on the first sea day is really fun if you participate, we actually taught him some new words on the sing-alongs.

[nimiq]

Thanks for the review. We're heading out on the CB this coming Saturday, and it's good to know that all is in order.

 

Quick question for you. Which night is Italian night in the MDR? We're going to want to schedule dinner in the Crown Grill and Italian night is one dinner in the MDR that we wouldn't mind missing.

 

Thanks... Bill

 

Hello Bill,

 

When you come back can you give us a quick review as well and I would like to know what you will do in ports.

 

sea ya

 

Eric

[beshears]

Thanks for your review, as we are to do this same cruise the end of March, 2013.

 

What kind of show was the "Unexpected Boys Show?" We very seldom go to the shows, but I thought I would ask.

 

I believe someone had ask what you did in Curacao, and I was curious about that too.

[grandsmack]

We also were on this cruise and it met our expectations for a week of relaxation and fun.

 

Italian menu was on the fourth evening when we were docked in Curacao. Please excuse spelling errors - according to my notes; this was the menu that evening - Appetizers: Terra e Mare Anitpasto Tipico all' Italinao (sea & land Italian salami & shrimp salad with cherry tomato, mozzarella, parmesan cheese and grilled veggies. Carpaccio di Manzo shaved beef carpaccio with arugula, parmesan streams & Dijion mustard and lemon vinagretta. Torta Salata con Ricotta e Verdure alla Ligure rustic quiche with ricatta, artichoke, swiss chard, & parmesan over duet of basil, tomato, saffron beurre blannc. Shrimp Cocktail every day item

Soup & Salad: Zuppa di Lenticchie Lentil Soup. Minestra di Farro e Porri Pearl Barley Soup. Zuppa Fredda di More di Bosco blackberry merlot chilled soup, creamy cool with a hint of lemon. Mixed Greens and Arugula with Sun Dried Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella Caesar every day item. Pastas: Penne all' Arrabbiata Quill shaped pasta with spicy tomato and garlic. Fettuccine Alfredo every day item.

Main Cources: Filetto di Trota di Lago alla Boromea saute fillet of Rainbow Trout and baked zucchini fan. Capesante a Gamberi Gratinati saute sea scallops in light cream with floppy mashed potatoes. Saltimbocca di Pollo pan seared chicken breast with parma ham & sage chicken gravy, Romana style potatoes. Scaloppine di Vitello alla Milanese pan fried veal scaloppini with lemon butter and tomato spaghetti. Brasaato di Manzo al Barolo beef pot roast braised in barolo wine with all the trimmings, grilled cornmeal cakes. Verdue Miste con Polenta (Vegetable Dish) roast turnips, leeks & pumpkin over fried polenta with bell pepper sauce. And the four every day main courses: Grilled Salmon; Pan Seared Chicken; 1/2 pound Sirloin Burger and Spiced Rubbed Tri Tip Roast

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your review, glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[z44r]

Hate to bring up a sticky issue, but . . . was there any noro on the ship? I have a friend who got off the Ruby at about the same time as you did, and he said there was an outbreak there.

 

I was on this cruise, and didn't hear about, or see any signs of norovirus. There are usually very visible extra precautions in place if there has been a recent outbreak, and I did not see any of those this time.

[AmberTeka]

Thanks for taking the time to do this review. I enjoy reading them. We sail on the Caribbean Princess for New Year's Woo Hoo!

 

Did anyone go to the casino? we play trivia..manage three meals a day...play bingo..see all of the shows..and still find time to donate. What was it like?

[NYGirl1002]

I love the Caribbean Princess. When I see her docked in Brooklyn while I'm driving over the Verrazano Bridge it always makes me sigh.

 

I then make it my business to go to the web cam when she's departing.

 

The staff on that ship is fabulous.

[wdnoble9999]

Thanks, Grandsmack, for the information on Italian night. Gives me what I need to decide whether that's the night we'll do the Crown Grill, or not. Since that's the evening we'll be ported in Curucao, we may decide to spend the evening in town. But that's something to discuss with my DW (which means, of course, that we'll do what she wants to do.). :rolleyes:

 

And Eric... I will plan to put up a review. May take a few days though as we get home on the 22nd, host our immediate family Christmas including our out of town kids on the 23rd, host my wife's family on Christmas eve, and then have our in-town kids over on Christmas day. Just have to make sure we're well stocked on wine. :D

 

... Bill

[TMS9539]

Nimiq & Cleopot - We just walked around the town in Curacao. It was really hot and we should have taken a tour. The town is very quaint and colorful but we didn't do much. We went back to the ship for the evening so I don't know what there is to do in town. We saw no need to pay for dinner when food was so plentiful on the ship.

 

wDNoble9999 - I believe Italian night was Tuesday, the day we were in Curacao. It's possible it was Wednesday though. I can't remember for sure.

 

Somebody asked about Noro - as far as I know there were no outbreaks during our cruise.

 

Beshears - The Unexpected Boys show was a take on the broadway show The Jersey Boys. Music of Franki Valli and The Four Seasons, with some cheesy - but fun - comedy thrown in. It was well done.

 

Someone asked about the casino - It's very small. That being said, I always managed to find a slot machine to throw my money away in, and they have some fun machines. And then my mom won $1000 on the Wheel of Fortune slot machine. While we there somebody (unfortunately not us) won $20,000 on a slot machine. So some people won. Just not me.

[Luvsnorkeling]

We were on this cruise too and will post a detailed review as soon as I can get through the Christmas rush. Fun reading others' comments and reliving the memories.

[hogmom]

Just off the CB. Had a great cruise. I read a lot of negative reviews here before we left and I really don't get it. The service was outstanding in every way. I think it was probably the best of any cruise I've been on. All the staff was friendly and helpful and our room steward never missed a thing.

 

We had a mini-suite for the first time which was fabulous. The only problem is now we are spoiled and never want to go back to a regular balcony room! We were in room D633 which was a great location towards the back of the ship but right around the corner from the elevators. Our balcony was open and it didn't bother us a bit. And from the inside looking out it was nice to have the openness and be able to see the sky. The first day or two it was a little hot for a few hours in the afternoon with no shade, but other than that we used the balcony a lot. The last two days were sea days and our balcony was shaded the entire day because the sun was in the back of the ship.

 

I read several reviews that said the ship was hot. I was worried because I tend to be hot when nobody else is, but it wasn't an issue. Whatever the problem was they must have fixed it. Most places were comfortable. It was a little warm sometimes walking by the exploreres lounge where they display all the pictures, and club fusion was freezing, but other than that, very comfortable. Or I should say, I was comfortable. My mom needed a sweater sometimes.

 

We didn't do a lot of activities. We went to the Unexpected Boys show one evening and it was really good. That's the only show we made it to, in spite of our best plans. Somehow we just preferred our balcony and a good book most of the time. Never even made it to MUTS. They showed a lot of football and concerts. The evening movies I remember are The Dark Knight Rises and The Bourne Legacy. And I think Moonrise Kingdom. I really planned on going for the Dark Knight movie, but then when it was time to go it was so pleasant on the balcony and I really didn't want to move. Oh well, maybe next cruise.

 

The food was good. Didn't care for Italian night, but that's probably just us. We ate in the dining room every night except the last two. We had anytime dining and always shared a table. It was very enjoyable to meet and chat with fellow cruisers. However, we were always at a table for eight and dinner tended to take two hours, which is why we opted out the last two nights. Food in the Horizon Court was also good and the last two evening at Cafe Caribe were also quite good. No complaints there. There was one night where the line for the dining room was really long, so we left and came back in an hour and were seated immediately. If you are dead set on dining between 7 and 7:30 you will probably have to stand in line.

 

Overall, a really nice and relaxing cruise, which is just what I needed. Oh - and my mom won $1000 on slot machine on our last evening which was very exciting.

 

I'm happy to answer any questions.

 

We are cruising in April, and have booked the same suite. The lady I spoke with said there was a pull down bed. Do you recall that, and if so, do you have photos of what that looks like? Also... did you have any elevator noise? My husband and I sailed in 2008 for our honeymoon, we were in B334. We're excited to go again with the kiddos!

[tml1230]

we really enjoyed your well balanced review…it always amazes me how 2 different passengers can see their cruise "experience" so differently…glad you enjoyed it and we are looking forward to our next cruise on the CP.

Edited December 26, 2015 by tml1230

[Colo Cruiser]

A lot can change in 3 years. ;)