Crown Princess Experience

[Cruise Raider]

We just disembarked from the Crown yesterday after a wonderful 7 night cruise down to Mexico.

We booked this cruise several months ago using a future cruise deposit that was set to expire this month and some promotional credits we received from doing a 3 night cruise on the Golden last December. We booked an inside cabin for an incredible price once all was said and done and marked this for a meta upgrade only. Then, the day before the cruise, I received a phone call asking if I wanted to be upgraded to an obstructed oceanview room. I checked cruise critic for some pictures and was pleasantly surprised as it looked to be a great room assignment.

 

We flew in from the bay area the morning of the cruise. We had never received a notification for staggered boarding so kept our early flight. We took a super shuttle down to the pier and were whisked into an area with the check in desk -- no clerks yet. It was about 10:30 and they said we would have to wait for at least another half an hour. I believe check in actually started about 11:30 or so. We were checked in pretty quickly but there were some lines by this time. We were then sent through security and they sent me over to a table to check out the 2 bottles of wine we carried with us. They seemed particularly interested in the seals of the bottles. They were scrutinized very carefully....repacked and then over to another set of chairs to wait for embarkation. We saw a rather large group board prior to us, I think this was comprised of Princess Employees for an appreciation lunch onboard. NICE touch Princess!! I commend them for making a special day for their employees that work on in the corporate offices. Not sure if they did the staggered boarding but looked as though they were trying to enforce it as boarding started a bit late. Upon boarding, we were allowed to go directly to our cabins which were all ready to go.

We dropped off our luggage (we did carry on luggage only) and headed to the main dining room where an extra special luncheon was served ... guess we crashed the employee luncheon, along with other passengers. We were seated at a table of 8 -- met some nice people -- and had one of the best lunches ever served. It was absolutely fabulous. As we left the dining area, we were treated to carolers, all donned in the Christmas attire and surrounded by a very tastefully decorated Piazza. The cruise started off with a bang.

 

 

They assigned us to a midship cabin on the Emerald deck -- what obstruction was my only question. This was a most beautiful room and very quiet. I would book this room again in a heartbeat. Evidently, someone canceled last minute -- I actually know who it might have been because we received his mail in our box nearly every day. We are elite and didn't get any of our elite goodies in our cabin so went to our old room on the Caribe deck and noticed the room steward in the hallway. She explained that she bagged up our mail and mini-bar and suggested we speak with the hotel manager. She also stated that if she saw any of our mail in the future, she would make sure it was delivered to our room instead. All worked out ok by day 2 -- and we made a trip down to the Captain's Circle host for our wine tasting and Captain's party invitations. Not sure if there was anything else we missed as it seems like our cabin steward took care of the little things.

We called room service to swap our out sodas for waters and all the mini bottles of liquor for gin. They mentioned they would take care of that even if we weren't in the cabin -- we just left a couple of bucks with a note near the items we wanted to exchange and all was done perfectly without taking the money. We thought maybe they were afraid to take it but we did leave it for him/her. Nice they are honest to a fault.

Room service was absolutely outstanding on this cruise. They always got the order right and they were quick! No complaints at all with these staff members. We only ordered room service for breakfast items (and the mini bar exchange) but wish they had a bit better selection for breakfast items on the menu. Not a deal breaker by any means, though.

 

We were assigned to anytime dining but were still full from that amazing lunch so just headed up to the buffet for a salad that night for dinner. We went to the welcome about show -- the dancers were amongst the best we've seen on any ship. After the show, we went to the casino -- rather tight but did see a couple of others winning some money. Everyone that worked in this venue was extremely helpful and friendly, though. The casino was absolutely packed every night with a much younger crowd than we are used to seeing. Smoking was on one side of the casino only and completely non-smoking on formal nights. My only complaint is some of the fun games we wanted to play were only located on one side or the other. There were very few video poker machines and it appears some of the ones at the bar were removed.

 

The next two days were sea days, one of which had the special pub lunch. We never really made it a point to go to one of these previously but tried it on our Sept cruise and now don't miss it. It really is that good and gets busy really early with a line out the door. It is well worth the wait.

We also hit the 2 for 1 happy hour at the Wheelhouse bar. This is the best deal going! It also has a line out the door but they pack in the bartenders and waiters in for this event. Again, go early just to get a seat. They will pack them up for you to go if there is no place to sit. I hope they never stop this as it really is a hit. We met some really nice people there as well....there are limited tables so it pays to share and get to know some fellow passengers.

 

We tried the main dining room for formal night -- glad we made reservations ahead of time, though. We went to dinner at 7:45, which was the only time they had left. We waited in the reservations only line (and there were long lines in both) but were seated by 8 PM -- which is what time we wanted to eat anyway. We had ok service there and we seated next to a charming younger couple from Australia, so had a great time. The food was excellent.

The next 3 times we went to the main dining room, we were seated at the DaVinci and the service was absolutely outstanding. We had Sam one time and William / Tatiana the other 2 times. They were all outstanding, as was the maître d', Stephan. The food on the Crown is about the best I have had on any cruise.

 

We attended the show by the comedian, Carlos Oscar, twice...once in the theater and once in the Explorers Lounge....the second one being better as it was so busy in the theater that the only place left to sit was on the stairs. We actually went quite early to get a seat at the Explorers Lounge for his performance....he was hilarious. We also attended the crew talent show, which is always one of our favorites and this one did not disappoint. The cruise director is extremely funny and entertaining. His younger assistant also seemed to be a good choice...always upbeat and full of energy.

We attended the Captains Party which they have now split out for Elite and Platinum, Ruby and Gold -- so the venues aren't quite so packed. This was also a nice touch as it is too hard to all try to gather in one venue alone.

We went to the grapevine winetasting which was well attended and learned a lot about wine I hadn't known before. The sommeliers were outstanding and we had some delicious wines with a little shot glass as a souvenir. Since we left Cabo late due to a tender davit that was not operating properly, we were in the wine tasting when setting sail. We heard there were many whales and dolphins in this area. I think bingo was going on at that time as well so probably a lot of people didn't get to see this. Oh well...there is always a next cruise.

Of note, in all three ports, there were passengers not returning back to the ship in time. I think in two of the ports, they were forced to leave them there. People....get back to the ship an hour before you think you need to...that way you won't hold everybody else up. But a watch at one of the onboard sales -- pay attention to the time change cards. You know the Captain must have been beside himself -- it appears he tried to wait as long as he could but at some point, he has to make the agonizing decision to go on without them. I realize things do happen but maybe think about contacting the ship to let them know the situation so they don't have to wonder if they should try wait or not. I don't mean to be harsh...heck, it might be me someday....but sometimes there are those that are just inconsiderate. Usually only happens once, though. One time being left is probably a good wake up call.

 

Anyhow, our captain did a fine job of keeping us informed and seemed to have a good sense of humor. He tooted the horn in a manner to thank the pilot in Mazatlan -- who also took a full bow to those of us that cheered for him from the top deck after reboarding his pilot boat.

 

One last shout out to staff in the Horizon Court. They just couldn't be more helpful. We felt so spoiled on this cruise --

Mina made sure everyone had clean hands and the flow moved in the right direction. She was so sweet and would always go out of her way to greet us with a smile and helping hand. Let me get that for you....we heard it all the time. Princess has really pumped up their customer service and it shows. Plus, the food has really improved a lot since a couple of years ago.

 

All in all, I would give this cruise 4.5 stars out of 5. Oh...the reason why not five stars? I do prefer an indoor pool. I knew there wasn't one when I booked as I have been on the Crown a couple of times previously. The weather was decent so it wasn't a deal breaker. Many times I had seen small kids in the hot tubs .... hmmm?? But, I did see the casino staff inform the parents that the kids couldn't hang out in the casino while daddy was gambling... that was good.

The smell of varnish comes with every cruise that you take where the ship is maintained well...so even though it is annoying, it is necessary. I do wish they would go back to showing more daytime movies on MUTS. I thoroughly enjoyed the Rob Thomas concert that they showed, though. I like they had NFL games on the Sunday we were onboard.

There is a small walking track on the top deck aft....from here, you can see the least maintained area of the ship ... the mini golf course. It was bad ... if they aren't going to maintain it, they should really rip it out. For everything else being so nice, this was just an eyesore....not one I believe many people see, though.

 

Some other plusses:

Princess has the best pizza at sea. yum!!

The pool towels are not hidden from the passengers any longer.

The beds were relatively comfy -- got one with a pillow top and it didn't need a egg crate topper.

The pillows were great. Didn't need to use the one I brought from home.

The robes we got were not all shrunk to mini size so that was great.

We used the laundry services on a t-shirt after a spill and it came back promptly and clean.

The internet service was pretty quick so not a huge waste of minutes.

 

We have been to Mexico several times in the past so really cannot comment on the port excursions as we didn't venture much. We went for a beautiful cruise experience and we got that. We did a short walk in Puerto Vallarta and ended up at the Krystal for a cold beer....nice view, sweet waiter. They do offer a couples massage there for $90 for 115 minutes. Good deal but my DH couldn't be talked into it. Oh well....from there, we made our way over to the casino across from the port. We were just going to try our luck with $20 or so but it got to be such a hassle, we just left without spending a dollar there. I felt as though one of the workers there was yelling at us for not knowing their protocol. I insisted on getting our IDs back and they looked shell shocked. I explained I will not spend my money to help out someone who is yelling at me. I don't know what that was all about but will never patronize that place again. There were no other Americans in there if that tells you anything.

We only popped down to the pier shops in Mazatlan and back up to the ship for Happy Hour at the Wheelhouse. It was actually a better deal than getting a beer down there. We did notice the prices were really overpriced on all the items down in the little shops there. No bargains in Mazatlan, that's for sure.

We stayed on the ship in Cabo and enjoyed the ship with no crowds. We might have tendered over if we had been scheduled to stay in port longer.

 

Any questions you may have, I would be happy to answer if I can. Ask away!

[Bruin Steve]

Thanks for the review...

Glad you had a great time...

We will be onboard in less than two weeks now...

Had hoped to be onboard this week, but a family holiday commitment got in the way... ;)

[sassyredhat]

Nice review. :)

We were on the Crown in Nov. We enjoyed our cruise also.

 

Patti

[onefine89]

We just disembarked from the Crown yesterday after a wonderful 7 night cruise down to Mexico.

 

Any questions you may have, I would be happy to answer if I can. Ask away!

 

Thanks for your positive review of your recent cruise to Mexico on the Crown Princess........we are planning a March Spring Break on the same itinerary.

 

In PV, did you take the local transportation and what are the current rates? We're looking at a private walking-tour of Old Vallarta.

 

Thanks again:)

[Pam in CA]

Thanks for the review. I'll be back on her in a month. Looking forward to it.

[Cruise Raider]

Thanks for the review. I'll be back on her in a month. Looking forward to it.

 

Pam, we finally experienced the pillow top mattresses and you are right...they are pretty comfy.

[Cruise Raider]

Thanks for your positive review of your recent cruise to Mexico on the Crown Princess........we are planning a March Spring Break on the same itinerary.

 

In PV, did you take the local transportation and what are the current rates? We're looking at a private walking-tour of Old Vallarta.

 

Thanks again:)

 

We just walked as I am very familiar with Puerto Vallarta. Last time we took a bus there to Old Vallarta, it was under $1 pp ... but that was years ago.

The walking around there was no seedy at all ... felt pretty safe. I hear they have made it safer in Mazatlan as well. They actually had a lot of police protection and had a blue line painted on the routes to Old Town by the Cathedral. I didn't see it but heard it also felt safe if you stayed within the recommended route.

[hpeabody]

A couple questions for you,

1. Was Justin Lawes your captain? if so, he is awesome!

2. Is the MUTS still horrible or did they by chance fix it?

[cvpends]

Thank you for your review. We embark on Crown this Saturday, and I can't wait!

 

It is so weird about that mini-golf course. It looked exactly as you describe when we were on the Crown last April. You have to wonder what Princess is thinking of with that!

[Seayalater]

Thank you for your review. We embark on Crown this Saturday, and I can't wait!

 

there was a guy kicked off and arrested as he tried to disembarked in Mazatlan due to him smoking pot in his stateroom. Nut.

 

We did leave behind 2 passengers, rumor is they wanted off in Cabo.

 

A guy jumped off a balcony in the piazza landing on the Grand Piano and medic and security were called.

 

O-RH blood donors were called to donate to a critically ill passenger.

[Cruise Raider]

Thank you for your review. We embark on Crown this Saturday, and I can't wait!

 

there was a guy kicked off and arrested as he tried to disembarked in Mazatlan due to him smoking pot in his stateroom. Nut.

 

We did leave behind 2 passengers, rumor is they wanted off in Cabo.

 

A guy jumped off a balcony in the piazza landing on the Grand Piano and medic and security were called.

 

O-RH blood donors were called to donate to a critically ill passenger.

 

Yes, indeed...it was action packed. Aha...the couple of passengers left in Cabo did have Hispanic last names. I don't think this violated the PVSA but the cruiseline doesn't want you to disembark without previous notification. Do think we left them there and heard we definitely left a couple of passengers in Mazatlan or PV as well. That rumor was that it was a couple that split up in town and the wife made it back but the husband hadn't boarded yet so she stayed so at least he wouldn't be there alone.

Security was called on the last night -- it was announced in the stateroom. About 15 minutes later, the medics were called to the same location and again, into the staterooms. We understood that he was about 25 years old, had way too much to drink and was threatening to jump from one level down to the next in the Piazza. I then heard that security was holding them while the medical team was injecting him with something to calm him down. This is exactly how rumors get started but someone in the know said he didn't actually jump ... just climbing over the railing attempting to do so. I have no idea what is the real story though. Was kind of surprised that both announcements made it into the staterooms. We were kind of settled in for the night but not asleep yet. I think it may have been a mistake that the announcements were heard in the passenger staterooms. Regardless, maybe they should screen those that are allowed to purchase the beverage package :eek: I definitely believe the part where way too much alcohol was involved.

 

I didn't hear that about anyone smoking pot in their stateroom. Stupid is as stupid does. OMG -- why would anyone chance getting arrested in Mexico. I don't really see the allure of smoking pot but if I were to do it, Mexico is not where I would give it a try. Geez....go to California, Washington or Colorado and save yourself some really hefty legal bills. You got it right...NUT!!

 

Never heard if that passenger needing the blood transfusion was ok or not. I have actually heard calls for blood donations on several cruises. Sometimes they announce if the passenger did ok or not ... but probably ask permission to do so. I respect the fact that they kept it private if that is what the passenger had requested.

 

The poor Crown has been through quite a bit in the last few weeks. I was amazed at how well they seemed to handle everything, though. Still smiling and upbeat!! Everyone currently onboard and those boarding next week are in for a treat!!

[Cruise Raider]

Thank you for your review. We embark on Crown this Saturday, and I can't wait!

 

It is so weird about that mini-golf course. It looked exactly as you describe when we were on the Crown last April. You have to wonder what Princess is thinking of with that!

 

Hey, I think we are neighbors....same town. Have a great time.

[Cruise Raider]

A couple questions for you,

1. Was Justin Lawes your captain? if so, he is awesome!

2. Is the MUTS still horrible or did they by chance fix it?

 

It was Justin Lawes and yes, he is awesome. He hadn't attended the Captain's Club party ... not sure why he didn't ... so never got a chance to meet him in person. His announcements are so easy to understand. Sometimes when a captain takes over on the PA -- we just look at each other and say 'huh?'. He really made it a point to inform passengers of everything and had a sense of humor as well. Like using the ships horn to give a little toot to the piloto ... just made us smile.

 

MUTS is pretty funny. While I am a huge fan of MUTS in theory, we noticed there were several squares of the screen that were of differing brightness ... like they were replaced but didn't really match....kind of patched together. It wasn't horrible, just noticeable. They did tone the volume down a LOT ... especially during the day. They showed nature pictures sometimes with beautiful music but sometimes just silent. I really miss the movies during the day but know I am in the minority. Even though it doesn't really work for me, I am glad Princess listens to their customer base and adjusts their programs to meet the wants of the majority. That's how we got the pool towel availability and no smoking on the balconies. I did pick up a couple of bags of popcorn one night, though....love that popcorn.

:D

[Pam in CA]

Yes, indeed...it was action packed. Aha...the couple of passengers left in Cabo did have Hispanic last names. I don't think this violated the PVSA but the cruiseline doesn't want you to disembark without previous notification.

 

I didn't hear that about anyone smoking pot in their stateroom. Stupid is as stupid does. OMG -- why would anyone chance getting arrested in Mexico.

This wouldn't have been a PVSA violation BUT without a passport book or card, they would have had a problem returning to the USA. They couldn't fly without a passport and if they drove, they'd need a passport card.

 

Some people are under the mistaken assumption that since pot is legal in their state, it's OK to bring it on the ship. It's not. Even a pot prescription. It's illegal and chances are they are seriously regretting bringing it onboard.

Edited December 22, 2014 by Pam in CA

[Cruise Raider]

This wouldn't have been a PVSA violation BUT without a passport book or card, they would have had a problem returning to the USA. They couldn't fly without a passport and if they drove, they'd need a passport card.

 

Some people are under the mistaken assumption that since pot is legal in their state, it's OK to bring it on the ship. It's not. Even a pot prescription. It's illegal and chances are they are seriously regretting bringing it onboard.

 

Ah yes, this is making a huge assumption but the people in Cabo did have Hispanic last names. They may have taken their passports with them off the ship and if travelling with friends or other family, they could disembark in Cabo and have others pack up their belongings. Just saying that there is a way to do it if you wanted to....just nice to inform the cruiseline if that had been their plan all along.

I cannot even imagine what the guy that brought the pot onboard was thinking. Really? Sneaking drugs INTO Mexico....hahaha

[Pam in CA]

Ah yes, this is making a huge assumption but the people in Cabo did have Hispanic last names.

Another assumption. :) Hispanic names in CA are very, very common.

[cvpends]

Hey, I think we are neighbors....same town. Have a great time.

 

LOL! Hi, Neighbor!

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the review.

[RickEk]

 

Yes, indeed...it was action packed. Aha...the couple of passengers left in Cabo did have Hispanic last names. I don't think this violated the PVSA but the cruiseline doesn't want you to disembark without previous notification. Do think we left them there and heard we definitely left a couple of passengers in Mazatlan or PV as well. That rumor was that it was a couple that split up in town and the wife made it back but the husband hadn't boarded yet so she stayed so at least he wouldn't be there alone.

Security was called on the last night -- it was announced in the stateroom. About 15 minutes later, the medics were called to the same location and again, into the staterooms. We understood that he was about 25 years old, had way too much to drink and was threatening to jump from one level down to the next in the Piazza. I then heard that security was holding them while the medical team was injecting him with something to calm him down. This is exactly how rumors get started but someone in the know said he didn't actually jump ... just climbing over the railing attempting to do so. I have no idea what is the real story though. Was kind of surprised that both announcements made it into the staterooms. We were kind of settled in for the night but not asleep yet. I think it may have been a mistake that the announcements were heard in the passenger staterooms. Regardless, maybe they should screen those that are allowed to purchase the beverage package :eek: I definitely believe the part where way too much alcohol was involved.

 

I didn't hear that about anyone smoking pot in their stateroom. Stupid is as stupid does. OMG -- why would anyone chance getting arrested in Mexico. I don't really see the allure of smoking pot but if I were to do it, Mexico is not where I would give it a try. Geez....go to California, Washington or Colorado and save yourself some really hefty legal bills. You got it right...NUT!!

 

 

Ah yes, this is making a huge assumption but the people in Cabo did have Hispanic last names. They may have taken their passports with them off the ship and if travelling with friends or other family, they could disembark in Cabo and have others pack up their belongings. Just saying that there is a way to do it if you wanted to....just nice to inform the cruiseline if that had been their plan all along.

I cannot even imagine what the guy that brought the pot onboard was thinking. Really? Sneaking drugs INTO Mexico....hahaha

 

We were on this cruise also. Had a great time.

 

From what I understand, the folks that got off the ship in Cabo were doing a route sector. SOP for the cruise lines. All arranged beforehand.

 

Didn't hear that we actually left anyone behind... they did call names in every port near sail away, but I don't think anyone was left behind.

 

We were in Crooners when the gentleman tried to jump the rail from Deck 6 to 5. He apparently had run his card through one of the kiosks (this one was near the central elevator core) and went nuts when he saw his bill. A passenger and a crewmember hauled him off the rail. He then started hitting himself in the head and there was blood on the deck. They cordoned off the area, put up big screens facing the Piazza to block the curious and dealt with it. Kinda sad...

 

We did smell pot smoke from a group of people walking by... think it was just on their clothes. I told my son "that was a group looking to get kicked off the ship!"... :rolleyes:

Edited December 22, 2014 by RickEk

[DiRonT]

Nice review - great to hear some good things about the Crown as she has beengetting a bit of bad press lately. We will be on her Jan 9th for the 10 day Mexico trip and really looking forward to a relaxing 10 days after the hectic holidays.

[Cruise Raider]

Another assumption. :) Hispanic names in CA are very, very common.

 

Carlos Oscar, the comedian, made a joke about this during this cruise. the joke involved how Hispanics were trying to steel the jobs in the military. It may have been lost on some ...not those that live in CA. It was pretty funny.

[shredie]

 

We were in Crooners when the gentleman tried to jump the rail from Deck 6 to 5. He apparently had run his card through one of the kiosks (this one was near the central elevator core) and went nuts when he saw his bill. A passenger and a crewmember hauled him off the rail. He then started hitting himself in the head and there was blood on the deck. They cordoned off the area, put up big screens facing the Piazza to block the curious and dealt with it. Kinda sad...

 

Poor guy. I know how he felt though. I think I've been tempted to start hitting my head when I saw the bill.

[jewelsea21]

People tend to go off the grid rationally and emotionally this time frame, you had your own special sampling. Microcosmically, not too bad. Congrats.

[Colo Cruiser]

Carlos Oscar, the comedian, made a joke about this during this cruise. the joke involved how Hispanics were trying to steel the jobs in the military. It may have been lost on some ...not those that live in CA. It was pretty funny.

 

Carlos won best comedian on Princess a couple of years ago.

Prides himself on using no profanity in his act.

We have seen him a few times and always enjoy his show.

[SoCal Cruiser78]

Thanks for the review! I will be on the Crown next month, and had lowered my expectations based on other reviews. Now I have raised them a bit :).