Crown Princess 1/22-26/15 Review

[Pam in CA]

This was a 4-day getaway cruise with my daughter on the Crown Princess sailing from San Pedro to Santa Barbara, Ensenada and back to San Pedro. Overall, the cruise was exactly what we had expected: a nice 4-day getaway. We planned to relax, and we did.

 

We did not go to any shows or any of the entertainment so I know nothing about it. I pay little attention to the “condition” of a ship: a little rust or dust bothers some people, it doesn’t bother me. My home has a “lived in” look.

 

I arrived at the port at about 10:30am, handed my bag over to the porter (with tip), filled out the health questionnaire and up the escalator. After about a 15-minute wait, check-in opened just after 11am. Checked in, went through Security and into the Elite boarding area.

 

There were well over 200 people doing the back-to-back cruise so it was somewhat amazing to see very long lines of people starting to board before embarkation began. They were processed pretty quickly and then we were allowed to board.

 

I ran up to the Sanctuary since I planned to book two loungers for my daughter and I for the cruise. This is where I encountered my first disappointment. Sort of. Plenty of loungers, we had our pick. However, there was no “package” rate for the short cruise. I had to book each day individually at the full rate of $40/lounger/day. I could have booked just the three afternoons if I wanted but we’d planned on going up in the morning for the whole day so I bit the bullet. So that was quite a bit more expensive than I’d planned on.

 

I’d booked us in two obstructed view cabins next to each other (E609 and E611) and I was delighted to see that the layout was with the beds against the wall, not against the window. That made the cabins much roomier. I really liked the cabin and location.

 

We checked our cruise cards and although I’d booked early seating for us both and we were confirmed at 6pm, I was in one dining room at 6pm, she was in another at 5:30pm. A trip to the Maitre d’ got that squared away. Shouldn’t have been necessary since our bookings were linked. That was our second disappointment.

 

I’d pre-ordered a soda card for myself, the soda & more card for my daughter, faxing separate orders in a month before the cruise. When she went to order a frappe, she was told that she couldn’t. She had just the plain soda sicker on her card. She went to Passenger Services Desk to get that fixed but they refused. Back to my cabin to get the order I’d faxed in. As I often say, “NEVER ASSUME!” Got the fax, brought it to the Passenger Services Desk, they consulted with someone and finally gave her the sticker she should have had at embarkation. A third disappointment.

 

My daughter was able to access Princess@Sea from her iPhone, including her onboard folio. I was able to access Princess@Sea from mine, but couldn’t create a login to access my folio. Nothing seemed to work. The error notice I received said that my account wasn’t recognized and I should contact the Passenger Services Desk. They didn’t know anything and said to go to the Internet Café. Went to the Internet Café and the Manager told me that he could only help with MTN Services, i.e., Internet services. Princess@Sea was a Princess service that wasn’t contracted with MTN. Went to the Captain’s Circle hostess. She said, “What’s Princess@Sea?” Then she said, “Oh, you probably don’t have the right software” and started to lecture me on how a Word document could only be read using Word [wrong], etc. Obviously, no help there as she didn’t know what the hell she was talking about. My daughter even tried to create an account for me on her phone. No dice. Never got it working and had to go to the Passenger Services Desk for folio printouts. A fourth disappointment.

 

We discovered at 3pm on embarkation day that the Crown Grill was 100% booked for the entire cruise. That’s three hours after boarding. They had zero availability for any night.

 

At embarkation, the Welcome Aboard Patter said that our third night would be a formal night. Really? It clearly said, “Formal.” In reality, our second night was a “Dress to Impress” night and there was no formal night. They need to get their details straight.

 

These are minor disappointments but they took time and effort to fix. If I were a new cruiser, I’d have been very disappointed. To me, these are all management issues and lack of attention to detail.

 

That said, we enjoyed the cruise. We were seated at a table for six and enjoyed our tablemates every night. It was the first time I’d booked early seating and it really was too early and rushed for us. Going back to late seating.

 

No Most Traveled lunch. Instead, the top ten passengers (and those in their cabins) were given a free dinner in a specialty restaurant. Cut-off was over 500 days.

 

Food is always subjective but I felt that some of the meat cuts were pretty awful: fatty, tough, stringy, etc. I had the tenderloin one night and could barely cut it due to some tough pieces. The salmon was great. I didn't like the 50th Anniversary dinner options. Our wait staff was very good, cabin steward was excellent, Sanctuary staff was incredibly good.

 

Didn't see any 50th Anniversary items in the shops for sale. Granted, I didn't look too hard.

 

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Edited January 27, 2015 by Pam in CA

[Mom33]

How nice to see a review from you Pam. :D Thank you.

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the review Pam, I gave up on ordering anything pre cruise that I could get after boarding. It was just never right like your experience.

Its really hard to believe that this disconnect between fleet and corportate is so bad and still there. :(

[sunsetbeachgal]

Pam,

 

I enjoyed reading your review. I can also get past issues and not have it ruin my cruise, especially when cruising with family, but sounds like you had more than your share.

 

Cruising with your daughter is priceless! ;)

Edited January 27, 2015 by sunsetbeachgal

[SingerEsq]

Hi, Pam! We did the 3-day right before your cruise and could not figure out for the life of us why we had not done a B2B! Shortest cruise we have ever done and did not want to get off. I even mentioned you on our cruise to my shipmates, not realizing you were going on the one after ours. A couple of things came to mind (can't remember them now), and I would say, "Bet Pam would know!" ;) They said, "Who's Pam?" :)

 

We were also surprised by the Sanctuary situation. For the first time, we were able to book afternoon only upon embarkation for our day at sea and Ensenada, which was fine for us (even though it's now $20/pp for half day :( ). We were wondering if this was a new "reservation" policy, or just because the cruise was so short. But, as you said, they were excellent. One of our group was on the 10-day prior and had gotten to know Alona, so she paid extra attention to us.

 

We made our reservations for dining at Crown Grill (2 nights) and Sabatini's (1 night) immediately upon boarding (and they still messed up our times, though we were able to get in). Crown Grill was fine. Sabatini's was a nice surprise, as we had not had the "newish" menu.

 

Princess@Sea definitely has some bugs to work out, but I think it will be nice once fully operational. (The outdoor air temperature reading never varied from day to night from 70 degrees F :confused:) Interesting that no one knew anything about it. But we have run into this on other occasions when Santa Clarita rolls something out and it does not filter down to the staff.

 

And I will not even go into our two encounters with Fleur, the Captain's Circle Hostess, who could not seem to be bothered with even the most simplest request despite the fact that no one was waiting to see her during her regular hours.

 

But, like you, we focus on the good and fun. Our cabin steward was one of the best we have ever had. So we really enjoyed the old girl, and she's going in for a short dry dock soon for some refreshment. One of the bartenders on our Crown cruise last year said they were getting rid of Adagio. Not sure if that was just a rumor, but we would hate to see that go. We enjoy going there after dinner for a night-cap. Beautiful, under-utilized room.

 

Anyway, enjoyed reading your review having done the getaway right before you.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Can one book the Crown Grill online in advance or must you wait until you get on board?

[Astro Flyer]

Can one book the Crown Grill online in advance or must you wait until you get on board?

Only on the ship by going to one of the specialty restaurants or calling the DINE line.

[Pam in CA]

We went to the Adagio every evening for a pre-dinner drink. It's one of my favorite lounges. Most nights, there were a couple of people seated at the bar... and us. Passengers really don't know where it is or find it.

 

We had a different Captain's Circle host. Her name was Bernadette. I'm pretty sure she boarded with our cruise.

 

A few more observations:

 

I was told that the different Sanctuary booking system was due to the short cruise.

 

It seemed that many people got the cruise for free. They were called by Princess saying they'd used the casino in the past and were offered a free cruise. They only had to pay government fees and taxes. I heard this from a number of people. Looks like Princess still can't get these cruises booked without offering them for free.

 

No noro onboard that I heard of.

 

Yes, Alona in the Sanctuary was amazing. I left her, and the boys, a nice tip for their attentive service.

 

The buffet was "same old, same old." Hard to go back to it after the Royal.

 

Thought I was eating up a storm but as of this morning, didn't gain an ounce. Per usual. :) No, I don't go to the gym or power walk. Just try everything and finish only what I think is good.

 

In the buffet, I noticed that many items weren't identified. No signs or anything. No signs at the salad dressings either. Didn't know whether one was blue cheese or ranch, for instance.

 

A comment from a friend I ran into onboard that the Crown's library had the best selection of books she's seen on Princess. This from an Elite cruiser.

 

My cabin's bed was super comfortable. A pillow top. Great, fluffy pillows. All four of them. My daughter, in the cabin next door, said hers was too hard and got an egg crate/topper.

 

The towels in the bathroom were the softest, fluffiest I've ever had. Softer and fluffier than new towels at home. Same for wash cloths. Really nice.

 

Used the combo shampoo/conditioner for the first time. Arrgh! My hair was like dry straw. Had to re-wash this morning. Will never use that stuff again and always bring my own.

 

Princess@Sea did not have the Message option.

 

More as I think of it.

Edited January 27, 2015 by Pam in CA

[Astro Flyer]

Pam, sorry to hear about your disappointments but figured you'd find a way to deal with them without it ruining your cruise. :)

 

I just read that you had a different Captain's Cirle hostess who apparently was as uninformed as Fleur was on our cruise earlier this month. There were gamblers on our cruise earlier this month who got free cabins as soon as in November.

Edited January 28, 2015 by Astro Flyer

[Pam in CA]

Well, disappointment is an overstatement. More like frustrated. Not enough to affect or ruin the cruise. :)

[freetocruise]

Pam,

It was great as usual to see you on this cruise. Wish you had stayed on with us for the next four days. Weather in San Diego has been perfect.

 

Just wanted to let everyone know that there is plenty of 50th anniversary items for sale, like t shirts, coffee mugs, shot glasses, bracelet charms, etc.

Bonni

[SingerEsq]

We went to the Adagio every evening for a pre-dinner drink. It's one of my favorite lounges. Most nights, there were a couple of people seated at the bar... and us. Passengers really don't know where it is or find it.

 

We had a different Captain's Circle host. Her name was Bernadette. I'm pretty sure she boarded with our cruise.

 

Same with us. We are always alone in Adagio. I did notice they had music in there from 10:00 - 11:00 one night. Sad because it is so nice up there.

 

Might explain Fleur's attitude (in addition to her lack of knowledge). She was probably ready for a vacation and wanted to "escape completely." :D

 

We're not gamblers at all, but we and our traveling companion also received and took advantage of the "free" offer. :cool: Have no idea why, other than perhaps being local and Elite members. (All the more reason we should have ponied up for the 4-day following). Only an inside cabin, but it was a nice getaway. And we did spend money on board.

Edited January 28, 2015 by SingerEsq
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[shredie]

Welcome home, friend! I am doing a B2B this Friday through next, and my Pam is joining me on the second leg. I have never been on the Crown, so this will be new for me. It's close enough to the Ruby, I think, and I love the Ruby. I will be calling Sabatini's first thing on Friday to get a table. I'm going to camp in Adagio's!

[Pam in CA]

Pam,

 

It was great as usual to see you on this cruise. Wish you had stayed on with us for the next four days. Weather in San Diego has been perfect.

 

Just wanted to let everyone know that there is plenty of 50th anniversary items for sale, like t shirts, coffee mugs, shot glasses, bracelet charms, etc.

 

Bonni

So great to see you and John! Obviously, I didn't look very hard for the 50th anniversary stuff. Maybe because I'm off again in three weeks on the Grand and will have more time to look.

 

See you soon!

Edited January 28, 2015 by Pam in CA

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your report.

[4x4bob]

Thanks Pam for your Review of the Crown. The wife and I always look forward to your posts.

 

We go out on her in 25 days for 7 days. We also selected a obstructed view cabin on Deck 8. We figure giving up suit, min-suit, and balcony's mean more trips per year.

 

We are also going to try for the Crown Grill as soon as we get on the ship, but since our flight does not land until 1:00 PM we may be behind the curve if the Grill is booking up early.

 

Bob

[szubieta]

Pam, may I ask which types of phones you and your daughter have. Crazy it worked on one and not the other. I am hopeful that the Princess@sea will be working right soon. Glad to hear you had a good time regardless! :D Happy Cruising!!

[skrodle]

thanks Pam, I will be on her in 10 days. I am glad you and i dont sweat the small stuff (like rust) and just enjoy the cruise for being a cruise. This will be my second time to ensenada, and first time to ever not get off in a port. We booked a spa day and couples massage.

 

Good to know about Crown, we usually eat there at least twice... for sure will get my reservations in asap :) also good to know they let you board so early. Our flight lands at 9:30 and were worried about getting to San Pedro so early. I have been begging my So Cal friends to do a BVE with us (we even offered to pay) and no one would do it. So I am glad we can hopefully board quickly.

[Pam in CA]

Pam, may I ask which types of phones you and your daughter have. Crazy it worked on one and not the other. I am hopeful that the Princess@sea will be working right soon. Glad to hear you had a good time regardless! :D Happy Cruising!!

My daughter has an iPhone 6, I have a 6+. Both running the same iOS. Yes, it's crazy that one worked and not the other. I thought maybe it was a setting difference but my daughter tried to create a login for me on her phone with the same result. One thing I didn't check is to get a new cruise card. One of the login elements is the last three digits of the code on the back of the cruise card. Just thought of that now.

[AZbeachboy]

Thanks Pam for the review. I think it was very honest. We have done that trip once when they first started them. I think it was the second four day. Nobody reall knew what to do.

 

You mentioned embarkation at San Pedro. I think that is one of the better places to cruise out of. We have always gone through very easily.

[JustinPlusLauren]

Thanks for the honest review Pam! Sorry you had to deal with those annoying things but glad you still had a nice time!

[szubieta]

My daughter has an iPhone 6, I have a 6+. Both running the same iOS. Yes, it's crazy that one worked and not the other. I thought maybe it was a setting difference but my daughter tried to create a login for me on her phone with the same result. One thing I didn't check is to get a new cruise card. One of the login elements is the last three digits of the code on the back of the cruise card. Just thought of that now.

 

Thank you I'll take note if I have troubles. You know when your in vacation mode it's not always easy to shift our brain back to discrepancy investigation mode. Or is that me aging, gracefully. and wanting to vacate my work for a while. ;) :rolleyes:

[2Busy4Me]

Thank you for the review. We are doing the 7 day Coastal on the Crown in April. First time on Princess. We can't wait!

[LovetheSea]

Great review. Nice and balanced. We will be on the Crown in a month. I will get my Crown Grill reservations in as soon as I can! Nice that you cruised with you daughter. I used to love to cruise with my Mom. Great bonding time.