Caribbean Princess

[patrinka]

We are looking at an itinerary with the Caribbean Princess for fall 2016. My concern is that I have read some negative reviews about the condition of the ship. It does not appear that it is scheduled for refurbishment prior to Nov. 2016. We do not want to be on an older ship that is not in good shape.

I would love to get some feedback.

[pcsunlover]

I was just on the ship last week, and also this past December. We enjoyed both cruises. The ship is over 10 years old, so it really isn't fair to compare it to the bells and whistles of some of the new ships. Yes, we noticed a little wear, but it wasn't significant and didn't impact our cruise at all. The WiFi is spotty depending on where your cabin is located. We had a flooding issue in our cabin on our cruise last week, but I think that was a fluke and not the norm. We didn't make a big deal about it, it was handled quickly, and it really didn't impact the enjoyment of our cruise. I left my iphone behind on the cruise in December (low and behold, Princess regrets that it wasn't found even though I left it in plain site plugged on the cabin desk :rolleyes:), but even so, I can't complain about the cruise itself.

 

it isn't my favorite ship, but I wouldn't hesitate to book it again if the itinerary was right.

[Firststatecruiser]

I was on the ship last week and found it to be in excellent condition. I would not hesitation to book this ship.

[TJMK]

We did CB a couple times, most recently in 2014 and it was a great time and the ship is in very good shape. Well maintained, clean and not many signs showing its age. As previously stated its not brand new like the Royal or Regal with all the latest bells and whistles but it's a great ship. Don't let the age deter you. Have a good cruise.

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

I was on the ship last week and found it to be in excellent condition. I would not hesitation to book this ship.

 

We did CB a couple times, most recently in 2014 and it was a great time and the ship is in very good shape. Well maintained, clean and not many signs showing its age. As previously stated its not brand new like the Royal or Regal with all the latest bells and whistles but it's a great ship. Don't let the age deter you. Have a good cruise.

 

The ship is definitely showing signs of wear from the cabins to the pools to the Piazza. If people couldn't see it you would be blown away if you saw the Regal or Royal which is in top shape in comparison.

[Colo Cruiser]

I was on the ship last week and found it to be in excellent condition. I would not hesitation to book this ship.

 

 

Good to hear. I guess everyone see's thing differently. :)

[bellebaby]

We are looking at an itinerary with the Caribbean Princess for fall 2016. My concern is that I have read some negative reviews about the condition of the ship. It does not appear that it is scheduled for refurbishment prior to Nov. 2016. We do not want to be on an older ship that is not in good shape.

I would love to get some feedback.

 

Where did you get itineraries for the Caribbean Princess for the fall of 2016? The last sailing I see is from London to New York on Sept 5.

 

Do you have access to schedules for later sailings?

 

B

[schlot]

We went on it in late January. It obviously is showing it's age in areas, but it is clean and professionally maintained. I'd take another cruise on it in a heartbeat.

[kimlovesfl]

I wouldn't hesitate to sail her again, I thought she looked fine for a ship of her age. Keep in mind the only other ship I've sailed in the Celebrity Constellation, a ship of about the same age, so I have nothing new to compare it to.

[UpcountryTravelers]

We were on the Caribbean Princess from March 26 to April 4 (b2b), and were disappointed in the decline of the ship from our previous cruise on her. Some things good, some not. Several broken toilets in the public areas, lukewarm shower first half, stateroom carpet in dire need of replacement. Positives: new matting on the balcony and they were replacing the deck carpet as we cruised (however that limitied space on deck). They were refurbishing one of the shops, which gave us lots of noise in the Atrium bar, and spotting of merchandise in odd places around the ship. It wasn't finished when we left. Our cabin steward was one of the best, wait service in the buffet terrible (ordered tea for Rachel and water for me; he never came back - as an example). MDR service was excellent, as was most of the menu.

 

It was Princess, so it was a great cruise, but not up to what we have grown to expect. We felt the Ocean Princess, an older ship, was in much better condition. Caribbean did not replace Sapphire as our least favorite Princess ship, but it certainly did move down the stack.

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

We were on the Caribbean Princess from March 26 to April 4 (b2b), and were disappointed in the decline of the ship from our previous cruise on her. Some things good, some not.

 

We found the same items as you did and I'm wondering just how long will Princess let the decline of their older ships continue? I'm reading more & more of these negative comments & before long, Princess will be known for old run down ships when we all know that this isn't really the case. Maybe the line has just grown to much in recent years? Maybe they don't want to take the ship out of service for fear of losing money?

Either way it's going to bite them in the long run.

[lynwar]

Hi,

We were on her last September 2014 and had a nice time. This was 10 years after we originally sailed on her during her inaugural season.

My husband enjoyed her more than the Royal Princess the year before because the CB was smaller and not as glitzy. I found her to be very comfortable. Fortunately, we didn't encounter any negative issues that some others have had, so found it to be a pleasurable time. And, we're more "meat and potatoes" type cruisers, so are not looking for the perks, etc.

I will say, that I was more overcome by the smoke in the casino this time. I think there were some smoke free nights, but the smokers seemed to be on one specific side of the casino. It might just be that the machines we wanted to use were on that side. ;) It didn't stop us from going in there- (home away from home), but we tried to distance ourselves from the smoke. Nothing against the people.

 

We had to re-acclimate ourselves to the smaller spaces after the Royal Princess-like in the buffet. Many times we would eat outside by the Terrace Pool at the Aft of the ship and had good service there, but overall, didn't have a bad time.

 

Enjoy your cruise. I don't know where you are sailing from..but the CB will be leaving from a variety of ports other than Ft. Lauderdale in the coming months.

 

Unless you have a MAJOR issue, don't sweat the small stuff and have a great time. :)

 

Lynne

[grandmaneen]

We will be on the Caribbean Princess for the first time in September, our cabin is R633 under the exit area of the Horizon. I believe there could be a little noise? Has anyone stayed in that cabin or nearby? I'm also more concerned about the overhang of the horizon, it appears to come out on the side Es further than the balcony? Is that detrimental to sun on the balcony? Thanks for any tips.

[ladyruby]

What shop was being refurbished? Any idea on timescale of the job to be finished ? Thanks

[UpcountryTravelers]

What shop was being refurbished? Any idea on timescale of the job to be finished ? Thanks

 

This was on Fiesta deck (6), the former "Essence". (Don't know what it will be after the work.) Also, half of "Limelight" was closed off and inaccessible.

 

No idea when they will be finished, even though we asked.

[RetiredNTraveling]

Golly how does a cruise ship go from Treasure to Trash in one year? :confused: We sailed the Caribbean just over a year ago and she was really nice! Hopefully they will spruce the old lady up! ;)

[ladyruby]

This was on Fiesta deck (6), the former "Essence". (Don't know what it will be after the work.) Also, half of "Limelight" was closed off and inaccessible.

 

No idea when they will be finished, even though we asked.

 

 

Surely princess would get a move on lost revenue for them ! Plus the inconvenience to guests

[PtownGirlz-NH]

We will be on the Caribbean Princess for the first time in September, our cabin is R633 under the exit area of the Horizon. I believe there could be a little noise? Has anyone stayed in that cabin or nearby? I'm also more concerned about the overhang of the horizon, it appears to come out on the side Es further than the balcony? Is that detrimental to sun on the balcony? Thanks for any tips.

We were on the Caribbean last April and had booked a mini-suite on Dolphin. We got upgraded (so to speak) to a suite, R417 I think. It was under Horizon court. We only heard chairs scraping at 6:00 am for a few minutes and actually we got used to it so it didn't wake us towards the end of the week. However, the balcony is totally covered and we only got a little sun at a certain time of day for a few minutes. We are going back on her in 11 days (!!!!) and booked a mini suite on Dolphin again but this time marked "No Upgrade!!!!"

[missymerv]

Got off the Caribbean Princess Saturday after a 5 day cruise. DH & I had a wonderful relaxing cruise. I can't disagree that the Caribbean Princess needs some TLC but there was alot of maintenance going on not a deal breaker for us. We found plenty to do and see. Food was good. Service was good. Saw the shows and a movie or 2. We came to relax and spend time with friends and that was exactly what we did.

[Hoosier-Cruiser]

Got off the Caribbean Princess Saturday after a 5 day cruise. DH & I had a wonderful relaxing cruise. I can't disagree that the Caribbean Princess needs some TLC but there was alot of maintenance going on not a deal breaker for us. We found plenty to do and see. Food was good. Service was good. Saw the shows and a movie or 2. We came to relax and spend time with friends and that was exactly what we did.

 

We were on the same cruise and agree for the most part. Food was good. Service was hit or miss. Our DR waiter seemed distracted a bit and our room steward kept the room up, but forgot to deliver several items of paperwork (customs forms, disembarkation selection forms, etc).

 

Overall, it was a nice, relaxing cruise. We wouldn't hesitate to book another voyage on CB, but are looking at all the ships, as 3 times in a row may be a bit much.

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

Golly how does a cruise ship go from Treasure to Trash in one year? :confused: We sailed the Caribbean just over a year ago and she was really nice! Hopefully they will spruce the old lady up! ;)

The only thing that I can see is that the raving reviews are mostly from people who have never sailed much in the past or are very tolerant of conditions that most people (more Princess) wouldn't put up with. We've sailed almost all of the Princess ships over the years and this ship is definitely in need of repair/replacement items. We found the Grand to be similar years ago & I suspect it's been taken care of since then. The only saving grace about the CB is the service, food & typical Princess entertainment which salvaged the trip for us.

[BeachinBeauty]

I just got off the ship Sunday and it was the hands down best cruise I've ever taken. No, I do not have an extensive cruise history. No, I am not a refined person of elegance and sophistication like others will have themselves believe they are....

 

But, please do not worry that you will not enjoy yourself. The ship was beautiful. I did notice carpet staining in our room. I'd love to know how that would affect a person's vacation though? I also felt the air conditioning in my lowly obs. Oceanview cabin :eek: (the HORROR!!!) was a bit weak. Other than that, it was an amazing and blissful five days.

 

Sent from my SM-G900V using Forums mobile app

[BeachinBeauty]

*correction to my previous post*

 

We exited the ship Saturday, not Sunday.

 

Sent from my SM-G900V using Forums mobile app

[shredie]

Hi,

I will say, that I was more overcome by the smoke in the casino this time. I think there were some smoke free nights, but the smokers seemed to be on one specific side of the casino. It might just be that the machines we wanted to use were on that side. ;) It didn't stop us from going in there- (home away from home), but we tried to distance ourselves from the smoke. Nothing against the people.

 

 

They were on one side because the casino is half smoking, half non. You were probably sitting in the designated smoking half. On the machines, there is little sticker that indicates if it is a smoking section machine or not.

[golfb4cruzing]

10 days and counting