My Review on Caribbean Princess

[MoodyMin]

***Please keep in mind that I did not proofread this at all, I am very tired...I just had to let you all know how wonderful the Caribbean Princess is, enjoy:

 

My Review of the Caribbean Princess (Western Itinerary, Princess Cays, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, May 8-May15)

 

WOW, where do I begin. When we pulled up to the ship in port (after passing other lines i.e. Celebrity, Imperial Majesty, and a few other smaller ships) and we were blown away. The ship is huge, I mean HUGE!!! When we stepped onto the ship I was taken back by the attention to detail they had when the designed the ship…it was just breathtaking ( I am not going into detail, I want you all to be taken back when you get on the ship as well). When we got to our room (R 504), amongst the large number of balcony rooms, our room steward, Erlich, was there to greet us and was very friendly. The balcony was very nice (perfect on the Riviera deck, were we were). The overall size of the room was nice, the bathroom was a bit small, it took us a day or two to get used to the size of the shower. The shower pressure was nice and the endless hot water (with its own temperature gauge) was sweet. The Riviera Deck was a nice place to be…it was one floor down from the Lido deck (with the two main pools and the buffets). It was also nice when it rained that we could still sit on our balcony...it seemed that those who were on the dolphin deck and the deck above that were SOL when it came to rain and sitting on your balcony. If action is not what you are looking for, the at the rear of the ship on the Riviera deck was another pool that no one went to…very quiet, very nice to just relax and unwind. We had first seating and sat all the way in the back of the dining room in the Island Dining Room (which wasn’t a bad thing because we sort of had a window seat), our waiter was alright (he fell off the personality tree at an early age) he made his recommendations, and was there with whatever we needed, but the most impressive was Ricky, our Jr. Waiter, A+++ he was on top of things and was always generous and truly giving us service with a smile. The menu was impressive, tons of great food and if there really wasn’t anything you wanted, there were “Always Available†things for you to pick from and they were tasty too. If you are a coffee drinker (which my family is) the coffee certainly was the best coffee I have ever tasted. Not just for a cruise ship, anywhere I have ever had coffee…try it you will see. The entertainment was nice, there was always and I mean always something to do. May I recommend seeing Phil Teg (if he is still on the ship), best comedy act ever!!! My in-laws went to see Caribbean Caliente and loved it, they said it was clearly the best show they have ever seen on a cruise before. We didn’t see movie under the stars, but if you sat on the right deck, you could watch it without reservations…it was nice though the people on the seats had popcorn and they were supplied with nice warm blankets. We stuck to the Calypso pool, more entertainment…even though both pools mid-deck had impressive entertainment…Deep Blue is great, they are the ships reggae band, I had to buy their CD I enjoyed them and the sound of the steel drum. The overall service on the ship was great, with my experience on the ship, it just seemed like everyone was going out of their way to make sure that this was the best vacation that you ever had. Room services was certainly efficient…I called for a bottle of wine, and by the time I laid back down from talking on the phone (it’s a cruise ship, it’s not a marathon from the bed to the phone) the man was knocking on our door…impressive.

 

This cruise met my every expectation. The best night we had on the cruise and I would have to say certainly the best meal was the balcony dinner we had for two. Now for those of you that don’t want to spend the $100 it cost, your missing out and I feel sorry for you. This was the best $100 I have ever spent in my marriage. We had our dinner the night we were in Jamaica, which consequently was Caribbean night. There were there at 6:15pm on the dot!!! By the time we got back to our room our balcony was the most elegant and most romantic dinner for two not to mention that they put balloons outside the door and a paper saying “Happy Anniversary†on it. The table had a spotless white linen with a beautiful place setting. They included flowers and the silverware was spotless, no water spots, no finger prints, no stains, just immaculate. What made this back drop even better was the fact that we were sitting there as the sun was setting and the last of Jamaica was off to our left. The dinner included a small bottle of champagne, a complimentary 8x 10x picture, two cocktails, mini sandwiches, then your choice of appetizer…we had the crab cakes (you know the funny thing is my mouth is watering just thinking about them) they were the best crab cakes ever made, and my husband is a crab cake freak. The appetizer was followed by minestrone soup and a large salad. Now if you have room left in your stomach to continue eating, your main course was either lobster, steak or surf and turf…well if I was going to pay $100 for dinner that night, I was going to go with the surf and turf. The meal literally melted in my mouth. They then brought out a cake with “Happy Anniversary†on the top and sang to us. After the cake was desert, yes more. The desert was fresh blue berries, raspberries, and strawberries in a candy bowl with four different mousses to dip your food in. I read some reviews about the balcony dinner and they are inaccurate when the reviews say that you have one waiter…no…you have three. Christian, the supervisor, was always there asking if we needed anything and sending the other two waiters out to promptly get things for us. When dinner came, he cut the lobster out of the tail (now I love to eat lobster, and I certainly have eaten several upon several lobster, but this one was the biggest) Dennis, our main waiter, was fabulous. He was always asking if there was anything else we needed, he was quick to take our plates…and no they did not stand there and watch you eat, they were right outside your room the entire time, making sure not to damper the mood. We had a third waiter, I can’t quite remember his name, he was just there to collect when Dennis would hand them to him. If I had to rate this experience of a balcony dinner 1 out of 10, 10 of course being the best, I would give it a 15…hands down best dinner, even better then Le Bec Fin (for those who live in the Philly area, you should know that it is one of the top restaurants to eat in the country).

 

If you have a chance, watch Paul and James’s show in the morning (for those who don’t like to read and don’t want to read the Princess Patter this is your way to figure out what is going on) they are very funny and compliment each other very well…

 

The ports of call were all nice, except for Montego Bay. The people there just seemed so fake, always repeating, “Ya Mon, No Problemâ€. Yeah no problem for you to take all my money when you run up to me and tie things on my wrist. We were supposed to go to Ocho Rios, which is the better side of the Island but the ship was too big and there was no room for her to dock. Princess Cays was beautiful, even better than I though it would be. If you go there, I would highly recommend renting snorkel gear and snorkel near the dock on the far side of the island. People look down to the rocks where there are so many fish. They stay there because you have the option to buy fish food, which when you have the fish food, the entire ocean flocks to you. But the experience was amazing. I didn’t eat the food because I was too busy sunning, but yet again the fruit was fresh and so juicy. Grand Cayman is incredible. The water was so clear and the shopping was right at your finger tips. We took the Stingray excursion on the Catamaran, which was very nice and when we got to Stingray City it just seemed like the Stingrays knew the two men because each and everyone of the swam to our swimming area. After I flipped out (folks, I’m from New Jersey, if you can see down into the water…joke for Jersey people, you certainly don’t swim there is 110lb. stingrays) I was fine after I warmed up to them. They reminded me of cats when they rub up on your leg, these stingrays just loved people and rubbed up on your leg. I held Darth Vader (a 45 year old manaray that was the sweetest thing in the world) and she lifter her face up so I could kiss her. That is something you cannot miss. I was very sad to leave Grand Cayman, but was equally is impressed with Cozumel. There were tons of shops to choose from, and it was very nice how warm they were there. We took a taxi for our excursion, Playa Del Sol Beach Break, which was sooooo nice. You could sit at the pool, on the beach or get on a hammock and lay in the sun. The drink were all included (for a small price of $52) and so were all non motorized water sports. There was a monkey that strolled around the roof of the buffet, he posed for a couple pictures.

 

This is all I can think of for right now. I am sure that there is plenty more where that came from. My e-mail address is MoodyMin@comcast.net if you have any questions, please e-mail me I will be happy to talk to you about this wonderful ship. I can’t wait to book my next cruise on the Caribbean Princess (probably in the next six months). You will see how anxious you are to get back on after your vacation. Bon Voyage.

[helen123]

Great review. Were you in a balcony cabin or a mini suite? Did they advertize the balcony dinner very much? We will be on CP Feb 5-12,2005. The balcony dinner sounds great, we will definitely be

considering it.

[ToplessPony]

You know we were planing on booking an inside for a cruise on the CP in November but you make the balcony dinner sound so good we may just have to upgade to a balcony cabin just to experience it (and we even have our anniversary the week of our cruise like you did).

 

Oh yeah....great review too.

 

Thanks

 

Scott

[christiansmom]

Great review and I agree with most of it. Wish I could've experienced the balcony dinner. Sounds like a slice of heaven on earth. Glad you enjoyed yourselves so much. Thanks for sharing!

 

Lisa

christiansmom

[CruiseFever]

This is the second review I've read today that included information on the balcony dinner. I just hope everyone doesn't beat me to it on our upcoming cruise....you all make it sound so grand

 

Thanks!

 

Happy Cruising

 

Chris

 

www.LifeIsCruising.com

 

Next up:

Caribbean Princess 06/26/04

Star Princess 10/24/04

Diamond Princess 12/22/04

Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

Carnival Valor 10/30/05

 

[GandGinSoCalif]

I'd just like to add that those of you who might be planning a balcony dinner on the CP for Tuesday, 6/1....it's the night before our 25th anniversay (which we'll spend elsewhere), and I plan to make reservations very early. Sooooooo.....make alternative plans, and we won't have a conflict!

[rob_ n_tam]

Helen,

My understanding from Christian (the F & B Manager) is that they only "advertise" the balcony breakfast and dinner in the full suites. He said that there is a card left in the suite that gives all the information.

 

Also, I can confirm that Christian and two room service waiters served us for our balcony dinner.

 

HTH!

[Rustynail]

Great review. Nice to see folks who just loved every aspect of their vacation.

 

I'm hoping that the balcony dinning experience can be extended to our BC cabin balcony. For the $100.00 ($150.00 Canadian) I don't think you'd ever match the experience.

 

Is it better to book dinner the night your just leaving a port? That way you get to watch the island disappear in the sunset. Is it windy during dinner?

 

Dan

 

Until we sail the Carribean Princess<BR

 

 

CARRIBEAN PRINCESS JAN 2005

<IMG

Roll Call.... click here to join the fun!

</applet>

CARNIVAL'S LEGEND JAN 2003

CELEBRITY'S CENTURY DEC 2003

 

 

[isujim]

Thanks for taking the time as I know you are tired for this great review........

 

Can';t wait until November.

 

Jim

 

Nordic Prince 8/88

Viking Serenade 3/93

Enchantment 3/01

Rhapsody 9/02

Splendour 4/03

Rhapsody, 9/03

Brilliance, 4/04

 

Until Our Caribbean Princess Cruise

 

 

Until Hawaii on Inifinity

[rob_ n_tam]

Hey Dan,

 

They just need 24 hour notice, so I'm sure they could arrange something for you.

 

We were aft B751 and didn't find it to be windy at all.

 

Enjoy!

[TICK1946]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what alternative sweetners Princess has at the tables----equal is my choice---some lines only have the saccharin substitute. I am wondering if I should bring my own.

 

Pat

[Pam in CA]

Thanks for the great review. I'll have to remember the Riviera aft deck to hang out.

 

Song of Norway & Song of America, 1986-88; Royal Princess 2/99; Sun Princess 1/00; Ocean Princess 12/00; Royal Princess 4/01; Grand Princess 12/23/01; Sea Princess 2/9/02; Explorer of the Seas 12/21/02; Coral Princess 8/9/03; Nordic Empress 12/27/03; Regal Princess (4/20/04)

 

-- Caribbean Princess (12/26/04) -- Roll Call

-- Royal Princess (4/21/05) -- Roll Call

[Spicey477]

Moodymin,

Awesome review, like the others, I, too may have to consider upgrading to the balcony just for the dinner!

 

Question, is gratuity included with the $100 fee, or do you add that extra? And, if some of you answer that gratuity is already included but you like to give them something extra (of course depending on the service), how much, or what is enough? I hate having that feeling that you didn't give enough, you know?

 

Thanks!!

[micheluvscorgis]

WOW! I am so excited!!!

 

I think I'm starting to get more excited for the HM than the actual wedding!

 

Thanks so much for your review!

 

Caribbean Princess 7/31/04-8/7/04

[MoodyMin]

We did not have a suite, just a balcony stateroom. I am so glad that so many other people are going to show interest in the balcony dinner, it really is very nice. I am sure that having a suite would be more room on your balcony, but we really didn't have a problem, and certianly had enough room. I would recommend booking as soon as you get on the ship...you cannot call 1-800-princess and book, you have to wait until you get on the ship and call room service. Make sure that when you call, that both dinner attendees are there, because they ask you what kind of food you would like.

 

Spicey477,

We did give an extra tip of $30 for the three men to share, but Christian would not take it (what a stand up guy) and gave it to our two waiters. They really do deserve a little something extra for the excellent job they do for you, truly a pampering experience.

 

Tick1946,

I think that they do have equal as a choice of sweetner. I didn't use it but I remember seeing a blue packet in there.

 

My opinion that upgrading on this ship is a must. It may cost you more money, but is well worth it. I am glad that you all took joy in my posting, I am very happy to see such a wonderful response from all of you and can't wait for you to have just as a great time as I did. I will be more than happy to post any other information you may crave on the CP. I too may want to take the November 5th cruise, so I may see you all there. I can't wait to go back!!!

 

Mindy.

[MoodyMin]

OOOO, I forgot. RUSTYNAIL,

I would recommend booking your dinner when you know when you know the back drop will be perfect, please keep in mind that Jamaica is one hour behind US Eastern Standard Time for the sunset. You can really book your dinner at any time, but I would have to say background is everything or at least very romantic.

 

Micheluvscorgis,

Good luck with your upcoming wedding, and I am very sure that you will enjoy your HM on the CP. . There were several weddings on the ship, made me want to renew my vows. Best of luck and enjoy.

[J18ktleo]

o.k. I am now convinced we must do this on our cruise...question is, do we have the balcony dinner on the CP where we're on the Dolphin deck and others can look into our balcony or on our next (just booked..someone help me I'm out of control!) cruise on the Diamond Princess where we'll be on the Caribe deck with a partially covered balcony???? Oh, my goodness the choices we have to make!!!!!!!

I'm also interested in others take on what nite to choose...and how do we know if the view is perfect? The last cruise we were never facing land except in port when we docked facing another monolithic ship so I had to close my curtains to dress for dinner,..I guess it depends on when you leave port (assuming you leave on time? We had to wait an hour in Cozumel for latecomers to finally show up!)

 

Cunard Princess 1983; Royal Princess 1985; Dawn Princess 1990; Carnival Fantasy 1993; Epirotiki Odysseus 1995; Carnival Ecstasy 1998; Sun Princess 12/1999; Renaissance 12/2000; Carnival Ecstasy 8/2001; Carnival Spirit 12/2001; Grandeur of the Seas 6/2002; Celebrity Infinity 8/29/2002; Carnival Triumph 6/14/03; Grand Princess 1/11/04; Caribbean Princess 9/4/04

[TICK1946]

MoodyMin,

 

Thank You for the equal info.

 

Pat

[MoodyMin]

Your welcome

[Princess Di]

Hi, Mindy,

Very Nice review. Just so you know, Christian gave all the tips to the crew because, as an Officer, he Cannot accept tips.

 

A Smile is just a little curve that sets a lot of things Straight.

Fair Winds and Following Seas!

[goldengirl]

hi

 

do you know what brand of tea the ship serves?

 

i am interested in flavored decaffinated teas such as Bigelow brand, not the lipton flavored teas?

 

thanks

[nomie]

We are going in Nov also but I thought it was Nov 6. Is this correct? Sat to Sat I thought. Also have been looking for a roll call on that cruise. Did a search but nothing came up. Can anyone find it or should I start one?

[Mona Lisa]

Goldengirl, the tea is Lipton. I didn't see any other options, not even at Afternoon Tea.

 

Thanks for the great review MoodyMin! Now I am really wishing we would have done the balcony dinner. We thought that the balcony of our Riviera cabin would have been too small. Of course, that's when I thought that the wait staff stayed with you. Shucks, guess we'll have to book another Carribean Princess cruise!!

 

Lisa

[TICK1946]

I know on past cruises on Princess they had various varieties Herbal Seasons and Lipton.

[GloriaF]

Great review, MoodyMin!!

 

I am currently trying to arrange a surprise birthday cruise for DH, and it is between the CP and the Star. I think your review just swayed me to the CP.

 

Gloria

 

Grand Princess, Eastern, April 2001

Grand Princess, Western,April 2002

Regal to Hawaii, April 5-20, 2004