Crown Princess and Gluten-Free? Also general Crown tips?

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Hi all! I'm contemplating a cruise on the Crown Princess this summer. It would be my first on Princess. I've done 3 on DCL (4 by Feb), 2 on RCCL, and 1 on HAL (not a fan of HAL) - 1 RCCL and will be 1 DCL since being diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity. RCCL was wonderful and I know DCL is wonderful as well with food allergies.

 

Does anyone have experience being gluten-free on the Crown Princess (or Princess in general)? Did you feel totally limited to the main dining rooms or did you find that the specialty restaurants were able to accommodate you?

 

Any other tips you'd offer someone contemplating Princess for the first time?

 

Thanks!

[paul929207]

My wife is lactose intolerant. The staff on the Crown (and Royal, Star & Coral) were great

[WALKER1313]

Here is a partial list of my tips. I'm sure someone will correct any that are incorrect.

 

you can order liquor from room serve. $ 15-20 for a pint of various liquors.

 

you can carry-on two bottles of wine per stateroom and all the cans of pop that you can carry. (sometimes they limit folks to 12 cans of pop)

 

Princess's International Cafe'(IC) is a great place to get specialty coffees. The coffees have a price, but the pastries, sandwiches and the like are free.

 

 

Got a coffee addiction? Buy a coffee card. You get brewed coffee for free at the IC and specialty coffees cost you one of your 15 "punches". And the card will be good on your next cruise. (terms and conditions apply)you can purchase coffee cards on ebay at a discount

 

There should be Buy One Get One for a $1 more Happy Hours during the cruise. They will be listed in the patter. Most often at the Wheelhouse bar in the afternoon. (someplace between 3-5pm) and another bar in the evening.(?? 9=11pm) The times sometimes change so read the patter. There also MAY be a raffle connected to the BOGO $1 Happy Hour.

 

If you are planning to cruise again on Princess cruise line, buy future cruise credits(FCC). FCC acts as a deposit for a future cruise and offers you additional onboard credit(OBC) that is in addition to other OBC that you negotiate. Also, it is refundable after a couple years, if you don't cruise.

 

Yes you can order custom omelets and hard boiled eggs in the Horizon Court Buffet. Want Tomato juice or Cranberry juice in the morning, you can order this for free from the staff in the morning, instead of OJ.

 

Need more towels or other things in your stateroom. - Ask your room steward and you shall receive.

 

Want two of the Entrees in the MDR, ask for it. or three appetizers.

 

 

Are you a veteran? - Are you getting your OBC?

 

For shows in the Explorer's Lounge and Piazza show up at least 30 minutes early. Note that you don't need to drink to enjoy these shows. Sit up front, if you or your children want to be involved in the action. If it's a magician, bring some cash with you. (They love to do "magic" with $ 100's).

 

Afraid you might get lost on the way back to your stateroom? The Crown currently has a red streak of carpet on one side of the ship and blue on the other. Now, my problem is I can't remember if Starboard(right) is red or blue?

 

Yes, everyone has to go to the muster before we sail. They will announce when. (approx 30 minutes before sailing time). Make sure you check in with your stateroom number at the muster station. You take your life vest with you to your designated room (Casino, Theater, etc) Please don't "open" them until you are told to do so. Also, please don't blow on the whistle as many others already have licked it before you.

 

Then when it's complete, wrap up your vest, take it to your stateroom, and the party starts.

 

Ice cream - Please remember: the Sprinkles are for winners.

 

Stateroom walls are metal - so bring a magnet or two for hanging things- Just don't pack it next to your phone, cruise card or credit cards.

 

We pack a non-surge protected multi plug. The non-surge part is important. also a lighted electric clock for night time viewing.

 

Do you sleep on an egg crate mattress topper? - they probably have one for you.

 

Want to know what websites for the best cruise prices and OBC? - You need to ask people while on the ship as we can't talk about this on cruise critic.

 

Princess Visa Card - I say no to this card. Many better options out there. I currently use a 2% on everything card.

 

Here is my list of "Secret" places on the Crown Princess.

 

On the Crown Princess many of the locations are only accessible by the use of one staircase or elevator. So keep your map with you because you likely will never find "that nice place" again without it.

 

Check out Riviera deck near the stern. As you might like to stay in one of the staterooms, because of easy "private" access to the aft Terrace adult pool.

Check out the balconies on Caribe deck... Huge.

Skywalker's deck 18 - nice view and generally empty during the day.

Cafe' Caribe and the Horizon Court have different offerings each morning.

Wheelhouse - great place to buy me a drink.

Adagio -

Check out the SPA changing rooms, Sauna, Steam room

Library has tons of games.

International Cafe' - Vines

Look into the Laundry room as on some cruise you might like to use this room.

other than private events, you can hang out in any area or lounge without drinking a drop.

[judydoc]

In my opinion, Princess is the best for Gluten Free. Love the fact that you can grab a dessert anytime you wish to go with a coffee. Makes you feel like your not missing out! I have never had a reaction and have done a fair number of Princess cruises! If your not sure just ask, their great at accommodating!

[Bug2travel]

Hi all! I'm contemplating a cruise on the Crown Princess this summer. It would be my first on Princess. I've done 3 on DCL (4 by Feb), 2 on RCCL, and 1 on HAL (not a fan of HAL) - 1 RCCL and will be 1 DCL since being diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity. RCCL was wonderful and I know DCL is wonderful as well with food allergies.

 

Does anyone have experience being gluten-free on the Crown Princess (or Princess in general)? Did you feel totally limited to the main dining rooms or did you find that the specialty restaurants were able to accommodate you?

 

Thanks!

 

Princess is great for gluten-free. You can ask the pizza restaurants to make gluten free but they usually need a days notice.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

In my opinion, Princess is the best for Gluten Free. Love the fact that you can grab a dessert anytime you wish to go with a coffee. Makes you feel like your not missing out! I have never had a reaction and have done a fair number of Princess cruises! If your not sure just ask, their great at accommodating!

 

Princess is great for gluten-free. You can ask the pizza restaurants to make gluten free but they usually need a days notice.

 

Thank you! Great to know!!

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Here is a partial list of my tips. I'm sure someone will correct any that are incorrect.

 

you can order liquor from room serve. $ 15-20 for a pint of various liquors.

 

you can carry-on two bottles of wine per stateroom and all the cans of pop that you can carry. (sometimes they limit folks to 12 cans of pop)

 

Princess's International Cafe'(IC) is a great place to get specialty coffees. The coffees have a price, but the pastries, sandwiches and the like are free.

 

 

Got a coffee addiction? Buy a coffee card. You get brewed coffee for free at the IC and specialty coffees cost you one of your 15 "punches". And the card will be good on your next cruise. (terms and conditions apply)you can purchase coffee cards on ebay at a discount

 

There should be Buy One Get One for a $1 more Happy Hours during the cruise. They will be listed in the patter. Most often at the Wheelhouse bar in the afternoon. (someplace between 3-5pm) and another bar in the evening.(?? 9=11pm) The times sometimes change so read the patter. There also MAY be a raffle connected to the BOGO $1 Happy Hour.

 

If you are planning to cruise again on Princess cruise line, buy future cruise credits(FCC). FCC acts as a deposit for a future cruise and offers you additional onboard credit(OBC) that is in addition to other OBC that you negotiate. Also, it is refundable after a couple years, if you don't cruise.

 

Yes you can order custom omelets and hard boiled eggs in the Horizon Court Buffet. Want Tomato juice or Cranberry juice in the morning, you can order this for free from the staff in the morning, instead of OJ.

 

Need more towels or other things in your stateroom. - Ask your room steward and you shall receive.

 

Want two of the Entrees in the MDR, ask for it. or three appetizers.

 

 

Are you a veteran? - Are you getting your OBC?

 

For shows in the Explorer's Lounge and Piazza show up at least 30 minutes early. Note that you don't need to drink to enjoy these shows. Sit up front, if you or your children want to be involved in the action. If it's a magician, bring some cash with you. (They love to do "magic" with $ 100's).

 

Afraid you might get lost on the way back to your stateroom? The Crown currently has a red streak of carpet on one side of the ship and blue on the other. Now, my problem is I can't remember if Starboard(right) is red or blue?

 

Yes, everyone has to go to the muster before we sail. They will announce when. (approx 30 minutes before sailing time). Make sure you check in with your stateroom number at the muster station. You take your life vest with you to your designated room (Casino, Theater, etc) Please don't "open" them until you are told to do so. Also, please don't blow on the whistle as many others already have licked it before you.

 

Then when it's complete, wrap up your vest, take it to your stateroom, and the party starts.

 

Ice cream - Please remember: the Sprinkles are for winners.

 

Stateroom walls are metal - so bring a magnet or two for hanging things- Just don't pack it next to your phone, cruise card or credit cards.

 

We pack a non-surge protected multi plug. The non-surge part is important. also a lighted electric clock for night time viewing.

 

Do you sleep on an egg crate mattress topper? - they probably have one for you.

 

Want to know what websites for the best cruise prices and OBC? - You need to ask people while on the ship as we can't talk about this on cruise critic.

 

Princess Visa Card - I say no to this card. Many better options out there. I currently use a 2% on everything card.

 

Here is my list of "Secret" places on the Crown Princess.

 

On the Crown Princess many of the locations are only accessible by the use of one staircase or elevator. So keep your map with you because you likely will never find "that nice place" again without it.

 

Check out Riviera deck near the stern. As you might like to stay in one of the staterooms, because of easy "private" access to the aft Terrace adult pool.

Check out the balconies on Caribe deck... Huge.

Skywalker's deck 18 - nice view and generally empty during the day.

Cafe' Caribe and the Horizon Court have different offerings each morning.

Wheelhouse - great place to buy me a drink.

Adagio -

Check out the SPA changing rooms, Sauna, Steam room

Library has tons of games.

International Cafe' - Vines

Look into the Laundry room as on some cruise you might like to use this room.

other than private events, you can hang out in any area or lounge without drinking a drop.

 

Wow! Thanks for all these great tips!!

[WALKER1313]

A little more

 

Do you want water or beer in your stateroom?

Pre-order them. The water is $ 6.90 for 12 ml bottles. Five 16oz Buds for $ 26.45. The water would be delivered to your room prior to you arriving, you would have to call room service for the beer. (card showing your purchase in room)

If you are having to call room service, call as soon as you arrive... As it will take a while to get through.

 

The Crown has a fitness center. The fitness center is very well equipped. 20+ treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes, a great selection of weight machines for every muscle in your body and free weights. Also, there are classes of all types - check your patter. Most classes come with a charge.

We have seen people from 18 to 90 in cruise fitness centers in all type of clothing. So, join the fun.

 

I haven’t mentioned the Teen center, Sanctuary, Curtis Stone's “Share”, the Chef’s Table. I know nothing about the Teen Center, it's been a few years since I was a teen. This being a short cruise, usage of Sanctuary is usually non existent. "Share" is not on the Crown and the Chef's Table will not happen.

 

Disclaimer: All the things I have written are to the best of my knowledge, with some help and some hindrance from other more experienced Princess cruisers. As the world of finance says; Past experience doesn't guarantee future results.

 

SPECIALTY DINING

 

Crown Grill ($ 29/pax) Very nice steaks, Lamb, seafood

 

Sabatini's ($29/pax) "Fancy" Italian

 

The Salty Dog($19/pax) Bread Stick Fondue, Specialty Burger, etc

 

If you are going to dine at the Specialty dining, I suggest that you scout out a table prior to the night that you are going. Just head into the restaurant during the day and locate the table you want. Then reserve it.

 

The Salty Dog is served in the Wheelhouse Bar. The bar is open to other passengers at the same time.

 

As with any specialty dining, MAKE SURE YOU COME HUNGRY. They always seem to have very large and rich servings.

Menus available at Princess.com

 

Sorry, forgot the Crab Shack.

 

This is served in the Caribe Cafe (part of the buffet). $ 29/pax ??

It is supposed to be all you can eat shrimp and crab feed. Many have commented that it sometimes is not all you can eat, but limited to one "serving".

 

Pub Lunch - If it goes... it will be in the Wheelhouse. It's FREE. Basically, it's fried fish and fries with mushy peas. I have found the fish to be greasy but good.

 

Drink Packages

 

All Inclusive: around $ 60 per day. You can drink all the specialty coffee, water, juice, pop, tea, beer, wine by the glass that you can stand. (There are price limits and other conditions) But two coffees in the morning, a water for the day in port, two beers and two pop when you return, two drinks prior to dinner, a coffee and water after dinner (not withstanding what you drink at dinner), and a nightcap liqueur. - This would be more than $ 60.

 

Soda and More: $ 8ish per day. Pop, milkshakes, mocktails, juices. A pop is $ 2.30 on the ship.

 

Soda Only: $ 6ish per day. All the pop your stomach can hold. This is a "hidden package". You may have to find a supervisor to get this package.

 

Coffee card: mentioned in previous post.

[callmedeb]

Sprinkles are for winners.

 

This is my new life motto.

[hunsy]

This is my new life motto.

 

I agree! 😂

[Podgieree]

I'm GF and I travel with Princess at least once a year. Mark it on your cruise personalizer. In the main dining room one of the head waiters will come by each night to show you the menus for the next day. You order what you'd like. When we make reservations at the specialty restaurants, I again let them know that I am GF. Loads of choices. Depending on your tolerance, you can even eat at the International Cafe and the Horizon Court. If you have questions about items in the buffet, a chef can walk it with you. ( They always have GF desserts in both the IC and HC! Yum! Have a great cruise!

 

 

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[LokiPoki]

Princess is great for gluten-free. You can ask the pizza restaurants to make gluten free but they usually need a days notice.

 

I haven't been on Crown, but the gf pizza I had on Dawn was inedible :( Spent half our cruise looking forward to it, looked fantastic on the plate, but ... ugh! Pasta was pretty standard...perfectly edible, but I think just the rice or corn type stuff that you can buy in the supermarket. The bread was a pleasant surprise...still that funny squeaky crunch that a lot of gf bread has (from the starches I guess?) but quite light & nice tasting. We ate in MDR every night (I'm veg as well, and both my mother and I have poor fat tolerance - a real credit to Princess that they handled things so well for me)

 

I think buffet would have been okay...we did eat breakfast there a couple of times...but seeing people handling food with bare hands early on rather put me off

[WupperAV]

I GF (Gorge Food) Dinner rolls are excellent, yeast rolls. Pizza sucks. It isn't close to NY or Italian. Roccos NY in Leesburg Va has the best Pizza.

$8.05/day Unlimited Soda Package plus any mocktails, juices, and hot chocolate throughout the cruise. Of course you have to drink 8 sodas a day to make up for it but who cares if you have 80 teaspoons of sugar or on a 2 week cruise 1120. That only 10 lb of sugar. You can do it. I tears me up to pay $29 for fancy Italian on board when I eat fancy Italian at home because my wife is Italian.

Funny someone can drink all the stuff costing over $60/day. I drink coffee in the morning, milk for breakfast, water til dinner, water and maybe a glass of wine and then water. I'm a cheap date!

Edited October 13, 2016 by WupperAV