Comments please……..

[suech1970]

We are looking at booking our 1st Princess cruise in Caribbean, seen some very competitive prices with Princess Plus included. Any pros and cons with Princess would be much appreciated on ANYTHING about them.

We are well cruised and like NCL, Celebrity and Marella for food, good cocktails, live music (love a rock night🤘) entertainment (more so game show, audience participation than shows), trivia, casual/ relaxed atmosphere. Dislike formal nights but could tolerate odd one, but hubby will not do suits😆

Any comments very welcome, thanks guys😁

[skynight]

Every ship has its pro & cons. The only way to determine if you enjoy the experience is to try it out.

The plus fare covers your daily crew appreciation (gratuities), unlimited wifi internet, unlimited non alcoholic beverages such as specialty coffees, and up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day menu priced at $15 or less. The fare also covers some other things you may or may not use, such as casual dining meals.

Most regular cocktails are under $15. The premier fare covers a lot more, but to focus on the alcoholic beverages they are up to $20 menu priced. If you enjoy better wines these are in the $15/ to $20 range.

Princess has live music, theater shows, game shows, trivia, casual relaxed atmosphere. They offer all kinds of music. In all my Princess cruises I have never seen a rock themed night . I have heard rock songs. It all depends on the musicians that are on board for your specific cruise.

I have seen the Princess Orchestra put on jazz and Dixieland sets. Sometimes there is a performance which is called the Princess World Orchestra. This includes the Princess Orchestra plus many of the other musicians and performers that are on board. 

Princess does have formal nights in the MDRs. However, you will see people dressed from smart casual, no jacket/tie, to true formal. 

 

Edited August 25 by skynight

[L454S]

Our last sailing was on the Enchanted Princess Trans/Atlantic.We have found the Plus pkg. to fit our needs very well.

 

It wasn't hard to entertain ourselves on sea days. We did think the newer ships were a nice change after many sailings on the Golden, Island, Emerald, etc. Would still book an older ship if the price and itinerary were right.

 

I think Celebrity and Princess are a good comparison. We just sailed on the new Ascent and thought it was very nice. Have also sailed on the old Summit and the difference is staggering.

 

Any particular questions?........I can try to help.

Edited August 25 by L454S

[mtnesterz]

Since you already know you like to cruise, you will not miss the mark by much on Princess. Most cruising, after all is pretty similar. As you will be in the Caribbean, Princess has it's own island called Princess Cays. Most any Princess sailing will stop there.

Princess has some unique features. Onboard, the use of Medallion instead of a cruise card. You can read about all that will do. There is an app, which has improved a lot. Other cruise lines have them but Princess makes more use of it. 

Of the lines you mentioned, we have sailed Celebrity, but quite some time ago. I used to consider Princess and Celebrity very close competition. Celebrity won on food, Princess has more daytime activities.  Celebrity passengers were quieter and we prefered that.

Sailing the Caribbean, on any line, will have a lot of drinking. Princess offers liberal alcohol amounts within their packages. The Lido (pool) deck gets pretty loud during the daytime. 

Edited August 25 by mtnesterz

[Incognito1]

As long as you're not the type of people to do the drunk walk back from Senor Frog's, book your own excursions.  

 

We took a wonderful horse and buggy-type thing in Belize.  The driver was highly intelligent and very proud of his country; learned a lot.  Negotiated the price to about 1/4 what he was asking - then tipped him the difference.  The buggy was making the loop anyway for those who had paid the ship's prices and only the owner of the buggy (not the driver) was making any money off that.

 

Another don't miss if you're a movie fan - Yoda Guy museum in St. Maarten.  If you have the time, dinner with him. (Didn't post the link, but easy enough to search it.)

 

#1 tip - don't miss the sunset.  Wow!  Absolutely beautiful.

[Steelers36]

1 hour ago, suech1970 said:

We are looking at booking our 1st Princess cruise in Caribbean, seen some very competitive prices with Princess Plus included. Any pros and cons with Princess would be much appreciated on ANYTHING about them.

We are well cruised and like NCL, Celebrity and Marella for food, good cocktails, live music (love a rock night🤘) entertainment (more so game show, audience participation than shows), trivia, casual/ relaxed atmosphere. Dislike formal nights but could tolerate odd one, but hubby will not do suits😆

Any comments very welcome, thanks guys😁

Your note reads like a fit to me.  Note on "rock" music.  Which era?  What style?  I have heard/seen various bands and music I would call rock on the ships.  Not sure why @skynight felt otherwise.  Princess has tended to push a lot of entertainment in to the piazza and the sound level can get quite loud and "boomy" at times.  There are lots of audience participation entertainment and games.  You can find quiet areas as well. 

 

Princess crew are great.  You never need a suit if not your thing.

[suech1970]

Wow thanks for all the info so quickly!

Checked out drinks package and seems to suit us on the Princess plus, all our go to cocktails on there and a good selection of rum😉

 

TBF we are the sort of people to do the drunk walk….but not from Senor frogs😆.  Rather spend my hard earned cash local beach bars😉, their drinks are usually better/ stronger😉

Have heard about the Yoda guy and hubby was looking for something new to do while I caught some rays and jewellery shopped, so I’ll pass that on. Very rarely do ship excursions, don’t like being in the herd.

 

We are looking at Caribbean Princess, I know she’s knocking on in age, that doesn’t bother me but she’s bigger than we usually sail. Doing Beyond in Feb which will be the newest and largest we’ve done to date. It is all about the itinerary and not the ship for sure with us.
 

Whats the state of play with MDR, can you select freedom, just rock up when you want or is it set timings? Not really into sharing tables of 8, had bad experiences in past. Do they allow shorts for men in MDR, I mean smart tailored with shirt, yep I know that’s controversial but I don’t think that’s out of place for the Caribbean.

 

thanks again all😁😁😁

 

 

 

 

[MacMadame]

10 minutes ago, suech1970 said:

Whats the state of play with MDR, can you select freedom, just rock up when you want or is it set timings? Not really into sharing tables of 8, had bad experiences in past. Do they allow shorts for men in MDR, I mean smart tailored with shirt, yep I know that’s controversial but I don’t think that’s out of place for the Caribbean.

They have Anytime Dining where you just roll up. You can also reserve specific times on specific days. And Traditional Dining (two seatings a night) is coming back on cruises leaving Sept 14th or later. So lots of choices. Sharing or not is your choice as well.

 

For the shorts, technically they are not allowed but most of the time no one turns you away. OTOH, every once in a while, you will be. So it's a good idea to pack a pair of pants just in case you end up on a ship where they care.

[skynight]

52 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

  Not sure why @skynight felt otherwise.  

The poster mentioned Rock Night. To me that sounds like an evening which music is themed for the evening. Yes, I have seen rock groups playing classic and newer popular rock music. This past February on the Ruby many evenings there was a hour long later evening dance party in the Piazza with live solid rock music, performed by the party band. It drew a good crowd.

But, in all my Princess cruises I can't remember a rock themed evening. 

There is always a party band on board playing rock and other popular music in various locations around the ship. 

 

[suech1970]

Steelers36…..classic, heavy to country rock. We’ve had brilliant Freddy tributes on Marella, awful on MSc🤢 and a on deck rock night with NCL where the Captain played guitar and sung Eric Claptons Cocaine🤣.

Recently sailed NCL Sky couple of times and they had band called Sonata, which did everything but excelled with their rock set, everything from Led’s stairway to Pink Floyd’s comfortably numb. They were totally out the box! So I know there’s some rock to be had at sea, if not there’s always my iPod🤘

[riffatsea]

No need for suits to dress up

Dh never wears them

We find it chilly inside the ship so usually wear long pants(not UK underwear hehe)to mdr

If you book a suite or reserve section mini suite there's a special area in the mdr for you to go to any time

[9tee2Sea]

3 hours ago, suech1970 said:

We are looking at booking our 1st Princess cruise in Caribbean, seen some very competitive prices with Princess Plus included. Any pros and cons with Princess would be much appreciated on ANYTHING about them.

We are well cruised and like NCL, Celebrity and Marella for food, good cocktails, live music (love a rock night🤘) entertainment (more so game show, audience participation than shows), trivia, casual/ relaxed atmosphere. Dislike formal nights but could tolerate odd one, but hubby will not do suits😆

Any comments very welcome, thanks guys😁

Your Hubby does need to pack a tux/formal attire.  Nice slacks and collared shirt will be fine.  Most times, I just wear I sport coat with shirt ( no tie) on Formal nights. Never had an issue.  But it is nice to see how some dress up in all the sparkles.  The International Cafe in the Piazza is a really nice place to get your specialty coffee and lite bites and watch folks.

[suech1970]

We tend to float about bar to bar on evenings, same as day time really in the Caribbean 😉 so generally get a feel of which bands or musicians play what…they all get the same reply off us if they ask for requests….….GnR😆

 

So traditional is coming back as well as freedom? Not instead of.?

[9tee2Sea]

I was on one ship ( either the Discovery or Sapphire). It was a bigger ship, but had an area called Take 5.  It was a really good Jazz club, with a great trio that played almost every night.  All types of Jazz from traditional, contemporary to modern.  Even some original music.  It was crowded every night.  If I remember correctly, I enjoyed the buffet in Princess ( again, it was a bigger ship) than NCL.  NCL had Indian ( I dint see much on Princess), but the buffet had very many different stations.  I found one that had the BEST seafood ceviche ( assort pieces of cold fish in a lime marinade w/cilantro).  That was my go to to put into my made to order omelettes.

[kitkat343]

Some people dress up for formal night, but others don't and it's completely fine.  We just got off the enchanted princess, and my husband was fine in a nice shirt and pants on formal night.

[memoak]

7 minutes ago, 9tee2Sea said:

I was on one ship ( either the Discovery or Sapphire). It was a bigger ship, but had an area called Take 5.  It was a really good Jazz club, with a great trio that played almost every night.  All types of Jazz from traditional, contemporary to modern.  Even some original music.  It was crowded every night.  If I remember correctly, I enjoyed the buffet in Princess ( again, it was a bigger ship) than NCL.  NCL had Indian ( I dint see much on Princess), but the buffet had very many different stations.  I found one that had the BEST seafood ceviche ( assort pieces of cold fish in a lime marinade w/cilantro).  That was my go to to put into my made to order omelettes.

Word is that Take 5 on the Royal class ships is being turned into non smoking slot machines with no music just the bar which also serves as the casino bar

[Wishing on a star]

I will chime in here.    Have cruised mostly Princess.  And have enjoyed it!

A few things to add.   It sounds like you are getting some good info and feedback about Princess.

The experience can and will vary, depending on the ship and the itinerary.

 

1.  The Caribbean Princess is too old for my tastes.  But, if you like the smaller and perhaps older ships, give it a shot.   This ship will be smaller and not have all of the options and bells and whistles of the newer and larger ships.   

 

2.  The PLUS package includes two visits to the casual dining restaurants, which are recently changed to an up-charge of $14.99.   I believe these options are limited on the Caribbean.  Perhaps somebody can verify.  They have Salty Dog Grill, and Vines, right?  What about Alfredo's?  (love Alfredo's)

 

3.  The 'Piazza' is a big feature for Princess.  A real central 'hub'.  This is a smaller are on these older ships.  

 

4.  The International Cafe is a hit.  Check it out for good offerings from Breakfast, Lunch, and thru the evening!  You will probably want to take advantage of your package with the specialty coffee drinks too.

 

5.  Perhaps somebody can confirm which production shows are on the ship?

There is one called Rock Opera...  but that is a show, and not rockin' out with a rock band.

 

As mentioned, the best rock music will be what happens to be put together, depending on the current entertainment and musicians onboard.

The best of these are these unique offerings.  Not full 'Princess' things.

Here is an example, from the REGAL Princess.

Gotta love the Entertainment Director and the Cruise Director. (who walks this way at the end)

Many might know that this is Dan Falconer, who is now moved up with Princess.  Not sure of his position currently.  (the ED is the older man with the beard on the far right)

This show was so great!!!!

 

 

Check out We Will Rock You at the end of this set.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Another note:  With the new Dining, and reservations on the APP,  if you do think you might want to reserve some dining times or Specialty Restaurants, do this ASAP.   They do hold some back until onboard, but if you want the most common dining times after 6:00 and before 8:00 or 8:30, I would book them as soon as possible.

[arizonaperson]

@suech1970 here the “ new dining information “ for you on Princess.( starts 9-15-24.)

 

Traditional dining seems to be 5 PM and 7:30 PM with a few variations.

The reservable (Flexible is Princesses new term) a.k.a. dine my way starts at 5 PM and there are slots available every 20 minutes.

 

Open seating (Princesses new term) AKA walk-in is just that. 

You may try & make reservations for dinner on app or web version prior to cruise. Some say doesn’t matter if paid in full or your first cruise with Princess they have been able to book.

 

 

Caribbean Princess -2024 & 2025

Island dining room( mid deck 5) is traditional 5 PM and 7:30 PM( choice of shared table or private table, subject to availability ) May 2025 voyage at  7:30 pm -private table only as of 7-24-24.

Palm dining room( aft deck 6)-reservable starting at 5 pm every 20 minute reservations (choice of shared or private table after choosing the time-subject to availability)

Coral dining room (mid deck 6)is walk-in( enter on port side)  & Reserve collection dining room- entrance on starboard 

 

Speciality dining one may also make reservations on app or web version.($ fee based) Price is changing currently,if interested,price will show on app.

Just look a Princess.com for FAQ’s Or deck plans ,etc.

 

Princess has a good mix of trivia & “ game shows”. Marriage game, yes/no game,themed trivia. I would not say rock music necessarily plays in any venue.

check if someone has posted recent Patters/ Princess ( Caribbean Princess) newsletters ,it will give you an idea of what time and what type of shows are offered.

Edited August 25 by arizonaperson

[Treasure Hunter]

The older ships have a warm traditional vibe and many people love them but for your first Princess cruise I would go with Royal class and newer. Otherwise you will never know how beautiful the ships are. And your husband will be fine in chinos and a collared shirt ( Hawaiian or polo) for every night. But shorts for dinner will get the side eye in the MDR or specialty restaurants. Very few men do more than a sports jacket even on formal nights. Do make your reservations in advance unless you are in a suite or reserve class mini where it’s not necessary. 

[Cinerama]

Princess Rock Opera

 

 

[suech1970]

All this info is amazing, I’m gonna have to start making my notes already! 
 

Wishing on a star….thanks for posting the videos, looked a lot of fun. Just up our street. We’re not fussed with the bells and whistles, sailed on much older ships and had great times with great food, passengers, crew and ports. Dated cabins is the last thing I fret about, good cocktails and company much more important.

 

THANKS ALL 😁

 

 

[Wishing on a star]

I would not want to ruin Rock Opera by seeing the whole thing beforehand!

Sue,  If you like good/better cocktails..  your. package will cover many cocktails, more than half, at up to $15.00.  If you see cocktails with top shelf spirits or specialty cocktails that are more than $15. you would pay the difference. So, 3. 4. 5. dollars, for the better ones.

ENJOY!

[suech1970]

Just skipped thru video but couldn’t resist watching Dream on, big Aerosmith fan, pretty good!

Thanks for cocktail tips, all my favs on P Plus menus, would have been a deal breaker if they had no Gosling rum for my Dark & Stormy😆

[Wanderfully]

Your post made me immediately think I should recommend the Caribbean Princess.

She will just be out of dry dock in November 2024. We have only cruised on the Grand Class ships because they have a nice mix of entertainment, good food, smaller ships and they have the promenade deck.

We don't care about specialty dining ( or speciality anything really ) because it's fun to have lunch or dinner and drinks in the ports and we've always felt well taken care of with the ship standard.  The International Cafe ( free) and continental room service every morning ( free also although we do tip the steward $2 or 3) are favorites. 

Total agreement with others that the crews on Princess ( at least all our sailings) have always been lovely.

Our January sailing has no tender ports and at 3 of the 4 ports, we are the only cruise ship so we were attracted to that 8 day itinerary.

We have always booked a Caribe deck extra large balcony. The door to the balcony slides open so it will stay open if you prefer it to.

Fly into Melbourne a couple days early and stay at the Inn at Cocoa Beach so your vacation can start even before you get on the ship. 

Welcome to Princess and Cheers!