first cruise jitters-Caribbean Princess

[reesa]

This will be my first cruise for me and my family. We are staying in the penthouse suite. What time should we be at the pier for embarkation? Also how much do we tip everyone? Lastly has anyone stayed on the Riviera deck in a suite? I am a little nervous this being my first cruise and all.

[Quilting_Cruiser]

This will be my first cruise for me and my family. We are staying in the penthouse suite. What time should we be at the pier for embarkation? Also how much do we tip everyone? Lastly has anyone stayed on the Riviera deck in a suite? I am a little nervous this being my first cruise and all.

 

Hi, Reesa:

 

It's good that you're checking things out since it's your first cruise. Just relax and enjoy--it's a great experience!

 

Timing for arriving at the port is a personal choice. Some people get there early so they can be one of the first people on the ship (usually by about noon) and others wait until after 2:00 p.m. so they miss the early rush and don't have to sit/stand around and wait. I certainly wouldn't get there any later than 3:00.

 

Tip the porters $1-$2 per bag when they take your luggage. I believe I read that at Ft. Lauderdale there's a sign that says a tip isn't necessary, but I wouldn't chance it--you're relying on the porters to get your bags into the bins that are loaded on the ship and you want that to happen with no damage to the bags. So, even if there's a sign, be sure you tip!

 

As far as tips on the ship, $10 per person per day will be charged to your onboard account. This covers your room steward and the service staff (such as your waiters). It does not cover the workers in the kids' club, the casino or the maitre'D. Whenever you order a drink, an automatic 15 percent gratuity will be added. At the end of the cruise, if you feel that your waiters or room steward have gone above and beyond, feel free to tip them additional--cash is always accepted for that!

 

I'm sure if I've forgotten anything tip wise, someone will chime in.

 

Just keep doing what you're doing--there's a ton of information and experienced cruisers on this board.

 

Have a great cruise whenever it is you're cruising and enjoy the planning and anticipation!

 

Cheers,

Jayne

[trvlcrzy]

Additional Information: Room Service tips are not included in the $10 pp/day.

[tootiesmom]

We just got off of the CB this past week. We arrived at the port at 10:45 am and were able to get a seat on the inside of the building. By the time our driver parked and we gave our luggage to the porters, it was more like 11:00 am before actually getting inside the building. Once inside we went through security and we sat and talked with everyone around us for about 1/2 hour then they started letting us go through the "checking-in" process. By 12:10 we were on the Lido deck having a nice buffet lunch. We had plenty of time to explore the ship, make dinner reservations, etc. and even get our suitcases unpacked well before the muster drill.

 

I can't really help you on the cabin questions. We stayed in a mini-suite on the Dolphin deck and I have never seen a larger suite. I'm sure they are nice though.

 

Keep watching these boards and asking questions and you'll be fine.

Enjoy your cruise !!

 

tootiesmom

[badissa]

you will have such a wonderful time!!

 

*arrive at the pier around 2 pm and you will walk right on the ship, no waiting

*we tipped our room steward $50 on the first day and he took marvelous care of us and gave him $100 at the end of the cruise and a bottle of cruzan rum, he was very gracious

*bring some water bottles with you (fill them with vodka if you wish haha) because there are coolers all over the place and when you are on the top deck getting overindulged in the sun, you'll need to keep hydrated

*get to the shows 1/2 hour early and you should have no problem with seating with the exception of the Explorers lounge which fills up quick for the comedy

*check out Sabatinis and make your reservation on the 1st day of the cruise (you should have your own concierge and they can do it for you)

*if anyone in the family wants hairbraiding, wait till the last port if its the cays because it is afforable and they do the best job

*the best view of sailaway in St Thomas is right on the aft deck (14?) grab an early spot for an incredible photo op

*stop by the pursers desk and check you shiproom account a couple times to confirm your charges

*SKIP the princess hosted tours, check out the boards for good advice on shore excursions

*buffets can be a little overwhelming at first, my advice is to wonder around them because we noticed different items in each everyday and then made our decisions

*when you first arrive on your stateroom deck look at the carpet on the port and starboard side, there will be a difference, I think in color so that if you lose track of where you are going..... look down

*shopping seminar, waste of time, common sense

*movies under the stars was a highlight of our trip, check the times in your patter and then settle in for a great night

*internet cafe was quietest around dinner

 

Have a spectacular trip, you will love your suite and watch out for the rum drinks!:cool:

[prarie cruiser]

You will have some "special" privileges due to renting the penthouse suite. I have seen this on another ship, it was very nice. Be sure and check with Princess or your travel agent prior to the cruise to understand the extras you will get for renting this suite (bar set up, robes, laundry pressing, etc.).

 

You may also be able to swing getting a special tour of something on the ship, such as the bridge.

 

Expect to relax and enjoy yourselves!!

[crusdiva]

*we tipped our room steward $50 on the first day and he took marvelous care of us and gave him $100 at the end of the cruise and a bottle of cruzan rum, he was very gracious

:confused: :eek:

 

reesa,

Please to not feel the need to do this. A smile and a kind word will go a long way.

In 18 cruises we have never pre-tipped and have always had excellent cabin service.

Certainly, if at the end of your cruise you would like to give your cabin steward something more do so.

Don't be nervous...it's a cruise after-all. ;)

[NZYU]

Hi, Reesa:

 

It's good that you're checking things out since it's your first cruise. Just relax and enjoy--it's a great experience!

 

..

Tip the porters $1-$2 per bag when they take your luggage. I believe I read that at Ft. Lauderdale there's a sign that says a tip isn't necessary, but I wouldn't chance it--you're relying on the porters to get your bags into the bins that are loaded on the ship and you want that to happen with no damage to the bags. So, even if there's a sign, be sure you tip!

 

Cheers,

Jayne

 

There may be a sign in FT Lauderdale but our drivers solicated tips. The one taking us to the boat (a Princess transfer) told us the amount he expected and the one taking us to the airport talked about his grandson and his old back and said tips would be welcomed by both, the GS and old back.

 

No big deal. We were happy to tip both.

[ricj8100]

This will be my first cruise for me and my family. We are staying in the penthouse suite. What time should we be at the pier for embarkation? Also how much do we tip everyone? Lastly has anyone stayed on the Riviera deck in a suite? I am a little nervous this being my first cruise and all.

 

Hi, reesa!

 

I was on the Caribbean Princess last September in R406 (Category PH). You're going to love this cabin!!! The hugh bathroom will be handy with a family.

 

However, I've mentioned in a few other posts that the location right below the Lido Deck afforded some noise in the early morning hours. My cabin was right under the main walkway and the pounding feet actually rattled the ceiling enough to wake me from a sound sleep.

 

Remember, in a full suite you have complementary laundry and dry cleaning throughout the entire cruise! So don't be afraid to send everything out for cleaning and pressing.

 

You also get to board with the Platinum Members at their registration desk which really speeds things up. I arrived at the pier around 1PM and walked right on, as a result. In addition you have use of the Platinum Members lounge while you wait to disembark, which is a nice place to relax.

 

There is a one time complementary bar set-up in your cabin which is just OK. Just a few bottles (like they serve on the airlines) of gin, vodka and scotch.

 

I also remember that each afternoon they delivered a plate of canape to my cabin!

 

Please don't be nervous. Despite the pounding feet noise, this cabin is fantastic and you're going to have a wonderful cruise.

 

Rick

[S.S.Oceanlover]

You will have some "special" privileges due to renting the penthouse suite. I have seen this on another ship, it was very nice. Be sure and check with Princess or your travel agent prior to the cruise to understand the extras you will get for renting this suite (bar set up, robes, laundry pressing, etc.).

 

You may also be able to swing getting a special tour of something on the ship, such as the bridge.

 

Expect to relax and enjoy yourselves!!

 

here is a list of what you are entitled to for having a suite.

I also have other information pertaining to the Caribbean Princess on my website. Just click on the "Visit my Caribbean Princess" graphic in my signature.

 

Complimentary champagne at embarkation

top of the range "Beautyrest" mattresses

Luxury 100 Egyptian cotton, high thread count ivory satin striped bed linens

Fluffy European duvets

Pillow menu

Massage shower heads

Luxury towels

 

In addition to the above list, passengers in suites get the following perks.

(the first six on the list are new effective September 2005)

 

Combined DVD and CD player

Complimentary DVD library

Halo illuminated magnifying vanity mirror

Princess cruises tote bag

Complimentary use of the Lotus spa thermal suite (based on availability)

Enhanced bathroom amenities

Free laundry, dry cleaning, and shoe polishing

Free internet use

Free corsages, boutonniers on formal nights

Priority embarkation, and disembarkation

Priority tender tickets

Access to the Platinum embarkation lounge

Free flower arrangements

Free mini bar set-up (no free refills)

Free daily canapes delivered to the room

Preferred Anytime Dining reservations

Extended dining room menus

Extra special turn-down service on formal nights

Afternoon tea served in the suite

Photo sitting in the suite

 

Some of the above items are by request, and not provided automatically.

ie: afternoon tea, photo sitting, unpacking service, laundry.

 

Bill

[reesa]

Thanks everyone for your replys. The thing is I don't want to be woken at 6am from stomping from above. I'm on vacation. However I need a bigger room as tiny spaces make me feel claustrophobic. Shouldn't they close the Lido deck till a more reasonable hour in the morning?

[reesa]

Thanks everyone for your replys. The thing is I don't want to be woken at 6am from stomping from above. I'm on vacation. However I need a bigger room as tiny spaces make me feel claustrophobic. Shouldn't they close the Lido deck till a more reasonable hour in the morning?

[mtaylor04]

I can't add much but here is a link to a site that another of our fellow cc members put together

 

http://www.cruisingthecaribbeanprincess.com

 

 

 

Mary

[SingerEsq]

If you're on the 9/23 sailing, can I come by for cocktails? :D Sounds nice!!!!

[reesa]

Sorry I'm on the New Year's sailing!

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I can't add much but here is a link to a site that another of our fellow cc members put together

 

http://www.cruisingthecaribbeanprincess.com

 

 

 

Mary

 

Mary,

That is a great site. Thanks!!:D

 

Bill