REVIEW: Crown Princess 6/23/06

[spongerob]

CarolN, thanks for your comments. I kind of like the idea of cashless machines in the casino - or maybe not!

 

When we have been able to board early, we've occasionally found things that hadn't yet been attended to in our cabin. Usually, it's very easy to get your cabin steward to sort these things out, and it's never become an issue for us. Okay, once, it was, but that was on a brand-new ship, too, with the most unresponsive steward we've ever had. I consider that incident atypical for Princess, since our overall experience with stewards over 11 cruises has been very positive.

[kingtns]

About the cashless casino...I didn't really like that, besides that the Casino was dead every night, you didn't hear any ringing on the machines (for me that's part of the excitement) Using my card in the machine (poker slots) was good for after a while you earned points & they gave you free tokens to use, but I did find whenever I won & used the points through my card I lost, but if I went to the cashier & took the $ I won...then inserted cash I would win! Maybe I'm crazy but I felt like by not using my card they couldn't track me or my winnings, & I did do better that way! They were also very pushy to ALWAYS say, use your card, don't push "cash out"...JMO but I did try it both ways & never won when using the card...

[CarolN]

Airgirl: There is a free shuttle around the West End which you can get at the dock when you get off the ship. It travels around the West End making stops at various points such as Snorkel Park, the Clock tower mall, etc. You can get on and off as much as you want and eventually take it back to the ship. There is no charge for this. The shuttle runs about every 15 to 20 minutes.

 

In response to other questions and comments:

 

1. Regarding the cabin, we did leave our room on the 1st day for most of the afternoon and just came back to get ready for dinner. The room on the first day did not get vacuumed until after 8 PM. I also had the impression that the cabin steward was brand new. The reason we wanted to arrive early was because Princess had invited a lot of people for a luncheon that day and we were concerned about parking.

 

2. The Entertainment overall was very good. The performers in the Piazza were outstanding and varied throughout the day. The comedians were a hoot and kept us laughing. The production show, “Destination – Motor City” was good although hubby thought it was just OK.

 

3. The Patter listed a lot of activities. Sometimes it was difficult to chose when you wanted to do all of them at the same time!

 

4. Although the ship was full, I did not think it had that “crowded” feeling. Only at certain times, like during the immigration process in San Juan, did you actually realize just how many people were on the ship.

 

Overall, we had a great time.

[Lynda90]

Thanks for your review. I enjoy reading all opinions as they are just that. Everyone has a different perception of what's important to them and have the right to express that. The best thing is that you had a wonderful time.

I was on the Diamond on the second sailing. There were many glitches that needed to be worked out. But, I had a great time and nothing took away from that. As others have stated regarding the cabins, they are often only partially cleaned at boarding. The stewards don't really have much time between the departures and arrivals. The towel situation would have been annoying to me as well. Your steward should have known how many would be in the cabin. Glad that got resolved.

[SusieCruisie]

How do you open up the safe? Is it with a code # or with a magnetic strip card?

[Sandytoes]

Code # to open safe. Easy to use....

 

After boarding I wait before going to our cabin. I know how busy and rushed the cabin stewards are and we do not want to intrude if they are not finished. Giving respect.....We go to lunch, walk the ship, and just find a relaxing spot - and say "We're On Vacation Now! ! !"

When we do go to the cabin, our stateroom is prefect. We then meet the steward and introduce ourselves..... I explain that we have been on board for sometime. I think they appreciate that.... And from that moment on, we have had the nicest stewards (except on one occasion), who would go out of their way for us. One hand washes the other......

 

We come to this board to find out information and other opinions. Some have way to high expectations that sometimes even the little things irritate them. Life is to short.

 

But, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and we appreciate that.

Thanks for your review.... we acknowledge your insight of the Crown....

[CarolN]

SusieCruisie: You pick a 4 digit number (pin) and you can use it to unlock and open the safe. If you forget the pin (or in our case when it was locked when we got there), just call the pursor and they will send someone up to unlock it. They came about 10 minutes after we called!

[lbiSeaGlass]

quote(4. Although the ship was full, I did not think it had that “crowded” feeling. Only at certain times, like during the immigration process in San Juan, did you actually realize just how many people were on the ship.)quote

 

CarolN-Hi neighbor (I live in Newtown,PA) Would you mind elborating on the immigration process in San Juan? Was it as bad as Carolyn said it was on the cruise that was before yours? Long wait, every person had to leave the ship, etc. I would appreciate any info you have on this:D Thanks!

[lbiSeaGlass]

quote(4. Although the ship was full, I did not think it had that “crowded” feeling. Only at certain times, like during the immigration process in San Juan, did you actually realize just how many people were on the ship.)quote

 

CarolN-Hi neighbor (I live in Newtown,PA) Would you mind elborating on the immigration process in San Juan? Was it as bad as Carolyn said it was on the cruise that was before yours? Long wait, every person had to leave the ship, etc. I would appreciate any info you have on this:D Thanks!

[P.C.]

Susie you type in a code when you close it into the number pad, and that same code opens the door when you want to get back in.:cool:

[CarolN]

lbiSeaGlass: Actually Carolyn was on our sailing and yes it was just as Carolyn had said. We waited in the line because we had a shore excursion booked.

[SusieCruisie]

Thanks for the responses! That is how it has been on the cruises I have been on, but my neighbors went last year, and said they had to use a credit or library card. At least now I will know. Also, if you arrive early, and cabin is not cleaned up yet, is it ok to leave carry-ons, etc in the cabin and go look around the ship? Thank you for your replies! :) 10 Days To Go!!!!!!

[Merion_Mom]

Yes.

[JEWELS7]

Thanks CaroIN Can you tell us more about driving to the pier. Is it like driving through Manhattan or easier? I'm trying to decide to take my car, or take the train. Really would like your input on the driving to the pier.

I'm coming from Connecticut.

[Dolphins]

Maybe cruisers shouldn't be in such a hurry to get on the ship and expect things to be 100% complete. Hotels check out is usually 11 and check in isn't until maybe 3pm to allow all rooms to be cleaned and ready for the next guest. How could anyone expect when the ship empties at what 11 to have every room completed for the next onslaught of passengers starting at 12. The ship would have to have Samantha of Bewitched working there.

 

The ship should advise embarking passengers as to when their rooms will be ready. If they allow them on board too early, they should be directed not to go to their cabins until a specified time and instead go direct to one of the dining rooms for lunch.