Just off Carribean Princess

[marc b]

DW and I just returned from a wonderful week aboard the CB. We're tired, so will hit the highlights and be glad to answer any questions. It was our second time in three years aboard the CB, and it is a great ship. We had a wonderful time again !

 

Embarkation: We went down a day early and stayed at Sleep Inn and Suites near the airport. Nice hotel - free shuttle from the airport and to the pier. Also free continental breakfast. Would recommend it to anybody. We got to the pier at around 11:30 and it took us around 45 minutes to check in. Seemed a bit long, but no complaints. Just a lot of people !

 

The Ship: We had a mini-suite - D-210 on the Dolphin Deck. Lots of space and a nice balcony. The balcony is open, but other than the occasional cigarette butt - no worries ! Our cabin steward was polite and efficient. He didn't miss a beat except for pool towels one day, which he quickly rectified. We were toward the front of the ship, which was fine, but we could hear the shows up in the cabin as we were two floors above the Princess Theatre. Only an issue if you plan to be asleep by 11:30.....(not an issue for us).

 

The ship itself is in great shape - nicely kept up !

 

Food: We had such great service in the Palm Dining room (anytime dining) that we made a standing reservation with the same waiter and busser. Lope was our waiter, and Rodolfo was our busser. They served tables 60-63 and did a wonderful job. Mauro and Carlos are very good maitre d's. Food itself is above average - hard to argue with Shrimp Cocktail, Caesar Salad and Sirloin Steak on demand. We did Sabatinis and the Sterling Steakhouse. Both wonderful, both well worth the cover charge. We did buffets for lunch - again, above average - we are happy with burgers and pizza and salads and so forth......we ordered room service several times and it was seamless and efficient - they did forget the chocolate chip cookies once, but if that's all there is to complain about, life is good. Oh yeah, the Love Boat Dream is awesome, but after lunch, it is hard to find a cookie without a pecan in it !

The coffee at the buffets is scary bad, but the coffee bar down on 5 takes care of that - absolutley worth a couple of bucks a day for good java. For some reason it seemed that the dining room coffee was better than the buffet coffee ??

 

Entertainment: We saw one production show - Piano Man - it was entertaining, but they were stretching with some of it. The women singers had trouble keeping up with the men, and the dancers seemed lost at times. I spent lots of time in the casino - mostly at the craps table, and the crew there does a fine job. A couple of the casino staff remembered me from a past cruise....scary.....

 

We did MUTS one night - would strongly recommend it as it is a fun experience. I tried to enter the Spelling Bee they had, but it was poorly organized. Upon arrving 10 minutes early, we were told that they would only take ten contestants, it was first come first serve, and they already had ten signed up. Not a clever way to run entertainment. Many wanted to participate, and if you are going to limit participation, at least allow everyone to enter and then limit it by random drawing or the like.

 

Ports/ Shore Excursions: We did Champagn Catamaran to St. John's on St. Thomas and this was a great tour. Great boat, fun captain, snorkeling, nice beach, tasty lunch - just awesome all the way around. In St. Maarten we did the Eagle Island catamaran excursion - also very nice, but unfortunately the seas were rough and there were some who got seasick. Again, beautiful beach and a fun time. Princess Cays is beautiful and serene - also nice. DW did lots of fun shopping in St. Maarten - check out the Dutch Chocolate Store and Little Switzerland.

 

Debarkation: Smooth and easy - we ate our only dining room breakfast to end the week. We got home safe and sound and had a wonderful vacation. Hard to have anything but a good time on a cruise. Pls let me know if any questions.....

[Cruise-a-holic444]

Gosh- it just sounds wonderful! My roomie and I have "anytime dining" this time around, so it seems the Palm Dining room is the way to go! Thanks for all the tips- it just sounds super. Can't wait for November to roll around! Oh- was your waiter LOPE or LUPE (a guy?/gal?). Are tables 60-63 for two or? Thanks again- and welcome home! If you're like me, upon disembarkation I'm thinkin' "Hmm- when can I cruise again!":p

[marc b]

Lope (pronounced Lo-pay) is a guy, and the tables in that area are mostly 2s, with a 4 and a 6.....(DW and I like to dine quietly by ourselves).....enjoy your November cruise !

[MaryPoppinz]

Your headwaiter in the Palm Dining Room, Carlos....is he from Lisbon?

[thechandlers99]

Hey guys! We just got off the CB as well and had a wonderful time. This was our first Princess Cruise (we have only ever sailed on Carnival) and it was great. Some things I like better on Carnival and some things I like better on Princess. No complaints though....youare on a cruise!!!

 

We also did the Champagne Catamaran and had a wonderful time. They took us to Honeymoon beach and we were really the only ones there. You do have to swim to shore though so keep that in mind! We were debating between and full day and the half day. I am so glad we did the half day. For us, it was plenty of time and it also left time to shop. We have friends that did the full day sail with Captain Max and had a wonderful time as well.

 

I love, love, love the fact that there were 4 pools on the ship. 2 adult pools and 2 family pools. They have youth security all over the pools, enforcing the "adults only" rules. The adults only pools are the aft pool and the spa pool which is all the way forward. The spa pool was never crowded, always had loungers available and great sun!

 

We had the best time at Princess Cays. We rented a float and just relaxed all day....amazing!

 

We choose to purchase the Thermal Suite pass and the Couples Mud Room combo! The thermal suite was nice but bad planning. It is supposed to be a place to relax...not....it is right under the basketball court. The mud room was so much fun though. I am so glad we decided to do that. I would highly recommend it to anyone!

 

Well, thats all I can think of right now. I would also love to answer any questions I can. Just ask away!

[marc b]

I think Carlos is from Mexico (?). He and Mauro did a fine job.....

[toz]

how was the mini-suite on the Dolphin Deck? My son and I have D624 and 622 on the 8/19 sailing. Did you like the balcony exposure?

[StonePara]

Thanks for the great reports and info. A friend and I will be taking the CB on Sept. 9th. We have a mini-suite on the Dolphin Deck (D309) and I wondered if the open balcony was a problem for anyone. Did you feel "exposed" or on display? Was it nice sitting out there? I had pictured myself reading on the balcony with a cup of coffee (or a nice rum drink!) in peace and quiet - think that's possible? My other questions is about MUTS. On this board I've heard that you have to make reservations for the night time screenings - is that true? If you just show up for the 8:00 or 10:00 movie can you get a lounger with a blanket and pop corn? Thanks for your help and advice....

[marc b]

The Dolphin balconies are open, but it is just fine - you can look right up at the stars at night, and you get nice sun in the day. You are out in the open, but unless you look up and stare at folks, you wouldn't know it. I figure if anybody is that starved for entertainment, they have lots of balconies to look down on. The one annoying thing is the occasional cigarette butt - but not enough to turn down a mini-suite for.

 

MUTS does have popcorn (soggy because of humidity) and blankets (warm and toasty), and I've heard you can make reservations, but we showed up a few minutes late without reservations, pulled up a couple of plastic sit down chairs in the back, and in about 30 minutes some folks got up and we just took their loungers. MUTS is worth doing at least once.....

[Christapie]

We are going on 12-17-06. Location Baja all the way up front. Any plusses or minusess to that location?

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. Is the coffee really THAT bad????

[Tracy M]

We too were on the CB, 7/15-7/22. We had side by side cabins D224 & D228. It didn't bother us at all having an open balcony, we sat out there plenty of time, when the sun wasn't directly shining down of course, but it was nice when it was shady. I only saw a few people looking down on us, just say "hi" and ignore them.

We went to the MUTS three evenings and never had a problem with getting a lounge chair, I don't think they do reservations anymore. Only had the popcorn once, it was kinda chewy and tasteless. It reminded us of going to the drive-in movies.

We also were in the Palm Dinning room, excellent service. We were at table 36 with Sebastian (head waiter) and Hubert (his helper).

Tried Sterling Steakhouse - filet mignon is delicious!!

Tracy

[Tatka]

We also were on 7/22 sailing.

 

There are 2 anytime dining room. Palms and Coral. They are somewhat the same, but we prefered Palms (in the aft), because it has more tables for two, and I don't know why it felt better.

 

We had completely different locations and waiters every night because we didn't do reservations. We always showed up between 5:45 and 7:30 and never had to wait even 5 minutes.

 

 

Actually I think there are 5 pools + 2 kids pools.

 

1 - Neptune Reef

2 - Calypso (MUTS)

3 - Terrace - aft - my favourite

4 - One small one near jacuzzi abouve Terrace pool

5 - Pool near sport court area. I think many people had no idea abouth this one

 

Kids pools:

1 - near jacuzzies in the aft

2 - in the kids zone

[ashtyn]

Did you know that there is a roll call for you sailing date? I am on that same cruise and am just a couple of doors down from you. Come on over and join the fun. The more the merrier:D

 

Here is the link to the last page of the thread. If you have the time I would start at the beginning.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=172832&page=35

 

Look forward to seeing you on the cruise.

[Tennessee88]

Who were yall's waiters in the steakhouse.... i have several good friends who work in there so curoius??

[OuiOnboard]

Marc and others who returned recently...did you notice that Princess was collecting alcohol from pax at the gangway in accordance with their alcohol policy? Is increased enforcement evident?

[Tatka]

Marc and others who returned recently...did you notice that Princess was collecting alcohol from pax at the gangway in accordance with their alcohol policy? Is increased enforcement evident?

 

I haven't witnessed this.

[sbwhite2]

Does anyone who just got off remember who the captain is right now? And question #2, what is playing at MUTS?

thanks!

[marc b]

The captain's name is Giuseppi Romano or other - he had one of those cool European accents. I think they were taking alcohol bought in the ports and collecting it and giving it to folks on the last day.

 

MUTS movies were (different times and days) : Failure to Launch, Pirates of the Carribean, Phantom of the Opera, Finding Nemo, Eight Below, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Ray, Monsters, Inc., ET, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Memoirs of a Geisha, and some concerts.

 

The coffee in the buffet was bad enough that I would go down to the 5th floor and pay for good coffee - so I guess it's a subjective thing - I saw many people drinking it without issue also.....

[astros1]

Was the assistant cruise director on board called "Hollywood?"

[Kellie in Texas]

Does anyone who just got off remember who the captain is right now? And question #2, what is playing at MUTS?

thanks!

 

Hey, Barb! It's Kellie. Haven't seen you on here in awhile - I still check in (multiple times!!) every day, but we don't have another cruised planned yet. Still reliving the last one. Are you going on the CB again soon? Kellie

[OuiOnboard]

... I think they were taking alcohol bought in the ports and collecting it and giving it to folks on the last day......

Thanks marc....it seems Princess is getting serious with there alcohol policy. :)

[Tatka]

Was the assistant cruise director on board called "Hollywood?"

 

Yes.. Hollywood was there. There was another girl CD assistant from Poland. She is funny and very energetic.

[Tracy M]

The captain's name is Giuseppi Romano or other - he had one of those cool European accents. I think they were taking alcohol bought in the ports and collecting it and giving it to folks on the last day.

 

MUTS movies were (different times and days) : Failure to Launch, Pirates of the Carribean, Phantom of the Opera, Finding Nemo, Eight Below, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Ray, Monsters, Inc., ET, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Memoirs of a Geisha, and some concerts.

The Captain was Mariano Manfuso-Italy. Alcohol was collected and people were walking around with them at debarkation. MUTS:

(Evening Movies) Failure to Launch, Rocky Horror, Firewall, High School Musical, Memoirs of A Geisha, When a Stranger Calls, Eight Below, Jaws, Rumor Has It

Tennesse - Not quite sure what the waiters name was, the head waiter we had was from Poland and the other was oriental.

[Sandytoes]

Mauro and Carlos are very good maitre d's.

 

I was the CB last year...My head waiter's name was Carlos from Mexico. He has 2 girls... He has a twitch...Tic..Left arm....He was the best waiter I have ever had on Princess... The best....

 

Thanks for your review....It brought back memories...

[KP&BP]

Thanks to all for the good information. We are scheduled for Sept. 16th and I have a question. I need a magnified mirror to apply makeup and need to know if this is standard in the stateroom or do I need to bring my own? Last year's cruise on Holland did have a nice magnified mirror on a wall extension that did the job.