Back from Caribbean Princess 02/18 - 02/25

[Clarkk W Griswald]

could you tell me if there was cell phone service on the caribbean princess?

 

We have Verizon and had no signal while at sea. We did have service in St Thomas and St Martin, though. Rates in St Thomas were cheaper than rates in St Martin. Check with your carrier before leaving to make sure you have international calling activated.

[yedimom]

My husband and I are in our early 30's. This will be our first cruise on carribbean princess. Do you think we will be bored with the night life? Is everyone in bed by 10:00 :D ? If so I guess It will just be us having a party!

 

Yedimom

[serene56]

My husband and I are in our early 30's. This will be our first cruise on carribbean princess. Do you think we will be bored with the night life? Is everyone in bed by 10:00 :D ? If so I guess It will just be us having a party!Yedimom

 

 

No- you sholdnt be bored-- lots of stuff is on the Patters scheduled for 10:30. Some shows are given three times-- 7pm, 8:30 and 10:30.

 

We were never in bed before midnight on any given night-- Yes--even when we had a port day in St Thomas for 8am.

[serene56]

SSOceanlover was kind enough to post the capers on his web page.

They can be seen at this link-- please hit refresh once the page is loaded so you can see the newer patters.

http://www.cruisingthecaribbeanprincess.com/pattersE.html

 

any questions when ya see the Patters--- Just ask away.

[JanMD]

sorry I haven't posted- whenever I have had a minute- the board has been down.

 

We had a minisuite- D631 and it was perfect. It had an open balcony and loved it. We had the sun going down on the two sea days and were able to get rays out there.

We have been in C753 ps and the BB room beside it in the aft- have loved both of those. Since it was just the 2 of us- we took the minisuite.

The plus for the minisuite is you can take a normal shower- it has a tub.

 

The rings- were bought at Joes Jewerly off the square in downtown St. Martin. We filled out the paperwork and now have to have a jewerler tell us what it is worth. We know what St. Thomas said from 4 places.

 

The patters would arrive at the stateroom around 8ish right after dinner.

 

Regarding cell service- I have sprint- it always works in St. Thomas and San Juan- no problem. We were able to check in with family.

 

Since the internet is still free for us- we were doing that also. On 4-1, we can only charge $75.00 and after that is on your shipboard account. We are elite/platium.

 

It was one of the best cruises we have taken in a very long time.

We also took out the future cruise 100.00p/p.

 

Jan

[mississauga]

My husband and I are in our early 30's. This will be our first cruise on carribbean princess. Do you think we will be bored with the night life? Is everyone in bed by 10:00 :D ? If so I guess It will just be us having a party!

 

Yedimom

The Caribbean Princess has a nightclub called Skywalkers. Also bands and entertainment in most of the lounges /bars until late. M.U.T.S.'s last showing usually started @ 10:00pm. or later. You will not be bored. We had to schedule our evenings/nights so we could fit everything in. LOL:D

[cjm61]

Serene,

 

Thanks for the great information. My sister and I are leaving on Sunday March 4th. We can't wait. We sailed the Golden Princess 2 years ago and are looking forward to another Princess Cruise. As I am a Carnival "junkie," I do tend to look for something a little quiter from time to time. Don't get me wrong, I love my Platinum status. I've been sailing Carnival for quite some time. My last was the Valor in Aug 2006. When I compare the 2, I like to look at it as if I am comparing neon with pastel. I need the pastel right now.

 

Jan,

 

Sorry you picked the wrong week to cruise. I thought everyone knew President's Week along with Spring Break are the 2 worst times to sail if you don't want to be around 900 kids. Go figure..No school, kids out, mom & dad either let them go or take them on vacation.

 

As for that certain group that has the ship this week. It's o.k. to say who and or what. RSVP chartered the ship this week. Yes, they are a Gay Travel Group and provide a wonderful service for the gay community. It's like President's Week or Spring Break for those that live an alternate lifestyle. No big deal.

[Brneyznfl]

Serene, I'm happy that you enjoyed your first Princess cruise! My experience as a firsttimer on the CB a couple of weeks ago mirrors yours..This was the best cruise ever.

 

Jan

[serene56]

Serene, I'm happy that you enjoyed your first Princess cruise! My experience as a firsttimer on the CB a couple of weeks ago mirrors yours..This was the best cruise ever.

 

Jan

 

 

Jan- I believed for the longest time that that Destiny cruise ruined me for life. getting on another ship just didnt do it for me any more. I thought I was cruised out-- if that is possible.

Here i am== all rejevenated. The CB was the best I ever had. Now second guessing my land vacations to Aruba next year..

[serene56]

As I am a Carnival "junkie," I do tend to look for something a little quiter from time to time. Don't get me wrong, I love my Platinum status. .

 

 

I am two cruises away for that status on Carnival-- but I keep booking other cruiselines. I am booked on the Liberty for August- My son is getting married onboard) so need only one more..

[Hogladyrider]

How exciting a wedding on your next cruise. I think that is a great way to get married!

 

I've been reading on the boards that when booking Princess that it is best to go thru a TA rather than direct. I am spoiled, only having sailed Carnival and only having booked with my PVP and now I want to book Princess for next Jan/Feb. How does one research what TA to use.

 

I know we aren't supposed to recommend specific TA's but someone I see has thrown out VTG or *****.com. How does one know that they are dealing with a reputible agency?

 

If anyone can e-mail me suggestions I sure would appreciate it as I'd like to book soon.

Susan

susanand@gmail.com

 

PS-we want to sail out of Ft Launderdale probably on CB, Eastern has the warmer weather in Jan/Feb. but we are open to suggestions.

 

This learning process at my age is still fun.

[PaperSniper4]

....

Another thing to note-- the tvs in the cabin are not equipped to do regular programing so dont expect to see "24" American Idol, Survivor or anything you normally see each week.

 

Wow, things just keep sounding better and better all the time!:D

[serene56]

I've been reading on the boards that when booking Princess that it is best to go thru a TA rather than direct. I am spoiled, only having sailed Carnival and only having booked with my PVP and now I want to book Princess for next Jan/Feb. How does one research what TA to use..

 

The ***** use very good agents.. but by asking the agent questions you are protecting your investment.

 

WILL the agent give you price reductions up til sailing?

 

Do they charge a fee for taking your booking? (some agencies charge 15-50$$)

 

what do they charge if you need to cancel?

 

what do they charge if you need to make changes?

 

use the cruisecompte-- you need to know the ship and date and category you want to book- they dont research for you.

I suggest going to the princess web page and start your research there. FInd out what you what-- when you want.

 

I have sailed 3 times in February- 2 times the begining of the week was very cold. Last year the bahamas was 52 degrees. brrr.

 

Depending on where you are sailing from you want to be careful of booking a certain cruise if you cant get there early enough to ward off problems caused by storms etc.

[cjm61]

I am two cruises away for that status on Carnival-- but I keep booking other cruiselines. I am booked on the Liberty for August- My son is getting married onboard) so need only one more..

 

Serene,

 

Congratulations to you, your son and the entire family on the wedding.

 

You're going to love Platinum. First of all, better pricing when you book direct through Carnival. Then, no more lines with the cattle call. They take you right into the Concierge Lounge. They process everything for you while you sit on a nice comfortable sofa. Then priority line through security for Platinum. Obtain your key immediately and onboard all within 15 minutes or less. Then there is the complimentary fruit basket in the room, petifores (don't think I spelled this right) and a plate of miniature deserts on different nights throughout the week. Wait, it gets better. Guarenteed Dining Room Reservations, priority reservations for the Supper Clubs and the Spa. They even do your laundry, free of charge, no weight or number of graments limit. Returned to you clean, folded and in bags. A free $20 entry into either the Blackjack or Slot Tournament sweetens the pot. :-) Gotta Love it! Then there is priority debarkation. On the Conquest Class Ships, you meet in the Sports Bar where they have coffee, tea, danish, etc. setup for you while you wait to debark. They escort you off the ship to the luggage area where your luggage is separate from the mass. It's like a "Platinum Dream!" P.S. Ooops..almost forgot the personalized stationary on "Platinum" paper. :-)

[serene56]

I look forward to platinum status just so i can get a differnt color card--lol- since we arrive early at the port we dont have the wait and usually are onboard by noon. but some of the other stuff. wow.

 

SOmeday soon I will be a platinum

[EKELLEY]

serene56,

Do you have any pictures of your cabin & balcony? We have the same cabin on our next cruise.

[serene56]

EIleen: I do have photos- Im waiting for joe to get a day off from work.

But if you go to [URL="http://www.google.com"]www.google.com[/URL] and type in Caribbean Princess C752
or Caribbean Princess C753 you will get tons of hits.

thats how i find it.

[madelinerose]

Hi, serene...so glad to hear you enjoyed the CB.

Since you're so close to NY, could the Crown Princess be in your future cruise plans? ;)

[vplsh]

We're booked on Freedom for W. Carib on 7/8 but are rethinking it- a mini-suite on CB for the same week/itinerary is $300 less! Any thoughts you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[serene56]

I am not faithful to one cruiselines. I go with whatever is cheaper so I can get my cruise fix in.
I was able to sail VOyager of the Seas because it was cheaper then what else was offered on other lines.

I have sailed ROyal and Carnival and found them to be about the same in terms of service and food.
After sailing the CB i will have a hard time going back on CArnival. (although we are booked for August on the Liberty)

The CB was not stuffy or full of snobs. We had over 600 kids onboard and we rarely saw any of them- except once when they had the camp watching the movie "CARS" all those kids in one space.. wow.

The seafood offered on the CB which I never was able to get on Royal or Carnival.. maybe lobster and a few little shrimp.. but the shrimp that was offered on the CB were the jumbo size ones.. and my SO who isnt a seafood person was able to find a lot of selections to eat besides jsut roast beef too.

We ate most our dinners in Cafe Caribe.. which was very nice with table covers and wait service to pour drinks and water. Music was played nightly depending on the theme. (like the german night- features german food. People walking around playing those accordians)
Mexican night features mexican food and marichi playing.

Music played but it was not intrusive.

[serene56]

[quote name='madelinerose']Hi, serene...so glad to hear you enjoyed the CB.

Since you're so close to NY, could the Crown Princess be in your future cruise plans? ;)[/quote]


after sailing the Destiny in Sept-- my worse cruise ever-- i thought i was cruised out. We decided to do land vacations in 2008 heading to Vegas to take my parents there and doing a land vacation in Aruba.

The crown out of NY sounds so awesome but because of Joes job we can only take 7 day cruises that leave on Sunday. (which really limits our options. Most Princess ships leave on Saturdays)
I am hoping that once the new princess ships come out the crown will be doing a 7 day cruise instead of 9. (and no way will I ever do a cruise out of San Juan again)

[bickee]

[quote name='yedimom']My husband and I are in our early 30's. This will be our first cruise on carribbean princess. Do you think we will be bored with the night life? Is everyone in bed by 10:00 :D ? If so I guess It will just be us having a party!

Yedimom[/QUOTE]

Hubby and I are also in our early 30's and had a wonderful time on the CB. Plenty to do.

I have also sailed on RCI and Carnival, and the CB cruise is still my favorite one yet. We'll see what happens after the Crown in October!

Serene...we are on the Crown repositioning in October of this year and it's only 7 days...look into it. :)

[Kerry&LuAnn]

We sailed on the Caribbean Princess last March and enjoyed it so much that we are returning to the same cruise this year!

[Kismets_mom]

I'm booked on the CB in September, and from reading the posts, looks like I won't be bored. Looking forward to it!

[bovs]

[quote name='Martin and Lindsey']Can you tell us what the different evenings are?

Which days are the formal nights etc.? :)[/QUOTE]


Formal nights are almost always on "sea days," not "port Days." Makes it easy to plan for when you know that.



Gene