Anyone off today's Crown yet?

[heyall]

How did you enjoy your cruis? How was enetertainment/ dining/ stops/ exersions? We are on the next sailing? Any last minute advice will be really appreciated? Anything we should/should not pack? I am so nervous that i'll forget something. Did you have any problem bringing liquor on board? Thanks again

[heyall]

How much are the phone calls from the ship? Is there a package deal?

[heyall]

Just found out calls from the ship - $4.95 a min; to the ship $8.95 a min.

[C&F]

Hello,

Just off the Crown today and we had a great time. I will be posting a longer review thread, etc.. in the next few days, but if you have any questions, I will try to answer them

Overall it was great with a few little things here and there that were worth mentioning (which I will do in the review). We had good weather for the most part with the exception of a little rain in St. Thomas and gale force winds and 12 foot seas on our last sea day.

I am going to go into cruise withdrawl soon, so I must start planning my next one!

Take care for now,

F

[heyall]

:) I am glad you had a good time.

 

I was particular interested in nightlife/ entertainment part of the cruise. We are in our 30's and love to have a good time. Which shows were good? Did you bring any liquor onboard @Brooklyn terminal, did you see anyone taking it away? Also is there any way i can bring my own iron in the luggage or it would be taken away from me. Also what stops did you like the best and what did you do there? Especially in PR and Bermuda. How was casino paying out on slots? Where drinks expensive? Also what was the best spot at the pool with less crowds and some shade? Any tips you can give for this cruise to be more enjoyable? As you can tell it's our 1st cruise and i am getting very anxious. I understand i asked a lot, but anything you can answer i appreciate.

 

Dina

[toddy23]

F,

Who was the cruise director? How was his/her team?

[jckvpa0]

:)

Did you bring any liquor onboard @Brooklyn terminal, did you see anyone taking it away? Also is there any way i can bring my own iron in the luggage or it would be taken away from me. As you can tell it's our 1st cruise and i am getting very anxious. I understand i asked a lot, but anything you can answer i appreciate.

 

Dina

 

I understand you are new to cruising & very excited. I really don't care if you smuggle booze on board, have at it ! Now I get the feeling that you know irons are a no no or else you wouldn't have mentioned them taking it away. There is a very good reason your not allowed to bring them, there a fire hazard !!!

 

Feel free to bring a steamer or use the iron provided in the laundry room on the ship. Also some people bring a wrinkle release spray that they say works well.

 

Welcome to the boards & keep reading you will learn so much about your cruise.

[kafitty]

do not bring an iron on board.

 

alcohol is one thing, you're only hurting yourself in the end, lol, and the cruiselines business.

 

but an iron or candles could kill people. i know you probably didn't think about it that way, but it could.

 

there is one in the laundry room or invest in a steamer. or do what i do and turn the shower on really hot for awhile and let your clothes steam in there. :D

[C&F]

Ok, I'll answer some questions in no particular order.

In PR we did the El Yunque Rain Forest Tour through Princess. It was a good tour, but mostly went to designated observation posts. I was hoping to get in the heart of the rain forest by foot. You could venture off for about 20 to 30 minutes at each designated stop, but they were mostly just paved trails and areas around waterfalls etc. The guide Ricardo was excellent. He gave a good narration even when at the end people started to doze off from the long day.

In Bermuda, we bought a 1 day bus and ferry pass for 12 bucks each. We took the Ferry to Hamilton and did a little shopping. We then took the number 7 bus to Horseshoe Bay Beach and stayed for about 2 hours. We have been to Bermuda many times and never feel the need to do a ship excursion. It is very easy to get around by bus, Ferry or Taxi. From the Dockyard, Horseshoe Bay and Elbow beach are not far by bus.

As for booze, I wrapped a bottle of Absolut Peach Vodka in paper towel, then newspaper, and finally in the middle of a big beach towel. It got to our room with no problem. I kept it chilled in the fridge and finished about half of it. I will be working our bar tab off for the next few weeks so I do not feel as if we cheated the cruise line. I like my own kind of drink on the balcony and that is the only place I had it. I ordered several beer packages delivered to my room and kept them nice and cold in the fridge.

As a fellow cruiser, I hope you do not bring an iron on board. We brought a travel steamer and didn't use it. I would put my shirts and other wrinkled items in the bathroom on a hanger while we showered. The steam got all of the wrinkes out.

Mixed drinks were in the $4.50 -$7.00 range depending on what it was and what size. Beer was about $5.00 domestic and a little higher for others. You could order beer packages at 6 for the price of 5. Coors Light, Miller Light, MGD, Becks, and Dos Equis were among the brands. You can also buy buckets around the pool. You get 5 for the price of 4. I think it was quite a few brands as well. There were also liquor mixer packages availabe where you get a 350ml(?) bottle and 3 cans of mixer for $1750 I believe.

The pool areas were very crowded on sea days. I can't give a magic formula on where to go for the best spot. We had to search but always ended up finding a good spot with a nice breeze and in the shade, but it was not usually near the pool.

The cruise director was Tim Donovan. I recall he was actually supposed to get on this cruise (7/23), but things must've changed. One of the welcome aboard planners even had the CD listed as Kelvin Joy. Tim was good, but he was not at most of the events we were at. Some people complained he wasn't visible enough. I can't say that as I was not at all shows at once and do not know where he was.

We were lucky enough to have my pal Sarge on board. He got on the week before in San Juan and got off on our cruise in San Juan to go on a break. I do not know if/when he is getting back on. If he is on, don't miss him. He's very funny and a hell of a guy as well. We mostly went to Princess pop star which is kind of like their version of karaoke meets American Idol. I am a musician and like to see aspiring singers or just people looking to have a good time.

After those kind of events, we went up to Skywalkers a few nights and had a good time. We don't dance but there were many people dancing. We are also in our early 30's and there were many people our age, a bit older and much younger (early 20's) as well. It was a good mix and it seemed to be a good time had by all.

I now have to go weight myself. I feel like I gained a small economy car. As for that, the food was very good. We never had a bad meal and everything was very flavorful. This is coming from a sicilian who grew up with Italian grandma cooking all the time. Was it as good as grandmas-no, but then again, nothing is ;).

Your cruise is what you make of it. If you go expecting perfection, you will be let down. If you go expecting a great time, relax and let the little things slide, you will have a blast as we did.

Enjoy and have a drink for me. Tell Sidney in Club Fusion I said hey.

Cheers,

F

[billet]

do not bring an iron on board.

 

there is one in the laundry room or invest in a steamer. or do what i do and turn the shower on really hot for awhile and let your clothes steam in there. :D

 

there are four irons and boards in most of the laundry rooms and I never say them being over utilized.

[Colo Cruiser]

Ok, I'll answer some questions in no particular order.

In PR we did the El Yunque Rain Forest Tour through Princess. It was a good tour, but mostly went to designated observation posts. I was hoping to get in the heart of the rain forest by foot. You could venture off for about 20 to 30 minutes at each designated stop, but they were mostly just paved trails and areas around waterfalls etc. The guide Ricardo was excellent. He gave a good narration even when at the end people started to doze off from the long day.

In Bermuda, we bought a 1 day bus and ferry pass for 12 bucks each. We took the Ferry to Hamilton and did a little shopping. We then took the number 7 bus to Horseshoe Bay Beach and stayed for about 2 hours. We have been to Bermuda many times and never feel the need to do a ship excursion. It is very easy to get around by bus, Ferry or Taxi. From the Dockyard, Horseshoe Bay and Elbow beach are not far by bus.

As for booze, I wrapped a bottle of Absolut Peach Vodka in paper towel, then newspaper, and finally in the middle of a big beach towel. It got to our room with no problem. I kept it chilled in the fridge and finished about half of it. I will be working our bar tab off for the next few weeks so I do not feel as if we cheated the cruise line. I like my own kind of drink on the balcony and that is the only place I had it. I ordered several beer packages delivered to my room and kept them nice and cold in the fridge.

As a fellow cruiser, I hope you do not bring an iron on board. We brought a travel steamer and didn't use it. I would put my shirts and other wrinkled items in the bathroom on a hanger while we showered. The steam got all of the wrinkes out.

Mixed drinks were in the $4.50 -$7.00 range depending on what it was and what size. Beer was about $5.00 domestic and a little higher for others. You could order beer packages at 6 for the price of 5. Coors Light, Miller Light, MGD, Becks, and Dos Equis were among the brands. You can also buy buckets around the pool. You get 5 for the price of 4. I think it was quite a few brands as well. There were also liquor mixer packages availabe where you get a 350ml(?) bottle and 3 cans of mixer for $1750 I believe.

The pool areas were very crowded on sea days. I can't give a magic formula on where to go for the best spot. We had to search but always ended up finding a good spot with a nice breeze and in the shade, but it was not usually near the pool.

The cruise director was Tim Donovan. I recall he was actually supposed to get on this cruise (7/23), but things must've changed. One of the welcome aboard planners even had the CD listed as Kelvin Joy. Tim was good, but he was not at most of the events we were at. Some people complained he wasn't visible enough. I can't say that as I was not at all shows at once and do not know where he was.

We were lucky enough to have my pal Sarge on board. He got on the week before in San Juan and got off on our cruise in San Juan to go on a break. I do not know if/when he is getting back on. If he is on, don't miss him. He's very funny and a hell of a guy as well. We mostly went to Princess pop star which is kind of like their version of karaoke meets American Idol. I am a musician and like to see aspiring singers or just people looking to have a good time.

After those kind of events, we went up to Skywalkers a few nights and had a good time. We don't dance but there were many people dancing. We are also in our early 30's and there were many people our age, a bit older and much younger (early 20's) as well. It was a good mix and it seemed to be a good time had by all.

I now have to go weight myself. I feel like I gained a small economy car. As for that, the food was very good. We never had a bad meal and everything was very flavorful. This is coming from a sicilian who grew up with Italian grandma cooking all the time. Was it as good as grandmas-no, but then again, nothing is ;).

Your cruise is what you make of it. If you go expecting perfection, you will be let down. If you go expecting a great time, relax and let the little things slide, you will have a blast as we did.

Enjoy and have a drink for me. Tell Sidney in Club Fusion I said hey.

Cheers,

F

 

Brings back fond Crown memories for me. :D

[billet]

Brings back fond Crown memories for me. :D

 

me too - sigh...

[C&F]

Colo and Billet-Glad I could do that, LOL! I'll soon need it as well!

[play21cw]

Hey everyone, question for those who just got back..

What time did you get to the cruise terminal in Brooklyn? and what time/how long did it take to get onto the ship..

 

Also, did you notice anyone getting stopped for bringing alcohol onboard?

 

A little anxious as i leave next wednesday for my crown sailing!!

[C&F]

I put my liquor in my checked baggage. I didn't have any in my carry-on. I didn't see anyone being stopped-BUT- we went right through check-in in about 3 minutes. We are Captain's Circle members and had priority embarkation. We walked into a little holding room separate from everyone else. I believe we were among the first aboard at about 11:50. We waited in that holding area for about 10 minutes and then they opened up and maybe us and about 5 people got on.

[billet]

I got there about 1:30, there was no line at the check in and there was a line of about 30 people on the gangway waiting to go through security. The early birds had gone through check in and then sat in a waiting area until their boarding number was called.

[frofro]

Hey everyone, question for those who just got back..

What time did you get to the cruise terminal in Brooklyn? and what time/how long did it take to get onto the ship..

 

Also, did you notice anyone getting stopped for bringing alcohol onboard?

 

A little anxious as i leave next wednesday for my crown sailing!!

 

 

I got to the terminal about 11:45, and was on the ship by 12:30....they checked my alccohol, champagne, and let it throu gh...i heard alot of people saying they smuggled it in their suitcases, and it got on just fine....

 

Have fun, wish i was leaving again...

[oraf7]

We leave next Wed and I am addicted to these boards and every review on the Crown. It's so addicting! I agree that you should never expect perfection which is always a setup for being dissapointed. Well thanks again for adding to my pre-cruise craziness hyperactivity disorder LOL!!!! Oh ny the way I too grew up in Boston with the Italian Grandma and I must say although not as good as hers Princess still got an A for food on our last cruise.

 

Welll off to bed to dream again.

[PreciousPetal]

Just got off today and everything was wonderful.

We got to the terminal about 10:45, went right into check-in. At the screening area they just asked if I had any liquor in my carry-on and I told them I had two wine bottles, and they said fine and didn't even check.

Then went to terminal waiting area and called on-board by 11:30ish. Wonderful wait with plenty of seats and very organized. Even though we got their early, luggage didn't arrive in stateroom until after 10 pm. But no problem going to dining room in shorts for both men and women.

There is plenty to do during the late, late evening. You will find more than enough to keep the party going.

[lysolqn]

Even though we got their early, luggage didn't arrive in stateroom until after 10 pm. But no problem going to dining room in shorts for both men and women.

/QUOTE]

 

Luggage didn't arrive until after 10pm?????? Ouch.

[Crusin Karen]

Even though we got their early, luggage didn't arrive in stateroom until after 10 pm. But no problem going to dining room in shorts for both men and women.

/QUOTE]

 

Luggage didn't arrive until after 10pm?????? Ouch.

I was going to say the same thing. I would absolutely PANIC if I didn't get my luggage until that late. I'd be looking thru my binoculars wondering if they left everything at the pier! We have always been lucky on CCL and usually get all our luggage and are unpacked before Muster Drill. Is it normal to get luggage that late on Princess or just because of the size of the ship?

[lysolqn]

I was going to say the same thing. I would absolutely PANIC if I didn't get my luggage until that late. I'd be looking thru my binoculars wondering if they left everything at the pier! We have always been lucky on CCL and usually get all our luggage and are unpacked before Muster Drill. Is it normal to get luggage that late on Princess or just because of the size of the ship?

 

We've been on 38 cruises on various lines, including Princess, and never got our luggage that late. Most of the reviews I've read about Crown make a point of stating that luggage arrived shortly after boarding. Cruisin Karen's experience doesn't appear to be the norm - at least I hope not. We're sailing in a few weeks!

[cynbar]

We have never had a problem getting our luggage on any of our Princess cruises, including the Crown last summer when it arrived in our cabin soon after we did. I agree, I'd be VERY nervous by 10:00 pm. Has anyone else on the Crown had this problem ?????

[Monkey30]

I was going to say the same thing. I would absolutely PANIC if I didn't get my luggage until that late. I'd be looking thru my binoculars wondering if they left everything at the pier! We have always been lucky on CCL and usually get all our luggage and are unpacked before Muster Drill. Is it normal to get luggage that late on Princess or just because of the size of the ship?

 

I also just got off the Crown. We got to the pier at 11:15 and were on the ship by noon. Luggage was delivered by 2:00pm.

[criuisingurl079]

yes, we also received our luggage in the early afternoon while on the Crown on June 17th-26th. The porter even told us that we would have it within 2 hrs of boarding! It was nice to be all unpacked before we sailed!:D