Just Back From Crown Princess 7/14 Sailing

[renata102]

Well after a great cruise, I am here to talk about the good the bad the ugly and the best!

 

To give you a little background, I am 30 yo and I sailed with DH who is one year older. We are semi seasoned cruisers and thouroughly enjoy cruising. We left our 5 and 1 year olds behind this time. We both work crazy jobs, I in child protective services as an investigator and my DH as a state trooper. This cruise is what we needed. I have always sailed Royal Carribean and this is the first time on another cruise ship. I was in the very forward Plaza 201. I do not recomend such a forward room. I will go into detail about that. We had first seating. Overall the entertainment, people and intinary were GREAT. However, I found the staff to be on the underside of friendly and great service. I will go into all that below. OVERALL, I rate this trip as great and would do it again!

 

We arrived at the Brooklyn Port at 12 pm and were quickly sent on board. My brother dropped us off, as we live in Northern NJ. I did not find any hassles. I had no problem getting into my cabin which was an oceanview. Our cabin steward spoke very little English and we had some communication glitches. Overall he was friendly and efficiant. We always explore the ship as soon as we get on, so we did explore. It is a great ship, but IMPO is is too big for my taste. I tend to like ships that carry less than 2000 at the very most. this ship hold over 3000. We ate lunch in the buffet, the caribe buffet. I am not a big buffet eater and found the food to mediocre. we quickly made reservations for Sabistino's and Chops Grill for the week. We were going to try chops the first evening and Sabistino's at the very end. We ended the afternoon before our getting ready for Chops on the TOP most deck were the miniature golf is. I heard this is the best area to view the sailing under the Verezzano Bridge. We ended up playing a round of the best mini golf as the ship sailed away. With the NYPD helicopter escort, view of Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline. I wanted to be away from the party down below on the other end of the ship. After we passed under neat the bridge we quickly made our way back to the cabin to get ready for CHOPS. :p

 

I will now break down the different activities and places we visited, as my memory is hazy in what order we did things. Please be aware that I don't remember names well and only remember Tim our cruise director was great! and Sarge the comedian was great the first night and second night was okay. There was also another enternainer that was funny, where my husband was made to go onstage and dance and do silly things. However, when he first asked my DH what his name was and what he does for a living, my husband answered that he is a NJ State Trooper, the comedian fell to his knees and as everybody said later was speechless. My husband became an instant celebrity on the rest of the cruise.

 

We went to all the comedy shows and found them to be average and above average. Definatly enjoyed them though! We did see some of the production shows and were somewhat impressed. I enjoyed the man from Spain and his guitar with his dancers. He was very impressive. Overall I found them all to be entertaining.

 

I will follow up with more information on the two specialty restaurants, my cabin setting and more items in another post later today.

[jckvpa0]

Great review so far ! We are in a mini, room D201 very interested to hear why you didn't like being that close to the bow.

[Imasealuvr]

Can't wait to hear more!:D

DH and I leave in 95 days....not that I am counting:confused: .

[play21cw]

I'll keep checking back, i cant wait for the rest!

[azdmelani]

Well after a great cruise, I am here to talk about the good the bad the ugly and the best!

 

To give you a little background, I am 30 yo and I sailed with DH who is one year older. We are semi seasoned cruisers and thouroughly enjoy cruising. We left our 5 and 1 year olds behind this time. We both work crazy jobs, I in child protective services as an investigator and my DH as a state trooper. This cruise is what we needed. I have always sailed Royal Carribean and this is the first time on another cruise ship. I was in the very forward Plaza 201. I do not recomend such a forward room. I will go into detail about that. We had first seating. Overall the entertainment, people and intinary were GREAT. However, I found the staff to be on the underside of friendly and great service. I will go into all that below. OVERALL, I rate this trip as great and would do it again!

 

We arrived at the Brooklyn Port at 12 pm and were quickly sent on board. My brother dropped us off, as we live in Northern NJ. I did not find any hassles. I had no problem getting into my cabin which was an oceanview. Our cabin steward spoke very little English and we had some communication glitches. Overall he was friendly and efficiant. We always explore the ship as soon as we get on, so we did explore. It is a great ship, but IMPO is is too big for my taste. I tend to like ships that carry less than 2000 at the very most. this ship hold over 3000. We ate lunch in the buffet, the caribe buffet. I am not a big buffet eater and found the food to mediocre. we quickly made reservations for Sabistino's and Chops Grill for the week. We were going to try chops the first evening and Sabistino's at the very end. We ended the afternoon before our getting ready for Chops on the TOP most deck were the miniature golf is. I heard this is the best area to view the sailing under the Verezzano Bridge. We ended up playing a round of the best mini golf as the ship sailed away. With the NYPD helicopter escort, view of Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline. I wanted to be away from the party down below on the other end of the ship. After we passed under neat the bridge we quickly made our way back to the cabin to get ready for CHOPS. :p

 

I will now break down the different activities and places we visited, as my memory is hazy in what order we did things. Please be aware that I don't remember names well and only remember Tim our cruise director was great! and Sarge the comedian was great the first night and second night was okay. There was also another enternainer that was funny, where my husband was made to go onstage and dance and do silly things. However, when he first asked my DH what his name was and what he does for a living, my husband answered that he is a NJ State Trooper, the comedian fell to his knees and as everybody said later was speechless. My husband became an instant celebrity on the rest of the cruise.

 

We went to all the comedy shows and found them to be average and above average. Definatly enjoyed them though! We did see some of the production shows and were somewhat impressed. I enjoyed the man from Spain and his guitar with his dancers. He was very impressive. Overall I found them all to be entertaining.

 

I will follow up with more information on the two specialty restaurants, my cabin setting and more items in another post later today.

 

you mean sabatinis and the crown grill?

[renata102]

Sorry I have to do this in segments :)

 

Well the first night we made reservations at CHOPS grill. Since it was the first night it was pretty empty and had most of the staff to ourselves. There are pros and cons to doing this on the first night. First half of the restaurant was closed off, so we could not sit by the windows (I like to be near the window). Granted if it were packed and all the window seats were taking I would not be able to sit there either....

 

THE FOOD OMG! it was amazing and by far one of the best food i tried. I also recommended our table mates to go there and they also had the same feelings. We ordered the large lobster tails AND the filet mignon. We had a bunch of apitizers. The black and blue soup was amazing. The food was tender, wonderfully cooked and we could not even compare it to the regular dining. We would definatly recommend this restaurant.

 

We went to Sabinstinis and did not find it as good. Its my personal opinion that the food was not that great . I would not go back there. I cannot pinpoint what the problem was. The service was great though.

 

We had first seating, as we like this seating. We actually used anytime only one time. The food was great. I thought the selections were amazing. My husband always ordered the alfredo. Our waiter told us on the last night that my husband ate all of the alfredo and there was none left for the next cruisers LOL! Their lobster night had great tails (I thought)!

 

As for the staff. This is my first PRincess and I always cruised Royal Carribean. The one thing I found with the staff was that they were not as friendly, enthusiastic and some were downright condesending and rude at times. not necessarly to me, but to other passengers. I am not saying they all rude, just some.

 

I will continue more with posting.

[deezee]

I was on the 7/14 crown princess. I totally agree with you about the staff. I found Royal Caribbean staff much more attentive and friendly. I will say that things changed once I started handed out 20 dollar bills.

[jckvpa0]

Is Chops the one where patrons can eat at the bar & see through to the cooks cooking?

[renata102]

I was on the 7/14 crown princess. I totally agree with you about the staff. I found Royal Caribbean staff much more attentive and friendly. I will say that things changed once I started handed out 20 dollar bills.

 

I wonder if it has to do with the automatic tipping? It didn't ruin my vacation, but it was very appareant!

[renata102]

Is Chops the one where patrons can eat at the bar & see through to the cooks cooking?

 

You don't have to sit at the bar though. You can request a table near the cooking area and watch them as we did. It was well worth the extra money!

[renata102]

.......

 

We found all the bars, clubs and other areas very nicely decorated. We went to every venue on the ship. The one thing I did not like was some areas were too small to handle large amounts of people. for example the Marriage Game Show, and the Mentalist and Illuisanist in the Explorer's lounge. They should be well planned and thought out better.

 

Our room was in the Plaza 201. It was the first foward cabing on the rights side. we were so low to the water line (we were above it of course maybe 20 or 30 feet above the water line), and so forward that I literaly felt like we were hitting whales every once in a while. And on our way out to Bermuda the first night and my last night, the sea was rocky and BOY did we feel it in the forward lower level. Suprisingly, I was more concerned that I was right underneath the stage of the Princess Theather and brought ear plugs just in case I needed it. However, our room was vibrating and hitting those waves like no tomorrow. I WILL NEVER GET SUCH A FORWARD ROOM!!!!!!!!! I kept saying ohhh there goes another whale. Hubby and I figured that after this cruise WHALES will be put on the endangered list (that is how many times it was that bad). Loud bangs and shuddering while going full speed ahead.

 

PORTS OF CALL

 

Bermuda:

I planned the Bermuda Triangle Glass bottom boat snorkel. We went out to the Triangle and explored two ships that were wrecked from the 1820's. One ship shipwrecked because of a bad storm and it hit the reef, during low tide. Then 50 years later, another ship shipwrecked because of the same issues plus it snagged on to the other wreck that was jutting out. There was some plants and a great deal of fish. We loved it. It was deep up to 70 to 90 feet of water. As little as 30 feet. Just so you know, I dont swim well and I always use a snorkel vest which you can inflate or deflate depending on you comfort level. it is wonderful and that is how I enjoy snorkeling. Even my DH who is a certified life guard (not practicing one though), uses one inflated a little so he can focus on the snorkeling and not worry about getting a cramp or getting tired. Of course there was rum swizzle given out at the end. The girl thought me the recipe for it. RUM, some type of fruit punch, GINGER Beer (which tasted a little like ginger ale but sweeter) and mix it together YUMMO!

 

I later planned on going to a traditional pub for a pint of beer. however, DH decided to rent a scooter for 4 hours. WOW, that was so unplanned! BUT that was the favorite part of Bermuda. DH used to own a motorcycle and has a level head so we went for it! We went all the way to Hamilton, bought some cuban cigars, saw the Enchantment of the Sea in Hamilton, went to Horseshoe Bay, went into the water to cool off, went to a local store to get some water, went through some towns, went to the lighthouse and generally got to see Bermudians in their everyday life and commute! Well worth it!

 

San Juan, PR:

 

I was not impressed with PR. We did the Old San Juan and Barcardi tour. The line to get into Barcardi with thsi tour was 1 hour. Luckily we used this time to drink the two free drinks at the bar! The tour was interesting! Old San Juan was not impressive. I did love the fort! You have to see it to believe it! If I ever to PR, I would opt to see the Rain Forest. I heard that is great! It helped that DH is South American and we could make our way around the city with ease! We also made phone call to check in on my kids and called a few people!

 

 

St. Thomas

 

This was by far one of the best excursions! we did the Sea Turtle Cove Snorkeling with DOUBLOON. Amazing crew! We boarded a boat (sailboat) to the Sea Turtle Cove, walked the plank and dived right in! They also do the power snorkle if you choose in advance! There were sea turtles every 20 feet or so. Big ones. I got close to one. I was floating above it and it needed air, it floated right to me. I touched it and watched as it was getting air, and swam with it!!! I saw a nurse shark, and a sting ray. As well as a host of fish. We also saw coral! On the way back they served pain killer (orange juice, pinapple juice, rum and coconut cream, shake it with ice and serve), beer, soda and water after we were done! Well worth IT!

 

We later hailed a taxi and went to the shopping district, bought and mailed some postcards to family and friends. Didn't find much (for my taste) and hightailed it back to the ship.

 

Grand Turk:

 

I decided to go out on my own. I did a ton of research and decided that I wanted to got to the BOHIO DIVE RESORT, way past Governer's beach. I wanted a quiet beach away from it all! And that is what I got! Cost $7 pp for taxi ride. The beach entrance is free, but to "rent" a sun chair its $10 pp. Well worth it for me! DH read a book in peace, I sunned! The beach was clean and clear! It is a well known dive resort. Met the dive instructor from Germany who I spoke with at the bar (while I had a Turks head beer) and a frequent guest of this resort (who was there with his family and comes several times a year), was making his own drink behind the bar! Talked with him for a while. IT was SURREAL! Even the owner's pet (a dog) just walked around the beach and the beds and in the bar! LOL! Beer was reasonable priced, but the food was expensive. We didn't eat there as we ate lunch on the ship and planned on having dinner later that night! This is a must see if you want peace and quiet. We were the first ones to arrive from the ship (you can tell because of our towels) and before we left, there may have been no more than 20 people on this beach!

 

Overall:

 

loved all the ports and would cruise to see these ports again! A must see!

 

I will post more on other matters of this cruise and the disembarkation at a later time!

[renata102]

:cool: some photos from Bermuda

[renata102]

Some photos of the Fort and the St. Thomas excursion!:eek:

[renata102]

here are some more photos. This is in Grand Turk of the Turks & Caicos Island! Look at the water and the empty beach!

 

The last picture is a picture of this great piece of stones. DH looked at the price and said wow $13,000 but it was so pretty. I tried it on and he took a pic of me wearing it. The sales person said, its not $13,000 you are mistaken. We were thinking wow maybe its lower (for the amount of diamonds and the stone on it I thought $13,000 was a steal). He says its

$130,000.00 :eek: :eek:

 

It had 18 karats of diamonds and a 19 karat stone in the middle (A light clear green that he said was rare to be that large)!!!! so here I am wearing it!

[kidder kid]

When you arrived back in Brooklyn, how was the disembarkation. Have heard lots of stories about the crowds of people and cars - those leaving the ship and those arriving for the next cruise all at the same time.

[renata102]

it was kinda crazy with the rain and all. That is how it is in Manhattan too. NYC is such a small area for that large of a ship (in regards to the traffic flow). My brother was on his way and picked us up very quickly when we arrived. I did not find a problem other that the crazy rain.

[renata102]

Moving toward the last of the cruise. We packed our bags the night before. We had GOLD 2 tags and we were to disembark shortly after we arrived. we called our brother once we started breakfast in the main dining room. It was raining badly outside, so we wanted to make sure he made it on time. After breakfast went to the waiting area and waited to hear our color be called. The line for our color was short and we were quickly WHISKED off the ship ~~~ SIGH ~~~~:o

 

And back on US SOIL! our waiter was escorting wheel chair passengers. We saw him and chatted with him for a few minutes. We waited outside for about 20 minutes and my brother showed up.

 

ALOT OF PEOPLE were very angry at their car services. Some were screaming and yelling into their phones because their service did not pick them up.

 

CONCLUSION:

FINALLY, loved the cruise and would do it again!

 

If you have any questions, ask away!

[frofro]

.......

 

 

 

Grand Turk:

 

I decided to go out on my own. I did a ton of research and decided that I wanted to got to the BOHIO DIVE RESORT, way past Governer's beach. I wanted a quiet beach away from it all! And that is what I got! Cost $7 pp for taxi ride. The beach entrance is free, but to "rent" a sun chair its $10 pp. Well worth it for me! DH read a book in peace, I sunned! The beach was clean and clear! It is a well known dive resort. Met the dive instructor from Germany who I spoke with at the bar (while I had a Turks head beer) and a frequent guest of this resort (who was there with his family and comes several times a year), was making his own drink behind the bar! Talked with him for a while. IT was SURREAL! Even the owner's pet (a dog) just walked around the beach and the beds and in the bar! LOL! Beer was reasonable priced, but the food was expensive. We didn't eat there as we ate lunch on the ship and planned on having dinner later that night! This is a must see if you want peace and quiet. We were the first ones to arrive from the ship (you can tell because of our towels) and before we left, there may have been no more than 20 people on this beach!

 

Overall:

 

loved all the ports and would cruise to see these ports again! A must see!

 

I will post more on other matters of this cruise and the disembarkation at a later time!

 

I was on the same sailing as you and I also went to BOHIO DIVE RESORT, I LOVED it!!! I recommend this beach highly!:)

[renata102]

there weren't that many people there AND I LOVED IT! were you on the roll call for this cruise? We were on the lounge chairs. DH was reading a book and I was sunning most of the time!

 

LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!

 

Would do it again!

[billet]

ALOT OF PEOPLE were very angry at their car services. Some were screaming and yelling into their phones because their service did not pick them up.

 

 

It always amazes me how so many people suddenly forget their 9 days of happiness and immediately go back to their manic ways. It seems such a shame to take a vacation and then get upset the moment you get ashore at the end.

 

I am so glad to hear people saying they enjoyed more than Margueritaville in Grand Turk. There are some beautiful spots to relax in away from the dock area, as well as taking a tour of the tiny island and having the taxi drive explain their current economic challenges and how they are coping.

[Crusin Karen]

Great review! Thanks for the share and glad you had a good cruise. We are only going on our 2nd Princess cruise in October :D but I am interested in Chops. Would you suggest I make reservations as soon as we board? We don't usually book the specialty restaurants because we feel the food is good enough in the dining room anyway, but this sounds really good. Can you request a specific table? Thanks for any info!

[nicschick]

Chops is on the Royal Caribbean Ships and the Crown Grill is on the Crown Princess, both serve steaks. On our first cruise, which was with RCCL, we ate at chops and it was definitely worth it. I would assume the Crown Grill is just as good or better.

I was getting a little confused myself. ;)

[frofro]

there weren't that many people there AND I LOVED IT! were you on the roll call for this cruise? We were on the lounge chairs. DH was reading a book and I was sunning most of the time!

 

LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!

 

Would do it again!

 

I was sitting on the beach in front of your husband, (or so i think it was him, lounge chair reading in the shade), I was with my 2 sons, one is 23yrs old, the other 10, and my mom....i was on the roll call, never made the meeting coz my mom and little son were sick that 1st morning....,

 

Triple LOVED it too :D

[renata102]

Sorry about the confusion! It is CROWN GRILL not CHOPS! as you can tell, I am more of a RCCL cruiser and got confused! SORRY!:o

 

Well Crown Grill was soooo worth it and would do it again! I made reservations but the first night you almost have the place to yourself! A side note: I never ever ever used a speciatly restaurant EVER on a cruise ship! I always said, why use one if i have perfectly good food anyway! CROWN GRILL sure proved me wrong!

[renata102]

It always amazes me how so many people suddenly forget their 9 days of happiness and immediately go back to their manic ways. It seems such a shame to take a vacation and then get upset the moment you get ashore at the end.

 

I am so glad to hear people saying they enjoyed more than Margueritaville in Grand Turk. There are some beautiful spots to relax in away from the dock area, as well as taking a tour of the tiny island and having the taxi drive explain their current economic challenges and how they are coping.

 

 

 

I mean it is okay to be upset, but people were screaming, yelling cursing on the phone. It was horrible! It was so ironic to have a nice relaxing cruise only to screw it up at the end !

 

Although Margarittaville looked fun, i wanted to bypass that because 3000+ people might be going there and it was crowded. BOHIO was great. I heard Governers beach was nice too!