Review of the Crown Princess 7/23-8/2 Long! Sorry!

[nycglitter]

Everytime I read a review whether it's on the Princess board or other boards, and food is mentioned I have a tendency to cringe because food is so very subjective!

 

The OP mentioned that she preferred NCL's food over Princess and I had a hard time swallowing NCL food.....Carnival was better than NCL in my opinion.

 

Just want to let new Princess cruisers know do not be itimidated by food reviews, including mine!! Everyone's tastes are so varied....so not to fear, you won't starve on any cruise line:)

 

You are so right about food being subjective. My husband and I are major foodies and eat in NYC regularly and try all the new restaurants. We have certainly enjoyed many of them, but a few that were "critically" acclaimed did not measure up for us. That is how food is. When I said NCL's food was better, I didn't say we loved it, it was more of a comparison. Cruise line food IMHO is not great, it is produced for the masses and that's OK, because that's what they have to do. If I was looking for a gourmet experience on a ship, I would certainly travel on a much smaller and more intimate vessel. It is what it is and I never go in with expectations. I certainly never went hungry!!!

[cruzccl]

Thanks for your review. I am sailing Princess for the first time after many years with Carnival. I am eager to see the differences in all areas. I tend to believe it will be more laid back than Carnival, but that can also be a nice change. You don't know until you try.

[nycglitter]

I was on this cruise also and I don't know what some people expect in the food area. We've been on over 15 cruises on a number of cruise lines and the food on this cruise was as good or better than most. Just another example of the subjectiveness of food reviews. We were seldom disappointed and for portions: there was too much food over the course of the nine days, eating only at scheduled times in the dining room. The only better food "in our opinion", might have been on the QM2.

As for debarkation, it was pretty normal as compared to our other cruises whether in the US, Europe, or anywhere else. When you have over 3000 people getting off, some have to wait.

 

Absolutely you have to wait and that was not a problem for my family. I just think that it could be better organized once you leave the ship. The parking lot is poorly designed, much like the buffet. What can you do? It is just part of a review so people know what to expect. I am sure that everyone processes experiences differently and that's what makes the world such a great place! This is just my OPINION and certainly not set in stone for everyone else.

[nycglitter]

Thanks for your review. I am sailing Princess for the first time after many years with Carnival. I am eager to see the differences in all areas. I tend to believe it will be more laid back than Carnival, but that can also be a nice change. You don't know until you try.

 

 

cruzccl, you will have a great time! Please understand that the information I provided was simply how things were for my family. We had a ton of fun and would sail on the Crown again without hesitation. I know I appreciated what other's sailing before me had to say and I went in with an open mind, but feeling prepared. It was great to read everything on CC and it definitely enhanced my experience! Have a great trip!

[RocksNoSalt]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write the review. We leave on the Crown on the 28th of August.

Did you happen to use the "Sanctuary"? Just wondering your thoughts...

Is it worth it? Crowded? etc...

What was the best cocktail of the cruise?

[nycglitter]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write the review. We leave on the Crown on the 28th of August.

Did you happen to use the "Sanctuary"? Just wondering your thoughts...

Is it worth it? Crowded? etc...

What was the best cocktail of the cruise?

 

We did not use the Sanctuary, because I needed to be accessible to my children, but if I had not sailed with them, I would have definitely paid gthe $10. I was beautiful and not crowded anytime I walked by. Everyone looked so relaxed and they were being waited on hand and foot!

 

As for the best cocktail of the cruise, it depends on what you like. Someone recommended the Beverly Hills Iced Tea and it tasted great, but man did it pack a punch! It is solid alcohol (I guess a good value for the $6.50)!

 

I loved trying the different martini's and found the Passion Martini to be very tasty, but then again, I have never met a martini that I didn't like!

 

Enjoy your cruise. I am sure missing mine!!!

[arizonaperson]

This is for nycglitter- What is a cruise to nowhere? I see you have 2 planned this year. Just curious. Thanks.:)

[nycglitter]

This is for nycglitter- What is a cruise to nowhere? I see you have 2 planned this year. Just curious. Thanks.:)

 

We stumbled across the cruise to nowhere when we were planning our cruise on the Crown Princess. Basically you get on the ship in New York in time for lunch, then it is dinner and dancing and then breakfast the next morning. The entire ship is open and available to enjoy. Casino, stores, lounges, etc.

 

I have never done one, but have read postings from several CC members who said it is a ton of fun. It is actually cheaper then staying overnight in NYC and includes meals and entertainment. The best part is that Norwegian considers these as full cruises and goes towards your status.

 

We figured that we would give it a shot!

[Eurobistro]

I did this cruise last year and I have to tell you that the best excursion of our entire cruise was on the zodiac boats in Grand Turk. They pick you up at the port and transport you by bus to the beach. Where they instruct you on the boat (two to a boat), you get clean snorkle equipment and a dry bag to hold your stuff. There are two stops, the first for some snorkeling and then onto the resort; for more snorkeling, volleyball, food or a few drinks. Then back to the beach although we asked our guide to go up by the Crown Princess for some pictures with the ship as our background. Oh, it is so big. Really this was a fantastic excursion. If you go you won't be disappointed. Ruth

[mrjcharles]

Another word on Tim. His "hounding" comment was in fun and his sense of humor was always pleasent. I saw him after the party a couple of times and he was always pleasent and sociable. As for Brett,he was always warm to my whole family.Again, my opinion but I fewel the need to compliment those individuals and there staff. They work hard to entertain us and enhance our cruise experience.

One thing we all agree upon is that the cruisecritic group was a great bunch of people. I enjoyed meeting you all, but wish more of you attended the parties especially the last one. Any negative thoughts you might of had of Tim and Brett would have been erased if you were there.i cant say enough about them.

 

Joe

[renata102]

Great review.

 

I came back the day you boarded, other than the heavy downpour, I thought disembarkation was as easy as getting on the ship.

 

Next time if you are ever at Grand Turk, avoid that whole Margaritaville and take a short taxi ride to Bohio Resort. LOVED it! Next to Bermuda it was a very favorite part of our trip! I think if I'm ever in St Thomas again, I would do that catamaran excursion!

 

You are so right about the lovely lounges being underused, it was weird actually.

 

i was on the ship getting off of it and you were getting on it in all the downpour. I always used the lounges and loved them. There were times that I saw some of them packed. But very far and few in between.

 

I also did the Bohio dive resort after much research and posted rave reviews about it. LOVED IT! welcome back to reality BTW!

[jakzak]

The only thing I would like to suggest to future CC's is to try to show up at the meet and greet. For months people talk to each other and look forward to putting the face to the words. The people we meet from CC were all great, unfortunatley, many others who were active posters never were able to make any of 3 set meetings.

 

Alan

[mrjcharles]

Alan, Well said. Next cruise, I will be more persistant on the boards to get attendance. Keep in touch.

 

Joe

[cyd6020]

I appreciate reading this post. Thanks for the information.... it's been over 10 years since I've been on a full sized cruise ship (Royal Carribean) and so I feel like it's a brand new experience all over again! :)

[jrw]

Thanks for your review. I am sailing Princess for the first time after many years with Carnival. I am eager to see the differences in all areas. I tend to believe it will be more laid back than Carnival, but that can also be a nice change. You don't know until you try.

 

Based on reviews and what I've heard from family & friends who have all sailed on both Carnival and Princess...Carnival is by far much more laid back. Carnival is known more for the young party crowd vs. catering to a more mature crowd. My parents (who have been on numerous cruises) found that Princess was in between Carnival and Celebrity (higher end).

 

I'll be anxious to read what you think once you return. :)

[geenafeena]

we plan on bringing soda in a smally carry on with wheels (Carrying it on) in addition to 5 or more bottles of wine in the carry on. from what i read, it should be fine. any problems?

[Julia & David]

Sorry to say that David and I missed the third cc get together. We actually did not see one morning show for the first time in our five Princess cruises. I wish we had, then we would have been a bit more aware of the get together. We enjoyed meeting those of you who made it to the first and second gathering. I also want to say that each and everyone of the children of fellow cc's that we met were great kids. David will always remember Zack and his barracuda and unfortunately his, the one that got away.

 

To anyone going on the Crown, go with an open mind. We all have different opinions, what one likes someone else may not. Remember, life can't be all that bad, after all you are on a beautiful cruise ship. Have fun and relax if you can find the time. We had a wonderful time, go and enjoy!!

[mrjcharles]

Sorry to say that David and I missed the third cc get together. We actually did not see one morning show for the first time in our five Princess cruises. I wish we had, then we would have been a bit more aware of the get together. We enjoyed meeting those of you who made it to the first and second gathering. I also want to say that each and everyone of the children of fellow cc's that we met were great kids. David will always remember Zack and his barracuda and unfortunately his, the one that got away.

 

To anyone going on the Crown, go with an open mind. We all have different opinions, what one likes someone else may not. Remember, life can't be all that bad, after all you are on a beautiful cruise ship. Have fun and relax if you can find the time. We had a wonderful time, go and enjoy!!

 

Sorry I didn't see you more. You are very nice folks and hopr to see you again. Dawn Spirit 9/1 one day cruise. You interested? some of us are going. Joe

[SandDragon]

We were on the same boat and had a great time. However, we were pretty disappointed in the food. This was only our second cruise after a small Costa trip and on reflection, the Costa dining room food was quite a bit better in terms of choices, interesting food and quality. Part of the problem may have been our expectation that everything would be bigger and better on the Crown Princess and mostly it was but not the food.

 

Again, not having a lot to compare to I thought Tim was OK, just. I thought the morning show was a waste of time and far from hilarious. It was basically the Patter live. I thought the much hyped London Pub Night was a tacky, corny waste of time. We got there v.early (by 2nd last night you start to learn) and had the joy of witnessing a literal tug-of-war between two patrons over a chair which nearly ended in blows and then, the height of rudeness, late comers quite deliberately standing in front of those of us with seats. The one blocking our view was a CCer too. Thought we here were all nicer than that, but apparently not.

 

In terms of the shows - a bit up and down but more up than down. Agree Sarj was great on first night (although a bit too edgy for a lot of patrons - we loved it) and agree his second performance was not quite as good. Probably also a victim of expectation. He was replaced in SJ by Andreas Fernandez who bombed, we thought. We only went to the Johnny Rocket show because we sat next to him in the Horizon Court on first night - but we had a great time. Juan Carlos was as good as others rave about. Other singing/dancing extravaganzas I could do without. Princess Theatre is too small for the ship size. Explorers is also too small for any decent performances. Mentalist was great, juggler was so-so.

 

Grand Turk - skip it. We avoided M-ville and went in to town and poked around the Museum which was very cute and then went back for a swim at the beach near the pier.

 

Loved SJ and St Thomas even more, although Sunny Liston tour was v.disappointing as we had to skip Sapphire Beach due to early departure and what was described as a trip to the mountain top didn't make clear that "Mountaintop" is a bar and big souvenir complex, albeit with a lovely view. Bermuda was beautiful but we didn't make the most of it and skipped Horshoe Beach which I regret - we just did the ferry to Hamilton, bus to St Georges and back again.

 

Found St Thomas jewellery very over priced and only bling shopping was done in SJ and on the ship (watches and mystic/Caribbean topazes).

 

We found getting off very easy which was thankful given the massive hangovers being nursed (vanilla vodkas in the casino - was still finding new bar receipts the following evening). Might also have been because we didn't know we had to be out of room at 9.00 and we just crashed there until called around 10, porter looked after our bags, we jumped out of the very long cab line and into the faster moving limo line and were out of there in no time.

 

Even though we put down a deposit on a future cruise we probably won't be cruising with Princess in the near future - would try a smaller ship on a different line just for variety. I never lost the sense that there 3400 other pax on this ship - crowded everywhere; on deck, restaurants, bars, casino.

[jakzak]

I hope it wasn't me blocking your view. If it was I apologize.

 

Hope the family is doing well and everyone is starting to adjust getting back to the real life.

 

Alan

[Julia & David]

Joe, We enjoyed meeting you, however, a one day cruise would be a bit much to travel to from Nova Scotia. If we lived closer, would love to go.

 

Chris, I was on the Sunny Liston tour with the four of you and my feelings echo yours. I was also just a little panicked at the possibility of being late for the ship. I enjoyed our conversation. You're a great bunch. We also had people come and stand in front of us at the London Pub Night, so annoying, we were unable to get seats and had arrived a half hour before it started. Hope all is well now that your nasty mess is cleaned up and the new refrigerator has arrived. Take care.

[nycglitter]

We were on the same boat and had a great time. However, we were pretty disappointed in the food. This was only our second cruise after a small Costa trip and on reflection, the Costa dining room food was quite a bit better in terms of choices, interesting food and quality. Part of the problem may have been our expectation that everything would be bigger and better on the Crown Princess and mostly it was but not the food.

 

Again, not having a lot to compare to I thought Tim was OK, just. I thought the morning show was a waste of time and far from hilarious. It was basically the Patter live. I thought the much hyped London Pub Night was a tacky, corny waste of time. We got there v.early (by 2nd last night you start to learn) and had the joy of witnessing a literal tug-of-war between two patrons over a chair which nearly ended in blows and then, the height of rudeness, late comers quite deliberately standing in front of those of us with seats. The one blocking our view was a CCer too. Thought we here were all nicer than that, but apparently not.

 

In terms of the shows - a bit up and down but more up than down. Agree Sarj was great on first night (although a bit too edgy for a lot of patrons - we loved it) and agree his second performance was not quite as good. Probably also a victim of expectation. He was replaced in SJ by Andreas Fernandez who bombed, we thought. We only went to the Johnny Rocket show because we sat next to him in the Horizon Court on first night - but we had a great time. Juan Carlos was as good as others rave about. Other singing/dancing extravaganzas I could do without. Princess Theatre is too small for the ship size. Explorers is also too small for any decent performances. Mentalist was great, juggler was so-so.

 

Grand Turk - skip it. We avoided M-ville and went in to town and poked around the Museum which was very cute and then went back for a swim at the beach near the pier.

 

Loved SJ and St Thomas even more, although Sunny Liston tour was v.disappointing as we had to skip Sapphire Beach due to early departure and what was described as a trip to the mountain top didn't make clear that "Mountaintop" is a bar and big souvenir complex, albeit with a lovely view. Bermuda was beautiful but we didn't make the most of it and skipped Horshoe Beach which I regret - we just did the ferry to Hamilton, bus to St Georges and back again.

 

Found St Thomas jewellery very over priced and only bling shopping was done in SJ and on the ship (watches and mystic/Caribbean topazes).

 

We found getting off very easy which was thankful given the massive hangovers being nursed (vanilla vodkas in the casino - was still finding new bar receipts the following evening). Might also have been because we didn't know we had to be out of room at 9.00 and we just crashed there until called around 10, porter looked after our bags, we jumped out of the very long cab line and into the faster moving limo line and were out of there in no time.

 

Even though we put down a deposit on a future cruise we probably won't be cruising with Princess in the near future - would try a smaller ship on a different line just for variety. I never lost the sense that there 3400 other pax on this ship - crowded everywhere; on deck, restaurants, bars, casino.

Well said! Vanilla Vodka is killer. I feel your pain!

 

I hope it wasn't me blocking your view. If it was I apologize.

 

Hope the family is doing well and everyone is starting to adjust getting back to the real life.

 

Alan

Down in front!!!!

 

Joe, We enjoyed meeting you, however, a one day cruise would be a bit much to travel to from Nova Scotia. If we lived closer, would love to go.

 

Chris, I was on the Sunny Liston tour with the four of you and my feelings echo yours. I was also just a little panicked at the possibility of being late for the ship. I enjoyed our conversation. You're a great bunch. We also had people come and stand in front of us at the London Pub Night, so annoying, we were unable to get seats and had arrived a half hour before it started. Hope all is well now that your nasty mess is cleaned up and the new refrigerator has arrived. Take care.

Julia, now that I know exactly where Nova Scotia is, I can totally understand why you won't be joining us, though you and David will be missed! Still searching for the glitter! I will prevail!

[Julia & David]

Julia, now that I know exactly where Nova Scotia is, I can totally understand why you won't be joining us, though you and David will be missed! Still searching for the glitter! I will prevail!

 

Let me know if you can't find it and I will see if I can. Don't mind at all.

[jrw]

Julia -- I see you are from Nova Scotia. Would you mind answering a quick Q? We will be in Halifax, our first port, on Oct 8. Just realized today that it will be Thanksgiving in Canada! Do you know if this is going to impact our visit? UGH! I am hoping that everything won't be shut down for the holiday...but thinking that will be the case.

 

Thanks in advance for any info...

-- Renée

[SandDragon]

I hope it wasn't me blocking your view. If it was I apologize.

 

Wasn't you Alan!

 

Family settling in slowly to real world - youngest son claimed to be badly affected by jet lag but suspect it may have been a convenient excuse to sleep 22 hours a day and never get dressed or leave the house. Finally got him out last night to go see Simpsons movie - now there's 75 minutes of my life I'm not getting back.

 

Me, I'm back at work and planning next summer's holiday. Probably not a cruise.

 

Julia, it was nice meeting you too and yes that trip back to the boat did get a little tense in the traffic jam. But we found that was quickly soothed once back on board with beer / champagne in hand watching us sail out of St Thomas from our balcony - which for me was the most beautiful moment on the cruise.