Crown Review (1-19 - l-26)

[christinelee]

Well Here Goes:

Embarkation: Getting from the airport to the terminal was quite an adventure as there was a festival going on in Old San Juan,.....streets were crowded with people and vehicles.... Once at the port (pier 4) it was walk in and walk on.... no waiting....arrival time 3:00 PM local time....nice place to buy a bottle or two or three or four to take to your room ....no hassles from Princess. (we even traveled with my DBIL who is handicapped ....no delays or problems)

 

On Board: (Before Sail away) Once dropping off our booty (liquor) in our room (Baja 420) we proceeded to the Outrigger Bar for our informal cruise critics Meet and Greet..... putting faces with names was the highlight of our get together..... by time we got back to the room our luggage had arrived and everything was put away before heading up to Cafe Caribe for the Sea Food Extravaganza ....a Must Do for anyone who loves sea food...... We then made reservations for the second night (on our cruise it was Caribbean Night in the main dining rooms) at Sabatini's (more on that later)..... Muster was at 8:00 PM and was only 15 minutes long,...... we then joined my DSIL and DBIL in the Botticelli Dining Room.....(yes, we ate again).....we got to meet our waiter July from Bulgaria and four Phoenixians that made the whole week one of the most enjoyable dining experiences we have ever had........Maryann, Rose, Don,

and Jack..... The Sail Away festivities started at 10:00 and by 11:00 PM when the beautiful Crown Princess started moving it was in full swing. A new day on board will follow with each passing day,,,,,,try to contain you questions to each posting....Thanks, Terry & Chris

[kates70]

Nice review so far... I hope you enjoyed your waiter July as much as we did. We actually had him as our waiter for two cruises on the Crown. A very genuine person, and great at his job!

[cpt_cruisenut]

Nice review! Thanks for taking the time.

 

We're on the Crown next week and can hardly wait.

 

Can you tell me who the Captain is as well as the C.D?

 

Thanks!

[christinelee]

Captain: Nicolo Binetti (Great)

CD: JJ Ullrich (American - Very Good)

[sadie8]

Christine, Love reading your review, can't wait for the rest!! We were on the cruise also. It was a great week. Did you ever hear why we went to Isla Margarita instead of Bonaire? We loved our head waiter (Slawek) and assistant (Joan), but they were so overworked, they did their best but they were serving four tables. Keep the review coming......

[christinelee]

Day 2: St. Thomas……….. We awoke to a truly remarkable site, we were docked at

Havensight Mall…...with the Queen Mary 2 at Crown Bay, we were able to finally get back to Havensight after years of nothing at Crown Bay…..on the negative side, with the Sumit (Celebrity) also in port, St. Thomas was really crowded…….. We did all of our shopping at Havensight, mostly in AH Rise, ……. Although we did not go to any of the beautiful beaches in St. Thomas or St, John, all reports from shipmates were glowing,….our favorite is and will always be Coki Beach…….. Back on the ship for lunch in the Da Vinci Dining Room (only one open for lunch)……..Up to the Adagio Bar for scatergories (we didn’t win) but met two wonderful gentelmen, one from Califonia and one from Barrington, Illinois that were a complete hoot (more on them later)…. With the weather starting to turn a little moist, we decided that it would be a great time to take a much deserved nap (DH’s idea)…… we chose this night, Caribbean Night in the main dining rooms to go to Sabatini’s Italian Restaurant for diner….we think it is well worth the extra $20 per person,,,,, the courses just keep flowing and the servers and atmosphere is superb on the Crown…...after diner we tried to walk most of the 10 or so extra pounds off.

[christinelee]

Day 3: St. Kitts ........what can you say about a day that rains and rains and rains.....we got off of the ship in the middle and got back on in the forward section........drenched!........most tours were canceled......enjoyed the International Cafe most of the day....if you are on the ship in the near future look for a wonderful young lady named Biljana from Macedonia and tell her Terry & Christine send their best wishes....Met up with our trivia partners again ... they are two men on a mission, both lost their wifes recently and where brother-in-laws.... Hope they world gives them their just rewards....It was Italian Night in the Dining room and all anyone wanted to talk about was the rotten weather ...Sarge is just as good as ever....a must see.

[texreno]

Love the daily updates format. Keep them coming.

[kates70]

Christinelee ... are you on a b2b? Are you currently on the ship right now?

 

If so, please say hello to your waiter July from Kathleen and Bill, from Toronto, Canada. Would you also mind telling him that we are coming back on the Crown next Jan ... and does he think he will be one the ship then.

[christinelee]

Day Four: Grenada....... Some people don't like the island of Grenada, but it is our favorite....It is standing the test of time (making it into a tourist trap with mega resorts, hotels and condos.....it is just pristine pure and wonderful......Hurricane Ivan the Terrible did quite a number on the island but they are slowly coming back .....there are still some schools and churches without roofs and they are fighting the Japanese almost day by day.....the Japanese want the tuna that are found off of Grenada and they have built a sports stadium,and a fish market for the people of Grenada, but don't you think if they really cared they would help with the schools and infrastructure of this beautiful island?.....we did a Mando tour...he is pretty political, but makes many good points and knows his island inside and out.......we held our CC meeting at Skywalker's in the afternoon......it was a real success with everyone getting certificates and we held a drawing for a bottle of Asti.....Everyone sure was in better spirits with the weather finally turning perfect....Tomorrow is Isla de Margarita and that is a whole different story.

[christinelee]

Day Four: Grenada....... Some people don't like the island of Grenada, but it is our favorite....It is standing the test of time (making it into a tourist trap with mega resorts, hotels and condos is not what the people of Grenada want).....it is just pristine pure and wonderful......Hurricane Ivan the Terrible did quite a number on the island but they are slowly coming back .....there are still some schools and churches without roofs and they are fighting the Japanese almost day by day.....the Japanese want the tuna that are found off of Grenada and they have built a sports stadium,and a fish market for the people of Grenada, but don't you think if they really cared they would help with the schools and infrastructure of this beautiful island?.....we did a Mando tour...he is pretty political, but makes many good points and knows his island inside and out.......we held our CC meeting at Skywalker's in the afternoon......it was a real success with everyone getting certificates and we held a drawing for a bottle of Asti.....Everyone sure was in better spirits with the weather finally turning perfect....Tomorrow is Isla de Margarita and that is a whole different story.

[many cruises]

Christinelee: Thanks for your review. We will be on the Crown on the March 22 cruise & we'd love to know if Sarge will be on the ship. With all of our Princess cruises, we have never seen Sarge entertain so we're hoping he will still be on then. If there's any way you can find out...we'd love to hear. Keep the reviews coming & have a wonderful cruise. ;)

[texreno]

Christinelee - You're up to day four but have not written about the first formal night.

[ellbon]

christine

my freind Gray seems to want his formal night. Not sure if for food or dress. I told him Sunday and thursday but he thought it was St Kitts. was it sunday and thursday. please help the blonde from April 26th.

Thanks, Rob

[christinelee]

Yes for everyone missing the formal night.....sorry.......St. Kitts was the formal night......Princess changes the formal nights to match the Itinerary.......seems if you don't have a sea day early on, they can't sell enough spa packages and they drop it back a day......really not many tuxes on this cruise more suits, but suits of many colors,,,,,I think the old time Princess cruisers are losing their battle for formal nights......really a shame ......we really enjoy the chance to do sometime different in our boring day to day existence .....I think it all left, right after 9/11.....so sad

 

CAPTAIN’S WELCOME DINNER

SMALL PLATES, SOUPS & SALADS

Smoked Barberie Duck Breast, Wild Greens, Cassis Vinaigrette

Grapefruit and Kiwi, Minted Raspberry Coulis

Blue Crab Claw Quiche, Dry Roasted Chili Salsa

Herbal Chicken Tea and Wonton Soup, Spring Onions

Asparagus Cream Soup with Salmon Quenelles, Scallions

Chilled Yogurt-Tamarind Soup, Lemon Zest

Panache of Butter Lettuce, Curly Endive, Radicchio and Arugula

Choice of Home-Made and Low-Fat Dressings

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, Piquant American Sauce

Classic Caesar Salad

 

PRINCESS SIGNATURE FAVORITES

Bow Tie Pasta with Veal Strips, Morel Mushroom and Petits Peas in Cream Sauce

Fettuccine Alfredo, The All-Time Favorite from Rome

 

LARGE PLATES, ENTREES & MAIN COURSES

Halibut with Green Swiss Chard

Haricots Verts and Potatoes, Tomato-Cumin Coulis

Shrimp Newburg, Pea Pods and Carrots

Saffron Rice Timbale

Hunter-Style Rock Cornish Game Hen

Mushroom and Potato Ragout

Two Beef Fillet Mignons

Madeira-Truffle Demi-Glace, Almond Croquettes, Wild Thyme Sprig

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Atlantic Silver Salmon Cutlet

Princess Compound Butter

Farm-Raised Chicken Breast

Herbed Natural Juice

Corn-Fed New York Cut Sirloin Steak

Red Wine Demi-Glace

Premium Beef Fillet Tournedos

Mustard and Sage Essence

 

VEGETARIAN MENU

Grapefruit and Kiwi, Minted Raspberry Coulis

Panache of Butter Lettuce, Curly Endive, Radicchio and Arugula

Bow Tie Pasta Tossed with Tomato Segments and Basil

Vegetable Fritters on Paprika Cream Sauce, Braised Lentils

Artisan Cheeses, Walnut Bread, Cluster of Grapes

Sweet & Nutritious, Eco-friendly Fruits, Changed Daily

[christinelee]

Day Five: Isla de Margarita ......This is where it gets ugly....we were bumped from Bonaire by which Princess called "operational".....we were told that they would be too many people in Bonaire and that we would have had to tender if we went there..... here is what one of our fellow Cruise Critic was able to uncover....

Hi Everyone,

 

We made it back safely, but our luggage was two days late in arriving.

 

It was a pleasure meeting all of you and we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and your company.

 

Regarding Bonaire, I am attaching several pictures of the Port of Bonaire on January 23rd, with the Summit at dock. You decide for yourself, after viewing the empty berth alongside the Summit if the port was congested as we were told by Captain Pinocchio.

 

Our friends on the Summit said that the locals were upset that the Crown was not there and were not aware of the reason.

 

Feel free to use the photos in any communication you may have with Princess over the missed port of Bonaire. We believe that they owe all of us a truthful explanation and a refund of the port charges that were added to our accounts for our visit to Taco Bell Island. To me, although the amount charged was small,was the ultimate insult by Princess.

 

We hope to sail with you all again someday.

Attached Thumbnails

 

 

 

 

There is really nothing on the island unless you have some kind of transportation to the city (approx. 1/2 hour away) and the taxis are the worst in the civilized world..... a small beach is close by (real close) to the port, so you could swim with the oil spills and who knows what else... and we were only there from 9-1, and then it cost everyone an additional $3.60 which they did collect from our ship board accounts.....not a very happy day.

[heartofamerica]

Day Five: You decide for yourself, after viewing the empty berth alongside the Summit if the port was congested as we were told by Captain Pinocchio.[/b]

 

Our friends on the Summit said that the locals were upset that the Crown was not there and were not aware of the reason.

 

I did a little checking and found in a newsletter that not all the locals were upset. Here's a portion of a letter to the editor - I have highlighted what might be a reason for the "congestion":

 

Dear Editor:

Who is the person at TCB that wants to stand up and take the credit for ruining commerce on Bonaire? The store shelves are bare, no milk, little fruit and a poor selection of meat. Why? Because we have two cruise ships at the dock leaving no room for our cargo carriers to off-load

Judging from that, it could be that a cargo ship was either there or coming.

[heartofamerica]

duplicate

[nicschick]

Hey Christine! I've enjoyed reliving our cruise with your review. I haven't had any time to do my own review. I've been trying to catch back up at work and home.

 

Christinelee: Thanks for your review. We will be on the Crown on the March 22 cruise & we'd love to know if Sarge will be on the ship. With all of our Princess cruises, we have never seen Sarge entertain so we're hoping he will still be on then. If there's any way you can find out...we'd love to hear. Keep the reviews coming & have a wonderful cruise. ;)

 

 

Many Cruises, we were on this sailing with Christine. Sarge said he was getting off the ship in Grenada, I don't know when or if he'll be back.

[christinelee]

Sorry for no report on Aruba yet .....will be posted today/

[azdmelani]

Sorry for no report on Aruba yet .....will be posted today/

 

hi Christine, dont you wish it were two weeks ago?! Thanks for the reviews!

[ScubaLu]

Now I recognize you from the cruise...........Too Funny!! Have enjoyed reading the review, can't wait to read the Aruba post, it was my favorite stop. Enjoyed meeting you and all the other CC's from our fun group.

Luanne

[christinelee]

Day Six: Aruba........ finally back on solid ground after the Bonaire disaster..... if it weren't for the cruise ships coming in the people of Bonaire would probably miss a few more meals......ok, enough for that, now on to beautiful island of Aruba.....to bad they received all of the bad press from the Hollaway case......it truly is a paradise built on a desert...... The people of Aruba can be proud of the way their island has grown and prospered over the years.......the people are warm and friendly and the whole port town is very clean........ if you never got to see the Natural Bridge it is truly a shame... it was destroyed after 1000's of years of enjoyment by a wave probably mush like the one that helped carve it......Do save some shopping for Aruba.....no pressure sales....clean beautiful buildings..... and I think just for us they had perfect weather.......we all needed a stop like Aruba after the rain, changing of ports, and a long week.....tonight was the second formal night........much to the sadness of old-time cruisers, the second formal night was even less formal......it seems like the "Carnivalization" of cruising has made more people fight the dress-up nights..... the Champagne Waterfall was even less of a formal affair with more and more people just looking for a "party" atmosphere then the once beautiful night that this occasion was at one time.

 

CAPTAIN’S GALA DINNER

SMALL PLATES, SOUPS & SALADS

Tian of Crab, Scallop and Shrimp, Duo of Caviar, Papaya Coulis

Vegetable Terrine with Herb Salad, Lemon Grass Vinaigrette

Asparagus with Tomato and Pancetta, Hollandaise Sauce

Chicken and Root Vegetable Petite Marmite

Zucchini and William Pear Soup, Poppy Seeds

Ice-Cold Stonefruit Smoothie Soup, Dried Apricots

Belgian Endive, Boston Lettuce and Tomato

Choice of Home-Made and Low-Fat Dressings

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, Piquant American Sauce

Classic Caesar Salad

 

PRINCESS SIGNATURE FAVORITES

Veal Ravioli in Creamy Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Veal Jus

Fettuccine Alfredo, The All-Time Favorite from Rome

 

LARGE PLATES, ENTREES & MAIN COURSES

Rockfish on Creamy Potato and Leek Vichyssoise

Truffle Oil

Lobster Tail and King Prawns, Tumeric-Fennel Emulsion

Wilted Romaine Lettuce, Whipped Potatoes

Royal Pheasant in Pan Juices

Caramelized Shallots, Sweet Garlic Confit, Basted Turned Potatoes

Beef Tenderloin Wellington

Truffle-Madeira Demi-Glace, Duchesse Potatoes

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Atlantic Silver Salmon Cutlet

Princess Compound Butter

Farm-Raised Chicken Breast

Herbed Natural Juice

Corn-Fed New York Cut Sirloin Steak

Red Wine Demi-Glace

Premium Beef Fillet Tournedos

Black Peppercorn Sauce

 

VEGETARIAN MENU

Vegetable Terrine with Herb Salad, Lemon Grass Vinaigrette

Zucchini and William Pear Soup, Poppy Seeds

Belgian Endive, Boston Lettuce and Tomato Salad

Rollatine with Roasted Pumpkin and Walnut Mascarpone, Thyme Cream Sauce

Artisan Cheeses, Walnut Bread, Cluster of Grapes

Sweet & Nutritious, Eco=friendly Fruits, Changed Daily

 

 

[christinelee]

double post

[christinelee]

Where is everybody?..................no ??????????