Early Caribbean Princess review 4/6-4/13/08

[ancldaca]

Ok fellow cruisecritic friends. Here's the early version of my 4/6-4/13 CB review. Heck, I haven't even posted it yet on the main review section and it will probably see a few changes but here it goes anyway.

 

 

Background: I am a 41 y.o. male with a European/South American upbringing and have been living in the U.S. for a total of 27 years. I see myself as a person of refined tastes but do not necessarily live everyday life that way. I consider myself as someone who knows (both by upbringing and then personal experience) what “is good” and what “is not so good”. As a consumer, I enjoy and seek out good value which does not mean cheap; there are times when a $50 entree represents better value than a $2.99 fast food meal.

 

My previous cruise resume reads: Renaissance Cruises (1x), Princess (3x), and Royal Caribbean (3x). Reviews on cruise critic are as follows: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas (AOS) on 07/07: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=30616. The Caribbean Princess Western Caribbean on 09/07: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=32829. The Crown Princess Southern Caribbean on 12/07: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=35864

 

This cruise was booked in response to a college buddy of mine, hereafter to be referred to as Mr. B., who enjoyed my previous reviews so much that he wanted to take his first cruise. In order to keep costs down, we decided to split the cost of a balcony cabin and all pre-cruise expenses.

My cruise reviews are written in diary style, often with several entries per day. I attempt to give as much detail as possible, when required, and try to separate fact from opinion.

 

Pre-cruise (Friday 4/4, Saturday 4/5 - Fort Lauderdale):

After a slightly shortened day at work, I arrived at the San Juan airport two hours ahead of time to check into my flight. Past experience has been that I have been able to get American Airlines’ instant (purchased) upgrade to business when I do this. Today, however, both the morning and the afternoon flights to Ft Lauderdale had been cancelled and all passengers were rebooked on our 7pm flight. So we flew completely full. I hate full flights. Sure enough, once seated, a whale of a woman squeezed into the window seat next to me. Never fails… Why don’t I ever get the latest Miss Petite to sit next to me?

 

Getting a car at FLL was again the best experience possible. The port authority’s shuttle bus took me over to the car rental center and the Hertz line moved quickly. My travel agent gave me a free membership at Hertz’ #1 Club recently and since this was the first time I would use it, I still had to check-in. Next time I can just go to the car.

 

My pre-cruise hotel was the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood which is just south of Fort Lauderdale proper. I have a friend in Ft Lauderdale that works in the chain and she was able to secure a very low rate for us there.

 

The resort consists of a couple of towers of rooms on the beach, a convention center, and an additional parking and plaza (Diplomat Landing) across the street. The outside is very modern with copious use of green tinted glass and white concrete. It sort of looked like a Royal Caribbean ship standing on its stern actually… The lobby is about 5 stories tall with at least 4 indoor water fountains (highlighted at night by candles) and many modern works of art about everywhere.

 

Although very tired, Mr. B. and I ended up staying until about 2:30am in the Diplomat Landing area going to (and closing) one bar after the other. Hadn’t done that since, well, quite a while back. I was surprised that these places closed down so early. Nikki Marina’s, for example, had its last call at 1:30am. Quite a change from what I would expect in PR on a Friday night…

 

Saturday early afternoon was spent in the Aventura Mall with a nice lunch at the Grand Lux Café, a more upscale product from the Cheesecake Factory. The food was interesting, tasty, and reasonably priced.

 

For Saturday evening we were joined by my friend who had gotten us the special rate at the Diplomat. We had dinner at Nikki Marina’s. The food was ok, but nothing to write home about (yet, oddly enough, I am writing it here in this report). For the three of us, the bill was $275 and truly not worth it. It isn’t that the food was horrid, but it just didn’t merit the price tag. Next time, for that money, I’d rather try the Hollywood Prime Steakhouse which is located in the hotel’s lobby. After dinner we had a few more drinks at the outdoor bars. After my friend left, Mr. B. and I closed the bars once more.

 

Sunday April 6th

Fort Lauderdale

6pm

After being locked out of the room (the battery had died in the electronic lock) we left the resort at around 11:45am.

 

First we filled the gas tank (not that we had driven so much) and stopped by a supermarket where Mr. B. got some last minute supplies and we also purchased 3 wines and a port wine to take on-board. Fortunately, Princess still allows the taking onboard of wines. Lunch was at the Panera Bread, a new restaurant for me.

 

At around 1:15pm we dropped off the rental at Hertz. The Port Authority’s shuttle bus left the car rental facilities at around 1:40pm and we arrived at the Caribbean Princess at around 1:50pm. Few people know this, but on the weekends, the free shuttle bus service that is normally just found within the airport, also includes rides to/from the cruise ship areas - but only for those returning cars.

 

Check-in was again a breeze at that time with no waiting whatsoever. By 2:05pm we were on the gangplank and in the cabin by 2:25pm, after having booked my sailing at Princess Cays and buying my soda sticker. Our luggage arrived at 4:05pm, 10 minutes before our muster drill (our station was Sabatini’s - one can think of worse places to muster in case of the ship going down…).

 

We are booked into Caribe 616 which is on the port side of the ship (that would be the one with the red highlights in the carpeting). Our original booking was for a BF GTD and we ended up with this BA cabin on the Caribe deck. It was a wonderful upgrade considering the extra large balcony one gets in the bargain. As you enter the cabin the closet/bathroom area are on your right. Beyond that are the beds, desk, and fridge/TV areas. Further out is the doubly sized balcony (which overlooks the mini-suites’ balconies below). The decoration overall is beigish accented by warm-colored faux wood and brass fixtures. There’s also an impressionistic painting on one wall.

 

Of course, I ordered tea service to get the large water carafe which has been already appropriated for the trip. I have brought along a large selection of teas (some 60 in all): Mighty Leaf Darjeeling, Twinings English Breakfast, Twinings China Oolong, and also a variety of decaf/herbals for the evening (Earl Grey, Green, Mint, and Chomomile).

 

11:30pm

Before dinner, we enjoyed the deluxe canapés my travel agent sent to us as a bon-voyage present with a glass of wine. Thank you Nina!!! They were excellent.

 

We arrived at the Island Dining room promptly at 8:15pm. Our table was set for 6 (ironically right next to the one I had sat at during my Western Caribbean cruise) and Mr. B. and I were joined by Ken and Jane from New Jersey. The other seats remained empty. I wonder if it will be a repeat of September where a large contingent of Brits had arrived late and “took the first night off” because of jet lag. We’ll see tomorrow night.

 

For appetizer I had the seafood terrine (realizing that I‘ve now had it 3 times in a row on my last 3 Princess cruises) and then the watercress & radish salad. I had asked for Princess’ famous Alfredo as the pasta course but it arrived late with the Luau pork. The pork was tasty and moist; a very nice and successful dish in my opinion. As dessert, I had the flourless chocolate tart with berries.

 

After dinner I accompanied Mr. B. in a mini-exploration of the ship, taking advantage of our passage through the casino to pick up $60 in winnings. I kept being dealt 12’s, over and over again. On the other hand, I also kept getting lots of 21’s which I found ironic since it’s the reverse of 12.

 

A quick purchase of a glass of port at Churchills has now yielded a nice port glass for my ever growing contraband kitchen in my cabin (port glass from the bar, mug from the Horizon, water carafe + sugar container from room service).

 

Monday April 7th

At sea

11am

For today’s day at sea, the musical accompaniment is Richard Wagner’s Die Feen (The Fairies), his first completed opera. While Wagner is much better known for his later monumental masterpieces (the Ring cycle, Tristan, etc), it is an interesting bit of music of the Master’s early works and thus rarely recorded. In this case, I have a recording from the Orfeo label (C062833F) with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks conducted by Wolfgang Sawallisch; this was recorded live at the Munich Opera Festival of 1983.

 

At 10am I had breakfast on the balcony after getting hot water at the buffet as well as a plate that had some mushroom ragout, a tomato & onion omelet, and a piece of Deer sausage (which was nicely piquant). Of course, I had to have some smoked salmon - what kind of a cruise would I be on if I couldn’t have this wonderful food item!!! Smoked salmon equals “vacations” for me.

 

3pm

Jadeah, our Cabin Attendant “kicked” me out of the cabin at around noon time. Well, I had spoken to her before and told her that I tend to enjoy the cabin a lot so to just let me know when she needed to go in. So I went to the casino to play penny slots; after all, how much could one possibly loose playing pennies… Well, I’m up another $60, meaning +$120 for the cruise. Not bad.

 

At 1pm I went to Skywalkers for the www.cruisecritic.com meeting. I was very surprised to see that advertised in the Princess Patter. Normally, on Princess, these are self-organized affairs and I don’t recall talking about one in our roll call. That might have explained the total attendance: 2. In any case, Evangeline and I had a nice conversation for a while.

 

A bit after 2pm I hit the buffet for some stir fried vegetables, a bit of veal in a mustard sauce, some rice, and a bit of the Madras chicken curry. All tasted good.

 

11:40pm

Spent part of the afternoon listening to the 2nd. act of Die Feen and reading Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential. I’m only a third way through but if you like his TV show on the Travel Channel, you will like this book.

 

After preparing my own afternoon tea again on the balcony I actually fell asleep!!! Siesta time - yippee! I woke up in a fright at around 7:30pm and hurriedly dressed for dinner which was our first formal night.

 

The Island dining room was much fuller tonight which was great to see. I had the crab leg quiche as appetizer, followed by the salad, then the Cornish hen (good taste but a bit dry), and then the sugarless dessert pie. I followed this up with a cappuccino, using up the coffee card my mother had bought on our December cruise on the Crown Princess; thanks to advise I read on cruise critic, I knew these cards are still valid later if you have unpunched holes left. Fortunately, the waiter failed to punch tonight… Guess I have at least 4 specialty coffee left for this cruise.

 

Once back in the cabin, I made myself a bit of tea and just sat on the balcony in the dark listening a bit to a CD of Rossini overtures. I was thinking that if Rossini were still alive today, he would very much enjoy cruising. Come to think of it, he would have been a Princess kind of cruiser. Mozart would probably enjoy Carnival and I see Beethoven cruising on Holland America. So where would Wagner, my favorite composer, fit in? I honestly don’t know...

 

Mr. B. went to Skywalkers after dinner. I think I’ll take advantage of this time to continue reading Kitchen Confidential.

 

Tuesday April 8th

At sea

11:34am

Woke up fairly early as Mr. B. was snoring away. So I left the cabin at around 8:30am with two tea bags in hand. Breakfast was the same as yesterday and I had no problem finding a spot to sit at the Horizon. However, by 9am, many more people started coming and I imagine that it must have been more difficult for them to find a table quickly.

 

Since I didn’t want to wake up Mr. B., and only having my room key with me, I decided to test lady luck a bit again at the already open casino. Seems that she was still asleep and I lost about half of what I had won yesterday. Losing money that wasn’t yours in the first place isn’t losing; at least I tell myself so.

 

I also stopped by the on-board cruise consultant to stock up on Future Cruise Credits but there were too many people there so I came back here instead. Mr. B. was nowhere to be seen. Hope he’s having fun.

 

3:30pm

At around 12:30pm, Mr. B. and I went to the solo cruiser get-together. A member of Princess’ staff was there with a bottle of sparkling wine and a few people showed up.

 

Afterwards, we had lunch at the Horizon. I found some herring in cream sauce (a favorite of mine since childhood), a bit of salad, a little bit of rice and the coq au vin (which was quite tasty). I just couldn’t resist and also had a fruit tart and éclair for dessert…

 

After a quick pit stop in the cabin, I headed again to the future cruise consultant and this time was second in line. I purchased 3 additional ones. I asked about how the policy of deposits would change vis-à-vis FCC’s and the new 30% deposit rule, but the cruise consultant didn’t know anything about that. I suppose that means that we will continue to be able to book with FCC’s instead of the 30%.

 

10:46pm

The tour desk called at 5:50pm to inform that our 1:30pm America’s Cup tour in St. Maarten was cancelled. We had to choose a new time between the 8:30am and 11:45am slots. So it was either waking up early or missing out on lunch in Marigot. Mr. B. and I decided on waking up early.

At dinner (Caribbean Night) we finally had our six-top full. The other couple is from Rochester, NY and are retired Kodak employees.

Service was way off tonight. Our dishes came out considerably late and Mr. B.’s pasta dish was completely forgotten; he ended up having it for dessert actually.

 

That said, the food itself was delicious and I fail to understand the snobbish comments from most on the Princess boards/reviews about the Caribbean Dinner. Must be a bunch of people whose palates consider a Big Mac haute cuisine…

 

For starters, Mr. B. and I both had the eggplant and chicken liver empanadillas (turnovers). These were actually baked not deep fried (which is how I eat them in Puerto Rico and also at home). Now I dislike, no let me say the truth - hate, eggplant, but these appetizers were terrific. They were so tasty, that we ordered an additional plate which we split. We both found that they tasted even better with a good dash of Tabasco (its normally horrid vinegar actually helping in this dish).

 

I then had the mixed green salad (must keep the appearances of eating healthy) and then had a great surprise: the Fish and Shellfish Pot au Feu in Saffron Nage served with crostini. What a delightful and successful dish. It consisted of a variety of seafood (crawfish, crab leg, shrimps, different types of mussels, and several scallops) mixed in the saffron hued sauce with a few aromatics (onion, julienne carrots, etc.). No single item’s taste overpowered the others. Beautiful dish!!! On the other hand, being half way through this cruise and just having finished Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, I had to smile as I was eating a sauce covered seafood dish a few days after our last provisioning…

 

I honestly don’t understand why they call it Caribbean Night. The food presented would be completely alien to any of the islands or countries that border the Caribbean Sea. Sure, at times, some dishes hinted culinary to this area but that was about it.

 

Why not try some real Caribbean food? How about a good Cuban pernil with arroz congri? Perhaps a Dominican mangu or Puerto Rican sea food stuffed mofongo? Isn’t a Jamaican jerk chicken/pork caribbean enough? In December I ate foungee with salt fish in Antigua. Conch fritters from the Caymans or the wonderful Indian inspired dishes from the Southern Caribbean Islands anyone? I don’t get it… Such wonderful food.

 

Well, time for some late night tea before turning in. Must get up too early tomorrow.

 

Wednesday April 9th

Phillipsburgh, Sint Maarten

4:30pm

Morning came earlier than expected at around 5:30am. Mr. B.’s Snore Symphony in D Minor was in full bloom this morning. I woke up to the stacatto of the jackhammer snore Movement which led to the “Darth Vader” wheeze Interlude; the crescendo was reached a bit later with a terrifying Presto ma non Troppo Finale. However, in Mr. B.’s defense, it appears that I am also guilty of some nightly snore fireworks with the occasional talking in my sleep. Fortunately, I appear to just babble incomprehensible words, pretty much like this review.

 

Since I was already awake, I stole out the cabin at around 6am taking a trip to the Horizon for an early (light) breakfast. Being up so early, allowed for seeing us pull into Phillipsburgh at 7am. The Carnival Freedom docked ahead of us and as we pulled in, one could see the same sleepy faces peering from their cabins/balconies as I’m sure our passengers were presenting to them.

 

At around 7:10, I returned to the cabin and room service breakfast arrived on time as usual. We set it up on the balcony which thankfully wasn’t on the sunny side this morning; we were docked on our port side.

 

At 8:25am we arrived dockside to meet up with the rest of the America’s Cup tour participants. There were 44 cruise passengers and we were escorted to the dock from where the water taxi to Phillipsburgh normally leaves. Once there, we were divided into 3 teams in some kind of idiotic fashion which still mystifies me. Allow me to explain why it’s idiotic: on our team, I was the ONLY person with some sailing experience and I can assure you that my sailing resume is thinner than Hillary’s fan mail from the National Right to Life Movement. This ticked me off a bit as I had been 2-0 so far.

 

Nevertheless, the tour was still a full success for me. How often can a mere mortal even touch, let alone step on and “sail”, an America’s Cup 12 Metre yacht with an original cost of some $20 million? We were doomed to loose from the start in our rookie crewed boat but I was still grinning ear to ear even on the boat ride back to their docks. This is, by far, the best excursion in the Caribbean and as they themselves joke around “sure beats looking at butterflies”!!!

 

Once we returned to the Caribbean Princess we took a taxi to Marigot for lunch at La Main a la Pate at the Marina Port La Royale. This was the same restaurant I had eaten at during my July cruise on the Adventure of the Seas. Again, the food was terrific: I had the Salad Nicoise and then the duck ravioli with a mushroom sauce. Mr. B. had the Onion Soup and a Pork roast with mustard sauce and potatoes au gratin. All dishes were quite good; in fact, far better than the “food” we received at Nicki Marina back in Fort Lauderdale for about the same price.

 

Our next stop will come as a surprise to most of my readers. Last July, I made a stupid mistake when I purchased some things at the Hermes store in Marigot. This time, I purposely went there bent on expanding my Hermes tie collection from one to two… This monumental task was achieved successfully. The hemorrhage of devalued US dollars in Euroland was then followed by a purchase of an eau de toilette of a brand - apparently - not available in the U.S.

 

After a tea and a strawberry tart at a small patisserie we returned to our ship, not without first pumping yet more into the local economy with purchases at the port’s duty free stores.

 

10:20pm

Dinner tonight was at the Café Caribe for their Wednesday night Oktoberfest spread. This is something I had done also on my last two Princess cruises and it again didn’t disappoint. It seems that every time there is at least one different dish. Tonight, the difference maker was a whole oven roasted suckling pig. Somehow, I think that would have been more fitting last night for Caribbean night!!! He he.

 

Overstuffed with Brats, Krauts, Goulash and Spaetzle the rest of the evening was spent hyperventilating in the cabin. Well, I did just take a quick run to the provisions store but they don’t carry ear plugs anymore. Maybe I’ll sleep on the balcony tonight. I really need to get some rest in.

 

Thursday April 10th

Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, USVI

3:34pm

I’ve really enjoyed my “day at sea in port”. I woke up awfully early again but took advantage by listening to Beethoven’s 3rd and watching our arrival into Crown Bay.

 

I meandered back to the cabin around 7am intending on doing US immigration early. Instead, I fell into bed a bit and rested until about 8am at which time the process took exactly 3 minutes. So maybe going later isn’t such a bad idea if everyone is so eager to go early.

 

Following immigration, I bummed around the cabin until about noon (taking advantage of being in US territory to also clear out most of my work email through my blackberry) when I set out for some shopping at the stores here and then had lunch at Tickles, the restaurant of the private marina across the street from the cruise dock. The house salad, a beef stroganoff, and a coffee were $20.00 pre-tip. Right next to the restaurant is a Mailboxes, etc. where I was able to log into my personal internet email; here, they are also able to stamp your postcards with their stamp machine.

 

I got back a little while ago and snuck some pastries from the Horizon for some afternoon tea on the balcony. Glad I did that now because the afternoon sun is starting to creep in.

 

11:30pm

Before dinner I attended something very nice - and new to me anyway - here on Princess. At 7:30pm, in the Explorer’s Lounge they organized a small classical music concert by some of the resident musicians. There was a piano player, a violinist, and a flutist. They played mostly short pieces in duos and a few solos. It was a magnificent little show and I was surprised how many people attended seriously paying attention.

 

Of course, as the hour wore on, the 8:30pm Bert Stratton crowd began to show up and, well, trash obviously doesn’t understand the finer things in life. It was quite embarrassing to hear these “people” talking loudly, going on with their insignificant little lives without an ounce of respect for the musicians - let alone the music - or their fellow passengers. I suppose they are of the same breed as their evil in-bred cousins, the pool side chair-hogs…

 

I will make it a point to congratulate Princess on this little oasis of sanity they presented on my debarkation comment card. We need more of this.

Tonight’s dinner was Chef’s night. I had the double baked cheese quiche, the salad with shallot dressing, the sorbet, and then the rack of lamb. Dessert was the sugar free chocolate cake, the weakest of all of tonight’s dishes.

 

After dinner, Mr. B. and I walked around a bit, finally settling in the Wheelhouse Bar for a little jazz over an after dinner drink. He went on to Club Fusion and I got my hot water for my evening tees.

 

Tomorrow is our last day at sea. On tap is Puccini’s La Boheme with the Berlin Philarmonic conducted by Karajan (London 421 049-2 (LH2)). Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni head the cast.

 

Friday April 11th

At sea

11:15am

As expected, I woke up at six and quietly made my way out of the cabin. Mr. B. must have come in quite late as there was a little Federal disaster zone surrounding his bed and desk area. I went to the Horizon to get some tea; I’m not taking my own along anymore as they seem to be breaking out the Twinings now. Had a couple of China Keemun and an Earl Grey that suddenly appeared. I wonder if the Twinings is only available early morning. Perhaps they put them out for the overnight officers…

 

The only variation to my - now - usual breakfast was the addition of an Egg Benedict. Honestly, it was better than that time I ate it in the dining room on my Western in September…

 

I also took along Beethoven’s 9th (the 1942 Furtwaengler one I have written about in other reviews) and it was fun listening to that marvelous 4th movement as the sun began to rise in the east.

 

Not wanting to unnecessarily wake up Mr. B., I went to the casino to loose what was left on my player bank card in penny slots. With the co-operation of the machines, this task was accomplished in little time and I returned to the cabin by around 8:15am. At least I’m still up $40 for the cruise (the 60 winnings of the blackjack minus the 20 I used to fund the slots); I will be donating these to the breast cancer foundation they are raising money for today. I know this may come as a shock to some, but, as a guy, I happen to like healthy boobs. I’d like to suggest to each and every guy reading this review to go out there and donate something too; if not because a female relative or friend being affected by this horrible disease, then at least out of selfish reasons… Ok, plug over.

 

Mr. B. woke up a little while ago and I’ve gone to the Horizon for some hot water and to participate in my new found tea exchange program. I’ve been swiping some of these Twining tea varieties (which I can’t get in Puerto Rico) from the Horizon to replace the ones I’ve been drinking from my personal stash that I brought onboard. I figure that after having had close to 130-150 of my own teas on my last 3 cruises, the 20-30 or so I’m about to take back is a fair exchange for Princess. Of course, this also puts me into a bind. Should I bring a personal stash aboard next time or can I count on decent tea to be available???

 

Let me also take this opportunity to talk a bit about the physical condition of the Caribbean Princess. For those that didn’t know, this ship was to go into dry-dock in about 2 weeks. This was cancelled about four months ago (prompting two weeks of 4 and 3 day cruises out of Fort Lauderdale). As I had been following on the boards of cruise critic, a lot of on-board maintenance had been done and is continuing to be done on this voyage as well (we saw a number of old mattresses being left behind in St Maarten for example and I witnessed varnishing being touched up this morning at the MUTS pool).

 

In general, the Caribbean Princess is in excellent shape. No prospective cruiser should be turned off merely because the dry-dock was cancelled. However, here and there, I have seen many smaller things that should remind one that a mayor overhaul had been planned. For example, looking at the edges of the balcony, I could see many rust marks and peeling paint. Now, don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t look like a post-Katrina house in any way, but if you look, you will see it. There are many such small rust spots around the balcony area (but a crew member did tell me that the ship was going to get a whole new coat of paint originally). Also, for example, the balcony chairs display noted dark spots due to countless sun-screened backs and rumps having been heaved upon them.

 

5:30pm

Just finished a lazy afternoon which included a nap, tea on the balcony, and finishing up La Boheme. Ok, didn’t like the opera too much and don’t see the point. Rodolfo lives in Paris, meets his neighbor Mimi, they fall in love, and start going out. He becomes jealous because Mimi is a bit flirty occasionally and they decide to break up. Meanwhile, one of his friends, Marcello, is dating Musetta, who’s a bit of a slut. I guess she used to go out with Rodolfo as well (great pal that Marcello guy, picking up the ex of a friend). Mimi goes away and comes back a while later with a bad case of the flu. Everybody scurries to get her some help (remember, this was before the French had universal health care). Mimi and Rodolfo make up and declare their eternal love for each other and seconds later she kicks the bucket. Well, I guess someone always has to die in opera; heck, Wagner is a veritable mass murderer when he kills off all the Gods, their human children, horses, etc. in the Goetterdaemerung. Anyway, if you have to go to see La Boheme, just stay until the truly beautiful “Che gelida manina” (fortunately, it’s toward the end of the first act) and then sneak out and enjoy the rest of your evening elsewhere…

 

7:30pm

Just returned from the Captain’s Circle party. This is the first time I have seen 3 of them on schedule. There’s over 1200 repeat cruisers onboard; guess Princess must be doing something right… The most traveled couple had some 88 cruises under their belt. Yikes! Their travel agents must love them!!!

 

1:15am

Had a wonderful dinner again. Tonight, escargots were available but as an off-menu item. So I had those as the appetizer and then the seafood tian as a “salad course”. This was followed by the pheasant which I’ve now had three times in a row. I also had two desserts since I couldn’t decide between the passion fruit soufflé and the cherry dessert (the name of which now escapes me). The soufflé was better I though and, unlike my September cruise on the CB, was no longer served in the soufflé dish but spooned out on the plate!

 

The rest of the evening was spent basically in the cabin doing a lot of pre-packing, the filling out of custom forms, etc. I like to do that ahead of time so that the last full day on-board isn’t too hurried and, to be honest, I was so full of food I really had no other choice but to stay in.

 

Saturday April 12th

Princess Cays (Bahamas)

2:23pm

What a terrific day it has been again here on Princess Cays. We had some breakfast in the cabin and then went to the Theater to “sit in line” for our tender to the beach. Like last time, I arrived at around 9:50pm and was at the water activity shed by 10:30am.

 

I then spent a wonderful hour sailing a hobie cat around. However, the people that set it up made a crass error in attaching the main sheet underneath the tiller cross bar. It wasn’t a big deal until a bit further out when I had to start tacking back in and the force on the sail was pushing the cross bar up. Fortunately, for once, my weight helped and I leaned completely on it to get me back close to the beach. There, I took the cat into irons and, with the sail luffing, was able to take off the main sheet, re-run it behind the cross bar, and reattach it to the sail. My big adventure of the trip - ha ha.

 

After my hour of sailing, I took a quick dip into the ocean (water was too cold for me, but then again, I’m a cold water wuss) and returned to the Caribbean Princess for some lunch, filling out of questionnaires, and inquiring about the children’s programs on board (all free but you do need to register the kids). I wanted to make it a point to check these out because I saw an awful lot of kids on embarkation day and things have been - relatively - quiet.

 

I’ll now finish packing most of the stuff except clothing for tonight (plus the things drying outside). Regardless of what Princess says, I’m not going to put out my luggage until after dinner. Why should I lug dinner clothing around tomorrow? Also, amazingly, my cruise critic magnetic door magnet has survived! First time!!!

 

Mr. B. and I have also started hoarding some contraband foods for an impromptu breakfast in the cabin so that we don’t have to fight the crowds upstairs tomorrow morning. We’re planning to leave the cabin at 07:59:59am… We are group Navy 7 so aren’t scheduled to get off until about 9:15am.

 

5:16pm

I finished packing with the exception of a few things such as the clothes that I wore on the Cays which are drying on the balcony. As luck would have it, we have the afternoon sun and everything is getting crispy (except the water shoes which I doubt will be dry in time to stuff them too into the suitcase).

 

That basically leaves the computer, music system (CD & portable speakers), toiletries, and tonight’s wear.

 

All the staff is very antsy as the famous envelopes are being discussed all over the place. I will gladly leave a little extra for our cabin attendant (plus a “You made a Difference“ Card); she did a great job!!! I’m a bit leery about our dining room team. They did their job, but barely adequately. We were consistently one of the first tables in their section to be ready to order and consistently the last to leave while everyone else was being attended to. I will leave a little extra (with a note of disappointment) only because the value of the dollar has fallen so much…

 

11:23pm

The last supper was good. As the appetizer, I had the creamed chicken and sweetbreads vol-au-vent, followed by the grilled vegetable salad, then the seared scallops, and finally the sugar free chocolate tapioca pudding. If that weren’t enough, I also had a slice of the famous Princess Baked Alaska. As usual, the assistant waiters paraded through the darkened dining room with their flaming desserts. Why do they use the Macarena as the soundtrack? Isn’t that way way way passé?

 

After dinner we finished last minute packing and placed the luggage outside in the hope of seeing it tomorrow again.

 

As usual, no entry for disembarkation. It’s just too sad a day when your cruise is over but past experience has shown that Princess‘ disembarkation process is quick and efficient. I hope the readers enjoyed this little account as much as I enjoyed living and writing about it.

 

It was a good cruise overall with only some disappointment in the dining room service department. I am also glad to have inspired a friend to take his first cruise and can only hope that others will follow suit.

 

Me? I may be leaving the ship tomorrow, however, in less than three weeks‘ time, I will be back on the Caribbean Princess for a three night cruise. It will be interesting to see how the Princess experience translates in a shorter duration.

 

See you in May!!!

[Whimsy]

Very interesting review. Glad you had a nice time and are looking forward to your 3 night cruise. We have been on the CB twice and have a 4 night planned in May. We did the Regatta in St Marteen last fall and had a great time. We won! There was no one with sailing experience in our group, we had a great leader though.

 

So, what did your friend think of his first cruise? Always interesting to hear what a new cruiser has to say.

[Colo Cruiser]

Wow, great review. :)

[LARGIN]

Thanks for the review.. Great writing

[Desert star]

Great detailed review.

[dforeigner]

Thank you for taking time to write a review.

[ancldaca]

Mr B. had a great time. Actually, he just emailed me some comments on Skywalkers which was his nightly addiction! I'll edit those in before posting to the main site.

 

I could also shoot myself. I bought FCC's and I probably didn't explain that program to him properly. In hindsight, I should have...

[kendon]

One of the better reviews I've read! Kitchen Confidential is a good book, A Cook's Tour is better (by same author). Try it, more travel oriented. Thanks for the review.

[andy and amanda]

Thanks for this review; I loved reading it and could really get into what you were experiencing! You have convinced me to pick up Anthony Bourdain's book; DH and I love his show so thanks for the recommendation.

I am sailing on the CB in 5 days and will take your review into consideration.

Kind regards,

Amanda

[jixjix635]

What a fantastic review! Thank you...I could almost hear the music!!!

[parisbully]

Always enjoy your reviews. Makes me smile. Is writing your "real job"?

[Guest arowe6]

Thanks for the review. You have a great sense of humor and it showed in your writing.

 

-Andrew:)

[ancldaca]

Glad you all liked it.

 

Paris: Actually, I only write these (and long emails to my friends which they rarely answer). IRL, I work an accounting type job in the financial industry.

 

jixjix635: Which music are you referring to? The respective snore symphonies or the classical? :-)

 

I also wanted to cut and paste Mr. B's comments about Skywalkers:

 

I would say the club is generally geared towards the late 20's through 40's cruiser. I did see people as old as in their 60's and 70's living it up on the dance floor. The club is restricted to 18+, with the drinking age being 21.

 

Decor has the feel of a typical international club from the late 80's through the 90's. Lot's of chrome although more modern touches such as couches and the club chairs. At times I felt like I was in the club Babylon from the movie Scarface!

 

One of the fun aspects is walking up the lighted ramp to the club. Basically a glass enclosed bridge, (there is an escalator in the middle of the walkway as well) The lighting of the club included small lamps on each table for an intimate feel.

 

The one drawback it that you have to actually walk back down the ramp/bridge to access the bathrooms situated just outside the entrance.

 

It's well laid out (no pun), with plenty of club chairs at tables at both end of the dance floor. To one side is a series of bar height tables with well supported bar chairs. There are a few sofas intermixed with the club chairs. There is a walk up bar, but arrive early and a seat is desirable. The club opens at 10:30PM and stays open until around 2-2:30AM depending on the amount of patrons remaining.

 

Music is a mix of retro, and modern with classic rock, country and latin music thrown in for good measure in addition to typical dance music. I find that it's an inviting environment with no "attitude", so you will see a mix of generations on the dance floor or socializing in the club.

 

Service is very top notch. Waiters and cocktail waitresses are extremely attentive and typically service the customers well and anticipate their beverage needs.

 

I found it to be a good of the evening place to see and socialize with fellow passengers, as well as enjoy the spectacular views of the vistas as the club is situated on the 18th deck right in the front of the ship. It's nice to relax at the end of the day, listen to great music and have a cocktail.

 

 

Since I hate debarkation day, I never write about it - officially. However, in our case debarkation was a breeze.

 

I had stashed away some food the day before for a cold breakfast and then just got myself some hot water for my last teas. We stayed in the cabin until 7:59:59am and then went to the Promenade deck since our group (Navy) was scheduled for 9:15am at the Island Dining Room.

 

While on the Promenade, I could see the loading up of an additional 100 new mattresses. So the bedding changes are still in progress (in fact, on St Maarten we saw them unloading old mattresses).

 

At around 9am we went to the Island Dining Room and had a bit of trouble getting there as another group was coming down the stairs to get dinked and leave the ship. It was our turn a bit later, about 5 minutes ahead of schedule.

 

Immigration was a breeze with the officers barely glancing at all the people going by and this included the international line. I guess since we did immigration in St Thomas, and Princess Cays is a controlled environment, they just waved everybody through (when technically speaking they should have stamped passports again).

 

Customs was another story however. At least the officer, whose line we went to, scanned the forms thoroughly. He was paying attention that the proper amounts of booze/cigarettes was bought in the proper places (you are only allowed 1 liter of alcohol and 1 carton of cigarettes from international stores - including the ship and an additional 4 each specifically purchased in St Thomas).

 

Getting to the airport was a bit of a rip-off. We were directed to a shuttle bus which costs $9pp. A taxi, however, only costs $15. So, if you are single, go on the shuttle. Otherwise, it'll be cheaper (and more comfortable) to go by cab.

 

FLL was a mess early, but that is to be expected. My flight wasn't until 4:20pm so I hung out by Jet Blue until Mr. B. went to security. Once I walked to American Airlines, I was able to check in early. Since it was about 4 hrs before my flight, I was able to buy the upgrade to business for $90. However, this action also earned me the infamous and hated SSSS designation for going through TSA security.

 

I had to wait until they were done with the 4 year old girl (!!!!!) in front of me before I got the lovely criminal treatment. Political correctness will be the doom of us all.

 

The flight back to San Juan was packed in Business and empty in back. I guess a lot of instant upgraders like myself and AAdvantage VIPs. SJU was its own little zoo (the Adventure of the Seas and the Carnival Destiny home-port here and depart Sundays) but getting a cab back home was fairly easy. I still can't believe that our local Tourism Company allows some of those taxi wrecks transport tourists around. My driver was nice enough but his cab... Well, the least offending item missing was the rear view mirror.

[lindasuej]

Good review. I was also on this cruise.

I took this same cruise last year and the service was awful. It was 100% improved. We had early seating in the Island Dining Room. My family is mostly meat and potatoes type of people and we did not like the choices for dinner. The prime rib was delicious.

Our bedding was HORRIBLE. The mattress was so hard that we had trouble sleeping. Glad to hear that this is being replaced. I didn't attend the cruisecritic party as I had a massage booked. If I had known ahead of time I would have planned better.

Linda

[JanMD]

Very refreshing review--- thank you.

 

Happy sailing,

Jan

[jgnova]

Hmm- didn't Mimi have TB (aka consumption)? The flu would have killed her off too early - she probably wouldn't have made it to the second act!

 

We'll have to coordinate cruises so you and my wife (another tea junkie) can share your teas. And then we can each take less music and share that (although my iPod currently has about a solid month of music - mostly baroque however). What sound system did you take? Did your neighbors complain about the noise? Could you hear it on the balcony? There's something about classical music and the sound of the waves together that I really like.

 

If you want to take a cruise and actually enjoy the classical music, try the Deilmann classical music cruise on the Mozart - we did that one in spring of 2006 (see my review on the River Cruise board for full details). We saw Muti conducting Mozart in Munich, Wagner in Vienna (Flying Dutchman) in Vienna, Bartok in Budapest, Mozart on the mountain in Salzburg, and a great group was on the boat to entertain us on sea nights!

 

jg

[ancldaca]

Ha ha!!! I was just having a bit of fun with the world's favorite opera!!!

 

I'm actually old style. I still take CD's along with a portable player and a set of portable Sony speakers (each a tad larger than a pack of cigarettes). All quite small. I power them with rechargeable batteries. On deck I just use one of the freeby earphones they hand out on American Airlines.

 

I try to keep the volume at a reasonable level. No one has ever complained and I'd lower the volume immediately if anybody ever would. My favorite CD for cruising (or flying) is actually a double compilation called "The Greatest Opera Show on Earth". It's got a bit of everything on it.

 

And yes, there's something about classical music that just goes so well with sitting on the balcony while staring at nothing except ocean going by.

 

I've thought about that Deilman cruise but I'm not quite there about the time commitment it would take for me. I'm still in that "more often and 1 week" type of cruising mode. ;-)

[KLLund]

I also always love your reviews .. you have such a way with words!!