Rumors about the Crown Princess : Review

[M&MCruisin]

Hello all. I just returned this weekend from a delightful cruise on the Crown Princess. Prior to cruising, I read so many things about the ship that always seemed to bring on a great debate and I wanted to touch on a few of those items providing my observations from my recent cruise.

 

1. Air Conditioning - Many have stated that there was an air conditioning problem on the Crown Princess. I will admit that when we first boarded the ship around 12:30pm, our room was a bit warm, but after shutting the doors and closing the curtains, our room was cooled off in no time. I did not hear of or see any problems with air conditioning anywhere we went on the Crown.

 

2. Smells - Many have stated that after the "list" shortly after the ship first set sail, that the water damage made the rooms and hallways smell. Mainly a mildew/damp odor. This may have been the case, but there does not appear to be any problems with this any longer. The ship was in great shape, the carpets did not have any odor in the areas where there was water damage.

 

3. Towel Aminals - Many have said over and over...no towel animals on Princess. This is probably a general rule, that they arent as in to doing them as some of the other lines; however, I personally requested the little guys and our room steward was more than happy to oblige. Since I requested, I did tip him extra money throughout the week.

 

Those are the things I remember being "issues" discussed recently so I thought I would give an update on those issues. Now for my review of the ship.

 

4. Service - I found the service to be top notch with one exception. First I will note the good...I had an unfortunate injury 2 days prior to sailing and found myself on crutches. Princess met me with a wheelchair and assisted me through the check in process and escorted me to my room. They also reserved the wheelchair for me for the week, but I was determined to make it on my own. I was in line at the pursors desk to tell them I wouldnt need the wheelchair when I saw a boy with a broken leg requesting one and they didnt have it, so I was more than happy to give mine to him. All week, the waiters, room stewards and the bar tenders were fantastic. There was one exception to the fabulous service and that is a few of the waiters are not to inclined to get a soda for you when you flash the card. We had requested a soda while waiting for a comedian to start in one of the lounges and it was 15 minutes later with no drink, so I inquired and he said he had to get the others first. Meaning...the "paying" drinking (alcohol) passengers. I do understand this to a point as they are relying on tips to make money, but I did pay for my soda card. Instead of letting it ruin my trip, I decided to walk up to the bar and get a soda myself. This happened one other time in the pool area. Most every other waiter I encountered was more than happy to get sodas for us without a problem.

 

5. Food - Well, what can I say about the food. Anything I dont have to cook and clean up cant be that bad. I would say that the food on the Crown is good. A few excellent meals thrown in, but over all. Good. The last night of the buffet wasnt that good though. There were a few things Id like to highlite that were excellent. a) The balcony dinner. YUMMY. Now, dont plan on eating all day prior to this meal. Its an insane amount of food. Started with Canapes (dont care for these), then a wonderful crab cake, then a large salad with cheeses, nuts, pears, etc., then a 12 ounce lobster and a huge steak (not sure of the size), vegitables. Plus there were a basket of rolls of course. No meal is complete without a basket of rolls. For desert, we had four types of mousse with berries and chocolate and a plate special cookies. Since it was my birthday and anniversary, they sang to me twice and brought 2 additional desserts for those occassions. b) In the dining room one night, I had a cornish game hen that was simply heaven. c) I did enjoy steak and shrimp one night on the buffet. I will also point out that the seafood buffet on the first night...great food, but all the crab legs, shrimp, etc. were served cold.

 

Also, a tip...on the buffet for breakfast...they will do eggs to order if you ask them.

 

6. Entertainment - This was both good and bad. I'll start with the good. Sarge is hilarious and a wonderful entertainer. This was a fantastic show. They had 2 nights of princess dancers/singers. The singers are wonderful and costumes were amazing. You have to like broadway type shows to appreciate these shows. The show that the crew puts on "If I were not at sea, what would I be" or something like that is funny, but not the greatest thing Ive seen. The singing/comedian act "kimika" is a great act. I have seen this before on the Caribbean Princess a couple years ago. The guitar player is amazing, if you like rock music. Now the bad, the final night there was a "comedian" / juggler / lunatic. He was weird and not funny at all. His juggling/balancing stunts were good, but he just wasnt funny at all. We left in the midle along with many others. There were plenty of other things in the lounges, comdians, game shows, talented musicians, singers and so much more.

 

7. Layout - the layout of the ship can be a bit tricky, but I think any large ship is hard to remember where everything was. It was difficult to find the Botechelli (sp) dining room. Just remember the red/blue carpet is the port side and the yellow/blue carpet is the starboard side of the ship.

 

8. Minisuite - great room. Nice size room, tub in the bathroom, 2 flat screen tvs, large sleeper sofa, desk, chair. Deck was a tad large than a normal balcony room but is completely open, no shade and people can see you. Not a problem, just an observation.

 

9. Roomservice - very quick, always on time. Hot french fries any time of the day. Fair selection. A few sandwhiches, salads, desserts. I think they need to offer pizza on the menu.

 

10. Crown Grill - delicious meal. I had the pork chop. It was about 2 and 1/2 inches think and large! Very tender and plenty of flavor. I had the sea scallops for appetizer. It came with liver, but I didnt touch that!:eek: The steak came with a potato...I got the redskin mashed potatoes. Then they brought several vegitables out "family style" for the center of the table. I think there was spinach, asparagas, corn and mushrooms. Then for dessert, the lemon tart was good, the smores seven layer cake was excellent...you can get a mini sampling of 4 of the desserts to taste them all.

 

11. Sabatinis - cant comment, didnt go, but friends of ours said it wasnt italian food like they were expecting. I think they got the veal chop. Said the food was good though.

 

12. Spa - the thermal suite is very nice and relaxing. Again, first day, I went they and one of the ladies notices my swollen foot/leg and put some cream on it for me which felt nice. Of course I know she was just trying to sell the product and it worked, but still was treated very nice and she really explained things to me. Ended up getting the couples thermal suite package for $130 for the week. You use the warm stone beds, the steam room, the sauna, the rainforest shower and some other things I didnt get to check out. Small area, but very quiet and relaxing.

 

13. Put/Put - at the very top of the ship there is a 9 hole put put course. I mention this, because its a must see area...the views from this area are incredible. It is so unbelievably high above the water and on a sea day, its a bit scary overlooking all the water surrounding you. Just check it out. The put put was fun too although the greens are not flat...its kind of bumpy.

 

14. Chair hogs - they are everywhere. I couldnt believe how bad they were on this voyage. Every single day, this guy saved about 6 seats right in front of the pool at MUTS. One day I inquired and he said it was for his family. Well about 2 hours later, they showed up with bags in hand. They had been shopping on the island and he held those seats all that time. For goodness sakes, I would have been gone by the time they came. Another day, it was packed and I wanted to relax in the sun, somewhat close to the MUTS pool. I couldnt find a spot at 9:30am on the main floor because there was a book/towel/shoe/bag or something in every stinkin chair but hardly a sole to be found. So, I went to the second level, found 2 chairs with towels only, so I sat there. About and hour later a couple came up to say that I had taken their chairs and this was their towels. Now first of all, I was laying there sweating all over these towels...do ya really want them back? Geesh? Then I said "and how many hours ago did you claim these chairs". She said at 7am, like she was proud of herself for getting there so early to claim her chairs. I didnt budge, just turned and ignored them. They left very mad with me but I didnt care. Ok people, it was about 11am at this time...you mean to tell me that they thought that could hold a chair for 4 hours and expect me to move on their command? :eek: whatever. I hate chair hogs...always have, always will. She is lucky I didnt tell her what I really thought.

 

Seriously, thats all I can think of right now. If you have any questions, ask away and I will try to answer. Hope everyone has happy and safe travels!

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the review. :)

[mii]

Thanks for the very good review. You told the good and the not so good. Some day will have to try the Crown. Been on the old Crown which was a jewel of a ship.

 

Marilyn

[Host CJSKIDS]

I have to say that for the first time on our 3/29 Crown sailing, which was our 3rd time on the Crown we had AC problems in our mini-suite. In the past we had been in one suites in the aft, C749 and another mini D318 or something like that. This time we were in D524 and our cabin never really cooled off. My boys had an inside across the hall and their cabin was like an ice box compared to ours!

[Guest arowe6]

Always nice to hear a positive review.

 

Thanks.

-Andrew:)

[LARGIN]

Thanks for the review

[M&MCruisin]

You are welcome all!

 

Largin - love your aviator! Im addicted to the Love Boat right now. Watched the 1st season 3 times through already.

 

cjskids - sorry you had trouble with yours. We were also in a minisuite on the Dolphin deck and didnt have trouble like that. In fact, I was cold every night!

[Sierra Fox]

At some point on this board, someone posted a tip about removing the cover for the AC vent in the rooms to help with the airflow. I wrote that down and remembered it for our cruise on the Crown in Feb. and it made a huge difference.

 

The vents are designed in such a way that they push the air sideways at the ceiling level. If you remove the cover, a huge stream of cold air gushes straight down into the room and it cools off in there in no time. We had a balcony room and were always able to keep the temperature to our liking whenever we were in there. If we were going to be out of the room for a while, I'd just leave the cover on and take it back off when we returned. All you have to do is pull down on the four corner connectors and the vent pops right off. To put it back on, simply push the cover back into the connectors. As I said, it made a huge difference. - SF

[sunsurf]

Great review!! The chair hog issue bothers me as well. But good for you for sticking it out!!:D

[tvaud]

9. Roomservice - very quick, always on time. Hot french fries any time of the day. Fair selection. A few sandwhiches, salads, desserts. I think they need to offer pizza on the menu.

 

Didn't I read a few months ago that pizza delivery to the cabin was being added as a new service? I believe the fee was $3 for delivery. Does anyone else remember?

 

11. Sabatinis - cant comment, didnt go, but friends of ours said it wasnt italian food like they were expecting. I think they got the veal chop. Said the food was good though.

 

Spaghetti and meatballs it definitely is not...;)

That veal chop is my favorite thing on the menu. It just melts in your mouth.

[B40 Tha Cruisa]

 

4. Service - I found the service to be top notch with one exception. First I will note the good...I had an unfortunate injury 2 days prior to sailing and found myself on crutches. Princess met me with a wheelchair and assisted me through the check in process and escorted me to my room. They also reserved the wheelchair for me for the week, but I was determined to make it on my own. I was in line at the pursors desk to tell them I wouldnt need the wheelchair when I saw a boy with a broken leg requesting one and they didnt have it, so I was more than happy to give mine to him. All week, the waiters, room stewards and the bar tenders were fantastic. There was one exception to the fabulous service and that is a few of the waiters are not to inclined to get a soda for you when you flash the card. We had requested a soda while waiting for a comedian to start in one of the lounges and it was 15 minutes later with no drink, so I inquired and he said he had to get the others first. Meaning...the "paying" drinking (alcohol) passengers. I do understand this to a point as they are relying on tips to make money, but I did pay for my soda card. Instead of letting it ruin my trip, I decided to walk up to the bar and get a soda myself. This happened one other time in the pool area. Most every other waiter I encountered was more than happy to get sodas for us without a problem.

 

 

I have also noticed this on almost all of my cruises. A little annoying, but I agree it is certainly not a big problem.

[Princess Chatterer]

Didn't I read a few months ago that pizza delivery to the cabin was being added as a new service? I believe the fee was $3 for delivery. Does anyone else remember?

 

It's not new. It's been that way for over a year. And it's worth it.

[JWJs]

14. Chair hogs - they are everywhere. I couldnt believe how bad they were on this voyage. Every single day, this guy saved about 6 seats right in front of the pool at MUTS. One day I inquired and he said it was for his family. Well about 2 hours later, they showed up with bags in hand. They had been shopping on the island and he held those seats all that time. For goodness sakes, I would have been gone by the time they came. Another day, it was packed and I wanted to relax in the sun, somewhat close to the MUTS pool. I couldnt find a spot at 9:30am on the main floor because there was a book/towel/shoe/bag or something in every stinkin chair but hardly a sole to be found. So, I went to the second level, found 2 chairs with towels only, so I sat there. About and hour later a couple came up to say that I had taken their chairs and this was their towels. Now first of all, I was laying there sweating all over these towels...do ya really want them back? Geesh? Then I said "and how many hours ago did you claim these chairs". She said at 7am, like she was proud of herself for getting there so early to claim her chairs. I didnt budge, just turned and ignored them. They left very mad with me but I didnt care. Ok people, it was about 11am at this time...you mean to tell me that they thought that could hold a chair for 4 hours and expect me to move on their command? :eek: whatever. I hate chair hogs...always have, always will. She is lucky I didnt tell her what I really thought.

 

 

Way to go! I would love to be able to hold my ground against chair hogs like you did!!!

[KKB]

I have noticed issues on embarkation day, port days & when we had a balcony....which makes a great deal of sense. On embarkation & port days, think of it like running the A/C while idling your vehicle...not very effective, hard on the engine.

 

Plus our interior/exterior rooms were cooler than our balcony. Just like the opening/closing of doors at home when A/C is on (KIDS!) makes it tougher to cool. But you have a thermostat in your room, adjust accordingly.

 

Many complain of cool public rooms. I have never really noticed it. I do have a little layer of natural cushioning...but I sit here w/ a jacket on at my desk, so I DO get cool!:p

[livsea2]

[

 

14. Chair hogs - they are everywhere. I couldnt believe how bad they were on this voyage. Every single day, this guy saved about 6 seats right in front of the pool at MUTS. One day I inquired and he said it was for his family. Well about 2 hours later, they showed up with bags in hand. They had been shopping on the island and he held those seats all that time. For goodness sakes, I would have been gone by the time they came. Another day, it was packed and I wanted to relax in the sun, somewhat close to the MUTS pool. I couldnt find a spot at 9:30am on the main floor because there was a book/towel/shoe/bag or something in every stinkin chair but hardly a sole to be found. So, I went to the second level, found 2 chairs with towels only, so I sat there. About and hour later a couple came up to say that I had taken their chairs and this was their towels. Now first of all, I was laying there sweating all over these towels...do ya really want them back? Geesh? Then I said "and how many hours ago did you claim these chairs". She said at 7am, like she was proud of herself for getting there so early to claim her chairs. I didnt budge, just turned and ignored them. They left very mad with me but I didnt care. Ok people, it was about 11am at this time...you mean to tell me that they thought that could hold a chair for 4 hours and expect me to move on their command? :eek: whatever. I hate chair hogs...always have, always will. She is lucky I didnt tell her what I really thought.

 

 

I would have told them wait right here while I get the purser. Didn't you read the notice in your room? They're going to have to put you off the ship at the next port!

[Mrs2cats]

Thanks for a great review, Chair hogs - well done for standing up to such folks, we should all do that. We didn't encounter it last year on Emerald. Looking forward to our time on the Crown in August - Baltics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[ptcruzers]

Hey, guys! Chair hogs- gotta love 'em. I wait five minutes, nobody shows, oh well, take the bull by the horns and RELAXXXXX!!:)

[csutton2181]

There was one exception to the fabulous service and that is a few of the waiters are not to inclined to get a soda for you when you flash the card. We had requested a soda while waiting for a comedian to start in one of the lounges and it was 15 minutes later with no drink, so I inquired and he said he had to get the others first. Meaning...the "paying" drinking (alcohol) passengers. I do understand this to a point as they are relying on tips to make money, but I did pay for my soda card. Instead of letting it ruin my trip, I decided to walk up to the bar and get a soda myself. This happened one other time in the pool area. Most every other waiter I encountered was more than happy to get sodas for us without a problem.

 

My wife and I, and 3 other couples, were on the same cruise as well and would have to agree with you on the wait staff. My wife and I would order just a coke in lounges and would never see them since we were not a paying customer, guess they forgot I paid for that the first day. We did not buy many alcoholic drinks on board 1) because my wife is pregnant and could not have any 2) you could buy in San Juan and just bring it right on the ship.

This was just one of several unpleasant experiences we had on the ship, and I will post a review shortly I am sure, but would have to say Royal Caribbean is much better.

[teripp]

Ok to everyone cruising in the next few weeks.!!!!!!!! I am so tired of chair hogs.

Let's start a thread. Take a pic of those (*&*^&)( Saved chairs with the stuff on them. Let's see how creative people are who save chairs and don't show up for hours!!!!

[M&MCruisin]

I have noticed issues on embarkation day, port days & when we had a balcony....which makes a great deal of sense. On embarkation & port days, think of it like running the A/C while idling your vehicle...not very effective, hard on the engine.

 

Plus our interior/exterior rooms were cooler than our balcony. Just like the opening/closing of doors at home when A/C is on (KIDS!) makes it tougher to cool. But you have a thermostat in your room, adjust accordingly.

 

Sounds like a reasonable answer to me.

[M&MCruisin]

Ok to everyone cruising in the next few weeks.!!!!!!!! I am so tired of chair hogs.

Let's start a thread. Take a pic of those (*&*^&)( Saved chairs with the stuff on them. Let's see how creative people are who save chairs and don't show up for hours!!!!

 

The sad thing is that there were notices in the Princess Patter...30 minutes. At least I didnt move someones shoe :eek: ...just laid on a towel. I still cant get over that it was 4 hours later and she was so proud of herself for "reserving" it so early. The husband just acted shocked that I wouldnt move.

 

I think they should post signs around the pool.

[cherylandtk]

I think they should post signs around the pool.

there are, but it still does not deter many chair hogs:

 

[CrusinAgain]

Thanks for the review as we are boarding her this Saturday.

 

I don't think Sarge will be on our cruise since his schedule appears to have ended on the 14th for Princess.

 

Do you still have your patters to list the movies they played? We no longer hang out at the poolsbut do like to catch up on movies we haven't seen.

 

And regarding those chair hogs? Yeah, I wouldn't play their game and if I didn't see their family there or coming within the allotted time, they would be mine. What will these people do anyway if you took the chairs they are hogging against the rules? Furthermore, when I go up to watch something on MUTS and all I see are those towels, and no one in the pool, I will start sitting there.

[M&MCruisin]

I do have the patters at home. Off the top of my head...here are a few of the movies played. I'll look later when I get home from work.

 

1. Talledega Nights

2. Ice Age

3. Charlie and the Choc Factory (new one)

4. Casino Royall

5. The Debators

 

For some reason the Lake House is coming to mind as well. There are movies in the theatre too...Im drawing blanks so I'll post the rest when I get home.

[YoPhilly]

Way to stand up to the chair hogs! Bravo!