Sea Princess Oct 31st 2009

[cruiser1177]

Hi there,

 

This is my first post as I have just recently joined.

 

My partner and I are going on our 1st cruise to Southern Caribbean in October this year and really can't wait for it. We are in our late twenties/early thirties.

 

However I've read alot of mixed reviews about the Sea Princess, so occasionally I do get a bit worried since we obviously want our first experience to be one that will make us want to keep on cruising :)

 

Ok so firstly I'd like to ask about cabins/upgrade situation. We're booked on a JJ gurantee basis. When I booked with TA they said it was Baja Deck however Princess say it could be either Caribe or Baja so i was a bit annoyed about that, however can anyone tell me how these cabins are? Also what are the possibilities of being upgraded?

 

Secondly I'd really love some good tips on packing for formal nights, more so for my partner, as men's suits etc are quite heavy, with regards to luggage weight.

 

Thirdly, we are on anytime dining, does this mean we are restricted to specific restaurants or can we visit any one of them, at what ever time suits us, also are there normally long waiting lists for anytime dining?

 

Fourthly any tips on excursions etc for the Southern Caribbean would be greatly appreciated.

 

Looking forward to replies and also if there are any others on this cruise :D

[Toto2Kansas]

Ok so firstly I'd like to ask about cabins/upgrade situation. We're booked on a JJ gurantee basis. When I booked with TA they said it was Baja Deck however Princess say it could be either Caribe or Baja so i was a bit annoyed about that, however can anyone tell me how these cabins are? Also what are the possibilities of being upgraded?

Category JJ is located both on the Caribe or Baja Decks, your TA should have alerted you to that fact. The possibilities of an upgrade (if your booking is marked correctly) are as good for you as anyone else onboard. They are the luck of the computer draw and also depend on how much availability there is in higher categories. Cabin assignments can come out anytime from the day after you book up until you board the ship, there is just no telling when they will be assigned. Inside stateroom range from 147-155 sq ft. Which are quite compact (read small). You will have two twins convertible to a queen bed if you would like, one desk chair and one upholstered chair in the stateroom. As well as a very small bathroom with small shower. Most Princess ships do not offer any type of a sitting area in the cabin unless you book at least a mini suite.

The Sea Princess is a bit on the older side, and if I remember correctly is due to go in for some interior work in December (if memory serves me correctly).

 

 

Secondly I'd really love some good tips on packing for formal nights, more so for my partner, as men's suits etc are quite heavy, with regards to luggage weight.

Keep in mind that Princess does offer formal rentals if you decide you would like to dress appropriately for formal evening. If all else fails, there is always the alternate restaurant onboard which does not require formal attire on those evenings, or you can dine at the buffet.

 

Thirdly, we are on anytime dining, does this mean we are restricted to specific restaurants or can we visit any one of them, at what ever time suits us, also are there normally long waiting lists for anytime dining?

You will be assigned to the anytime diningroom, which is no different than the traditional diningroom onboard. Same menus, but in anytime, you just don't sit at the same table each evening with the same passengers.

As stated, the buffet is also an option and open in the evening. Sterlings Steakhouse is also an option (on this ship it is set up in part of the Horizon Court that is sectioned off), but there is an extra charge for the steakhouse.

Other than those options, and room service (Princess offers only a very limited room service menu to those booked in less than a full suite), this is a smaller ship and does not have all the dining options the larger ships offer.

 

Fourthly any tips on excursions etc for the Southern Caribbean would be greatly appreciated.

This all depends on what your enjoy. Lots of different water related tours in the Southern Caribbean, along with land tours. I would join your roll call for this sailing and see if maybe some are planning private tours you might be able to join which are much more cost effective and less crowded. (well darn, I just checked and can't even find a roll call for this sailing, sorry).

 

We have sailed on the Sea Princess twice in the past, both on two week sailings in the Caribbean. Both were very enjoyable and this size of ship is one of our favorites. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the larger ships, but has much more to offer than the tiny ships (which used to sail in the Renaissance fleet).

 

Oh, and just a little more info. The Sea Princess in the caribbean is targeted to the UK, so usually about 90% of the passengers are coming over on charter flights from Europe. Since UK passengers aren't big on the casino, they have cut the casino in half and placed tables for board games on one side of it. It is small, but still adequate.

 

Good Luck, I hope you enjoy your first cruise.

[jocap]

Just been reading that she's due for a refurb in Sept. She was our first ship, and we have happy memories of her-jocap.

[FLACRUISER99]

A Couple of Pix from B518.

[FLACRUISER99]

A Few More

[cruiser1177]

Hi toto2Kansas,

 

Thank you very much for your reply, greatly appreciated.

 

Yes our TA sold the holiday to us saying we were guranteed on Baja deck with possibility of being upgraded, but when we got our confirmation from Princess that's when we were told it could be either, so a bit annoying but hopefully all will work out well.

 

On your answer to dining question, am I correct in thinking that since we are anytime dining, we won't be able to use the traditional dining room?

 

Sorry if this is a really silly question but what is a roll call?

 

Thanks

Cruiser1177