Crown Princess Review

Crown Princess - Southern Caribbean

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Crown Princess
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plantlady104
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s

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Embarkation
Dining
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Sail Date: Jan 2007
Cabin: Interior

Overall Comments: We have previously done four other cruises the past 3 years on four different cruise lines, including one on the Star Princess. Cruised on the New Years week Classic Southern Caribbean. Arrived at SJU at 3:30pm. Took about 45 min to get luggage, and then had Princess transfer to ship, which took about another 30-45 min. Embarkation was quick since minimal waiting. Once onboard, CP staff were manning the elevators and hallways to guide passengers toward their staterooms, which I thought was a nice touch. As soon as we entered our stateroom, our room steward Cornell saw us and introduced himself, and gave us a brief orientation. We had inside stateroom on Aloha Deck. Room was very nice, plenty of storage space. The design of having the closet and bathroom as a separate space separated by a wall from the bedroom was great because it allowed a space to dress, and the bathroom had a sense of privacy. While bathroom very small and small shower, it worked and decreased the noise normally heard in the bedroom. Overall the ship is very pretty, with great carpet and tile coloring and lots of wood motif. We used late seating in traditional dining in the Botticelli DR. Our wait staff, Ariel and Jesse were friendly, and a pleasure to interact with. Always were treated courteously and enjoyed talking with them and getting the food recommendations for the night. Throughout the week, we experienced very nice staff in all the bars, lounges, etc. Even at the Pursers Desk, they responded with may I help you sir and your welcome. Never had a problem finding someone at the pools, lounges, bars to get a drink. At the Lido buffet and eating areas, rarely saw unclean tables. Usually they were asking to take my plate as soon as I was finished. The public bathrooms were all nicely kept clean, had plenty of toilets/urinals, and were fresh smelling compared to other ships. The ship rocking was no worse than any other cruise we have been on and also depended upon the seas. It certainly was not excessive or noisy.

Food Comments: We thought the dinners in Botticelli DR were very good to excellent. Food was always hot, nicely prepared, and of good size proportions. The lobster, prime rib, beef wellington, chicken kiev, shrimp, veal chop, lamb, were some of our choices and were all great. We never had a bad entree. Soups, salads, and other appetizers were equally good. Caesar salad was always on the menu and very good too. The fruit sorbets were the best and the homemade ice creams as well. We made sure to sample them all. We did Bfast at Horizon Court and found multiple choices of eggs, meats, pastries, plus a multitude of other bfast items. Some items changed each morning, which was nice vs Carnival, which never changed their offerings. While melon fruit available, pineapple only at lunch/dinner. Different juices available for bfast, but not for lunch. Cafe Caribe also open for bfast, and never crowded, since most people went to the HC. We never had a crowd issue negotiating the HC, as others have mentioned. It was easy to check over what to get and allowed not having to wait in line for different items. The different stations in HC worked fine. And if it was too crowded, just go back to Cafe Caribe. Lunch at HC was good, but nothing special. Salads were always fresh. International Cafe had great pastries and donuts in the morning as well, plus variety of items throughout the day. Pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs available during day and night poolside. Pizza crust NY style.

Entertainment Comments: Ship had a variety of entertainers in all the lounges. Went to one production show which was on par with other cruise lines. MUTS also great option for something to do. They did not seem to show a true late night movie, so we were usually doing something else or having dinner. Casino was large with lots of gaming tables, but probably could have more slots to fill in some space. Seemed like the Star Princess had more slots and variety. Slots were not paying out from what I could observe. We enjoyed going to the different bars/lounges to have drinks. The typical cruise games by the pool and bingo seemed to be low key, and not announced very much. Patters provided the info, but seemed to lack the excitement found on other ships. The pools were great. We focused on the rear adult pool area. While some non-adults ventured in, security eventually did make them leave. More problematic, when an adult brings their infant into the pool. Some people think that the "rules" do not apply to them. Pool chairs available, but may not be right next to the pool. Will not comment on the islands and excursions, other than to say that we enjoyed them all, and had no problems with the ship excursions. Overall excellent experience.

Cabin Review

Interior

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