Crown Princess Review
Rating by category
Additional details
On April 23, 2016 we returned from the Crown’s 7 day CA Coastal cruise (SF, SB, SD, Ensenada) roundtrip from LA & our 2nd CA Coastal on the Crown in the past 6 months. Overall the service, food & entertainment were what we’ve enjoyed on other Princess cruises. Here are some observations about things that are regularly discussed on CC & are merely based on my experiences which are limited to what & when we did things.
PORTS: We walked around in each port and enjoyed touring the aircraft carrier USS Midway CV-41 (SD); the Santa Barbara Courthouse (SB); and Ghirardelli's Square & Fisherman's Wharf (SF).
PRINCESS@SEA, MESSENGER & INTERNET: All of them worked well whenever we used them including to request a Future Cruise Deposit (FCD) by going to the Future Cruise Consultant section and completing the form online. Within 2 days we received confirmation emails & could see it in our Captain’s Circle account so it does work when submitting a digital request using P@S.
Cabin Review
Interior
We stayed in the same Caribe deck aft inside cabin on the Crown last Fall & enjoyed it again. We received one of the new robes on the 2nd day which were full length, thick & comfortable just like on the Crown last October. Our group had 3 cabins & none had the new pillowtop mattresses which Executive Housekeeper Michael Collins said were not yet on the Crown. Three of our group enjoyed their mattresses and 3 of us got the thicker pillowtop pads which have limited availability so request early if requiring one
Port Reviews
Los Angeles
The Port of LA is our "homeport" and we enjoy sailing from here regularly & enjoy driving to the port. Parking has dramatically increased in the past year...a 7 day cruise's parking jumped from $96 last year to $119. It's still our least expensive option but without any competition for parking near the port they are gouging passengers. When we sail a 10+ day cruise it will be more cost-effective to get a hotel park & stay package (Doubletree Cabrillo Beach or Crowne Plaza San Pedro) or to get a shuttle roundtrip from home.
San Francisco
Another great port for independent touring & easily walkable for us from their vastly improved cruise terminal at pier 27.
San Diego
Great port to walk around with excellent public transportation options. I particularly enjoyed touring the aircraft carrier USS Midway which is a short walk from the cruise ship terminals.
Ensenada
It's okay for a small Mexican town for good prices on souvenirs & drinks.
Why no option to review the great city of Santa Barbara CA? Many historical sites & wine tasting rooms with good public transportation or an enjoyable walk.