Caribbean Princess Review

Pre-Holiday Heaven! Our first cruise won't be our last!

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Caribbean Princess
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Budleydoright
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Dec 2009

We left Las Vegas on a red-eye late Saturday night December 5th. I'm a University of Texas grad and our flight left a couple hours after the Big 12 championship game which nearly ruined my cruise, but Hunter Lawrence saved the day and we left for the airport in a very festive mood.

We arrived in San Juan at about 2 pm Sunday and shared a mini-van taxi with some fellow cruisers over to the port. We are experienced world travelers, however this was our first cruise so we didn't really know what to expect. We had read many reviews, many positive as well as negative so we didn't know which reviews would be accurate representations of what we were about to experience. I recommend to everyone to read as many reviews about your ship/cruise as possible as it will prepare you to optimize your week on the ship. If you're going to take a cruise, take one that lasts at least a week, as 3 and 4 night cruises are over before you even get settled.

We arrived at the port about 3:15, left our luggage with the luggage crew and got in line to be checked in. Keep your carry-ons with you. The line was out the building and was pretty long but it moved quickly. Once you get into the terminal there was a seating area with a couple hundred seats where you filled out a health survey. Proceed as close to the front of the chairs as possible as those are the people that get checked in first. We were in our room by 3:45 and the process was as efficient and timely as could be expected. Our ship was set to sail at 11 pm and I believe check in began at 1 or 2 pm. I recommend to get on the ship as early as you can (plan your flight accordingly) for two reasons. First it gives you several hours to get settled and explore the ship before embarkation. It also enables you to go make reservations for limited services such as the Chef's Table and weekly passes for the Sanctuary etc., before 3,300 other cruisers are trying to reserve the same things. If you are not interested in booking the amenities that require additional expenditures then it becomes less important. I read another review from a fellow cruiser and he mentioned that he boarded late and was unable to get an invite to the Chefs Table. We however made that our first priority and enjoyed an unforgettable culinary experience ($75 per person)on Wednesday evening.

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