We have just returned from a 14 day back to back cruise (East and West Caribbean) on the Crown, sailing out of San Juan on 25th November. We flew with Thompson Fly, chartered from the UK by Princess and enjoyed a good comfortable flight with a complimentary drink service. Embarkation was ok as we arrived around 6.30 pm so the priority boarding we had as Platinum members did not give any advantage at all. The Crown is a beautiful ship, if anything too big for our personal taste but at no time did we feel crowded. The first week we shared with plenty of folk from Puerto Rico who were only happy playing cards and dominoes. There English was poor but they were no bother at all. They crowded the walkway from pool to pool. The Piazza was a great area, very cool to enjoy the street type entertainment. The public announcements were too loud in some areas. I know it is important and necessary but hearing them repeated in English and Spanish at full volume was annoying. The Movies under the Stars is a great venue with free Popcorn. I agree with another critic that the volume was very loud - too much bass. The pools were wonderful and very clean. Sun lounger availability was never a problem. The Sanctuary looked a wonderful cool and peaceful place although we did not get round to using it. The excursions were expensive, but we already knew that so mainly did our own thing and the taxi marshals at most ports were very fair and helpful. We took a catamaran trip at St Lucia and the rum punch flowed as much as the rain that fell! A crowd of Americans got very drunk and jumped in the sea. The skipper of the Tango catamaran was totally irresponsible for serving them too much drink. It was disgraceful. The ports of call were great despite the rain we had on a few days! Service overall was on a par. We had breakfast in the Horizon Court which did get busy so you have to pick your time. Our party of 6 ate every evening in the Botticelli dining room. This seemed to lack atmosphere and the service is more relaxed than we are used to. However, our waiter Luis table 91 was perfection. I believe that there are too many places and choices to eat on the Crown. But that must in response to demand. I think there are at any time about 8 dining options! Traditional Afternoon Tea at 3.30pm should not be missed. Free Ice Cream in the Horizon Court (the side that looks closed)at 3.30 - 4.30 everyday was a little known fact also that we discovered. The Horizon court also hosted fantastic evening buffets; the Seafood buffet on the Saturday was spectacular! The Captain Andy Proctor was very visible, friendly and informative. The Cruise Director and his team also. Great production shows. Best act was the Elton John tribute guy - he was amazing. Brett Cave in Crooners was also a firm favorite. 5th Element were rubbish - time to go! The girl singer was very bad. Simon Cowell would have plenty to say about them - NOT! Disembarkation was smooth apart from the gangway area being crowded with people hanging around and queuing at the Pursers desk - poor design and crowd management. Again well done Princess we were taken to a fabulous Hotel Resort - The Westin Rio Mar to pass our time whilst waiting for our evening flight. A great place to relax and enjoy more hospitality. Overall we had a fabulous time. Thanks Princess for a great holiday.