Crown Princess Review
Rating by category
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This was our 23rd cruise with princess. First time on the Crown. This is also the first time we were disappointed in a cruise.
Embarkation was smooth and efficient. My wife had wheelchair assist from the terminal door to our cabin door. We even got scanned for location of muster station on way to cabin, saving a trip later. Our balcony Baja deck cabin was all the way aft on the Starboard side. We like this location, as the elevator is close and the buffet is right upstairs, as is Sabatini’s, Skywalkers, etc.
The cabin was okay until we left port. Once at sea, we needed heat. The thermostat did not respond, and we got very chilled. I made several calls to service desk and the next day a guy did something in the ceiling. Then all we got was excessive heat. Long story short, after 3 days and numerous contacts with service desk I went to desk and said we can’t live like this. We were moved just up the hall that day. That room was perfect.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Standard balcony, unobstructed. Nice size TV.
Port Reviews
Hilo
Had been raining when arrived. Beautiful rainbow over bay. Met up for our Princess excursion in pier building. In the past, there were singers greeting us and they had booths selling handmade island things. no more, just the cold building.
Great tour to volcano, lava tube, and the surrounding area. One stop was the volcano Winery. only two in State of Hawaii. Wonderful meal and wine samples.
Guise gave excellent narrative along the way. Some showers, but never got wet.
Honolulu
Took a Princess excursion to shore and then the Pali. Had been raining hard but ceased when we got there. Went into Diamond Head. Did not know this was possible. Always wanted to hike up to top. Would have been disappointed to see a parking lot, vehicles and buildings inside at bottom of crater.
Returned to ship for lunch and then took a cab to Waikiki. Along the way saw numerous homeless encampments in the public areas. Too bad. Also, the State building, which is surrounded by water features had an ugly fence around it to keep homeless from bathing there.
Walked to the Royal Hawaiin hotel. The pink, old place on the beach surrounded by high rises. It is great. Had drinks looking at Waikiki and Diamond head.
On the way we encountered the Honolulu Cookie company. It had relocated from several blocks to the east. Try the cookies...out of this world. In fact, I ordered some from their Las Vegas Store when we got home, and everyday have a special treat.
Kauai
This is one of our favorites. The best part is coming and going, as the ship has to turn 180 degrees several times to avoid the breakwaters.
Took a Princess excursion to the north shore. Saw so much and had a provided lunch at Annini Beach. Saw Puff the Magic Dragon, King Kong and old movie sites on the way to Hannalei. Our guide took us by many houses owned by the Hollywood stars. He had many stories about Kauai that were fun and interesting.
Maui
Actually, we missed this port due to expected high winds that would be dangerous for tenders to transport guests to shore.
We had no excursion planned and had saved all shopping for this port. Oh well, saved some money.
The Banyan tree at pier area is something to see, as is the museum next door. A walk down the street takes you to nice places for a drink overlooking the bay. There is a Christmas Shop there selling personalized ceramic ornaments found nowhere else.
There are many good excursions here. We liked the Aquarium excursion and at one time an Eco tour to north shore was offered. Took us to little farms, villages, where people are living like it's still 1865.