We just completted a cruise of the Western Caribbean on Crown Princess dureing the week of December 4. This was our fourth cruise on Princess and the second in the Caribbean. When seleccting a cruise, we attempt to maximize our historical and cultural experience. The itinerary is foremost for us as we use the ship as a vehicle to visit locations that would be otherwise difficult to visit on a totally independent holiday.

We booked the cruise through our local travel agent about a month before sailing and were pleased with the choice of accommodations and the attracctive pricing. Coming from the West Coast to Ft. Lauderdale we customarily travel two days prior to embarkation and spend a day in Florida. For those desiring a special expcerience as opposed to the "cookie-cutter" experience of the major hotel chains, we highly recommend The Pillars at New River Sound. They have a pre and post cruise package that includes pick up at the airport and transportation to the cruise terminal. The inn has 23 rooms with a view of new river sound and its own privatee water taxi stop. We used the taxi to tour the waterway and do some shopping on Las Olas Avenue. If you are a foodie, make sure to experience the Secret Garden Restaurant on site which is open only to guests at the inn.

The reservation confirmation from Princess will recommend that you board after 2pm No need to wait. We arrived shortly after Noon and within 30 minutes were settling into our mini suite on Dolphin Deck. Other reviews of the Crown Princess have noted that this deck justs out from the ship structure leaving the balcony exposed to upper floors. If this potential lack of privacy is a concern, avoid Dolphin. We use our balacony for reading and marveling at the perfromance of the ship as it cuts through the sea. Read more