I know it's been a while and that I've been very bad about getting my review posted but, here it is
OVERALL - This was an excellent cruise. We did have some engine trouble and because of it, we had shortened times in each port of call and we skipped St. Maarten altogether
. Kind of a bummer but, not enough to ruin the trip by any means. Just be advised the engine troubles may not be completely resolved until it goes into dry-dock so if you're sailing on Caribbean Princess between now and January consider yourself advised!
What you MIGHT want to know - Soda cards are up to $4.25 per day, still a worthwhile purchase. The crew seems just as excited about Caribbean Princess going into dry dock for upgrading as us
There is self-assisted disembarking which started around 7:30 am (that's when you can take off your own luggage and not have to wait).
Computer Stuff - Connect charges in the computer center were 75 cents a minute. The following packages were also available:
100 minutes for $55
150 minutes for $75
250 minutes for $100
There is a $3.95 set up fee charged for your first use.
Platinum/Elite members get 150 minutes free. Passengers in suites get free internet.
I believe wireless is available only in the atrium, and in the Internet Cafe. Not sure if that's going to change when it goes into dry-dock or not.
Connection speeds are SLOW so you use up those minutes fast. Use your time wisely!
Food - As always food was good to excellent. This one of the reasons I am Princess loyalist. I know food is subjective but, overall the dining room was always very good, we had traditional late sitting and, we were blessed with excellent table mates. The buffet...well, you all know, it's a buffet but, certainly plentiful and more than satisfactory.
We went to Sterling Steakhouse which was outstanding! It will be transformed into a Crown Grill (still a steakhouse) when it goes into dry dock. Very worth the extra $$
I'm still waddling around from all the food I enjoyed in Sabatini's as well. Very good but, between the two, Sterling Steakhouse gets the extra nod from me. Just a little too much fish on the menu in Sabitini's for my taste. However, I still enjoyed every bite! I'm just more of a meat and potatoes type.
Fellow Passengers - There seemed to be a lot of grumps on this sailing and many complaining about the changes in itinerary. I tend to roll with the punches and not little the little things bother me the way some people do. I will admit, there was more than a fair share of chair-hogs on board but, I have never been one too bashful to move their stuff aside. And, so I did
Bottom line - a cruise is what you make of it. Things happen, make the best of it!
Cabin - I had a mini-suite on Dolphin Deck. No complaints. I loved it and had an excellent cabin attendant that always made sure we had everything we needed including extra towels.
Shows - Were average to good. I'm not a huge fan of cruise line shows. So I'd rather refrain to give too much information here. If it's your thing, I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself.
Casino - I'm not the type that says I broke even when I lost my shirt and I'm not the type that tells you I won $5,000 when I won $50. The casino wasn't my friend the first few evenings and found myself in the hole several hundred dollars. Then my luck changed for the better and, I won back most of my money. I still left a "donation" of around $75 to the cruise line but, overall, considering all the fun and entertainment it provided for me. I have absolutely no complaints. The casino staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
In conclusion - I had a wonderful cruise and
YES I WILL BE BOOKING THE GROUP CRUISE IN 2010 BEING OFFERED BY CRUISE FREEKS! I cannot wait to do a before and after comparison of the ship now and the ship as it is to become in dry-dock.
A few hints - Make no mistake about it, the majority of passengers are from the greater NJ/NY area. If you aren't used to our behavior and our ways, we could be taken as loud, and, even rude. If you're from the area, chances are you'll bump into friends and neighbors. We did! And, we had a blast!
The Brooklyn terminal has lots of parking and it's pretty easy to find. Don't have any hesitations about parking and driving if you're within reasonable driving means. Most importantly - remember you're on vacation. Don't let small things like itinerary changes blow your mind so badly that it "ruins" your vacation. We were still on a wonderful ship, surrounded by wonderful people and we had a great time.
I recommend this trip without hestiation. I hope to see lots of Cruise Freeks onboard in 2010!
Mon Jul 28, 2008 4:52 pm
