 |
| Author | Post |
|---|
nhrich
Charter Member
| Joined: | Thu Jun 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Windham, NH |
| Posts: | 4959 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Sun Nov 18th, 2007 12:46 pm | 1st Post |
|
We just got back last night from our cruise on Crown Princess. I'll be posting this review in sections as I get time.
Chapter 1 - Pre-Cruise
On Thursday night, we had booked the Hampton Inn just outside Boston's Logan Airport for a park & fly package. It's $144 per night through International Holidays (a company that we do business with that only deals with travel agents...I've seen it as high as $239 directly through the hotel). While the hotel is nothing fancy, it is clean & comfortable and has a lounge that is open every evening, and offers a continental breakfast daily.
Friday morning, we grabbed the free shuttle (it's only a 5-10 minute shuttle ride to the airport) which runs about every 15 minutes or so. There was little/no wait for a kiosk to do our self-service check-in at the airport, and soon we were in line for the security checkpoint. Just after 7 AM, there was about a 10 minute wait in line. Since we had a 9:35 flight on American, there was plenty of time, and there was no problem getting through security. Our flight into San Juan was uneventful, and we were running a few minute early getting in, until we got close to the airport and the pilot aborted our landing as there was a heavy shower and almost no visibility. We circled the entire island and landed about a half hour late.
After claiming our bags, we left the terminal (San Juan is the only airport that I've been to that actually checks your luggage claim tags against your luggage, so keep your claim tags handy!) and arranged for two taxis (there were eight of us) to take us to our accommodations for the night, the Sheraton Old San Juan. With all of our luggage, each taxi was $24.50 plus tip (base rate is $19 - fixed rate, plus $5.50 for 7 bags). Good thing it was a fixed rate. Because it had rained, and was the beginning of rush hour, it took over an hour to get to the hotel, which should only be a 20 minute ride.
We were able to check-in at the Sheraton, and get to our room without a problem. At this point, it was close to 5:00, and we had a 7:00 pickup, or so we thought, for a kayaking trip in the Bioluminescent Bay. Jeri called the kayak operators to confirm that we were still on, and they told us they had tried to leave a message at the hotel that they wanted to pick us up at 6:00. She explained that we had just gotten in, and needed time to get changed and get something to eat, so they did change the pickup to 6:15. We quickly let the other people know that there was a change, got changed, and walked a couple of blocks to the Tamarind Restaurant. It's a good local place (not cheap, but at least fairly reasonable), and we told the waiter that we did need to be out in time to get back to the hotel for 6:15. No problem. Well, he must have meant no problem for him. Service wasn't the best, and it was 6:30 by the time we got back to the hotel. Fortunately, most of us had cell phone service in San Juan, so we were able to let the rest of the group know that we were running late, and the shuttle did wait for us.
The Bioluminescent Bay kayaking is about 1 1/2 hours away from San Juan. They give you vests, explain what's going to happen and give some instruction, and then you kayak (2-person kayaks) through DARK mangroves to an open bay. In the bay, you can look into the water and see plankton glowing (it's best done on a dark night, and we were lucky enough to have a new moon the night we were there). When you put your hand or paddle into the water, it actually glows. You spend 15-20 minutes there, and then kayak back through the mangroves to return your kayak, have some refreshments, and board the bus back to the hotel.
If you have never kayaked, I would not suggest doing this. It's quite the challenge to be figuring how kayaking in total darkness through a narrow, winding passage. We also felt that they went too fast for those who had not kayaked before. It would be better to split into two groups...those who had experience, and those who did not, so that it would be more comfortable for all. Even though we had not kayaked, I did enjoy the experience. It's also a long ride out there (after what was already a long day), so I don't think I'd suggest this after flying in that day (unless you got in quite early).
After the ride back to the hotel, it was close to midnight, and time to call it a night.
In the morning, I walked downstairs and outside and saw that the Crown Princess, our home for the next week, had safely arrived from the prior voyage. At about 11:30, I found that they had just opened the doors and were letting people get into line (thanks Erby!), so we walked over (the hotel is only about a 3 minute walk from the pier, even with luggage) and got into line. Just after 12, they started processing the line (lines are organized by deck, with other lines for Platinum/Elite, and disabled passengers). We were checked in, had our pictures taken (the only time all week that they actually took our pictures, but it wasn't for lack of trying), and got into line until they actually started letting passengers board, around 12:30, at which time we headed onto our ship and directly to our balcony cabin (R521) to drop our luggage and head off to get lunch.
More later..
____________________
Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
|
hstrybuf
Founders
| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
| Posts: | 21180 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Sun Nov 18th, 2007 07:31 pm | 2nd Post |
|
| Thanks Rich! I had considered the kayak trip at one time. Although I've never kayaked, it still sounds like fun.
____________________
Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
|
Eeyore
Frequent Cruiser
back to top
|
Posted: Sun Nov 18th, 2007 08:31 pm | 3rd Post |
|
Come on Rich - waiting for more!! I know I'm on the other itinerary, but still waiting for details!!
____________________
Cathy
 See More Dragons!
No trees were harmed in the posting of this message, but a large number of electrons were inconvenienced.
|
nhrich
Charter Member
| Joined: | Thu Jun 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Windham, NH |
| Posts: | 4959 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Mon Nov 19th, 2007 02:49 am | 4th Post |
|
Chapter 2 - The Ship
Crown Princess is a beautiful ship. I did find that the cabin (BB balcony) seemed smaller than that on Carnival Liberty, since we did not have a sitting area, but it was certainly adequate. There is plenty of closet space (as much as in the mini-suite) and shelf space, but not much for drawer space. I thought that the vanity could have used a center drawer. The bathroom is pretty much standard size. The balcony door slides, rather than swings, open, so no need for bungee cord to keep the door open.
There are two main pool areas, one of which has MUTS. For those who don't want to deal with MUTS, the second main pool is where the band plays. There is also an aft pool, an adult pool, and a kids' pool.
The main dining rooms are Botticelli, which is used for traditional dining, and the DaVinci & Michaelangelo which are used for anytime dining. DaVinci is also open for breakfast and lunch. We had anytime dining, but usually ate dinner around 6-6:30, and never had to wait for a table. While there were quite a few things that some people thought were "different" it was never a problem finding good selections (sometimes 2 or more, even). The wait staff were very open with recommendations. For the most part, service was very good, and food was fantastic. The buffets were fine, with a decent (but not great) selection. There is also a grill, and a pizza station, both of which we tried once, and were pretty decent.
Nightly entertainment consisted mostly of comedians of some type, with a couple of production shows. We only went to the Motor City production show (Motown), and it was very good. There was also a crew show one night that we went to, and when you went in they handed you a balloon. People were blowing them up and hitting them back and forth in the theater before the show, which was actually quite a site...800 balloons being batted around. The crew show was excellent, and most of the performers were excellent.
I must also add that our cabin steward, Kris (from Poland), was excellent. We made a couple of special requests to him, and nothing was ever a problem for him. He's counting down the last 9 weeks of his contract and will be going back home for a week and then to school.
The ship was very well laid out, and easy to get around, IMO. Of all the ships that I've sailed on, I'd say this is probably my favorite, other than Royal Caribbean's Voyager & Freedom class.
Next up will the the ports. Feel free to ask any questions on anything I've covered so far.
Last edited on Mon Nov 19th, 2007 02:51 am by nhrich
____________________
Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
|
Catnip
Charter Member
back to top
|
Posted: Mon Nov 19th, 2007 03:56 pm | 5th Post |
|
Great review, Rich!!!!!!
____________________
33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
|
hstrybuf
Founders
| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
| Posts: | 21180 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Nov 20th, 2007 12:31 am | 6th Post |
|
*tap, tap, tap* I'm waiting for the good stuff! 
____________________
Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
|
BAMA X 2
Teeny Bopper
| Joined: | Mon Jun 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | Deep Dixie |
| Posts: | 9557 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Nov 20th, 2007 12:40 am | 7th Post |
|
How bout Jeri had the best weed on the ship!
____________________
Island Time Travel
http://www.islandtt.com
|
hstrybuf
Founders
| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
| Posts: | 21180 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Nov 20th, 2007 12:57 am | 8th Post |
|
BAMA X 2 wrote: How bout Jeri had the best weed on the ship!
Oh yes, I'm definitely waiting to hear about that! 
____________________
Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
|
nhrich
Charter Member
| Joined: | Thu Jun 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Windham, NH |
| Posts: | 4959 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Sat Nov 24th, 2007 02:28 am | 9th Post |
|
Chapter 3 - The Ports (Finally)
Crown Princess alternates itineraries during the winter season, and the itinerary that we were on offered port stops in St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Grenada, Bonaire, & Aruba.
In St. Thomas, Crown Princess (along with all other Princess and HAL ships) docks at Crown Bay. It's on the other side of town from Havensight, which most cruise passengers that have been to the island are familiar with. There is a new shopping area by the pier, but many of the stores are not open yet (of course, Diamonds Internation is, and what port would be complete without it? ) Like Havensight, taxi fare is $4 per person into town. Since we were there on a Sunday, most stores closed between 1 & 2 PM, and we had just been to St. Thomas and done an island tour/Megan's Bay stop last month on our Carnival Liberty Cruise, so Jeri decided that "we" wanted to go shopping. Fortunately, she's not a big jewelry person, so I figured we were safe (and we were). We were back to the ship by noon, and enjoyed the afternoon onboard the ship.
Next stop was St. Kitts, an island that neither of us had been to before. We had arranged a tour and beach stop through Shore Trips, and as typical with just about all of the excursions we've booked through them, the driver was on time and waiting for us. We did see a good part of the island, and learned about the history of the island on our tour, there was a stop a a batik store, where they sell material that's drawn by hand in wax, dyed, (repeat as many times as necessary to get the proper design), and a stop for a while at Frigate Bay, where we met up with several FOMT cruisers who had taken the water taxi over. The locals do pester you for massages, hair beading, etc., and we did find one guy who kept the beer bucket replenished (6 beers for $9...what a deal!). After leaving the beach, we were brought back into town where we had a chance to explore some. St. Kitts is a very nice island, and their British heritage is quite obvious, especially in town.
Off next to Grenada. We had been there before but hadn't seen much of the island, so we took a tour through the ship that also offered a beach stop for a couple of hours at Grand Anse Beach. We weren't impressed with our driver, who didn't say anything unless he was asked, and even then, if you were in the back of the bus (as we were), you couldn't hear him. The island still has lots of damage from hurricanes in 2004 & 2005 (many homes still missing roofs), but the island itself is very nice, and the beach is one of the better ones in the Caribbean, IMO. We did notice that the pier area had been built up quite a bit since we were there last.
Bonaire was our next stop, another island that we had not seen before. Since we had been doing quite a bit of touring/beaching, we decided to just take in the local town. It's a fairly small downtown area, but right off the pier was a flea market type operation, with vendors selling their local wares. Many of the group went snorkeling or diving, and there were a lot of good comments about it. Seems like Bonaire's an island we should keep in mind for our clients who want a dive vacation.
The final stop was Aruba. We went with another couple from our group to Eagle Beach, using the local bus service. Buses run from town along the beach about every 8 minutes or so, and it's about $2.60 pp for a round trip, and $1.60 pp one way. We were dropped near the new Riu resort, where we walked through their lobby and pool area. It looks to be a very nice all-inclusive resort (typical of the Riu chain). From there we went down to the beach near La Cabana, a beautiful stretch of beach, where one of our party had a wardrobe malfunction (underwear does not make a bathing suit bottom). After the beach, we went back to town, walked around for a while, and stopped in at Carlos & Charlies for a few minutes prior to heading back to the ship.
The final day on this itinerary is a sea day, and Deb did a wonderful job setting up the mini-golf tournament. Although I didn't win (and Bama didn't cheat, at least not enough to win), it was fun, and a good time with the FOMT group.
Chapter 4 - Whatever I've Forgotten to Mention
Let's see...we dined at both specialty restaurants (Crown Grill - $25 pp & Sabatini's - $20 pp). Both were good, but I think Crown Grill was better than Sabatini's. Service was exceptional at both.
On Sunday, MUTS showed two afternoon football games (the FOMT Cowboy fans took over the pool area), but not any of the night games.
Anything else I think of I'll add as I think of it.
____________________
Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
|
Catnip
Charter Member
back to top
|
Posted: Sat Nov 24th, 2007 02:39 am | 10th Post |
|
Good review, Rich!!! Sounds like everyone had a great time!!
____________________
33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
|
BAMA X 2
Teeny Bopper
| Joined: | Mon Jun 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | Deep Dixie |
| Posts: | 9557 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Sat Nov 24th, 2007 02:49 am | 11th Post |
|
OK Rich so much for your professional review! Now do a real review from the FOMT perspective! 
____________________
Island Time Travel
http://www.islandtt.com
|
hstrybuf
Founders
| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
| Posts: | 21180 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Sat Nov 24th, 2007 02:49 am | 12th Post |
|
Sounds like a fun trip Rich! I've never been to three of the ports on the itinerary so I'll have to keep this one in mind for the future. I'm with Jeri! Been there, got the jewelry, don't need any more!  I love batik factories! I got my favorite article of clothing from the one in St. Lucia. Another good reason for me to try this itinerary.
____________________
Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
|
nhrich
Charter Member
| Joined: | Thu Jun 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Windham, NH |
| Posts: | 4959 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Sat Nov 24th, 2007 11:21 am | 13th Post |
|
BAMA X 2 wrote: OK Rich so much for your professional review! Now do a real review from the FOMT perspective!
You covered that with your detailed review. It about summed it up!
____________________
Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
|
Catnip
Charter Member
back to top
|
Posted: Sat Nov 24th, 2007 01:48 pm | 14th Post |
|
nhrich wrote: BAMA X 2 wrote: Now do a real review from the FOMT perspective!
You covered that with your detailed review. It about summed it up!
____________________
33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
|
Current time is 10:32 pm | |
|
|
|
|
