Good cruise with Panama Canal so worth the visit

Item: Caribbean Princess
Rating: 3.4
Author: mellen2

Caribbean Princess Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

mellen2

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 47

Overall rating:

3.4 out of 5

10 Night Panama Canal With Costa Rica & Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 31, 2017

Ship: Caribbean Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: R509

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Overall it was a good cruise. Purpose was to go to the Canal. Princess has its strengths and its challenges. Seems like there’s been a reduction in crew to passenger ratio.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Port Everglades was friendly and easy in and out. Very close to airport and uber was $15. Platinum status gave us a quick checkin. Agent were friendly and professional.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Dining room food and service was great. Meals were creatively prepared and presented. Waiter, Dennis and assistant, Alekandra, provided us with attentive and warm service. We took the beverage package. Not sure we would take it again. Staff on pool deck almost non existent. If we wanted a drink, we had to go to the bar. No wine steward in dining room so getting s second glass of wine was challenging as the wait staff now had that responsibility. Because of the number of tables they served, leaving the dining room to get drinks was difficult for them. Even at breakfast buffet it was difficult to find someone to get us cappuccino. It felt like crew was encouraged not to be available to serve drinks to prepaid guests. If you ordered a drink through room service , there was an extra charge to the beverage package. Even the water in the refrigerator was an add on expense. Went to crown grill. Could not deliver a medium rare filet mignon. Steamers was another disappointment. Stick to dining room. Specialty restaurants not worth the up charge.

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Pool, art auction, Fitness ($12.50 plus gratuity for cycle class.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Decent but not outstanding

Children's Programs

No kids

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Stars to dining room staff. Also room attendant saw to a properly cleaned and prepared room.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Okay for a ship its age. Cannot compete with newer ships.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Clean but needs updating. Small with no space for love seat Small balcony. Very comfortable bed .

Ship tip

Check your account each day. Although we had the beverage package we were often charged for our drinks. Also find out what benefits your status offers. Never saw these in print.

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