Overall, the Crown Princess was an enjoyable experience. If you are looking for a more low--key, relaxing vacation with quality staff, food and entertainment, then this is the place. If you are looking for over the top stimulation, then go Carnival and RC. This fit the bill for me perfectly. It is a notch above the other two.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Even though our timeframe to embark was after 230pm, when we arrived at 1230pm, they let us on and didn't make us wait like other Cruise lines. That was unexpected.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The selection at the main buffet had better quality food selection than other Cruise lines I have travelled. The main dining room choices were ok but nothing fancy even on formal nights. We still preferred the varied options at the buffet.
Skywalkers Nightclub
5 out of 5
They had Happy Hour every night at 10pm and we would go for dancing and a nightcap. This is their nightclub located at the highest deck at the back if the ship. Great way to end the night.
Wheelhouse Bar
3 out of 5
It's a little pub with Happy Hour at 3pm. There's just not enough seating for when it's full but the live music occasionally is good.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Zumba every morning on Sea days was great as well as the gym at the front of the ship with the views from your treadmill. There were some activities like Trivia twice/day, card playing and Bingo but way too many more marketing/shopping events which I now tend to avoid altogether as they are such a turnoff from a relaxing trip. The pools were in different sections of the ship which made the experience more selective and absolutely loved how the transform the lounge chairs in the evening for Movies under the Stars on the Lido deck.
Lotus Spa
5 out of 5
The spa is first rate and compared to NY prices, cheaper but still pricy. There were many options to choose from and it was great the Botox doctor was on board. Price for that was reasonable considering.
Beauty Salon
4 out of 5
It was great having a hair salon on board to get a haircut. Pricy but convenient.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
I have travelled many Cruise lines but the entertainment on the Princess was top notch. From the singers and comedians who were special guests to the actual Princess Entourage, the shows were varied every night of the week. Great job and entertaining.
Club Fusion
5 out of 5
Great location and place for a little late night dancing and a nightcap. We are not night owls by any means but would take advantage of Happy Hour at 10pm and be in bed by 1130. It's great not having to go far to enjoy these evening venues.
Explorer's Lounge
5 out of 5
Special guests who performed on the Princess stage the first night did a follow-up show with new material in this lounge which is cosy and in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Library
5 out of 5
Great little quiet space to pick up a book and do some work on the main table. Saw students doing homework.
Movies Under The Stars
5 out of 5
Lounge chairs are transformed into comfy cushioned ones and the movie selections were great. Was surprised they were showing current ones to include Oscar nominated features.
Princess Theater
5 out of 5
Thanks singing was first class and the comedians were off the hook.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone was very polite and like key. Very enjoyable staff.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The common areas were all up to standard in cleanliness and maintenance. The hallways where rooms are located needs a facelift.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This was the first time I stayed in an Interior room. The Size was adequate for 2 people and the bed was very comfortable as well as top notch feather pillows. The bathrooms are always small regardless and don't expect that to ever change. The closet and shelf space for clothing was larger than expected and equipped with plenty if hangers.
Ship tip
Like an amusement park, there are many things to do but not enough time to do them all. Be selective and take time to sit and relax with one of the most calm views in the world - the ocean. We took advantage of Stargazing nights which is 1/2 hour learning about the constellations. We chose a different nighttime venue to enjoy live music and shows. A one time treat in the spa whatever it is...haircut, massage, manicure...should be a stop to feel pampered for the day.
We went to Blue Bay Beach (8 per person one way) which is less busy than the main touristy beach. For 8 per person, you get a lounge chair and use of their bathrooms. There is also a restaurant and bar with beach service. This is a family beach and very safe. No vendors selling wares which is a plus.
This is a small island. We took a 15 minutes can ride to the airport (21 dollars) and rented a car for the day. We visited a few beaches...Baby Beach at the southern tip of the island, had lunch at Zeerovers on way back and highly recommended for cheap fresh seafood of the day fare (lunch for 4 was 45 with more than plenty of food), then we headed off to visit the Lighthouse at the northern tip and hit Palm and Eagle beaches. The beaches on Aruba are beautiful and water is warm and clear. Renting a car was the cheapest option than taking an excursion and the island has only 1 main road where you can't get lost. Very manageable. We considered renting a car near the ship but their return time was 4pm for the same price at the airport which offered a return time of 8pm. The airport is really close to the port by car.
No excursion required for this super small island. You can rent a golf cart or take a sea taxi easily and save lots of Money. We too the sea taxi to Kkein Bonaire which is a Gilligan's island great for snorkeling. The best we had of all 3 islands. Just note that there are no bathrooms, restaurant or bar. So bring your own. You would only spend a few hours here at most. We then sea taxi back to town, had time for lunch and shower on the ship and headed back yo take a walk for shipping and gelatto. This was my favorite island as it's still relaxing and not overbuilt touristy.
Though there was a delay getting off, it was easy all the way out. Getting a taxi back to the airport was right outside the exit doors. This port is the easiest and closest to the airport. You can see the cruise ships from om there.
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