We were a group of eight. My husband, myself, my mother and sister and two couple who are friends of ours. We are able to make our own fun, which we did wherever we went. My husband did the steel drum classes, which he thoroughly enjoyed. To the point where he is making himself a steel from for home. đ§đ¤¨. The ship is a little run down, but I understand the Crown is due for dry dock, so hopefully she will have all her problems resolved.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
This was our first MedallionClass cruise, but not our last. The boarding process is totally streamlined. Before leaving for the cruise, we were able to upload our security photo and complete all the questionnaires. The MedallionClass app generated a QR code which could be saved to your device or printed. I did both - just in case. đ. We arrived at the pier by 11:30, using the Parkân Cruise at 1101 Eller Drive. Walked through a quick line and to a little table where we presented the QR codeâs. Within 5 minutes, we had our medallions and were in the waiting room, waiting for our boarding number to be called. We were in group 6. By 12:15, we were aboard and on our way to the DaVinci dining room for lunch.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
While we didnât go hungry on this cruise, the food wasnât quite as good as we enjoyed in the Ruby a few years before. We dined mostly in the Main dining room, with one detour to the crab shack. Food was good, cooked as requested, but not always as tasty as we had come to expect. Crab Shack food needs work on its presentation and maybe consider bringing smaller amounts of food. By the time we got to the last of our food, it was cold. Cold seafood isnât always good.
Hamburgers at the outside grill were excellent as were the fries and pizzas.
The buffet always had food that quite good with a good variety. My only complaint was breakfast Eggs Benedictâs. The eggs were cooked hard and the Hollandaise sauce was cold. Such a disappointment
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
As always, Princess staff go above and beyond expectations to make your cruise truly wonderful. Our room steward, Igor, was relatively new to the job, so some allowances were made. Our waiters, Larry and Jesus, were wonderful. Any requests were swiftly attended to. The Head waiter, Gabriel, was wonderful and very attentive to my motherâs dietary needs. He even spent time with her and my sister in the evening the rest of our party attended the Crab Shack.
The bartenders were a hoot, mixing drinks with flair. Hope to meet them again.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
All areas of the ship were clean. Due to an engine and generator problems, which have been ongoing since last fall, there were some problems. While sitting on the pool deck, it wasnât uncommon to smell sewer off gassing, as well as finding soot falling from the stack. It wasnât continuous, so we didnât let it affect our enjoyment of the trip. The hot tubs werenât as hot as we would have liked them, but enjoyable non the less.
Will be cruising with Princess again but maybe only on newer ships?
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
While the balcony was a little small. It suited our needs quite well. Bed was extremely comfortable, bathroom, while adequate is very small. A shower door instead of a curtain would be great. Silly curtain always get sucked in the shower.
The pirate ship snorkelling excursion is great fun. We visited 3 snorkeling locations, including the Antilla shipwreck. Conditions were favourable this time and we were able to see the wreck. After swimming was complete, passengers were invited to walk the plank ... I mean swing off the ship via a rope swing. It was very entertaining to watch, but I didnât partake.
We did the ships river tubing excursion on Dominica. The tour was badly organized, no clear direction and many small tour vans, which took forever to arrive. Once at the tour destination, we were suited up and led to the River. It was quite a slow tube down, which one of the guides informed us was because of the drought they were suffering. It appears that the River is 6â lower that it normally is. My husband thought this is information we should have had before the excursion began with the option to cancel. I say it was fun. More fun perhaps if the water had been higher, but fun none the less
A short walk down the pier to buy passage to Klein Bonaire and we were on our way. We had time for two runs through the beautiful, clear waters. Fish of all colours đ đ and sizes abounded. Canât wait to return
Snorkelling with a shipâs excursion was wonderful. Our guide was very knowledgeable and was quick to find us beautiful wildlife at every stop. And this was the first time I saw someone actually chastise a group member for not following directions. Quite refreshing. âDonât chase the turtle away by following themâ is actually adhered to. Thanks!
As we drove to the cruise port we were able to relax a little before disembarking. We made our way to the casino, which was our designated spot. It offered enough seating for everyone, Ice water, fruit juices and coffee were available. It wasnât long before we were on our way off the ship. A quick scan of our medallion and we were off the ship.
The only downside was the construction, which necessitates quite a walk, filled with twists and turns. Iâm sure it will be wonderful when itâs done. Hopefully by the time we cruise again, likely not until 2024. đ
Thanks for a well written and thoughtful review. The information about the medallion experience was very helpful. If all goes well we will be doing it in January. Glad you enjoyed your cruise!â´
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