Caribbean Princess Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,772 reviews

Princess Cruises – Changes that create problems

Review for the Caribbean Cruise on Caribbean Princess
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Sussex Duo
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jan 2019
Cabin: Interior

Our 14 day cruise around the Caribbean was somewhat different to the other 20+ cruises we have enjoyed with Princess because some of their recent changes have not really worked well. In particular, the earlier meal and show times resulted in the theatre being full 45 minutes before the 6.45 and 8.45 pm shows and very little in the way of entertainment after 9.30 in the evening.

SHIP

Caribbean Princess has a slightly different layout to its “sister ships” with a smoky casino right outside the theatre and very little activity in the Wheelhouse at any time. We always preferred the second (8.15 ish) evening meal time which fitted with the 10.15 pm show but found that we had to arrive in the theatre by 6 pm and then eat afterwards with “any time” dining. After this, there was not much to do except frequent one of the bars. The Promenade deck is narrow, leaving no room for loungers.

Cabin Review

Interior

Cabin IE

Port Reviews

Antigua

The cathedral was undergoing repairs following the recent hurricans but was worth a visit as was the market, which has a large statue of their first President outside. Numerous round the island trips are available for around 20 USD for anybody who had not visited Antigua before.

Curacao

A pleasant and attractive port with the town within easy reach via the Queen Emma swing bridge. The Jewish synagogue and Marine Museum are worth a visit, as are the local markets.

Aruba

We caught a bus to the butterfly farm, which was really interesting. The 15 USD (plus tax) entry included an informative tour. The beaches en route looked good but there is not much more to do in Aruba.

Barbados

The walk into Bridgetown is easy and we stopped off to see the fish market and St Mary’s church on the way. The parliament building has an exhibition of local heroes, which is open on Saturdays with 5 USD admission. The rum factory near the port is only open on week days. There was very little to see or buy at the Pelican Craft Centre but several markets in town were worth a visit.

St. Thomas

The one mile walk into town is not great and a “taxi” is probably worth the 4 USD each way. The shops are OK but there is very little else to see or do. You can climb up 99 steps (actually 103) to get a view of the harbour and be back in good time for lunch on board.

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