Crown Princess Review
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We picked this cruise line to experience the Princess Cruse line and so far it is one of the best cruise lines so far. We cruised to the Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos Islands the week of March 11-16, 2018. This cruise left out of Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Both Embarkation and Debarkation went smoothly. At debarktion we were able to get our luggage from the holding area immediately without having to search the assigned holding area. They kept all of our luggage for each traveler together which made it easier to spot right away in the holding area. The ship was very clean from beginning to end and if something was dropped it was immediately picked up. In the dining areas there was hand sanitizer to use before walking into the area and if you didn't use it guests were asked to please use it now. Every one was encouraged to wash hands with soap and water before coming to the dining areas first. The food was excellent for all 3 meals as well as any snacks. We especially enjoyed tea time which was a chance to sit and meet other cruisers . Entertainment was fun and as well as engaging. Services overall was great. Our cabin steward Emmanual was especially attentive to our room and really took care of us. He kept our room spotless. We had a mini-suite with a balcony. It was nice but could use some updating. The bedside tables could be replaced as the drawers stick and was hard to pull out. The fixtures and counter top as well as the bathtub could use some updating. The sofa for the third pulls out into a comfortable bed but the sofa itself is old and could use updating or replaced. Also the chairs in the buffet dining area could also use some updating or replacement. We visited two ports, Amber Cove and Grand Turk.
The shore excursion at Amber Cove was excellent. We took the VIP Lifestyle and Serenity excursion. This was an excellent experience. We were greeted with Mimosas when we got off the bus and the drinks never stopped (all- inclusive). The beach was beautiful and there was beach beds both covered and uncovered for us to use and well as a full buffet lunch. The second day we visited Grand Turk and took the Rainbow Calypso Tram around the city. I would NOT recommend this particular excursion. The tram was old and dirty and rusty and needs to be replaced. We were taken to less desirable parts of the island which was dirty to put it mildly.
Cabin Review
Mini-Suite with Balcony
Overall the mini-Suite with Balcony was very nice for three people. It was spacious and very clean. Especially liked the large closet across from the bathroom which acommated all our our clothing. Our cabin steward took great care in keeping our room clean. I would say though that the side tables next to the 2 beds needs to be replaced because the drawers stick and was hard to pull to get open. The bathroom is small and also could use a refresh (replace the face bowl fixture and counter top along with the bathtub tiles and update the flooring). The sofa in the room for the third person sleeps comfortably but needs some serious updating or needs to be replaced as it is very old and show wear and tear. The room also has 2 televisions, one for the beds section and one for the sofa section which was a nice touch. The balcony was small and deep. We did not use it too much because the way they are made there is no coverage from the next floor so you get all of sun. Princess says they are designed this way so that guests can experience seeing the full view of the ocean, etc.
Port Reviews
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
We took the Amber Cove VIP Serenity and LIfestyle tour. It was excellent. When we stepped off the bus we were greeted with Mimosas. Drinks flowed the entire 4 hours of the tour and lunch was included. There were covered and uncovered beach beds for us to relax and enjoy the beach as well as hammocks to use for our enjoyment. A very relacing experience. Highly recommend this tour.