Caribbean Princess Review

A Different Princess

Review for Canada & New England Cruise on Caribbean Princess
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Garry Bliss
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jul 2019
Cabin: Oceanview (obstructed view)

Main attraction was an opportunity to visit ports on eastern shore of Canada and the United States. I chose Princess because my previous cruise experience was very good. This cruise is much different than expected. Upon landing in Fort Lauderdale Princess personnel provided little assistance other than yelling, herding, and selling transfer vouchers. The voucher for transportation between airport and pier required additional wait till me of more than forty minutes, another stop in the airport and holding any carry on luggage upon your lap due to the fact that metal rods were installed along the upper shelf to prevent anyone from using them. Upon arrival to the ship contradicting directions were provided passengers regarding what should be done with luggage. Crowding and screaming resumed throughout the boarding of the ship. No one assisted with direction to rooms, food, rest area, etc.

As the trip continued the Captain made several long winded announcements that were misunderstood because he could not speak English well. On one occasion he announced "an investigation of a matter is underway." Many passengers were certain the crew was investigating. "MURDER!" The Cruise Director provided little introductory information regarding any port. No excursions were described. The threat that "you can miss the boat when your excursion is purchased directly. Princess also enjoyed price gouging, for example HOP ON HOP OFF in New York posted rate of $55 sold for $99. Exiting the ship became a hide and seek game at every port. No announcements were made to inform passengers at what level the gangway would be placed. Entertainment on this cruise was excellent, however the theatre is so small one must arrive at least thirty minutes early. The Princess has also implemented system in which a madallian Is given each passenger. The madallian are several colors depicting how many times you have been with Princess. Elite and Platnum levels were paraded by guests having a lower medallion status. The crew appeared unprepared for any medical emergency. A passenger who could not breathe required more than five minutes to receive medical assistance. His help appeared after the ship captain announced the need. The ship Doctor provided assistance two hours daily. Another passenger fell getting off the boat. He was not helped by any Princess staff. Upon his return to the ship after visited nag the hospital he found all of his belongings had been packed. He had to beg the doctor to return to the ship and his room. He was charged $250 for the packing and cleaning of his room. I share these stories due to the fact that more than fifteen percent of the passengers appeared to be ninety years old carrying canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.Elite and Platnum members will brag and boast of the wonderful time they enjoyed on this cruise. Good for them. I regret that I will be unable to reach this high social status.

Cabin Review

Oceanview (obstructed view)

Cabin OV

Room Steward was excellent. Room was small but clean.

Port Reviews

New York (Manhattan)

Too much traffic to move throughout the city. Battalion Park to ship required three hours in rain on the roofless bus.

Bar Harbor

Great guide eagerly shared her knowledge and experience with tourists.

Newport

New Port is visitor friendly.

Boston

Great walking tours are well marked. Enjoyed friends who live there.

Halifax

Enjoyed automobile tour with friends who live in the area.

5 Helpful Votes
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