First cruise on Crown Princess

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bigenna

Deck Crew
Hi, Newby here to this forum and to Princess Cruises. Actually only one cruise before and that was from Vancouver to Alaska a few years ago on Celebrity.

I had booked a balcony guaranty on the Crown Princess (surprise for husband's upcoming retirement) and was assigned Stateroom 214 on Aloha Deck. (legend on ship deck plan shows category BD)

I called Princess to ask about it and after some discussion with the agent ended up changing to Baja Deck Stateroom 629 (still category BD)

First cabin was towards the front of the ship, the one now is closer to the rear and on the other side.

Now, of course, I am wondering whether I made the right choice. When we were on the Alaska cruise a few years ago we were near the front of the ship and felt quite ill one night when the waters were rough, that is why I called to ask about a different location.

Would really appreciate any insight from anyone reading. Sure glad I found this forum - lots of help here.
 
3

3728jwl44444

Shore Excursion Manager
First of all, let me say that the Crown is a great ship, with a superior deckplan. Baha is a great deck (our favorite), but on any cruise ship, if you have any sensitivity to Sea Sickness, try for the mid areas; we use this formula, developed on over 8 Princess cruises;
1. Close to the middle as possible; 2. not to high (Baha is usually OK on the Grand/Crown class ships), 3. Close, (for convenience) but not too close, to the stairs and self service laundry, (noise) 4. Always a balcony; fresh air can make all the difference. As for balconies on the Grand/Crown Class ships, stay away from the extended balconies (below Baha) as they have no privacy from above.5. Always take Seabands; they work.
 
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bigenna

Deck Crew
thanks, feeling better already about my choice

Now I just have to try and keep this secret from my husband as it is a surprise for his retirement just before Christmas.

Our cruise is seven days, leaving fort lauderdale on January 9th. :dance:
 
Whimsy

Whimsy

Staff Captain
We love the aft locations but then, we aren't bothered by motion. I think the front is rougher than the back.

Good luck on keeping your cruise a secret. I was just on a cruise last month and a member of our roll call kept it a secret until about 2 weeks before they cruised. Have fun!
 
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moniquey

Lecturer
Our first Princess cruise is on the Crown Princess in August of 2010 around the British Isles starting in South Hampton and ending there as well. It will also be our first balcony booking and it is on the Baja deck (midway). We have cruised five times on the Hal (Hawaii next April on the Zaandam) and have really liked them, but thought we would try the Princess for a change.
 
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JES

Lecturer
Hi,
Just got off the Crown on it's repositioning from Quebec to Ft. Laud.

The ship sails smoothly in almost all weather. I was on Caribe, aft. No problems. I prefer aft to forward. IMHO - Less motion.

Not related specifically to yr. questions - but -
- make sure you see the Adagio bar on 16 aft. next to Sabatini's. Beautiful room. Quiet during the day. Ditto for Sabatini's (now of 16 adt.)
- try the free soft ice cream on the Lido (all afternoon) and the gelato in the Cafe on 5 mid-ship (gelato is $1.50 for 3 scoops).
- also in Cafe on 5, try the Chicken Salad - wonderful; ditto for Shrimp Salad; mushroom salad..
- Avoid the Veal Chop in Sabatini's
- the pizzia on Lido was excellent
- they've replaced the "Available Anytime" steak with a Filet Mignon which was quite decent
- I tried the EZCheck baggage feature. It worked. I didn't see my bags until they hit the airport baggage carousel at the end of my trip.
- No smoking in the main bars.
- If you like Espresso, they're back to only 1 punch on the coffee card for a double.

You'll enjoy the ship....but you need your walking shoes.
 
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bigenna

Deck Crew
Thanks for all the comments/tips from everyone.
Hubby is now retired, as of last week. Managed to keep the cruise a surprise until his retirement party. He was thrilled and amazed that I managed to keep it a secret all this time.
Now we just have under three weeks to go....
 
N

nmnita

Security Guard
bigenna said:
Hi, Newby here to this forum and to Princess Cruises. Actually only one cruise before and that was from Vancouver to Alaska a few years ago on Celebrity.

I had booked a balcony guaranty on the Crown Princess (surprise for husband's upcoming retirement) and was assigned Stateroom 214 on Aloha Deck. (legend on ship deck plan shows category BD)

I called Princess to ask about it and after some discussion with the agent ended up changing to Baja Deck Stateroom 629 (still category BD)

First cabin was towards the front of the ship, the one now is closer to the rear and on the other side.

Now, of course, I am wondering whether I made the right choice. When we were on the Alaska cruise a few years ago we were near the front of the ship and felt quite ill one night when the waters were rough, that is why I called to ask about a different location.

Would really appreciate any insight from anyone reading. Sure glad I found this forum - lots of help here.
Click to expand...

I would much prefer the aft to forward especially if the seas are rough at all. I am sure you made a good choice. Enjoy your cruise, we like Princess, it isn't our favorite line but it has some positives, like the entrees. Though overall, I don't think the food is the best at sea, they offer a bigger variety of seafood than some lines and I love seafood, so I am happy.

Nita
 
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