NEWBIE:Need help with first Princess cruise (Sun Princess)

T

tigerdog

Guest
Hello everyone......
I just recently found this site, and am a definite "cruise newbie" compared to the rest of you here.
Here's the Reader's Digest version of my story:
I will be booking within the next week or so for the 10 day Eastern Caribbean Islander cruise on the Sun. I have been on 3 RCCL cruises , but never on Princess. I need help on choosing a cabin and just general information on the cruise and ship from those of you who have been on it. I have tried several searches and found some info, but not enough I feel, for a first timer on this particular cruise. Please give me any suggestions/opinions/hints etc. on the whole trip. Also, any "must sees" at the ports would be helpful also. I will be traveling with my wife, 5 year old son, and another couple who are a little older and have no children. My family does not spend much time in the cabin except for an afternoon nap and at night to sleep. (if that helps anyone with suggestions) Thank you in advance to anyone willing to help me out...... look forward to being a part of the crowd here.
Best Regards,
Rod
 
C

CruiseAholic

Guest
Rod...I have sailed on Princess 27 times, the Sun Princess 4 times (as well as the sister ships).

On the 10 day cruise, you can expect to find a slightly more mature crowd and less children, however, on my Sun Princess 10 day cruise (Jan 10) there were kids and the Childrens Program was in full operation.

As for a cabin, you sound like me, I am not that picky....I like the inside cabins AFT on Aloha, and Baja (maybe Caribe can't remember), as there is a public deck aft that many don't find....

As fof the ports, which exactly is the itinerary as it changes...
 
T

tigerdog

Guest
Thanks for the response CruiseAholic ....I appreciate it.

The itinerary on our particular cruise will be
Princess Cays, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Barbados, and Antigua.

How is the condition of the ship?? We cruised on RCCL (Nordic Empress) and it was very dumpy IMHO.......looked as if my 5 year old was in charge of matinence and painting duties.
Thanks again....
-Rod
 
S

seagarsmoker

Guest
Princess does a great job keeping up all of their ships. We've been on the Sun class ships 3 times (#4 since we're booked on the Sun again) and they are great ships. Ditto CruiseAholic tip above about cabins. The back of the Aloha deck is a great unknown (well until the last couple of days! lol) area for laying out in the sun. We always get a room in the 600 - 700 (cabin numbers) range just for this reason. Another benefit is the whirlpools are just above you in the back and it's only a one flight walk upstairs if you decide to use them. We always do this 2 or 3 times each cruise at night before going to bed.
 
E

Einstein

Guest
One of MY Fav ships layouts definitely and I would echo the comments above. we also VERY much enjoyed the foward inside cabin locations as it was only about 20 feet to and exit onto a front balcony that hardly anyone knew about. Just like having our own priovate balcony. :dance The aft hot tubs are in a VERY nice location for that late night dip under the dtars with a bottle of bubbly. :thumb Enjoy!!!

.
 
L

ljeanbrown

Guest
If you enjoy the beach, you will really like Princess Cay. It is a beautiful island and Princess ahs done a nice job in making it passenger friendly. There are paved walkways (unlike the RCCL private islands) and a lot of hammocks :thumb When we went to that island people here said to go to the right when you get off the tender and that was very good advice. I think you will find Princess a bit more mellow than RCCL but there is plenty to do and see. I have cruised more on RCCL than any other cruise line but I have cruise on several lines overall. I used to prefer RCCL over Princess, but now it is the other way around. I really enjoy Princess for the food, service and for the layout of the ships, not to mention the freshwater pools :thumb Have a great cruise :wave
 
Top