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Name: Matt Heredia
Email: mhered@mindspring.com
Age: 67
Occupation: Marketing Consultant
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Crown
SailingDate: Mar 19 1998
Itinerary: Western Caribbean - Panama Canal
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 100
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService:
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 100
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 98
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 98
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 17:08:34
Remote Name: 209.86.47.247
Remote User:
Comments
Crown Princess embarcation process was flawless. They facilitated the process so that we
were not delayed by unprepared cruisers. 'A plus'. The
buffet on the Lido deck was welcome especially after the pretzels and peanuts on the
flight. Our cabin was fully ready and waiting. Our luggage
arrived without a hitch and my tuxedoes were hanging in the closet. Alex, our steward was
helpful, cheerful and personable.
We were pleased to see that the brochures were accurate as to the amenities and cabin
layout. The only exception to our cabin satisfaction was the
poor soundproofing and the ship's groaning & squeaking. The dining facilities were
attractive and our table was in a convenient location. Our waiters
were delightful. Francesco was from Italy and Miklos was from Hungary. Miklos was so
youthful in appearance (he was 22) that I constantly teased
him about it. I told him that I had shoes older than he was. Their service was impeccable.
The only disappointment we had was in the length of time it
took the kitchen to deliver our orders to our waiters. We did not expect 'fast food'
delivery. We based our opinion on dining experiences throughout
Europe and USA.
Our itinerary was interspersed with four days at sea. Two going and two coming. Our first
port of call was Cartagena, Colombia. We must rate this at
the top of the list in terms of cleanliness, attractiveness and points of interest.
Admittedly we were apprehensive about the numerous advisories
concerning tourist safety but since we hired an approved cab with bi-lingual driver the
outing turned out to be totally enjoyable and safe. From there
we entered the Panama Canal, saw the operations of the locks and dropped anchor in Gatun
lake until it was time to return to the locks and exit the
canal. It cost Princess Cruises $185 thousand for the 8 hour transit. The following day
found us at Port Limon, Costa Rica. We also found 'El Nino'. It
was a wet blustery day and we confined our expeditions to the dockside vendors who were
also battling pesky winds. Nonetheless we pick up some
nice local handicrafted items.
San Blas, which was the most authentic site of all was also buffeted by El Nino so our
tender ride to the island village was brief and wet.
The dugout outrider alongside the ship shouting up for to 'throw money' prompted an
advisory from our captain not to do so because of the danger
the swimmers from our propulsion equipment. They had infants in the dugouts with them.
The next port of call was Cozumel. Clean, pleasant but not terribly representative of
Mexico it was more like Daytona Beach or Mobile.
After another day at sea we arrived at Ft. Lauderdale for a seamless and totally efficient
debarcation. The Airline reps on board took care of our
boarding formalities.
In summary we believe that Princess Cruises totally delivered on it's commitment to
quality services and we will definitely include PC in our future
cruise plans.
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