Day #1: Embarkation and New York City
Cruise Line: Princess Ship: Caribbean Princess Length of Cruise: 7 days Departure Port: New York City
Cruise Line: Princess Ship: Caribbean Princess Length of Cruise: 7 days Departure Port: New York City
Thank you for joining us for the first part of an anonymous guest reviewer's cruise review for the Caribbean Princess to New England & Canada. For more details and to start at the very beginning of this cruise review: Click Here
Arrival At Ship: We flew into the New York City area the day before the cruise in case there were delays in our flight. The morning of our cruise we returned to the airport where we were met by Princess Representatives who directed us to our transfer coach. (Note: Transfers can be arranged for Newark, LaGuardia, or Kennedy Airports). The coach trip from the airport was prompt and smooth. When we arrived at the ship, porters were available to take our luggage for loading on the ship. We kept our carry-on luggage with us.
Embarkation: There were many passengers arriving at the same time as we were, but there were plenty of Princess reps around to direct us to the correct lines for check in. The process went smoothly and it didn’t take too long to receive our Cruise Cards. Of course, we had to stop for our photo to be taken as we finished checking in.
Lunch: Before we went to lunch, we took our carry-on luggage to our stateroom. Then we went to the Horizon Court on the Lido Deck for the buffet lunch. Although crowded, we were able to quickly move through the lines and find a table. There was a variety of dishes to choose from and we were glad to be able to sit and relax for a while.
Embarkation: There were many passengers arriving at the same time as we were, but there were plenty of Princess reps around to direct us to the correct lines for check in. The process went smoothly and it didn’t take too long to receive our Cruise Cards. Of course, we had to stop for our photo to be taken as we finished checking in.
Lunch: Before we went to lunch, we took our carry-on luggage to our stateroom. Then we went to the Horizon Court on the Lido Deck for the buffet lunch. Although crowded, we were able to quickly move through the lines and find a table. There was a variety of dishes to choose from and we were glad to be able to sit and relax for a while.
Outside of Princess Theatre Afternoon activities: We spent some of the afternoon getting acquainted with the ship. When we checked in, we were given a map of the ship’s decks. We particularly wanted to find the dining rooms and the theater. We would need that information later in the evening. There was a scheduled “Tour of the Public Areas” lead by the Cruise Director’s Staff, but we chose to go on our own.
 Our Stateroom |  Our Stateroom |
Muster: Shortly before the ship was to set sail, the General Emergency exercise was held. Directions were broadcast, alarms were sounded and everyone proceeded to their assigned Muster Stations. This is a mandatory exercise and cruise cards are checked so it is important to follow instructions.
 New York City |  Sailing Past Statue of Liberty |
Dinner: Although there were two different dining choices, Anytime and Fixed, we chose the Anytime dining because we like to dine early (usually 5pm) and like to be able to set our own schedule. We also enjoy eating with different guests and getting to meet people from all over the country/world.
Evening Entertainment: Although there were numerous activities scheduled for the evening, we were most interested in seeing the Welcome Aboard Showtime in the Princess Theater. The singers and dancers as well as some of the entertainers for the week always provide an exciting show. After the show there was time to take in some of the other entertainment going on all around the ship or have another dessert on the Lido Deck!
Evening Entertainment: Although there were numerous activities scheduled for the evening, we were most interested in seeing the Welcome Aboard Showtime in the Princess Theater. The singers and dancers as well as some of the entertainers for the week always provide an exciting show. After the show there was time to take in some of the other entertainment going on all around the ship or have another dessert on the Lido Deck!