Disclosure: Princess Cruises covered my airfare, gratuities, and stateroom cabin. I was given credit allowance.
There’s no better way to temporarily escape life’s hustle and bustle than going on a cruise as it whisks you away to exotic destinations. That is just the starting point of going on a cruise. I was always petrified of the idea of being on the water, yet always wanted to go to a tropical destination such as Athens, Greece; Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or Barbados. Over the weekend, I conquered my fear of being on the water, while my dream vacation became a reality, thanks to Princess Cruises.
My husband and I set sail on the Caribbean Princess on May 23rd – May 26th for our weekend Eastern Caribbean cruise getaway out of Port Everglades Cruiseport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On Sunday, we were in Princess Cays, Bahamas. It is located on the island of Eleuthera, yet it is privately owned by Princess Cruises. The hours on the beach were short-lived, yet enjoyed to the hilt as we both felt the warm rays of the Bahamian sun, while enjoying the view of the turquoise water and getting sand between our toes. I even stopped by a couple of vendors to buy a beautiful turquoise bracelet ($10) for myself and sea glass in the shape of a fish ($0.75) for my son, which I knew he would enjoy! However, I’ll cover more about our experience in the Bahamas in a separate post.
As for the cruise, it was a wonderment to behold, itself. They had the friendliest crew members, a comfortable bed that I could sleep in for days, complimentary toiletries from Lotus Spa, a full view of the ocean on the balcony, while sipping on champagne, spacious pool area, being able to watch movies on theater quality screens at the pool (i.e. Movies Under the Stars) or Princess Theater, dancing underneath a blanket of stars on the balcony, or dancing the night away at the Skywalkers Nightclub; listening to the multi-talented vocalist entertainer Dwight Blake, who was crooning the night away with everything from Kiss by Prince to What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye; gentle waves of the ocean lulling me to sleep, and then waking up to sunrise, sampling different food from their buffets at The Horizon and Café Caribe, and nibbling on freshly baked pastries, eating the Roasted Tomato Soup and Greek Salad, while sipping on Mighty Leaf’s Organic Marrakesh Mint Tea from the International Café.
There is truly never a dull moment on this cruise since there is always something going on every hour. Some of my other notable highlights included Krazy Karaoke at Club Fusion (I didn’t participate, though!) and getting my laugh on at the Princess Theater, thanks to comedian Ross Bennett. Much as I love music and dancing, nightclubs have never been my thing. In fact, the first and last one I went to was back in 2006. However, I decided to venture outside my norm by going to the Wild Bunch Party at Skywalkers Nightclub. It was one of the best fun moments I had for awhile, while dancing to an eclectic mixture of reggaeton, dancehall, and R&B of today (some old school R&B from the 90s was even thrown in at times). Nightclubs are still not my thing, but I definitely wouldn’t mind going to one again someday. Just not anytime soon! 😉
To welcome my husband and I on-board, the cruise line sent us a bottle of complimentary Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries, and a fruit basket.
The mid-ship’s interior is breathtakingly beautiful!
Although most of the food on-board is complimentary, specialty restaurants such as Sabatini’s is well worth the expense. Their friendly and attentive staff goes above and beyond to please their customers! Also, the food is top notch.
I don’t exactly recall what my meal was, but it was delicious! My husband isn’t much of a seafood person, but he thoroughly enjoyed the Tris d’Aragosta; a lobster trio that includes lobster tail, lobster orzotto, and lobster bisque sauce. After we both finished our meals, we could barely hold room for more. Somehow, we managed to polish off our meals with the dessert: the Sinfonia di Sapori.
The Sinfonia di Sapori is made with almond, hazelnut, pecan florentine napolean blanmange, praline mousse, and caramel pecan brittle.
I bought a gorgeous necklace and earring set for just $10 (and my husband bought himself a pair of sunglasses since he had forgotten his at home – oops!) at Limelight, which quickly became one of my favorite shops. They had a wide of array of watches, jewelry, scarves, and clutches for just $10!
I usually don’t steer from occasional, yet familiar favorites, such as Tom Collins. However, a bartender recommended a popular favorite of the cruisers: the Beverly Hills Long Island Iced Tea. After the first sip, I could easily understand why it is such a favorite!
Stay tuned for my upcoming post about my experience in Princess Cays, Bahamas!
About Caribbean Princess Cruise
The Caribbean Princess boasts 669 balcony cabins, 445 inside cabins, 230 ocean view cabins, 178 mini-suites with private balconies, 7 window suites, and 2 family suites.
Passenger Services: Lotus Spa, Fitness Center, Medical, The Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars poolside screen, Sports Deck, Piazza Atrium, Casino, Wedding Chapel, Kid’s and Teen’s Centers, Art Gallery, Library, Internet Café, Boutiques, Photo/Video Gallery, Passenger Services Desk, and Shore Excursions Desk.
Showrooms/Lounges: Crooners Bar, Princess Theater, Explorers Lounge, Club Fusion, Wheelhouse Bar, Skywalkers Nightclub, and Churchill Lounge
Dining and Snacks: Their three main restaurants include Sabatini’s (Italian), Crown Grill (Steak and Seafood), and Vines (Wine and Seafood). Their other eateries include Horizon, a 24-hour buffet; International Cafe, Café Caribe, Caribbean/Mediterranean buffet; Prego, poolsize pizza; Trident Grill, hamburger and hot dog grill; and Scoops, an ice cream sundae bar. Also, they offer 24 hour room service and ultimate balcony dining.
Plan a Cruise
Voted “Best Cruise Line Itineraries” for nine years by Recommend Magazine, a Caribbean cruise with Princess Cruises creates memories that last long after the tan fades. Call 1-800-774-6237 to book a cruise today!
I have been on a Princess Cruise before and it was amazing!
I have never been on a cruise. I get sea sick really badly on boats. But this looks like it was an incredible time.
Rachel recently posted..Weekend 10!
The ship looks so beautiful, and the food looks divine!! What a score on that necklace too!
Liz Mays recently posted..Behind Closed Doors #LetsTalkBums
I’ve never been on a cruise either! This looks like a great ship! can’t wait to hear more about your port stops!
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted recently posted..Mickey Mouse Meal Plates DIY Birthday Party {Sawyers 2nd Birthday Party}
I have never been, but always wanted to go. Gosh, your photos are gorgeous!
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting recently posted..Using Egg Shells in the Garden
Oh my, that necklace was only $10? It’s beautiful. Hubs and I are talking about maybe doing a cruise for our ten year. I can’t wait.
Virginia @thatbaldchick recently posted..30 Great Gifts for the Ultimate Gizmo Guru at @BestBuy #GreatestDad
I’ve not sailed on a Princess cruise, but it looks like you had an amazing time. Love that necklace- and only $10? Wow.
Tonya {The Traveling Praters} recently posted..Book Review: Adventures Around Cincinnati {and Giveaway}
This sounds like a beautiful cruise! I went on one recently and really enjoyed it.
Kimberly Grabinski recently posted..Make your own bottled iced tea at home with the Rubbermaid Dish Rack
What a fantastic way to get away with your husband! The ship is just beautiful!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Mother’s Day Gift
Cruises are so much fun and definitely a very relaxing vacation.
Jennifer @ My Sweet Sanity recently posted..Mexican Corn Salad
I’ve been dying to go on a cruise! Looks so peaceful and serene.
Raijean recently posted..Movie Report: Disney Animation Studio Presents BIG HERO 6
My husband and I have never been on a cruise, but would love for us to go on one! This one sounds amazing!
Donna recently posted..The Miracle of Clean Water Infographic
Definately on my bucket list to do with my husband. We are thinking about doing one as a family… but, it would be a much needed get away with my husband. We would just have to fit it in around a farmer’s schedule. That food! Yum.
Your cruise sounds {and looks} like an absolute dream! I would love to go on a cruise someday.
Shell Feis recently posted..Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
Looks like you had a fantastic trip! We went on a cruise several years ago and loved it.
Robyn recently posted..ePure Cordless phone by Swissvoice
I have never been on a cruise. I love the views you had. Plus the food looks amazing!!
Beth recently posted..Travel Light with Sprint and the HTC One (M8) Harman/Kardon Edition
Oh man, I want to go if just for that lobster meal. It looks divine.
Robin {Mom Foodie} recently posted..Strawberry Fluff Salad Recipe
I can’t wait for the day I’m able to take my first cruise. I’ve heard they are great times.
Dee @ Cocktails with Mom recently posted..How to Use FrogTape® to Paint Perfect Lines on Curved Surfaces! #FrogTape #ad
I would love to take a romantic cruise like this. I just need to find a suitable man to go with.
Angela recently posted..Date Night at Home with a Sweet Treat
I would love to go on a cruise!! I’d probably take the kids though!!
Anne – Mommy Has to Work recently posted..Countdown to Summer!
A cruise is totally on my bucket list! I love the details from the food to the beautiful decor.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids recently posted..Summer Fun Activity Jar (Printable)
I’ve never heard of this cruise line but I love that they have their own island.
Colleen recently posted..Top 5 Ways to Cool Down This Summer and $50 Safeway Gift Card Giveaway : (Ends 6/19)
We love cruising with Princess. We have done 5 cruises on Princess and each one has been amazing
I could so use a getaway with my husband to reconnect with him. I’d LOVE to go on a cruise with him.
Paula @ Frosted Fingers recently posted..Baby Q 4 Months
Gorgeous ship! I can’t believe you got that jewelry set for only $10 too. Sounds like a lovely vacay for you two!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs recently posted..No Need For The Hand-Breath Test Before Saying ‘hello’ + $50 AMEX GC #Giveaway Ends 6/15
This looks amazing! My husband is not ship person though.
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews recently posted..Food Choices Documentary
We cruise a lot but have never been on the Princess Line before. The cruising lifestyle is what we’re all about; rest and indulgence 🙂 I’ll have to check their itineraries and see if they port out of Galveston. Now that we live in Texas we have a port close enough to drive to so we don’t need to have the expense of airfare anymore when we cruise!
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) recently posted..20 Oh My Yum! Frozen Desserts That are SO Fun!
We’re in the process of looking for a cruise for my daughter’s graduation next year, and this one looks great.
Ty recently posted..5 DIY Candle Crafts
Man that is absolutely beautiful! That would be so fun for my husband and I! Man just beautiful!!!! Looks like a great time!
Kelsey Apley recently posted..8 Pcs Cake Fondant & Gumpaste Decorating Modeling Tools Set $3.56 + FREE Shipping
this cruse looks GORGEOUS!! I would love to go on this cruise!
Singapore Mum Blog recently posted..3 Steps to Get a Perfect Photo with Kids
I’ve never been on a cruise before – that looks like an amazing experience!
Katie recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – The kindergarten graduate
This looks like a fantastic way to vacation!
Jennifer H recently posted..Father’s Day Gift Idea – Philips Norelco Shaver 8800
I have never been on a cruise but this looks amazing!
Elaina- A Time Out for Mommy recently posted..Adorable New Amazon Prime Studios Show: TumbleLeaf #MC #Sponsored
I’m so glad you had a great trip! I keep reading all of these posts about good experiences on cruise ships but with my motion sickness, I’m too nervous to bite the bullet in case I do not have an favorable experience. I do love the concept of a cruise and Princess sounds fabulous!
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom recently posted..Vacation Must Have: Quilted Northern Ultra Plush
NICE! I am so excited that you had the opportunity to do this!
We have been mulling over the disney cruise idea for the entire family, but it would be nice to take an excursion just for the two of us.
jeanae recently posted..Visiting Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium
I have only been on one cruise, but am looking forward to doing more cruising in my future. This ships looks beautiful.
Sheila recently posted..Sunday’s With Shana Schneider – Running Shoes for High Heels
I would love to go on a cruise for our honeymoon! Looks like an amazing thing to do as a couple.
vanessa: thequeenofswag recently posted..You Know You’re An Orgullosa Nueva Latina When…