Crown Princess 1/14 - 1/21 Final Sea Days and Disembarkation

[Whimsy]

Sea Days and Disembarkation
The next 2 days were sea days and we all participated in the many different activities on board. DD and I decided Thursday we would make it a pool day and we were lucky to snag a couple of loungers close to the Neptune pool. DH joined us a bit later after he had a late breakfast/early lunch so we left him to relax and DD and I had lunch in the dining room. After lunch she participated in Battle of the Sexes Bar Wars. She had a good time despite her team not winning.



Tonight was formal night and we all had a wonderful meal in the dining room. After dinner DD and I caught the end of the Not So Newly Wed Game and then hung around to listen to Karaoke. DD and I always would sing a song together as she was growing up so after a few glasses of liquid courage we got up and sang. Our apologies to anyone’s ears we offended that evening.
The next day was our final day and I was very sad to see our cruise coming to end but so grateful for the wonderful time we all had together. One of my best friends on the cruise was at the beach with me in Aruba. She and I have been friends my whole life, growing up next door to each other. She remembers me when I was a baby. We both took a moment to soak it all in and remarked that this wasn’t bad for a couple of small town coal miner’s daughters. I never dreamed I would be so lucky in my life, to have such wonderful friends, to travel to so many wonderful places, let alone to put both together for one fantastic week. I am a lucky woman and not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for all he has given to me. I was so glad to have this week with my DD on board. As she is getting older and moving on with her life it’s harder to take a vacation together.
Many of us had the pub lunch this final day. DD and I shared some fish, prawns and chips.





We time it just right so as not to have a wait but by the time I left there was a line of people waiting to be seated. First time I have done this and it was very good. We packed, tried to win the jackpot in bingo and then gathered for the last night’s dinner in Sabatini’s. We were seated amongst 3 tables and everything was outstanding. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the new menu in Sabatini’s. We liked the old Sabatini’s menu but there was so many good things on the new one and we were very pleased. The meal drew to an end with one last birthday surprise, another cake. This time it was the small cake Princess gives for special occasions. I don’t know who arranged that one but it was fitting at to have one more happy birthday at the end of the wonderful week.
We played Jeopardized trivia tonight in Club Fusion and then a few left early to catch the comedian that hadn’t seen him yet. We stayed and watched the final for Princess Pop Star. All the singers were very good and it was hard to pick the best one. Back to the room for our last night of being rocked to sleep.
We pulled into Fort Lauderdale before the sun came up. We got on the balcony to see the other ships. One of these days I am going to learn how to take good photos in the dark. I’ll put that on my list of things to learn.
We had a 9:20 disembarkation time so we had breakfast in the dining room and then waited at the Wheelhouse Bar to be called. It was easy to find our luggage as I decorated it in bright orange duct tape. We spotted it right away. Our flight was for 12:20 but when we got thru security we found our flight was delayed due to winter area around the country. We were changed to 2 PM and was home in time for dinner….that we ordered out!
To sum it all up….
The Crown was a wonderful ship, is very well maintained and has an excellent staff. I think the food was some of the best I have had on our Princess cruises. I was very happy to see the pillow top on the mattress and had 7 great nights of restful sleep. I know the mattresses are a hot topic so it’s nice that Princess has listened and are making them more comfortable.
I was surprised by the lack of sales at night. Usually they have a lot of jewelry out at night, but none was out this cruise other than costume things like rings, watches, etc. I thought there was less jewelry in the shops as well. I was thinking of buying some Larimar pieces but since they didn’t have them out on display one night it slipped by us. I have a better time getting DH to buy when we just stumble upon it than when I have to take him inside the shop. I didn’t think there was as much marketing for the spa either this cruise. Less paper in our boxes everyday it seemed.
If anyone has any questions I’ll try to answer them the best I can.
We have our FCC bought and are anxiously look forward to booking another cruise very soon. Everyone on our sailing was pleased as far as I know and no one had any problems with anything on the ship. We look forward to adding even more to our group for our Panama Canal adventure.

[audrey]

thanks maria for all your wonderful reports of your trip I enjoyed all of them thanks for sharing them with us addicts

[Jeanie]

Thanks for sharing your fun cruise with us

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for sharing your 50th birthday cruise with us.

[Corky]

Thank you Whimsy for sharing your special cruise with us. I am especially happy that your were able to spend such quality time with your daughter.

[Fasteddie]

I Looked forward to reading your review....it was a great cruise...Thanks for sharing

[JANPEP]

Thanks for the share all in all its sounds like everyone had a great week. Glad to hear that you had such quality time with your daughter.
Cant wait to hear about your next booking.

[George C]

Sounds like you had a great vacation

[Donna - dsw]

Oh what a great review and wonderful way to spend your birthday! Thanks so much for sharing with us!

[mrsrocster]

Well done! Love the ending photo!