Wade May

In February 2025, I stepped aboard the Caribbean Princess to see exactly what your vacation would look like from embarkation to the final breakfast. As your travel adviser, I believe in seeing the good, the bad, and the "bring-your-own-magnets" details so you don't have to guess.Here is the "Real World" guide to Princess Cruises in 2025.

? The Pre-Cruise Essentials

• Cash is King: While the ship is medallion-class, the ports (like Roatan) and the baggage handlers are not. Bring plenty of small bills for tipping off the ship.
• The Medallion App: Download it early. As soon as you board, connect to the MedallionNet to find your safety video and muster station.
• Dress Code: It’s a bit more formal here. Plan for collared shirts nightly and a suit coat for formal nights.

??? Dining: The Hits & Misses

• Best Coffee: Skip the buffet coffee and head to the International Cafe for a Flat White.
• The Foodie Verdict: * The Good: "Slice" serves a great pizza, and the lumpy crab cake in the main dining room is a must-try. * The Average: The "Salty Dog" burger was a bit bland, and the buffet can get very crowded.
• Adviser Tip: Order dishes you don’t make at home to get the most out of your 3-course meals.
• Pro Tip: Eat a light lunch before you board. Between the sales kiosks and navigating the ship, you'll be too busy to find food for the first few hours!

??? Room & Ship Logistics

• Pack These: There are no bedside plugs (interior cabin), so bring a long charging cord. Also, grab some magnetic hooks for your cabin walls and heavy clips for your deck chairs to keep towels from flying away.
• Solo Travelers: If you're traveling alone, bring a hat or coat to save your seat at the buffet or theater—there’s no one else to do it for you!
• Mobility Note: Be aware that housekeeping carts often line the hallways, which can make navigating a wheelchair or scooter a bit tight.

??? Destination Spotlight: Roatan & Belize

• Roatan: It’s beautiful but rustic. If you head to the Botanical Gardens, the fruit at the end is delicious, but remember it’s a cash environment—expect to tip your guides.
• Belize: If you take a shore excursion here, be prepared for a 2-3 mile tender boat ride from the ship to the shore.
• Local Wisdom: I learned some fascinating local remedies while ashore, from using pineapple peel tea for sleep to avocado seeds for arthritis!

?? Entertainment & Perks

• The Big Shows: If you want a seat for the 7:30 PM show, get to the theater by 7:00 PM. It fills up fast!
• Future Planning: Thinking about a World Cruise? I recommend trying a shorter 7-day sailing on the ship first to make sure the "vibe" fits your style.
• Shareholder Perk: If you own 100 shares of Carnival stock, let me know! We can apply for shareholder credits to give you extra spending money on board.

The Bottom Line: The Caribbean Princess offers a classic, lively experience with some of the best destination lectures at sea. While the service can be a bit slow at the front desk, the wait staff works incredibly hard to make your dinner special.

Ready to book your next getaway? I can help you navigate the "Princess Plus" vs. "Premier" packages to make sure you get the best value (and the best coffee!).

[Contact Me to Start Planning!]