DRESS: Amazon // HAT: Lack of Color
Bon voyage friends! Have you ever been on a cruise before or would you like to but not sure where to start planning or who to ask questions to?! After sharing all the details of my recent adventure to the Western Caribbean with Princess Cruises on Instagram, I was overwhelmed with the positive response about your cruise experiences and loved hearing all of your questions from those who would love to go on a cruise some day!
My experience cruising with Princess Cruises recently was absolutely incredible and I’m feeling so thankful to be able to partner with such a dream company! Experiencing their newly launched MedallionClass experience made cruising so much easier and efficient that I have a full blog post dedicated to its features coming soon, and I’m excited to share what it’s all about! In the meantime, my only hope when you come along with me on all of my travels is that it will inspire you to plan, book, and explore the world on a trip of your own!
So today on the blog, you asked and I’m answering the most frequently asked questions about my recent 7-day Princess Cruise to the Western Caribbean! I hope that today’s blog post will give you more insight into planning your next cruise aboard one of the stunning Princess Cruises ships! Trust me, they’re everything you could dream a cruise would be and more! Come sail away with me today…
BOTTOMS: American Eagle // TOP: American Eagle // SIMILAR BAG: Topshop // SHOES: Steve Madden
Q: What was the exact cruise route you went on with Princess Cruises?
A: I went on this 7-day Western Caribbean cruise and highly recommend this route- everything about it was amazing! It was filled with relaxation at gorgeous beaches, mixed with exploration and history in the jungle, and I’m positive that there is something everyone of all ages can enjoy! Here was our itinerary and route:
Day 1: Disembark from Fort Lauderdale, FL
Day 2: At sea
Day 3: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Day 4: Roatan, Honduras
Day 5: Belize City, Belize
Day 6: Cozumel, Mexico
Day 7: At sea, then return to FL
Q: What was your favorite port destination?
A: I loved them all, honestly! They each had something special about them and I strategically picked excursions at each port where we could fully experience what that destination had to offer.
Q: Did all of the places you visited on the cruise feel safe?
A: YES! The cruise line and all of their employees gives you all of the information you’ll need, takes you to where you need to go, and ensures that you will be safe. With that being said, a few of the destinations we did visit were pretty third world, which was very eye opening. The native people thrive off of tourism, so it was great to see the locals so excited to teach us about their home and they were all very welcoming!
Q: What are the prices of a Princess Cruise?
A: Prices vary depending on which cruise route you decide to take as well as the length your cruise will be. Check out Princess Cruises prices here! They have endless options of destinations and lengths of different cruises! I’m already scoping out which one I’ll go on next 😉
Q: What kind of crowd embarks on a Princess Cruise?
A: Everyone! Honestly there were people of all ages aboard Princess Cruises to the Western Caribbean! I’d say it’s super family friendly but there’s also a really good balance of couples and even a few small friend groups. Everyone aboard this ship was very mature, kind, and just having a really good time 🙂
PANTS: Amazon // BODYSUIT: Aerie // JACKET: Levi’s // EARRINGS: Red Dress Boutique // SUNGLASSES: J. Crew Factory
Q: How good was the internet access while at sea?
A: It was AMAZING! Honestly probably quicker than my internet at home, haha but seriously! The new Princess MedallionClass connects you to internet speeds that are the same as if you were on land so you can stream shows, check your email, make phone calls, listen to music, text your friends, and much more! I completed a ton of blog work on this trip and stayed connected with all of YOU on Instagram daily so you could come along on this trip with me!
Q: What was your favorite thing to do on the ship?
A: Funny you ask- I actually have a full blog post coming soon with my top 6 things to do aboard the Princess Cruises while on your days at sea! I’ll share soon, stay tuned 🙂
Q: Any problems feeling seasick or motion sickness?
A: Not at all, however, this isn’t typically an issue for me on any boats, planes, trains, or cars! But- I do know a couple people on the cruise with me who typically get seasick and they were not on this cruise. I think the large size of the ship prevents any major rocking, you can’t really tell your on a ship the entire time!
Q: What research did you do to find the best excursions?
A: Excursions are not required, but keep in mind they are an additional charge and in my opinion 100% worth it! They really enrich your experience on land and make your vacation even more memorable. Princess Cruises makes it as easy as possible for people to book excursions through them (see the full list of excursion options here)! You can do it ahead of time, or simply book your excursions once you’re onboard the ship! Going into booking my excursion at each port destination, I knew that I wanted a variety of experiences. I wanted to experience what each destination is “known for”. I knew that since we were in the Caribbean I’d surely want to experience something in the water, and sure enough at our first stop in Grand Cayman, we had the opportunity to swim with dolphins AND take a boat ride out to “stingray city”and swim in the ocean with those wild animals! The other excursions that I booked were relaxing on a private island in Honduras, exploring the jungles via zipline and the cenotes via cave tubing (highly recommend), and lastly, I wanted a cultural experience where I lerned about the history of the Tulum Ruins combined with a relaxing few hours at a beach club! I would definitely recommend checking out what excursions are offered on your next Princess Cruises and be open to trying something new and step out of your comfort zone! High on my list of excursions was horseback riding on the beach (which I’ve never done- maybe next time)!
Q: How did you prevent your clothes from wrinkling?
A: I take this under $20 travel steamer with me everywhere I go! I talked about it and showed how incredible it is on Instagram stories recently, but it really is a game changer. I wonder what I did before this gadget- wear wrinkled clothes everywhere?! All I know, is this little gadget comes with me everywhere and I even use it daily at home!
Q: Did the cruise feel crowded?
A: Not at all- the ship is SO HUGE and there are so many different activities and locations on the boat itself that it never felt overwhelming or crowded!
Q: How was the food on the cruise? And what was your favorite meal from the cruise?
A: It was INCREDIBLE! I tried to eat in moderation and eat healthy for about 80% of the time, but it’s so challenging when there are food and drink options 24/7! There were so many restaurant, café, and buffet choices that were all very impressive. I did splurge every day on a treat (living that vacation life), but it was worth it! Everything from the homemade croissants and do-it-yourself egg white omelet bar at breakfast to the guacamole and chips poolside, to the 5-course seafood and Italian dinners, I definitely ate my fair share of quality food on the cruise. It was so fun trying new foods too, like lobster and beet risotto (and I loved them both)!
Also, I have to note: The first day of the cruise was my 30thbirthday, and Princess Cruises went above and beyond and delivered a huge chocolate cake to my dinner table with waiters singing and everything. I got to be one of the first people to taste the new birthday cakes Princess is trying out, and I approve! I love that they’re looking for ways to help guests celebrate their birthdays (they even delivered a bouquet of flowers to my stateroom AND decorated my door with balloons). Priness Cruises really went above and beyond to make me feel special on my brithday!
Q: How much easier was it using the Medallion on this cruise ship compared to a different cruise you’ve been on?
A: The only way to describe it would be seamless! Some of you may be thinking… what exactly IS the Princess MedallionClass Experience? It’s a piece of technology that equips every traveler with an OceanMedallion prior to setting sail. The little circular medallion is a device that you wear around your wrist or neck (you get to choose how you wear it), where all of your information is inputted like your name, ship, cruise dates, passport info, etc. Once you’re on the ship this little piece of wearable technology (the OceanMedallion it’s called) serves as your room key, your ID card, your credit card, your way to connect with family and friends onboard, and you can even connect with the crew for personalized service. It really is everything all in one! I’ll go into further detail in a blog post coming soon about the best ways to utilize this piece of technology to ensure you have the easiest, seamless, and best cruise experience!
Q: How does the medallion stay in your necklace? Were you ever nervous you would lose it?
A: I purchased the gold necklace to wear my OceanMedallion in, which I thought was a little trendier and matched all my gold jewelry! They have various options available and my mom loved her sport band for her OceanMedallion.
Q: Did you wear your medallion on the excursions?
A: YES! You’ll need to wear your medallion to embark and disembark the ship because it’s your identification. However, if you have a water excursion for example, you are more than welcome to put your OceanMedallion in a bag to keep it safe but you’ll need to get it back out when you get back to the port.
Q: How far in advance did you plan your cruise?
A: My trip was only planned about a month or so in advance, however, I recommend you plan ahead! The sooner the better in my opinion.
Q: When is your next cruise?
A: Oh my goodness, hopefully soon!! Who’s coming with me?! 🙂
P.S. I found some GREAT deals on Princess Cruises! Click HERE to see all the Princess Cruises offers!
Keep in mind: I have a few more super informative and GOOD blog posts coming very soon where I’ll covering more in-depth and detailed info you may want to know about the new MedallionExperience, my favorite at-sea activities, and a FULL travel guide of the Western Caribbean! Please let me know if you have any other questions about this cruise experience, I’m more than happy to answer! Have a great week friends 🙂
A huge thank you to Princess Cruises for partnering with me in today’s blog post! And thank you for supporting all of the brands I love to work with on Torey’s Treasures!