For this trip, we set sail on the Caribbean Princess from Port Canaveral to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Also because we enjoying cruising, it was a great deal and fun destinations :). The itinerary was: Freeport, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk (which was unfortunately canceled due to weather). Let’s explore the Caribbean Princess, get to know details about it for your next cruise and a little detail we weren’t happy about :(.
Since we live in Central Florida, getting to the port was super easy. You can either park right at the cruise terminal or choose an off-site option like we did. We used Park N Cruise Port Canaveral, which turned out to be very convenient. It was easy to book, less expensive than the port, and their shuttle dropped us off right by the terminal.
From the moment we stepped onboard, we felt incredibly welcomed. We mentioned to our travel agent (and friend) that we were celebrating our anniversary, and Princess Cruises really made it special. Yay! Thanks! Every time we passed certain screens onboard, a little “Happy Anniversary” message would pop up with our names. And our stateroom attendant left us a sweet note along with those famous towel animals that we always love asking for. It’s those small details that make the trip feel more personal and memorable.
One of my favorite features onboard was the Medallion, which replaces the traditional cruise card. It automatically unlocks your cabin door as you approach, works for onboard purchases, and even helps you locate your travel companions through the app — which is both useful and a little “creepy” at times! We decided to buy the waterproof wristbands – on Amazon – (totally worth it), but there are also other accessories like necklaces and clips. If you don’t get your Medallion in advance, you can easily pick it up at the port during check-in — they’ll give you a lanyard for free.
We also loved how the Medallion connects with the Princess Cruises app, which lets you order food or drinks to wherever you are, check the daily schedule, or see where your friends are hanging out. It definitely makes the experience smoother.
Now, about dining — we tried the Palm Dining Room a couple of times, but honestly, it wasn’t our favorite. The service was fine, but the menu just didn’t wow us. After the second or third visit, we decided to stick to the buffet or grab something casual like pizza or burgers, which we actually enjoyed more. Sometimes the simpler options just hit the spot!
The ship also offers several specialty restaurants, those that you have to pay extra for the experience. Crown Grill is a classic steakhouse. Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria serves traditional Italian dishes — from fresh pasta to rich desserts. For seafood lovers, there’s The Catch by Rudi. These venues are ideal if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to switch things up from the main dining options.
If you’re planning to cruise with Princess, it’s worth checking out their drink and Wi-Fi packages ahead of time since they’ve changed names and benefits a few times over the years. There used to be a “Princess Plus” option, but now there are a few different tiers depending on what you like — from specialty coffees (a must for us!) to desserts, mocktails, and internet access. You can compare the latest details directly on the Princess Cruises website before booking to see what fits best.
Starting in 2026, depending on the ship you are sailing, the price for the package changes. For this one (Dec. 2024) we bought Princess Plus for $60 per person/day. We never get those packages because it’s not like we drink every day, but we took advantage because of WiFi, it also included gratuity and “Drinks, Bottled Water and more. Wide selection of non-alcoholic soft drinks and premium Lavazza coffees, Cocktails, wine and beer up to $15 each. 25% off bottles of wine.”
When we weren’t eating or exploring, we spent a lot of time just relaxing. We loved hanging out on Deck 15, near the aft pool — perfect for cocktails and ocean views — especially during sunset. There’s also a huge screen on Deck 16 where they show concerts and movies under the stars. When we arrived we watched a Rolling Stones concert out there and another time, while passing by, they were playing a Lady Gaga show.
The Caribbean Princess is one of those ships that mixes classic cruise vibes with modern touches. While the food wasn’t our highlight, the service, entertainment, and overall atmosphere made it a memorable week full of laughter, ocean breezes, and amazing views.
If you’re planning a similar cruise from Port Canaveral, I’d recommend arriving with time to spare, checking parking options in advance, wearing comfy shoes for exploring, and just going with the flow — even if plans change, there’s always something fun to do on board.
And now, you can watch the video from this trip — this time with my English narration instead of subtitles! I really hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
