Cruising the Caribbean the Princess Way with Courtney
CAA Travel Advisor Courtney Rickard sets sail with Princess Cruises through the Eastern Caribbean, sharing a firsthand experience filled with stunning ports, seamless onboard moments, and helpful insights for first-time cruisers.
If you’ve ever considered a Caribbean cruise but wondered what the experience is really like, our Moncton Travel Advisor Courtney Rickard recently had the opportunity to find out firsthand. In February 2026, she sailed with Princess Cruises aboard Sun Princess on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary, and it exceeded her expectations in more ways than she imagined!
From seamless onboard technology to beautiful ports and standout entertainment, this cruise offered a relaxed yet engaging way to explore the Caribbean.
First Impression
This was my first-ever cruise, and from the moment I stepped onboard, I felt well taken care of. The crew, from dining staff to cabin stewards, were welcoming, attentive, and genuinely friendly.
One feature that really stood out was the Princess Medallion. This small wearable device made everything easy:
- It unlocked our cabin door as we approached
- Allowed us to order food and drinks from select areas of the ship
- Helped us locate others we were travelling with
It truly made the entire experience feel seamless and stress-free.
Exploring the Eastern Caribbean
Our itinerary offered a great balance of relaxation, culture, and adventure.
Princess Cays, Bahamas
Our first stop was Princess Cays, Princess Cruises’ private island, and it was picture‑perfect! The calm turquoise waters, lifeguard‑monitored beaches, and white sand made it an ideal beach day.
We rented loungers with an umbrella (a great value for shade), enjoyed floating in the water, and had a BBQ lunch included as part of our Princess Plus package. There’s also a kids’ splash area and playground, making this stop a good fit for families.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan was rich in history and culture. One highlight was a guided walking tour through Old San Juan, where we explored colourful streets, historic forts, and local cuisine.
We learned to make mofongo, sampled local fritters, sorullos, and enjoyed a refreshing mojito (believed to have been created to help prevent scurvy), while learning about the island’s Spanish colonial past. Walking along the famous blue cobblestone streets, made from iron slag, was a memorable and unique experience.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas quickly became my favourite port. Sailing into the island alone was breathtaking, with its rolling hills and colourful buildings.
We joined a two‑site snorkelling excursion, starting at Shipwreck Cove, where we could see a sunken cargo ship below us, surrounded by schools of tropical fish. The second stop, Turtle Cove, was unforgettable! I saw sea turtles, stingrays, and even a massive barracuda. It was my first time snorkelling, and although I was nervous at first, it turned into one of the most incredible travel moments I’ve ever had.
Life Onboard
Public Spaces & Entertainment
There was always something going on onboard, with plenty of quiet spots to relax when you needed a break.
- The Piazza was the heart of the ship, hosting events like yoga and a White Night party with live music, dancing, and confetti.
- The Arena, the main theatre, featured comedy shows, aerialists, magic acts, and game shows. My favourite was comedian Ken Boyd, I laughed the entire time!
Pro tip: The Arena fills up quickly. We arrived just five minutes early for one show and ended up standing near the entrance. It didn’t bother us, but if you’re travelling as a group, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early to sit together.
- The Lido Deck was the main pool area with multiple pools, hot tubs, casual dining, and Movies Under the Stars.
- For quieter moments, the Wake View Terrace at the back of the ship offered infinity pool views and a peaceful atmosphere.
While there are kids’ clubs onboard, most of the entertainment is geared toward adults.
Dining
One of the biggest surprises for me was the quality of the included dining. Meals in the main dining rooms were consistently excellent, far better than I expected.
Pro tip: Breakfast spots can get busy on port days, so give yourself extra time if you plan to eat before heading ashore.
Inside Our Cabin
We stayed in an inside cabin, located mid-forward, and it was very comfortable. The layout included ample storage, a surprisingly spacious bathroom with great water pressure, and thoughtful touches like motion-sensor night lights, which were especially helpful given how dark the room gets at night.
One thing I didn’t expect was how much I would feel the ship moving. By the third day, we got used to it, but it’s something to keep in mind. For travellers prone to motion sickness, I’d recommend cruising in March or April rather than January or February for typically calmer conditions.
Who Is This Cruise Best For?
This Princess cruise would be a great option for:
- Couples, friends, and multi‑generational families
- Travellers looking for a balance of relaxation and entertainment
- Those new to cruising who want a smooth, well‑organized experience
The ship itself is only two years old, with a modern, beautifully designed layout. As one of Princess’ newer Sphere Class ships, it’s especially appealing for travellers looking to experience their latest ship design.
This trip showed me just how enjoyable and accessible cruising can be. From the friendly service and modern ship design to the diverse destinations and incredible excursions, Princess Cruises delivered a memorable Caribbean experience!
Ready for your adventure?
If you’ve been curious about cruising or wondering if it’s right for you, a CAA Travel Advisor can help match you with the right ship, itinerary, and cabin, and share firsthand insights like these to help you travel with confidence!