Wait till it's warmer in that part of the world

Caribbean Princess Cruise Review to Europe - Western Europe

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 127

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Caribbean Princess

11 Night European Capitals (London Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 20, 2017

Ship: Caribbean Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: C415

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Having sailed on Princess several times now, I knew what to expect, or thought I did.  I was disappointed with the quality of the food in the main dining room and the buffet and the activities were on the skimpy side.

 

First the food.  There was very little opportunity for beef on the menus, mostly chicken and fish.  The only real option for dead cow was the Crown Steakhouse and it was truly wonderful with impeccable service.  Even breakfast was a disappointment, with no egg station in each of the buffet areas.  You had to hunt it down at the very back of the smokehouse place.  The beef option on the main dining room was a hamburger and fries most nights.  Most foods were of a foreign nature and others from the states had trouble finding something to eat each day, not just myself and my husband.  (Food gets a C-)

 

The activities did not really seem to take into account the weather of that part of Europe, outdoor movies being an example.  There was a lot of free time when there was not something planned by the cruise staff.  The additional sea day did not help that situation when we couldn't get to Paris.  The only comedian that was on board was a one show deal, should have been more. (Cruise Director staff gets a D)

 

Customer service by the rest of the staff was wonderful and those folks made efforts to make everyone comfortable and happy.  No complaints with the cabin steward except no towel animals.  Are they a  lost art?  Desk staff were helpful and kind and as efficient as they could be.  (Team gets an A)

 

We booked four tours through Princess and the visits to the locations needed to be longer as you felt that you were being rushed by tour guides to get you back to the ship on time.  The best tour was the one in Cork we booked with Paddy Wagon tours, not part of the ship offerings but he was amazing and still got us back on time relaxed.

 

We did see on the tours, more than just a few people returning late to the bus, very rude to those of us who followed the directions of our host.  Also,  no one has a reserved assigned seat on the bus, so stop acting like a first grader who can't sit next to their best bud for the next 20 minutes.  Two actual verbal altercations on the busses over seating assignments, very sad.

 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Our cabin was great with new carpet. The dry dock time didn't seem to have anything to do with Cabins other than the carpet. Upgraded to D206.

Ship tip

Wait for a warmer time to see this part of the world.

Ports of call

Southampton (London), England

5 out of 5

St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands

5 out of 5
These locals were excited to have us there and they were awesome. Just walked around in the town, lots of shops.

Cobh (Cork), Ireland

5 out of 5
These locals were excited to have us there and they were awesome. Used Patty Wagon Tours, and great experience.

Dublin, Ireland

5 out of 5

Hamburg, Germany

5 out of 5

Rotterdam, Netherlands

5 out of 5

Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium

3 out of 5
There is nothing near the boat, so do your shopping early in the day if you get the chance.

Le Havre (Paris), France

1 out of 5
Didn't get to go to Paris as there was some strike.
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11 Comments

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us.

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

TimE508    7 years ago

cruzrbachoua    7 years ago

food is very subjective. we have been on 8 cruises with princess and have never had this happen to us. also you make what you want out of a situation. ..go in with a good attitude and it will spread. ;)

golfhacker1    7 years ago

Need a new executive chef? We were on CP in Oct 2016. No complaints.

jversluis    7 years ago

I am truly worried after all the past comments. This will be a once in a lifetime trip for us celebrating our 35th anniversary. Please tell me things will be better by July 12.

Skywatcher    7 years ago

Oh wow! Then it's the Crew I suspect?

cruzrbachoua    7 years ago

caribbean princess just came out of dry dock

missys    7 years ago

I'm holding out hope for a good cruise in 28 days. Hoping we get to stop in Le Havre or my husband will be very upset. He is looking forward to Normandy tour.

DottieDiehl    7 years ago

Since Carnival bought Princess, Over last few years...Princess cruise food, service & entertainment has declined. Knowing this...we made our own good times. My next cruise is on RC the Allure

Skywatcher    7 years ago

The Caribbean Princess gets a lot of marginal to bad reviews. It's time for a Captain change or an upgrade . . . put that thing in dry dock!

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