The cruise was beautiful. Based on this cruise, Prince isn’t my favorite line, but maybe other destinations are better. Our bed selection (twins) didn’t happen, nor even the robe request. Little things like that don’t ruin a cruise, but disappointing. It was a fun trip and I highly recommend the cruise, maybe not during hurricane season!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Despite what appeared to be chaos getting onto the ship, the process was surprisingly fast. After leaving our luggage (not carry on) with one of the many porters, we filled out a paper declaring we weren’t bringing more than 750ml of wine onboard. On the next level of the dock was the counter where you turn in your boarding pass (and newly signed paper) to receive your room key card and information.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
My husband’s diet requires he eat gluten free which the cruise line did a great job of providing! Overall though, I was disappointed in the quality (many, many times temperature) of the food at the dining room, buffets, and even the specialty restaurant. Our servers, however, were fantastic and did all in their power to fulfill our wishes.
BEWARE of purchasing the unlimited soda package unless you want only Coke or diet Coke. All others, even other Coke products, are available only in a can and are NOT included with the package deal! Want a Sprite - pay up! Before using the special mug provided for unlimited soda (ie Coke), we just went to the customer service desk and requested a refund. They credited our onboard account.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We didn’t take advantage of the fitness center, but found the ship had several swimming pools. Toward the back of the ship, there were a couple rather deserted pools my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed. We had fun playing trivia several times.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The stage shows had very talented performers. The musicians in the plaza were equally top notch quality!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The most outstanding element of the cruise ship was the staff! Our waiters were very attentive and personable. Our room steward had our room nicely tidied throughout the day. We didn’t experience a towel folded into an animal of sorts which I kind of expected, but we did have a couple chocolates on our unturned bed every night.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Most passengers remained in a state of disorientation (including myself) but there are ample maps around. At the elevators, whether one wished to go up or down, we realized it’s prudent to just get on when doors open. It will eventually go the direction we needed!
The ship appeared to be very clean which is a feat considering there were over 3,000 guests onboard. The swimming pools didn’t have a heavily chlorinated smell which made me wonder, but we seemed to get along okay.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was exactly what we had expected. Our emptied luggage fit under the bed easily. There was plenty of clothing storage so didn’t need the portable hang-up shelves I brought. There was even plenty of room in the bathroom for toiletries to be on shelves.
We brought a power cord that we did use as there’s only one site for any plugins.
Ship tip
Watch your onboard account as several we talked with had mistakes made. For example, my in-laws signed up for the E-Z luggage handling at the end of the cruise. For an additional $25 per bag, Princess will take your luggage from your stateroom door, get it to the airport, check it (without weight penalties), so you only deal with it again at your destination airport. We loved the program, but in-laws were charged for two bags ($50) instead of their only one! When calling Princess, they were told it would be six to eight weeks before the home office would get that cruise’s paperwork so try to stay on top of your account!
It was very convenient not paying for the buffet provided. My husband and I walked to the far end to go snorkeling. We’d brought our own gear which worked wonderfully. The lockers filled up fast so we set our bag among rocks, out of plain sight on shore! Did a bit of shopping at the local huts along the beach.
Glad you overall enjoyed the Panama Canal. Gotta admit, normally we do not get our robe either, but one request to our Cabin Steward and the robe shows up.
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