We enjoyed the sea days, and the cruise was OK, however the plumbing issue, and the ships response put a huge damper on the cruise. I seems that in an attempt to the control price of a cruise, each time we cruise some small corners are cut. In this cruise I got the feeling that the crew size was smaller, the food was presented well, but the selection was cheaper, and the fitness classes such as the spinning class (cycling) which had previously been free, now have a charge attached. None of these things will prevent us from cruising again, just an observation to anyone who has cruised before.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Probably the most efficient embarkation experience we had
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The dining room selections were not up to my expectations, although the service was outstanding.
Sabatini's dinner (by the way an unexpected perk), was excellent.
The breakfast buffet was below expectation. I have always had berries, and Greek yogurt available, not this cruise. Lunch buffet was as expected. Late night buffet closed too soon. Service in the buffet seemed slower than usual.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
choir, pool games, trivia, beer pong, elevator roulette, and yes, they were enjoyable.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Our cabin steward Carlito did a great job, exceeding our expectations. The we dining room staff were highly professional, in particular Violetta, who we requested every night in the "anytime" dining room. The cruise director and staff did a good job trying to get passengers involved in activities. My only complaint, and it is a big complaint was the plumbing issue, and the response from guest services until my frustration reached boiling point and I finally got management involved, particularly Denesh, the night manager, who took charge of the problem.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
Did not like the ships layout. Too much room devoted to the spa, and the fitness center was too cramped as a result. I refused to use the facility as a result. As to the condition of the common areas, they were all "ship shape".
This ship was according to the information provided, was recently refitted. This may be true for the technical equipment, but not for appearance, for example, the carpets were old and worn.
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
The steward did a great job. Although the cabin was exceptionally small, it was acceptable, and what we had expected. The problem we had with the cabin was the plumbing. At least 4 different occasions I had to call multiple times before the problem was fixed. On the last time, I had to get a high ranking officer to get a response. (after 1AM, my patience with the response had worn out). That said, the Customer Service manager contacted me the next morning, and tried to make the situation right by offering extra "on board credit".
On a positive note, the mattress was the best mattress we have ever slept on.
Ship tip
Unless the itinerary was exceptional, as was the case of this cruise, I would not sail on the Coral Princess again.
Extremely interesting. The onboard lectures enhanced the experience. Unfortunately the ship layout, with the bow closed, and seating in the buffet area with good viewing limited, we had a less that perfect experience. I witnessed at least 4 fights, one of which was physical over prime tables.
We took a city bus tour and a short walking tour of the "Old City" After the walking tour we say down for a cup of coffee, and had to rush back to the ship. Everyone we spoke to complained that the few hours at this port was not enough.
Glad you still had a good time. Things do go wrong but with the right attitude we can still have fun. Plumbing issues are never fun but remember, on a ship the problem with your cabin's plumbing backing up is almost never a problem with the pipes in your room. Typically it is a clog downstream that is affecting lots of cabins on your same sewer line. Maintenance can be responding and fix the issue without ever coming to each room. Of course better communication from the crew of what is happening would help but it is hard to be satisfied with a, "We are working on it" if you don't get a visit to your cabin. I get your frustration.
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