Top Notch All the Way!

Item: Crown Princess
Rating: 5
Author: bdiercks

Crown Princess Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

bdiercks

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 57

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

7 Night Alaska Inside Passage With Glacier Bay (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 11, 2016

Ship: Crown Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: C414

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

My wife and I went on this cruise to celebrate our retirement. It was a first cruise for both of us, so our expectations were pretty high from having looked at web sites, YouTube videos of this and other cruises, etc. I can honestly say, almost everything was perfect, and those things that weren't perfect probably couldn't have been improved upon much if any at all (eg. embarking and disembarking the ship which for those of us in our mid 60s were pretty hectic). We read reviews here before we left, and frankly, some of them concerned us. Having spent the week on the Crown Princess, we can only surmise that some people just can't be satisfied. The food on board was superb, the service excellent, cleanliness was impeccable throughout the ship. The entertainment, both in the theater and elsewhere was excellent. Although the ship was full, we never waited for very long to do anything. We don't have any other cruise line to compare Princess with, but I can't imagine any of the others being much better. There just wasn't any room for significant improvement. We can't wait until we take our next Princess cruise.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Hard to believe that preparing food for this many people three times a day could be this good. The fine dining restaurants (eg., Michaelangelo's) were excellent.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

We heard (and it turned out to be so true) that for the Alaska cruise, a balcony cabin is a must. Granted, it costs more, but for the trip through Glacier Bay alone, it was worth the extra cost. We used the balcony A LOT, even when it was a bit chilly out there.

Ship tip

As stated above, a balcony cabin is almost a must for the Alaska cruise. On recommendations, we got a cabin mid-ship, and that turned out to be smart. We weren't too far from anything, and the ride there was smooth. Correction on the picture of the chefs: they were preparing fruit, not dessert.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

3 out of 5

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5

Victoria, British Columbia

1 out of 5

The stop here ended up being less than four hours, hardly worth getting off the boat.

Thumbs Up 2

Traveler Photos

A nice surprise from Princess: a dessert congratulating us on our retirements.

"Love Boat," one of Princess' delicious and beautiful desserts.

10 Comments

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks

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Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks

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bdiercks 8 years ago

Icenovm: I agree about taking advantage of the formal dining rooms. We ate almost all of our meals there. For one thing, the portions are relatively small, so the cruise ship weight gain is less likely eating there. Having said that, I disagree with your criticism of the Horizon Cafe buffet. We thought the variety was excellent for a buffet. I compare it to the last time I ate in a college dorm dining hall, or even the local buffet restaurant. You do, however, have the problem of eating too much at the buffet.

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TravelTx07 8 years ago

Thanks for the great advice and information! So excited to embark on my first cruise!!

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icenovm 8 years ago

Take advantage of the dining rooms! The Horizon Court Buffet was a disappointment. When you first arrive, you can enjoy a very nice lunch in any of the dining rooms (complimentary). Also, I didn't realize the sandwiches and desserts in the Piazza cafe were complimentary until the last night. We had fun with formal nights and really dressed up but not everyone does.

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bdiercks 8 years ago

To ckgonzales: formal night won't be as formal as maybe you were expecting. Definitely a coat/tie and sparkly, dressy top with nice pants or skirt but evening gown not necessary. You will see a bit of everything. The overall dress was as I described but believe it or not blue jeans and untucked shirts were seen. You don't have to go to formal night. Horizon Court buffet on deck 15 is an alternate

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bdiercks 8 years ago

To traveltx: be sure you bring warm layers for Glacier Bay day especially. Long sleeve knit t-shirt type tops and any pants you want with comfortable shoes will be fine during the day. Dress for dinner as you would to go out at home. Nothing fussy. There can be a wide temperature swing during the day

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Parisjcruisetrv 8 years ago

I have done 8 Princess Cruises and loved them all. Not into Mega Ships and long lines on vacation. Glad you enjoyed it. You picked a good line for your first time.

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ckgonzales67 8 years ago

Alway good to hear the positive (since the cruise is already booked!) We are first timers as well. Could you comment on how dressy the formal night actually was? Thanks!

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TravelTx07 8 years ago

Leaving this Saturday on Crown Princess. First Cruise!! I have been trying to figure out what to take to wear!! We are going on excursions at each of the ports expect Victoria. I really liked your positive review. Any other advice for 2 first timers?

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