Beware of balconies for the mini suites
Crown Princess Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage
7 Night Alaska Inside Passage With Glacier Bay (Seattle Roundtrip)
Sail date: July 09, 2016
Ship: Crown Princess
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: mini suite
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 8 years ago
Review summary
We loved the travel itinerary and loved everything about Alaska and the Inside Passage. Boarding and disembarking in Seattle was very easy and convenient. The on-board programming was 'on-point' and both enjoyable and enlightening. The major issue we had with the ship was the tiered balcony design. We stepped up and booked a mini-suite which was very nice but we were on a lower lever and, literally, everyone had a bird's eye view of us anytime we used the balcony. We felt like fish in a bowl! It was miserable! Thankfully it was an Alaskan adventure and the temps were a little chilly for those of us from the South so we didn't use the balcony much. In a warmer climate, it would have been a serious deal-breaker. Having traveled on many cruise lines, I have never had a balcony situation like this and have now learned to pay attention to this configuration. Our vacations are a time we look forward to for relaxation and rest. Typically our balcony is a major part of this. The balcony on the Crown Princess, for our purposes, was virtually useless. Also of note: we were suppose to have robes furnished with our mini-suite and there were none. That item was minor in comparison to the balcony situation. On a positive note, we were pleased with the service we received.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Glacier Bay was an extraordinary adventure as was all ports on this cruise, but using a balcony for viewing was hindered by the fact everyone on our side of the ship had a bird's eye view of our balcony and everyone using it. Made use of the balcony uncomfortable.