Loyal to Princess

Item: Diamond Princess
Rating: 3.7
Author: Muffykins123

Diamond Princess Cruise Review

Muffykins123

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 85

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

16 Night Hawaiian Islands (San Diego Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 06, 2023

Ship: Diamond Princess

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: D525

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

If this was my first Princess cruise, I wouldn't think I would use my cruise budget for another trip.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

I am Elite & as such, it meant nothing to the porters or the intake representatives. We were in line for 4 hours to drop off bags 2 each, and then another line where we had to show our passports twice. I will never ever sail out of San Diego again.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Unfortunately, what can l say the food was not what you would expect from Princess. The specialty dining steakhouse was closed for the entire 16 days. I did notice that they were understaffed.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

2 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The cabin was spacious & clean & our room steward Roy was friendly & helpful. We never saw him clean or turn down the bed, yet it happened twice a day.

Ship tip

When the Diamond Princess returns to Asia in March, they need to fully staffed

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Lahaina, Maui

5 out of 5

We woke up early to the sound of the tenders being lowered & a loud whale by the ship blowing water from their blowhole only to see the tail. We enjoyed an excursion to the Maui Ocean Center & Grove Farms, a working plantation.

Thumbs Up 0

Honolulu, Oahu

5 out of 5

A cab took us to Wikiki Beach for walking & lunch. Then, back to the ship since we had been there before.

Thumbs Up 1

Hilo, Hawaii

5 out of 5

We jumped in a cab & was taken to the banyan trees garden & walked to a farmers market. Then we came back via the city bus for free.

Thumbs Up 0

Nawiliwili, Kauai

5 out of 5

Since we had never been to Kauai, we jumped on the hop on hop off bus & explored.

Thumbs Up 0

San Diego, California

1 out of 5

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

Well, it took just as long to disembark the port of San Diego is not equipped for high tide departures. So everyone had to wait in uncomfortable public areas.

Traveler Photos

5 Comments

Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Oops sorry 😞 thanks

Thumbs Up 0

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gazstaf 1 year ago

Sorry you had a lousy experience on the face of it the itinerary looks outstanding and having Elite status should have been a bonus. To be honest like you we are elite with Princess and a few times the ‘Priority Boarding’ element has proved no better or worse than other categories. Although it sure is great fun when you sail past long lines and head straight to the Horizon Court Happy Cruising🚢

Thumbs Up 2

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javawoody 1 year ago

Thanks for the review

Thumbs Up 1

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tavo6 1 year ago

Thanks for your review

Thumbs Up 1

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AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your feedback. Sorry this sailing didn’t meet the standards you expect from Princess.

Thumbs Up 1

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Other reviews of this sailing

Great Hawaiian cruise

With the exception of embarkation and disembarkation it was a great trip

I know Princess will do nothing to compensate but here goes. WORST CRUISE EVERY, 3 hours to board, 3 hours to disembark, hot one hot meal, service at dining room, buffet and lounge areas non-exist.