Staffing issues but overall pleasant cruising experience

Item: Discovery Princess
Rating: 4.3
Author: LunaRozay

Discovery Princess Cruise Review to Mexico

LunaRozay

Contributor Level: Third Mate

77 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 50

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 19, 2022

Ship: Discovery Princess

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: D623

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Overall elegant ship but it can be hard to get from forward to aft on most decks. The pool decks tend to get crowded on nice days. The app and wifi are unreliable. Service and main dining were not as good as I remember on Princess. In spite of these challenges, still an overall good experience.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Checkin was quick but transfer from airport and luggage handling were not as smooth as should have been

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Main dining room food was slightly above average but service could be slow. The buffet seemed fine for what it was but I tend to avoid buffets as a rule. The specialty, a-la-carte sushi restaurant was excellent and I enjoyed my meals and had great service at Bistro Sur La Mer and Sabattini's.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Pools and hot tubs were very crowded, even the thermal suite in the spa was crowded at times. The fitness center was always packed when I tried to go.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The jazz band at Take Five was excellent - one of the best I have seen on a cruise ship. The mainstage show that is a tribute to Whitney Houston was also top-notch. I also enjoyed the casino.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Stateroom attendant was excellent (one of the best I have ever had). Guest services desk was pretty efficient. Otherwise, service around the ship especially at bars could be pretty slow.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

My stateroom was impeccably clean but the ship itself could have been cleaner in some places, especially pool decks and piazza. There was apparently some norovirus on the ship though that can't necessarily be blamed on the ship's cleanliness, rather the passenger's behavior. As far as the ship design, it could be challenging to get from forward to aft and vice versa. I would avoid staying in another aft stateroom on this ship unless you are in one of the club/concierge rooms.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

I had a standard balcony stateroom. It was very comfortable and clean with ample closet space and storage. I don't like the shower curtains but other than that, no complaints about the stateroom.

Ship tip

If there is a long line for dinner at the Skagway or Ketchikan dining rooms, try the Juneau dining room. There was never a wait and it is the same menu in all dining rooms. It can be hard to get from forward to aft on most floors. The pool decks get crowded.

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