Sadly, Princess isn't what it used to be

Emerald Princess Cruise Review to South Pacific - Australia

Texasstarr

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 46

Overall rating:

1 out of 5

13 Night New Zealand (Sydney Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 18, 2017

Ship: Emerald Princess

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

This was my fourth Princess cruise and my second one on the Emerald Princess and it will probably be my last. While the staff was very nice and friendly, they were not well informed. You could ask three people the same question (like where to you go do disembark) and you would get three different answers. The food was terrible and when you would say something like "my steak is tough and fatty" they would tell you to "eat off the other side". The entertainment was not worth staying up for. There were so many old people on the boat that the ship was dead by 10.00. The tender ports were also a nightmare. On our first tender port, we didn't get to shore until 12:45 and had to be back onboard by 4:00.

I have never been on a Holland America cruise because I have always been told that it is the cruise line for old people, but Princess must have taken over that distinction. At least that is what I heard from other people who have sailed Princess out of Australia before. I have never seen so many people in wheelchairs or with walkers or canes since my mother-in-law was in a nursing home! I know this isn't Princess fault, but people who could barely walk would shuffle side by side down the hall and you could not get past them. It took forever to get anywhere. People were also talking about the amount of extremely obese people who were on the boat. I don't know how they even got through their cabin doors, not much less took a shower in that tiny shower. In all, it was a very unappealing crowd and there wasn't much fun onboard.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

It's old but still nice

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

It's old but clean and sufficient. Our steward was wonderful. Thanks for taking such good care of us Marvi!

Ship tip

It seems to now be a ship for older people. Not the fun family ship it used to be.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Sydney, Australia

3 out of 5

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

3 out of 5

Akaroa, New Zealand

2 out of 5

Didn't get to see that much. It was a tender port and they were so unorganized we didn't get to shore until 12:45. They let people taking Princess shore excursions off first.

Thumbs Up 2

Picton, New Zealand

3 out of 5

Napier, New Zealand

3 out of 5

Tauranga, New Zealand

3 out of 5

Auckland, New Zealand

3 out of 5

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

3 out of 5

17 Comments

marnurse 7 years ago

Sad post. I'm 49 and sustained a work related back injury and am no longer able to work. I was looking at renting a battery wheelchair because walking is hell and after about a hour I'm in agony. I also don't want my husband having to push me all over the place either. Hope we don't run into someone like you because some people have medical conditions that cause them severe pain and they need assistance with walking be it a walker or a wheelchair. Maybe DISNEY cruise line would be a better fit for you. I'm betting you won't run into many elderly people on that ship

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suzanschroeder 7 years ago

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Dutch3901 7 years ago

Texasstarr just proves the adage "you can be unhappy anywhere you want to be" if that's what you strive for...

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sorsogon 7 years ago

You to cruising with plenty of children?? You must be ....

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JusMe 7 years ago

Did you stop to think............. who has the time and money to take a cruise longer then one week...... maybe it is retired people. Just home that when you get old, people are nicer to you then you are to old people. Also home when your old and retired you can afford to cruise. If you want a party ship.....try "The fun ships" of Carnival but I bet you will not like that either.

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NvNurse05 7 years ago

Shame on you!!! Older people have just as much right of enjoying any cruise, maybe you should check out your cruise a little better next time and maybe go to Disney where there are lots of children. Lastly, your cruise is what you make of it and not what others do for you.

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matty23 7 years ago

I sailed on the Emerald last year out of Southampton and had the most wonderful cruise. Sure there are all sorts of folk on board but that just makes for a more enjoyable experience. And the crew were nothing short of the excellent. Maybe a one way ticket to the moon would suit you better.

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dengage 7 years ago

Fully agree Texasstarr give up cruising , if you can't cope with slow people, you are going to get old sooner than you think, if someone who is holding you up an excuse me may I pass you PLEASE is a good way of getting passed.

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kfrederick 7 years ago

Stay home Texasstarr

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buckyboy 7 years ago

Wouldn't want to meet such people on our cruise! Thankfully both staff and passengers were really helpful when we went!

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skriser 7 years ago

Not sure what you have against older people. As I have gotten older, I enjoy cruises as they are easier and more affordable. Wheel chair bound is hard. Now, I am concerned that taking my aunt and uncle on a cruise will meet people like you and have a miserable time. Remember, you will get old one day and probably be in a wheelchair and hear the same

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sablebell 7 years ago

some people just like to bitch! Im from Texas and no we are not like this, must be a transplant.

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pab64 7 years ago

We had an amazing time on the Emerald. The food was superb and we were always offered extra courses off the menu. But then we treated the staff as our equals and made an effort to get to know them. Can't fault Princess.

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Skywatcher 7 years ago

Now I know this is NOT indicative of Texans. . . . I have heard they (Texans) are some of the most hospitable and friendly people on earth! Texasstarr must be a transplant from another state.

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Alaskan1 7 years ago

Wow! Next time maybe you should rent your own yacht and enjoy your own company.

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Tawsy 7 years ago

Awful! No respect for those less fortunate, you should be ashamed !!

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olldbob 7 years ago

digraceful comments about the old and infirm. try having some patience and understanding. one day you may be in the same position

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