Overall I would give this cruise just a good rating. The highlights were the activities and the design/décor of the ship. Also, the photo staff was great. The food was average. The room was small, even though it was a balcony room. The service staff always seemed to be in too much of a hurry to be elsewhere, rather than assist cruisers. There was not enough clear direction given for 1st-time cruisers.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was smooth compared to other cruise lines
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The main dining room would not allow us in during non-formal days because we wore t-shirts and modest shorts. We missed out on the better, more upscale food served in the main dining room because of this. We did attend the 1st formal captain's dinner but we did not attend the 2nd one. I was very disappointed in the rules about shorts on non-formal nights. Other cruise lines (i.e. Carnival and Royal Caribbean) allow cruisers to dine in tasteful shorts and t-shirts on non-formal nights. Also, the buffet was good but smaller than offerings on other cruise lines. We did eat in the Share (Curtis Stone) and the Crab Shack onboard. Some of the dishes in Share were not very tasty. One of our group actually got sick from the spicy salad. However, but the Crab Shack was great!!!
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We participated in several trivia tournaments, the art auctions, WII bowling, and even a ring toss challenge. We also attended the Voice finale. The activities we attended were fun and the Voice was better than anticipated.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We attended the Voice finale. It was better than anticipated. Well done.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The service staff acted as though they were being inconvenienced if we stopped them to ask directions or questions regarding activities, etc. However, our room steward, Edward, was great!!! He was always smiling and was helpful.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was beautiful. The décor was great. Several ladies bathrooms were out of order from the 1st day of sailing.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
We paid for a balcony room. I did not expect the bed to come out of the ceiling for the price of this room. We did use the balcony everyday. It was nice. Edward kept the room clean and neat everyday.
Ship tip
The ship is great. However, you had better pack dress clothes for dinner every day if you want to dine in the main dining room. No shorts please.
Juneau was very nice. I did not schedule an excursion at this port, but others in my group did. They seemed to enjoy it. I just walked around the town. It was nice.
yes it is a learning experience as first timers. we found it gets better on the second. now we are booked for two more. it is an education on any vacation. mostly I worry about seasickness, or tainted food. anything else is just fluff. I talked to some of the staff, even though I'm a quiet person, and I found that enhanced my experience.
We had an Alaska cruise in May on Emerald. It was great. When reviews say food was not good I ask ´what food?' Where a person eats and the way you interact with staff makes a huge difference. You have to match your selections and your style and preferences. I have seen groups sit through a buffet for an entire cruise with trying the dining rooms. And then they say they don't like buffets. Try everything. And if you are a rabid cruise fan of another company make sure you are cruising under a new line with a similar style. Otherwise, you will not be happy.
I saved@ $1000 per person by going interior. I've always gone balcony, but saving $2000 ð²ð°ð° is like getting an extra Caribbean cruise included. I also plan to be on the deck most of the time. I want to see both sides of the ship, not just what is viewable from my balcony.ð³ï¸ð¸ðð³ðâð ð·
What I really need is a time turner from Hogwarts! ð
Ginnyharley6 if you are on the Alaska cruise you are probably going to want a balcony. We are going on sept 3 and everything I read recommends the balcony.
Well said Gil, my first cruise was the Emerald and it was the best so far. No ship is perfect, but you have to remember... you're on a cruise and not at work! ðð³ï¸ððððð¹ð»ðð¡ð¸
Gil155, Not everyone will be pleased. I personally have never been on Princess Cruise Lines however I have been on Royal Caribbean and Carnival and I have found that there were some problems but the staff did do their best to fixed the issues. I am looking forward to trying this cruiseline.
Probably one of the least favorable reviews of the Emerald. Reading others, the crew gets pretty stellar reviews consistently. That said, different people DO HAVE, and are, entitled to their own perceptions.
If you get claustrophobia than I would get an Oceanview or Balcony. I have had the balcony twice and I probably went out on it maybe two or three times total. The whole ship is a balcony, that is how I feel. But if you can do without a window than the inside is fine. I had a friend who normally gets an inside cabin and she brings a couple of posters and hang them on the wall so it looks like she is looking outside.
You are welcome, feel free to ask any questions. The cabins are small but really, all you are doing is sleeping in there, majority of the time you will be out and about.
Also if you have never cruised before, you may want to asked for a prescription for the patches to prevent seasickness. I get those and so far knock on wood I have not gotten seasick.
sandersons, I am going on August 19th to Alaska. If this is your first cruise, one suggestion I would give you is don't over-packed. For the formal evening, bring one pair of shoes that will go with both evening wears. When you get on the ship or if you can print out the map of the ship. The ship will have map of the ship available. I also suggest you go to the shows and game shows because 95% of them are great. My favorite are the game shows because they are very funny. Comedy shows are great too, however if planning to attend them and want a seat it is advisable to get there at least 30 to 45 mins early, otherwise you could end up in standing room only.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
