Disappointing
Emerald Princess Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America
15 Night Panama Canal - Ocean To Ocean 2-Day Canal Experience (Los Angeles To Ft. Lauderdale)
Sail date: January 17, 2023
Ship: Emerald Princess
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: B535
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
Despite staff shortages, the service was exceptional & pretty much the highlight of the cruise. Upon initial booking, we reserved a cabin on the Aloha deck, port side at the front as we didn't want to be near the elevators for more quiet. Our cabin had been changed to Baha deck, mid-ship, ocean view about 24 hours after making final payment for no apparant reason. Cheap Cruises had no idea why & referred us to Princess. First they said the cabin was not available (but it was available weeks before when we booked it?????), then they said it was an upgrade because it had a balcony (so did the initial cabin). After 45 minutes on the phone with a Princess representative who had to check with a supervisor, we were moved back up to the Aloha deck, port side at the rear of the ship. As the balcony was on an angle, it was actually better than the initial cabin, but this experience definitely started the cruise off on the wrong foot! We've cruised with Princess multiple times (as well as other cruise lines) but it's been a while. It was notable that we seemed to be nickled & dimed to death for many things that were included in the past. *Internet package was $75 more when purchased on the ship than if purchased in advance of cruise (unwelcome surprise!). Water bottles that were freely dispensed while exiting the ship for shore excursions are now being sold. Medallion app did not work with dinner reservations. Made reservations on the app about 2 months prior to the cruise, only to find several weeks later that they had been changed. Revised the reservations on the app, at which point could not always get time or dining room of choice. When we arrived on the ship those reservations had been cancelled. Many of our fellow passengers had similar experiences. Food quantity was substantial, be we remembered the quality as being better. Had to plan on getting to a show or activity 30-40 minutes prior in order to get seating as the spaces filled up quickly. Was this this worst cruise we'd ever been on, absolutely not, but can't say it was the best either. Would't say we'd never cruise again, but it's time to put that concept on a hiatus!Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Major problem with medallion app & dinner reservations
Ports of call
Cartagena, Colombia Did not visit port
Disembarkation
Traveler Photos
