New England trip affected by tropical storm

Emerald Princess Cruise Review to Canada, New England, New York

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 66

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
Verified Review
Emerald Princess

7 Night Canada & New England (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 23, 2023

Ship: Emerald Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: C239

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 months ago

Review summary

The first two days of the cruise were rocky from Tropical Storm Ophelia. Nothing that can be done about that. I appreciate the captain considered our safety and removed the first port of call (Newport, RI). I appreciate the kindness of the staff, but I feel bad as they all look overworked. The shortage of staff is what caused the delays in the dining room and the bars. Overall, this cruise met my expectations.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Embarkation was speedy being the green lane

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
I enjoyed the buffet more than the dining rooms. If I ordered something from the menu in the main dining room that wasn't a main course (alternative), I left hungry. The dining room experience was slow. Never got out of there under 90 minutes. And the food wasn't all that spectacular. I did go to Planks and plenty of good food was given there. The Salty Dog Gastropub had a good appetizer, but other than that, I don't need to go back there. Pizza place (Slices) was good). Good luck getting into the dining room for afternoon tea. I loved the International Cafe.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
I enjoyed going to the fitness center every morning. I did use my two exercise classes offered with my plus package. I was disappointed that I asked the young man who did the exercise class if the fitness center would be open on the last day and he said yes. It wasn't. Not a lot of other activities available. The selection was limited at times, and other times I wanted to do two things that were going on at the same time. That wasn't very often though.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The production shows were wonderful!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
All staff were courteous and nice and helpful. At times when at the bar, there was a shortage of staff and they were overworked. Had to wait longer than anticipated for a drink. They were prompt coming around to tables if you were sitting for entertainment.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
All areas were clean. I did get confused at times trying to get somewhere when in the Aft of the ship.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Cabin was always clean and the bed was wonderful!

Ship tip

Stick to the buffet, Slices, and International Cafe.

Ports of call

New York, New York

4 out of 5
Parking was highway robbery at $45/day.

Boston, Massachusetts

4 out of 5
I did the Freedom Walking Trail. It was long, but maybe it felt long because it was raining.

Bar Harbor, Maine

5 out of 5
We had to tender, and that was confusing about getting a ticket to get off the ship. All they had to say was if you have an excursion with Princess, you don't need a ticket. I did a nice walking trail at Acadia National Park with a knowledgeable tour guide.

Saint John, New Brunswick

5 out of 5
I did a nice tour to St. Martins and the Bay of Fundy. Had a nice lunch at a local restaurant that was included in the tour. Tour guide was knowledgeable.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

5 out of 5
I did an excursion that went to Peggy's Cove and the cemetery where many from the Titanic are buried. The tour was a long drive, but the tour guide was knowledgeable and made the time go by.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Quick and easy disembarkation.
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