Princess cruises seem to be in rapid decline, with emphasis on making everything an add on charge. Food venues close way too early (10 pm) and even basics like coffee creamer run out. How does a cruise ship run out of coffee creamer? Onboard activities have devolved to mostly trivia and EFFY/spa presentations, and main stage performances limited in scope and number. I was a Princess fan girl after sailing on Discovery Princess 5 months ago, but back to back "disaster" cruises onboard the Grand Princess, and now the Emerald Princess, have soured me to their brand. Cancelled our plans to sail the Panama Canal for Christmas/New Years next month, and removing Princess from the list of cruise lines that I consider when booking in the future.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
If you purchase transfers from the airport to the cruise ship, make sure to note where you're supposed to meet, and the time. Look for someone with a clipboard, because there wasn't any clear signage on where to go.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Overall food quality was actually pretty good, but the selection seemed a bit sparse compared to other ships we've sailed on. Ran out of coffee creamer 3 days before debarkation in both buffet area and Michelangelo dining room! Buffet closes at 10pm, so there are few/no included food options after getting out of the later mainstage show. (If you don't purchase plus or premier packages, room service is $15 + $5 per delivery + tip)
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
5 daily rounds of trivia and endless EFFY "events" and sales is NOT the type of activities we're looking for. Crafting was nice, but cross stitch class ran out of kits and passengers turned away 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE CLASS BEGAN! Absolutely unacceptable.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
First comedian was a spitter. Glad we were a row back, because a couple of front row people in front of us got sprayed. Typical Princess entertainers, but many of the singers just couldn't hit the right notes. Rock Opera was great, comparable to the performances we saw on another Princess cruise.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Same weird layout that restricts access to Botticelli dining room to only the aft elevators. The ship decorations were still stylish, (for a couple of old ladies) but we noticed that a lot of the hallway walls and corners were beat up with scratches and dents from the steward carts.
Cabin / Stateroom
1 out of 5
Two single beds to form a queen, and bunk beds on each side. VERY cramped because of the bunk beds. HORRIBLE, especially for disabled passengers with mobility issues (or larger size passengers) trying to get in and out of bed. Running water sound in the restroom.
Ship tip
Buffet, ice cream, etc all close at 10pm, so if you go to the late main stage show, don't plan on ANY food being available after getting out. Unless you have the plus or premier package, you're going to have to open your wallets and pay $15 plus $5 per delivery for room service to your room.
What a mess. Started off with being randomly selected for additional screening by US Customs. (Despite having Global Entry) after clearing that, the line to get on the bus to the airport was long and disorganized.
Are you saying the bunk beds were lowered during your cruise? They usually are retracted into the ceiling and unless you are seven foot tall, are not in your way… If you are disabled, why didn’t you get a disabled room? I’m sure Princess will miss you.
Your statement about not being able to get any food after 10pm is simply not accurate. The International Cafe on every Princess ship is open 24 hours, and is included with your cruise price. They have both sweet and savory items available at all times, so it's not just chips and cookies either. Therefore, I take the rest of the complaints in the same vein, highly exaggerated.
I was on the same cruise and coffee and coffee creamer - how does one run out of such a basic item. I had a great time but was baffled at some things too.
Funny I just read a review that said it was fantastic, same ship, same date. Can’t please everyone. Maybe you should have researched a little more about the cabin. Thanks for your opinion.
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