Emerald Princess Cruise Reviews - Reviews

Some of our favorite things on the ship were Outriggers bar on deck 15 aft, pool on deck 14 aft, Wheel House Bar deck 7, and casino. Princess is still working out the kinks with the app, Medallion, and drink package. We had a few issues that were remedied by visiting Guest Services throughout the cruise.

This New England itinerary is not for everyone. It attracts an older crowd. The service was excellent and the food was really good. We, though, ate mainly in the buffet. The food was varied from day to day. Our balcony cabin was nice, with a super comfy bed and pillows. The ship is older, but very clean and well maintained.

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!

Emerald is an older ship that is well maintained for its age - much like a classic car it is not perfect or modern but it is comfortable, clean and has its charms . The strength of the Emerald literally lies with the staff . Service is excellent . Every area was clean and well cared for other than the issue with black soot on sports deck from exhaust pipes . This is a cruise for adults who wish to relax with good wholesome activities . Entertainment is good outside of the production shows which were extremely disappointing. Photography is less than average . A port of call was removed ( Nicaragua) and we were denied any type of compensation . There is a history of Princess having issues with this port of call but yet they sale it as part of the package knowing it most likely will be cancelled . If you want to see the Panama Canal then it will be the highlight . The ports of call : Puerto Vallarta and Hautulco should be removed and stops in the Caribbean added . We are upset to know that the upgraded package we paid alot for limited the types of drinks you can get without extra charge and that the “ Included gratuity” is simply given to The cruise company , not directly to the staff . The crew receive a set annual salary . We are angry and feel “ included gratuity” is false advertising and greed . No surprise , typical If big business . We still felt the need to tip directly to our main crew staff . For a couple in a regular balcony room with plus package, use of Sanctuary half days at sea , additional gratuities , one dinner in specialty restaurants, and 3 princess excursions- our cost was approximately $10,000. We do not feel the cost equates to the overall experience . Far too many at sea days (9) for the adventurous traveler . 15 nights with . Seeing the Panama Canal was our goal , but we could have probably flew to Panama and chartered a private yacht to transverse the canal cheaper . Won’t repeat the cruise. We must say the staff/ service exceed expectations, the ship meets expectations for adult traveler looking for relaxation , but the corporate areas and decisions need a lot work. We appreciate the Captain and staff taking care and keeping us healthy and safe during our Holiday.

Wonderful trip! Had fun both on and off the ship. Crew very helpful and friendly.

We’re very experienced cruisers and this was the worst service. Took 45 minutes to get drinks. Staff was not friendly. Ship seemed short staffed. Our cabin should not have been in service due to its condition. We will not sail Princess again and I advise anyone else against it. This was our 5th Princess cruise. And last.

The food was great as well as the staff in the dining room. They knew us by name every night and had our drink order at our table for us!

If we had to do it all over again, we would not. The days at Sea were very cool in the 60s very little deck time to enjoy the sun. The staff was not very customer centered. Everything was pretty much self service or you had to buy into activities. Not much to do on the ship, the islands were fabulous but next time we will just take a land trip and not cruise very disappointed in princess, they did not live up to our previous expectations

Great itinerary, fantastic weather. You will be grateful for the sea day in the middle to recover from excursions and port visits. Ship entertainment was brilliant.

Overall, it was a wonderful and very relaxing cruise. We were hesitant about going on a longer cruise, especially many days at sea, but were pleasantly surprised that we had plenty to do, and it was what we needed - anniversary vacation. In addition, we heard that it was 100% booked and Princess even offered us a good incentive if we could give up our cruise/cabin, but we decided not to take the offer. So, we were concerned it might be too crowded, but it did not feel crowded except for when attending some of the bigger shows. Those you have to go early like 20-30 minutes before; otherwise, you won't get good or any seats.

I had waited 4 years for this cruise. Two yrs because Canada closed their ports during Covid-19 and last year because I was sick.

Overall, a very nice cruise and repositioning. The longer cruises are nice as you get to enjoy more of the ship itself on sea days and the ports of call are ports that are rarely visited from the Florida ports as they are a tad further.

I have been on over 20 Princess cruises and this was one of my least favorite ships.

Overall cruise was great. Being that there wasn’t a lot of activities for my age group I found it to be very relaxing

Nice ports of call, just not enough for a 15-day cruise.

The crew service was magnificent! Foods, especially lobster night, was delicious! Suggestion: When someone sends a text on the medallion app, the app should beep to notify the receiver of the text.

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise. This was our second with Princess, the first being an Alaska cruise. There were staff members availabel all the timw, especially in the dining rooms. The weather was great, so that made it the more enjoyable. Staff are the friendliest people! We will go again.

We cruised with our 18 year old granddaughter. It was her high school graduation gift. We enjoyed the whole cruise. Great, port's great sea days, great weather. I think we got her hook on cruising.

We wanted to see the new Panama locks and this cruise fit the bill. We whale watched in Puerto Vallarta. Unfortunately, I got Covid and was quarantined for 5 days and with rough seas we missed our Columbia port. We didn’t get off the until Fort Lauderdale. Not bad for us as we like sea days but we missed 3 excursions. Still a good trip.

I can't say enough good things about this cruise. It was absolutely amazing in every way from food, drinks, entertainment, port of calls. The new canal locks were fabulous and the commentary through the locks was entertaining, enlightening and educational. Bravo Princess for an amazing time!