Princess Cruise Line: Leading the Decline in the Cruise Industry

I just realized you were only on the cruise about two days before you wrote your review. I think you need to make a misery course correction for the week you have left for your own sake or else get as much out of your drink package to the point it won’t matter.

We are taking our 17th and 18 Princess cruises in July - back to back on the Enchanted - Rome to Athens to Barcelona. First Princess cruise was on the Sun in 1996. Total of 36 cruises including 13 on RCCL. We have been on the Enchanted before and enjoyed it very much. Most of the changes you mentioned, primarily menus, dining availability, staffing, medallion net, and the medallion class, were in place. Staffing seemed to be a bit reduced but we did have a lighter passenger load since it was shortly after the resume to sailing (April 2022). I would say that we did not experience the issues you did, or it may be that we did not think they negatively impacted our cruise. The perks of cruising are not what they used to be, but compared to other cruise lines Princess is not alone and compared to (insert service of your choice here) cruising is no different. Blame it on Covid, climate change, increase in your (our) ages, or whatever - it is what it is. However, I still think it's a great way to vacation. The alternative to your issues is to adjust, adapt or accept higher fares and cruise on one of the more premium lines. Relative to some of your specific compaints: I haven't seen where the medallions were unreliable - worked every time - stores, bars, dining, casino, embarking, disembarking, and room access. Yes, the internet could occasionally be intermittent, but not to the extent that it prohibited any type of activity. Dinners, particularly in the MDR were fine - more than just acceptable. Service was fine. The portions were smaller, but that just means less was left on the plate that would be thrown out. There were occasions when my wife and I wanted to try a couple of items on the menu and we would ask for an extra plate or two of the main item only (minus the sides) and the servers promptly obliged with smiles. We did this most often with the pastas which are always good on Princess. If you were still hungry at dinner, why didn't you ask for more instead of going up to the buffet? Relative to no food or dessert after 9:30pm - did you go to the International Cafe. The "snacks" there are great - morning, afternoon, or night 24/7. I like to indulge in eating on a cruise as much or, unfortunately more, than anyone, but even with the adjustments in the last few years and particularly after Covid, I've had no problem getting what I wanted and enjoying it. The included options are great particularly the pool deck pizza and burgers, Gigi's/Alfredo's pizza, and, as I mentioned, the International Cafe. I can't say much about boarding on a European cruise because this will be our first cruise boarding outside of the U.S. However relative to baggage delivery, try carrying on your bags. Princess in particular is great at having your room ready even if you board early (11:00am). I'm not one to just accept something that I don't care for, but I am one to adjust to circumstances and determine if I need to voice my displeasure or make an adjustment if there is a good reason for any minor issue. Most times when I have mentioned an issue on any cruise line, they have attempted to make things better. I will say that one thing that annoys me on a cruise is overhearing others (particularly seniors - I'm 73) complaining about minor issues. Relax, have fun, go with the flow.

Appreciate your feedback

Frankly your loyalty level is irrelevant, it’s little more than sounding entitled. Every service industry across the globe suffered millions of dollars in losses, as well as having to furlough or sack staff, due to COViD. Post pandemic those who once worked on cruise ships have secured other jobs, and there is something of a recruitment vacuum. Thus, there are fewer staff and those that are there are still new as staff turnover is now frequent. The world has changed, cruising has changed. The ‘good ol’ days’ will not be returning anytime soon, so you need to decide - stop cruising or make the best of it. Oh, and I don’t work in the cruise industry, I just enjoy cruising and making the most of it, and feel humbled to do so when so many people find it difficult to make ends meet, never mind taking a vacation.

We just finished a Panama Canal 18 day cruise on the lovely Emerald Princess. I can honestly say we had no complaints. We are also Platimum. The food, staff, service was exemplary. One of our best cruises. Sorry yours was not up to your standards. Try the Emerald!!!

Thanks for the review

Appreciate your detailed summary. Sorry you were so disappointed. On our Princess cruise my medallion worked flawlessly BUT my husband’s never stayed working for more than a few hours.

Thanks for sharing

Thanks for sharing.