Overall, a fun cruise. Customer service by those mentioned in my review, needs work. A few more activities, during the day would be nice.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
The information desk in the lobby, not connected with Princess, misdirected us and 12 other people as to where to go to hand over your luggage. Thus, wasting our time. An experienced Princess employee discovered we were misdirected and walked us to the escalator and directed us as to where to go to drop off our luggage. Once we had dropped off our luggage, everything else went smoothly.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Some of the wait staff were indifferent or rude to the passengers. I never experienced that while on the Emerald Princess. We encountered two bartenders, at different bars on Deck 14, that were rude. One on embarkation day, I would have walked away had my husband not handed her our card to start making the drinks. On a different day at a different bar on Deck 14 by the grill, my husband politely requested our drinks and handing over the free drink card we had received. The bartender seemed thoroughly upset that we had these cards (given to us after attending a presentation for the level of membership). He failed to fully complete the drinks and treated my husband rudely. The specialty restaurant was also "interesting". The food was ok and the waiter seemed as if we were a bother to him. The ONE waiter that was a pleasure was Ernani in the Bordeaux dining room!! We requested him when he was available. Even in the buffet, the wait staff seemed as if we were bothering them. The true highlight were the gal greeters in the buffet!! They were wonderful!! I did really like the sinks, outside of the buffet, to wash your hands on the Island Princess. The Emerald didn't have these.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We played the 9 hole miniature golf. It was ok, but REALLY needs an overhaul. It is rundown and has a nasty smell.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
We listened to the ship's band in the Wheelhouse Bar and at other functions. They were good. Only caught the last part of the comedy act. From what we saw, he was funny. There really needs to be a bit more entertainment and spaced throughout the day.
Children's Programs
No children travelling with us.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Our room steward was wonderful. Marius was kind and thoughtful. The waiter in the Bordeaux dining room that we requested, Ernani, was fabulous! Ernani learned our names and what we liked. Marlon, a waiter in the Wheelhouse Bar was also wonderful. He too, learned our names and what we liked. Liudmyla, the hostess for the Bordeaux dining room was helpful and very nice. The different gal greeters for the buffet were fabulous and entertaining! Some of the other wait staff in the buffet, Bordeaux dining room, the Italian specialty dining room and the two bartenders I wrote about earlier, were rude, indifferent and treated you as if you were bothering them. What a difference from the Emerald Princess.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship seemed clean. The 9 hold miniature golf needs an overhaul. And cleanup whatever that disgusting smell is while playing miniature golf and the surrounding area. I really liked the sinks, outside of the buffet, to wash your hands instead of always using the sanitizer.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin had been updated, from the one we had on the Emerald Princess. The balcony was not as clean as the one on the Emerald Princess. Especially when they cleaned the balconies above and sent the water pouring down onto the balconies below!
Ship tip
A good ship if all you want to do is sit out by the pools and read, sleep, play cards, etc.
Unfortunately, it was stormy and the pilot ship was having a difficult time getting to the Island Princess. Our Captain did not want to board the pilot because of safety issues. Totally understandable. We also had a port propulsion motor out. This happened on the cruise previous to ours. I wonder how much of a factor that was in us not going to Astoria? The motor was to be fixed in San Francisco. Not seeing Astoria, OR was a huge disappointment. We did, however, arrive in San Francisco early. Too bad SF is being ruined by human waste, needles, etc.
We did do an excursion to Muir Woods. Being from CA, I've never been to Muir Woods. Once back at the ship, we walked to Coit Tower. This once beautiful city is now dirty with human waste, needles, etc. Because we could not go to Astoria, OR, we got into San Francisco ahead of schedule. Going under the Golden Gate Bridge and sailing into the harbor was a highlight!!
We did not do an excursion in Santa Barbara. We are familiar with Santa Barbara and walked around ourselves. Extra time in Santa Barbara would have been preferred instead of San Francisco.
We did not do an excursion in San Pedro as we were disembarking. We did, however, wake up early and see San Pedro before light. Our balcony was on the port side which afforded us a good view coming into port. Also, we were able to see the USS IOWA Battleship (BB-61)! Now that was neat!
The USS Iowa is moored in San Pedro.
We've been on the Island Princess and couldn't fault the staff so as with any customer service it all depends on who you get, it's generally not the ship, but the individual. Bar staff always remembered what we usually ordered, our names and we were always greeted with a smile which is lovely.
I've heard other reviews on the Island Princess about rude wait staff... I'll be on her in November,hope they are on better behavior when I go... I might have to bring it to their supervisors attn.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
