Worst Cruise I've had

Item: Island Princess
Rating: 3
Author: WillsaCruisin

Island Princess Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe

WillsaCruisin

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 40

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

16 Night Land Of Midnight Sun & Summer Solstice (Southampton Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 12, 2023

Ship: Island Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: B601

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Absolutely the worst cruise I've ever taken. Norway was fabulous and each time I got off the ship, I had to make myself get back on (because I'd already paid for everything) rather than stay in any of the Norwegian ports. I actually looked into flying back to the UK just so I could get off the ship, but the rates were astronomical from anywhere in Norway. I complained everyday about the VERY loud noises in my stateroom, but each time was told "we know about this, we're working on it" ... for 16 days. Ultimately, they acknowledged there was a "problem" and offered by a tiny amount of on-board credit. Given the terrible ship, the mostly indifferent crew, and the bland food, I'll never go on Princess again.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Embarkation was ok, fairly quick and little time to waste before I could get to the room

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Food was generally bland and boring. Meat (even when ordered rare) was overdone.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Few activities on board with the exception of "game show" knockoffs.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

The dancers on board were really good, otherwise, nothing to talk about.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

The guy who cleaned my room was great as was a couple of guys in the buffet, otherwise they were mostly indifferent.

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

Older ship, cleanliness outside my room was an issue.

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5

Every day I was awakened by clanging noises (all 16 days), I complained every day and was told "nothing" could be done about it as it was "necessary" maintenance. The balcony was fairly gross and I absolutely hate plastic curtains on a cruise ship.

Ship tip

DON'T DO IT!!

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Southampton (London), England

3 out of 5

Haugesund

5 out of 5

Olden, Norway

5 out of 5

Tromso, Norway

5 out of 5

Honningsvag, Norway

5 out of 5

Gravdal, Lofoten Islands

3 out of 5

Trondheim, Norway

5 out of 5

Andalsnes, Norway

5 out of 5

Skjolden, Norway

5 out of 5

NEWHAVEN HARBOUR (EDINBURGH), SCOTLAND

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

3 out of 5

Very confusing, but ultimately little wait.

8 Comments

outtoseapatty 7 months ago

Oh no. Sorry bad ship

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CruisingScouser 1 year ago

I'm on this ship in 4 weeks from UK, I hope it's not as bad as you are saying when I go, I did notice that you have had one previous cruise with Virgin, I hope the comparison doesn't put you off, I've on done one cruise with Princess on Sky Princess & it was probably the best company I've cruise with & I've done 35ish cruises with different cruise lines, maybe they were just doing essential maintenance, blocked toilet system, the do get blocked with baby wipes make up cleansing pads etc, hope this helps you.

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OGWonderWoman 1 year ago

Wait 20 ports in 16 days!? No way!

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OGWonderWoman 1 year ago

Wow that's nuts

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javawoody 1 year ago

thanks for sharing

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Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

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cruising2004 1 year ago

Sorry you did not enjoy your experience. Hopefully any future cruises will be more to your liking. Thank you for sharing.

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AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your details. Glad you enjoyed your ports of call. Sorry the ship experience was such a disappointment.

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