Not for the young or young at heart unless you are happy to do nothing for long periods. THIS TRIP WAS 22 DAYS. Although it is rumoured to change for the Australian market this should have happened on this trip as the majority were Australians travelling back to Australia and expected so much more for a new ship 1st time to Australia, certainly has made an impression for all the wrong reasons. Respectfully, suited to the older cruiser ( average age on this trip 67 yrs, a number of very young kids brought the average down ) May be better with shorter trips. We will not travel on this ship again and maybe not with Princess again.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Lined up for hours at Shanghai in the sun, no shade, lines very long and slow. Embarkation time 12.30pm finally got on at 4.40pm
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Included restaurants often had the same meals as the buffet. Lots of choices however meals served cold or luke warm, lots of food, not much variety, many of the same things served every day for lunch and dinner. Not much variety in cocktails too most had orange juice included in them. No tea or coffee facilities around the pool area only in one section of the buffet. Deserts looked amazing but many were tasteless. The food carvings were fantastic.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Good fitness centre if you are into that. Line Dancing and other dance styles classes offered but most held in the atrium with everyone watching from 3 floors. If you like bingo and trivia well catered for. Karaoke rooms locked. FANTASTIC selection of movies to watch in your room, watched more movies in 22 days than in 22 years as the other entertainment was not our style.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Shows were average and only 3 musical/stage shows for 22 days! All in all very average. Sandman show excellent. Same violinist and guitarist all cruise, just moved their locations. No nightclub/disco as such, small bar area with partitions became nightclub after midnight. Otherwise dancing in the atrium with average band, but again everyone watching from the 3 floors surrounding. Over 65's well catered for. One of the best shows was put on by the Head chef !!
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The staff from all areas that we encountered tried very hard to please, always had a smile even when abused by rude guests.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
Over all very CLEAN!! HOWEVER, layout very disappointing and no extra lifts added to the design even though designed for extra passengers. One lift remained out of action for the entire 22 days without explanation. Smoking areas out in the elements sun/wind/rain. Unable to walk around the whole ship, for those trying to do their daily walks. Some toilets were troublesome with regular blockages. Over all thought the decor was average for a new ship. Laundries on each floor but to the back of the ship a long walk for half the ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Beds were very comfortable, believe there was a pillow menu but didn't follow up. Rooms small but didn't spend much time in there anyway. Very Good Movie selection. Fridge in room. Good hanging space.
Ship tip
Definitely for the older cruisers that are happy to read or play cards and listen to violins all day everyday.
Embarked from this port, has the facilities and potential to be an excellent starting point, however when we were there it was awful, long slow lines standing in the sun, any seating was towards the end of the line. Many people fainted waiting in the sun.
It's terrible you had this experience. My daughter, son inlaw and 3 grandchildren were on the same cruise. They all loved everything about it. They are seasoned cruisers as well with 14 cruises under their belt as a family. I think sometimes you need to focus on the "good" and enjoy yourself with what you have available otherwise your whole trip will become a misery. Enjoy life don't let it get you down.
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