The ship and service are in great condition, but between the current Covid restrictions and the enhanced Medallion app use, there are a lot of technical edges that need to be shaken out.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
With the new Medallion OceanReady process, all paperwork is handled in the MedallionClass app ahead of time. While the app can be difficult to use, it makes embarkation a breeze: off the bus to on the ship in less than 10 minutes!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The food is overall up to Princess’ normal quality. The main dining rooms are great, while the speciality restaurants are fantastic! The buffet is a bit limited, since the ship is only half-full. Some fringe items are not in stock, but the main things you’d expect are all there and hold their high quality.
Alfredo's Pizzeria
5 out of 5
Fabulous Neapolitan pizzas made to order. These beat out anything pizza-ish we’ve had on any cruise line - definitely a Princess signature item.
Chopsticks Noodle Bar
3 out of 5
This Pool Deck “grill” offers a fairly decent bowl of Asian noodles, with a DanDan bowl or a Japanese miso ramen. You won’t mistake it for what a full restaurant can do, but it’s passable, if a bit too salty.
International Café
5 out of 5
One of the most pleasant places to sit for long periods! Snacks from the cafe, drinks from the bar (orderable instantly on the Medallion app), and pleasant music from the Piazza musical performers. We tried a few custom drinks from them, and the result was perfect.
Harmony
5 out of 5
This was the highlight of the trip for food. The Asian fusion does wonderfully well. I highly recommend the Kung Pao chicken, and the specialty Scallop dish is well worth the extra $10 surcharge!
Swirls
2 out of 5
A soft-serve ice cream venue. Vanilla or chocolate, plus toppings. The ice cream itself is poor quality - I suspect no actual cream in the ice cream.
Crown Grill
3 out of 5
This is the mainstay of the Pool Deck. It’s actually the burger grill, but with a lobster roll offered for $10 extra.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The activities are well spread out, with a general sampling of quizzes, musical acts, and semi-sports events. The events are largely tailored to an age around 50-60… appropriate for the targeted passengers.
Most of the venues are dealing with the current CDC limitations, so activities are working with a reduced participation: seats marked off, tables spread out. We reached for some of the more intense exercise equipment - TRX and the spin bikes - but we’re denied self-use.
The ship recommends reservations for everything through the Medallion app, but it isn’t required.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Clean, careful staff, and the height of courtesy! Cabin staff remembered every request we made, and had a solution for every problem.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
A fairly new ship in the Royal class, it has the same general setup, with some important notes:
— The outside promenade does not wrap around the front or back, and there’s no circle up on the sports deck, so there’s no opportunity to take long walks without switching back and forth.
— The only front view is from the Sanctuary space, named the Hollywood Conservatory here. Unlike the other class ships, this space is entirely enclosed, along with the forward swimming pool. The result is a comfortable space from the Alaska cold, but it’s a bit humid.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
This is a category BE room, rather than category D4. The inside is a standard balcony setup (desk, no sofa) but does have a double-sized balcony. Quite comfortable, with a firm queen/twin bed. The TV is mounted on the wall, so there’s no corner pedestal, leading to a shortage of table space. It’s a good setup for someone who wants a larger balcony without the larger room of a Deluxe.
Ship tip
Get to know the new MedallionClass app - you’ll be using it a lot.
@stacymay30: I didn’t pay much attention, since I’m not a beer person. I suspect the normal bars are all serving from bottles. However, there’s often one bar on board that has better offerings - perhaps the Double Down bar or the Vines wine bar? It’s a tough find on Princess.
Thanks for the reviews . You did a great job.
Maybe you can work remotely from your home as a marketing agent.
LOL I going on the 29th. Be glad yo get out of California heat and Smokey air.
I don’t care if it rains everyday. I’m gonna enjoy whatever is thrown my way.
Thanks for your review! I do have a silly question, but I’m curious. Is princess pouring drought beers or just fro bottles/cans at this time?
Thank you!
Great review ... i was lucky enough to be on her maiden voyage out of Australia & do the ultimate ship tour while on board. Fantastic ship & amazing crew
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