Great Caribbean Cruise

Item: Royal Princess
Rating: 3.9
Author: patrickmcmacken

Royal Princess Cruise Review to Caribbean

patrickmcmacken

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 99

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5

Southern Caribbean Medley

Sail date: December 30, 2017

Ship: Royal Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: B124

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Good getaway from the cold weather which was our overall intent. Also, to relax in the sun and visit different places.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Good, no real issues until we attempted to set up and access our on-board account. Apparently, the ship had software issues which were not resolved until late that night.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Main dining was OK, service was spotty with an overall average grade. Some dishes leaved a lot to desire with poor taste and consistency. Food court buffet was good, wide array of selections. As one who doesn't eat pork, the breakfast menu was limited. They should think of chicken and/or turkey breakfast products. Specialty restaurant menus are stale, have not changed for 3-5 years and are the same on all of the ships we have cruised on. Sides were average to below average compared to the restaurants we normally go to at home. They need to post ALL of the daily menus on their APP. Have to wander around to figure out what they are having on a particular day. Also need to allow one to make dining room reservations on-line using the APP. They could also use their APP to communicate to their guests on significant events.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

primary focus was on relaxing and on princess the Sanctuary is our favorite place. Staff was very attentive. We also took advantage of the health and exercise offerings at their on-board health facility. Again, excellent, knowledgeable staff who really worked with us on our diets and exercise routines.

Casino

2 out of 5

Still give a below average to the Casino as they still allow smoking. Couldn't stay in the Casino for more than 10 minutes.

Entertainment

Didn't find any entertainment that appealed and we don't cruise for this.

Children's Programs

did not bring children

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

as stated earlier, wait staff were average. We get as good or better service at the restaurants we go to at home in the DFW area. Room steward was excellent along with the Fitness Center and Sanctuary staff.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Layout is fine. Over all cleanliness was acceptable. Carpets were worn throughout the ship including our stateroom. Appears that they have not changed the carpets on the Royal Princess since our first cruise in 2015 . Food court carpets were stained and nasty in places. On deck, some of the artificial carpet was loose. Encountered a number of toilets that did not work along with lots of inoperable soap dispensers.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Similar to what we have stayed in previously. Couldn't use the balcony after dark because the balcony lighting for this stateroom was turned off by the bridge. Don't know why but a significant safety issue.