Great Cruise but disappointed in Seated Dinner.

Royal Princess Cruise Review

cscott4758

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 93

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5

7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 18, 2020

Ship: Royal Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: E322

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Looking doing this again next January if price is right. First Princess cruise and will look for more. The main dining was disappointing but alot of nice amenities that others are cutting back on. Room service selection was great. Room steward 2x a day to make room and turn down bed.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

First 100' was a little chaotic but once cleared port authority check completely seamless. Station to hold my carry on bag until 1pm was a great idea.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Some of the best food I have had on a cruise, with the exception of our sit down, anytime dining. The buffet was fresh great selection all the time. Never found an issue with long lines. Finding a seat at times is for the most part easy except at peak times. There was a waiter offering something to drink before we could start eating and cleared our plates immediately. This was the first cruise I enjoyed the buffet more than main dining. International cafe and alfredo pizzeria was awesome. I ate so much pizza and stromboli at the pizzeria by the pool. LOL Main dining was our only disappointment, we did anytime dining and never had to wait so that was great. We ate there 5 of the 7 nights, the first cruise I have not gone to all main dining. The Italian night was our best meal the waiter Allan was great my veal was perfect and lightest tiramisu. Unfortunately we found 3 nights meh, the menu was boring and not memorable. The waiters were polite. Our second formal night was lobster night and usually a highlight. Our lady pointed and said there are your seats from about 10' away. The waiter did not speak unless asked a question without the exception of asking our order. Our 1 guest sent a soup and her alfredo back as it was Luke warm, we dint normally do this. After 15 min after our entree and no attempt to bring us a dessert menu we left. This was our experience I hope it is different for others, maybe we should of chose a dedicated dining time but our service should not be different or they should not offer anytime if they can not provide the service.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Was pleasantly surprised as reviews did not have my expectations up. Maybe that is why I was pleased. AJ the comedian was very good while keeping it family friendly. Cheaza tribute to Whitney Houston was great and the ships entertainers we saw the colors of the world and enjoyed it.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

We met 3 workers total that were not as engaged as they should of been but the other 1200 workers were great and was hard to sneak past them without a good morning or hello.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Enjoyed the layout and found the ship very clean.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Cabin was very clean and comfortable. Maybe a tad smaller then other balcony I have had. Bed extremely comfortable. Toilet was a little finicky to flush

Ship tip

Get to shows early and bring a book or game while you wait. If you show up 15 to 20 min before show time could be full.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Mazatlan, Mexico

4 out of 5

Turned left as we left the port terminal and followed the brick wall all the way to end. Crossed the road headed down dirt driveway(kinda sketchy looking) you will see a ticket office at end about 500'. 2.00 get you a round trip to stone island. Nice beach, stingray flags up and we saw a couple but never seen anyone get stung with lots of people in the water. Get lounger from a restaurant as long as you order some food or drinks. Prices were very good. 2.00 bowl of fries or onion rings and 2.00 for a beer. Lots of vendors just say no thanks and they move along.

Thumbs Up 1

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

5 out of 5

We did a ship snorkeling excursion that turned more into whale watching. If I was rating this excursion from Puerto Adventures solely on snorkeling it would not be that great, but the crew here were amazing and you did not want for anything. The snorkeling was crowded and visibility poor but the guides in water very informative. We had lots to eat and drink and they took us all over looking at whales. We saw 8 to 10 whales and great pictures.

Thumbs Up 0

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

5 out of 5

Whales Whales, oh and beautiful beach and sunset. Saw atleast 6 to 8 whales from balcony as we approached. Take a 5.00 taxi to lovers beach, round trip but there is a 1.00 government charge you pay a guy to go on the dock and a couple bucks for the guys who help you out of the boat. Nice beach and if you have a mask a short walk takes you to pelican beach, the snorkeling here is no better or worse than a 75.00 excursion. A guy with an umbrella selling over priced beer pop and snacks other wise bring your own.

Thumbs Up 0

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

5 out of 5

Easy port to negotiate. Not crazy busy. Newton to see a busy port

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

We did self assist for the first time and from leaving our stateroom to outside customs was less than 30min. The only challenge was the obvious congestion at the elevators.

Traveler Photos

Sunset looking from Sea of Cortez to Pacific Ocean

6 Comments

javawoody 3 years ago

Thanks for the review

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Justlovecruisin 4 years ago

Sorry that your dining was less than expected. We normally do Club Class, and did regular anytime on our last cruise, due to an experience much like yours, where they just pointed us in the direction and the food was 'meh'. This was on the Regal and not what we expect from past Princess experiences. Over Christmas, out of 13 nights in the MDR, we had the same waiter 9 of them. I feel really lucky for that, I think that it can be so hit and miss in the MDR with anytime. Glad the rest of your cruise was good.

Thumbs Up 2

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cruisereckoning 4 years ago

Glad you enjoyed. We are doing that cruise end of February out of San Diego.

Thumbs Up 0

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willwork4cruz 4 years ago

Anytime dining can really be hit or miss with service. The waiters seem to be less experienced and less English speaking. Since you only see them one meal, you can't build up a report with them. If you come at odd times there may be a shift or staff change where things get missed or mixed up. There are good things about Anytime but potential for not so good.

Thumbs Up 1

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BobbyGoldsboro 4 years ago

Sounds like you had a great time. I am looking forward to my trip.

Thumbs Up 1

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BobbyGoldsboro 4 years ago

I am going on this exact cruise in March and I was wondering what night the Whitney Houston Tribute was.

Thumbs Up 0

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