Biggest problem was the check-in / pre-trip preparations. Nearly everything had to be done using an app on your phone. What used to take 10 - 20 minutes on the computer, took over an hour and 30 minutes (on average for us and others we spoke to). The COVID requirements were only a minor factor here. This was the worst pre-trip / check-in process I've had in 42 years and 20 cruises.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Passengers were assigned specific arrival times for check-in. Because of an arrival problem (I left my computer bag at home and my nephew had to deliver it before we boarded), we spent an hour or so before actually going in for check-in. There was never any long lines or crowds during that time. I could not board, then come back out to pick up my bag, so we waited outside.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We ate in the Boticelli dining Room every night. Although our reservation was the same every night, we were never at the same table and thus had many different wait staff. Some of the staff were clearly inexperienced which resulted in a quality of service, at times, less than we were used to from Princess. The on-board dining reservations app rebooted a few times during our cruise. Each time I had to re-book our Dining reservation.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Always an issue with Princess, there are poor facilities to run outside. There was a new running track on the 19th Deck, that was 1/16 of a mile per lap. The Health Club was well equipped, but masks were required indoors. There was no water available (none on Deck 19 either). Staff would get water for you on request. I did my cool-down walking on the pool deck, getting water from the bar.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
One of the Production Shows was great, the other just OK. The featured performers were all excellent. The Ship singing / dancing cast were excellent as was the ship orchestra.
Children's Programs
Didn't have kids in our travel party. Actually, didn't see any kids (younger than 12) on the ship.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Again, there were some inexperienced asst. waiters which initially provided less than excellent service in the dining room. The service was usually very slow compared to previous Princess cruises. The wait staff at the outdoor venues and the International Cafe were excellent.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Nice to finally have a dedicated outdoor running track, but only 1/16 of a mile per lap!! The outdoor basketball court is now a full court (very short).
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Nice size and layout. Carpet was worn and had some small holes. Did not have hot water the first 1 1/2 days (finally fixed after 5 PM on day 2).
Ship tip
Our 6 PM dining reservation seemed to be in conflict with many of the entertainment options (theater shows, smaller club shows, special acts / staff productions). 6 PM may be a bad time for dinner.
Airport Express directed us to meet at Pole 15 - port personnel would not allow the driver to stop there, so we had to carry our stuff again to where our shuttle was.
I'm sure you are right about the inexperienced staff. That would make sense due to the Covid shutdown. That will improve after a while of being open again.
If you have a computer tablet, you might want to try Medallion app. to that and using the Medallion app. on it. I put the Medallion app. on my Samsung Galaxy Tablet A. It is much easier for me to see and utilize the app. on my tablet instead of my phone.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
