This was our 4th cruise with Princess. We've always been very happy with them but not so much on this trip. Shanghai immigration facilities need a total upgrade to handle a ship of 2700 passengers. Workers were very nice and charming but bad weather and delays made the embarkation a real "turnoff" and spoiled an otherwise enjoyable trip. Princess workers totally screwed up the embarcation. Letting "Elite VIP's" go in front of 200 or so disabled was a total mess and my impression of Princess took a big drop even though I am not disabled.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Stated boarding time was 2pm. Actual was 8:30pm in driving rain with no cover in Shanghai. Worst Port ever to embark from. Over mile walk total.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Main Dining Rooms were great. Both service & food. Sabbatinis & Staeakhouse great. Horizon Buffet was the worst I've ever seen on a Cruise ship. Lot's of stuff straight out of No. 10 Cans.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
15yr old ship with very little options. Adequate, not great.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Seating always a problem. Adequate presentations.
Children's Programs
No kids with us
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Cabin Steward Frenchie was outstanding. Waiter in steakhouse (Will) also outstanding. All service we encountered was great. Phone ability for dinner reservations a plus.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
The ship was clean but it is an old layout format & design. It is well maintained. Buffet needs a makeover. Seating is not adequate, especially since they close off one side or the other.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Older design with bathtub & limited shower. Not our favorite. Steward "Frenchie was outstanding. I even tipped him extra.
Ship tip
DO NOT TAKE A CRUISE DEPARTING SHANGHAI. Worst facilities ever. Weather also a factor.
Princess says in literature 1 hour drive to Bangkok. Actually 2 hours each way. We hired private car from United Tours instead of ship. Glad we did. It made it a great stop. Made it back to ship with 45min. to spare. Ship needs to stay longer here to cover transit times.
Fun stop. Light rain did not deter. Great shopping at 1st stop (Budda temple, lots of steps).
Monkey Show was not great. Nothing like we expected but interesting and commercial.
By far the best stop. Stayed a week at the fabulous Mandarin Oriental 5 star all the way and right at the Marina across from the Marina Sands Hotel & Garden by the Bay.
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