Comparison: Princess vs. DCL

Moki's Mommy, you've put together a very thoughtful and detailed comparison. I think you've hit all of the salient points (and more) and I agree with almost everything you said.

Now you understand why we are elite on Princess but only have 3 cruises on DCL! There have been so many cruises where we wanted to take DCL, but just could not justify the price difference, and we ended up on Princess or Celebrity instead. When we do take DCL, it tends to be in the Caribbean, because we spend a lot more time on the ship on Caribbean cruises, plus we enjoy Castaway Cay much more than Princess Cays (although Princess Cays was very nice... just not as much fun for kids and not as nice a snorkeling area). In Europe when we are go go go all of the time and are using the ship more as a nice restaurant in the evenings and a hotel room to sleep, there's no question that DCL is far too expensive.

I actually prefer the internet minutes on Princess (keeping in mind that I get free internet on Princess, because of our past passenger status) because it's much easier to keep track of things. I login and everything on my iPad starts updating, and I don't have to worry about a data charge. I download email to a client (the iOS 'Mail' app) and then log off and answer email offline. It is then uploaded when I login again. On DCL I have to worry about turning off all of my apps so they don't download information the moment I access the internet. There is so much 'stealth downloading' that it's easy to use up all of your MB without even realizing it! I can get away with using fewer than 15 minutes per day on Princess, and often it is closer to 5.

Another thing I like on Princess is the Crown Grill specialty restaurant (it's a must if you enjoy steak) and the Chef's Table dinner. I'd equate the Chef's Table dinner with the Remy experience, and the Crown Grill as a steakhouse version of Palo. Overall I'd say the specialty dining options are equal.

Another thing I love on Princess (although this is only on some ships) is the covered pool. Less worry about cold weather or sunburn, but all the fun of the pool!

Yeah, the restaurant at the back of the ship is a pain, but it's because the kitchens are between the dining rooms, so that space in between isn't' available to passengers. But it does make delivery of meals (waiters hitting the right stations and picking up the food and bringing it to the table) much more efficient. We've just gotten into the habit of taking the stairs down to one of the 'Atrium levels' and walking across to the stairs that go to the dining room. After the first time or two it's not an issue.

In the end, if DCL were the same price as Princess, we would primarily be cruising DCL. But with the price difference, DCL is an occasional treat. That being said, we're sailing both lines next year, so clearly we're still enjoying both!

Thank you for a great comparison, moki'smommy. I haven't sailed with Princess since May 2011, so I'm looking forward to our Star Princess cruise in late February.

I hope you'll have a wonderful time on your Princess European cruise!

Thank you for your comparison review/report.

Keith

moki'smommy, I'm not sure what mobility impairment your daughter had/has, but would you be able to give me a comparison on the service/room/accessibility between the two ships/lines? I also have a 24 year old daughter who has a mobility issue (she is in a wheelchair) and we are currently booked for her first cruise on DCL, but I want to try other lines also, and was specifically looking at Princess.

Any insight you can provide would be appreciated!

moki'smommy, I'm not sure what mobility impairment your daughter had/has, but would you be able to give me a comparison on the service/room/accessibility between the two ships/lines? I also have a 24 year old daughter who has a mobility issue (she is in a wheelchair) and we are currently booked for her first cruise on DCL, but I want to try other lines also, and was specifically looking at Princess.

 

Any insight you can provide would be appreciated!

My daughter is also 24. She has a disorder that affects her balance as well as causing multiple joints to dislocate on a regular basis. She uses a wheelchair for long distances; for shorter walks she can handle it with a combination of splints/braces/orthotics/rollater. She did one cruise on DCL when things were not going well physically and she was in a chair for most of the cruise.

Differences in the HA cabins...DCL offers most types of cabins with the HA changes. They are located at the far forward and far aft of the ships (the farthest from the elevators and the most hall to traverse getting around host's carts (which they readily move). The bigger problem is people's strollers--some guests think they have the right to leave these out in the hall where they are a major pain to wheelchairs.

On Princess, the HA cabins are located very near the elevators--mid forward and mid aft. This puts them in a location that costs a little more but is very convenient in getting to the elevators.

Each of the DCL HA cabins is a little different from the others due to the curve of the ship at the back. They do have automatic door openers that can be easily accessed from a chair. There is also an automatic button inside the room. (don't lean against this!) The balcony cabins on the Magic and Wonder are just a little bigger than on Princess. Both lines have similar doors to the balcony (heavy!) with a wheelchair ramp. Princess has a standard and deluxe balcony category with HA cabins in each--the DCL balcony size is most comparable to the deluxe on Princess....actually, DCL is a bit larger due to the curve again. However, on the Wonder we got water on our balcony every night from them washing off the pool deck (yuk).

Princess did not have the automatic door opener. That would be a problem for someone in a chair as the doors are heavy. The beds on Princess can be set up as twins or as a queen--this works much better for us. DCL has only the big bed which means that I end up in the couch bed..not bad but not great. Princess is in the process of placing new mattresses on all ships but they are retaining the ability to split the beds.

The bathroom on the two lines are virtually identical (single bath, roll in shower with built in shower chair, 2 good sets of drains) The HAs on DCL do not have a split bath and do not have a tub. Same bar systems for shower and toilet, same emergency call light, etc. There is more storage by the sink in the Princess bathroom as well as in the cabin in general.

Princess room has a built in desk and closet about equal to DCL. But unlike the little end tables on DCL, we had 2 chests, each with 4 drawers that also served as end tables. There is no couch, there is a "comfy chair." We had plenty of storage.

The hallways on Princess are a little more narrow, but wide enough for the chair + buffer zone. We didn't see anyone leaving anything in the halls on Princess and the host carts were not an issue since the rooms are right by the elevators. The halls on both ships are carpeted making it difficult to push the chair. Princess provides a group of people specifically to assist "special needs" guests with embarkation and disembarkation. My daughter used the line's wheelchair and pusher for this (there is distance and slope involved) and I pushed the walker. Worked great. And the guy pushing her talked to her and treated her like a "normal" person. You KNOW what I mean by this. DCL provided us with a chair, but I had to push the chair for embarkation/disembarkation--definitely the hardest part of the cruise.

Also, on Princess I purchased the "soda and more" package for my daughter. As long as I had her card with the sticker on it, I had no problem getting a diet coke or other beverage for her (sometimes it's easier for me to be the go-fer.) This is in contrast to Celebrity where they scan the card each time and insisted that SHE get it because it was her card. Also on Princess, beverages in the buffet area are served to you making this option easier.

On Princess, we were on deck 14--very convenient to deck 15 for the buffet, fast food, etc. as I could take the stairs for one flight when playing go-fer. The deluxe balconies are several decks lower so I would need the elevator. Obviously my daughter used the elevator wherever we went.

The room service person refused to accept a tip from my daughter on Princess. I realize it was only a couple dollars, but I thought that was a nice touch.

Both lines provide "secret" access ways to the theatre, restaurants, etc. On the Magic and Wonder, you can sit right down front if you get there early and she can transfer to a theatre seat. A CM will escort you. DCL also has HA viewing areas for the deck parties. Princess had a special HA area for us during the muster drill; DCL tells you to get there a little early and releases you a little early. Both lines limited elevator access for the drill.

SO..summary

Bathrooms equal

DCL rooms a little larger and a little prettier

Princess--more storage space (there is one Magic/Wonder cabin which actually has more storage space, but only one on each side of the ship)

Location--Princess is more convenient to elevators

I would say they are basically equal. We've been very happy with the HA rooms on both lines. DO realize that I've only been on one class of Princess ship (we were on the Caribbean princess). I'm guessing they are fairly similar across the line, but can't prove that. We've been in several HA rooms on DCL ships and we do have favorites. I'm happy to answer any specific questions.

My daughter is also 24. She has a disorder that affects her balance as well as causing multiple joints to dislocate on a regular basis. She uses a wheelchair for long distances; for shorter walks she can handle it with a combination of splints/braces/orthotics/rollater. She did one cruise on DCL when things were not going well physically and she was in a chair for most of the cruise.

 

Differences in the HA cabins...DCL offers most types of cabins with the HA changes. They are located at the far forward and far aft of the ships (the farthest from the elevators and the most hall to traverse getting around host's carts (which they readily move). The bigger problem is people's strollers--some guests think they have the right to leave these out in the hall where they are a major pain to wheelchairs.

 

On Princess' date=' the HA cabins are located very near the elevators--mid forward and mid aft. This puts them in a location that costs a little more but is very convenient in getting to the elevators....

 

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My first Disney cruise was on the Wonder with my elderly mother in 2008. She rented an electric wheelchair for the cruise due to mobility issues, and we were in a HA veranda cabin on the back of deck 6. The cabin itself was very nice, but what a PITA for my mom to get down the long hallway to the aft elevators! Besides the twisting of the hallway, the housekeeping carts were parked in the hallways mornings and evenings, as you mentioned. (Fortunately, the Dream and Fantasy had the HA cabins closer to the elevators.) Then there was the fun of trying to get on a DCL elevator in a wheelchair. I would be on the lookout for one, and then some darling children would rush in so my mom couldn't get on! :mad:

One of these days I will take another DCL cruise just to screw with ignorant people who think it's OK to block hallways. I'll move those strollers to the same spot but one floor up or down. hehehehe

One of these days I will take another DCL cruise just to screw with ignorant people who think it's OK to block hallways. I'll move those strollers to the same spot but one floor up or down. hehehehe

Trust me, I'm normally very stern with tweens who mess with the host's carts. However, if I see them "playing" with strollers, I walk on and don't say a word. People don't seem to understand that they have rented a cabin, not a chunk of the hallway! If they are stupid enough to store their personal belongings in the hall, they do so at their own risk. And I have no problem knocking on their door and asking them to move the *** thing so my daughter can get her necessary mobility device thru the hall. Like it best when they have the "Do Not Disturb" sign up.:D

Trust me' date=' I'm normally very stern with tweens who mess with the host's carts. However, if I see them "playing" with strollers, I walk on and don't say a word. People don't seem to understand that they have rented a cabin, not a chunk of the hallway! If they are stupid enough to store their personal belongings in the hall, they do so at their own risk. And I have no problem knocking on their door and asking them to move the *** thing so my daughter can get her necessary mobility device thru the hall. Like it best when they have the "Do Not Disturb" sign up.:D[/quote']

 

The hallways on ships (and buildings for that matter) are carefully sized to accommodate a specific number of people during an emergency. Adding anything to a hallway that decreases its width decreases the ability to evacuate the ship (or building) in an emergency.

I agree 100%. People need to secure a cabin big enough for their stuff, or stay home. 30+ years ago I lived in a building that had some storage space under the staircase on the ground floor, and we were told we could keep bikes, strollers, wagons, pretty much anything non-motorized there. The landings on each floor were about 7x7 with doors on three walls and staircase on the 4th--definitely not enough room for anything larger than maybe a UPS package left in front of a door. A woman moved into a second floor apartment and began leaving her stroller and her older kids trike on the landing, major trip hazard let alone blocking emergency egress. The landlord warned her several times and even sent the maintenance guys to move the stuff to the ground floor a couple times. Finally he had them toss the stuff in the dumpster. She was in a rage, but none of us had a shred of sympathy.

The biggest thing that has limited what I bring.... airline surcharges. I don't like paying for the extra bags and extra weight. Getting old.... can't lift those 100lb bags any more.

Thank you so much for such a detailed, fair and balanced comparison. We absolutely love DCL and want to jump ship but are really afraid we won't like other lines. We've cancelled 2 RCCL cruises before the PIF date but have CCL cruise booked for June on the new Vista in the Mediterranean. If we hadn't already booked air for 4 people I'm sure that would be cancelled too.

Your review really has me tempted to book Princess now, maybe we'll try one of the Mexican Riviera cruises out of LA because we can drive from AZ.

Thanks again and I wish you and your daughter many happy sailings.

This kind of review is just what I was hoping to find. Dh and I are celebrating my 50th birthday next fall with a Hawaiian cruise. DCL doesn't go to Hawaii but even if it did, I can't imagine how much a balcony room on a 15-day cruise would cost. I just know it would be way out of our range.

We will be sailing on the Grand Princess. It's sister ships serve sushi and tapas (I think) in the wine bar, but the Grand Princess doesn't. I'm glad I found out ahead of time, or like you experienced with your expectation of crepes, I would have a "Grand" disappointment.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

Bevvies is another difference. Princess charges $15 a bottle if you bring your own.... DCL allows for 2 bottles and unlimited water in your carry-on. In the old days DCL allows for whatever bevvies will fit in your carry-on.

That's incorrect I'm sorry Princess allow one standard bottle of wine per adult at o charge. They also allow carry on water.

This kind of review is just what I was hoping to find. Dh and I are celebrating my 50th birthday next fall with a Hawaiian cruise. DCL doesn't go to Hawaii but even if it did, I can't imagine how much a balcony room on a 15-day cruise would cost. I just know it would be way out of our range.

 

We will be sailing on the Grand Princess. It's sister ships serve sushi and tapas (I think) in the wine bar, but the Grand Princess doesn't. I'm glad I found out ahead of time, or like you experienced with your expectation of crepes, I would have a "Grand" disappointment.

 

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

The Disney Wonder does very rare trips to Hawaii. I don't think there are any scheduled for 2016, but check the DCL site to be sure.

Thank you for your very detailed review. My friend and I have been looking at a Caribbean cruise in December and trying to decide which line will be best for us has been difficult. Disney and Princess were at the top of the list so this really helped me feel more confident about Princess.

The Disney Wonder does very rare trips to Hawaii. I don't think there are any scheduled for 2016' date=' but check the DCL site to be sure.[/quote']

 

I already checked. That is why I said, "Disney doesn't go to Hawaii".

I already checked. That is why I said, "Disney doesn't go to Hawaii".

OK. The Wonder did go to Hawaii in 2015 and at least one prior year. So it isn't a "never" situation, but it is very rare and very limited number of cruises. And many criticized that they didn't plan the cruises well.

I agree 100%. People need to secure a cabin big enough for their stuff, or stay home....

And sometimes life intervenes. DH had some medical issues arise shortly before our cruise that necessitated him bringing his scooter. (The original plan was to make due without it as he can usually manage with proper planning, but circumstances changed.) It was too late to switch to an HA room, so if he needed to return to the cabin for any purpose (eg, to administer meds, or to deal with other medical-related complications) he was forced to leave his scooter outside the cabin. He was physically incapable of walking the distance to the cabin unaided, and the scooter did not fit through the doorway, even if he could have managed the tight turn for access. Someone on the cruise let a notice on his chair that he couldn't park it in the hallway - turned out the people in the cabin next door complained because it caused an inconvenience for using a stroller. Let me tell you (though I am sure you already know), no one chooses to need assistance! Usually I would accompany him back to the cabin and shuttle the scooter, but between having two grandsons on board that required my attention and the sometimes sudden onset of issues, at times he needed to return to the cabin unaided.

I didn't book an HA cabin "just in case" because I felt it might result in someone that would unequivocally require the room being excluded. Now, though, based on this experience if we sail DCL again it will be either in an HA room or perhaps a larger room that would accommodate the scooter inside the room (aka a room "big enough for [our] stuff").

We used to cruise quite regularly, but due to life changes it is much less frequent in recent years. DH has needed the scooter once before, but not this much as he was a bit more mobile. We didn't have this kind of issue last time (non DCL, though I'm not sure that is the only reason for the issue).

I can totally appreciate your situation. One small point. We had an issue where family member's situation deteriorated rapidly on day 1 of our WDW time prior to cruise. We hadn't even made it to a park yet! As with you, this took her from needing "sometimes" assist devices to total wheelchair and to needing a walk in shower as she couldn't use the shower in the tub.

We spoke to our travel agent and explained that we were taking things one day at a time, but IF we would be able to cruise, we'd need an HA cabin. Otherwise or if things were not improving we would invoke the travel insurance and cancel. The initial response from DCL was that we couldn't get an HA cabin, but within 24 hours we had a call back. Turns out that there was someone who had booked a *GT and been assigned to an HA cabin. DCL did a room swap and gave us the cabin that we needed. Obviously this was pure luck as all HA cabins may have been occupied by people who needed them, but it enabled us to make the trip as planned. And of course, we didn't fuss about the HA being a less costly category than we'd booked; we were thankful to be able to cruise!

And as you pointed out, no one uses such devices by choice!

Background:

 

We were 2 guests' date=' myself and my 24 year old daughter with a mobility impairment. For this reason, we were in and HA cabin. We chose a balcony. We each have about 30 cruises on DCL in all cabin types, mostly long cruises with over 350 days on board. This was our first Princess cruise. We have cruised on 2 other lines in addition to Princess and DCL.

 

 

 

The motivation was simple. We are currently booked on B2B DCL cruises next spring. I learned that Princess had a cruise which was essentially the same ports but we could get a balcony cabin for half the cost (per diem) of an inside on DCL. However, we didn't want to get "stuck" on a ship that we didn't like, so opted for a week on Princess as a sort of try out cruise.

 

 

 

We chose the Caribbean Princess because it is the same ship doing the spring cruise we are interested in. It is about the same size as the Magic/Wonder (2700 max passengers on DCL, 3000 on Caribbean Princess), about 6 years newer than the Magic, and made in the same shipyard.

 

 

 

We did a Western Caribbean out of Houston. The ports were familiar to us--scheduled for Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.

 

 

 

There are more similarities than differences between the lines; this actually applies to all the lines we've cruised.

 

 

 

General Appearance--DCL wins, hands down. The exterior of the Princess ships are the big white hulks. The interior was done in browns and beiges; daughter said it looked like the 70s. It was well done, but wasn't pretty. The Princess ship was VERY well maintained. I looked for areas of rust or dirt and couldn't find any. Interestingly, on DCL we see continuous maintenance and cleaning. It wasn't nearly as obvious on Princess but had to be happening.

 

 

 

Cabin--Appearance again goes to DCL. There was nothing WRONG with the Princess cabin. It was just all beige and light wood. Our cabin was about the same size as a DCL HA cabin with a very nice bathroom set up (single bath as in all HAs, but large shower area, good bars, drains, etc.) Good storage in bathroom. The standard Princess cabins are smaller than DCL. Princess had better storage spaces than DCL--in addition to the drawers by the desk and the closet, we had 2 low dressers which doubled as end tables, each with 4 drawers. The cabin was clean. DCL toiletries are nicer. Princess had shower dispensers for shampoo/conditioner combo and shower gel. There was a tube of a spa quality lotion and a bar of soap at the sink.

 

 

 

Princess beds can all be split into 2 twins or joined as a queen. The third and 4th beds are ceiling bunks. There is no couch until you get to a mini suite, but there is a nice chair as well as a desk chair.

 

 

 

Balcony of cabin--very similar. Same sort of locking mechanism to be largely kid safe and heavy door.

 

 

 

Temp control--easier on Princess. Hair dryer--normal sort for a hotel room or health club was on Princess. 2 outlets at the desk area.

 

 

 

Food--Princess wins. The lobster was GOOD lobster like DCL served 15 years ago. Princess has a buffet available for all meals/essentially all day. In addition, the "International Cafe" serves various items throughout the day and is open 24/7 INCLUDING the last morning. Breakfast offerings are donuts and pastries, lunch had 4 types of salads, various hot and cold sandwiches, and another display area of desserts. Pizza on the pool deck is made from scratch and was the best pizza I've had on any ship. Each day had cheese and pepperoni in addition to one "specialty" for that day. The 4 cheese (different from the daily cheese) was amazing. The others were all good. Yes, you are charged for a "soda card" ($5 per night) or a "soda and more" card ($8 per night). These prices include gratuity. Soda and more includes milkshakes, "mocktails," and canned rootbeer. All of these are obtained from any bar except shakes which come from the ice cream place. Soda card includes fountain serve Coke products. There are several beverage stations where guests can get their own cold or hot tea, regular coffee, etc. or your server is happy to bring these items in the buffet. There is also a "fast food" outlet on the pool deck with burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, etc. Quality there is about the same as DCL. Tea was served every day at 3:30--sweets, sandwiches, scones, etc. with white gloved waiters. It wasn't quite as fancy as the now discontinued Palo tea, but it was FREE and the scones and clotted cream were good. Also, popcorn is free during movie times.

 

 

 

Dining room menu--there is a list of items that are available every day as well as a page that changes daily. Good selection, good quality. I had one fish dish at lunch that I didn't care for; it was promptly replaced by another selection.

 

 

 

Dining room service--DCL is more fun. In terms of quality, our team was OK but nothing special. In fairness, I've had "just OK" teams and "totally fantastic" teams on DCL. Nothing was lacking, it just wasn't amazing. Our servers did have 3 tables in our "area" as well as tables on the other side of a wall...so that might have been part of the issue.

 

 

 

Physical set up of dining room--Princess had lower ceilings which might have contributed to the much quieter environment than on DCL. Tables tend to be close together. This worked well for us as we had requested a table for 2. We met and liked the people at the next table, so for all practical purposes became a table for 4 (space between the tables remained). The serving stations are more "out of the way" than on DCL. We were in the Palm dining room; next time I'll request any other. Palm is at the far aft and not all decks have walkways that get you there. I learned it by the end of the cruise.....but there are only 2 elevators that go to the correct level. If I got on an elevator on my stateroom deck, I had to be sure that it was the right one to stop at the dining room. There are 2 other dining rooms that are more mid-ship and easier to get to.

 

 

 

Piazza area--This was a nice thing. It is an area at the lower floor of the atrium (deck 5) adjacent to the International Cafe. It has seating where you can eat or just chill out. Entertainment is provided in this area throughout the day--a pianist, 2 violinists, jugglers, a steel drum band group, etc. were some of the featured acts on our cruise. DCL's closest thing is the Cove Cafe area, but that's not really a good comparison. One day the cruise director was enjoying a Coke in the area and welcomed about 6 of us for a conversation for about an hour. Also, the people on the Princess boards had a meet and greet on the first day--both the ship's captain and the cruise director attended!

 

 

 

Library/internet cafe area--12-15 computers set up in a room with a person in attendance to assist. One wall of this room was the library which was well stocked with hardbacks supplied by Princess as well as an area of books which had been left by past cruisers and a very few board games. MUCH better collection than the single book case on the Magic and nothing on the Fantasy.

 

 

 

Internet--worked well for us in our cabin (wifi) although we did hear grumbling that it could be slow sometimes. Packages are priced by the minute rather than mb, so DCL in general is a better value. Princess did offer a 15 minute package for $9 on the last full day of the cruise so you could print boarding passes, do on line check in, or whatever. Princess also includes a FREE internet package when you achieve platinum level in their loyalty program; the size of the package depends on the length of the cruise.

 

 

 

Kid programs--while I didn't personally use this, I spoke to 2 families who did. Princess is totally strict that NO kid can move up in the programming. If a family wants to keep siblings together, the older child can be moved to the younger level. There are reasonably divided age groups. The kids said it was fun.

 

 

 

Age mix on the ship--we liked this. ALL ages were well represented. There were about 400 kids on board, but we were told that the week before there had been 800 (Thanksgiving vacation week). EVERY child I saw was supervised; there seemed to be no kids running around on their own as one often sees on DCL. The kids I encountered were polite and well behaved. There were many multi-generational families on board.

 

 

 

Entertainment--DCL wins on the "main stage" entertainment. Princess had a live orchestra which was nice but their stage shows were basically song and dance revues rather than DCL's more musical theatre style. The casting seemed stronger than DCL's; soloists were cast because they could sing and were not expected to be doing complex choreography. Dancers were cast because they could dance; those who were decent did back up vocals. It really was the shows I didn't care for, not the performers. The "around the ship" entertainment was something that DCL really doesn't have. The variety acts on Princess were AWFUL. We walked out both nights. In fairness to all the above, Princess is in the process of introducing 4 new shows over the next 2 years which are being done by the guy who wrote the songs for Wicked; none of these is on the Caribbean Princess yet. We've seen the DCL shows MANY times...don't really need to see them again (yes, I know there is the new Rapunzel show.)

 

 

 

Movies under the stars (think Dumbotron) is set up with reserved seating just for the movies in the evenings. You can also watch from other deck areas, but there is an area of DRY loungers not for "pool" use. Popcorn is free.

 

 

 

Spa is run by an outside agency on both ships...totally similar. DCL is prettier. Princess does have a complimentary sauna and steam room in their women's locker room while DCL has only the sauna. Photography--same on both ships

 

 

 

Adult only areas--strictly enforced on Princess. There were 2 adult only pools (one far forward, one far aft). The "middle of the ship" pools are family pools. None seemed very crowded. There is a designated "lap pool." No life guards that I noticed.

 

 

 

Skywalker Lounge--one of my favorite areas. This is on the top deck, far aft. It is a nightclub in the evening, but during the day has lots of different things happening. One of my favorites was "quiet hours." This was a time to come up, enjoy a beverage (or not), sit with your book, enjoy the view, etc. Conversation was to be kept at a level that could not be heard by those at the next seating area. It felt like a private get away. There were lots of other lounges and places to hang out, but this one was really nice.

 

 

 

Both ships have the typical trivia contests, etc. throughout the cruise. Both have sports decks with equipment available.

 

 

 

Casino--it was there, but was not an area that you had to walk thru if you didn't choose to. Bingo...I guess similar on both ships. The lady next to us at dinner shared the grand jackpot, so she was happy.

 

 

 

Adult groups/get togethers--MUCH more plentiful on Princess. It is noted in the "Princess Patter" (think Navigator) whether these are monitored by a CM or "on your own," but there were lots of special interest groups given spaces and times. Some that I saw on the program included "Knitters and Knackers" each morning, a Bible study group, space for religious services on your own (several different faiths), LGBT, book club (Princess has multiple copies of the club selection available in the library, meet with a CM for discussion), a coin and stamp collector's group, etc. There was even a "pop choir" which rehearsed daily and did a performance on the last evening. And of course the "Friends of Bill W." This is not intended as an all inclusive list, just some that I noted.

 

 

 

There were also lectures, educational activities, etc. There were dance lessons daily (I've seen this on longer DCL cruises, but not on 7 nights). Princess has partnered with the Discovery Channel to present various educational programs; on our cruise the topic was "Star Gazing." Obviously there were the port talks, shopping talks, etc.

 

 

 

Similar to DCL, I never felt pressured to buy a beverage. In the lounges, the bar tender would approach once and then not bother us again.

 

 

 

Availability of senior staff--while relatively few formal interactions (Yes, Captain's reception on Formal night), there was a lot of informal time with officers "out and about" having no obvious purpose other than to meet guests. There was a problem with our cruise (see below) and the captain was very forthcoming with regular announcements as well as letters in the cabin advising us of arrangements, etc.

 

 

 

Guest Services--efficient. We only had one issue. I had pre-purchased a soda and more card for my daughter and the sticker was not on her card at check in. Guest services suggested that I purchase it again and that they would refund the second purchase as soon as they verified with shoreside. The staff at the desk has individual business cards with their names and invite you to follow up personally if it isn't resolved. No problem--by the next day, everything was taken care of. They also have kiosks where you can print out your bill; no need to stand in line for this. And there is a separate line for their "Elite" loyalty group (their highest level).

 

 

 

Atrium--prettiest area on Princess. 3 levels with functions at each level.

 

 

 

Cost--Princess wins. Our 7 night regular priced cruise in a mid range balcony cabin (not the cheapest, not the deluxe balcony) + air, transfers, and insurance was cheaper than any VGT I could find offered by DCL. If I considered just the cruise fare, it was less than half of the VGTs that DCL had available at the time we booked.

 

 

 

"cost extra" items--the only things not included on Princess that is included on DCL are the soda package and the $3 charge for pizza from room service. I don't understand the "pizza from room service" charge--other room service is "free," and you can get pizza upstairs from 11 am to 10 pm. But whatever.

 

 

 

Terminal--The Bayport (Houston) terminal was not pretty...but then, it isn't limited to Princess. It is basically like the terminals that DCL uses outside of Port Canaveral. There were bathrooms, vending machines, and LOTS of seating. Boarding was much the same as any DCL ship with the exception that a wheelchair assist team of about 10 guys came to the HA seating area when boarding was about to start and helped those who needed it. We've always had to ASK for assistance on DCL

 

 

 

Terminal staff--honestly, I can't say enough good about these people. We were supposed to depart on Sunday. When we got to the airport, we were informed that the terminal was "fogged in" and the ship hadn't come in from the previous cruise. We were held at the airport briefly and then transported to the cruise terminal. There, we were informed that it would take at least 3 hours from the time the ship entered the channel till it arrived at the terminal and would be another 3 hours for disembarkation and check in before we could board. We were provided with all pre-boarding paperwork, health form, etc. so that as soon as check in was possible, it would go quickly. Shuttle bus service was provided to a boardwalk area with sit down restaurants, but given the need to take your carry on luggage with you and the mobility problem, we stayed at the terminal. We had honest answers (even when the answer was "We don't know anything yet.") Eventually we were informed that there was a high level conference call in process and we could expect some answers soon...and ultimately we were sent by bus to a hotel paid for by Princess. Transportation for the next morning was available (lobby at 10:30, bus to depart at 11). The hotel had done a "Pre-check in" so keys were ready, etc. We went to a special desk, showed ID, and were handed a key.

 

 

 

Thru it all, the terminal staff stayed smiling and pleasant. They were helpful to the end. One lady even came over and introduced herself as "the one who had arranged the accessible transport" for us. She later came by and said that she would be off the next day but provided the name of the supervisor on duty and told us that if we needed anything, to ask for him. It probably didn't hurt that my daughter made a point of thanking the staff and saying that she wanted to apologize for those people who were griping and yelling at the staff; they didn't deserve that treatment and we knew they weren't responsible for the weather issues. Special award--when we checked in the next morning, the clerk (Linda) asked my daughter if she had lost anything. Daughter replied "It's a blue and white phone charger." Linda said that she'd found it in the terminal and tried to remember who was sitting in that area..she came back with it in a few seconds. We'd already been thru a huge luggage search at the hotel and decided it was just "gone." Great job, Linda...and of course we gave special recognition on our evaluation.

 

 

 

Overall: Bedtime on the first night, my daughter's comment was, "Mom, I hate to say it, but I like this ship. I came on intending to not like it but everything is good." Our family decision is that we might cruise DCL again--there are things and people we like about it. But there is NOTHING about DCL that makes it worth twice the cost of Princess. That could be because we've seen the Princesses and furries many times, played in Marvel academy already, etc. But for a very good basic cruise, Princess does it right.[/quote']

 

 

Appreciate you posts. We've booked a 2017 cruise on the Caribbean Princess. Would love to hear more once you sail her again.

Appreciate you posts. We've booked a 2017 cruise on the Caribbean Princess. Would love to hear more once you sail her again.

I will give you the same "hint" I tell people on DCL--read the "Princess Patter" (equivalent of the Navigator) in detail. There are many good things you might miss otherwise.

Examples--"Pub lunch" is served one or more sea days. There is limited seating due to the location. Traditional British pub food is served. Nice break from dining room. No additional charge. Tea is served at 3 pm (no extra charge). Not the most amazing tea ever, but a lovely break in the day. Entertainment in the Piazza area, get togethers for various hobby and special interest groups, etc.

Appreciate you posts. We've booked a 2017 cruise on the Caribbean Princess. Would love to hear more once you sail her again.

DW and I have just finished our 7th Princess cruise, 2 of which were on the CB. It's a beautiful ship and you will have a great time.

-We typically have elected to do late traditional dining, however on the next trip we will do early traditional. The way the schedule is payed out we feel that doing the late dining doesn't allow you much opportunity to hit some of the major evening events. Princess also does an anytime dining option where you can choose when you dine, this is another option for you.

-if you enjoy soda you can order the soda only package once on board but they are pushing the soda and more (soda, mocktails, and milkshakes) but all you have to do is ask for the other package if you only want soda.

-2 specialty restaurants on board. Crown Grill is a steakhouse type restaurant similar to a Mortons in the US. The steaks are excellent but there is an extra $25 service charge. The other is more of an Italian flare called Sabatinis. Also a $25 service charge. IMO the food on board is good enough that you don't need to go to a specialty restaurant, but food is so subjective.

-International Cafe is worth a visit every day. Desserts offered here rotate daily so if you find something you like you may or may not see it again. The sandwiches and salads often are the same each day. They also serve gelato which is $1.50 for 3 scoops and is a good deal.

-On sea days take a trip back to cafe Caribe (the aft part of the buffet which is called the horizon court) can offer some additional food choices and often themed buffets.

-On some days they will offer a Crab Shack option. It's $19 and offers a great selection of appetizers as well as a bucket of crab, sausage, corn etc. think Joe's Crab Shack and it's definitely worth the small charge.

That's about all I can think of atm that wasn't posted above.

You will have a great time.

Thanks for the info on specialty dining. We didn't do it as we were quite happy with late traditional.

International Cafe was on a 3 day "rotation" on our cruise. I loved the shrimp salad on day 1. It didn't appear again, so I asked...and was told about the rotation. The desserts were also on a rotation. If you see something that looks good, try it. It MIGHT show up the next day, but might not. But Steeler is right--some things were there every day. It didn't totally make sense.

We were told that we were the last cruise doing the "soda only" package. They were supposedly eliminating it as it was confusing to the staff and had little demand. Ask on your cruise after boarding. It has definitely been removed from advance booking on line.

Got any info on the Diamond Princess? I'm having a hard time getting any current info on the Princess forum! I know changes have been made for the Japanese sailings...trying to figure out how it differs from the Caribbean Princess.

We just returned from a cruise on the Star Princess, after not sailing with Princess since May 2011. We were very happy with the food in the dining room (we chose Anytime Dining), and we also enjoyed the Pub lunch. My husband preferred breakfast at the Horizon Court, and I preferred it in the dining room on sea days or later port days. Thus, we never ate breakfast together in 14 days. Our cabin wasn't far from the International Cafe, and I often stopped there for a cookie...or more! :D I loved the IC's salads, too.