Fuzzyape

Glad to help, Crawford.  hope you have the chance someday.  I hope we get the chance to go again someday.  Ideally, would love to be able to do the around the world cruise.  Though by the time we can do it, might be a different ship.

DW and I booked this cruise about 18 months in advance. I was a little anxious as we had never been on such a small ship.  We generally sail Princess, so if my side seems slanted it's because we really enjoy the line.  I started by asking on these boards what I should expect on the small ship. I want to thank everyone for their information, and wanted to share what I experienced. I realize this may not apply to all sailings of the Pacific Princess, and of course you may have different experiences depending on what you do. I hope folks find some of these comparisons useful.

Embarkation -- this was the biggest shock. We got to the ship around 12:30 (may have been a little later, we were picked up from the hotel at noon and taken to the port with other passengers [we purchase transportation from Princess]). We walked in and right up to the front desk. This compared to going into a big room and standing in line with hundreds of others as we embarked. There was no line to wait in as we embarked on the small ship. There were a few times I had to look around to guess where we had to go to the ship. Because we weren't following a line of people. We stopped for a picture (easier to stand and smile) then went aboard. We were in our room by about 1pm (may have been earlier). But that was the first biggest thing. Lack of lines.

The one annoyance, and it wasn't because of the ship, was Princess' desire to mess with the dining times. We thought we booked the right time, but it turned out it was later than we thought, which to us made a difference. So we went to the dining room and changed the times. There is only one dining room aboard the ship, and you only have the choice of early or late dining (or the buffet if you wanted).

Speaking of the buffet, one of the nice things was the open air balcony area at the back of the buffet.  We could usually find a place to sit out there and enjoy the ocean or the bay we were sitting in, while we enjoyed lunch or a snack.  I didn't find the buffet to be like the big ships.  Maybe not as many choices, but never overly crowded.  DW usually went to the buffet for breakfast.  While I went to the dining room.  I do enjoy the dining room for breakfast.  Mostly because the waitstaff brings me food, and all are friendly, but also I get to meet some new people that I normally may not see.

The shows were a good time.  We didn't see all the entertainers, but I thought we saw many of them.  The main production shows were very crowded.  I did find we had to get to the lounge a little earlier, so we could get the seats we wanted.  If we weren't as selective we could have arrived later.  There was ample seating.  One of the challenges was that the seating was not tiered.  It was instead set off.  The Cabaret Lounge was pretty level.  It didn't impact the enjoyment of the show, but I could see where it might be an issue depending on your size and the size of the people in front of you.

Another issue (but wouldn't stop us from travelling on this ship again) was the gambling.  DW and I like to gamble during our trips.  The casino was small.  I was ready for that.  They had a total of four gaming tables.  They did have about 20 slot machines (it could have been more, I'm just estimating and my estimates may be low).  The casino was always non-smoking.  It was right next to the casino bar which had an area for live music and sitting next to the bar.  The disadvantage to this set up is that while playing cards you can easily hear the acts at the casino bar.  Not all of the acts were great.

The other impacted area was Bingo.  Not because of outside distractions, but the group of people playing was small.  This meant smaller pots.  Usually 30,40,50 and the coverall if not won in the amount of numbers was 70.  The bigger ships of course have bigger pots.

One thing that might make a difference to some is that there were no art auctions aboard this ship.

One of the really neat things about being on this ship, was we got to see people from the meet and greet on other areas of the ship.  Or someone you met during an excursion or some other activity you would see elsewhere.  That hasn't been my experience in the past.  I seemed to rarely see folks that I met in one place at another on the big ships (or maybe I just didn't notice when I did).  This of course has a down side.  If a person annoys you (and I'm sure I annoyed some people, I admit I can be annoying) it's difficult to get away from them.

This isn't really a review, just observations of the differences between big and small ships.  We loved our cruise, the people we met, the service, and the food.  I have nothing to say in the negative about those things!  We would gladly take this cruise again.  But others may get in the way.  We bought our future cruise credits (we did it through the Princess@sea app).

I guess we need to find our next journey.  Thanks for reading.  I hope this was helpful.  Below is a comparison shot.  The P&O Britannia was docked beside us at Martinique. 

Great shares, Grandma.  Was great to see everyone, and had a great time on this cruise!  Thanks for sharing your insights.

1 hour ago, reedprincess said:

...What does the Patter say for daily breakfast options?

 

Have you asked Guest Services why the dining room breakfast isn't being offered? That would be a major, major shift in just 2 weeks..

Well stated reedprincess.  Always check the patter, and if that doesn't have the info you are looking for, check with the purser's desk.  Especially in the beginning.  That way you can get an issue corrected.  Hope you enjoy your trip!

Counting down the days.

On 11/30/2018 at 5:53 AM, Anubi said:

Cruising has certainly changed.  When we first cruised, it was like the world fell off the horizon, we were free of everyday life and loved the relaxed days.  When we saw people coming onboard with their laptops we were surprised but it didn't impact our enjoyment.  But then, everything changed. The problem with new builds IMO is that they have become oversized and inward facing.  No more lovely promenades, absurdly small balconies and everything geared to producing revenue.  The relaxed cruising atmosphere that we loved is difficult to find, its still there if you look for it.  Is that going to put us off cruising?  Oh hell no.  We will continue to cruise the smaller ships and if Princess keeps going bigger and bigger we will exercise our free will and go elsewhere.  Its called freedom of choice and everyone has it.  

You are correct, Anubi!

I find it amazing as the ships get bigger that the focus becomes the ship...not its itinerary.  There were a lot of posts that I found interesting.   In my opinion, you have to find a ship that has the amenities you want.  To me that's why each of the lines have what they have to appeal to the market they want.  Though I know the market shifts, as do the passengers.  I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes out for the line that suits me best.  I'll let you know when it isn't Princess.  By the way, full disclosure, my first cruise was when I was in my mid to late 30s.  Take that information in whatever way you need.

If you're looking for whale watching in the Caribbean, I recommend Dominica. DW and saw more whales during our excursion there than we did in Hawaii or Alaska. I realize that luck can play a big role (as the captain of the boat mentioned they were out the previous day and didn't see a one). We saw many pods, and 400 and some odd pictures later DW had a huge smile! Good luck to the OP on whatever trip you are taking and may you see many whales.

Counting down the days.

I was in St. Thomas on Christmas day, years ago, and everything was closed.

I hadn't thought of the possibility that many things will be closed on Christmas. Makes sense.

Might mean two less stops to plan for, TwoCruisers.

How do you join the casino program?

I think if you use your cruise card in a slot machine (or maybe register with the casino at one of the windows) you've joined? But maybe others have more and better information.

Not to steal your thread, but we are on the Pacific in April. While on the former Royal, the casino only took cash. Does anyone know if the Pacific Princess has been converted to the use of sail and sign card? Thanks

Never a worry Spunkie. Good question I had assumed they worked that way already. It's been that way on our last several cruises as someone already pointed out.

Thanks again for all the help!

Counting down the days!

G&T check out the roll call for the cruise. I too am aboard the Pacific Princess in December. Hope to see you!

Counting down the days!

I'm trying EZAir for the first time. One of the folks we are cruising with speak very highly of it, and have had good experiences with it.

Our next cruise isn't until December so it will be awhile, but have enjoyed changing flights to cheaper ones when/if the flights get cheaper.

Counting down the days.

Thanks for the reminder to log out. Hopefully this will help the op. Might have to try it myself, though I agree with Thrak, I'd hate to lose connection in the middle of a call.

I wondered about this also. Did some googling.

I would definitely check this out, because it's over a year old information. Again VERIFY WHAT I'M SAYING, would hate to have you incur a large bill.

Prior to going on the cruise download the google talk application for sending text messages and phone calls.

You just go to wifi settings turn it on/ find princess name.

Then under internet.princess.com

Once connected, use the google talk app to make a phone call using the internet

Hopefully there are some folks who can debunk my info or verify it, or share their experience. By the way, iPhone or Android, that might change the information on how you go about this.

Counting down the days.

Thanks for the replys some good ones , its a good idea about leaving tips on you just see stories that the companys keep them etc . I think the wife choose the first sitting for dinner . Ive started to diet now lol thinking of the size increase from the cruise

That reminds me of another tip. It will depend on how you feel about it. DW and I try to take the stairs anytime we go to dinner or anywhere else. I realize this isn't an option for everyone. It might keep that size increase down :)

Counting down the days!

Davidoneman, hope you enjoy your cruise! One thing you may want to check is the roll call section. Further down on the boards page are the roll calls, click Princess, then find Sapphire Princess, then find the cruise you are on. You can chat with others on the roll call. Sometimes they do a meet and greet or plan other things for the people who are on the board.

It's a nice way to get to know some of the folks. If they do a meet and greet, I'd suggest going. It gives you a chance to meet the other people you chat with on the boards.

I do have to put my vote in for you to leave the auto tip on, but that's up to you. My only other suggestion is to enjoy the experience, enjoy your ports of call, and try different foods. If you don't like something you can always get something to replace it. Not sure if you're doing traditional dining or anytime dining.

I'm excited for you on your first cruise, I do agree you may become hooked!

Counting down the days!

While it's been awhile, I seem to remember Stella available at one of the bars on the pool deck. Of course I've lost track of time, it may depend on your ship as well.

If you can blue cow dog, try a land tour and cruise. When we did ours (other line because others planned it and we sort of tagged along) absolutely loved it. We did the land part first so we could relax during the cruise. Whatever you decide to do you will enjoy it!

Thanks for sharing this information. I find it fascinating. While I don't think I'll ever be invited (just trying to reach elite and it's going to take several more cruises), it's fun to read of other's experience. Thanks.

Counting down the days!

Just want to say Lucky You!!

The Pacific is a delightful ship, and small ship cruising is so different from ships with 4x as many passengers or more. Just the "vibe" of the ship is a whole different thing. I've had the pleasure several times, and have decided that she is my favorite ship in the fleet.

I hope you will enjoy your first small ship experience as much as I have enjoyed every one of mine.

Thanks Flamomo, we are looking forward to the experience!

Thanks for the responses! Paul, have a great cruise!

DW and I are booked on the Pacific Princess for this December. The answers won't change our desire to go, as we've never experienced the really small ship experience, and we like the itinerary.

I've searched through the boards (and I might have missed the answer, if so I apologize) I'm wondering if the casino in the Pacific Princess has 3 card poker.

I know it's a small casino, but DW and I enjoy the game, and wonder if we'll get to play in December. Any help is appreciated.

Counting down the days!

I always read reviews with a "grain of salt" keeping in mind that disgruntled passengers are more likely to write reviews unfortunately. Most passengers who enjoy a great cruise often do not write reviews but those who are unhappy readily rush to write a negative review. Maybe its human nature.

 

I have also found that many times a negative review is often a function of the passenger having false expectations or that particular line or ship not a good fit for that particular passenger.

Vmom, well stated. I try to keep that in mind as well when I'm looking at ships and trips. I'm fairly laid back in my expectations. I'm on a ship people bring me food, and take care of me it's all good. But sometimes that's not good enough for folks.

Strike, not sure what your expectations are, and no need to share. I've never had a bad experience on a Princess ship. I've always been impressed with our stewards (or as I refer to them our ninjas). Alaska was the only time I haven't done Princess (another person in our party planned the trip). But have always enjoyed the service and experience on Princess.

Best wishes to you on your journey!

Counting down the days!

...Everyone who has said you don't have to buy photos are correct. You won't be charged if a ship's photographer takes your photo. When you are about to board the ship' date=' there will be a photographer there. Unless you're feeling frazzled from the boarding procedures, you might as well put down your stuff and take the photo with your group. Also there may be a photog as you are leaving the ship in port when docked. On some nights, usually a formal night, there will be a photographer stopping at each table.

Again, don't feel obligated to take or not to take a photo, but you won't be charged for this.

All the photos will be displayed in the photo area so when you have some free time during your cruise, check them out. You may like your photos and decide to purchase...[/quote']

 

Cruisin' got it right. DW and I pose for all the pictures they want to take. Mostly because it's easier then saying we don't want them, and have them encourage us to pose for them. We've even started to have some fun at some of the port picture areas. Not sure if the photographers like it or not.

 

Enjoy your first cruise! I'm excited for you, you are going to have so much fun!

...Our only other cruise we had to do some repacking at the return airport as one was too heavy. I don't plan on ever letting that happen again, lesson learned. The main culprit that time was souvenirs. Four bottles of rum weighs too much, but was enjoyed by everyone we gave it to.

I know the feeling. DW and I bought a digital scale several years that we bring along to weigh the suitcases. Although we usually follow 4cats4me suggestion. We usually don't buy souvenirs, and don't have to purchase gifts.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

Counting down the days!

Thanks for sharing the pictures. I'm looking forward to doing this cruise (or a full transit) one day.

Pictures were awesome.

Thanks again

Counting down the days!