joeyancho

I took a ten day Panama Canal cruise in December. I am 61, I felt young.

I, personally, am suspicious of some one who says all the crew was unpleasant. Maybe one or two but not all. I have never had anything but stellar service on Princess. Especially when I took my 2 year old grandson, Captain Adorable, on his first cruise. They could not do enough for us. The waiters team did everything in their power to make sure he was happy. I was so pleased I tipped them a hundred extra. No way they were just going through the motions.

In regards to the food, I have always been pleased with the portion and preparation. The times I wasn't i just sent it back and got a different meal. I find the food on Princess to be much better than cruises I have taken on Royal and Carnival. The Norman Love desserts are on part with the desserts in a 5 star restaurant. If you think the portion sizes are paultry, order 2, problem solved.

So if you say you were "shocked" as opposed to unhappy, disappointed, letdown, perhaps Princess is not for you. For us it is a great value and a great fit.

Dear partner...we got into the habit of saying partner instead of other more heteronormative appellations because we felt so strongly about one side the the marriage equality debate. I guess the term is archaic now.

Heteronormative appellations? Who talks like that? I bet you went to university.

If they have cruised other lines, they will notice the difference. Probably not in a positive way. The ship is 22 years old with Farcus decor. It doesn't have most of the 2.0 upgrades. No Guy's, no steakhouse etc. I'm sure others will say how they had a great time on her and how they love older, smaller ships and I'm sure it is true. But she is not my cup of tea. Sorry.

Our first cruise was on that nasty old bucket of bolts in 96. We loved it. A lot of things were better then. A lot of things are better now.

I miss going to Acapulco

I have been there once and enjoyed it

But it was not safe even back ther. The other day I saw picture on the street of people being slaughtered in broad daylight. Shame what has become of mexico.

Rats!! No priority check-in? No priority tenders? No free laundry? :cool:

Nope, but a far superior cruise.

The fish and chips were nasty. Over cooked and dripping with grease. The oysters were bad also. It is a good concept poorly executed.

The first step onto the ship and feeling the air conditioning and thinking, I really am on vacation.

Opening the door to the cabin and thinking, this is my home for the next 7 days.

At the grill. Get a hot dog, add chili. Enjoy!

Poop soup!

Panama has no paper currency of its own. They use US dollars. The other stops will take USD. We have taken this cruise and the only place we had any trouble using dollars was in Columbia. And that was only in one shop.

50%

So, how was the food?

The shorter the cruise and the percentage of younger adults on board could see a livelier particiation re the AIBP. In Australia, you cannot but a package for short cruises (under 8 days).

That's probably a good thing

Any of the Fantasy class ships. Everyone loves them. Unique experience not available on other lines.

Princess is a bit more money, however it is a quantum leap above Carnival. Food, service and entertainment are all a cut above. Our final Carnival cruise left us with the same meh feeling. Our vacation time is precious to us, so saving a few bucks by cruising Carnival is not a priority. Having a great experience is our priority.

Here's my advice. Join your roll call. You will get a lot of info. Also visit the ports board. You can see what others have done in port. There are lots of reviews of excursions, both ship sponsored and independent. There are lots of things you can do that are free or almost free. We always book our own excursions with independent companies. It is cheaper and IMHO, better. Just do your homework. Also each person is allowed to bring on one twelve pack of soda. Maybe you can avoid the soda package this way. Bon Voyage.

I don't think they have tables for forteen. But they will seat you next to each other. Call your agent or PVP and link everyone's reservation.

Can't speak to NCL, but we cruised the Coral last December on a ten day partial transit. It was amazing. Best cruise of 36 cruises. The Coral is a fantastic ship with a great crew. Would go again in a heartbeat.

For those who have gone To Stone Island on your own how long is the ferry ride & how often do they run. If we go on our own I like to know how long it takes to get back to the ship. The walk to & from ship to water taxis is how far & how long of walk. & one more ? Any place to snorkel there? Thanks everyone

The ferry ride is no longer than fifteen minutes. It takes about fifteen minutes to walk from the ship terminal area to the ferry. They run quite often. I guess every half hour or so. No snorkeling, it is a sandy flat bottom. It is a fun day and very easy to do on your own. Marias happy horses is fun. She will be on the beach offering horseback riding. It is very safe and reasonably priced. Victors restaurant on the beach offers terrific seafood.

There are so many nicer ships.

You are being kind.

Scraping crumbs is a mark of a more upscale establishment and none of the mainstream lines meet that definition. If I want that sort of service I know that I have to pay for it and since it really doesn't add to my dining experience I'd just as soon not pay for it.

Princess does it.

I took my first Carnival cruise in 1996. I was impressed by the quality of all the food. It definitely has gone down hill over the years. My final Carnival cruise was 2015, the food was appalling in all venues, including the steak house. I took my family on that cruise and was embarrassed.

The level of service has remained about the same, except in the MDR. They have less staff serving. No more sommelier, no bar staff and less waiters.

We tried Princess and were pleasantly surprised. The food was much better in quality and selection. They service was fantastic. Felt like the old days.

Who in the heck leaves old, compromised people alone is a strange situation? There are 27 of you, figure it out.