What did you think of the Sea Princess???

[Mike&Nancy]

We just booked a 10 day Alaska on this ship. I love the itinerary, but I'm worried we won't like the ship. :o Apparently, I must be a ship snob or something, :eek: because I'm worried that it's comparable to Royal Princess, and I already know that ship would be way too small for us. I'm trying like crazy to find pics of the ship, but not having much luck. :( Can anyone reassure me, or tell me I'm off my rocker?

 

Thanks.

 

Nancy

 

PS, We've only been on Grand, but if there's any RCI cruisers out there, the Radiance class is my favorite. Would it be comparable to that? Thanks again.

[kruzinon]

We just booked a 10 day Alaska on this ship. I love the itinerary, but I'm worried we won't like the ship. :o Apparently, I must be a ship snob or something, :eek: because I'm worried that it's comparable to Royal Princess, and I already know that ship would be way too small for us. I'm trying like crazy to find pics of the ship, but not having much luck. :( Can anyone reassure me, or tell me I'm off my rocker?

 

Thanks.

 

Nancy

 

PS, We've only been on Grand, but if there's any RCI cruisers out there, the Radiance class is my favorite. Would it be comparable to that? Thanks again.

 

I had concerns with Sea Princess as well and toured her last summer and booked anyway. I wouldn't say its too much like Regal but its more like Regal than it is the Grand and its not like Radiance at all though about the same size, maybe a tad smaller but not too much.

[RickEk]

We just booked a 10 day Alaska on this ship. I love the itinerary, but I'm worried we won't like the ship. :o Apparently, I must be a ship snob or something, :eek: because I'm worried that it's comparable to Royal Princess, and I already know that ship would be way too small for us. I'm trying like crazy to find pics of the ship, but not having much luck. :( Can anyone reassure me, or tell me I'm off my rocker?

 

Thanks.

 

Nancy

 

PS, We've only been on Grand, but if there's any RCI cruisers out there, the Radiance class is my favorite. Would it be comparable to that? Thanks again.

 

The Sea Princess is smaller than the Radiance-class ships but at least twice the size of the current Royal Princess. (The Island/Coral Princess is comparable to the Radiance-class ships.) The Sea Princess and her sisters are comparable to RCI's Vision-class ships...

 

We had a great time last year on the 10-day Alaskan voyage on the Sea Princess. She's a great ship. Here's some photos that we took last year...

 

[Mike&Nancy]

I had concerns with Sea Princess as well and toured her last summer and booked anyway. I wouldn't say its too much like Regal but its more like Regal than it is the Grand and its not like Radiance at all though about the same size, maybe a tad smaller but not too much.

 

Thanks for the info. Does it have the glass like Radiance? Or, will I need to go outside to view the scenery? (Not that it really matters, we booked a balcony, but just trying to get an idea.)

 

Nancy

[RickEk]

Thanks for the info. Does it have the glass like Radiance? Or, will I need to go outside to view the scenery? (Not that it really matters, we booked a balcony, but just trying to get an idea.)

 

Nancy

 

No, not as much glass as the Radiance. The Horizon Court buffet is forward-facing above the bow and there's glass all around it. Very nice views. The public areas do have glass and the Promenade deck is very wide...

[Mike&Nancy]

No, not as much glass as the Radiance. The Horizon Court buffet is forward-facing above the bow and there's glass all around it. Very nice views. The public areas do have glass and the Promenade deck is very wide...

 

Gotcha. Thanks! I've read conflicting reviews..is there an Explorer's Lounge, and a Wheelhouse Bar? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to get a feel for the ship.

[Mike&Nancy]

The Sea Princess is smaller than the Radiance-class ships but at least twice the size of the current Royal Princess. (The Island/Coral Princess is comparable to the Radiance-class ships.) The Sea Princess and her sisters are comparable to RCI's Vision-class ships...

 

We had a great time last year on the 10-day Alaskan voyage on the Sea Princess. She's a great ship. Here's some photos that we took last year...

 

 

Oops, I just saw this post. THIS is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much! We have a corner aft booked, but after seeing the aft of Sea, compared to the aft of Radiance, I'm not sure she's the ship for us. However, you seem to like her, and you've sailed the RD class. Now I'm just confused, lol. We've never been on a Vision class. RD is my favorite class, but Mike likes VY. I could do 7 nights on Golden, or 7 nights on Radiance. I really want more nights than that though. Ugh!

 

Nancy

[RickEk]

Gotcha. Thanks! I've read conflicting reviews..is there an Explorer's Lounge, and a Wheelhouse Bar? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to get a feel for the ship.

 

No, no Explorer's Bar, but there is a very nice Wheelhouse Bar. There's only two real showrooms... Princess Theater in the bow and Vista Lounge in the aft. There's a nightclub and lots of bars. Small casino though... The pizza restaurant at the top of the Atrium is very nice. In fact, I like the Sea Princess' Atrium better than the Atrium's/Piazza's in the other ships.

 

Oops, I just saw this post. THIS is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much! We have a corner aft booked, but after seeing the aft of Sea, compared to the aft of Radiance, I'm not sure she's the ship for us. However, you seem to like her, and you've sailed the RD class. Now I'm just confused, lol. We've never been on a Vision class. RD is my favorite class, but Mike likes VY. I could do 7 nights on Golden, or 7 nights on Radiance. I really want more nights than that though. Ugh!

 

Nancy

 

Actually, I have not sailed on any RCI ship. What I know is from what I've observed being docked next to one or from comments here on the boards. I'd actually like to sail on a Radiance-class ship one day. They look beautiful!

 

As mentioned, we quite enjoyed our voyage on the Sea Princess. Sailing out of San Francisco was great as were the extra sea days.

[RaMar]

The Sea Princess is smaller than the Radiance-class ships but at least twice the size of the current Royal Princess. (The Island/Coral Princess is comparable to the Radiance-class ships.) The Sea Princess and her sisters are comparable to RCI's Vision-class ships...

 

We had a great time last year on the 10-day Alaskan voyage on the Sea Princess. She's a great ship. Here's some photos that we took last year...

 

 

RickEk: Thanks for your post. The pictures are fabulous and convinced me about choosing Sea Princess for our cruise in August. Really looking forward to spending a few days in San Francisco before our cruise.

Could you tell me what month did you cruise and how was the weather in general? Thanks.

[RickEk]

RickEk: Thanks for your post. The pictures are fabulous and convinced me about choosing Sea Princess for our cruise in August. Really looking forward to spending a few days in San Francisco before our cruise.

Could you tell me what month did you cruise and how was the weather in general? Thanks.

 

We sailed at the end of July. San Francisco weather is apparently a bit unpredictable. The day before we sailed it was beautiful and sunny. On embarkation day, it was cloudy and overcast. Sailaway was a bit chilly, but worth the effort to be out front on the bridge wings as we passed under the Golden Gate. Please note that the seas will be a bit rough on the voyage north from San Francisco. Victoria was sunny and beautiful... almost too warm. Juneau was overcast and sometimes drizzly. Ketchikan, Haines and Glacier Bay were all partly cloudy and beautiful. Our naturalist said that our day in Glacier Bay was the best so far of the season. Just spectacular.

[BoPippy]

Was on her for a 14 day cruise in April 2009 out of Barbados before refurbishment and it was OK!

Outside Balconies r a steel hull on the balcony and small.

Easy ship to get around in.

Liked it,but the newer ships r beautiful!

[sabai]

I would not take the Sea Princess again. Therre is no card room only a portion of the casino with a few tables. It seemed too crowded for such a small ship!

[caber]

You will only find the ship full of Brits in the Caribbean. This is because of the charter flights from the UK that go out to Barbados.

[RickEk]

I would not take the Sea Princess again. Therre is no card room only a portion of the casino with a few tables. It seemed too crowded for such a small ship!

 

And the card room portion of the casino is practically deserted in Alaska... :p :rolleyes:

[mr green]

I would not take the Sea Princess again. Therre is no card room only a portion of the casino with a few tables. It seemed too crowded for such a small ship!

 

I have yet to find a ship with enough space in the card rooms. We often have to play organized bridge in one of the dining rooms.

 

john

[sassyredhat]

Nancy I have sailed Radiance OS, and loved her, however we are booked on the Sea in Sept.

We have been to Alaska before and we do realize that we will probably have more rain then. We also know that the sailaway in SF will probably be chilly. We think we are prepared. :D

As for the Sea, we booked a balcony also. We know she is an older ship, and we did see the Dawn (sister ship) when she was here in San Diego.

The ship is sometimes the destination for me, but I know going in what to expect so I don't have these grand expectations.

That said, I have read that Sea is a nice enough ship--small--but food is good (big plus for me)--crew is nice--ship is clean. We were actually tired after being ashore last trip, so I doubt we will want alot of late night activities.

Also, on our repo cruise, the ocean was a bit rocky sailing up the coast. I'm prepared for that too.

I think we'll have a great time.

Pat

[Mike&Nancy]

Thank you everyone for all your help and replies. It helped tremendously. I know now what to expect.

 

Rick, I forgot to mention last night that all your pics were awesome. I enjoyed looking through them.

 

Thanks again, all.

 

Nancy

[nycruiser80]

Great post! I am sailing on Sea Princess as well this July on the Glacier Bay Alaska run. Looking forward to see San Francisco! Thank you Rick your pics are great! What type of room did you have? I booked a gty obstructed oceanview.

[RickEk]

Great post! I am sailing on Sea Princess as well this July on the Glacier Bay Alaska run. Looking forward to see San Francisco! Thank you Rick your pics are great! What type of room did you have? I booked a gty obstructed oceanview.

 

We had an oceanview on Emerald deck. We liked the location except for the jogger who would start running on the Promenade above us every morning at 5-ish. We complained and they finally posted signs restricting jogging in the morning till after 9am.

[Skipbinner]

Seriously consider the Princess land then sea program in Alaska. Fly into Fairbanks, take the Princess train through Alaska, staying at the various Princess lodges, visiting Danelli National Park (the lodge is right outside the entrance) You will see fantastic sights and wildlife. Then after a week, you will board the ship & do the cruise. We have been on 28 cruises and that one is the most memorable. Land then sea is MUCHless strenous then sea then land.

[RaMar]

We sailed at the end of July. San Francisco weather is apparently a bit unpredictable. The day before we sailed it was beautiful and sunny. On embarkation day, it was cloudy and overcast. Sailaway was a bit chilly, but worth the effort to be out front on the bridge wings as we passed under the Golden Gate. Please note that the seas will be a bit rough on the voyage north from San Francisco. Victoria was sunny and beautiful... almost too warm. Juneau was overcast and sometimes drizzly. Ketchikan, Haines and Glacier Bay were all partly cloudy and beautiful. Our naturalist said that our day in Glacier Bay was the best so far of the season. Just spectacular.

 

Thanks for the info because that gives us an idea as what to pack. RickEk: did you stay in San Francisco prior to your cruise or did you travel the day of your cruise? This is a big trip for us and there is so much to plan ahead. Thanks again!

[FLACRUISER99]

I was on the Sea Princess last May from FLL to SFO, and will be on her this September round trip, SFO to Alaska. Yes, it's an older ship & smaller (a panamax size ship - the maximum size ship that fits through the locks on the Panama Canal), but I found it to be quite comfortable. I didn't have any glaring problems sailing on her.

I did a PC on the Sea Princess and lover her even though she was plagued with mechanical problems during her trip. BTW, the Sea Princess is not a panamax size ship - the maximum size ship that fits through the locks on the Panama Canal. She is only 865' (max is 965') long and 83' wide (max is 106') The Coral and Island are Panamax size ships.

[dyddles]

I did not realize I would start such a frenzie about the Sea Princess. It seems most people like the ship. She may not be the largest or the grandest but comfortable, clean and friendly. I am likely one of the younger people cruising regularly year to year. For me it is all about the vacation (holiday) time away from work and time with my husband. I am sure any cruise ship is better than a day at the office :D and any ships meal is better than a cold spam sandwich eaten at your desk. :rolleyes:

 

Thank you for all the wonderful posts and pcitures.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for excursions in Alaska. Something a little less expensive. Either through Princess or with another tour company. We are a younger and a more active couple but my husband has problems walking for long distances on a fused ankle. We are visiting Haines, Ketchican and Juneau in July. We also plan on spending a little time in SF. Has anyone done an SF tour through Princess?

 

Thanks again for all your great insight on the Sea Princess.

[RaMar]

I am really enjoying this thread and particularly loved the awsome pictures posted by RickEk. The more information the better since Alaska seems so foreign to me, it is a big change for us from our usual Caribbean sailings. Keep it coming!

[RaMar]

I did not realize I would start such a frenzie about the Sea Princess. It seems most people like the ship. She may not be the largest or the grandest but comfortable, clean and friendly. I am likely one of the younger people cruising regularly year to year. For me it is all about the vacation (holiday) time away from work and time with my husband. I am sure any cruise ship is better than a day at the office :D and any ships meal is better than a cold spam sandwich eaten at your desk. :rolleyes:

 

Thank you for all the wonderful posts and pcitures.

 

ditto!! :rolleyes: