Pacific Princess

[marlyb1]

Hello from sunnyish London everyone

 

One ship that doesn't seem to get mentioned much here is the Pacific Princess. Am I just imagining that?

 

We're sailing on her in November. Just wondered a bit about the basics like:

• What kind of shops are on board?
  
• What's the gym like - what time does it open, and what are the facilities like?
  
• Is there a cash machine?
  
• Is the food quality/variety the same as on other Princess ships?
  
• People say that the smaller Princess ships have fewer entertainment/enrichment opps etc; does that at least mean there is some?
  
• Any other gems which any of you have uncovered and would like to share!;)
  

I've got the hang of coffee/kids drink cards etc thanks to posters on here.

[Richard in Panama]

 

One ship that doesn't seem to get mentioned much here is the Pacific Princess. Am I just imagining that?

 

We're sailing on her in November. Just wondered a bit about the basics like:

• What kind of shops are on board?
  
• What's the gym like - what time does it open, and what are the facilities like?
  
• Is there a cash machine?
  
• Is the food quality/variety the same as on other Princess ships?
  
• People say that the smaller Princess ships have fewer entertainment/enrichment opps etc; does that at least mean there is some?
  
• Any other gems which any of you have uncovered and would like to share!;)
  

 

You are absolutely right, you rarely hear about PACIFIC. I suspect it is because her loyal followers want to keep it secret! I'm biased: I worked the World Cruise 2011 on PACIFIC and am going back for 3 months this fall and hope to bag next year's World Cruise. The "Small Ships" of Princess are, IMHO, magical. You've got around 650 guests and 360 crew, who by the way love these small ships, so the whole ship is easy to find your way around, doesn't have lines (except for the usual port disembarkation ritual), and feels a little like being at a very nice, understated "club." IMHO smaller equals more attention. John Heald of Carnival described these ships as being like a "5-star country inn gone to sea." You get to know other guests easier, and the crew, and it is more of a "family" than a giant floating hotel (nothing mind you against the big ships! Sometimes a big hotel is nice!)

 

The first time I walked onto a small ship and wanted to see the room where I would work we walked into the Cabaret Lounge and I asked, "Where is the big lounge?" And they said, "This is THE lounge!" Believe it or not, it works. The shows are very up close and personal, which means the cast has to be top notch. For entertainers it really is cabaret and not performing in a big theater. The cast members typically double as cruise staff on the small ships so guests really get to know these wonderful and talented "kids." I think it takes a more talented and creative cruise director to work in all the traditional entertainment options with fewer venues to work with. You'll find the reception desk, shore excursion desk and bar tenders calling you by name. You're never going to wait in line at the buffet.

 

The food is at least as good as on the big ships . . . maybe better.

 

There are shops on board with all the stuff the big ships have, just a little more compact and maybe with more rotating displays. There are no cash machines but I think you can get some extra money out of the casino. The gym is very nice and rarely will you have to wait for machines. Nice steam rooms. Sanctuary area in front with whirlpool and sun deck.

 

A big plus is that you still feel like you are on a ship . . . not a giant hotel or mall [Not-so-subtle dig at MALL OF THE SEAS] that got lost at sea. There is plenty of room and it's always possible to find a place to read or relax. The libraries on the small ships are gems! Because it is a small ship it can get into more ports and areas where the big ships would have to tender.

 

On the world cruise there were folks who were back for their third world cruise on the small ships . . . and many booked on board for next year as well.

 

The ship is a gem . . . unfortunately bigger ships are more cost effective and profitable so enjoy these small ships while you can!

 

Regards, Richard

[paul929207]

Haven't been onthe Pacific in a couple of years, but I am a regular on her sister - the Ocean Princess. The Pacific does a world cruise each year, so that keeps her busy for 3 1/2 months or so. As to your questions:

Shops - similar to larger ships, but smaller. Includes jewelry, perfume, boutique, sundries

Gym opens at 7am

Same menus as other Princess ships, plus additional ones for longer cruises.

We find there is lots to do. On sea days, there are enrichment talks, trivia, bridge, bingo, art auctions, pool activities, port lectures (which are NOT sales talks), etc. Each evening there is a show. The production shows are the ones on the bigger ships, but scaled down to fit a smaller stage.

 

Library is great

[Grannycb]

Thanks for the info on Pacific Princess. She is such a secret that there are dozens of unsold cabins for the next cruise. Is that the norm? The itinerary is really great too.

[Richard in Panama]

Thanks for the info on Pacific Princess. She is such a secret that there are dozens of unsold cabins for the next cruise. Is that the norm? The itinerary is really great too.

 

I think early this year folks were scared off some stops on the itinerary. I'm happy that Egypt is back on. While in the past they may have taken tourists forgranted, now they are eager to have folks back and anxious to please. Some folks may have jumped and cancelled and haven't really reevaluated the situation IMHO. It's a fantastic itinerary and I'm looking forward to doing it this fall. Regards, Richard

[marlyb1]

You are absolutely right, you rarely hear about PACIFIC. I suspect it is because her loyal followers want to keep it secret! I'm biased: I worked the World Cruise 2011 on PACIFIC and am going back for 3 months this fall and hope to bag next year's World Cruise. The "Small Ships" of Princess are, IMHO, magical. You've got around 650 guests and 360 crew, who by the way love these small ships, so the whole ship is easy to find your way around, doesn't have lines (except for the usual port disembarkation ritual), and feels a little like being at a very nice, understated "club." IMHO smaller equals more attention. John Heald of Carnival described these ships as being like a "5-star country inn gone to sea." You get to know other guests easier, and the crew, and it is more of a "family" than a giant floating hotel (nothing mind you against the big ships! Sometimes a big hotel is nice!)

 

The first time I walked onto a small ship and wanted to see the room where I would work we walked into the Cabaret Lounge and I asked, "Where is the big lounge?" And they said, "This is THE lounge!" Believe it or not, it works. The shows are very up close and personal, which means the cast has to be top notch. For entertainers it really is cabaret and not performing in a big theater. The cast members typically double as cruise staff on the small ships so guests really get to know these wonderful and talented "kids." I think it takes a more talented and creative cruise director to work in all the traditional entertainment options with fewer venues to work with. You'll find the reception desk, shore excursion desk and bar tenders calling you by name. You're never going to wait in line at the buffet.

 

The food is at least as good as on the big ships . . . maybe better.

 

There are shops on board with all the stuff the big ships have, just a little more compact and maybe with more rotating displays. There are no cash machines but I think you can get some extra money out of the casino. The gym is very nice and rarely will you have to wait for machines. Nice steam rooms. Sanctuary area in front with whirlpool and sun deck.

 

A big plus is that you still feel like you are on a ship . . . not a giant hotel or mall [Not-so-subtle dig at MALL OF THE SEAS] that got lost at sea. There is plenty of room and it's always possible to find a place to read or relax. The libraries on the small ships are gems! Because it is a small ship it can get into more ports and areas where the big ships would have to tender.

 

On the world cruise there were folks who were back for their third world cruise on the small ships . . . and many booked on board for next year as well.

 

The ship is a gem . . . unfortunately bigger ships are more cost effective and profitable so enjoy these small ships while you can!

 

Regards, Richard

 

 

Thank you Richard - I knew about the world cruise as we'd been following the bridge cam earlier in the year. You've sold me on the plusses!

[marlyb1]

Haven't been onthe Pacific in a couple of years, but I am a regular on her sister - the Ocean Princess. The Pacific does a world cruise each year, so that keeps her busy for 3 1/2 months or so. As to your questions:

Shops - similar to larger ships, but smaller. Includes jewelry, perfume, boutique, sundries

Gym opens at 7am

Same menus as other Princess ships, plus additional ones for longer cruises.

We find there is lots to do. On sea days, there are enrichment talks, trivia, bridge, bingo, art auctions, pool activities, port lectures (which are NOT sales talks), etc. Each evening there is a show. The production shows are the ones on the bigger ships, but scaled down to fit a smaller stage.

 

Library is great

 

 

Thanks Paul - as a bookworm, good to know that the library is great. I've seen the pics and it looked nice. I've seen the Princess refs to their bookclub, but it's not something anyone seems to talk about. Between you and Richard, you've painted a really nice picture.

[RickEk]

 

The ship is a gem . . . unfortunately bigger ships are more cost effective and profitable so enjoy these small ships while you can!

 

Regards, Richard

 

Good advice... I would bet that the small ship's days are numbered... First they transferred Royal Princess out of the fleet... I can see where Ocean Princess might be next. Pacific Princess is an iconic name, so maybe they'll keep her around... or you never know... maybe the new Royal Princess' sister will be named Pacific Princess... :)

 

'course this is all just speculation on my part.... ;)

[Hoyaheel]

Our Sept 2011 Pacific Princess cruise is sold out:D We sailed her in 2007 to Alaska and couldn't wait to find another itinerary to try -so we're heading to the Black Sea. We love the small ships - won't sail on big ships - if Princess gets rid of the small ships, we'll either save our money longer and sail other lines' small ships, or take different kinds of vacations.

 

My favorite thing to do is sit on my balcony with wine, binoculars, camera, and a book - I entertain myself for hours:p

[marlyb1]

My favorite thing to do is sit on my balcony with wine, binoculars, camera, and a book - I entertain myself for hours:p

 

That sounds like my kind of day!

[Grannycb]

Thanks Paul - as a bookworm, good to know that the library is great. I've seen the pics and it looked nice. I've seen the Princess refs to their bookclub, but it's not something anyone seems to talk about. Between you and Richard, you've painted a really nice picture.

 

Is the book club still running? I didn't see any mention of it on the Princess site.

 

I found it! It seems to have ended in April.

[Pia1913]

Hello from sunnyish London everyone

 

One ship that doesn't seem to get mentioned much here is the Pacific Princess. Am I just imagining that?

 

 

We're sailing on her in November. Just wondered a bit about the basics like:

• What kind of shops are on board?
  
• What's the gym like - what time does it open, and what are the facilities like?
  
• Is there a cash machine?
  
• Is the food quality/variety the same as on other Princess ships?
  
• People say that the smaller Princess ships have fewer entertainment/enrichment opps etc; does that at least mean there is some?
  
• Any other gems which any of you have uncovered and would like to share!;)
  

I've got the hang of coffee/kids drink cards etc thanks to posters on here.

 

We've done 3 separate voyages on the Pacific for a total of 112 days and in November we're coming back for 31 more. Are you with us on our Athens to FLL leg?

[marlyb1]

Hello Pia

 

No, we're not venturing as far as FLL - we're going from Athens to Rome.

[Pia1913]

Hello Pia

 

No, we're not venturing as far as FLL - we're going from Athens to Rome.

 

Come join the roll call.

[Richard in Panama]

Thank you Richard - I knew about the world cruise as we'd been following the bridge cam earlier in the year. You've sold me on the plusses!

Marlyb1 - See you on board!! Richard

[marlyb1]

Come join the roll call.

 

Thanks Pia, will have a look when I have the chance!

[marlyb1]

Marlyb1 - See you on board!! Richard

 

Thanks Richard! You too!

[Grannycb]

How formal is formal night on Pacific Princess? Is there a good place for those who want a more casual atmosphere?

[Hoyaheel]

How formal is formal night on Pacific Princess? Is there a good place for those who want a more casual atmosphere?

As formal as it is on any other Princess ship:p My husband wore his tuxedo on our 2 formal nights in Alaska. (but I'm not going to get into the dress code discussion - people will wear what they want to wear no matter what my opinion is - I'm just pointing out that the size of the ship doesn't change Princess's statement on the topic)

 

If you prefer to stay casual, you can eat at the buffet or bistro - it's the same location and apparently they've changed the schedule - it's been posted in a few different threads and I just can't remember which it is on port nights and which on sea days - we only eat dinner in the main dining room:D

[QueenCruiseAlot]

We love the small ships - won't sail on big ships - if Princess gets rid of the small ships, we'll either save our money longer and sail other lines' small ships, or take different kinds of vacations.

 

I agree. I just got off the Royal Pacific 26 nighter from Papeete to Ft Lauderdale last month. Before that I was on Azamara a few times. Love the small ships. Don't anticipate ever going large again. The intimate atmosphere and getting to know the crew and other passengers is priceless to me. Plus the interesting port calls that the big boys can't fit into.

 

Can't wait for the Pacific in three weeks! :D

[kool kruiser]

I agree. I just got off the Royal Pacific 26 nighter from Papeete to Ft Lauderdale last month. Before that I was on Azamara a few times. Love the small ships. Don't anticipate ever going large again. The intimate atmosphere and getting to know the crew and other passengers is priceless to me. Plus the interesting port calls that the big boys can't fit into.

 

Can't wait for the Pacific in three weeks! :D

 

See you on board...

 

Why not join our roll call...?

[QueenCruiseAlot]

See you on board...

 

Why not join our roll call...?

 

I'll do it, and I'll see you on board too! I'm so looking forward to this cruise and the following month and a half in Italy!

[olman goes kruising]

Hi - We haven't sailed on the Pacific Princess, but we will be sailing this November on her. Is this your first transatlantic sailint?

[Tiffany's mom]

We just did a b2b (24days) in May and June. Really enjoyed the small ship. The very first cruise we did in Europe many, many years ago was on 400 passenger ship. We found the Pacific just like someone said small with no long walks just to go to the buffet or dinning room and no lines. Could aways find a tablet at the buffet. Love the coffee bar at the buffet. It was the happiness ship we have been on for a long time. The crew were like a family, everyone was so nice and called us by name. Yes there was a real library. They used it one night for the Captain most traveled cocktail party. How different from the 3,000 passenger ships. Would go on her again.

 

I do think you have to be real cruisers to enjoy her not the "lest party and eat group".

[Pia1913]

Hi - We haven't sailed on the Pacific Princess, but we will be sailing this November on her. Is this your first transatlantic sailint?

 

Their cruise is in September. Not a TA.