Back From Our Princess Cruise

[Cymro1953]

Now I've finally seen the bottom of the wash baskets after getting back home in the early hours of Friday morning I've got time to let you know how we got on.

 

For those wondering "Wots he doing a Princess review on here for?" I was asked to report back on how we enjoyed it after our Thomson cruises.

 

To start with the ship is HUGE compared to anything we've been on before, she's ginormous. She's just slightly smaller than P&O's Ventura and carries 2600 passengers when full. (I know there are bigger ships out there).

 

Built in 2002 she looks like a work of art. A central Atrium with panoramic lifts. Not much of a panorama though as they started on deck 5 and once above the public decks on deck 7 it was blank walls till you appeared up at the pool deck on deck 14.

She had 2 big pools, one under cover in a conservatory with a sliding roof also 1 small one at the back like the pool at the back of Spirit and Celebration.

On top of that there were hot tubs on deck 16, but with the weather we had high 80's to 90+F all holiday not getting much use.

 

The crew were very friendly and hard working very similar to the Thomson crews.

The 24 hour buffet was about the same as Thomson in food quality. But where they fell down was there were no cooking stations so no fresh fried eggs or omelettes in the morning and no chef cooking fresh dishes in the evening like with Thomson.

Also being an American line the bacon was that streaky stuff and the sausages were odd thin ones. You could get "British Bacon" but had to ask the staff and wait while it was cooked special.

Also they could never seem to get the temperatures right, the meat was usually hot but the potatoes and veg lukewarm.

The coffee was the usual undrinkable stuff you seem to get in all cruise ship buffets. The tea was Twinings and Liptons and they had a selection of fruit and herbal ones too

 

On to the waiter service dining rooms. They had 3. 2 for Anytime Dining and one for fixed time traditional dining.

I thought the food in the waiter service dining rooms on Thomson's was good but this was a step above again. But they did have some weird combinations on the menus.

As well as these they had a proper pizza takeaway by the main pool and a hot dog and burger one too.

Being a more modern ship they had a proper theatre that many provincial towns would give their right arm to have. The stage was a proper working one with trapdoors and moving scenery. All seats were fixed with plenty of legroom and seats offset between each row so everyone had a view of the stage.

Also they had a second smaller lounge with stage for shows and another lounge where they do the quiz and game shows.

 

Being such a big, long ship it meant that there was a lot of walking and you had to move quickly between venues in the evenings to get from one show to another.

If you didn't fancy a show you could always take in a movie under the stars on a lounger by the pool on deck 14 that was showing on the giant outdoor screen above one end of it. They showed films from mid afternoon till late.

 

In the central Atrium which covered decks 5, 6 and 7 they had a coffee shop with sandwiches and cakes/ pastries for proper coffee (lattes, cappuchinos Iced coffees etc. Food was included but coffee was extra.

The also had a specialist wine bar where you could try wine by the glass accompanied by "free" suchi or tapas.

Talking drinks the beer and wine was very expensive compared to Thomson's. Wine £5 for a small glass and beer the same price. But not for a pint, for three quarters of a pint. Apart from Fosters they had in pint cans, but they sold out of them about 2/3rds of the way through the cruise. Plus a 15% tip on each purchase.

We had a package that gave us unlimited non alcoholic cocktails, smoothies, milkshakes, pop and fruit juices for about £60 each for the cruise.

It was handy, you could drink as many cocktails as you wanted and not fall over. We did not buy much wine/ beer.

 

The cabin was nice, not big though. The bathroom was tiny, I'm sure it wasn't much bigger than the one in our touring caravan when we had one. A walk in wardrobe. Bed was huge and seemed to take up most of the cabin being 6 foot wide. Dressing table, fridge and the usual 1 armchair. The balcony had a covered roof and a table and 2 chairs.

We got spoilt having that huge standard cabin on the Dream last year.

Our steward, like all the others we have had on Thomson ships, worked hard and kept it spotlessly clean.

 

Looking at the staff they could have been transplanted from any Thomson ship, you couldn't have told the difference in their hard work and pleasant attitude.

 

Excursions, like ship's excursions on any line, were expensive. These were very expensive compared to Thomson. About 40% dearer for identical excursions. They use the same local tour firms for excursions so I wonder where the extra goes??:rolleyes:

But they were organised getting you out to the buses and after your free time at the end of, or during, excursions they had a stand with a board on it "Princess Meeting Point" so you knew where you should be and people directing you to the right coach. We needed it in some ports there were up to 6 cruise ships in at once.

 

Princess had chartered Thomson Airways for our flight out and return from Manchester. All 200 aboard were on our cruise. We've never had so much legroom before with Thomson when flying "Cattle truck class".

Our flight out was on time and we were there for 10 a.m Italian time and in the port by 11a.m. We couldn't do the usual port check in bit untill 12 midday though.

The return flight was the only thing that put the dampers on the end of what had been a wonderful cruise.

We were off the ship by 7 am on the last morning and in Rome airport by 8. But in departure area we found there was a problem with the outbound flight from Manchester and they kept putting the flight time back bit by bit and what should have been an 11.35a.m. takeoff did not get off the ground until 10p.m. :eek:

Nobody from thomson was contacting the Princess staff on the ground who stayed with us all day and were still there when we took off.

So we were not getting any info from Thomson's and the Princess people were having trouble getting info out of them. At 1p.m. in the afternoon our taxi driver who we had booked for our airport transfer knew that the flight had been put back till 9.45p.m., but no one was telling us or the Princess airport staff. the delayed flight time still had 5 p.m. takeoff.

It was really bad. You would not mind the delay if you were told straight what was happening. But no one at Thomson's would do that and there was no rep at the airport, (So Thomson's said), but they must have had some groundstaff about somewhere to meet the aircraft when it eventually arrived.

 

I've probably left a lot out but that's it so far.

 

Berwyn

[rookery]

Now thats what I call a review, relevant and concise. Glad you had a great cruise.

[Cymro1953]

Now thats what I call a review, relevant and concise. Glad you had a great cruise.

 

Thanks, I was just typing in what came into my head as I remembered it. LOL.

 

It was wonderful, we both agreed the best cruise overall that we have had.

 

Berwyn

[xrver]

Very interesting review of your cruise! My only comment would have to be: why eat in the buffet, the dining room is sooooo much better.

Looking forward to our next cruise on the Sea Princess to Alaska, July 19.:)

[Cymro1953]

Very interesting review of your cruise! My only comment would have to be: why eat in the buffet, the dining room is sooooo much better.

Looking forward to our next cruise on the Sea Princess to Alaska, July 19.:)

 

It was a matter of timing with the shows etc. Also we had done formal several times before and wanted a relaxing cruise so on the formal nights we had to eat in the buffet.

 

Berwyn

[Double 07]

did you mention which Princess ship you were on, or have I missed that?:o:o:o

[Cymro1953]

did you mention which Princess ship you were on, or have I missed that?:o:o:o

 

It was the Star Princess.

[Ceabea]

 

It was wonderful, we both agreed the best cruise overall that we have had.

 

Berwyn

 

gosh thats quite some statement! Im very glad you had a wonderful time, apart from the delayed flight home - it all sounds fab - not5 sure about the cost though - sounds like its a lot more expensive all round than a Thomsons budget cruise - but then I guess the point is its a 'budget' line - you gets what you pays for - and the Princess ship is MUCH newer than any Thomson ship and sounds very luxurious. Looking forward to seeing your photos :D

[Cymro1953]

gosh thats quite some statement! Im very glad you had a wonderful time, apart from the delayed flight home - it all sounds fab - not5 sure about the cost though - sounds like its a lot more expensive all round than a Thomsons budget cruise - but then I guess the point is its a 'budget' line - you gets what you pays for - and the Princess ship is MUCH newer than any Thomson ship and sounds very luxurious. Looking forward to seeing your photos :D

 

Hi Clare,

It wasn't just the cost of the cruise, it was all the extras that add up too like the more expensive drinks + tip and the daily US$11 added on to your account for crew tips. I'm sure we could have gone on 3 Thomson cruises for what we paid for this one.

 

Pics are starting to go up on Facebook if you look on my page. There are 2 folders there with Star Princess on them. the system insisted I made a new album when I posted more up.

 

Berwyn

[missus mac]

Thanks, I was just typing in what came into my head as I remembered it. LOL.

 

It was wonderful, we both agreed the best cruise overall that we have had.

 

Berwyn

 

Glad you both enjoyed the cruise, Berwyn. Thanks for that good review.

 

It was really interesting, for me especially as DH thinks he would like to cruise on a bigger ship next time, but I'm not so sure :confused:

[Rivierabelle]

I have also been looking at the Princess cruises but it is the extra 10% on the bar bill etc that puts me off - I dont want to end up with a huge bill to settle at the end of the cruise. Could you not opt out of the obligatry US$11 per day and do your own thing?

[Cymro1953]

Glad you both enjoyed the cruise, Berwyn. Thanks for that good review.

 

It was really interesting, for me especially as DH thinks he would like to cruise on a bigger ship next time, but I'm not so sure :confused:

 

I have also been looking at the Princess cruises but it is the extra 10% on the bar bill etc that puts me off - I dont want to end up with a huge bill to settle at the end of the cruise. Could you not opt out of the obligatry US$11 per day and do your own thing?

 

Hi Rivierabelle,

yes you can, you go to the passenger services desk and ask for daily tip to be removed during the cruise and tip people yourself.

But you can't get out of the 15% tip on each drinks order.

 

Thanks Missus Mac,

The main way they are different is the fact that they are newer and so have more modern facilities. Just be prepared for the extra walking.

It was so much better than the Royal Caribbean cruise we had 2 years ago even though it comes in the same price range. Several people asked us when it came up in conversation how we compared the two lines and we told them there was no comparison, Princess was so much better.

 

Oh, one thing I forgot, they didn't give you shower gel like we've always had before unless you had a suite. There was soap, shampoo and body lotion.

 

Berwyn

[happy v]

Thank-you Berwyn, I must admit I,ve been tempted to try the bigger ships. However as the price difference is as big as you say, and it is mainly for the ports of call we go I think we will stick with Thomson untill we run out of destinations which interest us.

[Cymro1953]

Thank-you Berwyn, I must admit I,ve been tempted to try the bigger ships. However as the price difference is as big as you say, and it is mainly for the ports of call we go I think we will stick with Thomson untill we run out of destinations which interest us.

 

Hi Happy,

You definitely get more value for money with Thomson. But Dw wanted to do the big modern ship experience. If we do it again I'll check itineraries and book an inside last minute.

But because we had done several of the ports before andthe ship was so big we enjoyed being able to relax and enjoy the ship's facilities rather than feeling we had to be out all day in each port to see everything.

 

Berwyn

[happy v]

I'm glad you both had such a great holiday I think we should try it sometime just so we know, but the thought of my OH complaining about the price of drinks all week is rather off puttting!

[Cymro1953]

I'm glad you both had such a great holiday I think we should try it sometime just so we know, but the thought of my OH complaining about the price of drinks all week is rather off puttting!

 

If you booked it cheaper last minute it would balance out the cost of drinks and tips a bit.

That's why we did the drinks package and could drink non alcoholic cocktails etc. To cut down on the cost of the drinks.

 

Berwyn

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Hi Berwyn,

 

Glad you had a good cruise. Where did you go? We are off on the Crown Princess next month, round Britain. I'll wave to you from Anglesey!

 

We have booked the same ship for next year in the Caribbean. The friends we are going with love Princess and he won't go on anything else! I still love the Braemar, but like to try different lines. RCI - well the ships vary - Jewell of the Seas was great, but Independence - never again - too many people - over 4,000.

 

I know what you mean about fitting in mealtimes with the shows. The American ships don't do late shows, so if you are on 2nd sitting, you are supposed to go to the show before dinner! Well, we are usually having a little snooze then, expecially if we have been out on a trip!

 

I think all shipping lines have advantages and disdvantages - Thomson and Fred Olsen are very friendly, with older, smaller ships and not too formal. American ships are glitzy, but expensive and I should think Cunard are very formal, so shan't be trying them!

[driverman]

Pics are starting to go up on Facebook if you look on my page. There are 2 folders there with Star Princess on them. the system insisted I made a new album when I posted more up.

 

Berwyn

Hi berwyn cant sem to find you ,,what is your profile pic ????

 

mrs.c

[Cymro1953]

Hi berwyn cant sem to find you ,,what is your profile pic ????

 

mrs.c

 

Hi Mrs.c.

Try that, hope it works

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150198642454448&set=a.442939109447.225641.656879447&type=1&theater

 

Berwyn

[its,only,me]

Hi Mrs.c.

Try that, hope it works

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150198642454448&set=a.442939109447.225641.656879447&type=1&theater

 

Berwyn

 

No sorry berwyn that did not work ..

 

mrs.c

[Cymro1953]

No sorry berwyn that did not work ..

 

mrs.c

 

Not sure what to do then.

Clare (Ceabea) found me OK on there.

https://www.facebook.com/berwyn.thomas

 

Try that.

Sorry for slow reply was working weekend (again) :( and trying to watch British F1 Grand Prix

 

Berwyn

[Cymro1953]

Hi Mrs. C and all

Here are pics of the ship I've uploaded, this one will definitely work

http://s727.photobucket.com/albums/ww273/Cymro1953/Star%20Princess/

 

Berwyn

[Jim The Scot]

Hi Berwyn

 

Nice photos

 

After looking at the first few photos intially thought you had hired the whole ship for just you and the mrs with the recurring theme of drinking and eating ;)

 

Looks a lovely ship.Was it mixed nationality of passengers?

 

Must read your whole thread.

[Cymro1953]

Hi Berwyn

 

Nice photos

 

After looking at the first few photos intially thought you had hired the whole ship for just you and the mrs with the recurring theme of drinking and eating ;)

 

Looks a lovely ship.Was it mixed nationality of passengers?

 

Must read your whole thread.

 

Hi Jim,

Yes lots of nationalities. Loads of Canadians, they seemed to outnumber the Yanks. Japanese, Australians, Kiwis and us Brits.

 

Despite well over 2000 passengers there seemed to be plenty of room apart from around both main pools in daytime. But even then there were plenty of sunloungers available in different parts of the ship.

 

Berwyn

[its,only,me]

Mmm very nice ,, what a fantastic time you must have had ....

 

 

mrs.c