Is Princess the middle choice of the major C Lines?

[MarWaves86]

Hey Everyone,

 

I need a vacation bad, and so does my friend so I've decided to take a cruise, and I just need some advice because it seems the more I research the different lines, and styles etc, I grow more confused.

 

I have taken a carnival cruise on the Pride in 2004 and it wasn't what I thought it would be in terms of luxury, or fun for that matter. I was always sooo tired, and forced to dress up and make dinner, and do this and do that, not to mention stuck in the cheapest indoor cabin possible, with a cousin who had serious bowl issues, and not old enough to drink (except in Mexico).

 

Anyway, RCCL seems okay, but it seems to much like Disneyland, and I really REALLY want to relax, enjoy the ports, maybe some spa treatments, and reading/tanning on the sun deck. Possibly A show and maybe a couple late nights at the casino or bar. But I don't want to be doing any belly flop competitions or anything that would be for teens/families/kids etc, or be bombarded by massive groups of families like Disneyland (that's how Carnival kinda felt).

 

On the other hand, I don't want to feel as though if I wanted to go and have some fun or something, there would be NOTHING (like what I read from HAL/CELEBRITY; generally)

 

Another thing is that if I spend all this money, I want the food to be really good. Not like carnival, spongy dough pizza, all of the salad bar toppings out of a can type deal. I would really like some really good food, maybe a step up above normal banquet/cafateria food.

 

So I think Princess seems to naturally fall in between: X, HAL,-- RCCL, NCL CCL. I am 25, and my "friend" (blushing) is 23. I want it to be romantic, good food, and not feel like Disneyland. Please someone help. I'm not rich and I don't want to spend thousands of dollars for the wrong thing. Thanks for everyone's help!! O I want to do the Caribbean because I have never been

 

God Bless

 

Ryan

[snrlnd]

Based on what you describe you are looking for, Princess would be a perfect fit.

[hubofhockey]

You may want to stick with the 7-day cruises on the newer bigger ships during a typical vacation week to get somewhat of a younger crowd.

[Ann262]

Well, it sounds like a Caribbean itinerary on one of the larger ships would fit the bill. They do have all kinds of activities but participation in them is optional. Just because they are having a silly contest at the pool doesn't mean you have to participate. Most of the Princess ships have several pools and usually there is at least one in a quieter place on the ship.

 

As for food, I thought the food on our recent Princess cruise was good. Food in the buffet is good for buffet food, but it is buffet food. I thought the food in the main dining room was very good. If you want really, really good you might want to consider springing for one of the specialty restaurants one night. The Crown Grill is very good, I am told.

 

Of course, you can never predict with certainty who is going to be on the ship with you.

 

Whatever you decide to do, go in with an open mind and enjoy yourself!

[LiLBxQt]

I am going for a relaxing vacay with my hubby and we're in our late 20's. Def not party animals anymore but still like to have fun. We are choosing our next with princess. I'm preg and cannot wait for some good food, good service, and to just unwind before the baby comes. And I hear princess has all that.

[FawnRiver]

Sounds like a good fit, DH and I were similar (though a little older) when we went on our first cruise and we weren't disappointed.

 

There's all sorts of places to eat on board, not just the buffet or the MDR. On the pool deck, there's a grill for hotdogs, hamburgers and the pizza is really good (not the best I've ever had, but still better than most). There's the International Cafe which has all sorts of goodies and while we haven't tried the Crown Grill (yet), Sabatini's is fantastic (if you like Italian). The cover charges for those is reasonable, $20-$25 pp, if you want to splurge a bit. We've hardly ever eaten in the buffet, aside from wondering through to see if they have any fresh baked cookies :).

 

The entertainment is great, there's all sorts of options and nothing is obligatory, do as much or as little as you like.

 

Good Luck and Happy Cruising!

[cruisenuts4life]

I have been on Carnival,wasn't impressed at all!Celebrity was nice but was older crowd,liked RC ships but found that I really didn't need rock climbing,ice skating or the flow wave,but other than that it was a nice cruise.Then we went on Princess Ruby last year and it was the best cruise ever,I am now hooked on Princess so much we are booked again next year on Ruby.I think I might go on RC again depending on ports and price,but for now it is Princess all the way!!!:D

[happy cruzer]

So it's very hard to tell what you mean by really good food. Also you mention spending all this money. Those are very relative.

 

If you are booking a balcony cabin, you still have the same food options as someone who pays for an inside. You are paying for accomodations not a change in service or food.

 

Do you want traditional dining where you are seated at a set time and set table? Or anytime dining?

 

In a way, I think NCL's newer ships may be good match for you. Lots of choices so if you don't get what you want it's probably because you did not want to pay for it. You might look at what they offer.

 

Princess is a good choice too. But they will have some of the stuff you don't like such as pool games and family reunions. These things can be avoided if you try and you can have a very nice relaxing vacation. The ships are so large they try to provide something for everyone.

 

Good luck deciding.

[TracieABD]

A cruise is what you make it... That being said, I think Princess will meet your needs.

It has activities without being childish.

You can come and go as you please for meals (that is if you do AnyTime Dining).

There is plenty of nightlife and you don't have the feeling that the ship is closed up by 10 pm.

Try a shorter cruise and have fun.

Best of luck!:)

[Thurston Howell lll]

At your ages you might just take a look at Costa the prices are super for the Caribbean itinerary and they have Toga Parties complete with decorated sheets.

[77Network]

Hey Everyone,

 

I need a vacation bad, and so does my friend so I've decided to take a cruise, and I just need some advice because it seems the more I research the different lines, and styles etc, I grow more confused.

 

I have taken a carnival cruise on the Pride in 2004 and it wasn't what I thought it would be in terms of luxury, or fun for that matter. I was always sooo tired, and forced to dress up and make dinner, and do this and do that, not to mention stuck in the cheapest indoor cabin possible, with a cousin who had serious bowl issues, and not old enough to drink (except in Mexico).

 

Anyway, RCCL seems okay, but it seems to much like Disneyland, and I really REALLY want to relax, enjoy the ports, maybe some spa treatments, and reading/tanning on the sun deck. Possibly A show and maybe a couple late nights at the casino or bar. But I don't want to be doing any belly flop competitions or anything that would be for teens/families/kids etc, or be bombarded by massive groups of families like Disneyland (that's how Carnival kinda felt).

 

On the other hand, I don't want to feel as though if I wanted to go and have some fun or something, there would be NOTHING (like what I read from HAL/CELEBRITY; generally)

 

Another thing is that if I spend all this money, I want the food to be really good. Not like carnival, spongy dough pizza, all of the salad bar toppings out of a can type deal. I would really like some really good food, maybe a step up above normal banquet/cafateria food.

 

So I think Princess seems to naturally fall in between: X, HAL,-- RCCL, NCL CCL. I am 25, and my "friend" (blushing) is 23. I want it to be romantic, good food, and not feel like Disneyland. Please someone help. I'm not rich and I don't want to spend thousands of dollars for the wrong thing. Thanks for everyone's help!! O I want to do the Caribbean because I have never been

 

God Bless

 

Ryan

 

On carnival they force you to dress up and make your own dinner? Wow, really has gone downhill.

If you want "some really good food" you will be disappointed with Princess. It is still going to be banquet quality food.

[MarWaves86]

Thanks' for everyone's response, I REALLY appreciate it.

 

As far as my bleak comment about "really good food", I read a review that someone compared Carnivals food to Golden Corral or Hometown Buffet. That's what I don't want. I want food that you might be offered in a nice restaurant, and when I say nice, I mean either an upscale chain, or a regular upscale city type restaurant.

 

I just don't want the cruise to be like the Carnival cruise I went on with the less than acceptable kids type, flavor for everyone food. I would like to look at a menu and choose what I think will taste the best, not everything will be bland so to please the average eater. I donno, maybe I'm expecting to much. I have read from people who cruised, lets say before 1995 that all the food within the cruise industry has just completely downgraded since that time.

 

And the comment "spending all kinds of money"; I mean like getting a $3000 bill after the fare. Lord knows I can't afford that, as much as I would like to.

 

Sadly, I might have to settle for an indoor cabin, which I said I would not do at first because I wanted my date to wake up in the morning and see the ports, and have the ocean all to herself. But I am going to be buying a last minute cruise, and the airfare will be up, and we live on the west coast, so I may have to just do an inside. We'll see.

 

The older demographic crowd isn't an issue one bit. In fact, I would prefer an 80 year old demographic as apposed to say huge families with ten kids running around bumping into things. Just being honest.

 

I was looking at NCL, and I would think the Epic would be nice. However, I hear Princess is laid back when it comes to bringing wine on board which could be a deal breaker. Lord knows I love my red wine. Thanks again for everyone's opinion.

 

God Bless!

[iancal]

Choice of cruise line is so subjective. I do not think that you can go wrong with either Princess or Celebrity. Price them both for you itinerary and select the most competitive/best value.

[cormike1]

Why don't you look at a cruise out of LA seeing as you are on that side of the world. There are lots of cruises going down the coast to Mexico and that would save you the flight money. I think there is a Princess ship still doing Mexico. I have only cruised a couple of times and always on Princess which fits our likes so that is why I keep booking Princess. Good luck!

[MarWaves86]

I Have already been to the Mexican Rivera once on Carnival. My favorite port, which was absolutely gorgeous, and totally destroyed the other two ports : PV and Cabo, is now gone due to security reasons. I guess the ship stays over night in Cabo, which could be fun, but I want to go to the Caribbean so badly!!! I would love to do a southern Caribbean, that's really what I would like to do, but we'll see.

[skivoodoo]

I think Princess would be a great fit for you. My husband and i have tried most of the lines and when we want to get away for some couple time we choose Princess. The Ruby was a great ship with a great staff. Royal Caribbean is also another great line, but tends to be more expensive when we book. Royal has a way of getting you involved in all of the activities and I always come back tired. When i go with a large group, Royal is our choice.

 

On Princess I return relaxed and don't feel overloaded. They tend to have fewer announcements about all of the activities, so it feels less pushy. We've been lucky with our dining options and even got to know the maitre'd on the Ruby and he made our cruise memorable.

 

Hope this helps!

[happy cruzer]

OP, thanks for providing more details.

 

Now that we know you are a wine drinker, more info to help you. Yes on Princess you can bring on your wine, you may or may not be charged corkage fee in the dining room. We usually are charged the corkage fee. NCL typically charges corkage when you bring the wine onboard. Carnival and Celebrity limit and enforce their limits on wine as well as charge the corkage fee in the dining room.

 

Some people pour the wine into glasses and carry it that way to dining room, that's not for me. If the line allows me to bring my favority wine, then I will pay the fee.

 

So back to food, the dining room food does have to appeal to the masses it is the biggest venue. The food there is not upscale except maybe on formal nights. Princess and NCL do have always available menus in the dining room that include a steak, fish or salmon that tend to be reliable. The buffet area where the food is pre-prepared is what I think compares to buffets on land. However most buffets have lines that have food freshly prepared for you, Princess not so much, NCL definitely.

 

Inside cabins save a ton of money, absolutly. With the money saved you can get excursions, specialty dinners, lunch ashore, lots of extras. Nice dark and cool for napping during the day.

 

Be sure to think about travel insurance in your budget.

 

Good luck.

[geoherb]

If you want to go to the southern Caribbean, Princess is now doing a round-trip cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba and Curacao. We're doing that itinerary in December. It's great to be able to go to these islands without taking a 10-day cruise or one from San Juan.

[hubofhockey]

Sadly, I might have to settle for an indoor cabin, which I said I would not do at first because I wanted my date to wake up in the morning and see the ports, and have the ocean all to herself. But I am going to be buying a last minute cruise, and the airfare will be up, and we live on the west coast, so I may have to just do an inside. We'll see.

 

 

 

That is the reason many choose Carnival over Princess and other lines in the first place. You can get a very nice balcony cabin on Carnival for the price of an inside on Princess. Insides on Carnival get you a cruise at rates that will not even get you on a Princess cruise and that makes Carnival a great entry line for many. We really need the balcony and we'll pay a premium to be able to see the ocean right from the cabin and also like having natural light during the day and early evening. So when we do the more expensive Princess Europe itineraries, we book one of the cheaper covered Baja balcony cabins.

[5326jan]

If you don't want children aboard, be sure to pick a date that most kids will be in school. Avoid the last of March, early April for Easter Break and the week of Thanksgiving and a couple of weeks at the end of December. I read one post that said there were 1000 kids on one of the big ships in the Caribbean. :eek:

[panamatiger]

Nice thread - good to see all the suggestions for the OP. OP stated you wanted to do the Southern Caribbean. Having the option of cruising out of FLL

or SJU ( san juan) may add to the list of what shall we do. Do you have the option of coming in a day before and staying a day after? That's my suggestion which hasn't been offered to you. Coming from the west coast - are you planning on taking the red eye. These added steps may cost more but can make for a relaxing vacation . As also stated, don't forget the trip insurance. Enjoy whatever you do decide,let us know how this turns out

 

Garry

[denims]

If you are looking for better food, try the specialty restaurants. So pick a ship with multi-specialty restaurants so you can have variety!

[dickinson]

I second the previous poster who mentioned some dates to stay away from. Anytime kids are out of school (and that includes all summer too) that is when families can travel. I have a Princess cruise booked for next year but previously have mostly sailed Carnival. I loved Carnival but mostly kept away from school vacation times (and that includes college too so keep away from all of March and up til Easter). Without kids running all over your experience on any of the mass market lines will be much better.

 

Never judge a whole cruiseline by one cruise. A different ship or a different time of year can mean the world of difference.

[jdvmd]

Thanks' for everyone's response, I REALLY appreciate it.

 

As far as my bleak comment about "really good food", I read a review that someone compared Carnivals food to Golden Corral or Hometown Buffet. That's what I don't want. I want food that you might be offered in a nice restaurant, and when I say nice, I mean either an upscale chain, or a regular upscale city type restaurant.

 

I just don't want the cruise to be like the Carnival cruise I went on with the less than acceptable kids type, flavor for everyone food. I would like to look at a menu and choose what I think will taste the best, not everything will be bland so to please the average eater. I donno, maybe I'm expecting to much. I have read from people who cruised, lets say before 1995 that all the food within the cruise industry has just completely downgraded since that time.

 

And the comment "spending all kinds of money"; I mean like getting a $3000 bill after the fare. Lord knows I can't afford that, as much as I would like to.

 

Sadly, I might have to settle for an indoor cabin, which I said I would not do at first because I wanted my date to wake up in the morning and see the ports, and have the ocean all to herself. But I am going to be buying a last minute cruise, and the airfare will be up, and we live on the west coast, so I may have to just do an inside. We'll see.

 

The older demographic crowd isn't an issue one bit. In fact, I would prefer an 80 year old demographic as apposed to say huge families with ten kids running around bumping into things. Just being honest.

 

I was looking at NCL, and I would think the Epic would be nice. However, I hear Princess is laid back when it comes to bringing wine on board which could be a deal breaker. Lord knows I love my red wine. Thanks again for everyone's opinion.

 

God Bless!

 

NCL will allow you to bring wine onboard, no limit. You will be charged a $15 corkage fee to enjoy anywhere on the ship including your cabin. That said sometimes the bottles go undetected in your checked bags. Princess also allows you to bring wine on and you are only charged the $15 corkage fee if brought to the dining room. If you are going with an inside cabin, I would suggest one aft near the Terrace Pool, just steps away from having a great view. I will admit that I have seen a decline in food quality on Princess over the last few years. We were on the Sapphire two weeks ago and found there was a lack of choices as well as overcooked meats etc. I am allergic to shellfish and seafood so my choices were limited. Celebrity always has great food but we really enjoyed the Epic also.

[Nebr.cruiser]

I think you will like Princess just fine; Celebrity would be a good choice too.

 

As to the 'having a $3000 bill' when leaving the ship, that can happen on any ship if you just spend blindly without thinking ahead. On the other hand, with a little discipline you can have a wonderful cruise and spend very little extra. Just spend on what is really important to you and resist all the impulse buys.

 

I actually often find Princess cheaper than Carnival, but that's partly because of past passenger discounts. The time of year also makes a difference. If you can cruise during times when families generally don't, such as December before Christmas, or January, prices are much better.

 

We prefer to have a balcony cabin and limit our spending on board, but that's not hard for us because we don't drink, don't want to pay for spa services and seldom take ship sponsored excursions, also don't gamble. We still have lots of fun! We don't sail unless we can get a balcony cabin for less than $100pp per night (base price), and usually it's a lot less. We also usually do a guarantee cabin, which saves money; we've never gotten a bad cabin doing this.