Diamond Princess - Japan Season - REVIEW

[Lanwood]

I posted this review on another thread as a promise to a previous poster. KNIPPSEL made a good suggestion to post the review on a separate thread for others to easily find, who may find it of interest or use. So here you are....

 

Beautiful ship. Not as crowded as the other Grand class ships due to the lack of an extra Rivera deck full of passengers squeezed into the height of the ship.

 

They have definatley pulled out all the bells and whistles to try and appeal to the local Japanese market as best they can, to fill the cabins during its Japanese seasons. Unfortuneatly, many of the "westerner type" regular princess cruises I spoke with, felt it was at their expense, and did not enjoy it very much (or at all). We loved the experience however (though don't need to do it again mind you).

 

One area that seemed lacking to me on this cruise was the quality of the staff on board. I'm guessing, but it seems to me that they have done a mad rush to get as many Japanese speaking staff on board as possible in a short space of time, has lowered the level of experience on board and therefore the level of service. Some staff where absolutely brilliant (and releaved when they could serve us in English), other staff struggled to understand us, and made many mistakes in miss understanding us. I'm sure they will find their feet though eventually.

 

New additions:

Kai Sushi - if you like Japanese, you'll love this. Beautiful designed restaurant with the freshest sushi you could ask for. Be adventurous if you dare. We must of made some "interesting" faces, when recommended the Eal (sorry if I miss spelt it). The Head chef brought us 2 dishes (one each) complimentary for us to try. Was better than it sounds. The yellow tail was my favourite there.

Izumi Japanese spa - very very nice, BUT, you MUST be naked. This is strictly enforced. The Japanese have no problem with nudity, but I'm not sure how this will cater to an Australian demographic when it repositions back to Aussie in Nov.

Newly decked out Horizon's court with live work stations. All very nice, and easy to find a table.

 

The Stirling steak house was not very nice at all on this one. And not worth a surchage. The ambience, food or service was definately not up to standard (definately not a Crown Grill alternative). Sabatini's on the other hand was great as usual. Other passengers must have felt similar, as the Striling steak house got quite empty, while Sabatinis was jammed packed. Arturo the Manager, when out of his way to take extra bookings over what was allowed, by taking the Stirling steak house staff to compliment his for many a night. He did very well to accomodate as many as he could.

 

Again, be warned that this cruise ship is now set up to appeal to Japanese passengers. Westerners may feel a bit left out. The Passengers on our ship was about 90% Japanese and 10% Westerners (made up of mostly Australian, Canadian and German from my observations. And others of course). Movies under the stars where mostly in Japanese (like breakfast as sabatini's that I went to see not realising). Movies in the theatre where also in Japanese mostly. Alot of the activity entertainment on board was also in Japanese.

 

Eventually the Patter took on the confusion and started writing Japanese/English next to all items to make life a bit easier. Shows in the theatre could be in Japanese or English (obviously the singers/dancers are English speaking). But specialist guests may not. There was no port Lecturer on board, so no Port lecture's (which I found dissapointing). And no Scholar ships at sea type lecturers unless you spoke Japanese. Most of the Tours where in Japanese only, with a small selection for the English speakers.

 

Announcements where in Japanese and English, which made the Muster drill increadibly long and boring (most people in my muster station fell asleep during most of it.) Muster also confused everyone that wasn't a regular as the Enlish speakers would be putter on the Jackets when done in Japanese and the Japanese would be putting on the Jackets when done in English (you're supposed to watch to first one only) fully to watch.

 

The ambience of the ship was in short "dead". No life to it at all. Initially, when I would walk around after dinner, everywhere was empty. No one in the Wheelhouse bar (entertainer plays to no one). no one is the explorers lounge (entertainer plays to no one). No one in crooners bar (band plays to noone) etc etc. Towards the end of the cruise, Princess seemed to click how to entertain the Japanese clientel, and was doing things nutbush and 70's dancing with the cruise directors staff leading basic moves(Japanese love to follow what others are doing) or KARYOKE!!!!.

 

The theatre shows were often half emply. You had no trubble getting a seat at the lobby bar at any time (or anywhere for that matter).

 

I think princess are still finding their feet with how to entertain their new Japanese market. So not sure what to expect by the time of your cruise.

 

Regardless, you make your own fun on a ship, and we had lots of it.

 

Enjoy.

[Lanwood]

I'll add a few Bullet points for this thread...

* ATD on the cruise was cancelled. All 5 MDR did TD only. (2 at 5:45only, 3 at 5:45 and 5:75)

 

* Chefs table (I booked) was cancelled, as only 3 people booked

 

* The Cruise Director on this ship felt Invidisble - no where to be seen. Normally I see them everywhere and very involved. On this cruise I only noticed him on the Wake show, or after some shows. This comment was circularling amongst the regulars.

 

* The Patter was oftern not delivered until the following morning, due to delays in Japanese translations. Regulars would often be getting print outs from customer service.

 

* Japanese culture is very different to western in many ways, especially their tolerance to Nudity. The wake show filmed in the Lotus spa had a half naked Japanese man walking around in the back ground causing series of write ins on the following show. They also didn't realise the Thermal suite (being Unisex) must have bathers worn. There would often be naked men walking around in there moving from Saunas to Steam rooms, or having a shower in the all together.

 

* Japanese "personal space" is much more "tolerant" than ours. Do not be supprised to squeeze tripple the number of people into an elevator than you would ordinarily be comfortable with.

 

* With so many "blue cards" on board, there was a bit of a lack of onboard etiquette. For example, they all slamed their cabin doors at all hours and talked very loudly in the stateroom corridors. This annoyed many westerners who you would frequently over hear grumbling about it.

 

 

Western passengers would fall into 2 groups. (1) Didn't bother you, and enjoyed the cultural experience, or, (2) bothered them greatly.

The groups where very clearly defined, I found.

 

Sorry about so much reading. I type 100wpm so it just rolls out.

Edited April 30, 2014 by Lanwood

[dchip]

Thanks for your review. Very informative. Sounds like a most different cruise experience for sure!!

 

Cheers, Denise

[Cruisin' Along]

Thanks for sharing this. Very interesting reading about the cultural differences from a cruising standpoint!

[OzKiwiJJ]

Izumi Japanese spa - very very nice, BUT, you MUST be naked. This is strictly enforced. The Japanese have no problem with nudity, but I'm not sure how this will cater to an Australian demographic when it repositions back to Aussie in Nov.

 

Thanks, Lanwood.

 

It's probably worth pointing out that Izumi has separate areas for men and women, it's not nude mixed bathing :p

Edited April 30, 2014 by OzKiwiJJ

[Lanwood]

Thanks, Lanwood.

 

It's probably worth pointing out that Izumi has separate areas for men and women, it's not nude mixed bathing :p

 

Yes - one side is for men, and the otherside is for women. This is rotated so you can try either side over different days (its $20 per 90mins to use).

There is a fabric door with Male or female written on it, and a male attendant guarding the male entrance, and a female attendant gaurding the female entrance. The outside Pagoda and rest cabins/beds are unisex and bathers must be worn here.

 

You must book well in advance, and check your time, as numbers a strictly controlled.

[Gimer]

Where did Elua (Dave and Leialoha) perform? Did you participate in their venues and was it well attended?

[Lanwood]

Where did Elua (Dave and Leialoha) perform? Did you participate in their venues and was it well attended?

 

Mostly in the Atrium to pre-dinner cruisers.

Loved watching/listening to them, while sitting at the Lobby Bar having pre-dinner drinks :) Elua's hulla dancing was popular with the Japanese cruisers copying her moves in the Atrium also. It's fun watching others have fun....It became a familiar sound throughout the cruise.:)

Edited April 30, 2014 by Lanwood

[BuzzBuzzen]

Thank you for your review , written so promptly after this particular cruise season began. So many changes since we were on the Diamond last year. I too will be interested to see how Aussies and Kiwis find the changes when she sails here next, cheers Buzz.

[sayaguru]

Thank you for starting this thread. I too said I'd write a review.

I will add to yours as you have covered things nicely.

 

I didn't have a problem communicating with any staff. All spoke perfect English (maybe you spoke to differnt ones?). Yes staff were moved from other ships. Actually one staff member was on my Sun Princess cruise in January. She was great on that and ran th trivia, poool games etc. She was fun and very lively. Her roles on Diamond were Japanese related and she didn't seem too happy. ie not the fun loving person she was on Sun.

 

The differences I found were- the CD just seemed to state facts of what was happening tomorrow etc. NO personality like other CD's The CD Japaners guy took F o r e v e r to do the translation. I'd love to have been sitting next to a bilingual person to see what he was saying but everything took 3 times as long.

Our muster wasn't too bad although I did worry when I was told it would take an hour and a half (it didn't).

Bar staff were bored. Japanese don't tend to sit around in bars drinking so (as mentioned) many were empty). There were many at the linedancing though. One thing I noticed is that many Japanese have no rhythm (is that racist?:p). I wishyed I'd videoed some of the dancing and clapping (out of time).

 

Things that annoyed me- I wanted a cocktail with dinner. The menu was in Japanese. The title was in Japanese and English but the list of what's in it is in Japanese. It took 15 minutes to go upstairs and find an English menu. They did have them but one one in eaxh bar and you had to ask.

Outside the restaurant the menu was in Japanese. A few days later they had an English one on a table. I'd say someone mentioned it.

 

As mentioned that Patter was VERY late (often after I'd gone to bed).

 

We had photos done and was given a card to fill in to maybe win free photos. It was in Japanese. Now these are standard Princess cards used on all cruises. Why didn't they have English ones?

 

I had second sitting for dinner due to a mixup with 2 of us at one table and the other 2 at a different table for first sitting. I was told it was almost impossible to change. Apparently they don't link bookings like they do on other cruise lines?? So we went to the late shows which were well attended.

 

I couldn't believe the Sancutary was $20 for half a day and $40 for full day.

Also one couple I spoke to which had done B@B said many prices in the boutiques were changed (up) on this cruise from the last one. Catering to the Japanese???

 

 

Where did Elua (Dave and Leialoha) perform? Did you participate in their venues and was it well attended?

 

went to the 2nd Ekelale (sp?) lesson. It was quite frustrating. Dave would say his bit then the Japanesee CD was supposed to translate but he'd say what Dave said and add on and on,sometimes going ahead (obviously remembering from the previous day). In the end Dave stopped and said "NO, say EXACTLY what I say". Dave was trying to get audience participation by asking quiestions but the CD just could not understand. I nearly walked out but I don't like to disrespect anyone so stayed. If not for that it would have been a fun activity. It was full when I went. I was the only non Japanese person there.

 

I found the Japanese people very respectful and polite. Even though many were reluctent to use English there were quite a few that understood and answered if you spoke to them in English.

 

Would I do another Japanese cruise- Yes.

But I'd hope they ironed out some of the problems.

 

P.S Trivia was in English. :D I even won a bottle of champagne:D (better than a lanyard) .

[Lanwood]

Thank you for starting this thread. I too said I'd write a review.

I will add to yours as you have covered things nicely.

 

Hi sayaguru. There's a fair few of us still on-board continuing with a b2b on Golden Week. Hopefully they'll spot this thread and add their comments/reviews when done also.

 

Glad you had a good time. Other than our really nice Dinner companions, and a lady with her Son who where always smiling (I think that might have been Sandra), we where feeling like we where the only ones who enjoyed ourselves at any level (Non Japanese that is). Most of our conversations with repeaters we met on board where not so flattering to say the least (they mustn't have been cruise critic members :) )...

 

I was just reading an article in the Cruise Weekly saying RCCL are going to be repositioning the new Quantum of the seas, after it's New York debut season,to Shanghai to sail between China, Japan and Korea. They're all really taking this Market seriously.....

[Lanwood]

Japaners guy took F o r e v e r to do the translation. I'd love to have been sitting next to a bilingual person to see what he was saying but everything took 3 times as long.

 

Oh, my goodness - did he ever. We found it terribly humorous, and where killing ourselves laughing during some translations of what was short English statements to a 3 series novel translations in Japanese...:D

 

I did learn the Japanese for Club Fusion is "Club Fusion" and the Japanese for Explorers lounge is "Explorers lounge" during these long translations :D

[Bucky3]

Oh, my goodness - did he ever. We found it terribly humorous, and where killing ourselves laughing during some translations of what was short English statements to a 3 series novel translations in Japanese...:D

 

I did learn the Japanese for Club Fusion is "Club Fusion" and the Japanese for Explorers lounge is "Explorers lounge" during these long translations :D

 

LOL!!

 

Lanwood, thank you for starting this thread, and thanks to those who are adding their experience as well. This is a wonderful, educational, and humorous read, and what great information you are providing for those of us thinking about booking this cruise.

 

We look forward to more! Loving the details. David Cole has a reputation for being one of the very best CDs. I imagine this is a really difficult transition for him. Somewhere I believe that I read he'll be taking some (probably much needed and deserved) time off after his present contract!

 

Hope the information keeps coming - any little thing added that you remember most welcome!

[goody1]

Thanks Lanwood for your review. My wife and I will be on the Diamond in July and hope that issues that you mentioned are just teething problems that will be ironed out prior to our cruise. We have been cruising every year since 2001 and hope that we have not made a big mistake in choosing this itinerary.

[dmwnc1959]

Would you say that they are really trying to focus this ship entirely on the Japanese (speaking) market, with English being quite the secondary afterthought?

[Mom33]

As with anything new, time will iron out most of the bugs in the experience.

 

However, we are used to visiting foreign countries on a ship with English as the first language and a diverse menu for most cultures.

I don't know how comfortable it would be to suddenly switch gears and tour Asia on a Japanese ship.

 

I wonder what will happen with the Quantum and other lines that send ships to Japan.

[chamima]

 

 

 

Sabatini's on the other hand was great as usual. Other passengers must have felt similar, as the Striling steak house got quite empty, while Sabatinis was jammed packed. Arturo the Manager, when out of his way to take extra bookings over what was allowed, by taking the Stirling steak house staff to compliment his for many a night. He did very well to accomodate as many as he could.

 

 

 

 

Enjoy.

 

 

Lanwood,

Thanks for the review.

Sounds like you're a very upbeat person who made the best of a not so wonderful situation!

Was Arturo a really sweet, rather short Italian gentleman?

If so, he was the dining room Maitre D' on our cruise on the old Royal and we LOVED him. He's a very good manager and I wasn't surprised to hear he knew how to please everyone!

[Mapu]

We were on the first cruise after dry dock April 2 from Singapore to Yokohama. From the OP review it is obvious that several things changed for the cruise out of Yokohama. Kai Sushi was empty on our cruise perhaps because many were not trusting a supply of really fresh fish. Sushi was on the menu for one night in the dining room and was obviously not fresh and awful; not a good advertisement for Kai Sushi. There also was nothing done to entice people to try Kai Sushi with any displays or "samples".

We were told when the ship is in Australia the Japanese bathhouse will be used as the thermal suite for $25 per day.

Although warned to not take the first cruise after a dry dock we did because of the itinerary. When we were onboard there weren't many if any Japanese although Passenger Services had many Japanese American "trainees". Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, and New Zealanders made up the bulk of the population. We had an excellent Port Lecturer who also spoke Japanese so I am surprised she was not kept on for subsequent cruises.

It was obvious to me, on our cruise, that there was a preoccupation with "getting the ship, physically ready for the Japanese". So much so that I felt that no one really cared that much about the the cruise experience for those onboard, with the exception of the dining room staff in Pacific Moon and the entertainment. CD was better than what the OP has described. We also had great entertainment; probably the best Princess singers and dancers. In Hong Kong and Kobe local entertainment was brought onboard which was great.

We, as many, missed not having an International Cafe. There is definitely a great deal of wasted space on deck five and would have taken pressure off of the buffet area which was always crowded and understaffed. Sterling Steakhouse, I agree was not up to the standard of the Crown Grill although the menu was tweaked. I would have thought that a Japanese Steakhouse could have replaced Sterling and would have been a draw.

Our experience was definitely one of transition for the staff and passengers. Obviously when the ship reached Yokohama, toilets were replaced; the Japanese Bathhouse was finished and Kai Sushi functional.

Our TV was finally programmed for on demand two days before the end of our cruise. The high end boutiques were empty on our cruise; Calypso Cove was always busy.

Edited April 30, 2014 by Mapu

[Not!again!]

Oh dear.......looks like it could be card playing instead of a show! What about food? Surely there will be a selection of dishes to suit all tastes and cultures?!?? Getting worried now....two months to go ....perhaps it will be sorted by then? What I ask? I suppose we were made aware of the intended market, just thought, or rather hoped it would be a multicultural experience. Better start learning Japanese!

Pauline

[vandalayceo]

"Japanese don't tend to sit around in bars drinking so (as mentioned) many were empty)."

 

As one who has been to Japan more than 30 times primarily on business I can tell you this is absolutely false. I think the issue here is (I am assuming) most Japanese passengers are husband and wife.

The Japanese male white collar worker spends virtually every night after work in a bar (often hostess bars) drinking with colleagues, often very late, and often to excess.

The Tokyo subway at 1:00 am is fascinating, crowded with totally inebriated men in business suits getting home.

Possibly if the bars were segregated (like the bath areas), and with female hostesses, you would see a totally different side of them as regards drinking.

[Bocagirl1]

Oh dear.......looks like it could be card playing instead of a show! What about food? Surely there will be a selection of dishes to suit all tastes and cultures?!?? Getting worried now....two months to go ....perhaps it will be sorted by then? What I ask? I suppose we were made aware of the intended market, just thought, or rather hoped it would be a multicultural experience. Better start learning Japanese!

Pauline

 

 

As another Brit I am also worried about what has happened. We were on Diamond Princess last November and loved it so much we booked the Sydney to Singapore cruise in March 2015. Presumably it will be mainly Australians as it was on the reverse cruise in November and then hopefully they will cater for the majority and we won't have to learn Japanese or learn to like Japanese food

[Mapu]

"Japanese don't tend to sit around in bars drinking so (as mentioned) many were empty)."

 

As one who has been to Japan more than 30 times primarily on business I can tell you this is absolutely false. I think the issue here is (I am assuming) most Japanese passengers are husband and wife.

The Japanese male white collar worker spends virtually every night after work in a bar (often hostess bars) drinking with colleagues, often very late, and often to excess.

The Tokyo subway at 1:00 am is fascinating, crowded with totally inebriated men in business suits getting home.

Possibly if the bars were segregated (like the bath areas), and with female hostesses, you would see a totally different side of them as regards drinking.

Possibly if smoking was allowed that would make a difference as well. When we were in Tokyo the bars that were designed for cigar smokers were bopping and full.

[Mapu]

As another Brit I am also worried about what has happened. We were on Diamond Princess last November and loved it so much we booked the Sydney to Singapore cruise in March 2015. Presumably it will be mainly Australians as it was on the reverse cruise in November and then hopefully they will cater for the majority and we won't have to learn Japanese or learn to like Japanese food

 

You will be fine on your itinerary. With the exceptions of the physical ship changes I am sure the menus will revert to those you recognize and you will have entertainment geared to your market; this is based on conversation with the Hotel Director.

[Bocagirl1]

You will be fine on your itinerary. With the exceptions of the physical ship changes I am sure the menus will revert to those you recognize and you will have entertainment geared to your market; this is based on conversation with the Hotel Director.

 

Thanks for that Gail - I hope this is the case because at the moment I am considering cancelling

[Mapu]

Was the casino busy? Princess was bringing on machines that the Japanese like to play. On our cruise they weren't there just old video poker machines in disrepair.