Boring poolside atmosphere

[Scotto97]

We just returned from a Mexican Rivera cruise on the Ruby 2 weeks ago and had a great time.

 

The poolside atmosphere was really boring though - much more so than what I recalled during our past warm weather cruises on Princess

 

During the 3 sea days, a live band only played one hour a day poolside, with the DJ also only playing for an hour. Other than that, only canned, easy-listening music was being played.

 

Looking at a Norwegian patter, the same itinerary had either a live band or DJ playing poolside from 11AM until 4PM. And I remember Carnival having both scheduled most of the day as well

 

There was also only one pool game (a relay race) offered during the entire cruise along with a putting contest.

 

I remember on our Princess Caribbean cruises in years past they held much more fun and slightly edgier games involving passing balloons hands free, etc

 

Is this the norm now? While we're not looking for a frat party, more energy and atmosphere would have been appreciated on this warm weather trip.

 

Otherwise there's certainly no need to book the Sanctuary, as the Neptune poll was certainly quiet enough !

[joeyancho]

Yup, that's the way I like it.

[jasbo49]

Must admit, when I saw your thread title, I thought "Boring? That's perfect." I don't want anyone trying to entertain me at the pool. I'd like to hear quiet, hear natural sounds. I'm happy to read and/or listen to music on my headphones.

 

I could certainly get into a live band with regional sounds (Mariachi music in the case of the Mexican Riviera), but a D.J. with pop music? I'd rather hear another pitch for a wine tasting.

 

Jim

[Scotto97]

Yup, that's the way I like it.

 

Then perhaps Princess clientele is skewing older than it used to on their warm weather itineraries and we're now too young for them.

 

Geez - what's wrong with a little upbeat music and fun by the pool?

Edited April 1, 2015 by Scotto97

[TravelingEA]

If I wanted the games that Carnival has, I would book Carnival. I like Princess the way it is - very limited games around the pool.

[Colo Cruiser]

That does not sound good.

 

Were the Mariachis onboard?

Edited April 1, 2015 by Colo Cruiser

[paul929207]

I vote for the "boring"

[Scotto97]

Must admit, when I saw your thread title, I thought "Boring? That's perfect." I don't want anyone trying to entertain me at the pool. I'd like to hear quiet, hear natural sounds. I'm happy to read and/or listen to music on my headphones.

 

I could certainly get into a live band with regional sounds (Mariachi music in the case of the Mexican Riviera), but a D.J. with pop music? I'd rather hear another pitch for a wine tasting.

 

Jim

 

Isn't a quiet atmosphere what The Sanctuary is trying to be? An alternative to the more active Neptune pool and MUTS in the Calypso pool?

[pjrockman]

I vote for the "boring"

 

 

Second the motion.

 

I'll stick with Princess. Not that old, by the way. Just our style.

[Working 2 Cruise]

I think Carnival would be a better fit for you...

 

I also like boring ... I'm in mid fifties... not that old by any stretch.

[Scotto97]

All replies have been really in favor of a quiet and boring pool atmosphere with little or no entertainment.

 

I can definitely tell you that's not how it used to be on the Princess Caribbean cruises we had taken in the past.

 

They had steel drum bands, fun pool games where the winners received gold medallions, and smart DJ's that played good 70's and 80's music to keep people drinking and in a upbeat and social mood.

 

We hope all Princess cruises have not turned into a poolside book reading club. As we love the upscale feel and service, but don't want to be bored out of our minds either.

 

There's needs to be some compromise for those who want a little more activity and social atmosphere around the Neptune Pool, otherwise Princess will lose younger (35 -50) upscale cruisers to other, more proactive lines.

 

Besides, this will drive more revenue two ways - the selling of more drinks and additional Sanctuary revenue for those looking to read books in a quiet place

[Mom33]

All replies have been really in favor of a quiet and boring pool atmosphere with little or no entertainment.

 

 

 

I can definitely tell you that's not how it used to be on the Princess Caribbean cruises we had taken in the past.

 

 

 

They had steel drum bands, fun pool games where the winners received gold medallions, and smart DJ's that played good 70's and 80's music to keep people drinking and in a upbeat and social mood.

 

 

 

We hope all Princess cruises have not turned into a poolside book reading club. As we love the upscale feel and service, but don't want to be bored out of our minds either.

 

 

 

There's needs to be some compromise for those who want a little more activity and social atmosphere around the Neptune Pool, otherwise Princess will lose younger (35 -50) upscale cruisers to other, more proactive lines.

 

 

 

Besides, this will drive more revenue two ways - the selling of more drinks and additional Sanctuary revenue for those looking to read books in a quiet place

 

 

They still have all of the things that you mentioned on a Caribbean cruise.

We were on two this season, the Regal and the Caribbean Princess. We were never bored.

Perhaps the CD was the problem on your cruise..

[sandcar1]

scott we board on the 19th hope there is entertainment at the pool (old guy 64) what to have some fun

[elliair]

Otherwise there's certainly no need to book the Sanctuary, as the Neptune poll was certainly quiet enough !

 

I never did catch on to the concept of paying to go sit in a quiet spot like the Sanctuary. I could see it if there were screaming kids running around, but I haven't found that YET on Princess--Carnival yes. We always book a balcony so paying to go sit somewhere quiet isn't for me. The one thing I do miss are the steel drums being played by the pool.

[teachtocruis]

I have done the Mexican Riveria on Carnival, NCL, and Princess. Carnival was definitely the most upbeat/loud of the 3. I will say that on my last Princess one (last week) it was MUCH quieter with pool games and activities than any of my previous Princess Mexico cruises. Although I prefer the quieter calmer atmosphere, this one was really lacking, even at sail away.

[Colo Cruiser]

We have always been disappointed in the lack of steel bands outside on all our Caribbean cruises. The past few years they have at least had a couple playing on the Piazza. But still lack good bands by the pool.

[shredie]

We hope all Princess cruises have not turned into a poolside book reading club. As we love the upscale feel and service, but don't want to be bored out of our minds either.

 

There's needs to be some compromise for those who want a little more activity and social atmosphere around the Neptune Pool, otherwise Princess will lose younger (35 -50) upscale cruisers to other, more proactive lines.

 

Book club! What a great idea. Quiet place to read without having to pay for it every day. You know, if Princess is boring you, there are other places to go. My last Carnival cruise, there was so much "social atmosphere" around the pool, I couldn't hear myself think. You go have a nice time with the kids on Carnival, and I'll stay on Princess with my boring old crones and geezers who like to read. :)

[iceleven]

I can't think of anything more annoying, music-wise, than Mariachi bands. I don't think it is even danceable music. I'm all for the cultural pieces that are often shown in the lobby but I would never sit by a pool (don't anyway) if there was a Mariachi band playing.

 

I don't think that a lack of music is Princess-wide but more to do with the CD for each ship. Just got back from a California coastal and never once saw the CD.

[shredie]

I can't think of anything more annoying, music-wise, than Mariachi bands.

I can. :D

 

I don't think that a lack of music is Princess-wide but more to do with the CD for each ship. Just got back from a California coastal and never once saw the CD.

I think you're right about that. The CD can make all the difference in the atmosphere on the ship.

[Scotto97]

They still have all of the things that you mentioned on a Caribbean cruise.

We were on two this season, the Regal and the Caribbean Princess. We were never bored.

Perhaps the CD was the problem on your cruise..

 

You have a good point. Our Cruise Director was Bob Leininger, probably the most famous of all active CD's - even authoring his own book in the gift shop detailing his career and experiences.

 

But his background with very upscale cruise lines (including the Residency ship known as The World) and other lines catering to an older crowd probably leads to a very conservation approach when it comes to poolside entertainment

[tvaud]

I miss the live bands at pool side as well. Overall, it seems that Princess is scaling back on their entertainment...shortening production shows, having less entertainment options and special performers on board.

 

On our last cruise on the Coral in February, many nights went by where we were looking for entertainment options after dinner. Even the television options in the cabin were minimal. Maybe that's the plan...taking out the Universe Lounge on the Island and Coral means less entertainers they have to hire...money maker vs. revenue taker? Hmm...

[shredie]

I have a question. I'm asking this in all seriousness. Why do people post comments on this (or any) board equating "boring" with "old"? I always wonder if it ever occurs to them that they are insulting people. Not that the current poster has said so, but more times than one, Princess has been characterized as a "rest home at sea" or a "floating coffin." Why do people go out of their way to say unkind things about anyone over whatever age they think is geriatric?

 

I was on a cruise with Bob Leininger as CD and I had no idea he was famous. Still don't.

[AE_Collector]

We just returned from a Mexican Rivera cruise on the Ruby 2 weeks ago and had a great time.

 

Was thinking that time must really be moving quickly for you since the cruise as Ruby Princess only arrived in LA March 21 from the Caribbean and has done one cruise to Mexico March 21-28. IE: you could only have been back from the cruise for 4 days, not two weeks!

 

Our Cruise Director was Bob Leininger,

 

Then I read this which confirms it....you weren't on the Ruby Princess.

 

Terry

Edited April 2, 2015 by AE_Collector

[Colo Cruiser]

Delete

Edited April 2, 2015 by Colo Cruiser

[Redwing55]

Interesting thread. I've been mostly on the Carr. Princess itineraries, and, for the most part, there seemed to be a band or activity around the main pool for at least 2/3's of the time. As others have mentioned, might it be the CD? The other thing is that I recall a few events never happened due to lack of volunteers. Maybe the CD just suspected that the passengers on your cruise weren't into that? Pretty big leap of faith IMO though. Give it a chance anyway. As for the bands, we had them frequently at the main pool.. though not every minute.