Grego Posted October 18, 2015 #51 Share Posted October 18, 2015 I think most of the OP's concerns are the responsibility of the CD and his/her staff. The wine tasting is probably the Maitre D' or Hotel Manager. From what I could see, they aren't a result of Princess policy changes. Another ship or even CD could be a completely different experience. A few years ago, I was on a T/A on the Crown and several times, the Patter wasn't delivered until the next morning (even after checking at Midnight.) The next day, there were constant PA announcements with corrections and additions. I commented to someone that I thought the CD wasn't doing his job and the person insisted that the CD didn't write or print the Patter. While he didn't, it was done by his staff, was his responsibility and he was the one on the PA. Most of the time, a CD won't affect the enjoyment of your cruise but when they do poor planning or managing, IMHO, they can very much affect your cruise experience. Absolutely. Most all the variances among the ships are due to the individual managers and their practices. If something isn't being done properly it should be noted so corrections can be made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcur Posted October 18, 2015 #52 Share Posted October 18, 2015 I've been on a total of 57 cruises, most of them on RCCL. We've sailed on Princes for a total of 35 days, two ships. Some long time cruisers feel they are losing the quality of their experience when something goes missing on a cruise. We realize the industry is always a moving target, and the cruise experience will change as the market demands change, etc. I have always embarked on a cruise mostly happy to be there. The perks (and we get lots of them on RCCL) are a bonus, and greatly appreciated. I know we are enjoying these perks at the largesse of the cruise line, so we try not to become to complacent about them. They may go away some day! I remember on the RCCL board here on CC many years ago a woman complained bitterly that RCCL had no class because their logo wasn't imprinted on the butter pats. She was immediately nicknamed Princess Butterpat. Purchasing a cruise is not necessarily a ticket to entitlement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flamomo Posted October 18, 2015 #53 Share Posted October 18, 2015 We are currently aboard the Regal Princess for the Canada New England run. The best thing I can say is that the weather has been fantastic. T-shirts and shorts were more the order of the day. Temperatures have been in the 70’s. Horizon Court is the best buffet we have ever seen. The choices are amazing and most have been delicious. Now for the downside: • No Princess tote bags. • Grapevine wine tasting – they stopped giving the cordial glass and the samples of wine were about 2 tbls each. All 5 offerings did not even add up to ONE glass of wine. • They did have the Pop Choir, but no after party or champagne. • No morning trivia question on The Wake Show • The only prize given out at any of the trivia games was a bottle of “ship(t) champagne” as they called it. • If you would like a decent seat, or seats together in the theatre, better get there 45 mins ahead of time. Seating is totally inadequate for the size of the ship. The only production show worth seeing was Fiera. So much wasted paper with junk in the Patter and mailbox. Our garbage can was filled daily with it. Crew does not seem real happy on this ship either. Dining room staff was the worst we have ever encountered. Seems like they are being worked to death. Just passing along our observations after 36 cruises with Princess. Well, the cruise I just disembarked yesterday, on the Emerald, from Barcelona to FLL, was not diminished as much as what you reported, at least in the areas I observed. We DID receive the Princess totes; the wine tasting didn't give out cordial glasses at the end but the samplings were no smaller than in the past. If one purchased the limoncello or port when offered, the cordial glasses were included in the price; there were 2 public events that included champagne; yes, the theater was crowded and getting seats for the popular ones required an early arrival, but that's as usual; the crew and staff overall were pleasant, cheerful, helpful, and on occasion some could be heard humming or singing quietly to themselves as they went about their work. It was a happy ship. I do agree that the amount of advertising for various shops, spa services, art sales seemed to be significantly increased to the point of being wasteful of paper, ink, and staff to do the printing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassettMom Posted October 18, 2015 #54 Share Posted October 18, 2015 I didn't get the tote on my last cruise on the Royal. I didn't notice that I didn't get it till I read this thread (guess I didn't miss it). Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griller Posted October 18, 2015 #55 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Well, the cruise I just disembarked yesterday, on the Emerald, from Barcelona to FLL, was not diminished as much as what you reported, at least in the areas I observed. We DID receive the Princess totes; the wine tasting didn't give out cordial glasses at the end but the samplings were no smaller than in the past. If one purchased the limoncello or port when offered, the cordial glasses were included in the price; there were 2 public events that included champagne; yes, the theater was crowded and getting seats for the popular ones required an early arrival, but that's as usual; the crew and staff overall were pleasant, cheerful, helpful, and on occasion some could be heard humming or singing quietly to themselves as they went about their work. It was a happy ship. I do agree that the amount of advertising for various shops, spa services, art sales seemed to be significantly increased to the point of being wasteful of paper, ink, and staff to do the printing! You had Peter Hollinson who is the best hotel manager at Princess who left CB several weeks ago in Quebec City and flew to Barcelona to take over the ship for the transatlantic. Peter is known to the crews as fair but strict, he doesn't take any nonsense and likes everything in apple pie order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shredie Posted October 18, 2015 #56 Share Posted October 18, 2015 It is $2.99 there now for the 50th anniversary one. $4.00 for shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Princess-50th-year-anniversery-shopping-bag-/171940912921?hash=item28087a1f19:g:~zgAAOSw37tV~ent Guess I can retire to Tahiti. I have three 50th anniversary bags! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RocketMan275 Posted October 18, 2015 #57 Share Posted October 18, 2015 (edited) Guess I can retire to Tahiti. I have three 50th anniversary bags! ;) Wait a minute. I'll get mine and go with you. Edited October 18, 2015 by RocketMan275 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare sprint180 Posted October 18, 2015 #58 Share Posted October 18, 2015 I have to be honest I don't pay enough attention to most of the stuff in the op statement but I agree on the paper waste. It drives me crazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassettMom Posted October 18, 2015 #59 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Guess I can retire to Tahiti. I have three 50th anniversary bags! ;) I don't have any, although I cruised twice this year. Got a regular one on the Ocean, and didn't get one on the Royal. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrak Posted October 18, 2015 #60 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Just off Coral. Daily trivia on the Wake Show (I actually won the "coveted" Princess flashlight!) We got the tote bags. Our town has banned plastic grocery bags and they charge ten cents each for paper bags so we use our Princess tote bags for groceries. :) The CD can make all the difference in the world. We once had JJ Ulrich. Wow. What a total dud. The CD on our recent Coral cruise was great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srpilo Posted October 18, 2015 #61 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Just off the Regal last week, and I just realized this second that there was indeed no Totes in our cabin... :eek: I wondered why my suit case felt so light yesterday :) Srpilo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassettMom Posted October 18, 2015 #62 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Just off the Regal last week, and I just realized this second that there was indeed no Totes in our cabin... :eek: I wondered why my suit case felt so light yesterday :) Srpilo Guess you didn't miss yours either. [emoji6] Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancyquilts Posted October 18, 2015 #63 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Just off Coral. Daily trivia on the Wake Show (I actually won the "coveted" Princess flashlight!) We got the tote bags. Our town has banned plastic grocery bags and they charge ten cents each for paper bags so we use our Princess tote bags for groceries. They are handy for that.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted October 18, 2015 #64 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Just wondering re the complaints about the paper advertising. How would you like them to advertise these services and goods (because they are going to). Maybe an announcement on the PA every 5 minutes, or during a show, "Now a word from our sponsor", or on a placemat at your table in the MDR rather than a table cloth, I've got it billboards all over the shop. Like it or not marketing is part of sales and all these on board sales actually help keep your cruise fare down. To be frank it's basic retail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanmarcosman Posted October 18, 2015 #65 Share Posted October 18, 2015 How would you like them to advertise these services and goods Since you ask, by Princess utilizing their ship's on board social media to advertise sales and promotions it would be a good start to reducing volumes of papers arriving to the cabin. Technology will eclipse the use of paper flyers in my lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shogun Posted October 18, 2015 #66 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Hi All There is no need for paper, Effy was on tv 24 hrs a day It was in the patter every day CD referred to sales. Then there was the sales talks in the theatre Then the bill board blocking the atrium The sales tables yours Shogun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted October 18, 2015 #67 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Since you ask, by Princess utilizing their ship's on board social media to advertise sales and promotions it would be a good start to reducing volumes of papers arriving to the cabin. Technology will eclipse the use of paper flyers in my lifetime. Actually I seriously doubt that. Advertising via social media relies on you going looking at the media, papering an area leads to some noticing it without going looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted October 18, 2015 #68 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Hi All There is no need for paper, Effy was on tv 24 hrs a day It was in the patter every day CD referred to sales. Then there was the sales talks in the theatre Then the bill board blocking the atrium The sales tables yours Shogun And ny Goid marketing team know what % of sales come from what stream That's why most products are marketed across various media on land. I'm surprised anyone expects it to be any different at sea. Every week I get about half a kilo, (or a pound) of advertising material in my letter box at home, most of it goes in the rubbish, but does anyone think the shops print these glossy colour bichirs if it doesn't generate sales? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shogun Posted October 18, 2015 #69 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Hi There Like most we studied advertising, so we all know that 50% of all money on advertising is wasted, the joke being that know one knows what half, but I can answer both half's, because if I am bombarded with sales stuff, I have no interest in the product. yours Shogun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom33 Posted October 18, 2015 #70 Share Posted October 18, 2015 (edited) We have sailed Princess for the last 8 years and have received advertising in our cabin on every cruise. Not once, in all our cruises, did we ever complain about it. Not once did it ruin our cruise. If we ever reach the point that something so simple interferes with our joy in cruising, we will end our cruising days.:rolleyes: Edited October 18, 2015 by Mom33 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Hlitner Posted October 18, 2015 #71 Share Posted October 18, 2015 (edited) Speaking of all the ad stuff, we think most folks understand that the shops, photographers, tour desk, photographers, art auctions...etc are not even owned by the cruise line. These are all contractors who are free to distribute circulars at their own expense. In our case all of that junk goes right into the trash filing cabinet :). But it is exactly the same on Celebrity, RCI, HAL, Carnival, etc. Hank Edited October 18, 2015 by Hlitner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribill Posted October 19, 2015 #72 Share Posted October 19, 2015 (edited) Speaking of all the ad stuff, we think most folks understand that the shops, photographers, tour desk, photographers, art auctions...etc are not even owned by the cruise line. These are all contractors who are free to distribute circulars at their own expense. In our case all of that junk goes right into the trash filing cabinet :). But it is exactly the same on Celebrity, RCI, HAL, Carnival, etc. Spa and art auction are outside vendors. Some shops may be outside vendors. Photo personnel and tour desk are Princess contracted employees (same type of contracts as cabin stewards, wait staff, etc.) and are essentially Princess employees. Edited October 19, 2015 by caribill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casco Bay Kid Posted October 19, 2015 #73 Share Posted October 19, 2015 No tote Bag? No Big Deal It's called a wine tasting..you get a taste. After party champagne. Could care less. No Morning trivia. Could care even less Trivia prizes? Never play trivia. Can't get a seat at the show. We go late. Tons of seats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNUZULOOSE Posted October 19, 2015 #74 Share Posted October 19, 2015 After managing stores for 8 years I have gotten used to advertising and pay attention to it. Some of it can benefit you. If it is something you are buying or looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnieslady Posted October 19, 2015 #75 Share Posted October 19, 2015 I think most of the OP's concerns are the responsibility of the CD and his/her staff. The wine tasting is probably the Maitre D' or Hotel Manager. From what I could see, they aren't a result of Princess policy changes. Another ship or even CD could be a completely different experience. A few years ago, I was on a T/A on the Crown and several times, the Patter wasn't delivered until the next morning (even after checking at Midnight.) The next day, there were constant PA announcements with corrections and additions. I commented to someone that I thought the CD wasn't doing his job and the person insisted that the CD didn't write or print the Patter. While he didn't, it was done by his staff, was his responsibility and he was the one on the PA. Most of the time, a CD won't affect the enjoyment of your cruise but when they do poor planning or managing, IMHO, they can very much affect your cruise experience. When you have had a really good CD that is when we are more critical of the not so good CD's. They seem to have their specialties like Marshcal did a great church service & we liked his wake show & staff. Some are really really funny & have a great wake show. The cruise we just got off of, the Ruby the CD was a guy named Billy. Now if you like Tom Jones you will love him. He specialized in singing & dancing. there seemed to a lot of dancing with this CD. Although his staff was the worst we have ever had on Princess. Their attitudes were not good. They all out lied when asked where certain sports equipment was. Was told it would be there, then 1 hour later still not there. They would run a contest & be 20 minutes late with the equipment. They would not want to do it & would just give out the prizes to whoever showed up @ the beginning. You could really tell they just wanted to take a break & that they did not care. There was only one guy that really cared. The rest should not even be on board. This was a real 1st for us. Maybe this comes from being over worked, but why did we have this feeling on only this ship?? We did get the Patter around 8:15 every nite, but with a few mistakes or changes, which we do forgive. This was told to us by other passengers. I asked once to talk to the CD & was told I had to talk to the assistant CD, which I did. It did not do any good. So I will explain all this on my email survey. We did get the in room tote bag. Way less champagne was given out for trivia winners, mostly small little items. That was fine for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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