Island Princess Staff Review

[bdjam]

Hi Cruiser Babe, This is what happens when you upset the "Cheerleaders" Fair winds and following seas on future cruises........ Cheers Jake

Could you please point out which of the cheerleaders is upset and what makes you think that’s the case? I thought this was a constructive thread with valid suggestions for the original poster’s issues. Or maybe I’m being fooled?

[Theta_Potata]

We were on the same cruise and expirenced a totally different time. The staff were all wonderful our room attendant was amazing and we got coffee every morning when we filled out the request. This was our first cruise and maybe our level of ameneties was not the same but we did see the same staff in the boutiques as well as the anytime dining room and the buffett, all were so happy and accommodating.

The disembarkation was a little screwed up but all seemed to get through it. There were definetly extenuating circumstnaces.

The odd thing is, Ginneeeeee/cruiser babe we saw you many times on the ship and I don't ever remember you without a smile. You seemed to be having a really good time. I challenge you to post all of the wonderful expirences you had on this cruise. There were 15 days on this cruise, so what did you like about it?

Just as a side note, DH and I loved it so much we put money down on our second Princess cruise. That should say something about our satisfaction (and DH got really sea sick:D ).

We had a great time!

[antsp]

never mind the staff how was the weather, we go next week and the weather looks bad

[MamaTene]

Keeping our fingers crossed that the rain clears before we hit the islands. Figure we have about 14 days until we ACTUALLY begin arriving at the individual ports of call.

[Hornet]

Don't worry about the rain. We had rain off and on the whole time in Hawaii for this last cruise and it doesn't matter. One side of the island may have some rain and the other doesn't - it starts and stops. The temp is warm and you dry off fast. I was worried about the rain too - but I learned to "hang loose".

 

Bring a light rain jacket or poncho or do what my DH did and take off your shirt (if you're a guy). We usually had a backpack with extra stuff for our all day excursions.

[ahracer]

rt. We had anytime dining and we prefer a table for two. You would think we were asking for the moon. We were made to feel like we were the biggest problem of the night; .

 

 

Sorry the cruise didn't meet your expectations. I've sailed on the Island twice, it is hands down my favorite ship. We have never had a problem getting a table for two on the Island or any Princess ship for that matter.

 

Scott

[cmash95]

ok adding my two cents here and it sort of fits. I was on the Last Island Cruise that went southbound in alaska. We had a balcony room, not a suite but this is about service, not rooms and perks. The first night we had second seating in the dining room, I wish I could remember our wait staff's name but unfortunately right now it slps my mind, anyway I remeber they were from romania. Ok to get to the point. We were a party of three, my husband( age 50) myself( age 47) and my 70 year old mother. Our wait staff came over to introduce themselves and I realise they were trying to be funny but here is wnat they said" Hello, we are your servers tonight." and then the waiter said" and if you can't tell, we are from Jamaica" and he gave a bit of a chuckle. When the table gave him a puzzled look, the assistant waiter said" yeah, we are what they call white niggers: ( sorry if using the N word offends anyone but that is exactly what he said). Well After dinner my mother and I went to the head waiter and well as the pursers desk and told them what had happened. She had written down their names. We also made the remarks on the cruise form at the end of the cruise.

I must say this was the first time my mother had been on a cruise and what a way to start it. Now our room sterward was wonderful. and the wait staff at the bars were great considering we ordered lots of soda. but my mother only at dinner one more time in the dinning room. the rest of the time she ate in the horizon court because she didn't feel comfortable.

[lois1112]

I was on this cruise as well and had a wonderful time, with wonderful service.

we had first seating in the traditional dinning room with a wonderful waiter and assistant. My room steward could not have been more accompidating or helpful if I was in a suite (I was in a balcony room) The staff I ran into on the ship were all cheerful and helpful (we did meet up with one rude person in the botique and just didn't go back in).

 

I also saw lots of smiles etc from many people on this cruise. I loved the ship etc. I have 3 more cruises booked and I am not sorry.

 

I would say that the problem with the disembarkation was a big one. (not entirely Princess fault). I have written them a letter and will let you all know what the outcome is.

[bdjam]

Well After dinner my mother and I went to the head waiter and well as the pursers desk and told them what had happened.

…and…then what happened?

[ahracer]

ok adding my two cents here and it sort of fits. I was on the Last Island Cruise that went southbound in alaska. We had a balcony room, not a suite but this is about service, not rooms and perks. The first night we had second seating in the dining room, I wish I could remember our wait staff's name but unfortunately right now it slps my mind, anyway I remeber they were from romania. Ok to get to the point. We were a party of three, my husband( age 50) myself( age 47) and my 70 year old mother. Our wait staff came over to introduce themselves and I realise they were trying to be funny but here is wnat they said" Hello, we are your servers tonight." and then the waiter said" and if you can't tell, we are from Jamaica" and he gave a bit of a chuckle. When the table gave him a puzzled look, the assistant waiter said" yeah, we are what they call white niggers: ( sorry if using the N word offends anyone but that is exactly what he said). Well After dinner my mother and I went to the head waiter and well as the pursers desk and told them what had happened. She had written down their names. We also made the remarks on the cruise form at the end of the cruise.

I must say this was the first time my mother had been on a cruise and what a way to start it. Now our room sterward was wonderful. and the wait staff at the bars were great considering we ordered lots of soda. but my mother only at dinner one more time in the dinning room. the rest of the time she ate in the horizon court because she didn't feel comfortable.

 

Not something you expect to hear and you did the correct thing by reporting but keep in mind english is a second language to them and they might have had no idea what they said was offensive.

 

Scott

[Ginneeeeee]

The odd thing is, Ginneeeeee/cruiser babe we saw you many times on the ship and I don't ever remember you without a smile. You seemed to be having a really good time. I challenge you to post all of the wonderful expirences you had on this cruise. There were 15 days on this cruise, so what did you like about it?

 

I can't talk for cruiser babe but I will speak for my self - if you read my post which I will insert here in case you missed it-

I too was in a full suite. I also had a wonderful time but I agree the service or lack of service was very disturbing to me. I feel that when you are paying the amount that a full suite costs the service should be first rate. I also will not do another princess cruise because of the bad service. We prefer the full suites and we don't complain about the high cost but we do expect what is promised. If I didn't want all the extras I would have gotten a regular cabin.

 

Unlike you I have cruised before as a full suite passenger and received fantastic service and had not one complaint. Just because you did not run into the same service people and had different room attendents then I does not give you the right to dismiss my experience. You had yours and we had ours.

[bdjam]

Unlike you I have cruised before as a full suite passenger and received fantastic service and had not one complaint. Just because you did not run into the same service people and had different room attendents then I does not give you the right to dismiss my experience. You had yours and we had ours.

This is absolutely correct – one shouldn’t assume that one’s experiences are repeated throughout a ship. However, by the same token, suite amenities differ from cruise line to cruise line. It seems to me that it would be difficult to compare suites on HAL – which is supposed to be Carnival Corporation’s premium line – to Princess.

[zguyturbo]

We were also on the Sept 23rd sailing of the Island Princess and other than the last day, we totally enjoyed the experience. That last day the senior staff seem to be nowhere and confusion was the order of the day. We did fill out some complaint forms while we were waiting to leave the ship and hopefully they will make some changes if that situation ever arises again.

[bdjam]

Regarding the last day Customs issue – I’ve heard of this kind of thing happening before and unfortunately the cruise line is at the mercy of the Customs department. I went to meet a friend on Dawn Princess once when three other ships were in San Francisco – they were four hours late disembarking because Customs chose to board Dawn Princess last. In their zeal to address security, Customs doesn’t seem to have any organizational skills. Every instance of this that I’ve heard of seems to be rooted in the fact that Customs is understaffed and overworked.

 

Senior staff on the ship probably should have been available to help with the confusion, but they also have specific duties that must be performed on turn around day – and those duties are extensive. The problem is made worse in the departure time is often not postponed to offset the late disembarkation – so the time for turn around is reduced. It’s difficult for the senior staff to be two places doing two jobs at once.

 

I guess my suggestion to Princess would be that if they know they're in for a Customs inspection with other ships, they should come up with alternative processes...but even then they can't get anyone off the ship until Customs tells them they can.

[Colo Cruiser]

As far as prority tender, we have always been told to go directly to deck 4 and were escorted on. No waiting in the lounges.

Never thought about screaming and yelling and waving my black card.:eek:

[coiran]

As far as prority tender, we have always been told to go directly to deck 4 and were escorted on. No waiting in the lounges.

Never thought about screaming and yelling and waving my black card.:eek:

 

You realize, I was just kidding there?

Ron

[Ginneeeeee]

This is absolutely correct – one shouldn’t assume that one’s experiences are repeated throughout a ship. However, by the same token, suite amenities differ from cruise line to cruise line. It seems to me that it would be difficult to compare suites on HAL – which is supposed to be Carnival Corporation’s premium line – to Princess.

 

Thank you, very well said - that's all I'm trying to convey. We have been spoiled by HAL and I heard such wonderful things about Princess that I just thought it would be the same. I loved the cruise in general we had a magnificent time and I didn't want to get off the ship at the end. That has nothing to do with not being satisfied with the level of service. It was just not what we were used to but it in no way ruined our vacation as some would have you think. The service is superior on HAL and since that's what we prefer that's where we will cruise again. Princess is not for us its just that simple. I mean no hard feelings to anyone. Different strokes for different folks.

[bdjam]

The service is superior on HAL and since that's what we prefer that's where we will cruise again. Princess is not for us its just that simple.

Can you tell us some of the differences in service that you observed? We’ve heard of the perceived degradation of Princess service – although I must admit that I’ve not experienced it myself – and for me, if Princess presents experiences that are less than desirable, HAL might be an alternative. It would be interesting to know the differences.

[cruzinchris]

Another example: We purchased a very expensive Lladro and were told to come back the next day to pick it up. This was ok and we went the following day and when we asked to open the box to examine the statue the cashier was very annoyed and let us know she was “put out” by the inconvenience of having to waste her time on this. Sorry, but when spending hundreds of dollars on something that is not returnable if damaged, it is only logical that it should be inspected.

 

cruiserbabe,

I would like to comment on this one aspect of your cruise experience.

 

I own at least 50 Lladro figurines and have purchased one on each of my Princess cruises. At the time of purchase, I am asked to inspect each piece, and I do so with great care. When I return to the boutique for my purchase (or have it delivered to my stateroom), it has been packaged for the trip home, and I have never had a problem. Actually, this has been the procedure wherever I have purchased any of my Lladros: Marshall Field's, Little Switzerland (Caribbean islands), the Lladro store, or local jewelers.

 

It has been my experience with Princess that utmost care is given to packaging these exquisite collectibles. When you picked up your Lladro figurine in the ship boutique, the attendant likely assumed that you had inspected the figurine at the time of purchase. I trust that your Lladro figurine was in A-1 condition when you opened it at home.

Chris

[Colo Cruiser]

Yeah Ron I know, but you know it has been tried. :rolleyes:

[Gotmartini]

I hope that not all that I have read here is true! I know all lines, businesses for that matter, will have problems with staff at one point or another. I just hope Princess is not as bad as some have said. HAL, Never sailed with them. But I was under the impression that princess was similar to celebrity and HAL.

[coiran]

Yeah Ron I know, but you know it has been tried. :rolleyes:

 

A little bit off topic, but, tell me, how does the elite tender priority system work? We will be on our first elite trip next week and are curious. Does it take you past all the lines and right to the tender?

Ron

[Once Upon A Time]

A quick note to passengers who have had bad service from specific individuals. I think if we want something to change, we have to be specific about who is causing the problem. I don't think we should walk around with a note pad, but giving a specific name of an ofending crewmember and writing to the Corporate Director of Food and Beverage may start to weed out the problem employees. There are too many really good ones out there to just write a blanket complaint.

[suziehmkr]

Regarding the last day Customs issue – I’ve heard of this kind of thing happening before and unfortunately the cruise line is at the mercy of the Customs department.

It's too bad that more ports don't have the great customs arrangement that San Diego does. When returning from the Mexican Riviera last year, we simply filled out our customs forms and turned them in the evening prior to returning. Since it is RCCL, we did have to go to common areas and wait for our colors... but they simply called the people that they wanted to talk with on the speaker system. No immigration lines, simply leave the ship when it was your turn. It would be nice if all ports could have this sort of arrangement. :( The only thing I am not looking forward to on our trip is the process of getting off. Especially with such an early arrival (6am). Luckily there is only one other ship in port that morning and they have an 8am docking time.

[Colo Cruiser]

Ron,

what we have experienced is that you head down to deck 4 on your own and head to the front of the line, or stand off to the side and they will take you out. When we have gone the line had not started yet or the tender had left and we were first in line for the next one. But you know how that changes from ship to ship. Unless they have changed it take your tender tickets and head down to deck 4. We have bypassed the lounge altogether.