I am really scared

[FlyerTalker]

The telling thing to me is that the OP has NEVER said just what was the specifics that had her "scared". And, since it was just "bad reviews" that have scared her, there is nothing specifically that one can address.

 

Has we gotten something mentioning tours, shows, accomodation, food, accessability, casino or whatever, perhaps an informed response could be made addressing those fears.

 

So, to the OP: aside from previously getting lots of "you'll have fun" and "there are always bad reviews", I can only add "Good luck with whatever it may be".

[happytrish40]

Hi all thank you so much for your replies. You know what I am going to go on my cruise and enjoy it. I actually agree with all the reviews. I began reading them to get tips for the cruise and some of the reviews really floored me. I watch the cruise show on the television and I was very excited by what I saw. I do have a balcony state room. I read reviews where people said that it's not private,another woman complained about the amount of disabled people with aids on the ship. I am partially disabled I use a wheelchair/ scooter and a stick. I don't want to feel I am being a pain to someone. But I will be positive and look forward to my trip. Thank you positive cruisers ⛴🚢🛥🛳⚓️

[OzKiwiJJ]

If you're determined to enjoy your cruise, you will. :D

 

We've done seven cruises in two years on four different cruise lines and enjoyed every single one of them. Were they perfect - no! Did we care - no! Would we cruise again tomorrow - yes! In fact we have another four cruises booked already.

 

No, balconies aren't totally private so I suggest you don't sunbathe in the nude on yours. ;) :D

 

And the type of people who complain about disabled people with aids need to get a life! Cruise ships are perfect for people in your situation.

 

I hope you have an absolutely wonderful cruise but be warned - cruising is addictive. :eek:

[cruisekmc]

A cruise is merely a vacation. The "service" should be just fine! More service than you'd get at most hotels!

 

Stop reading reviews! Folks with complaints are ALWAYS more vocal than those who had wonderful trips!

 

It will be great!

 

 

You are exactly right! The people that enjoyed it don't always comment.

 

The more you travel the more you learn to roll with it. Things happen, but don't let it bother you, you're on vacation!

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[capriccio]

I read reviews where people said that it's not private,another woman complained about the amount of disabled people with aids on the ship. I am partially disabled I use a wheelchair/ scooter and a stick. I don't want to feel I am being a pain to someone. But I will be positive and look forward to my trip. Thank you positive cruisers ⛴⚓️

 

Please don't worry about this. For the first time in our 20+ cruises I used a cane through the entire cruise.

 

If Southampton is like Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles (I can't remember since I didn't need a cane then), there will be attendants as you enter the terminal who, when they see your cane, will offer you a ride in a wheelchair (if you don't have your own). The Princess theater has the top 3 rows (enter from deck 7 with wheelchair access from a ramp between the stairways) noted as 'handicap' seating but still get there early because able bodied folks don't see/pay attention to the little stickers on each seat. The very top row is for wheelchairs with additional seats for those accompanying folks in wheelchairs. If you are using a cane and have any tender ports (wheelchairs and scooters aren't allowed on tenders) on your cruise, there is an elevator for handicapped passengers (one of the staff will operate it for you, just ask if they don't see you first) and you can avoid the relatively steep and narrow steps - and the crowds trying to get up and down them. Also don't be afraid to turn down certain seats in the main dining room -- there is no way I can sit on a banquette (lots of tables for 2 have one chair and a banquette seat) and if I take the seat my cane usually ended up too far away from me. Normally the host realized it without me saying anything; one time I did have to ask for a table with 2 chairs near a wall or railing for the cane and I was accomodated immediately. The only place where Princess let me (and anyone else with mobility issues) down was the Salty Dog Gastropub - all the tables were high with counter height seating. That is impossible for folks in a wheelchair and totally uncomfortable, if not impossible, for folks with canes. I don't know what they were thinking!

 

I found the great, great majority of passengers very accomodating just like in public places everywhere. Problems, if they are going to occur, may happen with overcrowded elevators. People try to rush on without giving time for the able and less able bodied to exit. The cane came in handy then (for keeping the door open so everyone - including my husband and me - could exit, not for hitting other passengers :D). I was actually the hero of more than a few passengers rushing to get on an elevator with me when I used my cane to keep the door open :o.

 

I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

Edited January 23, 2017 by capriccio

[happytrish40]

Hi friends thank you for all your wonderful comments. I really am looking forward to these six months flying by. I will still be worried but at least will still have reservations but I will give it a shot.

[Bizmark'sMom]

Take negative reviews with a grain of salt.

 

On my Arctic cruise with Lindblad, there was one passenger for whom nothing was good enough. Her cabin wasn't nice enough. The little village we stopped at with no paved roads or even a dock (we hopped out of boats onto the beach) didn't have adequate shopping. The cultural display was amateurish. She was expected to hike to see musk oxen. And the list went on..... The rest of us had a simply amazing time and could not figure out what her problem was.

[geoherb]

Many people are confused about what a private balcony is. It doesn't mean a balcony that others cannot see (nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more). It means one that is only for your use.

[Gwendy]

I do both, no cruises to central India. Are there problems? Sometimes, does it spoil my holiday? Nope, go with the flow, life us not always perfect but you are on holiday. Take your best attitude and you'll be right. Cruising is my favourite but some people are hard to please, while at sea one lady told me it was too windy.

In London many years ago our B&B had a clear shower cubicle in the middle of the room! Brother in law had to take a long walk while females showered. All different experiences. Not holiday ruining ones.

[srlafleur]

I've stayed in many hotels, ranging from dives in NYC to boutique inns/B&Bs to the Venetian in Las Vegas and a Waldorf Astoria property in Rome, and every level in between. I've been on over 20 cruises on nearly every main stream line.

While I've had mostly positive service experiences at the land venues (I'm pretty easy to please), they don't come close to the service on any of my cruises. With very few exceptions, the service is far more attentive and personal than anything I've experienced on land.

If you run into an issue, address the problem immediately (and calmly) to the proper person and it will almost always be taken care of immediately (within reason, of course). This goes for things not working properly in your stateroom (talk to your steward or guest services) right down to not liking the entree you ordered (the waiter will bring you something else).

[aquilegia]

I'm sure you'll have a great time. We are regular Princess cruisers and thoroughly enjpyed the Crown. We are sailing on her again out of Southampton in May and I can't wait.

 

I can honestly say we've never had a bad cruise. As for reviews, whether it's a cruise or a holiday on land, once I've booked I never read any reviews till I get home!

[bury me at sea]

Hi all thank you so much for your replies. You know what I am going to go on my cruise and enjoy it. I actually agree with all the reviews. I began reading them to get tips for the cruise and some of the reviews really floored me. I watch the cruise show on the television and I was very excited by what I saw. I do have a balcony state room. I read reviews where people said that it's not private,another woman complained about the amount of disabled people with aids on the ship. I am partially disabled I use a wheelchair/ scooter and a stick. I don't want to feel I am being a pain to someone. But I will be positive and look forward to my trip. Thank you positive cruisers ⛴🚢🛥🛳⚓️

 

Oh my goodness. Please don't let the rudeness and ignorance of a few impact your enjoyment. Take full advantage of all the cruising experience has to offer and have a ball.

 

It's a great way to take a worry-free vacation.

 

Happy sailing!

[Tudorcruisers]

I've only done one princess cruise but it was wonderful and I'm sure you will have a marvellous time. I go on cruises, come back here and read all the negative reviews and wonder was I on the same ship??? I like things to be good

Standard, I like good food, shows etc but sometimes I really wonder what people expect when I read the posts on this forum.

 

Please look forward to your holiday and it's also what you make it. I hope you have an amazing time.

[Peace2U]

Some people are picky or Negative Nellies. Don't let that be you! :)

[Cruisin' Chick]

I have found that people who have written 1 negative if you look at there other reviews they will be mostly negative. I always look at the writers history. Some people are always looking for the bad.

 

Enjoy your cruise, don't sweat the little annoyances.

 

I sometimes do that with really bizarre posters. I did try to check the review history of two reviewers (on the front page of CC) but apparently they weren't regulars so found nothing on the actual forum pages.

 

I haven't been on the Crown Princess, but have five cruises on Princess and can't wait to add to that (we had a daughter in college, so it might be while, financially-wise, before the next one).

 

If someone like you asked me for advice as a new cruiser, I would have suggested a 7-day cruise, not a 14-day one. But our last three cruises (cruises #9-11 for me) have been two-week ones, and that seems a good length for us, especially if there's plenty of sea days.

 

As for reviews, posh. People would tend to issue a negative one than a positive one. that's human nature. but as for those two reviews I found on the main page (just curiosity as it was the second time on the golden princess to waste some time while waiting for the cruise)...one reviewer was complaining about the entertainment. Ok, subjective like food. But then I read further and this person was complaining about the Hawaiian music. She/he went on a Hawaiian cruise, which on Princess is treated as a cultural experience, if passengers want to take part. One of the live groups performing is a duo who are known for performing...yes, Hawaiian music. My hubby and I made it a point to try to catch their performances as much as possible (in the grand atrium or on deck). Many CC members have admitted to taking this itinerary on Princess several times, and one plus for just about everyone raving about the Hawaiian cruises is the music and other cultural activities. to me, it would be like taking the Alaskan cruise and being upset when one of the Itidirod racers come on board with a couple of the dogs to greet passengers. It's a highlight for many.

 

the other review was someone talking about a Med cruise on the Golden. I looked at the date that the person posted for the cruise and was wandering if they had posted a review from more than five years before (which was probably when the Golden was over in that part of the world). I finally emailed an admin for this site and questioned whether this person meant the Grand. Soon the review was removed.

 

so I wouldn't stress out because you might end up having the best time on your cruise. Stop using the phrase "scared" as you are just coloring some unknown fear. If you do have any problems with a crew member, you can go to the passenger services desk and ask to speak with a supervisor there. But make sure you're being reasonable (remember your cabin steward has several cabins to clean, your dining waitstaff has other tables). Be courteous toward others, but you may find the crew members will be even nicer to you. You may actually end up being so happy with the service, you'll be slipping some cash (above the auto-grats that you should keep in place) to a crew member or two on the last day (you can also, if you don't have the extra cash, ask for a "consummate host" card at the front desk and put down the name of the crew member...that will go into their personnel file and may help a deserving worker a raise or promotion...on our last cruise, we fill out several).

 

You'll find plenty of disabled and elderly on every sailing, but that's because of past experience on cruises for these people.

 

also, I recommend stopping by the International Cafe for a light meal or yummy treats, especially the cookies.

[rdsxgrl28]

Hi all thank you so much for your replies. You know what I am going to go on my cruise and enjoy it. I actually agree with all the reviews. I began reading them to get tips for the cruise and some of the reviews really floored me. I watch the cruise show on the television and I was very excited by what I saw. I do have a balcony state room. I read reviews where people said that it's not private,another woman complained about the amount of disabled people with aids on the ship. I am partially disabled I use a wheelchair/ scooter and a stick. I don't want to feel I am being a pain to someone. But I will be positive and look forward to my trip. Thank you positive cruisers ⛴🚢🛥🛳⚓️

 

 

You go !!!! Have a blast. Hey 14 days with DH in a balcony = heaven!!

[bUU]

Some people are picky or Negative Nellies.

Yes, and familiarity breeds contempt, so you'll see a lot of negativity about change, itself, rather than stemming from actual degradation of the value of a cruise vacation as compared to other options.

[cruiserking]

Please stop worrying. Princess cruise lines is a top class company with beautiful ship and first class service.

 

We just returned for a cruise on the Regal Princess this past October and loved every minute of our cruise.

 

You cannot judge a cruise by a few reviews on Cruise Critic. People enjoy complaining, it's a hobby for them. I have been on board cruises and having an absolutely delightful time and read disparaging reviews by others that made no sense at all.

 

There is so much to do on board from trivia to lectures to films to production shows. You will be visiting wonderful ports. 14 days is terrific all that time to relax, escape and enjoy.

 

Don't fret another minute about a few dummies complaining about nothing. Should something crop up during your cruise ie; a squeaky cabin door, tell someone at guest services and they will fix it.

 

Have a wonderful cruise.

 

Jonathan

[SuiteTraveler]

Hi all thank you so much for your replies. You know what I am going to go on my cruise and enjoy it. I actually agree with all the reviews. I began reading them to get tips for the cruise and some of the reviews really floored me. I watch the cruise show on the television and I was very excited by what I saw. I do have a balcony state room. I read reviews where people said that it's not private,another woman complained about the amount of disabled people with aids on the ship. I am partially disabled I use a wheelchair/ scooter and a stick. I don't want to feel I am being a pain to someone. But I will be positive and look forward to my trip. Thank you positive cruisers ⛴🚢🛥🛳⚓️

 

Oh my gosh, cruising is the PERFECT vacation for your situation! Ignore the idiots who complain about disabled on the ship - really, the nerve to do that! How selfish and inconsiderate those people must be. You will love your balcony state room and I hope you have an absolutely wonderful cruise!

 

PS: Do plan ahead and take anti-seasickness meds for the part of your cruise going through the Bay of Biscay. There is no predicting how that may be. When we went through heading to the Med, it was a wild ride and the Captain had to close all the open decks for the day - we put on Trans Derm scops (by prescription from the doctor), took our IPADs and went midship for the day to ride it out. Dining was a challenge to say the least. Hold down the glass and plate with one hand and trying to eat between swells and drops. LOL! By the next morning everything was smooth again and it was like the day before never happened. On the way back, the seas were calm and nothing was needed, but we were glad to have had the scops when we did need them.

[siamesecat2965]

Hi all thank you so much for your replies. You know what I am going to go on my cruise and enjoy it. I actually agree with all the reviews. I began reading them to get tips for the cruise and some of the reviews really floored me. I watch the cruise show on the television and I was very excited by what I saw. I do have a balcony state room. I read reviews where people said that it's not private,another woman complained about the amount of disabled people with aids on the ship. I am partially disabled I use a wheelchair/ scooter and a stick. I don't want to feel I am being a pain to someone. But I will be positive and look forward to my trip. Thank you positive cruisers ⛴⚓️

 

Please don't think you will be a pain or annoyance to anyone because you need additional assistance to get around. Will there be impatient people who say might be annoyed that they have to wait for an elevator because your scooter takes up more room than someone standing? Perhaps. But those are few and far between. You have just as much right to be on that ship as anyone who is able bodied.

 

The thing I love about cruising is that you can do as much or as little as you want. THere is so much to choose from, every day, and in port. So do things you enjoy, try new things, and you'll have a blast!

 

And i say just go, and have a great time! I've been on 3 cruises, and loved them all. ANY trip is what YOU make of it. ENjoy!

Edited January 24, 2017 by siamesecat2965

[grapau27]

After 42 cruises yes I have experienced a lot but cruising especially in a balcony cabin and visiting new ports most days and having unlimited food and entertainment on board is perfect. The moaners spoil it and sometimes they only do it to get degrees of compensation and I try to avoid these people.Different cruise lines offer different things and a little preplanning means you can book a ship that suits what you want.

 

Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app

[happytrish40]

I have made mind up I am going with an open mind. Thank you very much :)

[cruzincurt]

I have made mind up I am going with an open mind. Thank you very much :)

 

Be sure to come back to this thread and tell us how it went.

[Vera123]

Your cruise is still 6 months away, you should be able to get a 100% refund from Princess. There are several other choices out of Southampton. happy cruising

 

We don't get 100% refunds in the UK. We have to lose the deposit as a cancellation payment. :(:(

[SadieN]

Many complain about the elevators. We've learnt a few tricks for use during peak times. Figure out the call buttons. Not all call buttons are for every elevator in the lobby, i.e. The glass elevators are on a different button than the other ones. If you find three buttons, the top two buttons are UP. The top one is for the closest two, the middle is for all four. Get into the first empty elevator, eventually it'll get to your floor. Go to another elevator bank. If possible, Take the outside promenade to avoid the crowds around the picture areas.

Upper level of the theater has Disabled parking/seating.

Get to the shows early. Not uncommon for them to be completely filled up 10 minutes before the show. The Explorers Lounge is even worse.

The Disabled Cruising board has lots of info.