Just off the Diamond on 6/05, don't hate me....

[cydspal]

Just a few quick notes until we can catch our breath. Don't flame me for being honest, just our opinions:

The ship is big, clean and very pretty.
The service was OK to good in most cases.
The food is bland, not bad, not great.
We really liked PC dining. This helped. The only obvious negative is that the servers don't try as hard as traditional dining for indirect tipping reasons I guess.
Our balcony cabin and bathroom was the smallest (we opened the door on day 1 and gasped) in 7 cruises.
I think the average age on board was about 62.
The kids clubs get the worst score, the girls working up there did not care, our kids would tell us that they would not do the scheduled events, just sit around and play Playstation. We signed a doc stating that our girls could NOT sign themselves out and they kept letting them out anyway. Security?
Alaska was great, A+. We did think that coming into Victoria for a few hours at night was a waste, but I guess thats all they could do.
My 7 year old got sick on day 2, they sent in a crew with jumpsuits and masks (looked like HAZ-MED). Lucky, she was better the next day.
There were several instances poor communication from the ship, crew, etc.
I don't mean to be negative, just honest. It just seems like Princess is "still working out the kinks".

All said, we had a good time, made the most out of the negative issues and loved Alaska. Feel free to ask me any questions!

[srphnx]

A non-flaming thank you from me. Our experience was similar but not identical.

[B] Life is at it's best when your address floats [/B]
Two MORE open Bookings.
[B]<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>[/B]
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
[B]<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>[/B]
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02[B]<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>[/B]
Ecstacy 09/01
[B]<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>[/B]
Century 12/97
[B]<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>[/B]
Century 9/96

[steveweese]

Thanks for your honest thoughts. That is what most of us want to hear. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[BJS]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Don't flame me for being honest, just our opinions:<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> This is what we want to hear - both the positive and negative experiences so we can draw our own conculsions. Thank you for your post.

I find it sad that the atmosphere on this board recently has caused so many to be reluctant to post.

Future cruises:
9/04 Star Princess-Med.x2 Venice to Barcelona/ Barcelona to Rome
11/04 Dawn Princess-Southern Caribbean
Jan. 05 Diamond Princess-Mexican Riviera
July 05 Star Princess-Baltics
Aug. 05 Star Princess-Baltics
Past cruises:
04 HAL-Amsterdam-Alaska
04 Dawn Princess- Southern Caribbean x2
03 Grand Princess-W.Caribbean
03 Sun Princess -Mexico
03-Tahitian Princess-Tahiti/ Cook Islands
03 Royal Princess-x2 British Isles & Norwegian Fjords/ Iceland
03 Island Princess-Panama Canal
01 HAL Ryndam x 2-S. America San Diego to Valpariso/ & around Cape Horn to Rio
00 Sky Princess-China/Orient
79 Sitmar's Fairwind- Caribbean/Panama Canal

[sue d. miller]

Hi Neighbor, welcome home. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img] Thanks for the honest review. Big help for newbies booked.

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

[bappo]

Cydspal,

Glad to hear your cruise was fine. We are on the Sapphire in 2 weeks and hope that our experience will be fine as well. I understand that new ships have their kinks to work out and overall most cruises end up on a positive note. I do have one question, You said the balcony cabin was small, can you tell me where yours was located? thanks.

[S&T]

Cydspal - Thanks for the great review. We had a fairly similar experience, however, we did not have to deal with the children's program. (I posted my review on the Photo Gallery board).

Diamond Princess 05/04 - Alaska
NCL Star 09/03 - Hawaii

[timesurfer7]

Hello everyone. Just wanted first to say thank you for all the great help in getting ready for our cruise to Alaska. We just returned yesterday from the Princess Diamond. So I too have some comments. (Good thing I am on this board and not my husband.I will have a hard time to persuade him to take another cruise.He has agreed to take one for our 30th (in 10 years) to the Mediteranean so he can show me some places that he has seen. He is a pilot in the AF) Before I forget Steve (sphinx) we saw your young waitress and told her you said hello. She was serving those next to us. I also was a table mate of another cruise-critic officiato Linda and had a great time with her and her mom. Here goes. Weather was beautiful the entire time. We had been upgraded to a Penthouse from a mini and were very pleased to say the least. If you need any dimensions or how many drawers were in the suite let me know. I have all the paper work that was given from the Patters to the laundry list for prices and the spa prices. Room was fantastic and the balcony was huge. Ship was clean and spectacular. I agree with the above that the food was bland and not very plentitul. Had more of a variety on Carnival. First two days we could not serve ourselves but then it reverted back to the old way.I did not feel like I was bombarded with people taking our pictures. The entertainment was great. Don't miss the two broadway productions or the ventriliquist. Great time. The wait to get off the boat for different ports was sometimes up to and over an hour wait for whatever reason. Very disorganized. You would ask one person what was going on and the next person would have a different answer. Princess needs to brief up their people better. Our steward was not very good even though we had tipped him before the cruise began as was suggested here. His answer was always "it is not my job" rather than as princess states he should say "I will find out for you." Canapes were always dried up and tastless except for the little cream puffs. Afternoon tea was great but make sure when you call you state that you want the "Afternoon tea" or they will just bring you a pot of tea. Sandwiches and cookies should be included. The best of all the suite perks was the free laundry and dry cleaning. Just make sure that you keep track on what is being billed to your account. We had laundry billed as well as internet service (one of the fews hours that it was up and running so don't count on being able to get on everyday or you will be disappointed) and they had to then take it off. The average age was probably 60 (we are in our early 40's) with very few kids. The hot dogs were great as well as the King Crab legs. We had dinner on shore in Juneau just so that I could have King Crab and it was awful. The ship did a better job. If you are in Seattle pre or post try Barnaby's for dinner. Excellent food. Also the restaurant at the top of Space needle was fantastic food also. The spa was great and yes I was pressured to buy the products. Had an oxyzen facial, the sea weed wrap, manicure and pedicure done. By the way, on the last day they will offer you massage treatments for 50% off the regular prices. But don't sign up for them until the night before or you will be charged the full price. If anyone has a question about the cruise, size of the suite, exact amenities, what was on the menus etc. please let me know. I am sure through the tons of paperwork that I brought back,I will ahve the answers. Or will find it out for you. Happy crusing to all of you.

[BJS]

timesurfer 7 - thank you for sharing your experience.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>His answer was always "it is not my job"<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Would you mind sharing the type of requests you made? (We have not had that experience and wonder why your steward responded that way.)

Future cruises:
9/04 Star Princess-Med.x2 Venice to Barcelona/ Barcelona to Rome
11/04 Dawn Princess-Southern Caribbean
Jan. 05 Diamond Princess-Mexican Riviera
July 05 Star Princess-Baltics
Aug. 05 Star Princess-Baltics
Past cruises:
04 HAL-Amsterdam-Alaska
04 Dawn Princess- Southern Caribbean x2
03 Grand Princess-W.Caribbean
03 Sun Princess -Mexico
03-Tahitian Princess-Tahiti/ Cook Islands
03 Royal Princess-x2 British Isles & Norwegian Fjords/ Iceland
03 Island Princess-Panama Canal
01 HAL Ryndam x 2-S. America San Diego to Valpariso/ & around Cape Horn to Rio
00 Sky Princess-China/Orient
79 Sitmar's Fairwind- Caribbean/Panama Canal

[uwbadger]

Thank you for your honest opinions. We leave next Saturday. After all of the problems and kinks that have been reported, I'm having to do a lot of work keeping my enthusism high. We are traveling with friends who have never cruised before so I'm sure seeing the cruise through their eyes will help put the excitement back into the trip. I know they are in for the thrill of their lives once they see her in Seattle.

Also, thank you to those of you who continue to remind us that our cruise is what we make of it. Sometimes we tend to forget how fortunate we are to be able to travel. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Carnival Spirit - May 2001
Regal Princess - Jul 2002
RCCL Radiance - May 2003
RCCL Monarch - Nov 2003
Carnival Spirit - Apr 2004
Diamond Princess - Jun 2004
Carnival Conquest - Aug 2004
Carnival Spirit - Mar 2005
Disney Magic - Aug 2005

[timesurfer7]

Would be glad to. My first request was to replace all the alcohol with H2O as we are not drinkers. In our suite "manual" it states that it is the room persons job to do this. He said that it was not his job but to call room service. After room service said that it was not their job, I received a call from the manager of room service stating that he would take care of it ASAP. When I asked for flutes to drink to our leaving for our apple cider, again the same answer. When we first came on board the items in the shower had not been removed from the past passengers. He said " they look like they have not been opened so why not just use them?" These may be little things but when you add them all up the entire cruise they are a problem. THe room steward did not know that I had been upgraged. I could have very well paid $7,000 for the two of us. Am I being picky? No I don't think so. I don't like being made to feel like I am asking the impossible. When I asked for an extra towel as I use two for my hair and body he looked down at me and said "I will take care of that when I can." My husband was not very happy with this attitude.

[timesurfer7]

to UWbadger. I agree whole heartedly. Bad a bad experience with just one person can stain the cruise. I would love to cruise again but will have to work hard at persuading my husband. He is used to a well run operation in the AF and does not tolerate those that do not perform well. On the whole the cruise was fantastic and most people were A+++ performers. But again one person can tilt the wheel.

[sue d. miller]

New ships and new cars sometimes have to work the bugs out!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] The Caribbean also had her problems in the beginning. My feeling is to expect it, but to board with an open mind. Nothing in This world is perfect, but cruisin is damn close.!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Every expierience in this life results in how you handled it. If your cup is half full, you will shrug off the stuff that could irritate you, because you are cruising. Even if the ship sank, I would be thankful for the lifeboats. I just love to cruise. I don't have to make bets with myself that it might be good. DISCLAIMER>>>> I am not making little of any dissapointments any one may have. This is just how I feel.

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

[lephysteria]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BJS:
I find it sad that the atmosphere on this board recently has caused so many to be reluctant to post.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I totally agree. I thought that our Star Honeymoon had some bad points, but when I finished writing all I had to say, come to find out, it isn't that negative of a review.

Stay tuned! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Happy Sails,
Mrs. Tulpule

[img]http://thumb5.webshots.com/s/thumb2/0/81/85/133608185PLovjY_th.jpg[/img] [img]http://thumb1.webshots.com/s/thumb2/0/22/21/133602221JczsZh_th.jpg[/img] [img]http://thumb7.webshots.com/s/thumb2/0/29/7/133602907kMhHvb_th.jpg[/img] [img]http://thumb3.webshots.com/s/thumb3/9/23/13/140692313aCZuBP_th.jpg[/img]
Naren, "But I can't help falling in love with you."

[url="http://community.webshots.com/user/lephysteria"]Click here to see wedding and Honeymoon pictures[/url]
[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] CCL Paradise 9/23/2000 #U161 - [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img] CCL Holiday 3/5/2001 #M32 - [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] RCCL Explorer 9/1/2001 #7298 - [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] CCL Ecstasy 12/7/2001 #R171 - [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] CCL Pride 3/2/2002 #6194 - [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] RCCL Vision 10/11/02 #4521 - [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] CCL Ecstasy 12/27/2002 #E135 - [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] CCL Ecstasy 1/20/2003 #U197 - [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] RCCL Monarch 12/19/03 #9580 - [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img][img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] CCL Ecstasy 2/6/04 #M209 - [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Star Princess 5/16/2004 #B258

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;3;20;011;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img] ... Since I've been Mrs. Tulpule
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/logos/time98.gif[/img]

[scottjustin]

Timesurfer 7,

My question to you concerns the "Afternoon tea." Did you call up room service and tell them you wanted the "Afternoon tea" delivered to your cabin? Did they deliver this because you were in the Penthouse or would they do this for any cabin? Also, I'm asuming there was no extra fee for this? Also, what was included with the "Afternoon tea"? Thanks for your help! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

sue c.

[tadjr]

Just curious with all the posts about "getting the kinks out" why someone would want to be on the first couple of sailings of a new ship other than to say they were on the first few sailings? I know some of you didnt book the particular ship because of this, but I would prefer to wait until things are worked out before trying a new ship, especially the new ones that are so huge. The littlest problem is bound to be magnified X times because of the sheer size.

Cydspal- Welcome back to the heat/humidity and tstorms. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] What did you end up doing in Skagway? Did you do the drive?

Also- Timesurfer- Sorry to hear you had a room attendant who didnt seem to care. I hope you made notes of this on the questionaire at the end of the cruise. If not, I would certainly pass this on in another note to Princess. To anyone who says it doesnt matter anyway, if everyone he "services" feels this way and no one bothers to mention it, he's going to continue to make peoples trips less enjoyable. I know I work with some people who need to be shown the door, but no one wants to take the time to do anything about it. Maybe he needs a refresher in just what his duties are? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Glad to hear that most of the trip went well for you both.

[Bop]

Hi Sue D. and others.
I loved your quote and cruise philosophy. I refuse to grow up since I am retired and I won't let a few disappointments ruin my cruises. I love Princess but have had both excellent food, service, entertainment, etc. etc. as well as some less than perfect, for sure. Overall my Princess experience has been very good and I always feel a connection to most staff and crew by the time the cruise is over. My worst service from a room steward was on Celebrity, of all places!
I always try to remember that while food, services, entertainment etc. have surely declined in the brief 7 years since my first cruise on the Dawn Princess, prices have declined substantially. Cruising is still the best value for services I have found in travel. I can't wait to book my next cruise. The Royal and Sun class ships are my favorite and I find that, generally, the smaller the ship, the better the service. I have learned to keep my expectations low on the mega ships and enjoy the variety of offerings and Personal Choice dining.
Good cruising to all.
Bop [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Dawn Princess 97
Sun Princess 98
Grand Princess 99
Crown Princess 00
Royal Princess 01
Celebrity Century 02
Star Princess 1/04

[Guest]

Diamond Princess has been in service for a few months now. From what I understand, about 60% of her staff were crew members from other ships in the fleet, so there was a majority of experienced staff on board. Seems the "kinks" weren't there when she entered service. They shouldn't be now.

-------------------------
Sun Princess, 03/2004; Pacific Princess, 07/2003; Star Princess, 05/2003; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Sun Princess, 05/2001; Sun Princess, 04/2001; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Regal Princess, 10/1999; Sun Princess, 08/1998; Holiday, 05/1998; Westerdam, 09/1997; Regal Princess, 11/1996; Royal Odyssey, 09/1995; Starward, 11/1993

[Lynda90]

Hi timesurfer,

Miss our dinner chatter with you and DH. Really enjoyed having you as table mates.

I have to agree with some of timesurfer's review. The food in the traditional dining room was very mediocre at best. The choices were kind of odd and they did not have great alternatives. For example, they use to have a steak on the menu every night for those who didn't like the menu. That has been changed to a plain fetticinni (please excuse masacre of that word.) If you are in a full suite (as we also were), be sure as timesurfer mentioned, to review you bill several times. We also were charged for laundry and internet. When reminded, the charges were removed immediately.

Now for the positives:
We had an excellent cabin steward who can make or break your trip. He left us an entire cabinet (under our sink) full of extra towels, wash cloths, etc. because I had requested extra. They normally leave 2 of each which is definitely not enough. He forgot our welcome glasses of champagne on the first night (suite perk) but to make up for it brought us an entire bottle the second night. I can't really comment too much on the appetizers because we never seemed to have time to eat them. We were on the early traditional dining which is at 6:00, not 6:30. The Alaska dinners are earlier for some reason. By the time we got the appetizers it was time to get ready for dinner and we were still full from lunch and just generally eating all day. However, the chocolate covered strawberrys and the cream cheese mousse on pumpernickle rounds were both delicious. The entertaiment for the most part was fantastic. The two broadway type shows are not to be missed. Piano Man is the music of Billy Joel, Elton John, Neil Sedaka, Barry Manilow and Liberace. Wow, what a show. Not to be missed. The Princess Theater fills up quickly, so get there early. The second great show is Curtain Up with songs from some great Broadway shows. Also, not to be missed. Other really, really good entertainment was the first night comedian, Billy Garran had us laughing in the aisles, ventriloquist comedian, Dan Horn and comedian Duncan Tuck were also just great. The only entertainment we thought was lukewarm was the hypnotist, Steve Bayner. Talked too much and was rather boring. My Mom and I did not get off the ship and we still managed to never get bored or lacked things to do. We love cruising and have been on many cruises in past and now do not really have a need to get off ship. We did Alaska on HAL 2 years ago and got off then.

All in all, we loved the cruise. The ship is beautiful, we had great table mates and had a wonderful time. We put down our $100 deposit on a "future" cruise and look forward to going again soon. I'm having cruise withdrawals right now and envy those who are leaving soon.

Happy cruising and hope some of our experiences were helpful [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
Lynda

[spongerob]

Welcome home. Did anyone by chance make note of the executive chef on the ship? The individual in that position greatly influences all of the food service and seems to make a difference.

I can sympathize with the comments about the cabin steward. This is one of the people on the ship who can do most harm or good to one's overall impression. I found it very disappointing on the Caribbean Princess to have a cabin steward tell me, "Call room service, that's not my job." That might be technically correct, but whether or not you've paid for a suite and are asking for an oversight to be corrected, that's not the answer you expect to hear.

I haven't seen this discussed on the boards, but the auto-tips are separated for cabin crew and dining room staff. It is possible to adjust one without disturbing the other.

Completed:
Sea Princess, Royal Princess, Grand Princess (3X), Caribbean Princess, Golden Princess

[Lynda90]

spongerob,

The executive chef is Joachim Grill (really his last name). And yes, you can separate the auto tips. They appear separately on bill.

Lynda

[cydspal]

"You said the balcony cabin was small, can you tell me where yours was located? thanks."

We were in A738, balcony Aft..its where they keep the sardines.


"Cydspal- Welcome back to the heat/humidity and tstorms. What did you end up doing in Skagway? Did you do the drive?"

Yes! We drove up to the Yukon and loved it, great, great advice!! $80 total for the full day rent a car in Skagway. Sorry that I did not mention this part!! My advice, if you have kids, do not do the train, rent a car at Avis and drive!!! One of the best parts of our trip was this day. You drive at your own speed and see just about the same thing (we saw the train several times as I was flying by) My opinion about not doing the train comes from this board and talking with dinner pals who did it with their kids (they gave it a thumbs down, "boring, slow, long"). Gheez..do I sound negative? Again, its what you make it!
Hey Uwbadger..don't sweat it...you will love Alaska, just make the most out of everything else like...you are on VACATION!!!

[spongerob]

We had Joachim Grill on the Grand Princess. I, too, thought his style was less adventurous than some of the other head chefs. Thanks!

Completed:
Sea Princess, Royal Princess, Grand Princess (3X), Caribbean Princess, Golden Princess

[BJS]

[B]timesurfer7 [/B]Thank you for sharing. I'm sure his auto tip was removed and hopefully he has been removed!

Future cruises:
9/04 Star Princess-Med.x2 Venice to Barcelona/ Barcelona to Rome
11/04 Dawn Princess-Southern Caribbean
Jan. 05 Diamond Princess-Mexican Riviera
July 05 Star Princess-Baltics
Aug. 05 Star Princess-Baltics
Past cruises:
04 HAL-Amsterdam-Alaska
04 Dawn Princess- Southern Caribbean x2
03 Grand Princess-W.Caribbean
03 Sun Princess -Mexico
03-Tahitian Princess-Tahiti/ Cook Islands
03 Royal Princess-x2 British Isles & Norwegian Fjords/ Iceland
03 Island Princess-Panama Canal
01 HAL Ryndam x 2-S. America San Diego to Valpariso/ & around Cape Horn to Rio
00 Sky Princess-China/Orient
79 Sitmar's Fairwind- Caribbean/Panama Canal

[timesurfer7]

Hi again. I am not sure if the high tea can be enjoyed by any of the rooms or not. We would call up and specify what time to bring it to our suite. If they don't serve it to all in their rooms it is available daily in the Asian theme restaurant and served by white gloved waiters with music playing in the background. We also would order a pot of hot chocolate at the same time as the tea. I hope this answered your questions.