I e-mailed Jan Swartz regarding the current management and loss of Princess traditions, and.....

[1emerald1]

I voiced my dissatisfaction with the direction Princess is going under the new management, such as the removal of traditional and anytime dining, the cheap gimmicks they are implementing and the overall demise of the Princess brand.  My biggest concern is that Princess was a brand, that had a loyal market, and why do they feel the need to be every other mainstream cruise line.  My e-mail was polite and courteous.

 

Yesterday I received a voice message stating that they received my e-mail, they "hear" me, they know that DMW isn't up to speed, that I am not the only one who has voiced the same concerns, and again that they "hear" me.  But, this is the direction that Princess is going, and they are committed to it.  They gave me $75 OBC for an upcoming cruise, which was not my intent in sending the e-mail.  I just want my Princess back.

 

[PacnGoNow]

2 minutes ago, 1emerald1 said:

I voiced my dissatisfaction with the direction Princess is going under the new management, such as the removal of traditional and anytime dining, the cheap gimmicks they are implementing and the overall demise of the Princess brand.  My biggest concern is that Princess was a brand, that had a loyal market, and why do they feel the need to be every other mainstream cruise line.  My e-mail was polite and courteous.

 

Yesterday I received a voice message stating that they received my e-mail, they "hear" me, they know that DMW isn't up to speed, that I am not the only one who has voiced the same concerns, and again that they "hear" me.  But, this is the direction that Princess is going, and they are committed to it.  They gave me $75 OBC for an upcoming cruise, which was not my intent in sending the e-mail.  I just want my Princess back.

 

Thank you for emailing your opinion and giving feedback. 

[geoherb]

I don't mind some of the cheap gimmicks, such as Princess prizes, as long as they're optional and help keep the price of my cruise down. I will miss traditional dining when DH is able to cruise with me again. Before they did away with it last summer, it was always so popular that they had to use two dining rooms for early traditional dining. 

[Cruise Raider]

I respect your opinion but love the new direction Princess has taken, especially with the DMW feature.  In my view, it is so much improved.  I used to get skunked out of going to dinner in the MDR unless we wanted to eat very early or very late.  Now, I’m always able to eat at the time I choose.  And, we’ve had spectacular service and the food has been anywhere from very good to a excellent.  
I feel as though there have been so many positive aspects of cruising on Princess since their return to service.  I can’t be the only one .. so, I’m sure that with as many of those that want the old and familiar way of cruising back, there are probably just as many, if not more, that like the newer way of doing business.  In addition to the newbie cruisers that don’t have anything to compare it to, I don’t see things going back to the way it was.  

[dreaminofcruisin]

3 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

I respect your opinion but love the new direction Princess has taken, especially with the DMW feature.  In my view, it is so much improved.  I used to get skunked out of going to dinner in the MDR unless we wanted to eat very early or very late.  Now, I’m always able to eat at the time I choose.  And, we’ve had spectacular service and the food has been anywhere from very good to a excellent.  
I feel as though there have been so many positive aspects of cruising on Princess since their return to service.  I can’t be the only one .. so, I’m sure that with as many of those that want the old and familiar way of cruising back, there are probably just as many, if not more, that like the newer way of doing business.  In addition to the newbie cruisers that don’t have anything to compare it to, I don’t see things going back to the way it was.  

 

I agree with you that I really like the new way being able to easily reserve and change my dining time.

However, I do have sympathy for those who want a traditional dining experience and it seems like with a little effort, Princess could also accomodate them....

 

[Bobbiegentry]

6 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

I respect your opinion but love the new direction Princess has taken, especially with the DMW feature.  In my view, it is so much improved.  I used to get skunked out of going to dinner in the MDR unless we wanted to eat very early or very late.  Now, I’m always able to eat at the time I choose.  And, we’ve had spectacular service and the food has been anywhere from very good to a excellent.  
I feel as though there have been so many positive aspects of cruising on Princess since their return to service.  I can’t be the only one .. so, I’m sure that with as many of those that want the old and familiar way of cruising back, there are probably just as many, if not more, that like the newer way of doing business.  In addition to the newbie cruisers that don’t have anything to compare it to, I don’t see things going back to the way it was.  

We’ll said. I completely agree. 

[latebloomer56]

We loved our early TD, will reserve judgement on this DMW as this Oct. will be our first time with this. I missed out on the dinning room I wanted but got the time in a different dining room.

[ALKID]

What’s TD and what is DMW?

[shellbeachjim]

2 minutes ago, ALKID said:

What’s TD and what is DMW?

Traditional Dining and Dine My Way.

[Senga]

3 minutes ago, ALKID said:

Edited September 6, 2022 by Senga
Already answered

[Steelers36]

37 minutes ago, 1emerald1 said:

I voiced my dissatisfaction with the direction Princess is going under the new management, such as the removal of traditional and anytime dining, the cheap gimmicks they are implementing and the overall demise of the Princess brand.  My biggest concern is that Princess was a brand, that had a loyal market, and why do they feel the need to be every other mainstream cruise line.  My e-mail was polite and courteous.

 

Yesterday I received a voice message stating that they received my e-mail, they "hear" me, they know that DMW isn't up to speed, that I am not the only one who has voiced the same concerns, and again that they "hear" me.  But, this is the direction that Princess is going, and they are committed to it.  They gave me $75 OBC for an upcoming cruise, which was not my intent in sending the e-mail.  I just want my Princess back.

 

It's not clear to me from the response text you gave us if Princess is acknowledging that DMW isn't up to speed in the sense that it cannot possibly deliver TD bookings as we knew them, or was it just about all the bugs and inconsistencies?  Also, when they said "this is the direction going in", was it more in reference to other things you mentioned, or is it your understanding they were explicitly indicating the end of TD?  They still promise TD experience, so is another complaint that what they advertise and promise is not equal to what they deliver?

 

My main point is, that what I read of their reply is not the death of TD experience.

 

[startedwithamouse]

Traditional, everything, is on it's way out. Princess HAS to change to survive, and is reinventing themselves. Growing pains is what a lot of older folks are experiencing with this. But the younger crowd (anyone 60 or younger) are the future of cruising.  Personally, we don't want to eat with strangers or see the same waiters every night. We also don't enjoy a two hour meal every single night. We like the freedom to have a reservation at a different time each night, and look at the menu on the app, prior to dining. Even the dessert menu is there. The imaginative food options are much better than ever;  most of the boring plain meat and potatoes is gone, and the flavors are fresh and portions are a healthy size. With excursions coming back at different times, or ships activities, we can change times throughout the voyage. We love Princess Plus, as everything's included.  Wish the tips were all inclusive for EVERYONE as part of the base fare, because it's dreadful seeing lots of the old timers lined up at guest services taking their tips off. Hopefully that's a change we'll see in the future, Princess Plus being the standard fare, and Premier as the add on. 

If you look at the current media campaign, both TV and print, you'll see nightlife and younger passengers, reinvented cuisine and a cruise line for the future.  If you are unhappy, there are other cruise lines to choose from. 

Edited September 6, 2022 by startedwithamouse

[Steelers36]

I can see changing/adapting if necessary - and wouldn't mind random dining in certain situations I suppose.  But we are on a ship for 25 nights and it's just more convenient and comfortable to be at our same private table with our friends and have the same waiters (assuming they aren't bad and we have not really had a bad team yet and have had many wonderful ones). 

 

[1emerald1]

12 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

It's not clear to me from the response text you gave us if Princess is acknowledging that DMW isn't up to speed in the sense that it cannot possibly deliver TD bookings as we knew them, or was it just about all the bugs and inconsistencies?  Also, when they said "this is the direction going in", was it more in reference to other things you mentioned, or is it your understanding they were explicitly indicating the end of TD?  They still promise TD experience, so is another complaint that what they advertise and promise is not equal to what they deliver?

 

My main point is, that what I read of their reply is not the death of TD experience.

 

My takeaway is that DMW is here to stay, in spite of the system bugs and the dissatisfaction from other travelers as well.  I am reading from my post that others are happy with it; we each have our own opinions and the ability to share them with Princess.

 

But who knows, remember the uproar about the lack of a central staircase when the Royal came out?  And no Crooners on the Sky?  Enough people contacted Princess and were able to get changes made on new builds.

[Steelers36]

2 minutes ago, 1emerald1 said:

My takeaway is that DMW is here to stay, in spite of the system bugs and the dissatisfaction from other travelers as well.  I am reading from my post that others are happy with it; we each have our own opinions and the ability to share them with Princess.

 

But who knows, remember the uproar about the lack of a central staircase when the Royal came out?  And no Crooners on the Sky?  Enough people contacted Princess and were able to get changes made on new builds.

Yes, and I am fine with DMW concept - as far as it goes.  Just because we now have DMW - again a great concept - does not mean we don't, or cannot, have TD.  The two do not need to be mutually exclusive.  They just needed to think it out and deal with it differently.  

 

So, for me, the question still remains:  Princess, are you still supporting the TD experience or is your advertising promise not worth the screen it is printed on?  Please, just tell us, and change your information, and then we can come up with another plan.  If you still support it, then please figure out how to deliver it again. 

 

[californiagirl]

I’m currently on Discovery.  I had a wonderful table by the window the first night.  I expressed to the staff that I wish I could have that table the entire cruise.  They said that is possible…at either 5:00 or 7:00. (Most likely it is available at 9:00 too.)  So I have it at 7:00 each evening. 
 

The ship is full and the dining has improved dramatically over Majestic in February.  Dining was COMPLETELY unorganized in February.  The staff on Discovery has everything under control.  The first night I had a wait of maybe 2 minutes.  Last night I had no wait and was escorted to “my” table. 😊 I’m in the Skagway dining room.  

[_rusty_shackleford]

1 hour ago, dreaminofcruisin said:

 

I agree with you that I really like the new way being able to easily reserve and change my dining time.

However, I do have sympathy for those who want a traditional dining experience and it seems like with a little effort, Princess could also accomodate them....

 

This is basically us. We're on the Royal right now, first time on Princess. Have sailed Carnival many times before and have loved having the same dining staff every night and getting know them over the cruise. We were/are very disappointed to learn that having the same dining time every night does not guarantee the same waitstaff. Carnival allows both your time dining and "traditional" and we sincerely miss having that ease. Princess will of course allow you to request to be seated with a particular pair of servers but you have to do that nightly. I'm sure it's more of a logistical challenge to try to do both but perhaps having one dining room reserved for those who want the same staff and time every night would help. I can't imagine we're alone in that mindset even if we aren't the majority.

[Wishing on a star]

Just in case anyone from Princess sees this.  

Of course, there are those who pine for the old traditional ways.  And for many, that is what they might prefer.  I do not see why one dining room onboard couldn't  be operated as traditional dining.

As for us, on our last cruise, we did Traditional Dining, and it ended up NOT being a positive.  We were traveling with our son, so that traditional dining together each night was one of the big parts of our cruise. We ended up with a bad seating location, a rough start with the wait team (which did thankfully improve a bit).  And having to work around that set time was always a challenge.  The one night of a late departure where all dining was show up when and as you are was SO much better.  So much more relaxed, better window seat.  Less rushed service.  That experience told me everything we need to know.

The truth of the matter, for those who are my age or older, breaking news, showing up at the dining hall for a communal meal is just such a foreign concept to anyone else any more.  Most vacationers do not want that added timeline and stress.    The set communal dinner hour is for old folks homes, and maybe a  couple of other cruise lines.  I don't need that on Princess.   (Don't need water parks and climbing walls either!!!)

 

Now as for other changes happening, I am not so sure I like them.

The design of the newer ships, with less deck/pool area at the expense of the addition of a few more cabin fares $$$$$$.  Utterly and completely and totally a huge mistake.  WOW.  Seriously makes me not want to set foot on those ships.

 

The drab dated cabins.  Hello...  it is time for a makeover.   (LOVE the layout, just please enter the 21st century!!!). Like the menus, please refresh!!!  Photos look a bit brighter and fresher on the newest ships, but not by much.  And, what about the other ships.  My house doesn't look the same as it did 30 years ago, with new refreshed flooring, colors and decor.  And, any excuse by any hospitality company for not being refreshed by now is just that, an excuse.

 

From what I understand, the new entertainment In the Princess theater is a production with special effects with the theme of online gaming.  Really?  Princess, even while appealing to a younger less geriatric market, you are definitely NOT the cruise ships for gamers. I don't know that this kind of cruising is something that big gamers would even choose.   Why develop this production when absolutely every other aspect of the ships is not what would appeal to that kind of demographic.  Yes, please update the entertainment onboard. How about bringing it at least into this century,.  Think about coming up with some activities with some interaction and fun-factor.  (Yes, in the past these kinds of efforts might not have been well attended, but I think as part of an overall re-fresh, and a slightly wider demographic onboard, then you might find some positive feedback.)  NO I AM NOT TALKING BRANSON'S VIRGIN VOYAGES.  Just a refresh.  Even Subway Sandwiches had to do a refresh, and you know what, I have seen an improvement in quality and taste and more current and varied options the last few times I have been there.    Bottom line on entertainment, a new and so-called techno show in the theater is not enough to bring in a wider demographic.  Sorry, but those people are not going to be placing a Princess Cruise on the top of their vacation list anyhow.

 

So, just my two cents. (ummm no, four paragraphs) worth!

 

[RKSue]

1 hour ago, dreaminofcruisin said:

 

I agree with you that I really like the new way being able to easily reserve and change my dining time.

However, I do have sympathy for those who want a traditional dining experience and it seems like with a little effort, Princess could also accomodate them....

 

I agree. I’m a long time Princess customer. Many many miles. I like having a set time and set staff. Mom is turning 94 and still sails with me. For her and others Princess is doing a disservice to long time customers. 

[vjmatty]

42 minutes ago, startedwithamouse said:

Traditional, everything, is on it's way out. Princess HAS to change to survive, and is reinventing themselves. Growing pains is what a lot of older folks are experiencing with this. But the younger crowd (anyone 60 or younger) are the future of cruising.  Personally, we don't want to eat with strangers or see the same waiters every night. We also don't enjoy a two hour meal every single night. We like the freedom to have a reservation at a different time each night, and look at the menu on the app, prior to dining. Even the dessert menu is there. The imaginative food options are much better than ever;  most of the boring plain meat and potatoes is gone, and the flavors are fresh and portions are a healthy size. With excursions coming back at different times, or ships activities, we can change times throughout the voyage. We love Princess Plus, as everything's included.  Wish the tips were all inclusive for EVERYONE as part of the base fare, because it's dreadful seeing lots of the old timers lined up at guest services taking their tips off. Hopefully that's a change we'll see in the future, Princess Plus being the standard fare, and Premier as the add on. 

If you look at the current media campaign, both TV and print, you'll see nightlife and younger passengers, reinvented cuisine and a cruise line for the future.  If you are unhappy, there are other cruise lines to choose from. 

Can I ask what is wrong with having the same wait staff every night, who know your preferences, bring your wine immediately and are aware of any dietary restrictions you may have?

 

Also, in my experience it is not the “old timers” removing tips, but the younger crowd who don’t understand the crew economy. I say this as someone in their 50’s, being in neither category. 

[travellingnana]

When we cruised in May we selected the same time (6pm) and same dining room for dinner each night. We were given the same table every night, in fact we just walked to our table as we did with TD. I far preferred this, as the previous 5pm dining time for TD was too early for us. Hopefully this experience will be the same when we cruise In October 

[Wishing on a star]

nana, That is what we hope to be able to do on our next sailing.

vjmatty, there is nothing wrong with offering that, it just doesn't have to take the form of forced 'traditional' dining.

Sue, that is wonderful cruising with your mother!  Just have to remember that Princess has to look beyond this into the foreseeable not so distant future. 

 

[vjmatty]

8 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

 

vjmatty, there is nothing wrong with offering that, it just doesn't have to take the form of forced 'traditional' dining.

 

I understand that, but I was responding to the person who specifically said they did not want the same waiters every night. 

[bronzey214]

I go back and forth as far as DMW w/ the same wait staff. We were on the Crown a bit ago and had fantastic waiters and dreadful ones.

I know my opinion of my cruise would have been lessened if I was stuck w/ the dreadful one for an entire cruise. It's also nicer to get to know some new people as well.

[Wakepatrol]

1 hour ago, startedwithamouse said:

Traditional, everything, is on it's way out. Princess HAS to change to survive, and is reinventing themselves. Growing pains is what a lot of older folks are experiencing with this. But the younger crowd (anyone 60 or younger) are the future of cruising.  Personally, we don't want to eat with strangers or see the same waiters every night. We also don't enjoy a two hour meal every single night. We like the freedom to have a reservation at a different time each night, and look at the menu on the app, prior to dining. Even the dessert menu is there. The imaginative food options are much better than ever;  most of the boring plain meat and potatoes is gone, and the flavors are fresh and portions are a healthy size. With excursions coming back at different times, or ships activities, we can change times throughout the voyage. We love Princess Plus, as everything's included.  Wish the tips were all inclusive for EVERYONE as part of the base fare, because it's dreadful seeing lots of the old timers lined up at guest services taking their tips off. Hopefully that's a change we'll see in the future, Princess Plus being the standard fare, and Premier as the add on. 

If you look at the current media campaign, both TV and print, you'll see nightlife and younger passengers, reinvented cuisine and a cruise line for the future.  If you are unhappy, there are other cruise lines to choose from. 

Why would the old timers be the ones taking the tips off if they’ve been paying them for years?