First Princess cruise in 2 days

[mandwcruise]

I've done Carnival, NCL, Royal, Holland

 

What should I expect from my first Princess Cruise? How's the food gonna be compared to other lines? What (tips) are unique to Princess?

[wowzz]

Seems a bit late to ask !

 

[Wishing on a star]

Which ship and itinerary?  That could make a difference in the tips and advice!

What do you hope to enjoy on the cruise?

What type of cabin have you booked.

Do you have a drink package?

 

Food is subjective, of course.   But, I would say that that it is mostly about the same level on these similar mass market lines.  Not as good as the more upscale lines.

 

On Princess, the Piazza, the International Cafe, and the coffee shop there, are something you should check out.  Everything from the breakfast, coffees, food, snacks, bars and entertainment in the main Piazza might be a different thing than you have experienced before.

 

The Aft (wakeview) bar, (and small pool area) on most ships, as well as the Adult Retreat Pool area and bar might be more to your liking than the central pool deck, and the MUTS screen.

 

Depending on what ship you are on, some of the alternate dining might be different.

So, people can give you their thoughts on that if they know which ship.

Most would say definitely check out the Alfredo's/Gigi's pizza italian.

NO upcharge for that.

Some ships also have some different food options,

 

The same goes for the main shows in the Princess Theater.

Some ships have newer and different production shows.

 

Edited December 17, 2022 by Wishing on a star

[Rick&Jeannie]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

Yes...we need to know what ship you're sailing on.  If you happen to be on a ship that has an Alfredo's Restaurant...definitely give that a shot if you like pizza.  It's free.  We make a special point to hit Alfredo's 2 or 3 times for a week cruise!

[mandwcruise]

2 hours ago, Wishing on a star said:

Which ship and itinerary?  That could make a difference in the tips and advice!

What do you hope to enjoy on the cruise?

What type of cabin have you booked.

Do you have a drink package?

 

Food is subjective, of course.   But, I would say that that it is mostly about the same level on these similar mass market lines.  Not as good as the more upscale lines.

 

On Princess, the Piazza, the International Cafe, and the coffee shop there, are something you should check out.  Everything from the breakfast, coffees, food, snacks, bars and entertainment in the main Piazza might be a different thing than you have experienced before.

 

The Aft (wakeview) bar, (and small pool area) on most ships, as well as the Adult Retreat Pool area and bar might be more to your liking than the central pool deck, and the MUTS screen.

 

Depending on what ship you are on, some of the alternate dining might be different.

So, people can give you their thoughts on that if they know which ship.

Most would say definitely check out the Alfredo's/Gigi's pizza italian.

NO upcharge for that.

Some ships also have some different food options,

 

The same goes for the main shows in the Princess Theater.

Some ships have newer and different production shows.

 

 

 

Princess Caribbean to Panama Canal + Costa Rica

 

 

[capriccio]

5 minutes ago, mandwcruise said:

 

 

Princess Caribbean to Panama Canal + Costa Rica

 

 

There is a thread for the current Panama Canal cruise on the Caribbean Princess to check out (if you haven't done so already): 

We were on a 7 day cruise on the Caribbean Princess in January that was at less than 33% capacity at the height of Omicron and supply chain issues.  The food was some of the best we've ever had on Princess (and we have 29 cruises on Princess ships).  That was a very pleasant surprise. 

 

If looking for a comfortable air conditioned area to sit during the day, check out SkyWalkers on deck 19 aft.  During the day the bar is closed (although now you can order drink delivery to anywhere on the ship with the Medallion) but the space - with ceiling to floor windows across the stern of the ship and comfortable furniture - is open for reading or just watching the scenery and may be a great place to escape to for a while if it gets extremely hot out on deck as you go through the canal.

[iamaqt2]

31 minutes ago, mandwcruise said:

 

 

Princess Caribbean to Panama Canal + Costa Rica

 

 

It's gonna be an older crowd, but not completely old.  The food is decent, not amazing.  Specialty dining always gives better food.  Entertainment ends at 10 pm.. otherwise it's the Disco or Casino.  The Medallion is great for ordering food and drinks.  

[skynight]

International Cafe is very nice. No charge for food. The Caribbean Princess has a nice lounge area on Deck 17. It is for youth/families. But, if there are not many children on board and you enjoy a peaceful location take a look. We always enjoyed Crooners in the evening. Piano entertainment there usually begins around 9pm. The best place to view the P.C. lock transit is on the upper open decks where you can move around and get 360 degree views. Be prepared to wake up early on the lock transit day. Approach to the locks usually begins around 6am.

Edited December 17, 2022 by skynight

[reedprincess]

11 hours ago, iamaqt2 said:

It's gonna be an older crowd, but not completely old.  The food is decent, not amazing.  Specialty dining always gives better food.  Entertainment ends at 10 pm.. otherwise it's the Disco or Casino.  The Medallion is great for ordering food and drinks.  

FWIW - they mean the MedallionClass app is great for ordering food and drinks 

The medallion itself is simply a replacement for the key card. Can't do any ordering, etc via the medallion itself.. gotta use the app for ordering and delivery anywhere onboard (or TV, phone if room service).

 

[Arizona Wildcat]

12 hours ago, mandwcruise said:

 

 

Princess Caribbean to Panama Canal + Costa Rica

 

 

The ship since a holiday cruise is most likely very full.  Cruise ship food is good - typical quality to an upscale local restaurant  - but sadly seems to have declined a bit in both service and quality since covid.

Be flexible and enjoy.  Everyone's expectations and likes are different. 

[Essiesmom]

2 hours ago, skynight said:

International Cafe is very nice. No charge for food. The Caribbean Princess has a nice lounge area on Deck 17. It is for youth/families. But, if there are not many children on board and you enjoy a peaceful location take a look. We always enjoyed Crooners in the evening. Piano entertainment there usually begins around 9pm. The best place to view the P.C. lock transit is on the upper open decks where you can move around and get 360 degree views. Be prepared to wake up early on the lock transit day. Approach to the locks usually begins around 6am.

Actually, I think the best place to view the locks is from the wraparound promenade deck.  It’s covered, helps to avoid sunburn…or liquid sunshine.  EM

[iamaqt2]

51 minutes ago, reedprincess said:

FWIW - they mean the MedallionClass app is great for ordering food and drinks 

The medallion itself is simply a replacement for the key card. Can't do any ordering, etc via the medallion itself.. gotta use the app for ordering and delivery anywhere onboard (or TV, phone if room service).

 

Thanks for clarifying.. yes, I meant the app.  Fingers got ahead of my brain on that one.