Sun Princess - Why such negative reviews?

[MonikaJ42]

Thank you everyone for your comments.  The negative reviews keep coming but you know what I am just going to stop reading/looking for reviews and just go with an open mind.   I'm down to double digits for my October cruise and I can't wait.  See you soon Sun Princess!

[Globaler]

2 minutes ago, MonikaJ42 said:

Thank you everyone for your comments.  The negative reviews keep coming but you know what I am just going to stop reading/looking for reviews and just go with an open mind.   I'm down to double digits for my October cruise and I can't wait.  See you soon Sun Princess!

I hope you have a great time and when you return please write a review. I feel certain that changes are happening and will continue.

[MonikaJ42]

1 hour ago, Globaler said:

I hope you have a great time and when you return please write a review. I feel certain that changes are happening and will continue.

 

Thank you so much! I sure will ☺️

[GrannasVacay]

On 7/11/2024 at 1:04 PM, MonikaJ42 said:

We are booked on the October 19th sailing. I have been checking reviews and most are very negative and I can't understand why?

Its a new ship so I get there would be some hiccups but the Icon is new and it has rave reviews hence why RCCL prices are ridiculous right now.

 

Any comments? 

 

Regardless I'm looking forward to the cruise.  Its going to be my first Princess cruise in over 15+ years!

We just returned last week from the Sun Princess. And it left a LOT to be desired. The ship is tastefully decorated and beautiful however, the staff all seemed far too busy to be engaged with the cruisers on any level. The food was subpar. Chain restaurant quality at best. The main dining room was nice, but it was all about rushing you through your meal to get out (and we had the late evening reservation so it's not like they needed the table). Cabins were beautiful and spacious, and I had no complaints (the beds were divine!). Our stateroom attendant was kind, responsive and attentive. The Spellbound dinner was disappointing (I would not do it again if I were to sail Princess again). Two of my biggest complaints were the lack of anything to do onboard that wasn't a sales pitch and how all the alcohol tasted watered down with the exception of wine and beer. No waitstaff roaming to assist with food or cocktail service - they rely on that app which is as useless as all get out. you were better off standing in line for 20 minutes to get an order in. 

All in all, it was disappointing and did not live up to the hype. Also many of the 'big ticket' areas were often closed for weddings. The entire Dome was closed for an afternoon for a wedding. Everything felt like a money grab. 

[Oxo]

5 minutes ago, GrannasVacay said:

We just returned last week from the Sun Princess. And it left a LOT to be desired. The ship is tastefully decorated and beautiful however, the staff all seemed far too busy to be engaged with the cruisers on any level. The food was subpar. Chain restaurant quality at best. The main dining room was nice, but it was all about rushing you through your meal to get out (and we had the late evening reservation so it's not like they needed the table). Cabins were beautiful and spacious, and I had no complaints (the beds were divine!). Our stateroom attendant was kind, responsive and attentive. The Spellbound dinner was disappointing (I would not do it again if I were to sail Princess again). Two of my biggest complaints were the lack of anything to do onboard that wasn't a sales pitch and how all the alcohol tasted watered down with the exception of wine and beer. No waitstaff roaming to assist with food or cocktail service - they rely on that app which is as useless as all get out. you were better off standing in line for 20 minutes to get an order in. 

All in all, it was disappointing and did not live up to the hype. Also many of the 'big ticket' areas were often closed for weddings. The entire Dome was closed for an afternoon for a wedding. Everything felt like a money grab. 

Thanks for taking the time to let others know your experience. It is hard to write and express your opinions on these forums. Others consider it complaining. However, we all need to know what the true experiences are, not just - everything was outstanding. 

 

[voljeep]

2 minutes ago, Oxo said:

Everything felt like a money grab. 

please expand on this ... sales pitches, of course ... are your trapped and can't walk away?  we need to know what to avoid

 

nobody grabs my money, sorry , Princess or otherwise

 

 

[memoak]

Bigger is not always better. 

[GrannasVacay]

36 minutes ago, voljeep said:

please expand on this ... sales pitches, of course ... are your trapped and can't walk away?  we need to know what to avoid

 

nobody grabs my money, sorry , Princess or otherwise

 

 

One example - we went to Good Spirits to watch a 'mixology' show. It was half video and half watching the bartender make a drink and then tell us we could order it. All the onboard 'things to do' were geared towards the shops. Go and sample wines and then buy them. Go and see the watches on display... I saw very little trivia, bingo, cooking demonstrations, poolside games, etc. 

[MonikaJ42]

1 hour ago, GrannasVacay said:

We just returned last week from the Sun Princess. And it left a LOT to be desired. The ship is tastefully decorated and beautiful however, the staff all seemed far too busy to be engaged with the cruisers on any level. The food was subpar. Chain restaurant quality at best. The main dining room was nice, but it was all about rushing you through your meal to get out (and we had the late evening reservation so it's not like they needed the table). Cabins were beautiful and spacious, and I had no complaints (the beds were divine!). Our stateroom attendant was kind, responsive and attentive. The Spellbound dinner was disappointing (I would not do it again if I were to sail Princess again). Two of my biggest complaints were the lack of anything to do onboard that wasn't a sales pitch and how all the alcohol tasted watered down with the exception of wine and beer. No waitstaff roaming to assist with food or cocktail service - they rely on that app which is as useless as all get out. you were better off standing in line for 20 minutes to get an order in. 

All in all, it was disappointing and did not live up to the hype. Also many of the 'big ticket' areas were often closed for weddings. The entire Dome was closed for an afternoon for a wedding. Everything felt like a money grab. 

Thank you for the taking the time to provide your review.  I'm not going to lie, I am a little worried about how the negative reviews just keep coming and the common areas of complaint are the same in almost every review.  I think i just have to set the bar low and hopefully be pleasantly surprised or I will be on the news as I have jumped off the ship (dark sense of humor, sorry). 30 days to go until we board so still a little time for things to improve....we hope!  

[Wishing on a star]

Granna,  this is typical of cruise ships..  Something to just look the other way.

I am not sure about Bingo, but in looking at reviews and videos, there seems to be no shortage of the type of things you mention. I have seen and read cooking demos, and a lot of other 'activities'.

 

I do agree about Good Spirits...  No way does this merit its own venue, closed off away from the main Piazza. We have certainly enjoyed some of their concoctions!

[memoak]

36 minutes ago, GrannasVacay said:

One example - we went to Good Spirits to watch a 'mixology' show. It was half video and half watching the bartender make a drink and then tell us we could order it. All the onboard 'things to do' were geared towards the shops. Go and sample wines and then buy them. Go and see the watches on display... I saw very little trivia, bingo, cooking demonstrations, poolside games, etc. 

unfortunately lots of these “upsell” opportunities exist on all ships. Just ignore. Good spirits is just another bar you can order anything you like

Edited Wednesday at 09:11 PM by memoak

[Wishing on a star]

13 minutes ago, MonikaJ42 said:

Thank you for the taking the time to provide your review.  I'm not going to lie, I am a little worried about how the negative reviews just keep coming and the common areas of complaint are the same in almost every review.  I think i just have to set the bar low and hopefully be pleasantly surprised or I will be on the news as I have jumped off the ship (dark sense of humor, sorry). 30 days to go until we board so still a little time for things to improve....we hope!  

 

Monika,  this is a new concept for a Princess Ship.  There are very real differences.

The new Piazza area, The servce-only Buffet. (with less nightly variation in offerings)

Etc....   Etc....  Etc.....

I think you have to keep in mind that it is human nature to be a bit resistant to change.

And, people are FAR more likely to post critical reviews than they are positive ones.

It is what it is....  (Ex.  if one is a Princess long-timer who has liked the older ships, sitting at Vines, the full Promenade... Yes, I can see the negative comments.)   Just for myself, I like the Piazza concept.  But, think it was a mistake to turn the classic Princess Piazza into something that seems more like a Corporate Convention Hall.  Will that have a big negative impact on my cruise???  No, not that much at all.

 

And, don't forget, that this has been compounded MANY times by all of the problems and hiccups and major changes....   Yes..  very frustrating!!!!

 

I think you are reading far too much into these comments.  I know that I have had my concerns about several factors.  As Princess has adjusted and changed and ironed out a lot of these, I am very much looking forward to my next cruise!

 

As Princess implements these adjustments and changes, I do think that one concern is the new Suite/Sanctuary Dining Venue.   Def. missing a nice 'views'.   But, I will wait until we see how this all works out.   It is the ambiance, and level of food and service that matter.   There are amazing views to be had all day long and twice on Sunday in the other public areas of the ship!

Edited Wednesday at 09:18 PM by Wishing on a star

[GrannasVacay]

2 hours ago, MonikaJ42 said:

Thank you for the taking the time to provide your review.  I'm not going to lie, I am a little worried about how the negative reviews just keep coming and the common areas of complaint are the same in almost every review.  I think i just have to set the bar low and hopefully be pleasantly surprised or I will be on the news as I have jumped off the ship (dark sense of humor, sorry). 30 days to go until we board so still a little time for things to improve....we hope!  

to be fair... the excursions were great and while I was disappointed with a lot of things shipboard, many people loved it. My sister and brother in law sailed on a Princess ship last December and raved about it. They felt let down for this as well. I am a Royal Carribean fan so maybe I overhyped this in my head. 🙂 Everyone is going to have a different experience and while those things were not great, it didn't diminish the fantastic time we had in Europe. My opinion is my own and as you can see in the commentors in this thread not everyone will agree (which is totally ok). 

Edited Wednesday at 11:22 PM by GrannasVacay

[opa&oma]

More than any other complaint, poor food quality is what upsets me the most.

And no, I don't cruise just for the food.

[Jadn13]

To me it felt like an obstacle course to get to the different venues.

I’m also not a fan of the eatery and the duplicated everyday menu (except for meat)

The limited dining room breakfast menu on port days was not a good surprise. (Uncertain if this is still the same for the Caribbean) 

The venues seemed too small for the ship size with people spilling out

No actual drink stations 

 

I will be sticking to the other ships after my  Oct Sun cruise. 

[FiftyOnePlus]

9 hours ago, GrannasVacay said:

We just returned last week from the Sun Princess. And it left a LOT to be desired. The ship is tastefully decorated and beautiful however, the staff all seemed far too busy to be engaged with the cruisers on any level. The food was subpar. Chain restaurant quality at best. The main dining room was nice, but it was all about rushing you through your meal to get out (and we had the late evening reservation so it's not like they needed the table). Cabins were beautiful and spacious, and I had no complaints (the beds were divine!). Our stateroom attendant was kind, responsive and attentive. The Spellbound dinner was disappointing (I would not do it again if I were to sail Princess again). Two of my biggest complaints were the lack of anything to do onboard that wasn't a sales pitch and how all the alcohol tasted watered down with the exception of wine and beer. No waitstaff roaming to assist with food or cocktail service - they rely on that app which is as useless as all get out. you were better off standing in line for 20 minutes to get an order in. 

All in all, it was disappointing and did not live up to the hype. Also many of the 'big ticket' areas were often closed for weddings. The entire Dome was closed for an afternoon for a wedding. Everything felt like a money grab. 

Agree.
It was diabolical.

[Esprit]

Maybe I'm an exception, but we were aboard for two weeks last month and had a great time.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to go back on the Sun Princess. The food and entertainment were much better than our Regal Princess cruise two years ago (with identical itinerary).

 

The Piazza was an excellent entertainment hub compared with the Royal class atriums. Both the Princess Live and Arena theatres were far superior too.

 

Our deluxe balcony cabin on deck 15 forward was perfect for us, and in a great location for  access to the Dome and Sea view terrace.

 

We really enjoyed our traditional dining experience on deck 6 with a wake view table, and the Teppanyaki meal was a great fun. I would have to say though Sabatini's was disappointing compared with our Grand class meals.

 

The Promenade areas on deck 9 with the Grill, pizza & ice cream station, and bars were a brilliant addition. The ambience outside (with comfy seating) was amazing compared with the chaos a few feet away inside the Eatery.

 

I could go on, but I guess I'm boring the pants off those who think the ship was just awful, and never to be sailed on again! 

[Grego]

On 7/11/2024 at 4:04 PM, MonikaJ42 said:

We are booked on the October 19th sailing. I have been checking reviews and most are very negative and I can't understand why?

Its a new ship so I get there would be some hiccups but the Icon is new and it has rave reviews hence why RCCL prices are ridiculous right now.

 

Any comments? 

 

Regardless I'm looking forward to the cruise.  Its going to be my first Princess cruise in over 15+ years!

First, and lastly, welcome back to Princess!

[DHP1]

4 hours ago, Esprit said:

Maybe I'm an exception, but we were aboard for two weeks last month and had a great time.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to go back on the Sun Princess. The food and entertainment were much better than our Regal Princess cruise two years ago (with identical itinerary).

 

The Piazza was an excellent entertainment hub compared with the Royal class atriums. Both the Princess Live and Arena theatres were far superior too.

 

Our deluxe balcony cabin on deck 15 forward was perfect for us, and in a great location for  access to the Dome and Sea view terrace.

 

We really enjoyed our traditional dining experience on deck 6 with a wake view table, and the Teppanyaki meal was a great fun. I would have to say though Sabatini's was disappointing compared with our Grand class meals.

 

The Promenade areas on deck 9 with the Grill, pizza & ice cream station, and bars were a brilliant addition. The ambience outside (with comfy seating) was amazing compared with the chaos a few feet away inside the Eatery.

 

I could go on, but I guess I'm boring the pants off those who think the ship was just awful, and never to be sailed on again! 

My wife and I were on the same cruise as you were and we had “fantastic time”.  I can’t wait until November 16, 2025 when we be on the Sun Princess again. I to could go on with “positive” things to say. 

[MsSoCalCruiser]

I am really looking forward to my October cruises on the Sun Princess.

 

I’ve read complaints about being served food in the Eatery but for me that is a definite plus because I get really grossed out by a lot of the behavior that I see in the buffets. 
 

I was looking forward to trying the specialty dining venues, but getting a reservation has proved to be quite difficult. I was told on the phone it’s because it’s a new ship. I can’t get an early reservation time for the Crown Grill because the ship is new? The only thing available is sushi or the hot pot. I think they need to lower the price of the hot pot and they will have more bookings. Why would I want to sit there and cook my own food while people a few feet away are having their food prepared for them with a show for the exact same price?

 

I am also looking forward to trying Lido Greens and Tacos.

 

Looking at the Patters I see new game shows that I am looking forward to attending, shows in the Dome, and the Casino sounds fun (minus the smoke). If I can’t find anything to do, I will pop in an AirPod and start walking while listening to my audiobooks that I have checked out from the library.

 

I think the only thing that I am worried about is the size of our interior cabin. We really like the sideways interiors on the Royal class ships but the photo of the interiors on the Sun Princess look like a small walk-in closet. I thought about submitting an upgrade bid, but I am afraid that I will end up with a forward cabin and I would not do well with that.

 

I will let you know what I think in October but for now I am really excited. That said, I like reading both the negative and the positive reviews. 

 

 

Edited Thursday at 02:25 PM by MsSoCalCruiser

[DHP1]

24 minutes ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

I am really looking forward to my October cruises on the Sun Princess.

 

I’ve read complaints about being served food in the Eatery but for me that is a definite plus because I get really grossed out by a lot of the behavior that I see in the buffets. 
 

I was looking forward to trying the specialty dining venues, but getting a reservation has proved to be quite difficult. I was told on the phone it’s because it’s a new ship. I can’t get an early reservation time for the Crown Grill because the ship is new? The only thing available is sushi or the hot pot. I think they need to lower the price of the hot pot and they will have more bookings. Why would I want to sit there and cook my own food while people a few feet away are having their food prepared for them with a show for the exact same price?

 

I am also looking forward to trying Lido Greens and Tacos.

 

Looking at the Patters I see new game shows that I am looking forward to attending, shows in the Dome, and the Casino sounds fun (minus the smoke). If I can’t find anything to do, I will pop in an AirPod and start walking while listening to my audiobooks that I have checked out from the library.

 

I think the only thing that I am worried about is the size of our interior cabin. We really like the sideways interiors on the Royal class ships but the photo of the interiors on the Sun Princess look like a small walk-in closet. I thought about submitting an upgrade bid, but I am afraid that I will end up with a forward cabin and I would not do well with that.

 

I will let you know what I think in October but for now I am really excited. That said, I like reading both the negative and the positive reviews. 

 

 

We took a look at an inside cabin as we were walking down the hall and I was amaze how large the cabin was. 
The Eatery (being served food) was a “non issue” with us. We didn’t mind it at all. The service was fast. We had our breakfast at the far back of the boat in the Eatery. It was less crowded there and same quality of food. 

Edited Thursday at 02:49 PM by DHP1

[Wishing on a star]

50 minutes ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

I think the only thing that I am worried about is the size of our interior cabin. We really like the sideways interiors on the Royal class ships but the photo of the interiors on the Sun Princess look like a small walk-in closet. I thought about submitting an upgrade bid, but I am afraid that I will end up with a forward cabin and I would not do well with that.

I am not sure when you are boarding, but especially if it is later in October you might want to consider putting in a bid.  Those who have won bids have been able to move to any available cabin in their new exact category.

 

Princess has been sorting all of this out before the last minute.

If you had bid earlier, when there were still more availability, then you would have had a better chance of a cabin in a better location that you could switch over to.

 

I know somebody who is boarding Oct 14 who bid right at the weak/good mark, close to a weak bid, and got a really nice upgrade.

Edited Thursday at 03:15 PM by Wishing on a star

[LittleTinker]

57 minutes ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

I am really looking forward to my October cruises on the Sun Princess.

 

I’ve read complaints about being served food in the Eatery but for me that is a definite plus because I get really grossed out by a lot of the behavior that I see in the buffets. 
 

I was looking forward to trying the specialty dining venues, but getting a reservation has proved to be quite difficult. I was told on the phone it’s because it’s a new ship. I can’t get an early reservation time for the Crown Grill because the ship is new? The only thing available is sushi or the hot pot. I think they need to lower the price of the hot pot and they will have more bookings. Why would I want to sit there and cook my own food while people a few feet away are having their food prepared for them with a show for the exact same price?

 

I am also looking forward to trying Lido Greens and Tacos.

 

Looking at the Patters I see new game shows that I am looking forward to attending, shows in the Dome, and the Casino sounds fun (minus the smoke). If I can’t find anything to do, I will pop in an AirPod and start walking while listening to my audiobooks that I have checked out from the library.

 

I think the only thing that I am worried about is the size of our interior cabin. We really like the sideways interiors on the Royal class ships but the photo of the interiors on the Sun Princess look like a small walk-in closet. I thought about submitting an upgrade bid, but I am afraid that I will end up with a forward cabin and I would not do well with that.

 

I will let you know what I think in October but for now I am really excited. That said, I like reading both the negative and the positive reviews. 

 

 

Just to say I stayed in an inside and it was fine.

Plenty of room.

It was the best thing about the ship

[Abercrombie2019]

52 minutes ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

 

I think the only thing that I am worried about is the size of our interior cabin. We really like the sideways interiors on the Royal class ships but the photo of the interiors on the Sun Princess look like a small walk-in closet. I thought about submitting an upgrade bid, but I am afraid that I will end up with a forward cabin and I would not do well with that.

Like you, we also like the sideways interiors on Royal Class ships.  The sideways interior cabins on the Sun are not the same.  The TV is in a very awkward spot on the sideways Sun cabins.

 

We noticed that the ocean view cabins were less than the price of most of the interiors when we were looking at a cruise on the Sun Princess.

[PrincessLuver]

On 9/18/2024 at 12:35 PM, GrannasVacay said:

We just returned last week from the Sun Princess. And it left a LOT to be desired. The ship is tastefully decorated and beautiful however, the staff all seemed far too busy to be engaged with the cruisers on any level. The food was subpar. Chain restaurant quality at best. The main dining room was nice, but it was all about rushing you through your meal to get out (and we had the late evening reservation so it's not like they needed the table). Cabins were beautiful and spacious, and I had no complaints (the beds were divine!). Our stateroom attendant was kind, responsive and attentive. The Spellbound dinner was disappointing (I would not do it again if I were to sail Princess again). Two of my biggest complaints were the lack of anything to do onboard that wasn't a sales pitch and how all the alcohol tasted watered down with the exception of wine and beer. No waitstaff roaming to assist with food or cocktail service - they rely on that app which is as useless as all get out. you were better off standing in line for 20 minutes to get an order in. 

All in all, it was disappointing and did not live up to the hype. Also many of the 'big ticket' areas were often closed for weddings. The entire Dome was closed for an afternoon for a wedding. Everything felt like a money grab. 

We are on the Sun now for 25 days and I must say I agree with your review and we have been highly disappointed especially with the food.  We love the new design of the mini-suites and staff overall has really been really trying.  However, the food in the Reserve Dining room has been subpar and very limited.  They have changed the menu drastically and all my old favorite standby's, such as salmon and French onion soup,  are not on the menu any more.  Two out of five dinners now I have only had appetizers and no main courses because they menu is just so limited.  I have really never not enjoyed a meal in Club Class before or any dining room actually but now we are not even going to the Reserve dining room for breakfast and thinking of just going somewhere else for dinner.  The Reserve Dining is much bigger then Club Class on other ships was and the wait staff has to serve way more guests so it is not really personalized either.  Once we get off the Sun we will not be back on.  We will stick with the Royal Class ships.