Help me - I am so mad - Carribbean Princess

[startedwithamouse]

10 minutes ago, memoak said:

Tons of places included in your fare. International cafe, buffet, lido deck burgers and pizza

*sarcasm*

[paddingtonbear]

For your first cruise since you don’t drink I’d drop the package and go to the MDR the food is great. How will you know the difference between the MDR and SD if you don’t even try the MDR? 

[memoak]

1 minute ago, startedwithamouse said:

*sarcasm*

Just pointing out a few ways to get a bite to tide one over. I often pick up a couple of pizza bits at IC around 4 or so 

[memoak]

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

Many here do not want to admit the problem, but yes, it is possible that you will not be able to get a reservation, once aboard.   If you expand your horizons and are willing to dine late (near closing) it does help.  We have talked about this on other posts.  HAL has been including more and more alternative dining in their packages.  With the Premiere Package now having no limits, most folks who book that package will be seeking lots of alternative dining reservations.  Princess keeps expanding the potential bookers but does not expand the dining venues.  

 

In December of 2023, we spent 2 weeks on the Sky Princess. where we had the Premiere Package.  This was still at a time when there was a 2 free meal limit, but we also had over $1000 of non-refundable OBC.  During those two weeks, it was very difficult to get any reservation in Rudi's and the Crown Grill (Sabatini's was less of a problem).  One evening, while having a drink at the bar just outside the Crown Grill, the Maitre'd chatted with us while we were enjoying a drink.  We complained that it had been impossible to get a reservation (at any time).  He told us to stick around until late, and he would squeeze us in.  This finally happened around 8:50 and we were not finished with dinner until around 10:30!  

 

I mention this, because "walk-ups" are possible in any of the venues.  It never hurts to go to the host/hostess and ask if there is any chance of getting a table.  At worst they will say no (this happened to us many times) but sometimes you can get lucky.  

 

As much as we enjoy Princess (we have literally spent years on their ships) we do think there are some major issues with dining and the main show room.  Princess makes money by allotting more space to cabins, and less to public rooms.  The main theaters are too small for the number of passengers (this seems to be an even bigger problem on the new Sun Princess) and the alternative restaurants were planned at a time when Princess could exercise some control (over bookings) by how they priced the venues.  But now, with the Premium package and unlimited dining privileges, the only real control is the number of available reservations.  

 

Princess does have a nasty habit of enticing folks with packages and venues, but not wanting to talk about availability,   Consider the Sanctuary where one has to be lucky to get reservations.  If you do not have some kind of priority boarding, you are likely to find the Sanctuary "sold out."  On the new Sun Princess they are selling several hundred "Sanctuary" cabins which get folks access to the larger Sanctuary.  But there are obvously not enough loungers for everyone, so apparently it will be first come-first serve on a daily basis.  I can just imagine folks rushing up there an hour before opening (to wait in line), getting assigned loungers, and then going ashore for the day (while their reserved lounger is empty).  Meanwhile, others who are still aboard and slept-in until 9, will be out of luck!  Every day!  Folks will have paid thousands of extra dollars for those Sanctuary cabins, but then they will have to fight to get a seat!  

 

There is a reason why many of us call lines like Princess "mass market."  They cater to the "masses" but many of the spaces do not have sufficient size for those same "masses."

 

Hank

Sorry we sail 3-4 times a year on 2-3 week cruises on Grand and Royal class ships and never book specialty dinners prior to sailing and have never had an issue on booking while on board. Just be a little flexible and you will have no issues no matter what naysayers post

[JF - retired RRT]

15 hours ago, newcruiserny said:

Is there any possibility that I will go on the ship and never eat any specialty dining?  I would be crushed as that is the only reason I purchased Princess Premier

If that's the ONLY reason you purchased Premier...cancel it. The cost to book the specialty restaurants is way less than the cost of Premier.

[Barter123]

If you are unable to get any reservations before board the is no need to go to individual restaurants to book, just call the Dine Line from your cabin and make reservations for any specialty restaurant. We have always had excellent results that way. Less stress!

[memoak]

4 minutes ago, Barter123 said:

If you are unable to get any reservations before board the is no need to go to individual restaurants to book, just call the Dine Line from your cabin and make reservations for any specialty restaurant. We have always had excellent results that way. Less stress!

Many of us have echoed this but it seems the OP wants some kind of guarantee which is not going to happen   Unlimited specially dinners is just that but not the time you may prefer 

Edited October 11 by memoak

[nasa1974]

14 hours ago, newcruiserny said:

Thank you so much.  Sorry guys if I over reacted.  I just wanted to eat.  I mean it is Thanksgiving week. 

 

I will definitely listen to you and go to the restaurants when I board the ship and try to get reservations.

We have thrown a lot of information at you. Some have talked about the MDR (Main Dining Room) which has a fairly good selection. I tried to find a sample menu for a better explanation and maybe someone can. In the MDR you are not limited to a specific choice. If you see two or three menu items that appeal to you can try them all (turkey and all the fixings will be offered on the menu). It's the same way up in Horizon Court (or whatever it is being called anymore) the buffet. You can try a little bit of everything and go back for seconds or thirds. Since you said you don't drink and don't need the wifi I agree with the others that you don't need the Princess Premier package. As someone said it would be less expensive to pay out of pocket for the specialty restaurant if and when you can book one. Your choice. Have a great cruise.

[newcruiserny]

Ya I guess I didn't think this one through, I watched some videos got excited and just purchased it.  From everybody's feedback standard food is more than ok.

 

It thought it would be less crowded and busy with specialty dining and the food would be way better.  Let me see if I can cancel it then, they will probably offer me some onboard credit based on what I am reading.  So perhaps trade for massages and spa

[TAW1963]

22 minutes ago, newcruiserny said:

Ya I guess I didn't think this one through, I watched some videos got excited and just purchased it.  From everybody's feedback standard food is more than ok.

 

It thought it would be less crowded and busy with specialty dining and the food would be way better.  Let me see if I can cancel it then, they will probably offer me some onboard credit based on what I am reading.  So perhaps trade for massages and spa

I think that is a wise decision.  We rarely eat at speciality restaurants, and we don't drink alcohol, so we don't purchase either of the Plus or Premier packages.  My DW is a rather picky and non-adventurous eater, but for some reason she tries, and likes, many dishes in the MDR.  We really enjoy eating at the MDR and the service has always been top-notch in or experience.  I think you will be just as happy, if not happier, without the Premier package.  It will reduce your stress and anxiety, which you don't need when on vacation.  I hope you have a great time; I know we always do when sailing on Princess.

[Thrak]

39 minutes ago, newcruiserny said:

Ya I guess I didn't think this one through, I watched some videos got excited and just purchased it.  From everybody's feedback standard food is more than ok.

 

It thought it would be less crowded and busy with specialty dining and the food would be way better.  Let me see if I can cancel it then, they will probably offer me some onboard credit based on what I am reading.  So perhaps trade for massages and spa

 

Be aware that the Spa is expensive.

 

[Retired-N-Happy]

2 hours ago, startedwithamouse said:

 The majority wants to eat at 5, 6 or 7. Eat later and relax. 

Later is for adult beverages and entertainment.  Back in the day before drink packages came into fashion, late seating at 815 and the late show were our preference.  As times change, so do our preferences.

[kywildcatfanone]

20 hours ago, newcruiserny said:

what do you mean don't be sad?  I paid $90 per day to eat.  Imagine buying a car and not getting the car

If they sold you a package they will provide you dining you paid for.  Now, it might not be a time of your liking, but they won't deny you or they will refund you.

[Wishing on a star]

Yes, if the package was about the dining, and not the Beverage Package,  then you might want to reconsider.

Remember, once onboard, whether you have the package or not, you can still dine at the Specialty restaurants.  But, as mentioned, the times might not be ideal.

A couple of Specialty dining is way way cheaper than the whole Premier Package.

 

[avonlady6390]

Another thing to keep in mind is those u tube videos are not always accurate I've watched a few and they don't always give the right information.

[1KBAP]

A lot of doom and gloom being posted here.

 

What we yet to see on the Princess board is anyone with a Premier Package who is on board a ship and is unable to obtain specialty dining reservations.  That should tell you a lot.

 

The app has all kinds of issues (always has since it was introduced) and Princess does keep reservations available for once people board.

 

Princess is not selling an unlimited number of Premier Packages.

 

I find great value in the Premier Package.  I think you will be just fine with it.

[CU64]

14 hours ago, newcruiserny said:

Sorry for over reacting but please understand that this is the first time I have ever booked a Princess cruise and I have never been on a cruise ship before.  I am not retired so I have work time off that I need to use before the year ends and this cruise date fit into my schedule being on Thanksgiving holiday. 

 

I was watching videos but I guess I was looking at the Sun or any newer ships and didn't realize that I did not have more than 2 restaurant choices.  Please try to understand that the food is the reason I bought the package.  I don't drink and I don't care about the wifi.  I bought it 100% for the food.

 

I also booked a cruise for Holland America and I can make reservations so easy on their app.

 

Princess Premier package was literally more then what I paid for my cruise fare.

If your primary requirements is food, stay off a cruise & book nice hotel in your area with a pick of restaurants 

[cr8tiv1]

It's a short 4 day introductory cruise.  If you cancel Premier early, it should be refunded to your credit card.  IF...it is refunded as On Board Credit, it should be returned as a check 2 weeks after your cruise.  IF, you still want Premier, you could purchase it on embarkation day.

 

I have found that the Princess Plus Package is a good choice for 4 days.  You will still get a chance to dine at Planks and/or Steamers plus get a few specialty desserts without having to worry about being nickeled and dimed. 

 

Use this cruise as an introductory.  There is no right or wrong.  You will be shocked as fast this cruise will be over.

[milolii]

Last week we spoke with Concierge/Event Manager on the CP who said about 50% of the passengers onboard had the package.  I asked if there were any issues with specialty dinning.  The reply was not really as it was a longer cruise and that people tend to move on to other dinning options on the longer cruises.   She did say there have been some issues on the shorter cruises, which seems to be the OP’s concern.  
 

The issue we saw was with the reserved seating for the production  shows.  There also didn’t seem to be enough seating for everyone anyway.  The last shows, doors didn’t open until after 1930, with the lines snaking through the casino, and folks complaining about the smoke. The 2200 productions shows were also full. 

Edited October 12 by milolii

[1KBAP]

3 hours ago, CU64 said:

If your primary requirements is food, stay off a cruise & book nice hotel in your area with a pick of restaurants 

3 hours ago, milolii said:

Last week we spoke with Concierge/Event Manager on the CP who said about 50% of the passengers onboard had the package.  I asked if there were any issues with specialty dinning.  The reply was not really as it was a longer cruise and that people tend to move on to other dinning options on the longer cruises.   She did say there have been some issues on the shorter cruises, which seems to be the OP’s concern. 

 

 

Yet this is a cruise ship forum . . .

 

50% had the Premier Package?  I very seriously doubt that.  50% had the Plus or Premier Package?  Sure, I'll buy that.

Edited October 12 by 1KBAP

[milolii]

1 hour ago, 1KBAP said:

 

 

50% had the Premier Package?  I very seriously doubt that.  50% had the Plus or Premier Package?  Sure, I'll buy that.

I can only report what I was told.  The conversion actually started with issues about the reserved theater seating, also a Premier perk.  That conversation prompted the 50% statement. 
 

 I have no reason to doubt what she said.  She seemed very knowledgable; and along with the guest service manager were aware of the Cruise Critic Forums.  Have you communicated with someone about that cruise who gave you different information?  

[1KBAP]

2 hours ago, milolii said:

I can only report what I was told.  The conversion actually started with issues about the reserved theater seating, also a Premier perk.  That conversation prompted the 50% statement. 
 

 I have no reason to doubt what she said.  She seemed very knowledgable; and along with the guest service manager were aware of the Cruise Critic Forums.  Have you communicated with someone about that cruise who gave you different information?  

I see how many reserved seats there are in the theater.  If 50% of the passengers had a Premier Package, they would have to set aside half the theater as reserved seating.  It's maybe 10% from my last three cruises--if that.

[JamieLogical]

I don't think the Premier package is a very good deal if ALL you care about is specialty dining. You can just pay outright for specialty dining on the nights you want, eat in the main dining room a couple of nights, and save yourself a lot of money if you don't care about expensive cocktails/wine or wifi for four devices.

 

It sounds like you are panicked about not being able to eat. Trust me, you will NOT go hungry on a cruise! You do not need to pay $90/person/day extra to eat!

[memoak]

10 hours ago, 1KBAP said:

A lot of doom and gloom being posted here.

 

What we yet to see on the Princess board is anyone with a Premier Package who is on board a ship and is unable to obtain specialty dining reservations.  That should tell you a lot.

 

The app has all kinds of issues (always has since it was introduced) and Princess does keep reservations available for once people board.

 

Princess is not selling an unlimited number of Premier Packages.

 

I find great value in the Premier Package.  I think you will be just fine with it.

Since OP doesn’t drink or use WiFi they would be paying $90 per person per day for tips and specialty dining which seems like an awfully lot to me. We usually get plus because we drink and go to specialty dinners maybe 1-2 times per week at $53 per person per meal and always book on board never a real problem unless you insist on eating super early 

 

[memoak]

9 hours ago, milolii said:

Last week we spoke with Concierge/Event Manager on the CP who said about 50% of the passengers onboard had the package.  I asked if there were any issues with specialty dinning.  The reply was not really as it was a longer cruise and that people tend to move on to other dinning options on the longer cruises.   She did say there have been some issues on the shorter cruises, which seems to be the OP’s concern.  
 

The issue we saw was with the reserved seating for the production  shows.  There also didn’t seem to be enough seating for everyone anyway.  The last shows, doors didn’t open until after 1930, with the lines snaking through the casino, and folks complaining about the smoke. The 2200 productions shows were also full. 

I would bet that there were 50% of people with one of the packages. We see many more people with plus rather than premier I can’t believe they would have more than a thousand with premier