are we getting less satisfied with princess?

[Sandytoes]

ginah1989 - When you get back from your August cruise...please let us know how you liked it. ...I personally think Princess is a great product and will continue to cruise with them....

 

Glad you feel this way....So many of us do....

 

I, personally, never had a problem dealing with Princess. Won't hear a major complaint here.

They responded very quickly to my letters. Customer Service was always helpful answering my questions.

They make sure they please all age groups. Have a variety of activities, entertainment, dining options.

Accommodating the needs of all their passengers. While keeping fares to an affordable price....Giving their passengers the option to purchase the extras or not.

 

But, there's always one in the crowd you just can't please, no matter what.... the CCC - Chronic Complainer Cruiser.

 

(as for my August cruise, yes, I will be back with an updated fair comparison review.)

[bdjam]

As far as jumping in to defend Princess on negative threads, I usually "consider the source" and decide "not to waste my breath on someone who won't get the message". As an elite member, I could contradict most of the negatives that first and second time cruisers come up with, but why bother? They have already closed their minds and are just looking to stir up trouble or vent.

Amen, sister.

[TorontoTL]

I have given up posting on threads that basically bash Princess. You will not get anywhere with people when they have it in their minds to be extremely negative, especially on the internet. If there is a reasonable question being asked then I will post.

 

I will continue to support Princess with my cruise vacations until the time that I don't want to cruise or the experience changes for the worse. After quite a few cruises with Princess, the cruise experience has continued to improve, not decline for me.

[meemeec]

I have given up posting on threads that basically bash Princess. You will not get anywhere with people when they have it in their minds to be extremely negative, especially on the internet. If there is a reasonable question being asked then I will post.

 

I will continue to support Princess with my cruise vacations until the time that I don't want to cruise or the experience changes for the worse. After quite a few cruises with Princess, the cruise experience has continued to improve, not decline for me.

 

Benny, thanks, you took the words right out of my mouth! Also, as far as the "nickel and diming" that bothers so many, just ignore it! No one can "make" you buy limoncello if you don't want it! I really can't blame Princess or any other cruise lines for wanting to increase their onboard revenue. It seems like people complain about the "selling" and then very willingly spend $20-$40 per day on Bingo! It's all about personal choice and what each individual cruiser decides is necessary or desirable for their vacation!!

In 25 years of cruising, I have to say the experience gets only better for us especially since we have decided to settle on the one cruiseline that meets OUR needs for a fun and relaxing trip.

[dforeigner]

Could it be that people expect or demand more that 20 years ago. I agree, the food quality may have gone done a bit as the market has expanded to the masses. In order to do that, cruise lines have cut done on some costs. But how often do we read, "What do we get for free?" on these boards. People expect five start treatment and service but are not willing to pay the prices of Crystal, Seabourn, etc.

[Bucky3]

We join with the other Princess cheerleaders! Having just returned from the Island cruise to Hawaii, I can't imagine a better cruise experience. It was as near to perfect as it gets in IMHO. We have sailed most of the "other" like lines more than once, are just recently Elite on Princess and know this is where we belong. To those of you sailing Princess for the first time, enjoy. It is an excellent product.

[ISABELLA]

poppop1507,

You just read my mind. We are approaching our 33 cruise this November - not with a Princess. A few years ago, when somebody asked me what is my favorite cruiseline? I used to say Princess, but not anymore. Don't get me wrong, I will till sail with them , but overall they are going down the hill. By the way, we came back from Coral Princess 3 weeks ago, smoked salmon was served only once at breakfast during 10 days cruise. Service in the dining room was slow and variety was not as good as even 2 years ago. We cruise 2-3 times a year and usualy with different cruislines, so it is very easy to compare. So far, I will rank Princess above Carnival and NCL, slightly above RCCL, but under Celebrity and Holland America. I used to be a very loyal Princess cruiser. So sad. Grand Princess is still my favorite ship.

[Opinions]

 

Even on Tips now they do an AutoCharge.. who do you think gets the Float of those funds...?

 

Since I use a credit card, and don't pay it until well after the cruise, I do.

[AAAAmerican]

I so agree and concur not to create a stir~^~^^

 

We try to cruise a few times each year ..if possible from near NYC as flying is now quite trying..

 

 

Comparisons are easily done since we do it and not just read and write about it...

 

When you travel you get to unravel...

 

The story of the Emperors clothes holds such a truism..:eek:

 

 

poppop1507,

You just read my mind. We are approaching our 33 cruise this November - not with a Princess. A few years ago, when somebody asked me what is my favorite cruiseline? I used to say Princess, but not anymore. Don't get me wrong, I will till sail with them , but overall they are going down the hill. By the way, we came back from Coral Princess 3 weeks ago, smoked salmon was served only once at breakfast during 10 days cruise. Service in the dining room was slow and variety was not as good as even 2 years ago. We cruise 2-3 times a year and usualy with different cruislines, so it is very easy to compare. So far, I will rank Princess above Carnival and NCL, slightly above RCCL, but under Celebrity and Holland America. I used to be a very loyal Princess cruiser. So sad. Grand Princess is still my favorite ship.

[AAAAmerican]

Wow I wish i had your courage ..

 

I always use my credit card as well. Oh yopu must mean the tipping as in Gratuities... which by no means are newities ...

 

Yes having the usage of Credit Cards , another American invention, is wonderful and as well has many benefits both for them and as well uis..a WIN+WIN even for the CCard firms too...

 

But the Cruise line does still get the Float of Funds..not just on the water floating either...

 

Dont you know they Pre Charge your Card to make sure no deadbeats wallow away without payments.. so yes once you Lock Cards as in there Imprinting your C Card it is done..

 

The Cruise Lines have to know they shall be paid as you have already agreed to those in your Cruise Contract(s) approved prior to boarding...

 

Since I use a credit card, and don't pay it until well after the cruise, I do.

[bdjam]

Don't get me wrong, I will till sail with them , but overall they are going down the hill. By the way, we came back from Coral Princess 3 weeks ago, smoked salmon was served only once at breakfast during 10 days cruise. Service in the dining room was slow and variety was not as good as even 2 years ago. We cruise 2-3 times a year and usualy with different cruislines, so it is very easy to compare. So far, I will rank Princess above Carnival and NCL, slightly above RCCL, but under Celebrity and Holland America. I used to be a very loyal Princess cruiser. So sad. Grand Princess is still my favorite ship.

Could you define for us what you mean by "going down the hill?" I had excellent service a week ago on Island Princess in the dining room - in fact it was too fast for a five course dinner some of the nights - and there were more choices on the menu than I wanted.

 

There probably isn't enough demand for Smoked Salmon every day of the sailing, but I bet if you asked one of the staff members, they'd see to it that you got it every morning. Princess normally will handle a special order for you - and that's why Princess ranks high in some of our books.

 

Your ranking of the cruise lines meets most professional evaluations. It will be interesting to see how Celebrity handles their new big ships coming off the line and what that does overall to their product.

[pipedreams62]

Could it be that people expect or demand more that 20 years ago. I agree, the food quality may have gone done a bit as the market has expanded to the masses. In order to do that, cruise lines have cut done on some costs. But how often do we read, "What do we get for free?" on these boards. People expect five start treatment and service but are not willing to pay the prices of Crystal, Seabourn, etc.

 

Some people just can't figure out that the cruise lines are in this game to make money. when you can go on a cruise for less than $100 a day they are probably losing money. (I've seen cruises for as low as $50 a day)

 

The cruise lines want you to buy drinks,purchase photos,gamble,take shore excursions,etc.

 

They're not in this business to sell a 7 day cruise for $500 then have these same people pack their suitcases with soda (wow is that cheap!) and then go down to the front desk the last day of the cruise and try to have the automatic tipping taken of of their bill.

 

Do people going on the Seabourn,Queen mary or QEII pack their suitcases with soda and quibble over tipping? Maybe I should save my pennies and check it out.

[bdjam]

Some people just can't figure out that the cruise lines are in this game to make money. when you can go on a cruise for less than $100 a day they are probably losing money. (I've seen cruises for as low as $50 a day)

 

The cruise lines want you to buy drinks,purchase photos,gamble,take shore excursions,etc.

 

They're not in this business to sell a 7 day cruise for $500 then have these same people pack their suitcases with soda (wow is that cheap!) and then go down to the front desk the last day of the cruise and try to have the automatic tipping taken of of their bill.

 

Do people going on the Seabourn,Queen mary or QEII pack their suitcases with soda and quibble over tipping? Maybe I should save my pennies and check it out.

BINGO - I think YOU nailed it!

[AAAAmerican]

As some may have noticed or may later.. there is a new CruiseLine now..which was going to be A Celebrity addition in ships. RCL:NYSE owns Celebrity.

 

The new line is really older ships up+shaped and more luxury..but taking over the Zenith etc..routes too..

 

Going from near where the Statue of Liberty resides on Liberty Island, Hudson County, New Jersey a lot of there ships leave from the old Major US NAVY Supply Base MOTBY (Military Ocean Terminal Bayonne).

 

Across in Brooklyn Borough , NYC, NY in Red Hook Section are the Old Salt Piers which were part of the Brooklyn US NAVY Yard. We are leaving in less than 20 days again from there again. A financial agreement was reached with CCL/CUK/NYSE/LSE

 

 

On May 4 at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, NJ, what was expected to be the introduction of a new cruise ship for Celebrity turned out to be the launch of a new cruise line, Azamara Cruises. From a luxury standpoint, Azamara is being touted as midway between Celebrity and the 6-star lines: Crystal, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea. The line will offer exotic, off-the-beaten-path itineraries, outstanding service and world-class amenities.

 

Azamara will consist of two ships acquired from Pullmantur that were previously earmarked for the Celebrity Expeditions fleet. Prior to May 4, the 710-passenger ships were marketed as Celebrity Journey and Celebrity Quest, but have now been renamed Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. Azamara Journey just emerged from a $19 million refurbishment and began its first cruise to Bermuda on May 5. Azamara Quest will join the fleet in October.

 

Every cabin on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest features butler service, a fresh fruit basket, fresh-cut flowers, 24-hour room service, a 23" plasma television, personal stationery, new European bedding and complimentary use of binoculars, umbrellas and Frette cotton robes. Additionally, both ships offer two specialty restaurants, concierge service, a top-of-the-line spa and wellness center, and wireless Internet service in all staterooms and public areas. Shore excursions are designed to immerse guests in the cultures and environments of the ports visited, and onboard enrichment programs provide a wide variety of educational opportunities, from champagne tasting to photography.

 

Azamara offers cruises to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, South America, Asia, Europe and Antarctica.

 

So the Bottom Line is Princess part of Carnival /World Cruise CCL/CUK::NYSE/LSE does now have to COMPETE more..

 

I was on the landline with HQ for Princess again a few times and they are going to now implement major additions in the culinary area as well others..

 

Words are thusly only textual actions are more factual and actual!

 

As the English say and have said..the proof is in the pudding..:eek:

 

Oh I am one of the people which does carry on in a 12 pack Dr. Pepper Root/Birch Beer as they do not have what I like. So if you dont like that ..sit on it...

[firefly333]

Im not sure which is the "other" cruiseline folks keep referring to, but on generic threads about which cruiseline has the best perks for repeat passengers, Id say RCI wins hands down. A poster here mentioned they miss the smoked salmon at breakfast they miss which RCI still has.

 

I still prefer the food on Princess and since I dont like fish for breakfast, I could care less that Princess no longer has it or not all the time :).

 

The best cabin Iv had so far was on the Caribbean Princess L103 with its forward view, that was really fun because we could go out and watch the sunsets at night and watch when we entered port with its forward view and it was extra large 193 sf.

 

I did start out to earn higher status on Princess until they pulled the rug on free internet, thats the one perk I thought was worth having, I could really care less about the other things, Id be too embarrassed to try and get in special lines to cut in front, Im shy in person. Im not a person who wants to be waiting on. But I did enjoy Princess, even though I only have two cruises with Princess, they were both good, well except the Princess Grand I had the worse room steward on any cruise, but thats the luck of the draw.

 

RCI has prettier dining rooms and ships maybe..but Princess has a quality I like too, elegant.

[Vic The Parrot]

I'm thinking of trying Princess, and can't wait to see what they have to offer.

 

From what I understand so far (after reading here) the ships have comfortable cabins ... good food ... good itineraries. I see no reason why I should keep "avoiding" them.

 

If things go well, I just might book the Dawn Princess 7 day from SD later this year.

 

I'll keep everyone informed .....

 

 

:cool: :)

[kymburley]

poppop1507,

You just read my mind. We are approaching our 33 cruise this November - not with a Princess. A few years ago, when somebody asked me what is my favorite cruiseline? I used to say Princess, but not anymore. Don't get me wrong, I will till sail with them , but overall they are going down the hill. By the way, we came back from Coral Princess 3 weeks ago, smoked salmon was served only once at breakfast during 10 days cruise. Service in the dining room was slow and variety was not as good as even 2 years ago. We cruise 2-3 times a year and usualy with different cruislines, so it is very easy to compare. So far, I will rank Princess above Carnival and NCL, slightly above RCCL, but under Celebrity and Holland America. I used to be a very loyal Princess cruiser. So sad. Grand Princess is still my favorite ship.

 

I took 3 cruises on Carnival before finally switching over to Princess. I took that cruise just 2 or 3 weeks ago. While I thought my cabin steward could have been just a little more pampering (not sure what my expectations were though :confused: ), I thought the line was awesome! I was on the Diamond (I think I had the perfect cabin, C420, on the perfect ship!!) and the first night in the dining room I felt totally rushed. I cured that problem by ordering from the dining room, but having room service bring it up (a very nice perk of the suites). I got to know the girl, Claudia from Mazatlan. Never did I have this experience on Carnival. The next morning my daughter asked me if we could get eggs benedict for breakfast. I didn't know, so I asked Claudia. She said it wasn't on the dining room menu that day, but she magically made it appear for both of us.

 

I noticed on the last day of the cruise that there were 2 room service charges of $2.01 on my daughter's (11 years old) account. Apparantly my SIL ordered a sprite from room service for DD. SIL told room service that dd had a coke card, so it was expected that a glass of sprite would be brought up with the meal. A can was brought up and thus the charge. It was a little irritating (I'm a principal based person). The girl at the purser's desk refused to remove the charge. Why would I buy a coke if I already paid $28 for the coke card? Anyway, I told her it wasn't worth arguing over and I was fine with leaving the charges there. She called me back about 15 minutes later and had both charges removed. Amazing!!!

 

I didn't get sold on a bunch of stuff. I'm 40 and know how to ignore & say no politely. I have a choice of visiting the bar, casino, spa & if I don't want to buy stuff I don't go to these places.

 

To tell you the truth, the only "bad" part of the cruise was that day we left Cabo and was headed back to LA. I somehow got a headache & had to go to the little shop that sells toiletries, liquor, and tobacco. I grabbed a little packet of advil & this older gentleman comes in and makes a bee-line to the liquor/tobacco section. The clerk from Canada was explaining to him that tomorrow is the day to purchase this stuff. That an announcement was made the first day of the cruise explaining how buying that stuff worked on board. There was a little girl in the store w/her mom and this guy starts cussing the clerk out. When he finally left I told her it's amazing what some people will say/do to feed their habits. She said she see's all kinds - she was clearly not happy. Poor girl - I felt for her.

 

Last week I booked a PS on the Caribbean Princess. I looked at the other lines, but I had such a fantastic time on the Diamond and the other lines were very expensive. It seems people complain about the food on all lines (I've decided many years ago that some people cannot be happy about anything). I think it's absolutely amazing that the "kitchen" can make all that food for all those people w/o making people wait between courses and it still turns out pretty good. I'm not cooking, serving, or cleaning so I will not be impossible to please. Can't wait for 9.16.... :D

 

Sorry for the long winded response... This is just my 2 cents..

[bdjam]

Azamara offers cruises to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, South America, Asia, Europe and Antarctica.

 

So the Bottom Line is Princess part of Carnival /World Cruise CCL/CUK::NYSE/LSE does now have to COMPETE more..

 

I was on the landline with HQ for Princess again a few times and they are going to now implement major additions in the culinary area as well others..

Wasn't this the topic of another thread? Princess has to do nothing to compete - they are filling their ships without partaking in some competition. The culinary improvements have been in line for Emerald Princess and are not a result of this new Celebrity spin off.

 

Princess can't vie against a small ship luxury line - they don't have the ships for it, nor do they have the ability to match the itineraries. It's not the business model that they choose to follow.

[AAAAmerican]

There are still some cabins on Crown Princess on some dates available, we are on the fourth since she is back from vacation. But alas she is going away maybe for good next year so this is the last year leaving from Buttermilk Channel, Atlantis Basin which is perpendicular to Commerce Street in Red Hook Section of Brooklyn Borough, NYC, NY at the Old Salt piers there now #12..

 

A NJ girl is the Ships GodMother being from Elm St. in Nutley, Essex County, NJ own Mrs. Martha Stewart:cool:

MSO:NYSE

 

Princess ships I M H O are nice but as in any thing has a plus side and a minus.

 

Food is very subjective but a personal choice and knowledge thereof in anything is very beneficial in fact finding.

 

 

Money spent is not heaven sent.. so yes a cost basis is knowledgeable fact which should be known, chosen, then used well.

 

But isnt the Dawn coming from the East?:cool:

 

I'm thinking of trying Princess, and can't wait to see what they have to offer.

 

From what I understand so far (after reading here) the ships have comfortable cabins ... good food ... good itineraries. I see no reason why I should keep "avoiding" them.

 

If things go well, I just might book the Dawn Princess 7 day from SD later this year.

 

I'll keep everyone informed .....

 

 

:cool: :)

[AAAAmerican]

There are still some cabins on Crown Princess on some dates available, we are on the fourth since she is back from vacation. But alas she is going away maybe for good next year so this is the last year leaving from Buttermilk Channel, Atlantis Basin which is perpendicular toCommerce Street[/color] in Red Hook Section of Brooklyn Borough, NYC, NY at the Old Salt piers there now #12..

Yes we are all going to be HOOKERS... Red Hookers...

 

A NJ girl is the Ships GodMother being from Elm St. in Nutley, Essex County, NJ own Mrs. Martha Stewart:cool:

MSO:NYSE

 

Princess ships I M H O are nice but as in any thing has a plus side and a minus.

 

Food is very subjective but a personal choice and knowledge thereof in anything is very beneficial in fact finding.

 

 

Money spent is not heaven sent.. so yes a cost basis is knowledgeable fact which should be known, chosen, then used well.

 

But isnt the Dawn coming from the East?:cool:

 

I'm thinking of trying Princess, and can't wait to see what they have to offer.

 

From what I understand so far (after reading here) the ships have comfortable cabins ... good food ... good itineraries. I see no reason why I should keep "avoiding" them.

 

If things go well, I just might book the Dawn Princess 7 day from SD later this year.

 

I'll keep everyone informed .....

 

 

:cool: :)

[Vic The Parrot]

Thanks for the tip, AAAA ..... but I can't do anything in July.

 

Have to wait til Oct for my holiday. :(

 

 

But I'm sure DP will do the trick, even tho I have to fly to SoCal (which I've done so many times already, and getting used to it).

 

 

Have a good weekend!

 

 

vic

 

:)

[OuiOnboard]

We've done several of the mid level cruiselines. Without considering the cruise fare factor, we rate Celebrity a bit higher than HAL which we rate a bit higher than Princess which we rate about equal with RCCL which we rate a bit higher than NCL,Costa and Carnival.

We cruise mostly with Princess because for our cruising purposes, they deliver the best fit when all things are considered.

Want to try Cunard, Oceania, and Regent someday. :)

[MrPete]

I look forward to sailing ALL the Carnival owned lines.

 

Also, when reading comparisons, it helps when the posters has tried more than one product, then they would know if what they have sailed is comparitable.

 

Not that there's anything wrong with someone who likes what they have and don't feel the need to try something new. They just can't express anything to which to compare.

 

But, there ARE more people trying different lines, so they have the ability to write their comparisons.

 

I used to think my moms cooking was the best in the land. Then I traveled the land. :rolleyes:

 

So far, I have found that all the mass lines are pretty much the same (barring one).

[crusinpeg]

I

I was always able to write smoked salmon in on my morning room service card...hope this hasn't changed!!

[AAAAmerican]

With you being a PrincessOphile it may be hard to see the ships through the seas..

 

Here they have not been filling them and dont get a good fill rate till they lower there prices immensely. Yes even B+NCL as you may have seen on your Far West Coast in HI they are leaving a few ships too there as too many ships are plying certain waters..its a basic great capitalism tool called competition..

 

Princess is only a part now no more a whole or equal being part of WorldCruise CCL/CUK::NYSE/LSE they do have to compete and are doing it slowly ..

 

Maybe customer Service may get there one day too...eh...

 

If a Cruise Line is not in competition then why is it in business still? It would be Ch 7. and/or 11.

 

WorldCruise is really like a good Bridge Match and yes there are only 13 tricks still..:eek:

 

Wasn't this the topic of another thread? Princess has to do nothing to compete - they are filling their ships without partaking in some competition. The culinary improvements have been in line for Emerald Princess and are not a result of this new Celebrity spin off.

 

Princess can't vie against a small ship luxury line - they don't have the ships for it, nor do they have the ability to match the itineraries. It's not the business model that they choose to follow.