Diamond Princess -- Just off the Cruise

[Northender]

"Also on the topic of flower animals- our waiter wrapped up a dessert for us 'to go' in a foil swan. I would guess that some people probably really dig that, too!"

I am jealous. Will make sure to save some dessert just to get the foil swan. :D

 

 

[kellieann5]

"Also on the topic of flower animals- our waiter wrapped up a dessert for us 'to go' in a foil swan. I would guess that some people probably really dig that, too!"

I am jealous. Will make sure to save some dessert just to get the foil swan. :D

 

 

 

Oh no! Don't save a dessert! What a waste. Order two.

(-:

[annmarz]

I think part of the problem here is that is raises the question of what is a "legitimate" complaint or criticism of Princess. Obviously that is a subjective issue.

 

It does seem that many of the criticisms addressed in these Boards are ridiculously, by any standard, petty, trivial and miniscule. It does seem that some people are really trying hard to find things to complain about. Other criticisms seem to be based on unrealistic expectations or confusion on the part of the passenger. It is also hard to separate what is a personal taste issue (food) and what is a negative for the ship. Experienced Princess cruisers and frequent readers of these boards can easily lose patience with these people.

 

Yet everyone has a right to their opinion and to express it. It is one thing however to point out negatives on a cruise or areas of improvement or concern (even if they are small) and extrapolate it to a condemnation of the whole cruise line or a declaration to "never go on Princess again." This skewed perspective is bound to stimulate a reaction from people. Maybe this is what some people want.

 

I find it depressing to read so many criticisms that seem to be exaggerated nonissues. That is my opinion. It takes away from the fun of discussing cruises and learning more about ships I have not yet been on.

[wizard-of-roz]

Ann: Your :) "points":) are well taken....

[isujim]

No........the problem is inflated expectations. I have learned there is a difference between hope and expectations. I HOPE we have a great cruise on the Pacific Princess........I expect nothing out of the ordinary. Then when I have a great cruise it is because the cruise doesn't fall below any expectations I have.

 

You can go to any board.........RC, Carnival.......pick one.........usually 90% of all complaints are because the cruise didn't live up to one's expectations.

[gertz]

This is (a version of it) posted on the Alaska board. I responded to it there not worth responding to here.

 

However, the person who did a "review" of their August 08 Diamond Alaska cruise has a post there also. They gave it a 5+. Interesting.

 

The op has what appears to be a closing post there, maybe.

 

GERTZ

Princess Elite

Next Tahitian 9/18 Vancouver to Honolulu

Coral 4/12 FLL to LA

Island 8/17/08 Back to Alaska 4th time w/ grandson:D

[quincytoo]

Duck and crab legs are odd and eclectic???

 

As to the Italian food, I find it a little odd, since you say you've spent a lot of time in Italy, that you would consider lasagna or spaghetti with meat sauce as "Italian" dishes. If you find these dishes on a menu in Italy, it's highly likely that you are in a restaurant that caters only to tourists. In true Italian cuisine, pastas are never an entree, they are a second course and are a small serving (not at all the gigantic portions served in the US). Entrees are generally fish, game, meat or poultry simply prepared and perfectly seasoned, and NOT swimming with sauce or covered with cheese.

 

Here is an interesting thread that discusses Italian-American versus Italian food on TripAdvisor's Rome forum:

 

http://rome-hotels.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187791-i22-k1747039-American_Italian_Food_Vs_Real_Roman_Food_Menu_s-Rome_Lazio.html

 

I knew I should never have clicked on that link !!!!! I am now drooling and HUNGRY:eek: What a great thread and thank you for posting it. I am off to make pasta :)

[WehoAtlantis]

Sorry to hear that your cruise was not up to par. We sailed the Diamond to Hawaii in January and had a great time. The food was good but not great and we really enjoyed the anytime dining in the four other dining rooms. The Pacific Moon being our favorite. In addition, if they have chicken or steak or something on one night or in a different restaurant, you can always ask to have it brought in to your table. We actually booked the sister ship to the Diamond the Sapphire to the Mexican Riviera because we liked the Diamond so much. It was 15 Nights too. Weird how times and itinerarys screw up the flow of the employees and food etc.

 

Mike

[katredd]

Hello fellow posters.... Had been a couple days since I checked postings.. looks like my OP sparked a lot of comments which is good. I'm pleased so many of you have had great experiences. Your comments are very similar to those close friends and relatives who are still positive on Princess. I just call it like I see it. To answer a few recurring themes... no, we are not into heavy sauce and cheese-laden italian dishes... but I think one of the posters stated it well that they could have more american comfort type foods (I think the post said). At any rate, recognizing steak, chicken, plus a few are available on the below the line menu... the idea behind the comment was maybe they could make them more interesting and occasionally put them above the line. As I put into the OP, it wasn't one thing that was horrid.. it was an accumulation of straws that broke the camel's back as it were. I hadn't considered that HC was so crowded because of the weather, but that is probably a good point on that issue. Also the poster who informed CC that the ships take on two weeks of food in Vancouver so the SB trip from Whittier can at times end up with a different menu.. that makes sense too. Also -- to the poster who wondered why my signature still has the Panama trip booking listing.. when I have time to go in and change it I will :). Sorry I'm less than efficient there. One other clarification -- because I did use the ATM in the casino later in the cruise.. the cashier charges a 3% fee for cash and the ATM charges something around $8 or so (don't quite remember) but I know depending on how much cash you need, the 3% fee may be a better bargain.

 

Overall -- this is the reason CC is so good -- valued opinions from different viewpoints that allow everyone to decide on their own -- so keep it up!

 

Thanks all!

[caribill]

No........the problem is inflated expectations. I have learned there is a difference between hope and expectations.

 

My main expectation is that my next cruise will not have even more items that were included in the base fare on previous cruises taken away. (One example: No extra charge for juice at lunch or dinner).

 

My expectations are not met every time another amenity disappears.

 

However, I still have a great cruise every time.

[Spikesgirl]

ICannot wait to have my bed turned down each night with chocy on pillow.All the lovely food including THOSE SOUFFLES:D The entertainment ,the laughs at Trivia.Walking round the deck with the breeze in my hair.....Can't come soon enough for me.:)

 

Just remember to take the chocolates off the pillow before going to bed!!:rolleyes:

 

We leave in six weeks and I'm READY to RUMBA...or ballroom dance. it's all good!

[sultan_sfo]

Some of us reacted rather strongly to your review -- including my 2nd post! But after reading this response, you know what, IMO with your attitude you would enjoy Princess. /Sultan

 

Hello fellow posters.... Had been a couple days since I checked postings.. looks like my OP sparked a lot of comments which is good.

...

it was an accumulation of straws that broke the camel's back as it were.

...

Also -- to the poster who wondered why my signature still has the Panama trip booking listing.. when I have time to go in and change it I will :).

...

Overall -- this is the reason CC is so good -- valued opinions from different viewpoints that allow everyone to decide on their own -- so keep it up!

 

Thanks all!