RC vs. Princess.....A Review

[mek]

I thought the Caribbean Princess deck plans showed that Sterling's was walled off from the walkways. I agree, it’s an unfortunate design error for these ships if it’s still a promenade…sidewalk dining is one thing…this is another!

 

One thing we definately both agree about! You woud think they could have easily walled the area off and made it a much nicer experience.

[CruiseAholic]

Interesting comparision, but has been said, not a fair one, two ships not even close in size.

 

Plus, you even admit that you chose the 'wrong' ship, so how can any of your ratings be reliable.

 

As for RCI, was on the Majesty of the Seas several weeks ago and it had been a while since I had been on RCI, and it didn't take me long to remember why.

 

Redeeming factor of the trip was the people I was with.

 

Embarkation/Disembarkation was a joke.

[sealegs9]

As for RCI, was on the Majesty of the Seas several weeks ago and it had been a while since I had been on RCI, and it didn't take me long to remember why.

.

IMHO, you can't compare a newer, larger ship with the Majesty. We were on Serenade and Voyager and loved both. We thought the Majesty was a dump. Please don't flame- just my opinion. There were no public spaces with activities on the Majesty -just lounges. Our cabin needed upgrading and the bathroom was rusty. We still gave RCCL another chance and loved the Serenade.

 

Getting on topic- Jim, thank you so much for your comparison. We decided to try Princess (CB) in April and will be mindful of the crowds. I'd like to point out that we felt the same way about the crowds on our first few days on the Voyager. By the end of our 9 night cruise, we were used to it. Voyager class has more public space for 3400+ pax than CB @ 3100pax, but we will try to stay away from the crowds. We had to arrive at the theater at least a half hour before the shows to get good seats on the Voyager,too. If you ever try a Voyager class ship, I'd be interested in hearing your take on the size/crowds. Thanks again for your review and comparison.

[nhcruiser]

Jim,

 

Very good review. I tend to agree with your conclusions in regards to Princess and RCI overall.

 

We too were in PC on the Golden Princess last month and found the dining room service to be somewhat "off" of the normal. I inquired about it casually to the head waiter and he explained, "the less senior wait staff serves in PC until they gain enough experience to be moved up to traditional dining rooms." This may be only on the Golden or simply his way of giving me any answer because he has no real answer.

 

A question for Coral,

 

If you please, remind me where the Sterling Steak House is on the Sun Princess. I remember that we ate at Sterling’s on the Sun a few years ago but can’t remember that it was outside. I seem to remember that we had a steak dinner forward of the pool and one deck up on one ship, but I though that it was the Crown or Regal Princess though???

 

Thanks,

 

Rod

 

[Dortmunder]

How would you compare the pools?

The pools on Princess are wonderful and open 24h a day. We are booked on our first RC cruise next year in October (Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale) on the Enchantment of the Seas. When do they start closing the pools on RC?

 

Thanks,

Andi

[Rustynail]

Can't comment on either yet. We're cruising Princess (Carribean Princess) in Jan 05 and then I think we may give RCL a whirl next. The only thing that scare me is the talk of the quality of the food.

 

Any comments?

 

Dan

[hgwife]

I would like to know the name of the CEO of Princess. We have been on the caribbean Princess and the noise was really bad. We have be advised to write the CEO, can you help?

[LARGIN]

I would like to know the name of the CEO of Princess. We have been on the caribbean Princess and the noise was really bad. We have be advised to write the CEO, can you help?

Before you write to the CEO, I would give Customer Services a chance to resolve your problem. Their address is:

Customer Service

Princess Cruises

24844 Avenue Rockefeller

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

[Coral]

A question for Coral,

 

If you please, remind me where the Sterling Steak House is on the Sun Princess. I remember that we ate at Sterling’s on the Sun a few years ago but can’t remember that it was outside. I seem to remember that we had a steak dinner forward of the pool and one deck up on one ship, but I though that it was the Crown or Regal Princess though???

 

I think they move the Sterling Steakhouse around on the Sun class ships. When we did the Mexican Riveria on the Sun Princess - the Steakhouse was outside - one deck up from the pool, near why they serve hamburgers during the day. It was gorgeous to be in Acalpulco at night and watch the sun go down while eating at Sterling overlooking the pool. Our food and service was excellent.

 

I have heard from others that when they were on the Sun Princess - the steakhouse has been on one side of the Horizon Court. When I sailed to Alaska this summer on the Dawn Princess - that is where they had it. I didn't try it then to compare.

[sealegs9]

Can't comment on either yet. We're cruising Princess (Carribean Princess) in Jan 05 and then I think we may give RCL a whirl next. The only thing that scare me is the talk of the quality of the food.

 

Any comments?

 

Dan

 

Dan-

Saw your posts over on RC board during the summer. The food on RC is not as "bad" as everyone thinks. Yes, I've looked at the Princess menus thru a Carib Princess website link I found on the boards. The dishes look fancier and shrimp cocktail is always an alternate. However, if you read some posts here about the CB, some people said the shellfish wasn't thawed out. Bottom line, food on RC is solid, good food. You will always find something you like at each meal. You may have to try several dishes, but for the most part, the waitstaff understand and will bring you multiple dishes. They probably realize some dishes are hit and miss. If you do book on RCCL, recommend Radiance or Voyager class. Newer ships , nicely maintained and more activities for you to choose from - MHO.

[isujim]

Dan:

 

As I mentioned I am not a foodie.............but there is no doubt the Princess food is better. I agree RC isn't that bad but Princess is definetly better. However, the specialty restaurants on RC are much better.......noticeably better.......both were great cruises.

 

As for the person asking about the pools........don't know. I didn't rate them because I don't use them except for getting some sun. So fresh water vs. salt water doesn't bother me at all. The aft pool on Princess is very nice and is no longer a best kept secret........at least on our cruise it was pretty full most of the time. The solarium pools on RC are a very nice feature as well and adults only, just like the aft pools on Princess. I did miss the peace and quiet of the solarium pools, but it isn't a deal breaker.

 

Jim

[Casey12]

I don't think I would say the alternative restaurants are better on Royal C. We have sailed both and we found Sabitini's on Princess better than Portofinos on Royal C. The Coral and Island Princess have a pool that is almost like the solarium pool on the Radiance. I am not sure if it is adults only.

[LARGIN]

I don't think I would say the alternative restaurants are better on Royal C. We have sailed both and we found Sabitini's on Princess better than Portofinos on Royal C. The Coral and Island Princess have a pool that is almost like the solarium pool on the Radiance. I am not sure if it is adults only.

The pool you are referring to is the Lotus Pool. It is an adults only pool and has a retractable roof.

[cruisinsince75]

Jim, great review and very accurate. As far as smaller ships to go on, I still have some suggestions for us to sail on together, but they don't have traditional dining!!! LOL

 

Don

[Suzieb]

Thanks Jim for the nice comperision. Well I've seen many others recommend the Sun Class so I won't mention it.:D But i will comment, I think many folks are really liking the smaller ships like the Sun Class and the RCCL class your were relating too, for many of the reasons you mentioned

 

Again thanks

[Justmetalkin]

I was on the CB with Jim and Don.

 

First, Jim and Rena, your mom is in our prayers.

 

Don, tell Diana, Pam is hooked on the BBC recipe.

 

Wow, what a review. I haven't sailed RC, and CB was our first cruise.

 

I am not sure I agree with you about Sterling's exactly. I think it didn't deserve the credit you gave it. More like an upscale Chilli's to me. And that is gracious. I completely agree with the half wall and crowds walking by. I too will sail Princess again, and the CB again, but no Sterlings for me unless they pay me $15 to eat there.

 

I did not find MUTS distracting at all unless trying to read a book at that pool. There were plenty of other pools where I didn't know MUTS existed. In fact, althought we didn't watch an entire movie, we enjoyed MUTS. Just us I guess.

 

I guess we have to try traditional next time. PC was fine for us, but I keep reading how superior traditional is on all ships. Food in dining rooms was great, but I admit I expected better service.

 

You hit the nail on the head with the rest of the review (can't comment on the comparision).

 

We had a Caribe balcony and loved it.

 

The only other comment I would have is if you are doing the CB, and have a balcony, consider the Ultimate Balcony Dinner. It was the highlight of the cruise for us.

[CruiserGreg]

isujim,

 

Give the Coral or Island Princess a try next time, their our favorites. The Sun Class ships are nice as well, but you better hurry....rumor has it MUTS is soon to be added to them as well.

 

 

BOOMER SOONER

[balanceok]

Thanks for the review. Our experience has been very close to yours.

 

For your next Princess cruise, I recommend one of the Sun Class ships: Sea, Sun or Dawn Princess.

[NitaBcruising]

Jim,

 

Thanks for your review/comparison. You appear to be fair, noting the good and not so good, on each line. Well written! Princess is my favorite, but RCI is my next cruise! :D

 

Sorry about your Mother. I hope all is going well for her.

[mariapd719]

Sorry about your mom :(

 

As far as Rccl vs Princess - Im in agreement with you totally. RCCL has much better night life and entertainment and more stuff going on by the pool.

 

The only thing I disagree with you on is I thought the WIndjammer on Radiance was much better than the Horizon Court because it had the seperate stations and there was never a wait! As far as quality of food...I dont know the difference - Not a foodie just a fattie here :p The service did lack with the PC alot- next time I do Princess Ill try their traditional.

 

I hate disembarkment emmensley and embarkation. I thought Princess has a good thing going with the broken down deck cats...although I did seem to wait less for RCCL it did seem like cattle herding at times.

 

I personally like RCCL better just seems more active however I reallllly loved Princess too and would definately do it again- the RCCL bands by the pool are more um...upbeat maybe..But noone can top Princess Island night, shrimp every night(this is amazing :) ) and the amazing piano player Bert Stratton- Id go on a cruise just to see him again...so good

 

Forgot to mention I was on the Golden and another thing too is I always saw them cleaning. It was constant clean clean clean :)

[saltycaptn]

Jim,

 

May I make a suggestion...I have sailed on the Grand Princess...500 less passengers, same sized ship. I had a fabulous time. Pools on most ships are crowded during the day. I like 10pm. Very few people out at that time. Hard to get a tan at that time though!

 

Our service was really exceptional. If it wasn't I probably would not be sailing again. I was taken by the attention to detail for us. I have not been on the Caribbean Princess...I will be on the Dawn next week, so I can repost to give my opinion on the smaller ships...but I would highly recommend the Grand.

 

Happy sailing!

 

Bruce:cool:

 

 

I was on the Caribbean Princess November 6th......our first Princess cruise. I have been on the Princess boards for around a year. I promised a review to compare not so much the actual cruise on November 6th but how I felt it stacked up to RC. I was meaning to post this earlier but my Mom has been in the hospital and just moved her to a nursing facility yesterday. I'm back now and while the information is fairly fresh in my mind, I wanted to post a review to compare the two cruise lines and my perceptions on both. Again, these are just my opinions. I may do this as a continuing review depending on the length. I will rate each area 1-10 with 10 being the best.

 

Embarkation Process:

 

Princess 10

RC 6

 

RC could learn something from Princess on the embarkation process.

 

Cabin

 

Princess 8

RC 8

 

We had a mini suite AD and the cabin was nice, compares with a jr. Suite on RC and those are very nice as well........not very much difference

 

Cabin Steward Service:

 

Princess 9

RC 9

 

No difference. Our steward on Princess was very efficient but wasn't overly friendly or talkative. That doesn't bother me as long as they provide the service and he did. Have never had a bad room steward on RC either.

 

The Ship

 

Princess 6 Caribbean Princess only

RC 9 Radiance Class Ship

 

The Caribbean Princess IMO, was too large, too many passengers, with not enough public areas. (for the number of passengers on board) Anything you wanted to attend, you had to get there 30 minutes early or it was standing room only. I am not blaming Princess that I chose the wrong ship..........but I learned a smaller ship suits us better. There are not enough seating areas in the public areas for 3100 passengers.

 

I have not been on a RC Voyager class ship yet, so in fairness, those might be too large for my tastes as well. The Radiance class ships are nice and well designed with many public areas and ample seating.

 

Food Quality:

 

Princess 9

RC 5

 

I am not a foodie, but there is a noticeable difference. Princess food in general is better by far.

 

Desserts

 

Princess 6

RC 8

 

Love Boat Dream aside, desserts are better on RC, but that is not a deal breaker to me. (I don't need them anyway)

 

Personal Choice vs. Traditional

 

OK........I'm not going to rate this. I did not like PC dining. It is back to traditional for me, but I won't give Princess a bad rating because I made the wrong choice.

 

Food Service

 

Princess 6

RC 9

 

Ok, I will rate this because our service wasn't good in PC dining. We waited 25 minutes the first night just for iced tea and 20 minutes for coffee. Service in PC was the worst we ever experienced on a cruise..........since this is was our first Princess cruise, I don't know how to explain this and maybe others on our cruise had a great PC experience.......maybe we just had a bad waiter. Again, not a deal breaker to me, I now want to experience Princess traditional.

 

Horizon Court 9

Windjammer 7

 

Both very comparable..........food good, but give a slight edge to Princess for hot buffet food and selection.

 

Sterling 4

Chops 10

 

One area that RC really beat Princess..........Sterling just wasn't very good and the service again was very poor. Out of 8 people, not one person finished their steak........they just weren't very good. Again, I'm not a foodie, but if you want to be fair in a comparrison, this is the way it was on at least the night we went to Sterling.

 

Entertainment

 

Princess 6

RC 9

 

RC entertainment is better. Now don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad on Princess, I just think it is better on RC

 

Casino

 

Princess 2

RC 0

 

Neither have paid off for me! LOL!:D I give Princess an edge because at least it was larger than the casino's on RC and I had more room to lose money!:rolleyes:

 

Debarkation Process:

 

Princess 7

RC 7

 

Is there any good way to end a cruise??

 

 

Bottom Line Experience:

 

We chose the wrong ship. Too many people and not enough public area's. That is my fault. We chose the wrong dining........back to traditional for us, but again, that was our choice.

 

If you take those away, I really believe there isn't a lot of difference in service and amenities on RC vs. Princess. In fact, the product is almost identical which surprised me. At least on this one cruise and on the Caribbean Princess. I kept looking for that "Princess" difference and at least on this cruise, could never put my finger on it.

 

Now a couple of thoughts on MUTS..................

 

It is not for me..........the first day at sea I tried real hard to take a book to the pool and read at 9am but it is very difficult when NEMO is playing at 9am....or should I say blaring........at least with the RC rock wall, it is on the back of the ship and makes no noise. MUTS is not for me.

 

Another thing that surprised me is what I would call the average age. I never saw more than 30 kids (time of year I suppose) and no college kids.....as a result the average age for this ship was much higher than I would have ever guessed before we went on the cruise.........but make no mistake about it, this ship IMHO was built for the 18-40 crowd.........and there is nothing wrong with that. I guess it remains to be seen if Princess moves toward the mass market appeal with all of it's ships. I guess that is why I didn't see much difference in Princess and RC, because RC does go for the mass market approach.

 

All in all it was a good experience. The ship is beautiful (of course it is new) and plenty of bars!:rolleyes:

 

Will I sail Princess again........you bet

Will I sail RC again...............you bet

 

I will choose a smaller ship and go back to traditional dining........anyone have any suggestions for Princess cruise number 2?? And which ship??

 

Jim

[nomie]

I was on the same cruise also. Hi Jim,great review! Hope mom is doing ok. I have never been on RC so can't compare. I have been on the Golden and Grand and have to say that I liked them much better. Not as crowded and less kids. Maybe it was Muts but I did notice a lot more kids on the CP then the others. Don't really care about Muts either way except that I think it does draw the kids more. We like PC dining but like the buffet best of all and never had traditional nor want too. I am also looking for another cruise now. Having a hard time finding a 10 day S.Caribbean one that fits the time frame I want. Looking for right after Thanksgiving next year although we might have to take one before then to get my cruise fix in. :D

[Shelli]

For those who found the movies to be a disturbance: why didn't you simply sit at one of the other pools? The other main pool (Neptune's Pool) is nearly identical to the Calypso Pool (where the movie screen is located), but it's much quieter there (except when there's live music). Then there are the two adult-only pools-- one all the way aft and one forward on the Spa deck... nice and quiet areas, both of them.

 

And maybe it was just the luck of the draw, but our dinner at Sterling Steakhouse was fabulous! And the service there was terrific-- far superior to any service we received in the regular dining rooms.

[georgia11]

Couldn't agree with you more - we were on the Nov. 13th. sailing...we spent all of our time at the other pool adjacent to the movie pool - on a few occasions we could here some deep bass of whatever movie was playing but other than that you never even realized a movie was playing. We had wonderful service at Sterlings and my filet was perfect.

 

If you were trying to read a book why did you pick that pool area? That's like going to a basketball game to read rather than the library. If you had moved 30 ft. fore or aft you would have been fine.

 

I think MUTS is a nice creative concept - we choose early November cruising for the sole purpose of avoiding kids - I think though even in the summer time the movie pool would/will attract the kids thus freeing up the other pools for the adults. Was nice to watch a movie in the late afternoon in that awkward time between laying out and dinner.

 

It just kills me about all the hype about how many extra people are on this ship - rarely did I notice or even think that there are 3100+ people on board. Late afternoon and into the evenings the pool deck areas were completely deserted. The boutique shops never crowded, the theatre, yes was crowded but quit whining and get there early - I have been on ships where the theatres are half empty - shows are better with a full audience.

 

Found service around pool area great - thanks Hazel! Cabin steward just fine - don't know what all the hype is with Graham Seymour our CD - why people get so wrapped up in who it is or what ship so and so is currently on - they are all pretty much the same and don't effect my week ever. Never saw him during the day around the pool area - guess he only comes out at night to introduce each nights entertainment and to do his corky morning show.

 

My advice to those of you booked on the CP - don't get too wigged out about the number of people on board - know before you leave home that if you want a chair by the pool (right by the pool) then get to the pool no later than 9:30am - if you wait until 11:00 then don't be ticked off because there isn't one available. No before you leave home that if you want to see a show get there 30 minutes before showtime (you probably do this at home anyway).

 

Take these boards with a grain of salt as everyone has their opinions and many just get too nit picky IMHO and expect service as if they are sailing first class on the Titanic. Cruising has become a mass production and appealing to people of all classes and families that insist on bringing their stroller children and out of control teens. Now I am sure you will come back and slam me about mentioning your precious little children - but truth be known you are the only ones that think your children are cute - never have figured out why cruise ships don't offer adult only cruises. I know Celebrity offers a few each year and would have to assume they are always a sell out. Sorry to get off on this tangent - god knows the subject has been run so far into the ground - but it should stir a few of you soccer moms up who will claim that it isn't your children that are unsupervised around the pool areas. One final thing to stir the pot - Enough of those stupid obnoxious walkie talkies - we managed just fine years ago without them - just one more excuse to let your kids run free so you can sit in the bar with your martini.

 

Happy sailing