Ocean Princess

[hazeleyez3]

It looks like it has some attractive itineraries next year, but I am not sure about sailing on such a small ship (I have been sailing some of larger ship that holds a couple thousand people). Other than size, will I notice much difference?

[Toto2Kansas]

It looks like it has some attractive itineraries next year, but I am not sure about sailing on such a small ship (I have been sailing some of larger ship that holds a couple thousand people). Other than size, will I notice much difference?

 

Since the ships are so much smaller, they don't offer all the extras the larger ships of the fleet do. Things there are just no room for, like extra pools, large buffets, nice large casinos, several shows at one time in different lounges, and huge show lounges. Also, they do offer speciality restaurants onboard, but they alternate nights they are open. Sabatinis might be open a couple of nights, then the next two nights Sterlings will be open. Dining is fixed seating only, early and late, no anytime dining onboard.

 

The small ships are very different then the larger ships of the fleet. IMHO

[Pam in CA]

It looks like it has some attractive itineraries next year, but I am not sure about sailing on such a small ship (I have been sailing some of larger ship that holds a couple thousand people). Other than size, will I notice much difference?

Like a grocery store vs. a supermarket, there are differences. Cruising on a smaller ship is not for everyone, particularly those who like the more impersonal cruises with lots of people. Instead of having two or three of everything, there's just one (such as the dining room). There is no Anytime dining although there is the Bistro area in the buffet that has waitservice and a menu.

 

I really like the smaller ships as I've found that the service is far better and it's much easier to meet new people since there aren't as many of them onboard. I like the more intimate, personalized atmosphere. You won't find glass and chrome but rather dark woods and a far more elegant design. All cabins (except connecting cabins) have a couch and table. Below are a couple of photos of my standard oceanview cabin on the Royal (also a sister ship to the Ocean). The library is amazing: lots of books, lots of chairs and couches to sit on and a gorgeous painted ceiling not to mention the views from three sides of the library.

 

You might be interested in John Heald's blog about the Pacific Princess, the Ocean's sister ship. What applies to the Pacific applies to the Ocean. http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/06/25/pacific-princessa-day-onboard-a-5-star-country-inn/

[paul929207]

With the smaller ships, you get to know the others on board, both staff and passengers. They also offer itineraries that the big ships can't. We are now on our 5th cruise on the small Princess ships and are having a great time.

[flamomo]

I had my first small ship experience in November aboard the Tahitian Princess (soon to be the Ocean).

I had a few trepidations before the cruise, because my 6 previous ones were on the size of Princess ships that carry 1900 - 2600 passengers.

My concerns were quickly vanished as soon as we boarded. The decor is more traditional and elegant, with dark woods and "drawing room" style furniture. We had a minisuite, and it was surprisingly spacious. We loved that nothing was very far away. To walk from one end of the ship to the other only took a few minutes. It never seemed crowded wherever we were onboard. Even though there's less overall space, there were only 670+ passengers sharing that space with you. As someone else mentioned, it was so easy to meet your fellow passengers and make friendships because we saw each other so frequently. We felt we made easily the acquaintance of our steward because he didn't have 20 cabins to care for, as they tend to on the big ships.

Our Captain was out and about on the ship every day, and stopped to chat with the passengers as he made his rounds. So different than being 2 out of 2000 or more.

I'd love to sail again on the Tahitian (Ocean) or one of her sisters. It really was a great experience.

[dawnprincess]

Here are my only two questions as I am considering a cruise on the Ocean Princess ... 1. they have a casino, right (smaller I realize, but that's okay), and 2. do they have actual production shows in the theatre or just a piano player or lighter entertainment. Thanks!

[ginbuck]

On the Pacific Princess, sister ship to the Tahitian/Ocean Princess, there is a casino. I believe there are only 4 gaming tables and fewer slots than those on a larger ship. There are production shows but the stage is small and the singers plus dancers total 8 people. There was also a piano player in one of the lounges. The production shows alternated with entertainers brought on board.

[caribill]

You can see pictures of the Ocean Princess (taken when called the Tahitian Princess) at http://fp.caribill.com/

[dawnprincess]

Thanks! I also just read the Cruise Critic review of the ship and definitely sounds the same as the larger ships, just in a smaller, more intimate package. I feel it's worth a try for us.

[flamomo]

I hope you enjoy her as much as we did.

 

The casino is pretty small, but given the number of passengers, it was adequate. I was always able to get on my preferred machines when I went there.

[dawnprincess]

Thanks! My husband likes the casino at night and I think it's more of a social experience than anything else -- chatting with fellow cruisers. With only 4 tables or so, I think he'd get to know people even better. I'm the one who MUST have a show every night. A smaller show is fine with me. I guess I was thinking of some of those River Cruises where there is a just a piano bar and no REAL entertainment. But looks like all the regular activities take place -- Love & Marriage, Sexy Legs contest, etc. so definitely worth a try.

[hazeleyez3]

Thanks for the info everyone.

[paul929207]

Here are my only two questions as I am considering a cruise on the Ocean Princess ... 1. they have a casino, right (smaller I realize, but that's okay), and 2. do they have actual production shows in the theatre or just a piano player or lighter entertainment. Thanks!

yes to both. There is a casino with slots and tables. There are production shows in the Cabaret lounge. There were 5 on the 14 day Pacific Princess cruise we got off of today.