Worst Princess Cruise Ever - Sea Princess

[cmjb4ever]

I was on the Regal Princess on the 10 day roundtrip to Alaska from San Fran in 2006. The food on there was horrible and I'm not exagerating. Everyone at our table agreed it was bad and all those had been on Princess and other cruises prior. So when a poster says the food was bad, I believe them. We also had an issue with hot water, but it was resolved on the 2nd day.

 

Did all this spoil our trip to Alaska? No, not at all. But I do think its important not to gloss over complaints because they will not get fixed if you do that.

[NorcalGuy]

But all in all, cruising is one heck of a value in my book. Where else can you travel to so many different place, packing and un-packing once and have all your meals included and for less than $100 per day?

 

Chris

So true Chris!

Even when things are a little screwed up in places, it's a huge bargain. All-inclusive resorts are a good value I know, but I like to go to lots of different places on a vacation...only on a cruise is that reasonable.

[karatemom2]

Some people expect the world especially when they have paid very little for the cruise I have seen 7 day cruises on Princess for 299. They have to get money somewhere.

 

The cruises out of San Francisco are priced at a premium. Since it is the only cruise ship going to Alaska out of San Fran, it seems as if Princess can get away with charging much more and still fill the ship. We were originally booked on the Sea Princess for this summer, but we changed our reservation when we found we could do a 14 day back to back cruise on the Diamond Princess (a much superior ship) for significantly less than the 10 day out of San Francisco. I find that food is very subjective and as far as the soda card goes, we have never had the experience of using it for anything other than fountain drinks. However, had we paid the inflated price for a cruise on the Sea Princess, you can bet I would be very peeved if we had no hot water!

[frebrowser]

All of our four cabins now have hot AND cold running water in the bathroom. This is much better than only one of the above. Word to the wise, if you experience a problem with water temperature: 1) Check to see if the shower and the sink (and the toilet -- if you are on all hot water it will develop a lot of condensation in it) are all the same. If no, play with both shower knobs until one “clicks” then retest. 2) Rather than talking to your steward or filling out a “let us know” form, go directly to the Pursers Desk and talk to them, specifying what the follow up plan is and when you are to call them back if it isn’t fixed. (Also: note the name, date, etc. about your contacts). Showers are available in the spa area of the ship.

[cacy6893076]

Try to enjoy the rest of your cruise. :)

 

LOL re "they got a new engine"?????? rickek . .....The v12 type engines or even a slightly smaller version if used on the sun class ships are removed by a "hole" in the hull, lifted out via crane and the new one installed in reverse via crane in block form as delivered (big and heavy).......it takes a lot of time,manpower, alot of equipment and and a whole lot of care and crossing of fingers when this procedure is done....if anyone has ever seen pictures of the engines themselves and the actual procedure of "squeezing" the engine through the side of the hull without damge to the hull they would also agree.....new parts not new new engine. In any case, Hopefully she is no longer limping along !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As an aside the fuel used to power these engines is so "bottom of the barrel" in the refining process it does not in any way resemble the gasoline used in an automobile...when the ship is in port the fuel is pumped aboard via very large diameter "hoses" and must be heated in order to flow,,,,that is how thick it is....once onboard it is stored in extremely large hoding tanks near/ in the engine room that are continually warmed to allow the fuel to not resolidify..........not gas, more like sludge........ and a heck of alot more expensive than your corner gas station top up for your tank!

[cacy6893076]

The pursers statement that they"picked up a new engine" would most likely have been an over simplification to answer in terms understandable to the passenger and to reassure that the engine was "fixed"....this is not something that would have gone unoticed by passengers on the ship......it's not like someone ran out to Napa and picked it up in their truck and brought in onboard....passengers would have seen alot of equipment and a delay in loading it....even if they were able to store the old engine onboard and remove it later, which would make no sense...if you have the equipment(cranes, lifts) and mechanical specialists there to lift the new one onboard, may as well first pull the old one out. I am not trying to sould disbelieveing of the post...just trying to clarify that sometimes crew members will state something in terms that are oversimplifications......

[Northender]

All of our four cabins now have hot AND cold running water in the bathroom. This is much better than only one of the above. Word to the wise, if you experience a problem with water temperature: 1) Check to see if the shower and the sink (and the toilet -- if you are on all hot water it will develop a lot of condensation in it) are all the same. If no, play with both shower knobs until one “clicks” then retest. 2) Rather than talking to your steward or filling out a “let us know” form, go directly to the Pursers Desk and talk to them, specifying what the follow up plan is and when you are to call them back if it isn’t fixed. (Also: note the name, date, etc. about your contacts). Showers are available in the spa area of the ship.

 

Make friends forever by asking over someone with cold water to take a shower. By now they must be desperate.:(

 

I agree - go directly to the Pursers Desk - do not pass Go and do not collect $200....:D

 

Personally, I have never had a bad cruise.

[Toto2Kansas]

LOL re "they got a new engine"?????? rickek . .....The v12 type engines or even a slightly smaller version if used on the sun class ships are removed by a "hole" in the hull, lifted out via crane and the new one installed in reverse via crane in block form as delivered (big and heavy).......it takes a lot of time,manpower, alot of equipment and and a whole lot of care and crossing of fingers when this procedure is done....if anyone has ever seen pictures of the engines themselves and the actual procedure of "squeezing" the engine through the side of the hull without damge to the hull they would also agree.....new parts not new new engine. In any case, Hopefully she is no longer limping along !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As an aside the fuel used to power these engines is so "bottom of the barrel" in the refining process it does not in any way resemble the gasoline used in an automobile...when the ship is in port the fuel is pumped aboard via very large diameter "hoses" and must be heated in order to flow,,,,that is how thick it is....once onboard it is stored in extremely large hoding tanks near/ in the engine room that are continually warmed to allow the fuel to not resolidify..........not gas, more like sludge........ and a heck of alot more expensive than your corner gas station top up for your tank!

 

We actually watched a show on this the other day on TV. It took two weeks to cut a hole in the hull of an RCI ship and replace the engine. Can't remember the name of the program, but it was very interesting.

 

I would guess that the Sea picked up engine 'parts' as I would venture to guess they are not replacing the entire engine en route. ;)

[MaryPoppinz]

 

>>WRT the availability of laundry facilities--many cruise lines have no self-service laundry at all.

 

That's all fine and good and well for the people who book themselves on those cruise lines that have no self-service laundry. But, Princess does have self-service laundry, it's an advertised feature of the cruise. If it's unavailable the entire length of the cruise, the OP has every right to be upset about not having access to it. He has no reason to be consoled by the fact that, if he were on some other cruise line, he would be in the same situation.

 

We have free laundry but there are some things I prefer to take care of myself. I would not be happy about the laundry facilities being closed for 7+ days, because it's one of the very things that keeps enticing me back to Princess. I don't want to show up and find that one of the very things that attracts me to Princess is unavailable.

[jenjens1023]

Silly questions:

 

How big are the engines? VW beetle size? Semi-trailer size?

 

How do you bend as crankshaft (which must be huge) as another poster mentioned?

 

I also don't understand why the bottom-of-the-barrel sludge type of fuel costs more than the gas for my car. It seams like the less it is refined, the less it should cost.

[koalakid]

It makes me quite sad to see how much the OP seems to have been attacked & patronised on here.

 

some folk have offered constructive advice whereas others have tried to pick holes or suggest the OP should be grateful.

 

Well yes, we are fortunate that we have the opportunity to cruise - many do not - however that does not preclude us from finding fault with the Cruise Line if they do not come up to expectation.

it could be that some of the problems have been exaggerated, but we are not there. The hot water problem does not seem to affect all pax & some folk are still having a great time.

 

Luckily the OP has been to Alaska before but i have never been to Alaska - its on my bucket list & will be a really big deal for DH & me when we are finally able to do the trip (with the addition of a train ride thru the Rockies.)

It would be a once in a life time trip for me. We have to tavel from England so if I had been on this ship with cold water, no laundry, so-so food, revised itinerary etc I would be upset. Would Still try to make the best of it but I would be disappointed that it wasnt what I anticipated.

 

I have been on cruises where itineraries have been changed, engines not working properly, suddenly sailing past islands instead of stopping, MDR food not great. Having a great time can be a subjective issue. We all want different goals from our cruises. Personally I couldnt give a stuff about soda cards or coffee cards. I hardly drink either but I can see it would be an issue to some. if they have come to expect certain standards/facilities from Princess.

No laundry room is not a big deal for me as we are used to not having them on X, but its one of the things I like on Princess so it would be anooying if I had packed on the assumption I could use it.

 

I have been on cruises where I have seen pax whining like hell to the staff & I'm wondering are we on the same ship.

I guess its a combination of things not being how you expect which can build up & be annoying.

 

Well I shall get off my soap box & stop rambling ;) but I do have sympathy even if some of the issues raised would not be a major problem for me. so cut 'em some slack eh?

And remember - for some poeple its their first time & maybe will be their only time cruising so they will be massivley disappointed it didnt work out they way they hoped.

 

OK - you can flame me now but just trying to find some balance.:)

[FLACRUISER99]

Silly questions:

 

How big are the engines? VW beetle size? Semi-trailer size?

11520 KW or about 15,450 HP each.

 

How do you bend as crankshaft (which must be huge) as another poster mentioned?

Bering froze up stopping engine suddenly.

 

I also don't understand why the bottom-of-the-barrel sludge type of fuel costs more than the gas for my car. It seams like the less it is refined, the less it should cost.

Ship must use diesel not bunker fuel in Alaska.

[ellbelle]

Thanks to all of you that took the time posting live from the ship. We are boarding next week, so hope engine troubles are resolved. Whatever happens, we will try tomake the best of it. I really appreciate it when people take the time to post live from their vacations, good, bad and the ugly...

 

Cheryl

[Loucat]

We have only cruised Princess for the last 10 years. We went to Panama last year for 16 days. If we ask we got the soda in a can and small bottles of water at no additional charge. Guess we were just lucky.

 

This time the food is terrrible. We always eat in the dining room and have only eaten there 3 times this cruise, thank goodness for the Pizzaria. Buffet is not good either.

 

Also a group of us set up a bridge tour for free as well as kitchen. It was a sign up. We did not have a problem. I have never seen them charge $150, that is ridiculous.

 

The people that have cruised on other lines or are brand new are saying they will never cruise Princess again and are writing letters as well as are getting free phone access to Princess as have I. Supervisors are setting up meetings and meeting individually with all of us as well. They are planning on having a meeting with the entire ship, can't wait to hear what they have to say.

 

When I called Princess a few days before we left SF, they lied and said nothing was wrong with the ship and then when we got on board there was a letter saying we would be going slow because we only had 3 engines. Learned they finally got a new engine yesterday, hopefully it will be better for the next group.

 

I know there are those of you out there that look at Princess as family, it is only a business and right now business is not looking too good. Also this ship is not full and it is mostly first time cruisers and last time cruisers, which is sad.

 

We will be looking forward to starting back with RCL, Princess is going down hill in a hurry.

 

I know I will get slammed from those of you that love Princess, oh well.

 

Well, we were hoping to book Princess as our last RCL cruises were not that great. BIG decline in the quality and variety of food in the MDR. On our PC 11 night, we ate in the Windjammer for 4 nights, as the MDR menus looked pretty sad. Every dinner had a cheap pasta dish, a vegetarian Indian dish (one night they had a fried vegetable as a main course) and the other two choices were not that good. Had Prime Rib the first night; returned it once as it was brown:confused: and the next piece had so much fat it made me sick to look at it. Sorry Princess is looking the same. Need to find something other than my bathtub:p

[FLACRUISER99]

Well, we were hoping to book Princess as our last RCL cruises were not that great. BIG decline in the quality and variety of food in the MDR. On our PC 11 night, we ate in the Windjammer for 4 nights, as the MDR menus looked pretty sad. Every dinner had a cheap pasta dish, a vegetarian Indian dish (one night they had a fried vegetable as a main course) and the other two choices were not that good. Had Prime Rib the first night; returned it once as it was brown:confused: and the next piece had so much fat it made me sick to look at it. Sorry Princess is looking the same. Need to find something other than my bathtub:p

I don't know about the food an the Alaska run but on the PC repo cruise that I was on the food was wonderful and no comparison to RCI's. Great Lobster dishes, wonderful Lamb & Pork chops, Appetizers, Deserts etc. on Princess. So try it for yourself I somehow wonder how anyone can say the food is terrible??.

[karenmax]

we were on the sea princess from May 2-May 9. Although we were late leaving Antigua because of a life boat that was stuck so we got to St. Maartin very late then we had to skip Princess cays because we only had 3 engines (we probably blew an engine trying to get to St. Maartin on time) we still had a great time. :p

[venusbello1]

Thank you for taking the time to post. I have a friend who works onboard and they have been having issues on the Sea Princess since he boarded in March!

 

I just got off the Star Princess on Sunday and I bought the coffee card and it included unlimited brewed coffee plus cappuccinos, lattes, etc. I never tried the more elite coffee drinks, but everything else was included. Admittedly the coffee machine failed at the International Cafe, but they were still available from Crooner's. Also remember, if you don't use up your card its good for your next voyage.

 

I realize that you will be disembarking tomorrow, but I do hope you takeaway lovely memories of your cruise and that your issues with Princess can be resolved.

 

VB1

[RickEk]

Silly questions:

 

How big are the engines? VW beetle size? Semi-trailer size?

 

 

Semi-trailer size!

[Road Pirate]

Of course members like myself who are on other sailings from SF are watching these threads for information about the ship. We will be on the August 22 sailing and look forward to a great trip.

Personally I look for "Live from.." postings as they are the most informative. The original OP and others posting live have no reason to do other than report what is going on. Their complaints go all the way up the line and reflect on the Captain, the crew, and their ability to make things right. We have an expectation that our hard earned dollars, spent in good faith, will yield a positive and memorable experience. I will wait for the next report, hoping that these concerns are brought to the attention of Princess, and are fixed.

[Nancyquilts]

I'm sorry I haven't run into the OP, but I haven't met any of our ccers on this trip.

We travel on many cruise lines, and are not faithful to any - we like HAL, X, RCCL, Crystal and Princess at this time. We think Princess gives good value for the money, but that's our opinion.

It's probably a good thing some (not all) of the laundries are closed. Fairly early in the cruise, our DD did a load that changed the color of her clothes - a blue t-shirt ended up green. Our other DD has been able to find an open laundry the whole cruise - try a different deck (I think she said the one on 6 was working, but I'm not sure).

We heard of one cabin (I'm sure there were quite a few) that didn't have hot water, but they called the purser's office and had hot water within the hour. Please ask for help if there is any problem - usually the purser's office can help.

About the food - it isn't Crystal, and not as good as I remember - especially the Love Boat Dream, which isn't even dark and decadent any more. We eat most meals in the dining room, and can always find something that is pretty good. We ask the waiter for his recommendations and he hasn't led us astray yet. And I'm not shopping for it, cooking it, and cleaning up after every meal.

The Captain's Circle hostess is very helpful, so you might see her if you have any continuing problems. She has posted hours every day.

The inside passage on the inside of Vancouver Island would be great, but I believe only the cruises from Vancouver go there. If we didn't live so close to SF, I'd choose that port and do a back to back.

We left Victoria far too early for any of us - leaving at 10:30am from a port is pretty sad, and I do hope the next cruise will post what is happening on their cruise (and I hope it's all good news!) Nancy

[Nancyquilts]

Supervisors are setting up meetings and meeting individually with all of us as well. They are planning on having a meeting with the entire ship, can't wait to hear what they have to say.I know I will get slammed from those of you that love Princess, oh well.

Traveling 52 - Hi from a companion cruiser. I would be interested (very) in hearing about the individual meetings. Did I miss a meeting with the entire ship? I must be really out of the loop. My kids enjoyed the galley tour the last day - wish we could still get bridge tours.

The pools were quite a bit warmer the last two days - even up into the mid-80s one day.

No slamming - just a difference of opinion. Hope we get a chance to sail together some time. Nancy

[shepp]

...especially the Love Boat Dream, which isn't even dark and decadent any more.

 

Well, looking on the bright side - less weight to lose after my next cruise.

[RickEk]

To the OP, how did that "entire ship meeting" go?

[LBL]

Like Nancyquilts I too was on this cruise. The OP has every right to her opinion and some of the fact presented do not match what I know of the facts. The change in itinerary was sent to me by my travel agent a few days prior to the cruise and never changed from that. In fact we had only two operating engines for a while and made very good time. I understand and feel badly for the short time in Victoria.

 

Food is subjective and it has been many years since I have found any cruise food outstanding other than an odd item here or there. I personally requested some deviations from the menu and all requests were meet. Had they not been meet I can understand that sometimes this is the way things go.

 

I did hear many people complaining on board. In fact one of my tablemates had a woman approach her telling her to write a complaint letter to Princess about things that could not be changed. My tablemate did not appreciate being told what to do by someone obviously dissatisfied and told her so. I think many people came on board expecting issues and make the most of the issues that were left over from the previous cruise.

 

I think there were cabins without hot water, in fact I didn't have hot water for the first 12 hours in Alaska.

 

On the ship tour point, the $150 tour includes areas not normally open for the public and it is up to the passenger as to whether or not they want to see all that tour encompasses. The OP has not mentioned the regular galley tour did take place (for free) on the last day of the cruise.

 

I have cruised for many years and can say no cruise is ever perfect. I know that I have been lucky because no cruise has very been so bad as to keep me from crusing again. I know what I like about cruising and if I find it on the ship then I am happy. I do get annoyed at people who get upset about things they can't change and don't seem to want to understand why things are the way they are. To me the worst thing about Princess is the fact that Carnival has taken over the casino and the slots payout badly and the staff is not friendly.

[kusscate]

LBL, you are a gem.

Sorry about your slot luck. I suggest the penny slots at the Siena or Peppermill in Reno. I actually won in January! We prefer to play the blackjack tables on cruise ships because the bets are smaller and the dealers are always really really nice to dumb me!

Hopefully they'll get that hot water problem fixed by 6/23. As for the food, there's a part of me that hopes it's not great so I can avoid the 7-lb gain. Princess bread is my downfall.