OhioDogLover

I usually book through a Princess Vacation Planner, but my traveling companion booked this one.  We each had to call twice to get the information correct, application of future cruise credits, loyalty status, etc..   Of course, we had to leave messages and receive calls back.  Very disappointing.  On the plus side, they were better than HAL's customer service earlier this year.  

Ohiodoglover

#1 - FIX the Princess website.  Gosh, it is just terrible.

#2 - Have people answer the phone in less than 30 minutes.

#3 - Bring the on board experience quality back to what it used to be.

#4 - Add some smaller ships.

Ohiodoglover

We took a cruise on HAL last month.  The telephone customer service was absolutely horrible.  The on board experience was absolutely fabulous.  I will definitely book another HAL cruise in the future, but know that getting the booking done is not half the fun.

Ohiodoglover

Some friends and I disembarked March 19.  We had a really great time on board.  Agree with the BB King's is too small comment.  In fact, I agree with all comments.  We did not have a suite, only a balcony cabin.  It was very nice.  Food, service, common areas, entertainment were all extremely good.  I am rethinking my Celebrity Aqua Class bias and would definitely like to book HAL for the next cruise.  It was cruising the old fashioned way, and I like that.  Thought it was great value for the cost.  

Ohiodoglover

i sail Carnival periodically.  That repositioning cruise sounds terrific.  I am tempted to be sure. I like other lines better, Princess, HAL, Celebrity, but Carnival is ok.  Sure, the decor can be a bit garish, and IMHO the food isn't as good as on the others, but I always have  a great time.  

ohiodoglover

Thank you for writing this.  It is fun.  

Ohiodoglover

I have done both cruise lines and believe that each has its benefits.  

Carnival - In my experience (two 7 nights and one 8 night), it is a rowdier atmosphere.  However, I (early 60s) generally find it just fine.  I like the Carnival comedy club and think they have the best games.  (I love games.) Negative, the food, which I find mediocre at best.  But food is subjective and everyone has their own opinion and no one is wrong there.  I can always find something I like.  Always. Number of kids depends on when you go. I think the cabins are nice on Carnival.  I have another Carnival booked.

Princess - In my experience (17 or 18 cruises), it is more sedate.  Not as formal as it used to be, which is just fine with me.  It is fun, and I always have a great time on Princess.  The entertainment is also good on Princess.  Food is much better, IMHO (see above). Negative, they don't have a comedy club and their games, while very fun, generally, aren't quite as much fun as Carnival. Cabins are just fine on Princess. I have another Princess booked.

My favorite cruise line is Celebrity.  All else being equal, I'd pick Celebrity.  Reason, I think Celebrity is just a bit nicer, all the way around.  I don't have a Celebrity cruise booked right now, but I will at some point.

I agree with Kwokpot that it all depends on what you are looking for.  If you want something more informal, I'd certainly recommend giving Carnival a try.  Just my thoughts.  

Ohiodoglover

Glad you are having a great time.

thank you!

I will be flying into Fort Lauderdale airport and sailing out of Miami port.  What is the best way to get to the Miami hotel the day before the cruise and back to the Miami airport after the cruise?  

Thanks,

Ohiodoglover

Have a fabulous time.  Love your packing routine.  I just might try that one.  

Ohiodog lover

I agree that the medallion app is disappointing and that trying to get through on the phone is nightmare.  Sadly, this appears to be the norm these days.  Everywhere.  Every single time.  (at least that is my experience)  

However, I know that once I get through the red tape and get on the ship, that I am going to have a fabulous vacation, because I always do when I sail on Princess.   I am focusing on the positive.  There is a lot of positive out there.  Sailing in March.  It will be a great time.  Just my two cents.

Ohiodoglover

Fantastic.  What a fun post!  and how nice of the crew to go along.  That is typical Princess Cruises crew - so nice and they go the extra mile.

Went on this cruise the week after Thanksgiving.  I hope you have as good a time as we did.  

Ohiodoglover

Thought John Heald was terrific.  Just got off Legend and Lee was quite good.

Just got off the last Legend cruise.  Will be interested to hear if your take is similar to ours.  We had a terrific time.

Ohiodoglover

On 11/7/2021 at 10:24 PM, MeganGC1983 said:

Someone asked about beer prices. 

Thank you!!

10 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

What’s special about the dogs in Ohio?

Dogs in Ohio are awesome. Well, all dogs are awesome, my dog just happens to live in Ohio! 😉

Would you please post a bar menu or let me know how much beer is on board?

Thanks,

ohiodoglover

Would you please post a bar menu, or let me know how much beer is on board?

Thanks,

ohiodoglover

the only time i fly in the same day is if it is out of Baltimore, and i can get a nonstop very early in the am.  I figure if worse comes to worst, I will either find another flight or drive.

Glad you are posting this.  Just booked the same cruise yesterday.  As this is my first cruise since Covid started, i am extremely excited.  I have been cruise deprived.  Can't wait.

Thank you for posting.  It was fun to cruise remotely with you.

I vote Grand, but I like the smaller ships.  Have sailed on both and had  a great time on both.

Pacific Princess was my favorite.  I also am not a big fan of the mega ships.  Maybe I need to look at Azamara and Oceania.