SaltyDoggg

Appreciate that very much

I’ll be on reflection in a couple of weeks, though I will not be purchasing the classic drinks package. Can someone tell me what the average cost of a cocktail is, say like a Tito and cranberry, or a jack and Coke?

Awesome - thx for the live update!

Thanks you!

Anyone off the Reflection recently that can speak to the live band that plays on the pool deck? Any info regarding style and quality. The live band is a big deal for me and I'll be sailing on Reflection in just a couple weeks. Thanks!

Awesome, that is great news! Thank you so much

Is there live music at the pool at all? If so, do you have any details?

Not sure when u were on reflection but I just checked and NYC3 is on Eclipse for the foreseeable future.

That’s what I was looking for. It’s touch and go with the pool bands, but that’s what I really enjoy. Don’t know NYC3 but I’ll check them out. Saw a great band that’s currently on summit, but their contract is up soon. Thanks!

Thanks for your input!

Anyone recently off the Reflection that can speak to the house band on that ship? I'm hoping the band that plays on the pool deck has a decent vocalist, a guitar player and some good variety, can play rock n roll, funk, etc. Not just compressed digital music. The bands can be so hit and miss... would appreciate any insight anyone might have. Thanks!

@Ken the cruiser I live in Florida, and because I am fairly new to cruising, I have been focusing on the Caribbean. That being said, I am looking at a one way Hawaiian cruise from Vancouver on Celebrity in the Fall. I am also very open to doing Alaska... probably not going anywhere to Europe, gonna stick primarily in the Caribbean and possibly California coast. I like the idea of being U.S. based. Can I ask you Ken, would you consider Princess a competitor to Celebrity or more of a value brand? I went into my 2 week Emerald Princess cruise under the impression that they are competitors of Celebrity, thats the vibe I was getting with all of the YouTube vids, but after all the comments on my review thread, and of course my personal experience, I'm wondering if they fall more into a value line? That would explain allot. Also, what cruise lines would you recommend that would fall more in line with Celebrity's style? Thanks for your help!

I think Celebrity has more single cabins these days... I can usually get a pretty good price, but even so, I'm willing to pay double occupancy if it's the right itinerary!

Actually if you read the review you’ll see that motion sensors and auto doors are on the list 😀

I appreciate that input. I am not just blowing smoke, I am trying to communicate my experience, but it seems folks get very defensive and territorial. That is not my intent, just trying to communicate my experience, which was not great, but was validated by a gentleman who has been on more princess cruises than Most considering his role with the company.

Because his primary role is to install and maintain the ships WI-FI. That’s why. also, you don’t need a food critic to know what’s good and what’s not. Anyone who eats across the fleet for extended periods and woks for the company, can tell you, this ship has better food than that ship etc. everyone should be keeping these corporations honest.

Because he is human with taste buds and sails among every Princess ship for weeks on end.

In my survey review, yes

Why is that odd? I didn’t even know about Cruise critic until my last cruise when there was a group gathering. I’ve only been on 5 cruises in my lifetime, and as I begin to enjoy the experience, I notice the shortcomings and the wins. Best case scenario would be for these cruise lines to recognize that complacency is not an option. Best to you!

My review may seem overblown to a legacy Princess guest, For the record, I took a great care in communicating the issues I had with the ship as constructively as I could given how bad everything was. The point is to say hey, this is not acceptable. I also commented on what I loved about the ship, though there was not much to love. I know people can become very defensive When negative comments are spoken about some thing that they adore, but the truth is the truth. Didn’t mean to rub anyone the wrong way, it’s just that people who are spending a lot of money should be getting the right value. Complacency will get you nowhere.

The problem is having that ridiculous show force fed to you on the Jumbotron when you’re sitting on the pool deck. You’re literally trying to relax while listening to a nonstop infomercial.

I also sailed in November. It’s interesting how everyone’s experiences and expectations can be different. I’m 58 years old and really come to expect quality food when I sail. I also come to expect a really good live, amplified band, but I found that that is not, something that everyone needs. I am also not a big fan of the production shows, preferred to be on the pool deck, listening to live music. in short, I feel there is no excuse for anything, but top quality food on a brand like Princess. curious if you’ve ever sailed Celebrity and are you an elite member on Princess?

Ken, appreciate the feedback. I think this is exactly my point with Princess that they do seem to exclusively cater to a much older demographic, but the reality is those guests are not going to be around forever. They need to start transitioning to people that are more my age, in their mid-50s, else lose the market. Celebrity seems to have the perfect formula for attracting new blood yet keeping their legacy guests happy. They really have the perfect balance. Best to you and good luck!

The Promenade deck was my favorite part of Emerald princess in fact, the Promenade deck is my favorite part on nearly every ship. This is why I am not a big fan of celebrities, edge class, ships, and many of the other vessels that block the promenade with lifeboats. I could sit out there all day.

Have you ever cruised Celebrity ? Honestly, I find the pricing between Celebrity and Princess to be very similar. They market themselves like they are selling the same product but in reality, Celebrity has taken big steps to move forward, attracting more cruisers in their 40s and 50s while still keeping their legacy guests happy. I know that’s a delicate dance but they have done a great job of it. I’d like to see Princess follow suit. Good luck to you!