Is Princess for us? First time cruisers, in 30s...

[wrxrob]

Greetings everyone! We are still researching our first cruise, and have looked all over the board, from Carnival, to RCCL, to NCL, and now discovering Celebrity and Princess.

 

Specifically, the Ruby Princess and the Celebrity Solstice since they both travel to St Maarten on the week we wish to travel.

 

Here's my question about the Ruby, and Princess cruise lines in general. We are a couple in our early 30s, who are the type who like to enjoy activities on vacation and also relax. Doesn't have to be over the top on either activities or the relaxing part. We aren't heavy drinkers, but we still like to stay up late, especially on vacation.

 

A typical vacation for us is a week in Las Vegas, maybe one to three drinks per day, staying up most hours of the day people watching and enjoying the scenery. We aren't the Bellagio or Wynn types, rather we stay on Fremont Street.

 

We're not bums, but not snobby or wealthy either.

 

I'm just curious of the age range of guests, and the level of activities. We aren't planning to drink ourselves to oblivion, but we don't want to be forced to go to bed at 10pm every night.

 

Secondly, how is the dress code? Initially, we were impressed with NCL's freestyle, and the ability to wear shorts and casual clothing. When I wear a suit on vacation, it feels like I'm going to work. :( .

 

I'm sure comparing Princess to NCL is apples to oranges, but I have nothing to compare as this will be our first cruise.

 

Does Princess have food options all day long? I like the idea of being able to grab an ice cream or a quick snack whenever the mood strikes, rather than having to wait for the set dinner time. But I'm still okay with the set dinner times as well.

 

Thanks for reading, and any advice you want to offer. :)

[B_K]

My last 2 cruises were NCL and Princess respectively - my next one is in 3 days on Princess so that will give you my overall feeling.

 

Couple thoughts:

 

1. This might not make a difference to you but does to me. Both lines tell you that you are not allowed to bring liquor on board to consume in your cabin. The difference is that NCL is fanatical in their enforcement (xray everything and confiscate bottles till end of cruise), while Princess is more lax and many folks bring liquor on board in their luggage. This helps the pocket book if you like to have happy hour on your balcony every day and don't want to pay room service $17 for a 375 ml bottle of Bacardi or $26 for a 750 of Gordon's gin. (NCL is more flexible in choices of what you can purchase from them ahead of time for your cabin).

 

2. I thought food was slightly better in dining rooms on Princess, truly better in buffet and specialty restaurants. NOTE - do not take a cruise for the food - with the exception of a couple specialty venues, it does not approach fine dining. Helps to have your expectations dialed down some....

 

3. Personnel/service - very good on both.

 

4. Ships/Facilities - Caribbean Princess, NCL Sun - both decent, edge to Princess.

 

5. Casinos - both lots of cigarette smoke....

 

You will enjoy it whatever line you choose!

 

BK

[B_K]

PS - re dress code - both will have 2 formal nights on a 7 day cruise where suits/tuxes required in dining rooms. You always have option of doing the buffet or room service to avoid dressing up on those nights.

 

BK

[AspensMom73]

We are leaving on our first cruise next weekend, and are much like you. We're in our late 30's, and like to enjoy ourselves when we go on vacation. We like to lie on the beach or at the pool to relax, and we also like to do excursions here and there. We like to relax, have drinks, maybe have a night or two where we have a few more drinks. With that being said - we don't want to be on a ship with a constant party atmosphere like Cancun during spring break, but we'd like to be able to have a good time and let loose when we choose. We picked Ruby Princess because of the itinerary, the wide range of ages that sail, and the many great reviews. Itinerary was our biggest determining factor though. We liked that there was Skywalkers (which I hear is disappearing at some point) nightclub to visit at night, where we could dance and enjoy some music and fun when we want.

 

If you still haven't found something in a couple weeks, I'll be posting a review of the Ruby from my first time cruiser perspective when we return :D

[knbcruisers]

I have sailed Princess and NCL, and much prefer Princess.

 

1) Food....much better on Princess across all venues, plus I found it difficult to get into NCL's various dining rooms unless I wanted to eat at 5 or 9. The extra fees add up and althought NCL might cost less initially, the dining rooms fees eat up the savings ---pun intended ;)

 

2) Princess night life is pretty good, but can be hit or miss, depends a lot on time of year and age of passengers. Carribbean in the spring is usually pretty busy with people of all ages. The disco could be full or empty. Comedy shows get a good turnout, dance nights also hit or miss. Often good music in Wheelhouse pub. Music all day in the atrium, great place to stake out a spot and people watch.

 

3) Being able to bring wine on board Princess and only have a charge if I bring it to dinner is a real bonus to me, as I am not a frequent drinker of hard liquor....although I do LOVE rum and ginger ale when poolside.

 

4) Most importantly, you can have a great time on any ship....it's what you make of it!:)

[JEH]

If you like to people watch a cruise is for you. The Ruby is a large ship with lots of venues to people watch. The Anytime Dining option allows you flexibility in deciding when you want to dine. Formal Nights, I bring a blazer, turtle neck or a shirt and tie with slacks nothing that formal.

[1 HappyCruiser]

 

Secondly, how is the dress code? Initially, we were impressed with NCL's freestyle, and the ability to wear shorts and casual clothing. When I wear a suit on vacation, it feels like I'm going to work. :( .

:)

 

Although Princess suggests a suit or tux in the dining room on formal nights you can actually get by with a less formal attire. A long sleeve dress shirt & dress pants for the guys & a pair of black slacks & fancy top for the women will get you into the DR.

You'll probably also be one of the youngest on board. Princess isn't noted for having a young party crowd and things get fairly quiet late in the evening.