First Time Cruise Royal Princess Venice to Barcelona

[Antonintassie]

OK we did it Barcelona to Venice this was our first cruise but about our 20th time in Europe.

 

The Royal Princess was ok and the staff where good overall "but" the cruise was like a floating retirement home.

 

We are in our late forties with an older teenager and felt like some of the youngest onboard ,the entertainment was pathetic and the whole ship closed down at midnight .

 

Princess really need to develop some family inclusive activities into the daily programme rather than assuming that parents do not want to hangout with their kids.

 

The "REMIX" program is very lame and it is no surprise that alot of teens do not participate and hangout with their parents and other teen passengers independently.

 

The cruise director seemed more interested in self promotion rather than designing an inovative programme for her guests and both guest entertainers ( magican and comedian ) were barely entertaining.

 

On a disturbing note some of the older passengers are extremely rude to teenagers in general and need to take a good look at themselves if you want respect and good manners it is a two way street.

 

Overall the port stops where good unfortunately we missed Kudashi due to high winds ,we took a 2 x Princess tours one was good the other a disorganised shambles and we ditched this tour after an hour.

 

We did the rest independently with the exception of Livorno where we utilised a excellent private tour for the three of us .

 

Why Toulon ? This stop is a waste of a day there are better alternatives Marseille or Nice would both be better choices.

 

Ships layout is unusual the sanctury is a huge waste of space and the pool areas are going to be way to small when the ship is in warmer climates.

 

The dress rules where never enforced and it was obvious ,we make an effort to dress for dinner and evening entertainment and frankly some people did not and need to look in the mirror before they leave their cabin.

 

We travel 5 star as a rule and overall the cruise experience was a 3 + for us.

 

 

Will we cruise again ? maybe but it will need to be port intensive and somewhere interesting we wish to visit.

 

All The Best

 

Anton

[Mom33]

OK we did it Barcelona to Venice this was our first cruise but about our 20th time in Europe.

 

The Royal Princess was ok and the staff where good overall "but" the cruise was like a floating retirement home.

 

We are in our late forties with an older teenager and felt like some of the youngest onboard ,the entertainment was pathetic and the whole ship closed down at midnight .

 

Princess really need to develop some family inclusive activities into the daily programme rather than assuming that parents do not want to hangout with their kids.

 

The "REMIX" program is very lame and it is no surprise that alot of teens do not participate and hangout with their parents and other teen passengers independently.

 

The cruise director seemed more interested in self promotion rather than designing an inovative programme for her guests and both guest entertainers ( magican and comedian ) were barely entertaining.

 

On a disturbing note some of the older passengers are extremely rude to teenagers in general and need to take a good look at themselves if you want respect and good manners it is a two way street.

 

Overall the port stops where good unfortunately we missed Kudashi due to high winds ,we took a 2 x Princess tours one was good the other a disorganised shambles and we ditched this tour after an hour.

 

We did the rest independently with the exception of Livorno where we utilised a excellent private tour for the three of us .

 

Why Toulon ? This stop is a waste of a day there are better alternatives Marseille or Nice would both be better choices.

 

Ships layout is unusual the sanctury is a huge waste of space and the pool areas are going to be way to small when the ship is in warmer climates.

 

The dress rules where never enforced and it was obvious ,we make an effort to dress for dinner and evening entertainment and frankly some people did not and need to look in the mirror before they leave their cabin.

 

We travel 5 star as a rule and overall the cruise experience was a 3 + for us.

 

 

Will we cruise again ? maybe but it will need to be port intensive and somewhere interesting we wish to visit.

All The Best

 

Anton

 

Just so you don't end up on a senior citizen cruise the next time, you might want to travel with your child when families usually cruise. School vacations and holidays will give you a better mix of ages. You were just on a port intensive cruise and most people turn in early because they are tired out from touring.

In my forties, I had great respect for my elders and in my current age bracket, I am disappointed by the 30 and 40 somethings that have no respect for us.:(

[Oh2B@C]

Somebody sure woke up on the wrong side of good morning...

 

Anton, I am sorry to hear you had some bad experiences. Did you do a little research into whether this cruise line and this particular cruise would be a good one on which to take a teenager? If you'd asked on CC before making the choice, you would have been told EXACTLY what did happen on your cruise. A Princess cruise in October has very few teenagers and the passengers are mostly "more mature" passengers.

 

Having said that, I am the same age as you and thoroughly enjoy all my Princess cruises I find the more mature passengers to be so nice and friendly. If I meet the odd one who is crotchety, I move on, as there are 3,000 plus people on the ship (4,000 on Royal...). And bad attitudes are not reserved for more mature people. I've met a lot of people my age who are a pain in the back of the lap. This one fellow wouldn't stop making the same old dumb joke about Canada being so cold. I'd like to send him to Toronto in July. And this other guy, a Canadian (gulp), started making some very inappropriate comments about the US military to an older American couple. Both instances the annoying person was in their late 40's.

 

Come back to CC next time you're thinking about another cruise. You'll get some great advice.:)

[Antonintassie]

We actually did alot of research our school breaks do not line up with the US as a rule so we did not anticipate many teens

 

To us the ship was basically a floating hotel and transport and we went out of our normal travel box to give cruising a try

 

Overall it fulfilled our needs I just do not think it is our style of travel

[lovevacadays]

At least you gave it a try. Cruising isn't for everyone and that is ok.

[JimmyVWine]

Thanks for your honest and detailed assessment. You are sure to get a lot of noise in exchange for your honesty. Negativity toward Royal is a touchy subject. I will say that expecting entertainment on Princess after midnight (pretty much any ship, anywhere) is a stretch. Especially on a port intensive cruise. However, this problem does not solve itself as you go "up" in the number of stars. The smaller, more expensive ships tend to have even less midnight entertainment. Ant even fewer teens.

[Roses2]

We assume you will not choose Princess again since it does not fit your needs and wants.

 

As an old codger who spent a very long time in the U.S. military, went to couple of wars with Aussies and served in the U.S. Diplomatic Service in foreign climes, I found most Aussies with whom served and met along the way to be outgoing, reasonable, and very delightful folk -- and still do.

 

I believe that most of us old codgers who cruise regularly understand that it takes all kinds and generally we enjoy cruising with young kids, teen-agers, and others of all ages. It is only those with closed minds that sometimes rankle us.

 

Thanks for your comments I am sure they are well intentioned and G'day mate.

[Antonintassie]

Thanks for that

 

Ex Australian Army myself and 50 in a couple of months so not a teenager myself ,I was really the appalling comments made to my son in our earshot which annoyed me ,and the poor development of onboard activities .I was actually looking forward to a sea day as a change from ports,but by lunchtime on our first sea day I would have paid for an airlift it was that boring.

 

Princess staff and the vast majority of passengers were great and I did meet some nice people .

[CI66774]

I appreciate your review. However, you could have stated it without making unpleasant comments about older people in general. I'm about your age and I hope to make it to an age where I can cruise regularly. Maybe your should try an all-inclusive land vacation.

[sunsetbeachgal]

We did this cruise in late July and there were over 800 teens and kids aged 18 and younger. Everybody seemed to be having a good time, including us!

 

What you experiencd with passenger demographics is exactly what I would have expected as kids in the US and Canada are in school.

[Oxo]

We have done a couple of cruises in the Pacific on Celebrity and Princess. I don't recall seeing an Auzzie Cruise Line? We enjoyed both cruise lines and would love to try an Auzzie Cruise Line to compare.

Hope someone can provide us some positive info. LOL

[Antonintassie]

How does "some " generalise as I indicated in my post it was the exception rather than the rule.

 

The retirement home atmosphere comment has nothing to do with age but refers to the lame onboard program which effectively assumed everyone wanted to sit on their backside ,drink or eat .

[dmwnc1959]

Hi Anton,

 

Hope you are well. So sorry that it didn't turn out better for you and your family. I remember how you were so looking forward to it, and all of the back and forth with the mysterious changing deck plans that we went through for your stateroom.

 

There are cruise lines that tend to cater toward a more 'active' demographic, NCL and RCI, so maybe one of those might work better if there is a 'next time' for you. I wonder though if it is the 'norm' for port intensive itineraries like Mediterranean and Baltic cruises for late evening entertainment to be somewhat curtailed due to the earlier port arrivals and long sightseeing days?

 

Best regards,

 

David

[KruzPrincess]

Cruising isn't for everyone. Maybe that's you and your family. There are other cruise lines that are considered luxury cruise lines, but it's my guess they'd be even more sedate than Princess. Port intensive cruises do seem to have less scheduled activities because many people don't participate much when they're tired. I started cruising when I was younger than you, but I always had fun and loved it. I don't need to be entertained all the time, though. I just enjoy cruising.

[Antonintassie]

Thanks Dave

 

Overall it was worthwhiile we go to see some terrific places and were very well looked after I guess we are a more do it yourself style of traveller .

 

The ports were great its the down time at sea I found frustrating I guess we are just not sit and relax travellers .

 

Kind Regards

 

Anton

[dmwnc1959]

Hi Anton,

 

So glad to hear it wasn't a complete wash out. I use to be one of those 'Do It Yourself' type travelers, but in my 'old age' ;) have become accustomed to enjoying the gracious service and comfort found on cruise lines like Princess. In other words a 'sit and relax' traveler lol.

 

If you have time I'd love to hear about any of your dining experiences aboard ship and if you were able to use venues like the International Cafe, Alfredo's, and the Horizon Court, as well as what you thought of the ship's decor and features like MUTS and the pools.

 

Best Regards,

 

David

[Antonintassie]

Hi Dave

 

We did the following

 

Crown Grill Superb worth every penny

 

Sabitinis for Dinner not so great the menu is fairly uninspired

 

Sabitinis for breakfast great suite perk loved it

 

International Cafe was abit cramped really and always very busy

 

Trident Grill up top does a great burger

 

Horizon Court Did not use it as it felt like a school cafe they really need to try and break up the dining areas as it is huge and impersonal

 

Anytime Dining Concerto was good we never had any issue finding something on the menu The wine list however is boring and very limited and on more than one occasion what we wanted was out of stock

 

I liked the decor although I suspect it will date quickly lots of beiges and wood the cabins look like the inside of a Hilton room ,beds were excellent even the sofa bed got a good rating.

 

The pool deck setup is not so good the centre island thing with the fake plastic palms just chews up pool space ,we only had one good outdoor day and it was packed.

 

The retreat pool is good but you really are seperated from any amenities which is a hassle the stupid cabanas just take up space.

 

The sanctury concept escapes me really ,whats the point ? you have to come out to use the pool and if you want spa activities why not go to the lotus spa ?

 

MUTS was good but limited use due to weather

 

If you are a dancer the piazza is like dancing in a fishbowl with everyone looking on ,we only danced once and my wife hated the fact that 4 floors of people could look down on you.

 

Onboard activities and entertainment was generally average , we are not needy but when you are stuck at sea more choice would be nice perhaps some family orientated team sports etc if it is not offered you have no chance of co-ordinating something with like minded passengers when there are over 3600 on board the cruise director was average and the two contract entertainers were not that good.

 

Internet was slow but ok for emails etc ,phone service was patchy with some huge delays in voice transmission.

 

The ship was very stable we had some heavy swells and wind and she rode very well (and I am not good with rough seas)

 

The service aspect is interesting its good but we stay and work in Dubai and fly with Emirates and stay in some great hotels so we get spoilt .If you do alot of travelling it is not going to blow you away but its good and solid.

 

Would we cruise again ? most likely but it will be the ports that entice us back and most likely on a smaller ship

 

PS the Europa 2 was in a couple of ports we visted ( very nice looking ship)

 

All The Best

 

Anton

[dmwnc1959]

Hi Anton,

 

THANK YOU for taking the time to write about your experiences.

 

I definitely have to agree about the Trident Grill hamburgers, probably the best I've had on any cruise hip. Then too, I haven't been on Carnival Cruise Line since they introduced Guys Burgers to the newer ships.

 

The International Cafe is a very popular venue on most all the Princess ships, but is about 1/2 the size. It's also combined with the gelato display, instead of an entirely separate venue as on Royal Princess. And I'm very much looking forward to the Horizon Court. Lots of seasoned Princess veterans are saying it's a marked improvement over what the rest of the fleet has. The food stations on Ruby Princess were like a claustrophobic cage-fight every time I went up there.

 

It's funny how food is so subjective, my dining experiences with Crown Grill and Sabatini's on Ruby Princess were just the opposite. I'm going to try both again.

 

The decor on most of the Princess Cruises ships is pretty standard, except with Royal Princess. Most who have been on her say that it is very elegant and nice, and different in appearance than the rest of the fleet, yet it still 'feels' like Princess. Guess that's the use of the browns and beige in the color palettes.

 

The Sanctuary is another signature Princess Cruises feature and can be found on most all their ships except the small girls, and is almost always at the front of the ship on top. Having been on several other classes of ships and cruise lines I much prefer a forward facing lounge instead.

 

Your observations and concerns regarding the pool decks and Retreat are in line with many, although some who have cruised Royal Princess said the ship handled the passenger load well enough. We'll see how that goes once she hits the Caribbean.

 

Same goes with dancing in the atrium with your 'fishbowl' comment, I've heard that before as well. Not ideal, and am looking forward to seeing how that works when I'm on her in December.

 

And I've heard lots of good comments on the stability of Royal Princess, and that it's a very smooth ride.

 

Overall it sounds like Royal Princess may have been a decent experience save for the lack of activities and the unfortunate run in with rude passengers. I think in Pia's current Live thread she has echoed the same sentiment in regards to activities, especially when the ship is in port. I think is was described as 'Feast or Famine'.

 

I believe that I've read that Europa 2 is one of the best rated cruise ships in the world. A bit out of my price range, and I'm also guessing the dining and entertainment options will be on-scale with her size.

 

Best regards,

 

David

 

.

[Antonintassie]

Hi Dave

 

Yes I was abit surprised with Sabatinis the room has a nice view no obstructions but it just did not feel special .The Crown Grill however is more intimate and cosy you really feel like you are in a nice high end steak resturant.

 

The entertainment is a quandry I am not sure if the department has a mandated list of activities or if they can play around with the programme on ship but it just did not hit the mark.

 

The cancelled port at Kudashi threw them completely no backup plan evident and it left 3000 + passengers twiddling their thumbs for a whole day

 

The few rude passengers really upset me to be honest and I know this can happen anywhere but it was a downer .

 

I forgot to mention the casino the ventilation system does seem cope well with smoking patrons but it does waft upstairs slightly ,I noticed it extra unscheduled sea day

[dmwnc1959]

Hi Anton,

 

I understand completely about rude passengers, and I've gotten to the point where I just put it back on them. I'll say something like 'I hope your day gets better, because it sure sounds like it can't get any worse', or 'Sounds like you're having a rotten day, glad I'm not in your shoes'. Then smile the biggest smile you possibly can. That usually takes them off guard (or makes them madder :D), since most people say nothing and try to avoid them.

 

The menu for Sabatini's is relatively new, where as it used to be more of a sample-everything gluttonous-type of experience it now has the select menu options. The same named venue on Ruby Princess is different in decor and location than that on Royal Princess, and was very elegant and intimate. I'm still looking forward to trying Sabatini's again as I loved the food, as well as dining in the redesigned Crown Grill. I had read one report that the piano player in the adjacent Wheelhouse Bar, along with whatever audience participation was happening at that time, made it less intimate than on the Grand-class ships. Your perception is definitely most interesting.

 

Yours is the second comment I've read on the casino and cigarette smoke. That issue was brought up in another recent thread and several have mentioned that they never noticed it at all. It will be interesting to experience it first hand since I am particularly sensitive to the smell and can detect it with all the tracking ability of a bloodhound. ;)

 

Best regards,

 

David

 

.

[Shogun]

Hi greengrunt8

 

It took us a few cruise lines to find that we liked,

 

my advise is if you want to cruise again,

 

make two lists

 

I want a ship that has.....

 

I do not want ........

 

then go to a TA that knows about cruising and see what cruise line and ship they pick, do this a couple of times and see if you have a winner,

 

 

The passenger mix will change depending on time, length or were in the world the same ship cruises.

 

The perfect cruise for everyone is out there the problem is two fold

 

first you need to find it, then you need to pay for it as sometimes

 

the right cruise is just to expensive, so we land up using mass market cruise lines like Princess which tick many boxes for us but not all.

 

Thank you for taking the time to post

 

yours Shogun

[Cruiserkenn]

I wonder if the sights in Florence, Rome, Naples, Athens, Istanbul, etc, would not have made up for any disappointment with the cruise?

 

You mentioned that you had been to Europe 20 times before. Maybe that is part of it. You have already seen Europe. For me, the sights would have been so exciting. (I don't mean this to be critical, I was just wondering if maybe this was part of it?)

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Antonintassie]

Hi

 

The ports where terrific we love this part of the world and it was the first time in most of these ports for one of our party.

 

Overall the cruise was fine it just was not what we anticipated perhaps as shogun suggested we might try a different cruise product `