Royal Princess Review 11/17-11/24 Eastern Caribbean

[chamima]

Hi there,

 

Brad wants to write to Princess about our experience. I feel weird doing it after the fact. Actually, the only time we have written to Princess was to thank them for the experience we received on the Emerald in 2011. None the less, he feels that what we paid for the cruise didn't reflect the value we received, so he wants to write to them.

 

-Andrew :)

 

He really should write them.

Think of it as a service to we future cruisers.

We have booked B736 for February and I am really hoping they've gotten the internet, soot and Ac issues solved by then! But if no one relays the problems to corporate they'll never know.

[BeccaC]

I was on the same cruise as you and I wish we had met. Or maybe we did(dramatic music here). You are very funny and around the same age as us. Sounds like you still had a great time which we did too but also had some snafus here and there. I figure no vacation can be perfect until I become so rich I'll just be bored and then I'll just pay for absolute perfection. At least I have a plan.

Alfredo's was great!!! We had Luigi who lovingly complimented us (blushing) and even sang to us in Italian since it was our anniversary.

Our room (M719) temp was great but I'm cold natured anyway. Hubby didn't complain though. I did notice that I was having to lower it each night to keep it at the same level. Loved the On-Demand too. And hubby liked that they put up the MUTS shows after they played on deck.

We loved the Piazza too. So beautiful and elegant. Looking at pics I thought it was going to be "too much" but it was very tasteful. Elevators were very full but I noticed many capable people using it to go up ONE floor in the Piazza. People are just strange in general.

I had never been to any of the stops but we both thought Princess Cays was great. We spent most of the time trying to find shells to bring back to our young boys. We tendered over differently though. We never went through the spa, just down the stairs from Symphony to the boat. But we went over later. I couldn't seem to wake up at a decent hour the whole vacation since I was 2 hours off schedule. We only waited about 5 minutes in the dining room and it was nice. We like to come back early and get some chairs by the retreat pool and do absolutely nothing. It's great.

We were on the sky deck while The Proposal was playing. Maybe we crossed paths there.

I did hear a lot of complaints about the internet but we don't buy minutes. I only want to be in contact with the real world if there's an emergency. In that case, they know how to get a hold of me on the ship.

I really liked the Pianist Kory Simon. He always had a full house. Did you like the magic show? I thought he was great with cards and I even got to be his guest on stage for his show in the Vista Lounge. I'm still baffled how he switched them in my hand.

But, wish we had met and I'm glad you had a fun cruise overall as well.

[caribill]

Hi there,

 

Brad wants to write to Princess about our experience. I feel weird doing it after the fact. Actually, the only time we have written to Princess was to thank them for the experience we received on the Emerald in 2011. None the less, he feels that what we paid for the cruise didn't reflect the value we received, so he wants to write to them.

 

 

Write that letter. Keep it consise, with the facts and polite.

 

If suppliers do not hear ofunhappiness due to problems like this from their customers, then they will think customers do not mind what is being supplied.

[h3rjp]

Thank you for this review. I really enjoyed reading it!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[gracie65]

I wished we could have met, sorry your cruise wasn't up to par. It's so weird how people on the same ship can have a totally different experience. I have started my review too but will take me a few days to finish.

Did you make it to the disco at all? We went either 2 or 3 nights but it was usually without the hubby's, they were making deposits in the casino!!LOL

[ssawjo]

We were on the same cruise and agree with your comments, except some. We had no problems with the a/c. I disliked the shows also. But I just don't like song/dance routines but I go for the DW. Loved our waitress in Symphony MDR. We were with her for several dinners. Alfredo's is excellent. Did not do Crown Grill or Sabatinis. However, we were at the Wine Makers dinner and it was excellent. The wine, included, flowed very freely and the food, IMO, was excellent. Would do it again but DO NOT drink before going. I was a little slow the next day. Great ship and crew. Embarkation was a bit of a zoo and disembarkation was not much better. We were very early walk offs and there were NO taxis for FLL. But no matter, we sat around for hours anyway. I am not much for writing reviews but the OP did an excellent job.

 

Bill

[funinthesun86]

Thanks for the thorough review. I really enjoy your writing style. Thanks for sharing.

 

Sent from my KFTT using Forums mobile app

[Woobstr112G]

OP;

Thanks for taking the time to post your review.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Guest arowe6]

I was on the same cruise as you and I wish we had met. Or maybe we did(dramatic music here). You are very funny and around the same age as us. Sounds like you still had a great time which we did too but also had some snafus here and there. I figure no vacation can be perfect until I become so rich I'll just be bored and then I'll just pay for absolute perfection. At least I have a plan.

Alfredo's was great!!! We had Luigi who lovingly complimented us (blushing) and even sang to us in Italian since it was our anniversary.

Our room (M719) temp was great but I'm cold natured anyway. Hubby didn't complain though. I did notice that I was having to lower it each night to keep it at the same level. Loved the On-Demand too. And hubby liked that they put up the MUTS shows after they played on deck.

We loved the Piazza too. So beautiful and elegant. Looking at pics I thought it was going to be "too much" but it was very tasteful. Elevators were very full but I noticed many capable people using it to go up ONE floor in the Piazza. People are just strange in general.

I had never been to any of the stops but we both thought Princess Cays was great. We spent most of the time trying to find shells to bring back to our young boys. We tendered over differently though. We never went through the spa, just down the stairs from Symphony to the boat. But we went over later. I couldn't seem to wake up at a decent hour the whole vacation since I was 2 hours off schedule. We only waited about 5 minutes in the dining room and it was nice. We like to come back early and get some chairs by the retreat pool and do absolutely nothing. It's great.

We were on the sky deck while The Proposal was playing. Maybe we crossed paths there.

I did hear a lot of complaints about the internet but we don't buy minutes. I only want to be in contact with the real world if there's an emergency. In that case, they know how to get a hold of me on the ship.

I really liked the Pianist Kory Simon. He always had a full house. Did you like the magic show? I thought he was great with cards and I even got to be his guest on stage for his show in the Vista Lounge. I'm still baffled how he switched them in my hand.

But, wish we had met and I'm glad you had a fun cruise overall as well.

 

Never did see the magic show, but we have on other ships. Loved the piano guy though. Saw him in The Wheelhouse during our Crown Grill dinners.

 

-Andrew :)

[Guest arowe6]

I wished we could have met, sorry your cruise wasn't up to par. It's so weird how people on the same ship can have a totally different experience. I have started my review too but will take me a few days to finish.

Did you make it to the disco at all? We went either 2 or 3 nights but it was usually without the hubby's, they were making deposits in the casino!!LOL

 

 

We went to Club 6 only once just to take a picture. Honestly, missed Skywalkers. The views there are incredible.

 

Funny story-- on our second sea day a woman at the Int Cafe approached Brad and asked if he remembered her from the previous night in Club 6. Brad smiled and said, "I think you have the wrong guy." The woman looked visibly upset and said, "Whatever" and stormed off.

 

So maybe, just maybe, my boyfriend snuck away to Club 6 without me??

 

Found your review. Looking forward to it. Did you ever meet BrooklynRussians? I followed along with the roll call a bit and saw the posts....

 

-Andrew :)

[Guest arowe6]

We were on the same cruise and agree with your comments, except some. We had no problems with the a/c. I disliked the shows also. But I just don't like song/dance routines but I go for the DW. Loved our waitress in Symphony MDR. We were with her for several dinners. Alfredo's is excellent. Did not do Crown Grill or Sabatinis. However, we were at the Wine Makers dinner and it was excellent. The wine, included, flowed very freely and the food, IMO, was excellent. Would do it again but DO NOT drink before going. I was a little slow the next day. Great ship and crew. Embarkation was a bit of a zoo and disembarkation was not much better. We were very early walk offs and there were NO taxis for FLL. But no matter, we sat around for hours anyway. I am not much for writing reviews but the OP did an excellent job.

 

Bill

 

Thanks for your comment. The food was indeed excellent. Everything was tasty. Really impressed, food wise, with this cruise.

 

-Andrew :)

Edited November 26, 2013 by arowe6

[Guest arowe6]

OP;

Thanks for taking the time to post your review.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

Bob,

 

I first learned about the soot issue from your posts. Thought we would escape the issue by having a half-covered balcony. Alas....

 

Thanks for the heads up on the issue? :)

 

-Andrew

[Bimmer09]

Andrew- thanks for the fast-moving, enjoyable witty read. I just wish there had been photos (sigh). I will read your other reviews and look at their photos. You sound like a fun couple, able to roll with the punches and it seems there were quite a few on this trip/this ship.

 

What's next on your cruise agenda or is it too early to ask?

 

Norris

[Retiring cajun]

I really enjoyed your review! We sail dec.29 on royal/ eastern caribbean. I sure hope our a/c is working:). We have a deluxe balcony forward cabin on emerald deck.

I have a question @ Alfredo's. Is that the pizza place? Is there a cover charge to eat there? Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[caribill]

I have a question @ Alfredo's. Is that the pizza place? Is there a cover charge to eat there? Thanks!

 

 

 

Alfredo's on the Royal serves Pizza, salads, calzones. No charge.

 

There is also a pizza counter on the deck 15.

[Retiring cajun]

Thanks, caribill for info on alfredo's. Will definitely eat there.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[gracie65]

We were on the same cruise and agree with your comments, except some. We had no problems with the a/c. I disliked the shows also. But I just don't like song/dance routines but I go for the DW. Loved our waitress in Symphony MDR. We were with her for several dinners. Alfredo's is excellent. Did not do Crown Grill or Sabatinis. However, we were at the Wine Makers dinner and it was excellent. The wine, included, flowed very freely and the food, IMO, was excellent. Would do it again but DO NOT drink before going. I was a little slow the next day. Great ship and crew. Embarkation was a bit of a zoo and disembarkation was not much better. We were very early walk offs and there were NO taxis for FLL. But no matter, we sat around for hours anyway. I am not much for writing reviews but the OP did an excellent job.

 

Bill

 

I'm glad we did Bernard's together and you warned me about the wine at Winemaker's, I stayed out of the rum punch. Unfortunately the couple I was with (silverfox who almost got left) his girlfriend didn't heed my warning. She drank almost a whole bottle of the punch Sugar passed around. I knew better even if I didn't have the dinner that night.

I do believe I saw you and Kathie smack in the middle of the dance floor for Beetlemana. I was on one of the decks waving all around and you two were dancing.

I would for sure be writing Princess about the issues. It seems like mose of the a/c, soot and internet issues being reported are more aft. We like to be forward. Our cabin stayed cool the entire sailing. I don't know about internet as I try to avoid on vacation.

[gracie65]

We went to Club 6 only once just to take a picture. Honestly, missed Skywalkers. The views there are incredible.

 

Funny story-- on our second sea day a woman at the Int Cafe approached Brad and asked if he remembered her from the previous night in Club 6. Brad smiled and said, "I think you have the wrong guy." The woman looked visibly upset and said, "Whatever" and stormed off.

 

So maybe, just maybe, my boyfriend snuck away to Club 6 without me??

 

Found your review. Looking forward to it. Did you ever meet BrooklynRussians? I followed along with the roll call a bit and saw the posts....

 

-Andrew :)

 

 

Email me a picture of Brad and I can confirm or deny!!LOL

Never ran into BR but I am pretty sure I saw them. He was banned here permanently. They too had a aft balcony. I just wonder if he add the soot issues too?

I like you paid more for this cruise then usual. We did a mini when it would normally have been a regular balcony. We had a FCC from the Crown Princess that returned last year due to the noro outbreak. We used it and sprung for the mini. It was really nice to have the extra room.

[Guest arowe6]

Email me a picture of Brad and I can confirm or deny!!LOL

Never ran into BR but I am pretty sure I saw them. He was banned here permanently. They too had a aft balcony. I just wonder if he add the soot issues too?

I like you paid more for this cruise then usual. We did a mini when it would normally have been a regular balcony. We had a FCC from the Crown Princess that returned last year due to the noro outbreak. We used it and sprung for the mini. It was really nice to have the extra room.

 

Pictures coming later today. Had to go through them all.

 

-Andrew :)

[Guest arowe6]

I really enjoyed your review! We sail dec.29 on royal/ eastern caribbean. I sure hope our a/c is working:). We have a deluxe balcony forward cabin on emerald deck.

I have a question @ Alfredo's. Is that the pizza place? Is there a cover charge to eat there? Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

As Caribill said, all free.... And all delicious! IMO, the best food venue on the ship.

 

Enjoy your cruise,

 

-Andrew :)

[Guest arowe6]

Andrew- thanks for the fast-moving, enjoyable witty read. I just wish there had been photos (sigh). I will read your other reviews and look at their photos. You sound like a fun couple, able to roll with the punches and it seems there were quite a few on this trip/this ship.

 

What's next on your cruise agenda or is it too early to ask?

 

Norris

 

Thank you for your kind words. Photos are coming later today. Had to sort through them first.

 

-Andrew :)

[5:00_Somewhere]

I, too, want to thank you for your review. We were actually on the cruise before yours, and I would echo many of your comments and observations. Fortunately for us, though, we did not have any issue with the AC in our cabin (though we did hear of others who did), and our experience with servers and service personnel on the ship was almost universally exceptional (including the Crown Grill Head Waiter, oddly enough), so that may have tipped the scales a bit more toward the positive overall for us. We had the exact same experience with WiFi, by the way. Oh yes, and the soot. Ugh! I am also planning to write a letter to Princess about that. I keep going back and forth, but every time I think about it I get angry again, so I think I have to at least say something. I will, of course, emphasize all the positive aspects of the trip, as well; but I do think they need to be made aware just how bad that issue, in particular, is.

 

Anyway, I'm glad to hear you had a good trip, over all. Perhaps we'll run into one another on the high seas one of these years. Happy sailing!

 

p.s. - your pictures were great! ;)

 

We were on the first three Caribbean sailings. The first two cruises the Internet was amazing. It was so fast, I didn't even use all our minutes. Then comes cruise number three on 11/10 along with the news that there was work being done to make internet service better. Ha! We spent the next week watching the wheels go round and round. Used both of our 150 minutes and posted once in CC. Couldn't access Facebook at all. We were told there were too many people using iPads. REALLY? I don't think so!!

 

Enjoyed your review. Thanks!

 

Cheers Denise

 

Denise, my friend Dave and I sat near you at the Retreat Pool on the last (or second to last) sea day and chatted for quite awhile. Just wanted to say hi and that we enjoyed talking. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! :D

[Guest arowe6]

I, too, want to thank you for your review. We were actually on the cruise before yours, and I would echo many of your comments and observations. Fortunately for us, though, we did not have any issue with the AC in our cabin (though we did hear of others who did), and our experience with servers and service personnel on the ship was almost universally exceptional (including the Crown Grill Head Waiter, oddly enough), so that may have tipped the scales a bit more toward the positive overall for us. We had the exact same experience with WiFi, by the way. Oh yes, and the soot. Ugh! I am also planning to write a letter to Princess about that. I keep going back and forth, but every time I think about it I get angry again, so I think I have to at least say something. I will, of course, emphasize all the positive aspects of the trip, as well; but I do think they need to be made aware just how bad that issue, in particular, is.

 

Anyway, I'm glad to hear you had a good trip, over all. Perhaps we'll run into one another on the high seas one of these years. Happy sailing!

 

p.s. - your pictures were great! ;)

 

Were you in an aft cabin also? I was hoping that since our balcony was half covered and half uncovered it would help. Unfortunately, it did not. And I agree, after what we paid it is rather upsetting to know that our balcony was a hot mess every time we went to use it.

 

-Andrew :)

[boca7]

Just off the same cruise, we had 3 cabins, mine was very unconfortable, especially while getting dressed for dinner & middle of the night, the other 2 cabins were fine. You are also correct that the entire ship varies, same area in d/r different nights, 1 nt cold, next nt hot. Although we loved the ship we were disappointed in club 6, looks beautiful but designed only for looks. Surely miss the Skywalker.

[Guest arowe6]

Just off the same cruise, we had 3 cabins, mine was very unconfortable, especially while getting dressed for dinner & middle of the night, the other 2 cabins were fine. You are also correct that the entire ship varies, same area in d/r different nights, 1 nt cold, next nt hot. Although we loved the ship we were disappointed in club 6, looks beautiful but designed only for looks. Surely miss the Skywalker.

 

Glad to hear someone else had AC issues. I was beginning to think I was having manly hot flashes.

 

Nothing worse than dressing for formal night while breaking a sweat. Ugh!

 

-Andrew