How could Princess improve?

[lovevacadays]

I really enjoy sailing Princess and don't typically find myself complaining about much of anything on a cruise. I guess if I were to list something I wish Princess would bring back is an additional live band. They cut the entertainment on most ships a few years ago by one band. I'm not a fan of the "canned" music they now play in one of their lounges. Going from lounge to lounge listening to live music and watching or participating in some of the games is something I really enjoy on a cruise.:):):)

[4x4bob]

I would like to see the addition of a separate channel on the T.V. in the cabin that would show the current status of a passengers charges on their bill.

 

Other cruise lines does this for the passengers.

 

Would save a lot of trips down to the passenger service desk.

 

Bob

[DrivesLikeMario]

My changes are probably never going to happen due to not being cost-effective and too hard to change, but here they are anyway:

 

1. Add a shower shaving bar for the ladies on all ships.

 

2. No crew member would ever say, "I don't know," "That's not my department," "That's just the way it is" or shrug their shoulders.

 

3. Add a couch to all regular balcony cabins.

 

4. Install hard, clamshell shower doors in all regular balcony cabins.

 

5. Install interactive TVs on all ships.

 

6. Re-design the HC like the Royal's so there are many different stations.

[rdsqrl]

Mine's an easy fix:

Install decent hair dryers, with a proper nozzle and both warm/hot and cool settings. Does anyone know if Jan Swartz has hair? Because I'm guessing Alan Buckelew and his predecessors didn't.

 

We'll see if next month at this time, I have any other suggestions . . . I haven't cruised in what seems like so long that everything will either be wonderfully new or else I'll see change and decay everywhere.

[remydiva]

If the cruise line is going to offer nice pricey wines for sale then offer the Riddel wine glasses to enhance the taste experience. We had to request the proper wine glasses in the main dining room as well as the specialty ones. Once in the MDR the waiter advised he did not have any which we know is not true.

.

 

Here here!

 

They have Riedel glassware in Vines so I knew it was on board. Didn't think of asking for it in the MDR...now I will!

[JanBerlin]

I would like to have (at least some) food choices that reflect the cruise region and season. Cruising since 2008 on Princess and am bored to tears with food variations, although the meals themselves are fine.

 

I second the requests for proper hair dryers and for the re-introduction of MDR lunch on port days.

[Coral]

Mine's an easy fix:

Install decent hair dryers, with a proper nozzle and both warm/hot and cool settings. Does anyone know if Jan Swartz has hair? Because I'm guessing Alan Buckelew and his predecessors didn't.

 

Yes - she has long beautiful blonde hair. She is very pretty. She is young for her position - maybe more in touch with friends who appreciate good blow dryers :)

Edited November 27, 2013 by Coral

[Beachdude]

My changes are probably never going to happen due to not being cost-effective and too hard to change, but here they are anyway:

 

1. Add a shower shaving bar for the ladies on all ships.

 

2. No crew member would ever say, "I don't know," "That's not my department," "That's just the way it is" or shrug their shoulders.

 

3. Add a couch to all regular balcony cabins.

 

4. Install hard, clamshell shower doors in all regular balcony cabins.

 

5. Install interactive TVs on all ships.

 

6. Re-design the HC like the Royal's so there are many different stations.

 

Except for the clamshell shower doors and coach, you just described the Royal.

 

Burt

[Skai]

Everything was nearly perfect on our Emerald cruise this past year, except for one thing..... the French toast at the breakfast buffet was horrible.... dry, little evidence of egg batter / cinnamon flavor, tasted like the inside of a shoebox... Whoever was preparing them really just had no idea what French toast should taste like.

 

- Rick

.

 

While we don't have many complaints with most of the food on Princess ships, the breakfast buffets are sorely disappointing. Yes, the fresh fruit is generally good (as is the pre-packaged yogurt), but for someone who enjoys a little protein with their breakfast fare, the eggs/under-cooked bacon and sausage are disgustingly slimy/greasy even for a guy that usually doesn't mind 'greasy-spoon' diners. The baked goods(I.E. Danishes) also tend to be tough and very week-old tasting.

 

Thicker-cut bacon would be an improvement, and perhaps cooking the (fried)eggs with less lard(?) would be a start.....

[bhopal21]

Being a fairly seasoned Princess cruiser I pretty much like everything as it is but;

 

1) I would like to see a dining room remain open at lunch on port days.

 

2) I would like to see some suite perks restored, namely the free internet. I despise a cheapening of the product which has occurred on Princess. If someone is willing to pay the price for a suite a few dollars more is not going to drive them away.

 

3) And I agree interactive televisions would be a boon for both the passengers and the purser's desk.

 

Mike:)

[BassettMom]

How about a break for solo cruisers? When my best friend died, I went from a balcony to an inside and had to pay 100% more! This has caused me to cruise less often. then Princess offers discounts to double occupancy but nothing for singles. Not fair! Their reasoning is that they are losing money on single occupancy. If they check our records, my SO never bought art, didn't run up a bar bill, didn't use the casino, didn't buy goods in the shops and booked private tours. So what money are they losing?

 

Agree!!! And if they check my records, they'll see that they are definitely NOT losing money on this solo cruiser--since I book ship's excursions, still buy at least a couple of photos, usually buy something duty free from the shops, buy the coffee card for specialty coffees, spend some time in the casino, and (since I don't sneak alcohol onto the ship and buy bottles of wine along with before dinner and after dinner drinks) have a significant bar bill, I'm pretty sure I spend more than some couples. (Maybe the solo supplement can be "tailored" based on past expenditures.)

 

 

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

[Reader0108598]

Basically, we are very happy with Princess and there are no major changes we would like to see made. :)

 

For good steaks we go to Crown Grill. (We like most other MDR food.)

That is exactly what they want us to do ! Pay extra for a decent meal. Keep going to these specialty resturants pretty soon no food will be included in the price of your cruise!

[Times Prince]

I really enjoy sailing Princess and don't typically find myself complaining about much of anything on a cruise. I guess if I were to list something I wish Princess would bring back is an additional live band. They cut the entertainment on most ships a few years ago by one band. I'm not a fan of the "canned" music they now play in one of their lounges. Going from lounge to lounge listening to live music and watching or participating in some of the games is something I really enjoy on a cruise.:):):)

I totally concur on bringing back live musicians in every venue. I really miss the Caribbean bands on deck, and find the "duo" format for music in the Wheelhouse to be lacking, both in quality and in versatility. Live bands can recognize when a song is unsuitable to dancing, but the reliance on canned rhythm or instrumental tracks can't be terminated early. I've mentioned these both on post-cruise feedback. We've even seen main singers in shows lip-syncing - which they say they only do when the singer is ill.

 

I agree with Pam about the newer balcony deck chairs - they are not very comfortable, and although we use them, something better would make our cruise much more enjoyable.

 

We really have no issue with the food onboard.

As for specialty restaurants we were glad when Princess discontinued their Mexican themed dining venue, as it wasn't as good as any Mexican restaurant we've ever encountered. The current selections for Mexican themed food finally have gotten guacamole right, but the salsa is still lacking.

 

The past two cruises we've been on have had their 6 PM traditional dining time moved earlier. We would prefer that they maintain the advertised time.

[mr green]

IMO the 'Half hour show' is almost a waste of time, so Princess PLEASE bring back the 45 minute show!!!

 

john

[tip]

For me' date=' I would just like things to not change too much..... I don't like having a ton of PA announcements about that final, last chance bingo game or art auction (two activities I have zero interest in) -- just give me the port arrival announcement and the noon-time announcement, which I try to catch every day unless in port at that time.

 

And don't take away the self-service laundries as some other lines have.... ....[/quote']

 

 

I would certainly agree with all of the above!

[RKSue]

I have been on 2 Princess cruises, both 10+ days. The first cruise was Europe for 17 days. I have nothing bad to add to that Cruise. The cabin was great, the food was fantastic and the entertainment was outstanding. This was also done in 2007 and I had heard that the European Cruises were very different from the US Cruises.

The Southern Caribbean Cruise I did December 2012. Food was great, but Europe had a more unusual variety. (Goose, duck etc). The Entertainment was great but I give Europe outstanding. Broadway shows in Europe, not the US. Every port in Europe added new entertainers and they were outstanding.

The wine tastings were great and so is Vines bar. The staff are top notch on Princess.

The AC did not work well and never did get fixed this past December 2012 so I guess I must take off some points for that one..

For me I enjoy Princess and Celebrity the best, but then I am in my 50's and not looking to be a on ship with all small children, although Princess does a fantastic job of keeping the kids from running all over the ship.

Our Captain on the Christmas Cruise notified all Parents that their Children were not to be running in halls or hanging around elevators. They had a strict policy and if you did not keep your children from running over other passengers you could be put off in a port and responsible to get home on your own...that being said they kept the place for kids open until 1 am and gave the kids tons to do..

[Bimmer09]

There's nothing severely lacking or uber-annoying in the Princess Product (for me to date) but I guess if I had to chime in I would suggest the following;

Consistency in policy be it in the wine policy or in embarkation order. Put on your Big Boy trousers in the board room and decide. Then enforce on each ship so there's no guessing. Embarkation by deck seems to suit no-one on the dock, especially those who have to rush to join the UST or Sanctuary (i.e ME!) and certainly not those traveling with friends on other decks, or people forced to vacate their hotel rooms early.

Forget Anytime Dining if you are going to allow Traditional Seating diners to join AT. Nail Traditional diners to their chairs if need be -well, handcuffs at least.

Even though I have no plans to sail on the Grand since you removed and didn't replace the Skywalkers on her, at least put back the blue plastic balcony mats so that people don't have to dance around hotfoot on a scorching metal deck that pools when it rains.

Re-think bonehead decisions about smaller balconies (-boast of "biggest balconies afloat!" instead) and smaller furniture-especially balcony tables. Have you any idea of how much crap we have to bring onto the balconies with us? Cameras, Camcorders, Kindles, cell-phones, drinks,ice buckets, munchies, sunscreen, nap pillows,binoculars, towel animal fold-it-yourself manuals etc. What if we invite new friends to join us for drinks too?

If you are going to charge me $8 for a cocktail then put some damned rum in the glass too so that I have to say when the waiter offers a re-fill-"man o man can you dial back the rum on that baby?" There's already a considerable margin in pouring a cocktail-just make me feel you are not laughing at me when I pay for it. Get a few drinks in me and maybe give me one small bar on board where I can smoke and my wallet is yours.

More live bands on deck in sunny climes and dial back on the movies where the screen is washed out by the sun. Movies Under The Stars is great. Under the Sun-not so much.

Mix up the specialty restaurants over the fleet...always Sabatini/Crown/Sterling?
Asian/Brazilian/French/Chinese...whatever so that there is less cookie-cutter among the ships. Ditto the bars.

Maybe the Trident Grill moves to BBQ in the evenings? Keep people up on deck with live bands and food and put more bar waiters to work making money for the line. Use the upper decks more at night in the Caribbean and give people an alternative to 30 minute song 'n dance shows in the theater.

Think of a large part of your demographic who were raised on ballroom dancing and give them some nice slippery wood to dance on. And a dance band.

Get some new songs for the Pop Choir to sing.

Police the pool lounger hogs.

I am sure I will think of more but regardless, I am happy so far when all things considered.

Princess is very good but can always strive to be better if a little more thought is put into running the business.

We will all be the beneficiaries should they wake up and smell the coffee syrup.

Norris

[windsor26]

I love nearly everything about Princess But

Please bring some speciality entertainers who are not past their sell by date
Please do not have 2 'magicians' on a 7 night cruise (they do the same show - badly)
Please go back to the 14 night cruises (they have shaved them down to 13 nights and this reduces the shareholders credit)
Please have a better thought of the entertainment time s which often impact on each other - particularly when the first one over shoots the time -= ie bingo to trivia or vice versa or lecture to trivia etc.

[curiouscat]

Just getting off the Emerald I can sincerely say it was a 9 EXCEPT the entertainment.... it was sooooo BAD in every venue. I love live music and all types of music.... the Piazza was a Cello and Violin.. and the Cello used a guitar pic and the Violin played the same grating 3 notes...!!! The "main" band New Deal was like a bad wedding band your cousin hired.... on and on and on!

It was the first time we were bored to tears.. and by 11 pm the ship was a ghost town.. thank goodness we found some other couples to hang out with.. :p

I then found out they "outsourced" the entertainment. They use another co to hire these folks... I wanted to call the Captain down and let him sit through it !:eek:

CC
PS I guess that was Improve Entertainment !

[kruisey]

Ok travel solo and have tried very hard to eat for two.I am not pregnant being a senior.Why did I try this because if one books a balcony one pays for two including meals.In hotels one pays for meals as extras.
So Princess charge solo's for the double room but food for one only.:) Edited December 1, 2013 by kruisey

[KruzPrincess]

I'm OK with the food. I'm happy with salads in the buffet and often skip the MDR. I don't care about production shows or live entertainment. When I read the title of this thread there were only a couple things I could think of, but reading through the posts made more come to mind. Here goes:

1. Normally I'd start out by saying I want comfortable mattresses, but Princess seems to have heard this and is improving there. Yay!

2. I would love to see a couch in cabins below a mini. Many other cruise lines have decent seating in the non-suite cabins. The chairs in the cabin are not comfortable (to me). It's not comfortable or good for the back to lounge on the bed to read or watch TV.

3. Replace that horrible new balcony furniture which is completely uncomfortable.

4. Bring back EZ Check to San Pedro.

5. Get some new books for the library once in a while.

6. Have interactive TV's with on-demand movies on all ships.

7. Make cabins and balconies more comfortable instead of smaller and less comfortable.

8. I want to see some places to sit outside in the shade. More and more there's no shaded areas to sit.

[SapphireHoneymoon]

This was brought up in another thread:

Take away the master keys from stewards that can bypass deadbolts. They do not need them.

[kruisey]

[quote name='SapphireHoneymoon']This was brought up in another thread:

Take away the master keys from stewards that can bypass deadbolts. They do not need them.[/QUOTE]
In case of a real EM if only Supervisors have a master key?
Having to waste precious time finding that supervisor in a EM situation.
If there was a fire and a person was deaf and did not hear the alarm.?

[SapphireHoneymoon]

[quote name='kruisey']In case of a real EM if only Supervisors have a master key?
Having to waste precious time finding that supervisor in a EM situation.
If there was a fire and a person was deaf and did not hear the alarm.?[/QUOTE]

I don't want to hijack this thread with this debate.

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1949124[/url]

Read this thread for MANY great alternatives to stewards having a master key card.

[cruzysuzy]

In my job I deal with quality assurance issues and I am stunned that the corporate head chef does insure more uniformity in taste/quality among the fleet. I have read (and experienced) about wide discrepancies between the same dishes with some being quite good and others being real dogs.

Blame seems to point to the head chef of each vessel for not controlling the product. Since I assume each ship has access to the same food materials, I believe the head chefs should be more accountable to corporate.