Ocean Princess (Current) Conditon before Sale?

[caribill]

I have, thanks. I do not expect deterioration even at the end. I think Princess will take pride in turning her over in tip-top shape

 

The report from the final cruise of the previous Royal Princess might be a good indication of what to expect.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1401403

[Harley0711]

The report from the final cruise of the previous Royal Princess might be a good indication of what to expect.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1401403

 

 

interesting read.. very interesting how two different passengers can see something very different, one said it was bad, other said nice cruise.

[Mackenzie1]

interesting read.. very interesting how two different passengers can see something very different, one said it was bad, other said nice cruise.

 

Harley, since the Ocean Princess won't be sold until March 2016, your June 2015 cruise shouldn't have the concerns that 2016 cruisers may have as the Ocean Princess itineraries draw to a close. Even those posters who had been on the Royal Princess before the ship's last sailing said that they had not had problems. I sailed on the Ocean Princess' sister ship when it was owned by the Renaissance Cruises. It's a great, well organized ship that's easy to get around on. I think you'll love it.

Edited December 6, 2014 by Mackenzie1

[beg3yrs]

The report from the final cruise of the previous Royal Princess might be a good indication of what to expect.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1401403

 

Yes, thanks very much for that link, it was quite interesting.

 

Wine Selection: On our previous OP cruise they ran low on wine as well. Seems the passengers from the prior Sydney to Singapore voyage consumed quite a bit and a certain shipping container didn't get to the OP in Singapore in time either. During the voyage from Singapore to Dover, there was never a check at any port for carry-on alcohol. We all were able to replenish personal stores at will, in large quantities too without any attempt to hide it whenever we boarded. I suspect this will be again be the case for the Farewell Voyage, especially when there will be so many opportunities to purchase good South American wines.

 

Shops: Yes, a Going Out of Business sale sounds good to me. Anything that says Ocean Princess has got to go.

 

Wehwalt suggested on the Roll Call that they sell some of the furnishings (he's got his eye on a particular painting). Maybe an auction with the proceeds going to charity would be fun...

[Wehwalt]

Yes, thanks very much for that link, it was quite interesting.

 

Wine Selection: On our previous OP cruise they ran low on wine as well. Seems the passengers from the prior Sydney to Singapore voyage consumed quite a bit and a certain shipping container didn't get to the OP in Singapore in time either. During the voyage from Singapore to Dover, there was never a check at any port for carry-on alcohol. We all were able to replenish personal stores at will, in large quantities too without any attempt to hide it whenever we boarded. I suspect this will be again be the case for the Farewell Voyage, especially when there will be so many opportunities to purchase good South American wines.

 

Shops: Yes, a Going Out of Business sale sounds good to me. Anything that says Ocean Princess has got to go.

 

Wehwalt suggested on the Roll Call that they sell some of the furnishings (he's got his eye on a particular painting). Maybe an auction with the proceeds going to charity would be fun...

 

I've rarely seen a serious alcohol check on either of the small ships.

 

I'll buy a crowbar in Curacao (last stop) and pry it off the wall as I leave ... seriously, I wonder how much will walk off the ship as we and the crew go ...

[chaunceyb]

Did the Land of Midnight Sun on Ocean Princess a few years ago. Think Ocean is best suited for warm weather cruises as it's interior public spaces and activities are limited due to it's smaller size. In comparison, we did Antarctica on the Celebrity Infinity and it was great because it had a lot of interior spaces to enjoy away from the cold weather.

[floridarob]

Was on the ship in July and my 1st thought was that it was "tired".

 

Was nice but def showed its age/ I use to be in hotel management so maybe I am a little more critical to detail.

 

They also knew the ship would be sold, didn't just happen overnight.

 

The rooms are well maintained and mattresses were changed while I was on (although I couldn't feel the difference). But the public areas are showing wear & tear.

 

You will get to know most of the crew because of its size but don't expect much nightlife or casino action, lol

[beau1377]

Hello All,

 

I'm reading about the ship being sold. Can anyone confirm that? Can anyone tell me about the ships condition? We are thinking of booking for the Iceland trip in July 2015.

Thanks for your help.

[KruzeKrazy!]

Yes, she is sold - to Oceania who was just acquired by NCL. Turnover date is March 2016 so 2015 cruises should be unaffected.

 

Others who have sailed her recently can speak to her condition.

 

We're booked on her sister ship the Pacific Princess for a Fall 2015 cruise. While it hasn't been announced she's for sale/sold most think that's a matter of time as it appears Princess is looking to get out of the under 2k pax or so ship business. While not the same as a definite sale of the Ocean Princess we have no qualms about our cruise.

[LoveThisCruisingThing]

Just reached Elite and looking forward to (looks to be last) a cruise on the Ocean Princess (Land of the Midnight Sun).

 

Here is my question for those that have just sailed on her. Since Princess has sold the Ocean - just wonder how much they will continue work towards keeping her in nice condition before she leaves the fleet??

 

I am hoping NOT - Ya, we sold her so why change the tires or get her painted, LOL

 

Looking forward to Norway but this will be our most expensive cruise to date = 5K per for the 16 days. Have heard great things about this itinerary.

 

Thanks for your time and opinions

 

Since you seem very concerned about the ship's condition, maybe this isn't the ship for you.

 

Also, very tacky to mention the price.....maybe a less costly cruise would also be better.

 

Otherwise, relax and enjoy the cruise. It is best not to go looking for problems.

[chamima]

I understand your concern and, as I tend to be a little OCD about checking things, I also understand all of your "research".

We were on the old Royal Princess about 2 months before she was sold - were were on her for about 30 days that Feb. and I think her last Princess cruise was in April.

Everything was in great shape, we didn't run out of anything and it was our best cruise ever!

[Phyljim]

Just disembarked the Ocean Princess this morning. She is in great shape. We enjoyed our two weeks holiday cruise on her so much we booked same cruise for next year year. We are not worried that there will any problems.

 

 

Enjoy your June cruise.

[UpcountryTravelers]

Just came off a 14-day Holiday cruise on the Ocean Princess. She is absolutely beautiful!!! After the comments and questions on here, I actually went looking for condition, and can say I saw nothing bad that you wouldn't see on any ship a couple of years after the last refurb. Tiny bit of rust on a balcony rail, an occasional crooked lamp. I had to look hard to find anything wrong.

 

LOVED the Ocean Princess. Wonderful ship, the best crew, and without a doubt the best dining room meals of any ship I have been on (see below!)

[UpcountryTravelers]

I should add that the only thing I didn't like about the Ocean Princess is the buffet. It is very dated, and is the only Princess ship I've been on that has the buffet set up in a line. But the outdoor dining area outside the buffet is wonderful!

[Wehwalt]

I should add that the only thing I didn't like about the Ocean Princess is the buffet. It is very dated, and is the only Princess ship I've been on that has the buffet set up in a line. But the outdoor dining area outside the buffet is wonderful!

 

Agreed, though since people feed in from both sides and the offerings are not duplicated on each side, it doesn't act as a true line. Never had any trouble ducking in to grab a waffle, say.

[Colo Cruiser]

All of the R ships in service are all very dated.

Edited January 21, 2015 by Colo Cruiser

[beg3yrs]

All of the R ships in service are all very dated.

 

You might say that about the two R-class ships that Princess has. However, not ALL the R-class ships are dated. I think the Ocean Princess is going to a very good home.

 

Here's a link to a site that describes an up-to-date R-class ship:

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/ships/nautica/default.aspx

[UpcountryTravelers]

All of the R ships in service are all very dated.

 

The ONLY thing I saw that could be described as "dated" is the buffet. The rest of the ship is beautifully traditional, and could have been built last year!

[Colo Cruiser]

IMO Insignia/Regatta are dated. :(

Have been on Insignia before and after it was chartered to Hapag lloyd.

[Colo Cruiser]

It will be interesting to see what the $40 million will go to on the Ocean Princess when it becomes Sirena.

[beg3yrs]

It will be interesting to see what the $40 million will go to on the Ocean Princess when it becomes Sirena.

 

Take another look at the 2014 refurbs of the other R-class ships at Oceania. I think that will give you a big clue.

Edited January 23, 2015 by beg3yrs

[Harley0711]

Thanks to everyone on the updates, have answered my question and more than put at ease. Leaving next week for the Diamond in Australia. Finally have made Elite and will be looking forward to seeing what all that is about - the wife is happy with the laundry, lol

 

again, thanks for the help here.

[Colo Cruiser]

Bon Voyage!

[GingerCandy]

Just came off a 14-day Holiday cruise on the Ocean Princess. She is absolutely beautiful!!! After the comments and questions on here, I actually went looking for condition, and can say I saw nothing bad that you wouldn't see on any ship a couple of years after the last refurb. Tiny bit of rust on a balcony rail, an occasional crooked lamp. I had to look hard to find anything wrong.

 

LOVED the Ocean Princess. Wonderful ship, the best crew, and without a doubt the best dining room meals of any ship I have been on (see below!)

 

I can't believe you and I were on the same cruise after reading your comments about the dining room meals. :-) We are loyal Princess cruisers so we've had many meals in the main dining room on Princess ships. The meals on the Christmas cruise were tasteless, unappetizing looking, and mediocre at best. Others said the same thing. PLUS, Princess was using the Christmas cruise to "train" most of the wait staff in the dining room. The service was very slow, and they kept changing the servers around so that one never got to know them and they didn't have the usual Princess professionalism. I'm glad you were happy, but it sure left a bad taste in our mouths. Food is subjective, I know, but I think you must have been the exception on that cruise as to liking the meals and service. It was not the usual Princess style. Other employees and our room steward were very good, but they should not have used this holiday cruise as a training cruise for so many servers. I think the chef needs some more training, too. I would not be proud to serve my guests the tasteless meals we had. Hope next cruise is better.

[SoBaycruiser]

I just got off the Ocean Princess on Jan 27 from the 25 day cruise from FLL to Tahiti. I too wondered beforehand if Princess was keeping her ship shape since the sale. I was amazed at the amount of effort that is continuing on the ship. When we arrived aboard ship they had just refinished the coating on the hot tubs. During the voyage all the wood railings above and around the pool were sanded and varnished. In no way did it ever interfere with the enjoyment of the ship...just small sections were done each day. You could tell the crew took pride in the ship and it looked great.