The Caribbean Princess is a "Dirty Girl"

[deise17311]

As mentioned before, our cabins were fine. The thing I forgot about until this morning was that the swim-against-the-current machine was not working in the spa pool. It did not look like anyone was working to fix it on our two cruises. Maybe they're waiting for a part.

 

 

It didn't work in 2008 either...probably hasn't been fixed since then...

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Mackenzie1]

If Princess is not maintaining its older ships, it makes me wonder if there is a cruise line that is one step above Princess but two steps below Crystal Cruises. I don't think there is one, though.

Edited January 11, 2015 by Mackenzie1

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

It didn't work in 2008 either...probably hasn't been fixed since then...

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

It was working this past September and it was also locked at one speed. Bring a multi tool if you want to adjust it. ;):D

[jollyjones]

I meant to add a photo of the CB TV's on the last post. Old but not bad at all. The shelf also provides a great place to store & recharge all your electrical items.

 

 

I was just on the Grand which appears to have the same TVs and I found it a real struggle to weasel my hand in behind to plug in my little extension cord for device recharging - I'm on the CB in another few weeks and wondered if it'll be as difficult - how did you manage? Thanks.

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

I was just on the Grand which appears to have the same TVs and I found it a real struggle to weasel my hand in behind to plug in my little extension cord for device recharging - I'm on the CB in another few weeks and wondered if it'll be as difficult - how did you manage? Thanks.

 

Some of the TV's are easier than others I suppose. I use a protected multi output plug & once it's in it stays there for the whole trip. The AC outlets aren't to bad but we ran across one I think on the Grand where it took me 10 minutes to plug in the HDMI connection. The TV's on the CB aren't as tough to swing out of the way.

Instead of raising the TV to reach the AC plug, try lowering is instead. It provides a little more room for your arm.

 

 

The Viewsonic TV's on the Royal are really hard to reach (HDMI) but still possible. The Samsung don't use HDMI but Cat 5 cable an can be bypassed by using a female to female cat 5 plug & leaving the existing cable feeding the TV in place....but that's another story.

[flossie4495]

My husband and I just finished our first (and last) cruise with Princess Cruise Lines. Our mini suite was great, there was some rust on the balcony but that happens when metal is exposed to sea/salt air. Our cabin steward kept everything neat and tidy- though we never had the fruit requested delivered. The Crowne Grill and dinner dining room venues were great and the servers as well. We met ONE friendly pool deck server and my husband had a spa service with a staff member who had been on the ship just two weeks....so she was still happy.

 

The buffet both Horizon and Caribe were definitely avoided. Have you ever thought about how many hands have been on the tongs and serving utensils in the small, crowded, and constantly busy buffet area? By the end of the 4 night cruise the hand sanitizer machines at the buffet entry were empty. There were bartenders who made Banana daiquiris with sour mix, yuck. Bartenders were miserable. Actually, most of the crew seemed either 1) miserable, 2) jaded and unhelpful, 3) rude. I will give to the crew the fact that, and I am truly sorry if I offend anyone, this group of passengers were the most rude and demanding group I have ever traveled with....I couldn't wait to get off the ship.

 

The stage shows were well intentioned and the cast seemed to be doing their best but the shows were really bad.

 

The dealers in casino were downright snotty. I did "win" a coupon for a free slot tournament entry through a boarding day scavenger hunt BUT...i did not receive it OR know I won it until it arrived in my cabin mailbox AFTER the tournament had taken place. Before any one asks....yes, I took it to the casino to 1) find out what it was for and 2) find out it was no longer valid and 3) too bad.

 

I witnessed a crew photographer ignoring and refusing to help a blind passengers with directions.

 

I witnessed passengers acting as though they were monarchy (princess younger in cheek there!) and expecting to be treated as such- I am pretty sure this is a part of the reason the crew was so unfriendly and miserable looking.

 

I witnessed a passenger ( yes, he was rude) questioning the captain about why the toilet in his cabin would not flush and the captain( equally as rude) ignoring the passenger to give directions about the "balloon drop" about to take place in the piazza.

 

I witnessed a female older passenger very rudely, to the point of making me and my husband want to leave the dining room, demanding 1) plain soup- DONT YOU HAVE PLAIN CHICKEN SOUP? To which a patient waiter tried to direct her to the soups offered on the 50th anniversary four course dinner choices...and finally (politely) telling her that they did have alphabet soup for children and he would be happy to get that for her if she liked....which she DID. Then, the same woman asking if they had salad...the waiter directed her to the salad choices on the menu to which she said DONT YOU HAVE PLAIN SALAD LIKE ICEBERG WITH RANCH? Of course ma'am I can get that for you. Then....GET ME MORE BREAD, ONLY THE PLAIN WHITE ROLLS, I DONT LIKE THE OTHERS. Her bread and soup arrived -as ORDERED - her friends salad arrived then she complained that she wanted to eat HER salad while her friend was eating salad, then she complained that she couldn't eat the soup because it was HOT...I have a feeling the temperature of the soup would have been wrong no matter how it arrived. We finally finished a very tasty dinner and got out of there!

 

I was in an elevator...I began near the front and ended up in the back as the elevator filled past capacity ( I know they get full, I've been on quite a few cruises) and when my floor came I could not get out! Excuse me sir, this is my floor. Repeat, repeat, other people in elevator repeated...finally I put my hand on the mans shoulder and said " please let me out of the elevator."

 

I witnessed a group of four sitting down for lunch on the pool deck and within 5 seconds announce- we need drinks, where is the waiter? Really, 5 seconds? My husband and I own a restaurant and that is just a tiny bit demanding, don't you think?

 

We paid $90 for the Tiki Beach excursion...one drink included, a chair, the beach, facilities. We were given tickets for admission, a drink, a chair...when we arrived we were let off the bus and pointed in the appropriate direction. I may be expecting too much but we passed a window and gave our admission tickets to the employee and she pointed us in the direction of the beach and chairs, some of the chairs were broken. The beach was pretty but there was coral near the entry and quite a dip in the sand level from ankle to waist - very dangerous for the older people we saw attempting to enjoy the water. We stayed an hour and left.

 

I guess. Could go on but - I'm sure you get the picture. I felt compelled to leave a comment mostly because we all need to realize that how we treat each other is directly related to how we are treated. I was just appalled at the human interactions on this cruise.

[geoherb]

You can't blame the cruise line for the rude passengers. I've seen them on other cruise lines as well. It's the time of year--less expensive cruises tend to attract some people who think they're the center of the universe.

 

When we were on two weeks ago, I never noticed any rude staff members. The captain was not very visible, especially compared to the ones we sailed with last year.

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

Sounds like someone had a rough time with other passengers & wants to blame the ship, crew & anyone else for a bad time.

 

We were on the CB in Sept and had a great time. The food (including the buffet) was great with no complaints to post. We enjoyed some of the crew (especially the bartenders) so much were even bringing them some gifts in a few weeks when we return.

I guess sailing during the holidays can try anyone's patience especially when they're away from home for 6 to 8 months at a time and have to put on a happy face when serving inpatient people. Taking a little time to actually talk to some of them might give a different prospective of their lives.

 

We were on the Royal just before Christmas and the guy at the Gelato counter looked depressed so we began to talk for a while. We found out that there was a typhoon headed for his home in the Philippines where his wife & child were. To make matters worse, last year a typhoon hit there and both his parents were killed. Sometimes it's hard for them to always be happy, but they do they best.

[Hobbsey]

My husband and I just finished our first (and last) cruise with Princess Cruise Lines. Our mini suite was great, there was some rust on the balcony but that happens when metal is exposed to sea/salt air. Our cabin steward kept everything neat and tidy- though we never had the fruit requested delivered. The Crowne Grill and dinner dining room venues were great and the servers as well. We met ONE friendly pool deck server and my husband had a spa service with a staff member who had been on the ship just two weeks....so she was still happy.

 

The buffet both Horizon and Caribe were definitely avoided. Have you ever thought about how many hands have been on the tongs and serving utensils in the small, crowded, and constantly busy buffet area? By the end of the 4 night cruise the hand sanitizer machines at the buffet entry were empty. There were bartenders who made Banana daiquiris with sour mix, yuck. Bartenders were miserable. Actually, most of the crew seemed either 1) miserable, 2) jaded and unhelpful, 3) rude. I will give to the crew the fact that, and I am truly sorry if I offend anyone, this group of passengers were the most rude and demanding group I have ever traveled with....I couldn't wait to get off the ship.

 

The stage shows were well intentioned and the cast seemed to be doing their best but the shows were really bad.

 

The dealers in casino were downright snotty. I did "win" a coupon for a free slot tournament entry through a boarding day scavenger hunt BUT...i did not receive it OR know I won it until it arrived in my cabin mailbox AFTER the tournament had taken place. Before any one asks....yes, I took it to the casino to 1) find out what it was for and 2) find out it was no longer valid and 3) too bad.

 

I witnessed a crew photographer ignoring and refusing to help a blind passengers with directions.

 

I witnessed passengers acting as though they were monarchy (princess younger in cheek there!) and expecting to be treated as such- I am pretty sure this is a part of the reason the crew was so unfriendly and miserable looking.

 

I witnessed a passenger ( yes, he was rude) questioning the captain about why the toilet in his cabin would not flush and the captain( equally as rude) ignoring the passenger to give directions about the "balloon drop" about to take place in the piazza.

 

I witnessed a female older passenger very rudely, to the point of making me and my husband want to leave the dining room, demanding 1) plain soup- DONT YOU HAVE PLAIN CHICKEN SOUP? To which a patient waiter tried to direct her to the soups offered on the 50th anniversary four course dinner choices...and finally (politely) telling her that they did have alphabet soup for children and he would be happy to get that for her if she liked....which she DID. Then, the same woman asking if they had salad...the waiter directed her to the salad choices on the menu to which she said DONT YOU HAVE PLAIN SALAD LIKE ICEBERG WITH RANCH? Of course ma'am I can get that for you. Then....GET ME MORE BREAD, ONLY THE PLAIN WHITE ROLLS, I DONT LIKE THE OTHERS. Her bread and soup arrived -as ORDERED - her friends salad arrived then she complained that she wanted to eat HER salad while her friend was eating salad, then she complained that she couldn't eat the soup because it was HOT...I have a feeling the temperature of the soup would have been wrong no matter how it arrived. We finally finished a very tasty dinner and got out of there!

 

I was in an elevator...I began near the front and ended up in the back as the elevator filled past capacity ( I know they get full, I've been on quite a few cruises) and when my floor came I could not get out! Excuse me sir, this is my floor. Repeat, repeat, other people in elevator repeated...finally I put my hand on the mans shoulder and said " please let me out of the elevator."

 

I witnessed a group of four sitting down for lunch on the pool deck and within 5 seconds announce- we need drinks, where is the waiter? Really, 5 seconds? My husband and I own a restaurant and that is just a tiny bit demanding, don't you think?

 

We paid $90 for the Tiki Beach excursion...one drink included, a chair, the beach, facilities. We were given tickets for admission, a drink, a chair...when we arrived we were let off the bus and pointed in the appropriate direction. I may be expecting too much but we passed a window and gave our admission tickets to the employee and she pointed us in the direction of the beach and chairs, some of the chairs were broken. The beach was pretty but there was coral near the entry and quite a dip in the sand level from ankle to waist - very dangerous for the older people we saw attempting to enjoy the water. We stayed an hour and left.

 

I guess. Could go on but - I'm sure you get the picture. I felt compelled to leave a comment mostly because we all need to realize that how we treat each other is directly related to how we are treated. I was just appalled at the human interactions on this cruise.

 

Wow, that sounds pretty miserable. I am sorry that you (or anyone) would have that kind of experience on a cruise. That said, I ask you to take a look at the experience folks have on other cruise lines so that you might realize that this thing happens across the companies. You can expect these kinds of things any time you take a 4 day cruise over the weekend. When the prices are cheap you tend to get what you pay for.

 

I'll be boarding the Caribbean for my first Princess cruise in just short of two weeks. I got a GREAT price on this vacation. My expectations are high but so is my level of acceptance if there are some mis-cues on the part of the staff. I am with you on hoping for some tolerable behavior among my fellow guests. I will go out of my way to connect with the staff.

 

I do not expect this cruise to be in my top 10% cruise experiences, but I will do all I can to make it fun for me, for those around me and for the staff that serves me.

[Wehwalt]

I've been on the CB for two five day cruises. It is a very comfortable ship, I felt at home in a way I don't always (I find the Royal too large, for example). I did not see any cleanliness issues, but I am a bachelor and not best qualified to judge these things!

 

I read the above post. Regrettably, those things happen. (I would be thrown for a loop if asked to give meaningful directions to a blind person, by the way) Both passengers and crew are human. I personally am much better not approached until I have my second cup of coffee!

Edited January 14, 2015 by Wehwalt

[HMSDingy]

No disrespect to the OP but your mention of the usage of the utensils in the buffet can be very easily directed at ALL the cruise lines. Or in fact buffet style restaurants. You also stated that you own a restaurant but found it appalling that some pax were overly demanding. I'm sure that you've had your share of impatient clients no matter how excellent the service. I've read on other threads that Princess, like most other cruises, uses mixes for drinks. Too bad that you're cruise wasn't up to your standards but dismissing Princess after just one cruise may be a tad, pardon the pun, overboard.

Edited January 14, 2015 by HMSDingy

[klenklen]

Regarding utensils in the buffet I recall on the Royal last year that two crew members went down the line: one took out the used utensils and placed them in a plastic container and they other crew member replaced them with a new one and they wiped up the serving area. I don't know how often it's done and I'm sure not every passenger sees them do this.

Looking forward to a Caribbean Princess cruise in April and will make sure I enjoy the good and not obsess over what little downside there can possibly be on a cruise.

[donh1]

Anyone who has cruised has seen or heard them. I'd Like to think some of the problems come from medical issues beyond their control. Alzheimers comes to mind regarding the lady with the soup. Elevator issues sometimes involve somthing simple like being hard of hearing. Huge numbers of people sharing space has its challenges no matter which cruiseline you choose.

[kenzie]

I just returned from a 3/4 day B2B - I encountered for the first time, unpleasant bar staff, a massive lack of waiters, both around pools, in crooners, club fusion and explorers. I have always waited for drink orders to be taken and drinks brought to me at those venues, on this cruise often no more than 1 waiter seen and had to go to bar to order & collect drinks.

The toilets were often closed for maintenance, some not being opened at any time for both cruises. Also often found toilets not cleaned with paper all over the place.

Definitely drop in service levels and standards.

[Wehwalt]

I just returned from a 3/4 day B2B - I encountered for the first time, unpleasant bar staff, a massive lack of waiters, both around pools, in crooners, club fusion and explorers. I have always waited for drink orders to be taken and drinks brought to me at those venues, on this cruise often no more than 1 waiter seen and had to go to bar to order & collect drinks.

The toilets were often closed for maintenance, some not being opened at any time for both cruises. Also often found toilets not cleaned with paper all over the place.

Definitely drop in service levels and standards.

 

I see your cruises were over the holidays. My experience on the Royal and Island at the same time was that it was a much younger crowd than you'd normally see. Likely, they put more of a strain on the facilities (pun intended) than usual.

[HMSDingy]

Re: my last post, apologies to the OP. My comments should of been directed to Flossie4495.

[pcsunlover]

I just returned from a 3/4 day B2B - I encountered for the first time, unpleasant bar staff, a massive lack of waiters, both around pools, in crooners, club fusion and explorers. I have always waited for drink orders to be taken and drinks brought to me at those venues, on this cruise often no more than 1 waiter seen and had to go to bar to order & collect drinks.

The toilets were often closed for maintenance, some not being opened at any time for both cruises. Also often found toilets not cleaned with paper all over the place.

Definitely drop in service levels and standards.

 

 

I have to agree with you on the lack of waiters. We didn't have anyone ever come to see if we wanted anything to drink at the pools (and we were there all afternoon every day) or in the Princess Theater. That's never happened in the past. I didn't find the bar staff around the pools unpleasant, just indifferent.

 

I'm also not one to nitpick or look for things that are wrong, but the walls of our balcony looked like they had had some type of brown liquid dripping down them and the rail was so sticky and dirty that I had to change my shirt after I leaned against it. It didn't stop us from using it, it just seemed unusual from what we've experienced in the past. This was also the first cruise where I never saw anyone cleaning rails or wiping things down around the pool areas. MUTS had blank spots on the screen which was really noticeable when watching movies at night. By the last night maintenance had finally fixed that. I'm really hoping some of the older ships will get nice new screens like they have on the Royal and Regal soon.

 

Obviously none of this impacted our enjoyment of the overall cruise, but we did notice that it didn't seem up to par with the quality of our previous Princess cruises. And we are pretty laid back, go with the flow kind of people when we cruise.

[Mackenzie1]

I'm wondering if employees took off for Christmas and New Years, and there was nothing that Princess could do about the staffing.

Edited January 15, 2015 by Mackenzie1

[f1mauro]

Just off CB the other day. Did notice toilets overflowing and out of order and floors covered with water in the pool bathrooms. Quite disgusting actually.

 

The cruise itself was quite enjoyable nonetheless.

 

One thing that I also find quite disgusting is the way the serving utensils in the buffet are handled by hundreds of passengers, then placed back on top of the food in the trays with the dirty handles coming in contact with food at all times. Princess really should address this situation to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. Just a thought.

[geoherb]

I'm wondering if employees took off for Christmas and New Years, and there was nothing that Princess could do about the staffing.

I didn't notice any reductions in staffing on our two cruises from December 27 through January 3.

[Mackenzie1]

I didn't notice any reductions in staffing on our two cruises from December 27 through January 3.

 

Uh, oh. I'm on CB for a four day cruise this February, so I'll be prepared. Thanks.

[deise17311]

We board Saturday...

Edited January 15, 2015 by deise17311

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

Just off CB the other day. Did notice toilets overflowing and out of order and floors covered with water in the pool bathrooms. Quite disgusting actually.

The cruise itself was quite enjoyable nonetheless.

 

One thing that I also find quite disgusting is the way the serving utensils in the buffet are handled by hundreds of passengers, then placed back on top of the food in the trays with the dirty handles coming in contact with food at all times. Princess really should address this situation to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. Just a thought.

 

The same thing was occurring on the Royal In Dec..

 

I'm wondering if employees took off for Christmas and New Years, and there was nothing that Princess could do about the staffing.

It would never happen. The crew is never given time off during the holidays.

[Mackenzie1]

We board Saturday...

 

Please report back!

[UpcountryTravelers]

If Princess is not maintaining its older ships, it makes me wonder if there is a cruise line that is one step above Princess but two steps below Crystal Cruises. I don't think there is one, though.

 

That would be Celebrity. But a very different experience - more a resort than a ship.