Next generation princess ship suggestions?

[jasbo49]

Coffee makers/ tea kettles/ Espresso machines in staterooms.

Comfortable balcony furniture.

Dining tables in suites.

 

I like these three, although decent balcony furniture has nothing to do with "new builds."

 

As for the OP's petting zoo idea, I hope that was just a bad joke, but I fear it was not.

 

I'd also like to see main theaters built for comfort rather than maximum packing. Princess isn't as bad as some others (NCL is awful), but I'd like to be able to sit in the theater for an hour without feeling confined and claustrophobic.

 

Jim

[TracieABD]

Replace the stairs on one side of the ship with escalators. This would ease the waiting for elevators by being used by those who don't want to climb regular stairs. Also, escalators would serve as stairs in the event of a power outage.

 

Locate the photo gallery in an out-of-the-way location.

 

Put enough treadmills in the gym so other passengers don't have to listen to the thump-thump-thump of joggers running around a deck.

 

Make every balcony at least 8 feet from cabin wall to railing.

 

Not every jogger likes treadmills... (or dreadmills, as they are oft referred to).

[PenguinLife]

A lot of these suggestions sound like the Vista class cruise ships used by HAL, Costa, Cunard, etc. So my suggestion would be save money on the custom design, buy "off the shelf" and add Princess styling and maybe some of those modern updates like USB chargers, etc.

[notentirelynormal]

I agree. Please don't build any more huge ships. The old ones are big enough. I don't want the really small ones (yes, I've sailed on them plenty) but I do like the midsize the best.

 

More adjoining cabins. There are so many families cruising today that want to put the kids in the next room or have more than 2 children.

 

A zoo and snow. That is for other cruiselines. Don't mess with a product that works. I will never even sail on one of those ships.

 

No more charge facilities please. Instead can we get a menu with some variety that doesn't center around seafood.

 

I like the idea of a charging station for scooters and a plug near the beds for medical devices. You don't have to be old to need one.

[Woobstr112G]

How about something no one in the major cruise industry is doing, SMALLER SHIPS

 

More ships small enough to sail out of Venice.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Pam in CA]

There are very few good/reasonable ideas here although they're creative. Some have me shaking my head. Always follow the money. Always.

 

-- The Sanctuary already has a hard time selling loungers except for a few warm weather itineraries. Expanding it would mean using space that's not producing revenue.

 

-- A Crow's Nest-like lounge would be nice on the new ships. Club 6 is pathetic as a major lounge. It's small, broken up into sections and way too smokey due to the casino next door.

 

-- I would hate to see the Piazza extended up several decks. I was just in a cabin on Emerald deck near the stairwell to the Atrium and the noise and sounds coming from below until 11PM-Midnight was awful. You could hear the MC shouting into the mike. I'll never get a mid-ship cabin again.

 

-- Watersports off the ship when tendering? Ouch! Can you say, "Liability?" Some passengers don't follow even basic courtesy much less safety precautions while on the ship. Can you imagine them jet skiing in the path of the ship (it moves even when at anchor) or the tenders? Or getting too close to the thrusters which are used when anchored? Accidents waiting to happen.

 

-- Outdoor open flame BBQ = fire = liability.

 

-- A moving walkway would be very hard to implement and maintain plus it would take up space that's not revenue producing. You'd need one for every deck.

 

-- USB ports. This is a good idea since almost all smartphones, tablets, cameras, etc. use chargers with a USB connection.

 

-- Audio/Visual interface on the TVs. Not sure about this as the Royal/Regal already have interactive TVs with hundreds of free on-demand movies, shows, etc. That's not enough? I never turn on the TV on a cruise unless I hear of major news.

 

-- Speakers to play music, etc. I sure wouldn't want someone blasting their music over in-cabin speakers. Some people have no sense of where they are or whether they might be disturbing their neighbor. It's bad enough as it is with people turning up their TV or making other sounds. Well, maybe to block out the latter.

 

-- Cabin phone on the wall. I agree that this would be a good idea. I'd also like to see an emergency button in the bathroom. My sister was once in her bathroom and the handle fell off. She had no way to get out.

 

-- Wall sconces for the lights. Actually, I've been on a ship that had reading lights above each side of the bed. I liked that and agree that the cabin lights should be on the wall. The negative to this is configuration of the beds from queen to twin.

 

-- Wristband? Ewww... no way would I wear a wristband. Too much like a being on a cheap tour. Maybe for kids. Not for adults. Now, if I could open my cabin door, etc. with my iPhone and iWatch, that'd be nice.

 

-- Balcony furniture... I've been crabbing about the awful "new" furniture for years. I haven't been able to use a balcony because they're so bad and why pay for something I can't use. Now, this awful furniture is in most areas of most of the ships. Hard to find a lounger that won't leave you with back pain.

 

-- A "window to the sea"? I don't see that happening. If you have a porthole cabin on a lower deck, there are thick metal covers that are closed whenever seas are even moderate. It would be a safety concern. Just a few days ago, an MSC ship experienced a rogue wave that broke a cabin window. Too much liability. I just learned a few days ago that on the original Crown and Regal Princesses which had the "Stage Door Lounge"... this was originally designed as an indoor pool for the children's area. Smarter minds prevailed and it was redesigned as a multi-level lounge with a lower dance floor where the pool floor would have been.

 

-- Petting zoo? I assume this is a joke.

 

-- Multi-bedroom suites other than the current Family suite. Not going to happen. Always follow the money. Princess wouldn't be able to sell this on most cruises without huge discounts.

 

-- Sledding at sea. Again, wasted space that wouldn't generate income. Few people book a cruise thinking, "Gee, I want to go where it's cold!" Rent a ski house.

Edited November 29, 2015 by Pam in CA

[Cruisin' into Retirement]

A few quick thoughts, may have more after I ponder this for awhile...

- Expand the Sanctuary concept to include a section of cabins, located near/adjacent to the Sanctuary space. (similar in concept to the Haven or Spa categories on other lines)

- Others mention a Crowsnest type of venue, simply relocate the Skywalkers forward and allow it to double as both daytime lounge environment and nighttime it becomes a dance venue.

- Bring the Piazza up several levels, instead of relegated to decks 5/6/7 – move it up so it’s on 9/8/7 or so, leveraging deck 7 for a full promenade (or maybe multiple decks for promenade as on grand class).

- Offer watersports from the ship, utilize space on lower deck to create a ‘sea platform’ where guests could use jet-skis, sailboats, etc while tendered or in ports.

- Create a true outdoor BBQ venue on an upper deck, real wood smokers or charcoal grilling.

- Figure a way to create a ‘moving walkway’ on one deck – maybe in segments. Simply a way to help those that are mobility challenged a method to traverse the length of the ship. Even I struggle with the thought of walking the entire length of the ship repeatedly at times.

- USB charge ports in cabins at desk/counter space.

- Audio/Visual interface on cabin TV's - USB, HDMI and analog ports for passengers to connect whatever.

- AUX input in cabins to allow passengers to connect media players to play over the in-cabin speakers.

- Mount the cabin phone on the wall - free up the desk/counterspace.

- Wall sconces at bedside, free up the bedside tables.

- Incorporate the wristband concept as RCI has. For everything from cabin access, charges/purchases and scanning on/off the ship when in port.

 

Mike, love your suggestions. I hope Princess reads them. Especially the BBQ idea!

[skynight]

Hello fellow cruisers' date='

 

I came across this article about Carnival Corp's plans for new ships (http://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/carnival-contracts-for-four-next-generation-cruise-ships.html). I was curious what features everyone would like to see that is currently missing on the Princess Fleet?

 

Here are my top suggestions:

1. More multi-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to ~20 people (all the grandkids or a group trip!).

2. Underwater viewing glass window (thick pane of glass on one of the decks below water)

3. Dueling piano bar

4. Petting zoo

5. Sledding at sea indoor snow room - I think Norwegian may be onto something (http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2015/10/25/snow-room-norwegian-escape/74580272/)[/quote']

I don't see your suggestions as space efficient use of the ship. 20 passengers in the same cabin? Imagine how difficult that would be to clean every day. The cabin steward would have to be there all day. How would you use that space the other 51 weeks when you can't book the full 20? Petting Zoo? Sledding Hill? I don't see a Princess plan to go after the market that would have interest in these activities.

 

I look for simple things:

Full 360 degree promenade

Center stairs

Return of the Explorer's Lounge, full Wheelhouse Bar, better seating in the Vista Lounge and maybe a new concept lounge.

Eliminate Club 6 and the TV studio, they were wasted thoughts.

Move away from the Mega ships.

Resist the industry trend to move to more an more pay dining venues.

Better theater seating and viewing

The return of Skywalker's or similar venue.

Larger balconies

Outside View Cabins

Some solo cruiser cabins

[Coral]

Call me simple -

 

1. Give me a cross between the Sun Class and the Coral Class ships.

2. Give me a real promenade deck that is wide (like the Diamond and Sapphire Princess) with teak chairs and thick cushions on them.

3. Bring back decent balcony furniture and deck furniture (with nice cushions)

4. Have a covered pool with retractable roof

5. Have an observation lounge

6. Get rid of Club Fusion and bring back Vista Lounge

7. Have space ratio similar to Sun and Coral Princess

8. Bring back the live music at the pool area (get rid of MUTS)

9. Keep the Wheelhouse Lounge how it is

10. Add couches to all rooms (HAL can do it)

11. Put a shower door and get rid of the curtain.

12. Have more dining venues outside - on the Sun Princess, Sterling Steakhouse was outside on deck and it was wonderful.

13. Keep the pizzerias (love the Sun Class menus for their Pizzerias)

14. Do more table side cooking (pastas)

15. Bring back the string quartets or peaceful piano music in the atrium.

 

I guess I want cruising how it was in the 90's when I started cruising. I would do anything to have the Sun Class ships the largest cruise ships.

Edited November 29, 2015 by Coral

[Woobstr112G]

Call me simple -

 

1. Give me a cross between the Sun Class and the Coral Class ships.

2. Give me a real promenade deck that is wide (like the Diamond and Sapphire Princess) with teak chairs and thick cushions on them.

3. Bring back decent balcony furniture and deck furniture (with nice cushions)

4. Have a covered pool with retractable roof

5. Have an observation lounge

6. Get rid of Club Fusion and bring back Vista Lounge

7. Have space ratio similar to Sun and Coral Princess

8. Bring back the live music at the pool area (get rid of MUTS)

9. Keep the Wheelhouse Lounge how it is

10. Add couches to all rooms (HAL can do it)

11. Put a shower door and get rid of the curtain.

12. Have more dining venues outside - on the Sun Princess, Sterling Steakhouse was outside on deck and it was wonderful.

13. Keep the pizzerias (love the Sun Class menus for their Pizzerias)

14. Do more table side cooking (pastas)

15. Bring back the string quartets or peaceful piano music in the atrium.

 

I guess I want cruising how it was in the 90's when I started cruising. I would do anything to have the Sun Class ships the largest cruise ships.

 

.....:):):)

 

Bob

[notentirelynormal]

Call me simple -

 

1. Give me a cross between the Sun Class and the Coral Class ships.

2. Give me a real promenade deck that is wide (like the Diamond and Sapphire Princess) with teak chairs and thick cushions on them.

3. Bring back decent balcony furniture and deck furniture (with nice cushions)

4. Have a covered pool with retractable roof

5. Have an observation lounge

6. Get rid of Club Fusion and bring back Vista Lounge

7. Have space ratio similar to Sun and Coral Princess

8. Bring back the live music at the pool area (get rid of MUTS)

9. Keep the Wheelhouse Lounge how it is

10. Add couches to all rooms (HAL can do it)

11. Put a shower door and get rid of the curtain.

12. Have more dining venues outside - on the Sun Princess, Sterling Steakhouse was outside on deck and it was wonderful.

13. Keep the pizzerias (love the Sun Class menus for their Pizzerias)

14. Do more table side cooking (pastas)

15. Bring back the string quartets or peaceful piano music in the atrium.

 

I guess I want cruising how it was in the 90's when I started cruising. I would do anything to have the Sun Class ships the largest cruise ships.

 

I'm with you! I loved all of these.

[shredie]

I don't see your suggestions as space efficient use of the ship. 20 passengers in the same cabin? Imagine how difficult that would be to clean every day. The cabin steward would have to be there all day. How would you use that space the other 51 weeks when you can't book the full 20? Petting Zoo?

 

Hahahahahaha! :D "We will have your suite ready as soon as we relocate the goat." I do, however, understand the need to see some animals while on a cruise. Many of us have pets at that we miss, and I am always thrilled to see a service dog on board to remind me of my critters at home. But a petting zoo isn't the answer. LOL.

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Ok petting zoo, snow machines, = husky races around the prom deck.

 

yours Shogun

[rob2102]

smaller ships, with more of the bells and whistles. Don't need the gimmicks like on the RCI., or a petting zoo. Definitely not any below the water line windows, perhaps a live video camera.

 

cheers

[Coral]

smaller ships, with more of the bells and whistles. Don't need the gimmicks like on the RCI., or a petting zoo. Definitely not any below the water line windows, perhaps a live video camera.

 

cheers

 

I think what Disney does it pretty cool (with out the dancing hippo or other animations).

 

Edited November 29, 2015 by Coral

[Times Prince]

Call me simple -

 

1. Give me a cross between the Sun Class and the Coral Class ships.

2. Give me a real promenade deck that is wide (like the Diamond and Sapphire Princess) with teak chairs and thick cushions on them.

3. Bring back decent balcony furniture and deck furniture (with nice cushions)

4. Have a covered pool with retractable roof

5. Have an observation lounge

6. Get rid of Club Fusion and bring back Vista Lounge

7. Have space ratio similar to Sun and Coral Princess

8. Bring back the live music at the pool area (get rid of MUTS)

9. Keep the Wheelhouse Lounge how it is

10. Add couches to all rooms (HAL can do it)

11. Put a shower door and get rid of the curtain.

12. Have more dining venues outside - on the Sun Princess, Sterling Steakhouse was outside on deck and it was wonderful.

13. Keep the pizzerias (love the Sun Class menus for their Pizzerias)

14. Do more table side cooking (pastas)

15. Bring back the string quartets or peaceful piano music in the atrium.

 

I guess I want cruising how it was in the 90's when I started cruising. I would do anything to have the Sun Class ships the largest cruise ships.

I mostly agree with the above list, except we have grown accustomed to the Emerald Princess and her sister ships.

16. Restrict MUTS to MOVIES under the stars at night (no concerts)

17. Bring back dancing venues with a real dance floor, and at least a quartet playing the music.

18. Love the size of the Caribe deck balconies (Emerald Princess, etc.)

19. Create a lounge area forward, like on Sun Princess, so we can relax with a drink or snack while viewing where we are going.

20. The outside dining area on the stern of the Pacific Princess II was really nice - new ships should emulate this. This sheltered area could also be used for specialty dining at night.

21. Make 1/4 of the fleet smaller ships that can vary itineraries by visiting smaller ports (more repeat customer interest)

22. Bring back the more upscale Café Caribe buffets for every evening, including the variety of fresh cut entrees offered.

23. Reinstate 9 hole mini-golf courses for entertainment during the day.

 

In short, the mega ships do not attract us due to their design trade-offs of desirable features.

[GUT2407]

smaller ships, with more of the bells and whistles. Don't need the gimmicks like on the RCI., or a petting zoo. Definitely not any below the water line windows, perhaps a live video camera.

 

cheers

 

Amazing how many want smaller ships..

 

Wonder if Princess is listening?

[icat2000]

Amazing how many want smaller ships..

 

Wonder if Princess is listening?

 

They probably are, however, I believe that they don't make the cruiseline any money. So hard to spend all that on a ship that not going to cover the costs.

[crochetcruise]

I ont use a CPAP but yes there should be a plug near the bed for those that do.

 

While we're at it more HC cabins in more categories. Why aren't they available in all category cabins?

 

Hear, Hear! Especially a Suite, yes I know about the Window Suite on some ships, but a Vista Suite equipped for a Handicapped Passenger on each ship, would be less expensive than a Penthouse Suite, which is my option on the Emerald Princess. It means less cruising, even though I have the choice of the Golden or the Emerald, it still comes down to being able to afford a suitable itinerary for me.

 

People are aging, and are more likely to have handicaps as they age, so it would be sensible to consider this demographic in the future planning.

[shredie]

Amazing how many want smaller ships..

 

Wonder if Princess is listening?

 

They know people like the smaller ships, but they don't care. They want to build big ones to hold more paying passengers, and they'll keep doing it until they build one too heavy to float. Princess is a business. Pure and simple.

[baronessk]

Self serve ice machines in the laundry rooms.:)

[TracieABD]

Self serve ice machines in the laundry rooms.:)

 

Good one!

 

(Just as long as people do not fill their water bottles from the communal ice machine. Everyone needs to work hard to prevent contamination...)

Edited November 30, 2015 by TracieABD

[GUT2407]

Self serve ice machines in the laundry rooms.:)

 

Now that's a good idea.

[baronessk]

It drives me nuts the dinky little ice buckets you get in your cabin. If anyone has suggestions, let's hear 'em!

[GUT2407]

It drives me nuts the dinky little ice buckets you get in your cabin. If anyone has suggestions, let's hear 'em!

 

Nothing dinky about the one room service brings you:D.