19woody19 Posted October 16, 2017 #1 Share Posted October 16, 2017 We just returned from a full transit through the Panama Canal aboard the Coral and we were very disappointed. We did this same cruise a few years ago and it was one of our favorites. The difference? Last time we had several enrichment lectures prior to entering the canal and then the historian gave very interesting commentary for the 8 hours it took to make the transit. He was remarkable and had so many stories to share. This time...NOTHING before the canal and NOTHING going through. The couples at our dining table were EXTREMELY upset, as were hundreds of others that had never been there before. I tried to explain a few things that I remembered but obviously that was not sufficient. I spoke with the CD and was told that there was a mix up with Princess. DUH ! The very least they should have done was to announce why and apologize but again NOTHING. We have been very loyal Princess cruisers for years but now we are considering going back to HAL or RC. Yes, I am aware this is probably an isolated case but still they should have been more prepared. How about even having pre-recorded lectures and things to take special note of while traveling through? Oh well, other than that it was a fun cruise but i do feel very sorry for all those that expected more and got nothing but some visual moments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neverbeenhere Posted October 16, 2017 #2 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Sorry you were disappointed. I would have loved a quiet transit as the two times we have done it, the naturalist talked almost non-stop for 8 -10 hours. On one transit, the passengers cheered when he took a 10 minute break and a 20 minute lunch break, as he wouldn't shut up. As always, the group suggests all passengers read The Path between the Seas prior to a Panama Canal cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srpilo Posted October 16, 2017 #3 Share Posted October 16, 2017 The good news (if any) is at least you had the basic's and the canal history previously from the enrichment expert on your last canal cruise. Glad to hear you enjoyed the other aspects of the cruise Srpilo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tailspintom Posted October 16, 2017 #4 Share Posted October 16, 2017 We just returned from a full transit through the Panama Canal aboard the Coral and we were very disappointed. We did this same cruise a few years ago and it was one of our favorites.The difference? Last time we had several enrichment lectures prior to entering the canal and then the historian gave very interesting commentary for the 8 hours it took to make the transit. He was remarkable and had so many stories to share. This time...NOTHING before the canal and NOTHING going through. The couples at our dining table were EXTREMELY upset, as were hundreds of others that had never been there before. I tried to explain a few things that I remembered but obviously that was not sufficient. I spoke with the CD and was told that there was a mix up with Princess. DUH ! The very least they should have done was to announce why and apologize but again NOTHING. We have been very loyal Princess cruisers for years but now we are considering going back to HAL or RC. Yes, I am aware this is probably an isolated case but still they should have been more prepared. How about even having pre-recorded lectures and things to take special note of while traveling through? Oh well, other than that it was a fun cruise but i do feel very sorry for all those that expected more and got nothing but some visual moments. Yep, they seem to be not paying attention. We noticed on a few cruises recently that the lectures were defficient. Likewise, it appears that the string quartet in the atrium has disappeared. Coincidence? I think not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare c-boy Posted October 16, 2017 #5 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Dilly .... Dilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huskerdan25 Posted October 16, 2017 #6 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Wow, we would have been disappointed as well as the main reason we would take the Panama Canal cruise is for enjoy the lectures on the history of the canal, especially if this was our first cruise through the Canal. Sorry you were disappointed but certainly understandable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted October 16, 2017 #7 Share Posted October 16, 2017 I agree with you that the absence of port lecturer could have been advised earlier and announced a recorded lecture on TV before. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare CineGraphic Posted October 16, 2017 #8 Share Posted October 16, 2017 I would much rather take it all in, then have someone over-explain things on a PA system. Different strokes for different folks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunsetbeachgal Posted October 16, 2017 #9 Share Posted October 16, 2017 We have done one Panama Canal cruise and the port lecturer was excellent. He greatly added to our enjoyment of the cruise and appreciation of what went into building the canal. I would be very disappointed just as you were. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floridalover5623 Posted October 16, 2017 #10 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Yep, they seem to be not paying attention. We noticed on a few cruises recently that the lectures were defficient. Likewise, it appears that the string quartet in the atrium has disappeared. Coincidence? I think not. The string quartet is still going strong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19woody19 Posted October 16, 2017 Author #11 Share Posted October 16, 2017 The good news (if any) is at least you had the basic's and the canal history previously from the enrichment expert on your last canal cruise. Glad to hear you enjoyed the other aspects of the cruise Srpilo Yes, we felt very fortunate to have previously heard, and read, so much about the canal. I feel terrible for all those expecting to learn from someone with great knowledge who were so disappointed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted October 17, 2017 #12 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Sorry you were disappointed. I would have loved a quiet transit as the two times we have done it, the naturalist talked almost non-stop for 8 -10 hours. On one transit, the passengers cheered when he took a 10 minute break and a 20 minute lunch break, as he wouldn't shut up. . :D Have to agree! Some are better than others and only come on to discuss points of interest. That on & on & on & on gets old in a hurry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Coral Posted October 17, 2017 #13 Share Posted October 17, 2017 I would be disappointed also. I hope it is not a cut in services. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steelers36 Posted October 17, 2017 #14 Share Posted October 17, 2017 :D Have to agree! Some are better than others and only come on to discuss points of interest. That on & on & on & on gets old in a hurry! Ear plugs .. la dee da dee da. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare geoherb Posted October 17, 2017 #15 Share Posted October 17, 2017 The string quartet is still going strong.Not on all ships. On the Caribbean in August, it was just half a string quartet--a violin and cello duo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky TGO Posted October 17, 2017 #16 Share Posted October 17, 2017 I’ll take some CD’s just in case the string quartet is still on Vacation. :eek: Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Micahs Grandad Posted October 17, 2017 #17 Share Posted October 17, 2017 We love the port and enrichment lecturers and would be disappointed if we didnt have one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbinMich Posted October 17, 2017 #18 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Not on all ships. On the Caribbean in August, it was just half a string quartet--a violin and cello duo. I don't recall a Princess cruise that didn't have some sort of classical group playing in the atrium in the evenings around dinner time, be it a duo, a trio or a quartet. They may also play in one of the lounges. For the poster whose cruise didn't have one, could have been for any number of reasons, such as missed air connection to home port, illness, etc. FWIW, most, if not all, of these musical groups we've seen are from eastern European countries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floridalover5623 Posted October 17, 2017 #19 Share Posted October 17, 2017 I don't recall a Princess cruise that didn't have some sort of classical group playing in the atrium in the evenings around dinner time, be it a duo, a trio or a quartet. They may also play in one of the lounges. For the poster whose cruise didn't have one, could have been for any number of reasons, such as missed air connection to home port, illness, etc. FWIW, most, if not all, of these musical groups we've seen are from eastern European countries Every ship we've been on they've been playing as we went to dinner in the Piazza. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladybellerose Posted October 17, 2017 #20 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Taking this cruise Nov 21st! Now I have to READ a book first? Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare geoherb Posted October 17, 2017 #21 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Taking this cruise Nov 21st! Now I have to READ a book first? No. You can enjoy the cruise without knowing the history of the canal. Many people just go to go. There was also a documentary on PBS you could watch before you go if you are interested in the history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockdoctor Posted October 18, 2017 #22 Share Posted October 18, 2017 Seem to be the coming trend. Just returned from an 11 day Canada to NYC and no port lecturers, in fact not even the navigators talk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus Traveller Posted October 18, 2017 #23 Share Posted October 18, 2017 Seem to be the coming trend. Just returned from an 11 day Canada to NYC and no port lecturers, in fact not even the navigators talk. A friend just came back from a Baltic cruise on the Regal. He said there were no enrichment lecturers. I don't know about a port lecturer. It's a pity if Princess is cutting back in this area as I feel this is one area where Princess was offering something not all cruiselines offer. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ar1950 Posted October 18, 2017 #24 Share Posted October 18, 2017 Taking this cruise Nov 21st! Now I have to READ a book first?Sent from my iPad using Forums No. You can enjoy the cruise without knowing the history of the canal. Many people just go to go. There was also a documentary on PBS you could watch before you go if you are interested in the history. Here are two videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHcvwjwGdfo Gives as much info as the lecturer did and you can watch more than once. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Coral Posted October 19, 2017 #25 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Seem to be the coming trend. Just returned from an 11 day Canada to NYC and no port lecturers, in fact not even the navigators talk. I have been on a few Canada NE cruises several years ago and we didn't have port lecturers on those cruises either. I am not sure if this area has ever had lecturers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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