Open letter to Princess President John Padgett

[JimmyVWine]

2 hours ago, malba2366 said:

 

Disney has done a good job keeping their standards.  Older ship was in outstanding condition, staff was excellent.

Nice product. But twice the price of mass market lines and fewer than half a dozen ships. 

[GOLDENBONNY]

9 hours ago, PRINCESS Sweet Pea said:

beds on the Regal Princess had finally, FINALLY, been changed out.

We had a terrible bed, like worst we ever had on cruise ever. 

[GOLDENBONNY]

3 hours ago, Princessfan20 said:

outstanding job of getting their ships up and running again,

Well our mattress war terrible ,old and lumpy , same with pillows and don't even let me start with bath robs . 

[nasa1974]

One thing Princess could improve is their app. Royal Caribbean uses facial recognition, Princess does not. One less password I have to remember.

[dog]

5 hours ago, malba2366 said:

I Agree.  Haven't been on Princess post COVID, but RCCL and NCL both seem to have a significantly worsened experience.  On Disney any cutbacks were not obvious to me.

Interesting. I was at a Disney Resort recently and we did not get daily housekeeping. Garbage in room for 3 days. Had to call fo request housekeeping at that point.  Good to hear ships are back to normal.  Also, soda $5, 2 scoop gelato $9— so cruise fare is not looking too bad to me now.

[dog]

4 hours ago, PRINCESS Sweet Pea said:

Anyhow,  I have no problem sharing my experiences and giving feedback back to Princess.  It doesn't really matter if there are those who disagree.  A very bad steak or a very saggy lumpy bed are what they are.

 

So anyhow, unless we start planning another cruise soon,  then, as Captain Paulo says,  Ciao for Now!!!

 

Wondering

did you express your disappointment to the chef during the meal?

 

the beds on the newer ships are very comfortable in my opinion, but not on the older ones- Dawn, Grand etc

[dog]

4 hours ago, PRINCESS Sweet Pea said:

Here is yet another.

"Agree about Crown Grill - we were on Discovery Princess during Christmas and except for the bread the Crown Grill was horrible~"

 

My only hope is the Princess finally addresses this. If it can be heard over the cheerleaders.

Why keep booking if you are finding so much to grumble about?

 

My meal at CG on both Discovery & Enchanted were outstanding.

[jwattle]

2 hours ago, GOLDENBONNY said:

Well our mattress war terrible ,old and lumpy , same with pillows and don't even let me start with bath robs . 

Did you ask for replacements?

[Hlitner]

28 minutes ago, dog said:

Why keep booking if you are finding so much to grumble about?

 

...............

This is something that has long puzzled me.  Folks come here to whine about a cruise line (or ship) and then they book more cruises with that same line.  Why?  If we have major problems with a specific line we simply look elsewhere.  

 

As to a lumpy mattress (this has never happened to us on any cruise line) and it is an issue that should handled while onboard.  Step 1...pay a visit to the Guest Relations desk and explain the problem.  If they cannot come up with a solution within a reasonable period of time, ask to speak to the Guest Services Manager.  If that does not bear fruit that formally request an appointment with the ship's Hotel Manager!  Dealing with problems on a ship is much more effective than post cruise whining.  Using the ship's chain of command, and elevating issues to the next level is your best bet.

 

One other thing.  Bringing an issue, such as a bad mattress, to the attention of your cabin steward will likely not get the issue resolved.  The cabin steward will either ignore the issue or report it to his/her immediate supervisor.  The supervisor may or may not deal with the issue and, at best, they will bring the issue to the attention of their supervisor!

 

When you have a legitimate complaint on a cruise, it is incumbent on the cruiser to file a complaint with the appropriate authority.  With non dining issues, Guest Relations should be your first stop.  Be polite, charming, etc., but also be firm that you want the issue resolved...fast!

 

Hank

[Sprocket]

34 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

This is something that has long puzzled me.  Folks come here to whine about a cruise line (or ship) and then they book more cruises with that same line.  Why?  If we have major problems with a specific line we simply look elsewhere.  

 

As to a lumpy mattress (this has never happened to us on any cruise line) and it is an issue that should handled while onboard.  Step 1...pay a visit to the Guest Relations desk and explain the problem.  If they cannot come up with a solution within a reasonable period of time, ask to speak to the Guest Services Manager.  If that does not bear fruit that formally request an appointment with the ship's Hotel Manager!  Dealing with problems on a ship is much more effective than post cruise whining.  Using the ship's chain of command, and elevating issues to the next level is your best bet.

 

One other thing.  Bringing an issue, such as a bad mattress, to the attention of your cabin steward will likely not get the issue resolved.  The cabin steward will either ignore the issue or report it to his/her immediate supervisor.  The supervisor may or may not deal with the issue and, at best, they will bring the issue to the attention of their supervisor!

 

When you have a legitimate complaint on a cruise, it is incumbent on the cruiser to file a complaint with the appropriate authority.  With non dining issues, Guest Relations should be your first stop.  Be polite, charming, etc., but also be firm that you want the issue resolved...fast!

 

Hank

I have requested a mattress topper more than once through my cabin steward and it was added the same afternoon.  

[Mud_Shark]

Maybe tone it down a bit for a better response, or maybe at least change your online identity.  This comes on too strong to likely get the action or correction you are hoping for.

 

[Ombud]

11 hours ago, DHP1 said:

My only complete is “lack of Customer Service”.  We have a PVP whom doesn’t return phone calls and never replies to any of our e-mails.  

Sounds like the one I fired ..... which is easy to do BTW. My 1st one (M.R.) had spoiled me but retired. My 2nd one was a total nightmare so I fired her. Got another good one now. Never let's me book nonrefundable deposit (unless it's $1) always suggests a few $$s more to keep it refundable 

 

But I have written a query to the powers: "Why is it that some ships have the vegan / vegetarian menu and others have an extremely limited option on the standard menu?" Wasn't happy when I discovered that. Adapted but disappointed 

 

 

Edited January 21, 2023 by Ombud

[coo359a2]

5 hours ago, Sprocket said:

I have requested a mattress topper more than once through my cabin steward and it was added the same afternoon.  

Thanks for this suggestion. Good to know you can ask and hopefully get a mattress topper. So far since around 2017, we haven't had issues with a lumpy mattress.  

[dog]

12 hours ago, malba2366 said:

Yes there is no casino, and lots of kids...but the Dream, Fantasy and Wish have very nice adults only areas.  The Bars/Lounges on those ships are nicer than on most other cruise lines.  Overall everything about the experience seems like they still maintain the attention to detail that used to be part of the experience on most of the major cruise lines (except maybe Carnival).

I see a few of your posts about Disney ships & standards. My family also loves them.

I prefer Princess, Celebrity & HAL now.

As I mentioned my recent stay at a Disney Resort Coronado- has not provided housekeeping on a daily basis yet. Say ever other day, but not so.  Not meeting my standards for $305 US per night.

Edited January 21, 2023 by dog

[Princessfan20]

7 hours ago, Hlitner said:

This is something that has long puzzled me.  Folks come here to whine about a cruise line (or ship) and then they book more cruises with that same line.  Why?  If we have major problems with a specific line we simply look elsewhere.  

 

As to a lumpy mattress (this has never happened to us on any cruise line) and it is an issue that should handled while onboard.  Step 1...pay a visit to the Guest Relations desk and explain the problem.  If they cannot come up with a solution within a reasonable period of time, ask to speak to the Guest Services Manager.  If that does not bear fruit that formally request an appointment with the ship's Hotel Manager!  Dealing with problems on a ship is much more effective than post cruise whining.  Using the ship's chain of command, and elevating issues to the next level is your best bet.

 

One other thing.  Bringing an issue, such as a bad mattress, to the attention of your cabin steward will likely not get the issue resolved.  The cabin steward will either ignore the issue or report it to his/her immediate supervisor.  The supervisor may or may not deal with the issue and, at best, they will bring the issue to the attention of their supervisor!

 

When you have a legitimate complaint on a cruise, it is incumbent on the cruiser to file a complaint with the appropriate authority.  With non dining issues, Guest Relations should be your first stop.  Be polite, charming, etc., but also be firm that you want the issue resolved...fast!

 

Hank

 

Oh noooooo - we need them so it stays Cruise Critic.  I am not sure Cruise Compliment would be a successful site for cruisers and useful information.  Some people just always look at what's wrong about life instead of what's right.

 

We have rarely experienced problems on a cruise and are certainly capable of getting it resolved on ship instead of posting pictures and comments and hoping for people to agree with "ain't it awful!"

[Guest ldtr]

8 hours ago, Hlitner said:

This is something that has long puzzled me.  Folks come here to whine about a cruise line (or ship) and then they book more cruises with that same line.  Why?  If we have major problems with a specific line we simply look elsewhere.  

 

As to a lumpy mattress (this has never happened to us on any cruise line) and it is an issue that should handled while onboard.  Step 1...pay a visit to the Guest Relations desk and explain the problem.  If they cannot come up with a solution within a reasonable period of time, ask to speak to the Guest Services Manager.  If that does not bear fruit that formally request an appointment with the ship's Hotel Manager!  Dealing with problems on a ship is much more effective than post cruise whining.  Using the ship's chain of command, and elevating issues to the next level is your best bet.

 

One other thing.  Bringing an issue, such as a bad mattress, to the attention of your cabin steward will likely not get the issue resolved.  The cabin steward will either ignore the issue or report it to his/her immediate supervisor.  The supervisor may or may not deal with the issue and, at best, they will bring the issue to the attention of their supervisor!

 

When you have a legitimate complaint on a cruise, it is incumbent on the cruiser to file a complaint with the appropriate authority.  With non dining issues, Guest Relations should be your first stop.  Be polite, charming, etc., but also be firm that you want the issue resolved...fast!

 

Hank

Ran into a couple on Discovery this week. They were Platinum and were doing B2B. They proceeded to say that this was the worse cruise ever, thst everything was better on NCL. That the Enclave was like a cave and not relaxing. Certainly being Platinum things like the Enclave should not be a surprise.

 

 when I asked them why they were doing a B2B on Princess if NCL did everything better. Their answer was that they needed 2 cruises to get to Elite.

[memoak]

22 hours ago, voljeep said:

let's all at least admit that being able to use the 'package' to be able to order 'drinks' to your cabin is really, really nice.

We really only used that while in covid quarantine. We prefer the socialization at the bars

[Guest ldtr]

45 minutes ago, memoak said:

We really only used that while in covid quarantine. We prefer the socialization at the bars

Even in bars or on Lido, you can use it instead of waiting for a waiter.

[ldubs]

On 1/19/2023 at 8:06 PM, ldtr said:

more like a rant than a serious letter collecting a whole diatribe of things some of which occured before Padgett was in charge.

 

The kind of letter that a customer service department as not worth spending time on, even with the cruise history.

 

Yes, an overly emotional rant with lots of adjectives.  

[ldubs]

13 hours ago, Hlitner said:

This is something that has long puzzled me.  Folks come here to whine about a cruise line (or ship) and then they book more cruises with that same line.  Why?  If we have major problems with a specific line we simply look elsewhere.  

 

 

Hank

  

Me too. Surprisingly, the OP says they enjoyed the cruise.   I think what happens a lot on these forums is what could be some legitimate constructive feedback on an otherwise enjoyable cruise turns into what comes across as a tirade.  

 

[ORB]

I think it is possible we were on the Crown at the same time as the OP.  Although we weren't bothered by some of what he mentions, there were definitely some serious problems, seemingly due to being understaffed.  This showed up most in the food service, of course.

 

It was rare for more than one Buffet line to be open.  Even on Embarkation Day, only one line was open for Lunch.  The rear stations in the Caribe Cafe were never opened for the entire cruise.

 

For at least the first three days, the dinner reservation times were fiction.  For example, on Day 2 we had a 7:20 reservation, got in the line at 7:05, and at 7:30 when the length of the line indicated we would probably be there another hour, we managed to grab a reservation at Sabatini's.

 

On Day 4 things started improving, noticably.  We happened to be waiting to board our excursion bus in one port when I was able to count 27 new crew members coming on board.

 

We were able to talk to several who had cruised other Princess ships within the past six weeks or so, and they indicated the problems were unusual.

 

So will we cruise Princess again?  I'm sure we will, but I am not sure that is the answer I would have given on Day 2 or 3.

[dhdoug]

Being an Elite cruiser with Princess is one reason that’s it’s hard to give up the benefits but very close to moving to another cruise line. Recently inquired with Princess agent who I have dealt with in the past about the cost to upgrade to premium from plus. After 3 days with no response resent email. Received response with a statement that he didn’t have time to immediately respond to my question and gave me the general customer service phone.  

Princess your customers deserve better. 

[Oceansaway17]

On 1/20/2023 at 7:52 AM, SargassoPirate said:

I wonder which would get more traction, a letter to the head office or comments on the end of cruise evaluation?

I am guessing both will be taken with a grain of salt.

 

But to defend the OP it sounds like a lot of issues worth headquarters checking into.

A lot of seasoned passengers are finding post covid cruises not being up to their usual standard.

I am guessing perhaps a few things like technical stuff could be addressed.

 

I found the letter while long was more annoying as there were no spacing or paragraphs.

[Oceansaway17]

6 hours ago, ldtr said:

Ran into a couple on Discovery this week. They were Platinum and were doing B2B. They proceeded to say that this was the worse cruise ever, thst everything was better on NCL. That the Enclave was like a cave and not relaxing. Certainly being Platinum things like the Enclave should not be a surprise.

 

 when I asked them why they were doing a B2B on Princess if NCL did everything better. Their answer was that they needed 2 cruises to get to Elite.

this is funny and odd.  Keep gathering points on a cruise line you might not want to sail on later.

OMG folks and their points and status I find odd and just silly.

I do not believe in loyalty to any one cruise line just to get free stuff or reduced costs of stuff. 

[JimmyVWine]

6 hours ago, ldtr said:

when I asked them why they were doing a B2B on Princess if NCL did everything better. Their answer was that they needed 2 cruises to get to Elite.

Reminds me of the old joke:

Joe says to Sally: “There are two big problems with that restaurant. First, the food was so bad that I took only one forkful and didn’t want to eat another bite.”

Sally says: “What’s the second problem?”

Joe replies: “The portions are too small.”