Emerald Princess - what’s your vote?

[shakuyi]

How is the arcade on the ship? Any one has any idea what games they have and how much the games cost roughly? Trying to budget the kids daily arcade allowance 🤣

[TRLD]

On 4/24/2024 at 2:14 PM, telecheck said:

To be honest, I prefer the design of Grand-class ships over Royal-class ships. The wrap-around promenade deck makes a huge difference for me. On a Grand-class ship, I can stay in an inside cabin right above or below the promenade deck. This means that whenever I want to see the ocean, I can simply go up or down one deck, and I can comfortably spend the whole day sitting on the promenade. Unfortunately, Royal-class ships lack such a deck. The Lido deck is not a suitable replacement; it is too far up, and the fence obstructs the view of the ocean. If I were on a Royal-class ship, I would have no choice but to spend more money on a balcony cabin.

Just be aware of how noisy the stabilizers are on Grand Class ships during rough seas down on deck 5 

[telecheck]

20 minutes ago, TRLD said:

Just be aware of how noisy the stabilizers are on Grand Class ships during rough seas down on deck 5 

I typically opt for obstructed ocean view or inside cabins on deck 8, which are just one deck above the promenade deck. I find incredible value in these cabins due to their easy access to the promenade, main dining room, piazza, etc.

[Cruise Raider]

2 hours ago, telecheck said:

I typically opt for obstructed ocean view or inside cabins on deck 8, which are just one deck above the promenade deck. I find incredible value in these cabins due to their easy access to the promenade, main dining room, piazza, etc.

Those are generally my favorite cabins, as well .. that is when a balcony doesn’t fit into my travel budget.

[edspec]

Just booked a 17 day Greenland and Canada on Emerald Princess.  Killer casino deal, $0 which included plus...obviously happy about that...especially since I never gamble 🙂 I dearly love a promenade deck so really looking forward to this.  Thanks to all who had positive things to say about this ship.

[PurpleHays]

On 4/30/2024 at 11:11 PM, dockman said:

I am so happy that many cruisers gravitate to the bigger more glitzy newer ships.

 

Hopefully means less demand and better deals on the smaller and older ships for me.

Me too! I've seen a lot of news about the new Sun, and I'm just not interested. It's too big and too busy. Just give me a balcony cabin and a good itinerary, and I'm good. We're on the Emerald next year for Norway. Caribe deck with the larger balcony. We can't wait.

[mrg0433]

On 4/21/2024 at 1:29 PM, Globaler said:

Thinking of sailing the Emerald in October 2024. We loved the Enchanted, liked the Regal, prefer not to sail the Caribbean again, will let you know our thoughts on the Sun upcoming as we sail in June. What are your thoughts on the Emerald?

We sailed Emerald thru the Panama Canal in February.  Great ship.  Reminded me of Crown Princess.   Fun cruise.  

[TheMichael]

Just got off the Solar Eclipse/Panama Canal cruise a couple of weeks ago. Really, I loved the ship:

 

- The configuration of the Explorers Lounge beats any Princess Live I've seen hands down.

- Same with the Wheelhouse/Salty Dog Gastropub setup.

- Ditto for the Lotus pool, which is so much more relaxed than the "party" adults-only pools on other ships. In fact, there are many places you can get away from "the hordes" if you want.

- It's got the wrap-around promenade (newer ships don't) - excellent for an evening walk.

- Two separated main pools mean you aren't forced to watch the movie or listen to the band.

- The pop-up casual restaurants (Planks/Steamers) were awesome.

- There's nothing like Skywalker's Nightclub (late night lounge/dancing) on the more modern ships.

- You can tell it's older here and there but it didn't seem neglected.

- The Captain was awesome. (Sadly, he's since been "called up" to the Sky Princess.)

 

It seemed overall to be a more relaxed ship than the newer ones. Whether that was an effect of the cruise length/itinerary or its usual vibe, I'm not sure, but I really liked that.

 

There are a few cons, though not enough to deter me from booking it again in an instant:

 

- The Sanctuary was disappointing (mostly covered, service almost nonexistent) - we actually found the Lotus pool area to be completely sufficient for relaxing deck time, padded chairs and everything (and it's free!), so we cancelled the rest of our Sanctuary visits after the first one. 

- The rooms are on the small side (I'm not sure how someone over 200 lbs would deal with the tiny shower in our oceanview room).

- No running track (what they call their jogging track is the equivalent of jogging the perimeter of a basketball court, and it's super narrow, so if there's anyone also walking on it, good luck)

- International Cafe has the worst setup (three-sided counter, so there will often be three lines with just one person serving) - fortunately the coffee counter is clearly separated and staffed.

- Buffet is small (good variety, but small).

- No Gigi's/Alfredo's (but they do have the deck pizza).

- The layout at Club Fusion is unfortunately conducive to people gathering around the far edges to TALK REALLY LOUD during a comedy or quieter music show.

- I missed the more open Lido deck "back bars" on the Discovery and Regal.

 

I could make two long lists like this for any ship, but IMO the positives far outweighed the negatives for the Emerald, while (for example) I'm not sure I'd want to sail on the Regal again.

[MsSoCalCruiser]

On 4/29/2024 at 8:35 AM, Cruise Raider said:

I absolutely love the Royal class ships but cruised on the Emerald Princess last year.  I had such a great time on the Emerald and thought she was in great shape.  
I especially love what they had done up on the buffet area.  It looks so much more modern and clean.  I wouldn’t hesitate to cruise on the Emerald again!  

We are booked on a 17 day Emerald sailing. I love Royal class ships. I remember what the Ruby is like can you share how is the buffet area different than the Ruby? Do you have any photos to share?

[Cruise Raider]

1 hour ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

We are booked on a 17 day Emerald sailing. I love Royal class ships. I remember what the Ruby is like can you share how is the buffet area different than the Ruby? Do you have any photos to share?

I don’t know if this does the buffet are justice but it’s just they added cleaner lines and some decorative touches I haven’t noticed on the other Crown class ships 

[MsSoCalCruiser]

4 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

I don’t know if this does the buffet are justice but it’s just they added cleaner lines and some decorative touches I haven’t noticed on the other Crown class ships 

@Cruise Raider thank you so much. That does look nice. I have only sailed the Royal class ships for the last several years and I love shiny and new😂

[555]

11 hours ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

@Cruise Raider thank you so much. That does look nice. I have only sailed the Royal class ships for the last several years and I love shiny and new😂

We returned to the Ruby after spending many years on Royal class ships any while it was sufficient, it just doesn't compare to the newer layout with more selections seating & space to move around. 

[MsSoCalCruiser]

7 hours ago, 555 said:

We returned to the Ruby after spending many years on Royal class ships any while it was sufficient, it just doesn't compare to the newer layout with more selections seating & space to move around. 

Oh, I know it won’t compare. I remember exactly how limited it was and having food allergies makes it even more limited for me. But I am really excited to be going to Greenland even if it is on the Emerald and not a Royal class ship.