Beware of Golden Princess - Poor dining service

[Hulagirl]

I'm sorry you had a poor cruise and hopefully your next one will be better for you.

 

We were just on the Golden for the March 29, 2008 cruise. This was my 25th cruise with Princess and found the service to be excellent. We also had anytime dining for our cruise and found everything to be fine. Now I did make a reservation for dinner every night which we like to do when we find a dining staff we like. That could have made a difference for you. Granted that does take away from true anytime dining, but it works for us quite well. On our cruise I didn't hear of anyone unhappy with the wait time, so I'm sorry this happened to you.

 

I thought this was one of our better cruises. We had the Grand Suite for the cruise, but that really didn't make any difference in the dining room. Waiters had no idea what cabin we were in. Room Service was excellent as well as the food and service overall on the ship.

[LARGIN]

It's quite curious how this OP just "happens" to run into people who are bitching about how bad the service is! :rolleyes: Where does he find them all?

 

Birds of a feather flock together :D:D:D

[rednancy1]

I've cruised on HAL, Royal, Princess and Carnival. The service on the Golden Princess was wonderful. Their entrees were better thaqn Royal. But the appitizers were inferior to Royal.

[zanoon]

I cruised on Golden the week of March 15, 2008 and I have to agree Anytime Dining wait times were too long. We even had a reservation every night and still had to wait about 15 minutes for our table. I expected to be seated promptly but that was not the case. I also noticed the Princess host who was seating guests seemed very stressed and unable to handle the dining room traffic during peak times. I even saw her roll her eyes at a male teenage passenger who asked "how much longer." I was not impressed with Princess dining room service. We usually skipped dessert after our meal because we had to wait so long to order, we just figured we didn't need the extra calories so we left. I'm not sure the waiter even realized he was taking too long to take our order! I've cruised on many different cruiselines and yeah, I'll probably go on Princess again, but I've definitely seen Princess provide better service in the dining room. What's up Golden?

[wannabe21]

I had a mixed experience on the Golden Princess last week. It was mostly good. The dining room experience varied from night to night. It mainly depend on the waiter we got, and what was on the menu. I'd say 50% of the time I was very pleased with the service. 25% of the time they were OK, and the other 25% of the time they where a bit rude. For some reason two of them made a face at us when we said we're ready to order. Even though we said so politely, they gave us a mean look and asked "Are you in a hurry?". We did have 2 waiters who were exceptionally nice and attentive. As for the wait, there were just 2 of us and we got our own table most of the time for just a short wait. The longest wait was just 20 minutes, but they gave us a pager so we can wander off. The mixed exprience is just typical of dining anywhere.

 

I'd definitely take another Princess cruise. However, I respect debsand's opinion on his/her experience. I believe that you can have a streak of bad luck with your dining experience. It's great for those of you who had nothing but good things to say, but you seem narrow-minded and defensive when someone has any negative thing to say. As if you own the Golden Princess or something. It seems really weird to me.

 

BTW, did anyone notice that the bed sheets were never replaced at all the whole week? Sometime our dirty towels on the floor were put back on the rack. Ewe!! That really bothered me. Even though our room steward was always sweet and nice with his cheerful greetings, I was really disappointed in him. Other than that, almost everything else was great! The ports, the comedy shows, the food, and skywalker lounge!

[GoodAsGold]

I've had Anytime Dining and never had to wait. I usually eat between 6 and 6:30 PM.

 

 

 

You had Anytime dining - where the waiter does not get to know you. Not that filling a water glass comes with getting to know you, but I'm just making a point. Sounds like you would've enjoyed Traditional where the waiter learns your particular preferences. Last time we cruised it was with my parents, and my father told the waiter on the first night that he liked his coffee right away, as soon as we sit down. So from then on (12 night cruise) he had Dad's coffee right there at his spot at the table. As far as your water glasses not being filled, I've been in classy restaurants where they were a little lax in filling mine, and all it took was to catch the waiter's eye or to ask him when he came to our table. It wasn't hard to ask.

 

How do you know how long it took between courses at the Traditional Dining room if you had Anytime? Just asking! I've cruised the Sun Princess twice and was VERY impressed with my dining experience. Also, I've read lots of posts on here from people who chose Anytime and didn't wait more than 5 minutes, if at all, for their table. Depends on what time you go.

 

Sorry your experience was less than you expected, but don't write off a whole cruiseline because of one waiter's inability to please you. You didn't mention how anything else was. Your cabin? Your steward? The activities and entertainment? The pool, spa, library, casino, lounges? Upkeep on the ship? Etc. etc. There's much more to a cruise than water in your glass.

[impalajohn]

I was on the Golden last September for a repositioning cruise. The service was okay but it seemed the dining staff were new and learning the ropes. We were then on a B2B2B in early Feb. 08 and the service was great.

 

Service is usually better in traditional dining than anytime. As someone mentioned, the waiter will adjust to your needs as they get to know you, so being at the same table with the same staff is usually better than moving around. With anytime dining, seating is better before 6PM and after 8:30PM.

 

When we have been assigned anytime seating, we have had good luck with getting a assigned table by requesting one from the dining room Maître d. You will have to decide on a early or late seating in the anytime dining room so they can use the table twice a night but you will get the same table and waiter every night.

 

Another thing I recently learned on the Emerald Princess is that the makeup of the dining room staff is changing. Many of the current European staff are not coming back after their contracts are up because of the value of the dollar. The staff are paid in dollars but have to send money home to be spent as euro's. It's gotten so bad that Princess has closed their employment center in Romania. The new staff are from South America and Mexico and are in training.

[SeattleCruiselover]

You never get that kind of service because you have a BLACK card :D When are you going to Hawaii?

 

Is that what it is? I get one of those this time, too. Have to check it out...;)

[Shelly97060]

Sailed Golden last year, sailing her again this year. Very happy with the service.

 

Sorry your trip missed the mark.

[Cruisin' Chick]

I'm confused. Did someone pass out business cards for this website on this cruise?

[JLC@SD]

Folks, I just returned from a 7-day cruise on the Golden Princess and IT WAS TERRIBLE. I should have read the reviews before we booked, but I used to agree that only the people who complain post comments and I figured it wouldn't tell me much. WHAT A MISTAKE. I am not someone who normally complains and I've been on many cruises. I usually cruise on Royal Caribbean so I know what EXCELLENT service is like. I'm sorry to say that Princess and the Golden Princess fall very short. The dining room service is very slow. If you choose Anytime Dining you'll wait 45 minutes to get a table. If you choose Traditional dining, you'll wait 10 to 15 minutes between courses. On 2 nights at dinner, the waiter completelly forgot to bring my drink and never filled our water glasses. They were completely empty and he never noticed. I get better service at my local Mexican restaurant! The dining room food was served lukewarm too. I don't think it's being picky to ask for hot food and your water glass refilled. I will NEVER cruise on Princess again, but if you think I'm a whiner and my complaints are not important to you then by all means, go on Princess. I'll wave to you from my lovely Royal Caribbean cabin. [/font]

 

If you choose Anytime Dining you'll wait 45 minutes to get a table. Anytime Dining has a serving sequence just like Traditional.....if all of the tables are seated by 6:30.......and you show up at 6:45......you will have a 45 minute wait. We learned that with Anytime we could show up at 8:00 and have a reserved table waiting for us every night....no wait.

 

If you choose Traditional dining, you'll wait 10 to 15 minutes between courses. This is normal and makes a nice leisurely meal.

 

On 2 nights at dinner, the waiter completely forgot to bring my drink and never filled our water glasses. As soon as that happened speak to the waiter.......second time call over the head waiter......it will not happen again.

 

The dining room food was served lukewarm too. I don't think it's being picky to ask for hot food and your water glass refilled. As soon as that happened speak to the waiter.......second time call over the head waiter......it will not happen again.

[JLC@SD]

Folks, I just returned from a 7-day cruise on the Golden Princess and IT WAS TERRIBLE. I should have read the reviews before we booked, but I used to agree that only the people who complain post comments and I figured it wouldn't tell me much. WHAT A MISTAKE. I am not someone who normally complains and I've been on many cruises. I usually cruise on Royal Caribbean so I know what EXCELLENT service is like. I'm sorry to say that Princess and the Golden Princess fall very short. The dining room service is very slow. If you choose Anytime Dining you'll wait 45 minutes to get a table. If you choose Traditional dining, you'll wait 10 to 15 minutes between courses. On 2 nights at dinner, the waiter completelly forgot to bring my drink and never filled our water glasses. They were completely empty and he never noticed. I get better service at my local Mexican restaurant! The dining room food was served lukewarm too. I don't think it's being picky to ask for hot food and your water glass refilled. I will NEVER cruise on Princess again, but if you think I'm a whiner and my complaints are not important to you then by all means, go on Princess. I'll wave to you from my lovely Royal Caribbean cabin. [/font]

 

here is a different take:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=756475

 

We sailed on the March 29th Golden Princess and felt the food on this cruise was some of the best we've experienced... and we've sailed 30+ Princess cruises! We attribute the high quality of the food and the artistic presentations to the keen eye of the new executive Chef Jean Peter. We had the good fortune to participate in his Chef's Table dinner, so we were able to meet him personally. His passion about food is immediately apparent.

 

BTW... we had anytime dining and after the first night, being seated at a table for 2 in a location we liked, we requested the same table throughout our cruise, and the Maitre 'd was happy to oblige.

[Ethel5]

He must be a ventriloquist-I can't see his lips move!!!:D :D :D :D :rolleyes:

[bdjam]

I'm confused. Did someone pass out business cards for this website on this cruise?

I find it interesting that everyone complaining about Golden Princess joined - it seems - just in order to do so. I would bet that there was something more than business cards being passed about. Given the propensity for multiple screen names here' date=' I wouldn't be surprised if they were the same person.[/font']

 

Doesn't matter - people either appreciate the Princess experience or they don't - it's consistent for the most part and those who don't like it should sail where they feel they are best taken care of.

[custompcsys]

Couldn't you keep at least 1??? :rolleyes:

 

Oh well....ok...I'll keep 1....if I HAVE to :rolleyes: :)

[Kaye from Chicagoland]

Agreed! Do we have trolls among us?

[debsand]

Thanks for all the posts today regarding my dining room comments, especially thanks to JCL@SD for some truly helpful comments. :) I'll admit, I wasn't happy about the dining service and made it known to a few passengers who I befriended last week. Prasid suggested I post my comments (instead of just complain to a few new friends) so I could spare others the dining room hassle. I don't cruise as much as the rest of you (this was my 5th cruise, 1st on Princess) so the tips are helpful. I always go on cruises hoping for the BEST....and like I said, I'm not picky....so this was truly an eye-opening experience for me. I guess I should have called over that Head Waiter in the white coat and asked for my glass of champagne to be delivered, instead of sulk about it. Thanks everyone.

[CrusinAgain]

I will NEVER cruise on Princess again, but if you think I'm a whiner and my complaints are not important to you then by all means, go on Princess. I'll wave to you from my lovely Royal Caribbean cabin. [/font]

 

Okay, if you insist. :p

 

And I will wave back in my lovely Princess cabin. :D

[B40 Tha Cruisa]

Debsand, I'm proud of you! You stood your ground and let Princess (and all her fans) know what kind of experience you had....now they know that Princess has it's flaws too. And I'm sure you helped a few new cruisers too. Hard to believe our little chat on Sun Deck 15 last week was viewed by over 1000+ people today! Wow! Maybe some Princess dining room staffers viewed it too....and maybe they'll improve just a tad....thanks to you~:)

 

Gee, you mean to say Princess is not perfect? I find that hard to believe...:rolleyes:

No mass market cruise line is perfect, and I am sorry you all were subjected to such awful service. However, don't insult the Princess Cruisers intelligence, we know they aren't perfect. If you read these boards you will see Princess fans(including myself) pointing out some things that the line could improve.

That being said, I feel Princess provides the best experience, for me that is.

[CrusinAgain]

Debsand, I'm proud of you! You stood your ground and let Princess (and all her fans) know what kind of experience you had....now they know that Princess has it's flaws too. And I'm sure you helped a few new cruisers too. Hard to believe our little chat on Sun Deck 15 last week was viewed by over 1000+ people today! Wow! Maybe some Princess dining room staffers viewed it too....and maybe they'll improve just a tad....thanks to you~:)

 

Being viewed by over 1000+ people doesn't mean anything. Seeing all the newbies signing up just for posting negativity in this thread tells the seasoned cruise critic member alot.

 

But if you feel that you are actually getting people not to cruise with Princess due to your post, then I certainly don't want to bust that little bubble of yours.

[A Sixth?]

I will NEVER cruise on Princess again, but if you think I'm a whiner and my complaints are not important to you then by all means, go on Princess. I'll wave to you from my lovely Royal Caribbean cabin. [/font]

 

Still following this thread, ironically, I was on the Mariner of the Seas last August and reported here how dissipointing the food service was on RCI especially after hearing so much about how superior it was.

 

From the Denny's style well worn paper menus at dinner to the limited choices to the extra charge hamburger joint Johnny Rockets, I came running back to Princess.

 

RCI finished last in my main stream cruise lines in terms of food service. And a distant last at that.

 

just my 2 cents

 

ps. How come you haven't posted since 2005? No cruises? No interest? Just asking... I find the CCritic somewhat addicting

[North2Alaska]

Agreed! Do we have trolls among us?

 

 

Thanks, Kaye. I was trying to think of the word used for someone with eight posts and seven of them negative about a ship/line.

[North2Alaska]

Debsand, I'm proud of you! You stood your ground and let Princess (and all her fans) know what kind of experience you had....now they know that Princess has it's flaws too. And I'm sure you helped a few new cruisers too. Hard to believe our little chat on Sun Deck 15 last week was viewed by over 1000+ people today! Wow! Maybe some Princess dining room staffers viewed it too....and maybe they'll improve just a tad....thanks to you~:)

 

 

:rolleyes: This is HILARIOUS. The OP has 8 posts and the only support has three! If I wasn't so trusting, I might be a little suspicious.:)

 

We loved the food on the Vison of the Sea and are looking forward to our first cruise on Princess. These kind of threads just wastes the time of those who are looking for real information to guide them on their cruising choices.

[debsand]

I guess I'm not your typical Princess customer. I expect the best all the time, and a little blip is not acceptable -- not when I only get 3 weeks of vacation a year and vacation time is so precious. I guess for frequent cruisers, you're okay with service that's normally outstanding but sometimes not. I don't always take cruise vacations, so that's why I haven't posted in awhile. I've got property on Kauai, HI and we frequently vacation there. Also, I work for a large technology company so I get lots of travel tips there. My co-workers have recommended Regent Cruise Lines for truly outstanding (and luxury) cruising. I'm told Regent is better than all the other cruise lines combined (including my beloved RCC.) So I'll see you on the Regent boards....or maybe not....if you're a devoted Princess fan. Unfortunately, I won't be getting any $399/per person Princess specials on Regent....just check their cabin prices and it's $10k per person and up. You get what you pay for, eh?:rolleyes:

[LARGIN]

bye bye :rolleyes::rolleyes: