Caribbean Princess Engine Problems

[brego]

Just back from our June 22 sailing on the CB. First Princess cruise (have sailed HAL numerous times) and we were very impressed! Will post a review this week. Just wanted to add that I was told by 2 separate individuals at the Passenger services desk that there was engine trouble. When we boarded on the 22nd the itinerary had already been changed for Puerto Rico. We were supposed to arrive at 9 a.m. but a letter stated that due to "operational difficulties" we would not arrive until 12:00. That was later changed until 1:00. We were notified about the late arrival in Bermuda the night before we were to dock there. Again, we were told there were "operational difficulties." The rough seas on the last day were just that, rough seas. Nothing to do with the engine issues. I thought the ship did remarkably well given the conditions outside. We were given a $75 ship credit but not until the evening before our last day. We were are party of 8 and had difficulties spending all that in one day as we are bit drinkers and the spa was booked. We inquired but were told that we had to spend it all or lose it.We had started the trip with a generous credit that covered our gratuities etc. so while in principal the $75 was nice it, the timing at the end of the cruise was not the best. I still think it was a nice gesture. All in all, despite not being able to do our shore excursions in Bermuda we had a wonderful cruise and would love to sail on the CB again.

[Colo Cruiser]

Just back from our June 22 sailing on the CB. First Princess cruise (have sailed HAL numerous times) and we were very impressed! Will post a review this week. Just wanted to add that I was told by 2 separate individuals at the Passenger services desk that there was engine trouble. When we boarded on the 22nd the itinerary had already been changed for Puerto Rico. We were supposed to arrive at 9 a.m. but a letter stated that due to "operational difficulties" we would not arrive until 12:00. That was later changed until 1:00. We were notified about the late arrival in Bermuda the night before we were to dock there. Again, we were told there were "operational difficulties." The rough seas on the last day were just that, rough seas. Nothing to do with the engine issues. I thought the ship did remarkably well given the conditions outside. We were given a $75 ship credit but not until the evening before our last day. We were are party of 8 and had difficulties spending all that in one day as we are bit drinkers and the spa was booked. We inquired but were told that we had to spend it all or lose it.We had started the trip with a generous credit that covered our gratuities etc. so while in principal the $75 was nice it, the timing at the end of the cruise was not the best. I still think it was a nice gesture. All in all, despite not being able to do our shore excursions in Bermuda we had a wonderful cruise and would love to sail on the CB again.

 

 

Thanks for checking in and welcome back.

 

Sorry that your time was cut short in Bermuda. Guess you will have to book another to go back. :D

[fathercop]

Hello, gang!

 

I started a live from the CB June 22nd sailing thread, but saw this one and thought I would chime in.

 

Firstly, my overall impression of the cruise is very, very positive. I really noticed the deck attendants and the buffet personnal really keeping the ship picked-up. Of course, there was the occasional beer can hear, plate there that passengers lazily left, but the staff was right on top of it.

 

Secondly, for a great deal of complaining that many were doing, the crew was positively patient and accomodating. A plus to the crew!

 

Thirdly, yes, there were engine problems that Princess tried to repair in San Juan, but to no avail. I was a bit shocked though at the vehemence in some of the passengers comments related to the problems that were created by the engine problem. A number of people simply had it in their mind that Princess was doing this on purpose to make money or they were being secretive about what the "real" problem was. I asked one person very politely, "If you were told what the 'real' problem was, what would you do with that information."

 

Princess, along with HAL, RCL, Celebrity, etc., is professional cruising corporation. I cannot see from a business/marketing point of view why they would be deceptive and alienate their customer base. From my point of view, based on the input of crew members, the company was trying to do everything they could to remedy the problem, but have been unsuccessful thus far. I do not see any deception, but I have learned that in the United States many love a conspiracy. Why I over heard a group of people complaining that the Captain does not know what he is doing because he should be able to glide the ship through 15' seas and 40 knot winds!!!

 

At any rate, the cruise in my opinion, even with its disappointments was a success.

 

Finally, the $75.00 pp credit was a very wonderful offer of goodwill on behalf of Princess for the inconvenience.

 

I will post more on the thread I started to finish my review.

 

BTW - met some really wonderful CC folks and we had a great time with them.

 

Cheers!

[Colo Cruiser]

Hello, gang!

 

I started a live from the CB June 22nd sailing thread, but saw this one and thought I would chime in.

 

Firstly, my overall impression of the cruise is very, very positive. I really noticed the deck attendants and the buffet personnal really keeping the ship picked-up. Of course, there was the occasional beer can hear, plate there that passengers lazily left, but the staff was right on top of it.

 

Secondly, for a great deal of complaining that many were doing, the crew was positively patient and accomodating. A plus to the crew!

 

Thirdly, yes, there were engine problems that Princess tried to repair in San Juan, but to no avail. I was a bit shocked though at the vehemence in some of the passengers comments related to the problems that were created by the engine problem. A number of people simply had it in their mind that Princess was doing this on purpose to make money or they were being secretive about what the "real" problem was. I asked one person very politely, "If you were told what the 'real' problem was, what would you do with that information."

 

Princess, along with HAL, RCL, Celebrity, etc., is professional cruising corporation. I cannot see from a business/marketing point of view why they would be deceptive and alienate their customer base. From my point of view, based on the input of crew members, the company was trying to do everything they could to remedy the problem, but have been unsuccessful thus far. I do not see any deception, but I have learned that in the United States many love a conspiracy. Why I over heard a group of people complaining that the Captain does not know what he is doing because he should be able to glide the ship through 15' seas and 40 knot winds!!!

 

At any rate, the cruise in my opinion, even with its disappointments was a success.

 

Finally, the $75.00 pp credit was a very wonderful offer of goodwill on behalf of Princess for the inconvenience.

 

I will post more on the thread I started to finish my review.

 

BTW - met some really wonderful CC folks and we had a great time with them.

 

Cheers!

 

 

Thanks Rich hurry up and come back over to the Ruby!! :D

[frofro]

So was this engine problem fixed? :confused:

[Colo Cruiser]

So was this engine problem fixed? :confused:

 

 

I don't think so. :)

[doublemm16]

So was this engine problem fixed? :confused:

 

No. I just got off the CB today and the engine problem has not been fixed. It was still a great cruise though!!

[doublemm16]

we were on one of those rain forest busses as well. We were turned around when the passengers took over and took a vote... one over for a majority vote. I spoke with some others that got on one of the first busses (1:50) and they made it there. They were fortunate enough to get a driver that knew alternate roads. Princess really botched this on return to the ship. Not happy at all with how they handle excursions and port information.

 

I think you were on my rainforest bus. Did you see the senator get out of his vehicle and direct traffic? If yes, you were on my bus.

[frofro]

No. I just got off the CB today and the engine problem has not been fixed. It was still a great cruise though!!

 

 

Are they planning on fixing it? I thought for sure they would repair it today, but it left anyway.....I leave next week :eek:

[zippyboro]

I think you were on my rainforest bus. Did you see the senator get out of his vehicle and direct traffic? If yes, you were on my bus.

 

no, I never saw that... just a motorcade going thru traffic on the way back to the terminal. I was traveling with 3 kids, one of which was crying from disappointment... not a good day:mad: . The poor guy who drew the short straw and had to man the tour desk afterwards was both clueless and relatively unsympathetic.

[cali fashionista]

So do I!have they ever canceled a cruise because of this?

[cali fashionista]

i meant i TRAVEL 7/10 AS WELL AND I WANTED TO KNOW IF THEY WOULD CANCEL THE CRUISE DUE TO THE ENGINE PROBLEMS OR WOULD THEY HAVE IT FIXED BY THEN

[doublemm16]

no, I never saw that... just a motorcade going thru traffic on the way back to the terminal. I was traveling with 3 kids, one of which was crying from disappointment... not a good day:mad: . The poor guy who drew the short straw and had to man the tour desk afterwards was both clueless and relatively unsympathetic.

 

I think we were following your bus. The senator was in the motorcade. The assistant purser came along to take names of those who were on the canceled tour. I just gave my name and cabin number and did not really say much else. Our friends had some issues with them though.

[SRQfireman]

I was told by a few crew members ( I was on the June 22nd sailing) that the reason they didn't go into dry dock was because the ship was rented out for private parties...and that they will go into dry dock in January.

 

Ya they rented it out alright.....I was one of the renters.....we had a great time on our 3 night cruise, after getting kicked off the 4 night cruise ;) .....as others mentioned...it's too bad they don't do that more often...but these unusual situations don't come up very often...so I doubt there's much of a chance of seeing these 3/4 dayers for awhile

[doublemm16]

Are they planning on fixing it? I thought for sure they would repair it today, but it left anyway.....I leave next week :eek:

 

I do not think they can fix it until dry dock. The ship sails fine. It just goes a little slower...and it can be a little rocky at times do to the reduced use of stabilizers. I think they are altering itineraries to accomodate the slower speeds, but no talk of canceling cruises.

[zippyboro]

I think we were following your bus. The senator was in the motorcade. The assistant purser came along to take names of those who were on the canceled tour. I just gave my name and cabin number and did not really say much else. Our friends had some issues with them though.

wow... we never saw anyone associated with princess near our tour...:confused: We were the last bus taken out.

[frofro]

i meant i TRAVEL 7/10 AS WELL AND I WANTED TO KNOW IF THEY WOULD CANCEL THE CRUISE DUE TO THE ENGINE PROBLEMS OR WOULD THEY HAVE IT FIXED BY THEN

 

 

I doubt they will cancel it, I'm just wondering what they are waiting for to fix it :eek: CALI we're on the SAME sailing....I haven't seen you on our roll call, stop by and say hello...we have a meet n greet planned...

 

July 10, 2008~~Caribbean Princess~~ - Page 29 - Cruise Forums - Cruise Message Boards - Cruise Critic

[frofro]

I do not think they can fix it until dry dock. The ship sails fine. It just goes a little slower...and it can be a little rocky at times do to the reduced use of stabilizers. I think they are altering itineraries to accomodate the slower speeds, but no talk of canceling cruises.

 

 

Well then, it's a good thing I don't get seasick! I wonder why our sailing hasnt had any itinerary change...

[zippyboro]

Well then, it's a good thing I don't get seasick! I wonder why our sailing hasnt had any itinerary change...

 

... just wait until the night before your port... then you'll find out!:rolleyes:

[frofro]

... just wait until the night before your port... then you'll find out!:rolleyes:

 

 

ugh! :eek: :mad: :(

[doublemm16]

... just wait until the night before your port... then you'll find out!:rolleyes:

 

Or in the case of Bermuda...the day of!:eek:

[domdombus]

...... I was a bit shocked though at the vehemence in some of the passengers comments related to the problems that were created by the engine problem. A number of people simply had it in their mind that Princess was doing this on purpose to make money or they were being secretive about what the "real" problem was. I asked one person very politely, "If you were told what the 'real' problem was, what would you do with that information."........

 

You should read the posts here from a few days ago where every time someone mentioned there was engine problems on the CB causing the itinerary changes more than few jumped down their throat that Princess was doing this because of gas prices. Strange how all those people have now stopped doing it and apparently now accept the facts as being facts.

 

Such is life a pot unstirred just isn't appetizing. drama pushes boredom away.

[Nymue]

Would you like them to keep the Casino and the Bars Open? :D

 

We're on the October 5th sailing for our 10th anniversary. I'm going to enjoy it no matter what happens because there is no changing it now. The only thing I would not like is if the cabins are hot - but we're sailing Canada/New England in October! YEAHHHH. All I ask is that they keep the casino and the bars open.

[High Cs]

We were on a Princess cruise a few years ago that changed the ports schedule and had to go at reduced speed due to mechanical problems. Many of the passengers were very upset and demanded their money back. Some left the ship before the cruise started.

 

However, we noticed some of the most vocal passengers (demanding this and that and generally trying to incite a riot) stayed on board for the entire cruise. Was it a sneaky way to get some people off the ship so they could get a cabin upgrade?? :rolleyes:

 

Even though we missed a port or two, it was a cruise and we enjoyed it very much! I felt sorry for the ones who left before it started.

[JLC@SD]

I beg to differ. After spending thousands of dollars on a vacation and getting the run around I have the right not to just smile like a simpleton and make the best of it. The people in customer service can at least be honest about what is going on. I have a cruise scheduled for the end of July and they told me the itinerary was changed due to weather. Sorry, I'm just not that forgiving. I don't intend to yell at anyone but I'm also not going to just say thank you and can I give you even more of my hard earned money.

 

In case you have not noticed.....Large Corporations do not issue statements through their Customer Service Personnel........they issue them through Public Notices.....usually posted on their website.

 

.......and they do not make public announcements until they have definitive information.

 

So why are you expecting a Customer Service Rep to tell you all the facts..........

 

But if you want a statement.........here it is.......

 

We are having engine problems......don't know why.....we are trying to fix it......don't know when it will be fixed.....but we are doing the best we can.....so you can have a great cruise with your hard earned money.......:rolleyes: