We Tried Princess, Here's My Comparison Notes

[royalcruz]

I think that the entertainment is MUCH better on Royal than on Princess. I was actually a little bored on Caribbean Princess because they played the same music at every party, and the piano singer played the same songs every night. And if we didn't get to the theatre 15-20 minutes before showtime we couldn't get seats. The buffet food and specialty food was good, but the dining room food was too bland or too salty, so on my last Princess cruise we didn't go to the dining room at all. I would try Princess again based on price, but much prefer Royal and Celebrity.

[GoodAsGold]

Yes, that's the same exact size closet that was in our interior cabins. Spacious. And, behind the mirror cabinet is the safe like you mentioned, but also several shelves. We used them for our folded clothes. Lots of storage.

 

On 70 night, this past week, we rocked the boat. I dropped it and it took me a while to pick it back up:D. If there is music and a few willing to get things started things can only get better.

 

 

 

Since the sofa folds down into a bed that should give you enough toom for a pack and play. The closet is in a balcony room but i think the large closet is standard. The mini-suite has a tub so bathing smaller children.

[GoodAsGold]

Speaking of getting out there and dancing in our "senior years", back in 2003 on my Sun Princess cruise, I was down in the Wheelhouse bar and noticed an elderly lady sitting there. We got into a conversation and she said she was a recent widow in her 80s and there with her daughter. This was your typical white-haired "grandma". Didn't try to look younger or anything. She was saying how she missed dancing with her husband. They loved to kick up their heels. Well, next thing you know, she and I got out there and really boogied! That old gal gave me a run for my money! The band played some great '50s-through '70s rock and roll, so it was definitely sh**-kickin' music! :D By the time we were done dancing, both of us had broken out into a sweat. I think we were both surprised at how much energy we each had out on that floor! :p

 

Princess is a wonderful "SAILING" vessel...not a mega mall, theme park or night club on sea. I realized since I wanted to dance but wasn't going to a nightclub to be proactive about it. I ended up dancing more than I did on any other vacation; land or sea. I even went out on the dance floor by myself and others join me. I wanted a rocking time and I took charge of it. I am sure at 65 I will be moving it on the dance floor.....so I am asking for dance partners here and now!

[downunder1]

Am I relieved I hadn't turned into an RCCL snob! I took my friend on her first cruise and talked it up and up, only to be horrified at the cuts amenities and terrible service on AOS earlier this month. Im not picky, but it was so obviously noone on the crew cared at all for the loyal cruisers that I went and complained to the Loyalty Ambassador vs. booking another one, as I usually do. All I got in return was my waiter chastizing me me that night in the dining room in front of my table for giving him his first every negative comment.....If my friend hadnt have held me back I woulda have walked straight to the Maitre de to point out yet another example of how far RCCL has slipped. Unfortunately I cant change my flights for my May 2 cruise, so Im stuck, but I am looking forward to trying Princess

[GoodAsGold]

I didn't notice what deck her balcony was on, but the Caribe deck is the way to go (on Grand class ships, at least.). You actually have a double balcony. Part of it is covered and the other part is out in the sun. The other decks don't offer this, so if you go, be sure and book accordingly.

 

kooljamming:

 

Thank you for the information. I will definitely need a tub to bathe our future son/daughter.

 

I checked out your Webshots cabin pictures and I have a question regarding the mini suite. I noticed that the balcony was huge and would like to know (if you don't mind) what cabin number is that. DH/I enjoy spending time on the balcony and since the little one will be taking naps we'll be spending more time in our cabin. Are there many cabins with that size balcony? Any information would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

Sea ya!

[Tatka]

We cruised both line twice.

 

Splendor/Explorer and Caribbean/Ruby

 

We like both cruise lines, but prefer Princess (although our next is on Explorer. Go figure).

 

Explorer is an unusual ship with skating, climbing wall, promenade and other things, but we did like pools on Princess more, especially aft Terrace pool Adult Only... While Ruby/Caribbean don't have Promenade, Piazzas are stunning, gorgeous.

 

Food... Hmmm the best food was on Caribbean 3 years ago, we saw some cutbacks on Ruby, but still prefer it slightly to RCCL's.

 

One thing we really liked on Splendor was solarium pool.. I wish Explorer/Ruby/Caribbean had a pool with a roof.

 

We also liked dressing/closets area on Princess.

 

My DH liked 24 hours buffets on Princess.

 

I also think Princess provides better smaller scale entertainment in bars.. and MUTS is a great experience

 

Anyway, we are sailing on Explorer and fully expect to enjoy our time on her!

[jmaco]

Here's what we found - Family of 4.

 

The Speakeasy was OK nothing over the top. I was very unimpressed with the Casino/Speakeasy - seems like the space feels unfinished - not to mention I saw or heard of NO winners on the slots - It was horrible. Although I donated loads - it would have been nice to see or hear about someone being a winner. The casino is not very elegant or dressed up as I've seen on Celebrity and RCCL in comparison - felt like I was in a warehouse.

 

As to why other posters, as we did, the overall, was just "good". We were 8 in our party who all have been fans of RCCL and Celebrity and decided to try Princess - Food on Emerald was very good! Sabatini’s and Crown Grill were excellent. We actually did not have to pay the up charge for lobster since it was on the menu that night - We all ordered double tails! Awesome.

 

Don't know why - the staff on board seemed very bothered? Not all, but most, with few exceptions. It was very noticeable and when I mentioned this to other passengers they expressed the same. Not the same welcome feel like we've had on other cruise lines, even Costa.

 

We were in a suite and our attendant was great - responsive - even gave him extra $$ - but he was not the most friendly/upbeat type - never asked if all was OK or if we needed anything - just something I expected after forking out the big bucks for a suite? Bed was just OK.

 

Kids: My kids preferred Celebrity and RCCL over Princess - Kids activities were at an all time low - same old thing - not as impressive as RCCL and Celebrity - which goes for the staff as well. The schedule was not as flexible as on Celebrity as for hours of operation and extra activities during dinner time where the kids could dine earlier than 7PM with staff. Baby sitting was basically a TV movie and PS2. No parties / fun stuff during baby sitting and they closed at mid-night. Celebrity and RCCL are open until 1AM as memory serves best. Sorry - but we like to party - kids are 10+ but we don't let them run the ship at night on their own.

 

Room Service: Always on time! But could they get the order right - just once? :eek:

 

Anytime Dining - We loved it! But....we thought we took advantage of the extra time and wasted much of the night hours, our fault...too long of a cocktail hour...so we felt we actually worked better on scheduled meal times. It made everyone keep to a schedule. :rolleyes: I like the set up now offered on Celebrity - Not anytime - but full service with a Reservation in converted area of buffet dining area that they 'dress up'. Not sure if RCCL is offering this.

 

Music on board: (General Areas) Pool, Generic Lounge Area (back of ship) - there were a number of times we thought people were doing Karaoke!:eek:

 

There were enough subtle differences that all 8 in our party agreed we liked our other trips more than this one - even had a running joke...that wouldn't happen on.....! OK - We've become cruise snobs! :rolleyes:

 

Ship: Emerald was nice - IMHO 'VERY NEAT and CLEAN" We can't stand the layout - For a newly designed ship - Dining areas have low ceilings and "1980's" feel - were they going "retro"? No connecting cabins! Makes this difficult for families to book on these ships - I checked out the Minisuites - Not too impressed. What's up with all the rooms having open air closet space? Ours did not - but when I saw the closet areas open in some other cabins, I was like, "what the ...." is that all about? Having to deal with "beam" and "vent" issues when choosing our cabin made me totally nuts! Thanks to these boards we ended up with a great balcony!

 

When you read this take the comments lightly - just some points we noticed and thought I would mention as none of the issues caused ill will or reason to have a "bad" experience IMHO.

 

All in all - we did have a good time - ate great food - and had 10 days off but will return to RCCL and Celebrity for a while. :cool:

 

I will admit - I was impressed with the food on Princess but not the choices.

[TheRoseLady]

I LOVE Afternoon Tea on Princess! You can go into the dining room in your (covered swim wear) and still be able to enjoy this white glove service as if you were dressed for a grand ball. It's such a special way to enjoy some goodies and to be pampered in the late afternoon. And those little scones with whipped cream and preserves are beyond delectable!

 

Thank you for mentioning the dress code (or lack of)...It looks like it would be a stuffy affair with little old ladies in the Patter, but in reality it is sooo enjoyable, casual but elegant. I'm sure that we'll miss this on RCCL, and may be one of the reasons that we head back to Princess for the next cruise. :D

[Tatka]

Oh.. I agree about older kids/teen program. My teen liked RCCL's better, but on Celebrity (Century/Mercury) it was almost non-existent.

 

During our cruise on Ruby - staff was unbelievable!!! Everybody would cheer you everywhere. In buffets at first I thought they were trying to sell me something, but they just offered tea/coffe/juices... Waiters would actually move your chair for you in buffets!

 

We loved both concepts.. Huge open restaurant on RCCL and smaller, but cozy dining rooms on Princess. We love convenience of anytime dining.. and being seated in different areas you feel like goning into different restaurants. :)

[LuvMyVette]

Dapzilla:

Our minisuite balcony on the Crown Princess was HUGE. Ours was E730, but you'll see lots of great balcony information if you hop over to the Princess boards vs. here on the RC boards. :) Good luck!

Thank you very much for the cabin number. I'm going to add this to my notes and review the deck plans. I'll have to hop over to the Princess boards and do more research. Thanks!

Sea ya!

[LuvMyVette]

GoodAsGold:

My in-laws have sailed twice in a Princess Grand-class mini suite with their young sons and it was more than adequate for them. Me, I always book the "cheap seats" or an obstructed view cabin and it's always been fine, too.

Thank you for the info. on the mini suite. From viewing the pictures and reading posts... I think this will work out perfectly for us.

Sea ya!

[LuvMyVette]

GoodAsGold:

I didn't notice what deck her balcony was on, but the Caribe deck is the way to go (on Grand class ships, at least.). You actually have a double balcony. Part of it is covered and the other part is out in the sun. The other decks don't offer this, so if you go, be sure and book accordingly.

Wonderful advice and I'll keep that in mind. I like the half covered/half uncovered. DH loves the shade and I enjoy the sun. Thanks again!

Sea ya!

[cruisnfool]

The age mix is what helps to enjoy the evening activities.

The older people go to bed early. You can actually get a seat in the disco or bar and hear the person next to you.

We are mid 50's.

 

Years ago on Carnival the age population was so young that the bars and disco rocked till the wee hours. The rooms were so packed you couldn't get in much less enjoy it.

Give me the age spread anytime.