Emerald questions...

[GTO-Girl]

We are taking our first Princess cruise on the Emerald in November and we are very excited!!

 

We have also booked our first aft balcony-B752- so I hope we have a good one!!! Can anyone tell me if the balconies have any shade at all on this deck?

 

Thanks!!

[Maksim]

Can someone explain what the "chef's table" is? We are going on Emerald in July to Scandinavia and it would be helpful to know. Thank you!

[Maksim]

I just spoke with Princess. The customer service rep told me that he was on Emerald and actually there is a dome, but it's not a cover from rain or cold weather. It's mostly for the shade. However, the pool is heated, so for those of us who like to swim, it's doable. Just bring a warm robe to bundle up afterwards. If we are lucky with the weather, it should be no problem. Hope this helps.

[Sailfish]

We sailed on then Emerald last Nov - this year my dive group is going back to the Caribbean aboard the Ruby. We all had a great time aboard the Emerald and plan to have a similar cruise experience on the Ruby. That said, I want to address some of the negative reviews. Being that the Ruby Princess is brand new, it's surprising that it too gets its share of negative reviews.

 

Though not always the case, I am noticing that a lot of glowing or positive reviews occur on voyages that take place in the off-season or during the year when you are less likely to see crowds of kids and families on the ship. The more negative ones are often during school holiday periods when the ships are full. No, this is not always the case, but I have begun to notice a trend. So much so, that I work hard to not schedule any of my cruises during school holiday periods. That's not to say you won't have a great time if you cruise in the summer. Having a lot of kids on the ship won't mean you won't have a great time. I work in education and love kids; I also used to have to cruise only during school holiday periods until my school went year round. We have never really had what I would classify a really bad cruise vacation. But some were better than others.

 

The reality of cruising during holiday periods translates into a more hectic cruise experience for me anyway. Always take those negative reviews with a grain of salt, because you can't always believe everything you read on the internet! Chances are good you'll have a great time anytime you cruise on the Emerald. This is just my personal observation and also worth taking with a grain of salt!

 

Good luck!

[mascara]

Always take those negative reviews with a grain of salt, because you can't always believe everything you read on the internet! Chances are good you'll have a great time anytime you cruise on the Emerald. This is just my personal observation and also worth taking with a grain of salt!

 

This is some really good advice. We were scheduled to take a land-based resort vacation several years ago and after it was booked I found the reviews - and oh-mi-gosh you would have thought that the resort was going to be blown away in a stiff wind, the food was made from shoe leather and cardboard, and the pool was a seventh grade science experiment. Needless to say, even with a grain of salt, I was concerned.

 

So - I had an idea. I looked up the reviews for a resort I had just visited, one I spent 8 days in and knew very well. I was surprised to read much the same opinions about that resort, too. If you believe the internet, you'd think Sandals resorts were roach motels! Seems there are some serious Sandals haters out there (I've always enjoyed it, whatever), and I can assure you, my experiences didn't even begin to match some of the reviews I read.

 

I would suggest if the reviews alarm you, check out reviews of something you have experienced to get a feel for how random reviews match your assessment. And remember, unhappiness breeds something a lot of people don't naturally have, an uncanny desire to go through effort to share it.

[awhcruiser]

No covered pool on the Emerald...

 

I am at wits end. My travel agent has called princess 3 times and they told her the Emerald has a retractable dome. Many people on cruise critic state is doesnt. Here is the latest from princess.

OK, again from Princess (Tonya) the Calypso Reef and Pool is covered by a retractable dome cover. That is located on Lido deck 15.

 

My friend called princess and they told her it did not 2 times. The travel agent was told yes 3 times. How can I get the answer for sure?

 

debkjw

[Sailfish]

This is some really good advice. We were scheduled to take a land-based resort vacation several years ago and after it was booked I found the reviews - and oh-mi-gosh you would have thought that the resort was going to be blown away in a stiff wind, the food was made from shoe leather and cardboard, and the pool was a seventh grade science experiment. Needless to say, even with a grain of salt, I was concerned.

 

So - I had an idea. I looked up the reviews for a resort I had just visited, one I spent 8 days in and knew very well. I was surprised to read much the same opinions about that resort, too. If you believe the internet, you'd think Sandals resorts were roach motels! Seems there are some serious Sandals haters out there (I've always enjoyed it, whatever), and I can assure you, my experiences didn't even begin to match some of the reviews I read.

 

I would suggest if the reviews alarm you, check out reviews of something you have experienced to get a feel for how random reviews match your assessment. And remember, unhappiness breeds something a lot of people don't naturally have, an uncanny desire to go through effort to share it.

 

We spent a week at the Sandals Regency in St. Lucia - like you, I read many negative reviews before our trip, but I also had a hunch the reviewers were not experienced travelers, had no idea what the Caribbean was all about, and arrived with unrealistic expectations. Same can be said of some reviewers who post at Cruise Critic and other sites.

 

There usually is some grain of truth to what is posted - especially if there is a pattern to the number of negative reviews a ship might get. But that's not so hard to figure out as to what might be up during the time frame those bad reviews are coming through. In some instances, the bad reviews come in during the most hectic vacation times on the calendar. Other times, its a new staff on a new ship having issues. Sometimes it's a change in provisions - stuff brought on board can vary as to quality. People should always read between the lines - the more reviews you read, the better you will be come in determining what's a valid complaint and what's simply crazy talk.

 

One big issue among people cruising for the first time is they think they know what to expect, by visiting websites such as this. So when they experience something different, they come away disappointed. Like I always tell my non-cruise buddies - don't believe everything you read on the internet. It's sometimes better to go without too many expectations!

[jagsfan]

This is how I feel about Trip Advisor. Every hotel I've ever looked up has been reviewed

as filthy, bad service, small rooms, etc. When I look up one I've used myself.....same

bad reviews. Very seldom have I seen good reviews on that site. Of course, I'm not

looking up Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons. Take all reviews with a tablespoon of salt.

 

 

This is some really good advice. We were scheduled to take a land-based resort vacation several years ago and after it was booked I found the reviews - and oh-mi-gosh you would have thought that the resort was going to be blown away in a stiff wind, the food was made from shoe leather and cardboard, and the pool was a seventh grade science experiment. Needless to say, even with a grain of salt, I was concerned.

 

So - I had an idea. I looked up the reviews for a resort I had just visited, one I spent 8 days in and knew very well. I was surprised to read much the same opinions about that resort, too. If you believe the internet, you'd think Sandals resorts were roach motels! Seems there are some serious Sandals haters out there (I've always enjoyed it, whatever), and I can assure you, my experiences didn't even begin to match some of the reviews I read.

 

I would suggest if the reviews alarm you, check out reviews of something you have experienced to get a feel for how random reviews match your assessment. And remember, unhappiness breeds something a lot of people don't naturally have, an uncanny desire to go through effort to share it.

[mascara]

This is how I feel about Trip Advisor. Every hotel I've ever looked up has been reviewed as filthy, bad service, small rooms, etc. When I look up one I've used myself.....same bad reviews. Very seldom have I seen good reviews on that site. Of course, I'm not looking up Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons. Take all reviews with a tablespoon of salt.

 

jagsfan - I have noticed this also, with a lower-priced property. Sometimes I think people expect more than they're buying.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Sailfish,

 

You are absolutely correct-there often seems to be a pattern to the bad reviews, with many coming during just after the Christmas/New years sailings or around school vacation or spring break weeks. I usually cruise in early to mid January and have often arrived feeling that maybe I had made the wrong decision, based on what I had just read, to find that the reviews seemed like they were for another ship based on what I experienced! Ditto for trip advisor!

[PescadoAmarillo]

My friend called princess and they told her it did not 2 times. The travel agent was told yes 3 times. How can I get the answer for sure?

Unless they've added it on since January 29th (and I'm sure they haven't), there are NO pools covered by retractable roofs on the Emerald. This is, in fact, a negative regarding MUTS...on rainy and cold evenings, people have to huddle under the only cover there is, which is the overhang of the decking above on Deck 16, to stay dry, and you'll find people huddled in the back of the pool area watching MUTS...from most seating along the sides, you can't see the screen.

 

Regarding all review sites (CC included), I disregard the best and worst 10% of the reviews, and focus on the remaining 80%. I use Trip Advisor quite a bit, and have actually been safe by approaching it this way. On CC, it's a bit easier to come to know (by reviewer) which opinions have the most validity for my husband and I. And I find comparative reviews the best of all, particularly when written by people with an willingness to "cruise around" and make the best of any cruise.

 

Regarding the Emerald specifically, we spent 20 days on the ship in January and enjoyed it so thoroughly (and considered it our best Princess cruises to date) that we booked the Ruby for 30 nights next January and February.

[Colo Cruiser]

Can someone explain what the "chef's table" is? We are going on Emerald in July to Scandinavia and it would be helpful to know. Thank you!

 

News Article

 

3/27/2007

 

 

Intimate Chef's Table to Debut on Emerald Princess

Culinary Enthusiasts Can Savor a Private Gastronomic Gathering with Executive Chef

 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 27, 2007) - When Emerald Princess sets sail for the first time this spring, she'll offer "foodies" a unique treat: a rare opportunity to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship's galley by the executive chef for pre-dinner cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a specially prepared multi-course tasting dinner in the dining room.

While many passengers are able to enjoy a tour of the ship's galley during the quiet off-hours, the new Chef's Table offering will give a select group of gourmets the opportunity to visit the galley at its most busy time - during dinner - and treated to a full evening of memorable sights, tastes and conversation. After the Maitre d' personally escorts the passengers to the galley and introduces them to the executive chef, the group will enjoy French champagne with appetizers. The chef will preview the details of the menu he created for them that evening, and the group will be welcomed to their special table in the dining room.

The multi-course menu will be specially created at the chef's choice, and will not be offered anywhere else on the ship. The fare might include anything from a focus on regional cuisine to a showcase of indigenous ingredients from a recent port. Each course will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of special features, preparation methods, and tasting suggestions. Red and white wine, selected by the Maitre d' to complement the meal, is included in the evening.

During the dessert course, the chef will rejoin the group at their private table to participate in a lively discussion about the evening's meal, answer any questions the guests may have, and share culinary secrets that have been perfected through the chef's many years of experience at sea and on land. On average, Princess' chefs have been honing their culinary arts skills both shipside and shoreside for at least 25 years, and all chefs are also members of the prestigious international Cha?ne des R?tisseurs gastronomic society.

"Our chefs are continuously asked by passengers how they manage to create such an impressive culinary experience for thousands of passengers each voyage," said Rai Caluori, Princess' executive vice president of fleet operations. "This will give a select group of guests an incredible close-up view of how our dishes are created and served, as well as introduce them to our talented executive chefs. They're sure to come away with a memorable experience, and perhaps some cooking secrets as well!"

Additionally, each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized autographed copy of Princess' best-selling cookbook, Courses, A Culinary Journey, which has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide and is now available on amazon.com. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary photo taken at the private table with the chef. The Chef's Table experience can be reserved by up to 10 passengers on select nights during the sailing, at a cost of $75 per person. After its debut on Emerald Princess, Chef's Table will be gradually introduced on all Princess ships fleet wide.