Crown Princess just back..the good & the bad

[across the seas]

We flew into

Gatwick on Aug 12 and arrived at 5:20 am...had made private limo pick up arrangements and they were waiting for us on arrival. The trip down to Southampton was 1 1/2 hours due to the time of day..no traffic to contend with. We arrived at the ship as it was disembarking and of course we could not check in but the wonderful lady's in attendance got us organized and it was not too bad, within 30 minutes they had taken our luggage and as soon as the computers were up we checked in. We then were sent upstairs to the embarkation lounge to wait while the ship was made ready. At about 12 noon they announced Elite and Platinum so we were onboard by 12:15, rooms were ready and we went up to lunch at Horizon Court....nice buffet and still lots of room due to time. Anyone arriving as early as we did could have very easily done a tour prior to boarding....

We had booked 2 inside rooms...one with 3 and the other with 4...on Aloha deck...we were pleased the rooms were bigger than we anticipated and with the cruise being port intensive I didn't miss the balcony at all...we only slept and showered in our cabins and were out and about the rest of the time. Cabin Stewart was great.

The ship was full, approx 3200 with quite a few teens and younger on board, not a problem that I was aware of...quite well behaved. We had traditional dining, late sitting, and our waiter Noel, and assistant Richard took really good care of us, we lucked out and had a table for 8 at a window, right at the back of the ship, great sunset views. We enjoyed the food, good selection and great service ,the table captain Wolfgang greeted us each night asking if all was to our liking. We did purchase the coffee card and soda card....well worth it, the 3 teens certainly got their money's worth and we enjoyed the specialty coffees and the good fresh perked as well, the syrup coffee has never been to my liking. We ate at the Horizon & Caribe for breakfast and found the offerings to be good, lots of fresh fruit and the usual choice of fried or scrambled eggs, omlets, pancakes, waffles, toast or fresh breads, etc. cereals, meats and every day there was salmon sliced and with all the extras. Our only complaint was with the serve staff, not all but enough to mention were rather more interested in talking amongst themselves and for about 80% of the time it was quicker to get our own water, juice, coffee, and to stack our used plates to the side. The Horizon was full and obtaining a table for 7 was an adventure in itself, especially when we were rushing to get off the ship for a tour. The hamburger/hot dog grill area was great, immaculately clean and service moved right along, sometimes 5 -10 min for your burger to cook. Pizza was quite good as well, some better than others. Ice cream, hard vanila & chocolate, soft serve as well was right there beside the pizza and we enjoyed it as well. Due to the cold/wet weather the deck area's were not full at all, pools were used mostly by the teens and a few brave folks, hot tubs were really used. The bar staff around the pools were somewhat bored....not too much activity except at sail away. The Ships Atrium is beautiful, daily entertainment was great there, people were everywhere and it was difficult to sit and enjoy. The International Cafe is amazing, fresh brewed coffee, and the food selection was amazing, in the am croissants, muffins, donuts, etc. all fresh baked and at lunch the quiches, salads, etc. were great. We did not see the afternoon and early evening offerings.Crooners martini bar was hopping and I now love martinis. Did not bar hop in the evenings as dinner was not over til 9:45 or so...went to a few shows, they were typical of the cruise ships offerings....bands were good, comedy so so, illusionist was good, for the most part not overly exciting, would not have lined up to get in. MUTS was great, the weather did not cooperate so lots of seats were available along with towels and blankets.

The shops were busy selling the usual cruise offerings and the Casino (when it could open) was moderately attended, never saw it crowded. Went to the library a couple of times but never when it was open, timing is everything. Attended the line dancing was fun but not many participants. We found the LACK of announcements as to when the Bingo, Dancing, Golf putting, all of the activities, disconcerting. Yes it is mentioned in the Patter, but not any enthusiam by the cruise staff..so attendance was down. The Teen centre was the same very little input by the cruise staff to start any games etc. I'm used to more interaction by the cruise staff and it just wasn't there on this cruise. We actually felt that most of the cruise staff was having a relaxing time during this 10 day cruise.

The Ports were good, we chose to do most on our own, get off walk around and see the sights. We were fortunate to be in Scotland for the Edinburgh Tattoo... IT WAS FANTASTIC.

rain and all. The only problem there was in getting off the ship...we were in South Queensferry and had to be tendered in...Utter Chaos....nothing appeared to be well organized, people did not read their tickets/letter as to how to meet. everyone jammed the corridors and we all, including Princess staff became very agitated, pushing , shouting and the like, not good. one line, which became a mob, to get a tender sticker, then another to actually get your tattoo tickets. Princess needs to look at this and make changes as to how it should work. The people of Scotland really put it out there to welcome the ship, pipers, volunteers and really nice people all around, the three ports of Scotland were amazing right from coming in to leaving. Most of the other ports were very industrial and shuttles were needed. Not friendly like the small towns of Scotland where the ship entered. LeHarve is very industrial....and the trip to Paris is long, but the sights are great, LOTS of people at the Eiffle Tower, Louvre and Notre Dame, really not enough time to do much but look at, not in, these beautiful places. Dublin was amazing, lots to see and a relatively easy walk, Belfast the same, Hop on Hop off bus worked very well. Cobh was beautiful, very hilly and very interesting. St Peters Port again was a lovely spot, could walk around and enjoy the local area.Liverpool was great, lots and lots to see and do.

Although I am not a big fan of the Grand Class, 3000 passenger ships, this cruise was pretty good.. The daily activities that I found lacking in staff organization were not that big a deal as this cruise was very port intensive and most of us were busy doing our trips and not a great deal of time to spend on board, however on sea days it was noticed.

The ship itself is beautiful, very clean and most of the staff were great, always willing to help and ensure that your vacation was good. The Ships photographer should look at adjusting their charges and perhaps they would sell more pictures. The Tour desk should be more available, opening hours were few and long lines were the norm. The pursers desk was great, always available and willing to assist.

A good trip .... please excuse any spelling/grammar errors, my spell check won't work.

[skt4cruise]

We four were also on this cruise. We all found the food lacking, nothing exciting and nothing to complain about.

We had late seating and never were on time for any of the shows, but even in that area, nothing exciting. Saw bits of a Motown show that was ghastly.

 

DH took the Ultimate Ship's tour and really enjoyed that, even at $150. He received 5 pictures of his group with the captain etc. and got a chance to discuss and ask questions of the captain and crew.

 

Watch the spa charges, I had a manicure that was charged out at $328, real cost was $45, so just please double check all your charges.

 

International Cafe was indeed the best food and at no extra cost. I did get the coffee card and it was great, 15 specialty drinks and all the brewed coffee you want for free. Cost of card was about $22.

 

I think the staff was standoffish and at one time downright rude, I reported the incident and received a huge bouquet of flowers from Loren in passenger services. Dinner service was wonderful.

Our room steward had to be asked several times before she would bring water to be replenished in frig but on the other hand was very thorough in cleaning, the whole ship was spotless.

 

If you have any specific questions, be happy to answer.

We all 4 had a wonderful time, I loved sitting on the balcony wrapped up in the lush robe, we are only first time Princess, but as it happens, we won't go again.

[Shogun]

Helo Across the sea,

 

thank you for such a detailed review, was on the Crown in the Med in the summer having dinner on her this weekend and then meeting up with her in Canada. Doing last cruise out of qubec this year.

 

Glad you enjoyed Scotland and the tatoo, did you see any wild haggis flying about on your tours.

 

 

We did the tatoo with Princess to years ago there was 17 bus loads of us,

 

it all went very well.

 

Night tendering in rough water is great fun.

 

yours

 

Shogun

[skt4cruise]

We also did the Tattoo and it was wonderful, tendering great fun on the way back :D

We also spent the day in Edinburgh, hired a taxi from Hawes and made several rounds.

 

Sitting on the balcony all wrapped up in rough seas is my favorite thing to do!

[skt4cruise]

We had Haggis in Wales....yummmmm

[Ethel5]

Thank you both for your comments. Funny how one man's ceiling is another man's floor.:)

[coiran]

To the OP - Where is the BAD - albeit your review was a little difficult to read but I didn't see any BAD in it?

Ron

[across the seas]

Helo Across the sea,

 

thank you for such a detailed review, was on the Crown in the Med in the summer having dinner on her this weekend and then meeting up with her in Canada. Doing last cruise out of qubec this year.

 

Glad you enjoyed Scotland and the tatoo, did you see any wild haggis flying about on your tours.

 

 

We did the tatoo with Princess to years ago there was 17 bus loads of us,

 

it all went very well.

 

Night tendering in rough water is great fun.

 

yours

 

Shogun

 

Hello Shogun, the tatoo was amazing, not too many places I would be happy to sit in the rain for but this certainly was one of them. The Fringe festival was happening at the same time and the royal mile was packed with young theatre hopefuls putting on performances and encouraging everyone to attend their particular offering, lots of fun. Although we looked and looked, no flying haggis were spotted, maybe next time.

Cheers

Ann

[across the seas]

To the OP - Where is the BAD - albeit your review was a little difficult to read but I didn't see any BAD in it?

 

Ron

 

Sorry the review was difficult, should have paragraphed more on topic, sort of turned out like a long letter. There really wasn't too much BAD about this cruise, the absolute chaos for the tattoo tour was horrible though, not just Princess' fault but also passengers who refuse to abide by the instructions, out of 1000 going to this about 700 all arrived outside the Princess theatre when we all were given a time slot, then everyone wanted their tender ticket and tattoo tickets RIGHT THEN, Princess staff was overwhelmed, people were pushing, yelling etc. then Princess staff had to yell louder to be heard.Not organized at all, really needs someone in authority to have come forward and take charge.

 

The only other "complaint" was the serve staff at the buffet, I understand that 3000 passengers can be difficult, but...a good number of the staff chose to wander, talk amongst themselves and ignore, we really are not demanding passengers and therefore got our own beverages, stacked our own dirty plates etc. I've not experienced this before on any of my 30+ cruises so I felt the need to mention it.

 

I have experienced short hours on the Tour Desk before but on this cruise they appeared even further reduced, this caused very long line ups when they would finally open..I know alot of passengers occupy alot of time when they are face to face with the people they have questions for and thus the line moves very slowly but maybe a few more hours per day would help with that.

 

My comment about the photographers was maybe a personal issue, although I feel that when they are taking sooo! many pictures, $20.00 a pop is high...we didn't see too many being bought and felt that they could improve their bottom line (costs alot to print that many) if they reduced their prices.

 

This was a port intensive cruise and I felt other than the few things I have mentioned above it was really good, everyone has personal likes and dislikes, food is certainly one of them, entertainment as well, but you take the good with the not so good and enjoy.

 

Ann

[jimpod]

Helo Across the sea,

 

thank you for such a detailed review, was on the Crown in the Med in the summer having dinner on her this weekend and then meeting up with her in Canada. Doing last cruise out of qubec this year.

 

Glad you enjoyed Scotland and the tatoo, did you see any wild haggis flying about on your tours.

 

 

We did the tatoo with Princess to years ago there was 17 bus loads of us,

 

it all went very well.

 

Night tendering in rough water is great fun.

 

yours

 

Shogun

 

Hi Shogun

 

How did you manage to get an invite to the Crown this weekend? We used to receive invitations for the lunches but have had nothing this year. Planning on going down to Greenock to see the ship as we are boarding her next week for the Transatlantic crossing via, Norway, Faroes, Lerwick, Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland. Have a good day.

[gb58]

We had Haggis in Wales....yummmmm

 

 

Did you catch it yourselves???:D

[Shogun]

Hi There Jimpod,

 

The only reason I got an invite to dinner was because I have been having dealings with Head office in US and they had a little problem, so they said sorry, would you like to visit the Crown.

 

yours Shogun

[Posaune]

A lot of the problems with tendering in South Queensferry involved the hundreds of people that bought independent tickets and arranged their own land transport in for the Tattoo. They still had to tender and the Princess folks had no idea how many there were going to be.

 

I found the food to be quite good with great selections in the dining room and in Horizon. We had no difficulty finding seating in Horizon, maybe you had to walk back to the rear, but we always found seats without a problem. There was nearly always someone at the Horizon buffet exit asking if we needed help carrying our plates to the table.

 

We only had one night in the dining room that we had to wait and only for ten minutes. Service in the dining room was good except for one night. THe guys were trying, but too much was happening at once. I have waited tables in my lifetime, so I actually felt sorry for them.

 

The majority of the crew was extremely friendly and accommodating. I notices the long lines at the tour desk, but did not have to deal with that thank goodness. I hope that the lady they carted off in an ambulance in Le Havre is doing ok.

 

We managed to pull off a miracle using self disembarkation at 6 AM and rushing off in a cab and local bus to make a 10:30 AM flight at Heathrow.

 

Shogun, did you happen to come to any of the sailaways?