Emerald Princess Review - Just off the 10/25 sailing

[Luckyladyh]

I won't bore everyone with all the details of getting there - it is what it is - just don't try to board the ship around noon - with everyone else. Enough said.

The Emerald Princess is a beautiful ship - our first time on her. The ship was spotless - overall crew was very good. Just what you would expect for the money you paid - you get a great value.

Room - we were in Caribe 219 - balcony - good room - great balcony - bed was a little hard - asked for an egg crate - definitely helped. Clean - bathroom very small - but they all are. TV selection not that great - but we didn't watch it much. Very clean - cabin steward good - loved the refrigerator - we kept it stocked with our own "stuff" and worked out just fine.

Food - I wouldn't recommend the buffet. Food wasn't great. However the food in the dining room (we did anytime) was fantastic. Always could find something delicious to eat. Lobster night (Thursday) was outstanding - first night there was Prime Rib which was tasty. Was hard to get into the anytime dining room, as the Michealangelo was taken up by a large singles group. But it all worked out - went to Davinci - we rarely had to wait more than 10 minutes - but often had to sit with others - they were taking some people to the traditional dining room also. Turned out great - you get to meet people. If you really wanted to sit alone, you could wait for a table. We did about half and half. Service was good - not outstanding - not first class, but very respectable.

And yes - on the first night on the buffet they did have shrimp and crab knuckles. We had them as an appetizer as we watched football on the MUTS.

I am a major beef eater - and there were so many fish options in the dining room that I ate fish or scallops or lobster 6 of the nights. The Halibut was outstanding.

The best kept secret it seemed was the International Cafe on deck 5 - the best chicken salad I have ever had. They had shrimp salad, quiches, soup, other salads, and the best deserts on the ship. The only charge was for the gelato which we don't really care for anyway. The next best kept secret regarding food was the Cafe Caribe - most people stopped at the first buffet - but if you keep going to the back of the ship - there is another buffet - that is much quieter and nicer. In the evening, they would have a few different dishes than the other buffet. We didn't eat there but looked several times.

Sabatini's - we ate there the last night - it was good - lots of food. Very tasty - great service. I overheard several say that they also ate at Crown Grill (steaks) and were much happier with the food at Sabatini's. Because the steaks have to be pan cooked - of course no grill/fire. But Sabatini's was in my opinion the prettiest dining room on board.

Chef's Table - did this - loved it - tour of the galley - my the kitchen was spotless - you could have eaten off the floor - great appetizers - Chef was funny and entertaining. Had champagne and appetizers in the galley and then went to a table in the back of Michaelangelo for our dinner - there were 12 of us - had wonderful food and wine - so much fun - will do it again and again. Worth the $75. per person - if you like wine - you will drink almost that much worth. The Champagne and wine were both top of the line.

Bars - they have so many - often empty - but that was good with us - we tried them all. The best - and the least crowded by Adagio - next to Sabatini's. They specialize in martini's but have everything. The room is so beautiful and elegant. I don't think most people even knew it was there. Another place we loved was the wine bar. They had appetizers every night - free sushi, tapas, and you could order a cheese try for $1.00 per type of cheese - what a bargain!! The wine was reasonably priced also. The ship's officers would come between 5 - 7 and greet people and talk - it was a great time. Wish we went more - but there was always somewhere new to go.

Also liked the Wheelhouse - and the British lunch two times during the cruise. It was a beautiful room - and good service/good food. But again, go to Adagio - so romantic and service was outstanding.

Casino - didn't care for it much - spent about $100 - of course lost it, but just not much to draw me in there. There was a cigar bar enclosed within the casino which looked neat - didn't go in.

Pools - plentiful - pretty standard - plenty of chairs - the Sanctuary at the spa was beautiful - but not many takers I saw - the $$ was high to use it I thought. But very nice if you are so inclined to pay. You can do a full day or half day.

Everything else was pretty standard cruising!

Ports - St. Martin was our favorite - went to Marigot to look around first - took a cab for about $20.00 - thought there would be a neat french market and it was tourist junk - a waste of time - then took a cab across the island to Orient Beach - another $20.00.

Small sand area but the water is absolutely gorgeous. DO NOT take children near the Pedro's next to the nude beach. I saw that question on here often - if you don't want them to see it - don't take them - there was total nudity on the "nude" side and then there are rocks and you are on the "other side" which is also topless. But..... inside Pedro's - wow. I am not a prude - but a few would have been arrested had they been in the states. Very very vulgar. But I don't suppose that is the norm. There are other beaches for kids - this one isn't it! A lady sitting in the chair row behind us got her back pack stolen - which was sad. There are so many "sales people" roaming around. So go to the beach in St. Martin - just don't bring anything of value. It really was nice - don't worry - just don't bring kids or valuables. Another $20 cab ride to downtown and we shopped. BY FAR - this was the cheapest liquor we found on the entire trip. We bought $200 worth and had it sent to the ship.

St. Thomas - went to Emerald Beach - beautiful and very close to the ship. The cab driver took us to the hotel next to the Best Western and we didn't know it till we were dropped off - was fine - but I think I would have liked the Best Western better. More shade and palapas to sit under - right next door. All the same beach though - beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. $$8.00 per couple each way - so $16 and then a tip.

Turks - also gorgeous - we stayed near the dock right off the ship - you had everything - beautiful water (although rocky - bring water shoes), bathrooms, etc. It was a bit crowded, but since time was short, we decided to stay close. Want to go back and next time will go to Governer's Beach as we heard good things about it. Not much shopping - very high priced what was there. Margaritaville crowded - but pool was nice to jump into. Only one ship in town that day.

By the way - Comedy shows on board the ship were so funny - didn't really watch anything else, as it isn't our cup of tea.

Have a great time - don't know why someone would give the Emerald a bad review - it was just great - and you get what you give - I know sometimes there is bad service - but it could be a one time thing - don't let it ruin your vacation. It could happen anywhere. But you will love this ship!

[nanfromatlanta]

Originally Posted by Luckyladyh

I won't bore everyone with all the details of getting there - it is what it is - just don't try to board the ship around noon - with everyone else. Enough said.

The Emerald Princess is a beautiful ship - our first time on her. The ship was spotless - overall crew was very good. Just what you would expect for the money you paid - you get a great value.

Room - we were in Caribe 219 - balcony - good room - great balcony - bed was a little hard - asked for an egg crate - definitely helped. Clean - bathroom very small - but they all are. TV selection not that great - but we didn't watch it much. Very clean - cabin steward good - loved the refrigerator - we kept it stocked with our own "stuff" and worked out just fine.

Food - I wouldn't recommend the buffet. Food wasn't great. However the food in the dining room (we did anytime) was fantastic. Always could find something delicious to eat. Lobster night (Thursday) was outstanding - first night there was Prime Rib which was tasty. Was hard to get into the anytime dining room, as the Michealangelo was taken up by a large singles group. But it all worked out - went to Davinci - we rarely had to wait more than 10 minutes - but often had to sit with others - they were taking some people to the traditional dining room also. Turned out great - you get to meet people. If you really wanted to sit alone, you could wait for a table. We did about half and half. Service was good - not outstanding - not first class, but very respectable.

And yes - on the first night on the buffet they did have shrimp and crab knuckles. We had them as an appetizer as we watched football on the MUTS.

I am a major beef eater - and there were so many fish options in the dining room that I ate fish or scallops or lobster 6 of the nights. The Halibut was outstanding.

The best kept secret it seemed was the International Cafe on deck 5 - the best chicken salad I have ever had. They had shrimp salad, quiches, soup, other salads, and the best deserts on the ship. The only charge was for the gelato which we don't really care for anyway. The next best kept secret regarding food was the Cafe Caribe - most people stopped at the first buffet - but if you keep going to the back of the ship - there is another buffet - that is much quieter and nicer. In the evening, they would have a few different dishes than the other buffet. We didn't eat there but looked several times.

Sabatini's - we ate there the last night - it was good - lots of food. Very tasty - great service. I overheard several say that they also ate at Crown Grill (steaks) and were much happier with the food at Sabatini's. Because the steaks have to be pan cooked - of course no grill/fire. But Sabatini's was in my opinion the prettiest dining room on board.

Chef's Table - did this - loved it - tour of the galley - my the kitchen was spotless - you could have eaten off the floor - great appetizers - Chef was funny and entertaining. Had champagne and appetizers in the galley and then went to a table in the back of Michaelangelo for our dinner - there were 12 of us - had wonderful food and wine - so much fun - will do it again and again. Worth the $75. per person - if you like wine - you will drink almost that much worth. The Champagne and wine were both top of the line.

Bars - they have so many - often empty - but that was good with us - we tried them all. The best - and the least crowded by Adagio - next to Sabatini's. They specialize in martini's but have everything. The room is so beautiful and elegant. I don't think most people even knew it was there. Another place we loved was the wine bar. They had appetizers every night - free sushi, tapas, and you could order a cheese try for $1.00 per type of cheese - what a bargain!! The wine was reasonably priced also. The ship's officers would come between 5 - 7 and greet people and talk - it was a great time. Wish we went more - but there was always somewhere new to go.

Also liked the Wheelhouse - and the British lunch two times during the cruise. It was a beautiful room - and good service/good food. But again, go to Adagio - so romantic and service was outstanding.

Casino - didn't care for it much - spent about $100 - of course lost it, but just not much to draw me in there. There was a cigar bar enclosed within the casino which looked neat - didn't go in.

Pools - plentiful - pretty standard - plenty of chairs - the Sanctuary at the spa was beautiful - but not many takers I saw - the $$ was high to use it I thought. But very nice if you are so inclined to pay. You can do a full day or half day.

Everything else was pretty standard cruising!

Ports - St. Martin was our favorite - went to Marigot to look around first - took a cab for about $20.00 - thought there would be a neat french market and it was tourist junk - a waste of time - then took a cab across the island to Orient Beach - another $20.00.

Small sand area but the water is absolutely gorgeous. DO NOT take children near the Pedro's next to the nude beach. I saw that question on here often - if you don't want them to see it - don't take them - there was total nudity on the "nude" side and then there are rocks and you are on the "other side" which is also topless. But..... inside Pedro's - wow. I am not a prude - but a few would have been arrested had they been in the states. Very very vulgar. But I don't suppose that is the norm. There are other beaches for kids - this one isn't it! A lady sitting in the chair row behind us got her back pack stolen - which was sad. There are so many "sales people" roaming around. So go to the beach in St. Martin - just don't bring anything of value. It really was nice - don't worry - just don't bring kids or valuables. Another $20 cab ride to downtown and we shopped. BY FAR - this was the cheapest liquor we found on the entire trip. We bought $200 worth and had it sent to the ship.

St. Thomas - went to Emerald Beach - beautiful and very close to the ship. The cab driver took us to the hotel next to the Best Western and we didn't know it till we were dropped off - was fine - but I think I would have liked the Best Western better. More shade and palapas to sit under - right next door. All the same beach though - beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. $$8.00 per couple each way - so $16 and then a tip.

Turks - also gorgeous - we stayed near the dock right off the ship - you had everything - beautiful water (although rocky - bring water shoes), bathrooms, etc. It was a bit crowded, but since time was short, we decided to stay close. Want to go back and next time will go to Governer's Beach as we heard good things about it. Not much shopping - very high priced what was there. Margaritaville crowded - but pool was nice to jump into. Only one ship in town that day.

By the way - Comedy shows on board the ship were so funny - didn't really watch anything else, as it isn't our cup of tea.

Have a great time - don't know why someone would give the Emerald a bad review - it was just great - and you get what you give - I know sometimes there is bad service - but it could be a one time thing - don't let it ruin your vacation. It could happen anywhere. But you will love this ship!

Wow, great review... thanks!

[Dorset Cruiser]

Great review. Never been on Emerald but it is on our list of ships to do although I think it must be very similar to Ruby which we did in January.

We love Emerald Beach on St Thomas and much prefer it to Magens Bay. Have stayed at the Best Western and even though the reviews were a bit iffy, we found it perfectly fine with huge rooms with sea views and the aircraft noise did not disturb us in the least. As you say, the sand is wonderful and there are plenty of loungers and umbrellas.

We also loved Adagios bar on Ruby - wonderful olives and breadsticks and hardly anyone else in there

[mrrobby]

Luckyladyh, We were at the Chef's table with you. We were just to your right and I was sitting right next to you I do believe.That sure was a great night. My only complaint was the Pinot Grigio they served was a very basic version and they should have served a better one. Wine is a hobby of mine, so that is probably nit picking. All the other wine was very good quality and the meal was great. We pretty much agree with everything you had in your review. We had a great time. We went to the Crown Grill and Sabatini's and thought they were both outstanding. Sabatini's is sure a beautiful room, but so is the Crown grill once you go in a bit further than what you see from the corridor. I would rate them both right there together. Go to both for sure. We had an aft balcony cabin B753 overlooking the wake and that is sure a beautiful thing to look at everyday. The International cafe is also our favorite for lunch. What a great week of weather. We also loved Emerald beach in St. Thomas. Take care and enjoy your cruises in the future

[mrrobby]

luckyladyh, One other thing I forgot to mention. I thought the lobster and the beef Wellington on formal night were the best we have ever had on Princess. They both were superb and I thought were of the same quality as the specialty restaurants.

[morgiemoo]

Thanks for the great review. I will be on the Emerald in 3 weeks and I am really looking forward to it. I'm just happy that I will be on vacation.

[jtagphillycruiser]

Thank you for the detailed review of the Emerald. We leave on 11/15/09. Appreciate your time.

[rdsqrl]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed review; glad you enjoyed your cruise. I totally agree with you -- Adagio is a great bar! It was my favourite after-dinner hangout.

[luckycanuck]

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are leaving on the Emerald 11/29 and it is so exciting to get a glimpse of what is in store!
thanks again

[923libra]

Thanks for taking the time to post your review! We will be sailing her for Christmas and we are so excited!

[1025cruise]

I was on this voyage as well and had a great time.

My only complaint was that there was no good public notice that the Michaelangelo Dining Room was reserved each night for the singles group. I was quite upset when trying to get seated for a table for two right after the Captain's Reception on the first formal night (prime time for dinner IMHO) and discovered that an entire dining room was closed (the only night I wanted a private table). We ended up being brought over to Boticelli that night as the wait for the Da Vinci room was longer than anticipated. Had I known that Michaelangelo would not be available, I might have planned when I was eating differently.

[Lynzchat]

Excellent writeup. Thank you so much for taking the time to share.

[Sandyrella]

Great review Ladyluck! We're so excited to be going on this ship in February.

Do you know what day they did the Walk for the Cure on deck?

Thanks,
Sandy

[mrrobby]

I am just about positive the walk for Cure was done on Saturday morning at 9am.

[Luckyladyh]

Yes Robby - you are right - the walk was Saturday morning at 9AM.

Have fun everyone! Who couldn't love a cruise vacation! Already planning our next one!

Mary

[Caribbean Sunsets]

Nice review...lots of great detail! I agree that Adagio's is a great spot to enjoy a cocktail.

[dforeigner]

Thank you for taking time to write a review.