Lady Arwen

You absolutely will need a valid passport. Better get moving on that or you’ll lose your cruise. Also, it does not matter if you plan not to get off the ship. You will be denied boarding.

Yes

Where are you sailing from and what is your itinerary?

Yes, but the hours are limited. They usually close around 1:00 pm. The crew will try to direct you to the buffet, but insist you want the MDR. We always try to have lunch in MDR, as it’s quiet and not a madhouse like the buffet. Enjoy!

My CVP always calls back the same day and usually within a couple of hours.

I can’t think of one reason why you must have your passport with you off the ship. We take photo copies, but even that really isn’t necessary. The ship’s officer said that your passport belongs in the safe. He said that the staff and crew do not take their passport off the ship when they go ashore.

You are spot on! We were told years ago by an officer at a Meet and Greet that we should never take our passports off of the ship in case of loss or theft. He recommended we take a photo copy with us instead. He also told us that the cruiseline would make sure we received the originals and they would be forwarded to us. We’ve followed his advice on every cruise since then.

Queen

So good! Thanks!

Sorry, but Princess did not fall short, you did. There are so many options available to everyone to research destinations and accommodations. You did not do your your due diligence. You just looked at a website and then booked it. For future reference, do what we all do…..search, search, search before booking. And, you could have come to us for advice and opinions. Next time.

I had to smile thinking of you quietly sitting at your favourite bar enjoying a few libations and just going with the flow. Love it!

Welcome to Cruise Critic and your very first post. Why did you take so long reporting this? What prompted you today to share this with us? You must have done this tour in 2023. I think it’s a bit dramatic to say it was the worst experience of your life. Obviously, you were disappointed, but you enjoyed your cruise, so that’s good. I don’t know if you were expecting a five star hotel, but in Alaska the lodges are considered three star at best. If you had researched these properties before booking you would have been aware of this.

Yes!

To be very honest, I would not hold my breath waiting to get your money refunded. Cruiselines rarely refund the cost of a cruise due to onboard issues such as noise, but will instead offer FCC or OBC to be used on a future cruise. Since you have told Princess that you will never sail with them again, they really have no incentive to give you anything other than what they’ve offered you. Sorry your cruise was a disappointment.

Yes, Celebrity is more expensive. But, there are many of us who appreciate the different onboard experience. Clearly, not for everyone’s taste or budget. The saying “you get what you pay for” very much applies to your comparison.

Reserve class on Princess definitely not the same as Celebrity Luminae. Reserve class is a roped off area of the MDR with the same menu and kitchen. Each night a “special” appetizer, or main will be offered. No reservations required. Service is elevated compared to the rest of the MDR. Luminae on Celebrity, is a totally separate restaurant and kitchen with an upscale menu and superb service. Night and day difference to Princess Reserve class.

We actually celebrate Thanksgiving Day in Canada in October. We did sail during your Thanksgiving a few years ago. Many families with lots of children. Full Thanksgiving dinner was served in both the MDR and buffet. We sailed in the Caribbean out of Ft. Lauderdale. It was nice, but not one I’d do again.

I saw the previews on tv and decided it wasn’t for me. I’ve never watched this show before, but interesting that they had the knowledge of the Medallion technology.

All Mini suites have unobstructed balconies. Some balconies are larger depending on location. Far forward deck 16 Lido have very large balconies.

Not surprising since Labadee is in Haiti. Certainly not a port that any cruiseship should be taking their passengers.

So sorry you had to go through this. Exactly why we never, ever book a sailing on a new ship for the first six months or more. Inaugural sailings sound like so much fun, but so many people have been seriously disappointed. This is applicable to the entire cruise industry, not just Princess.

The Dominican Republic is a very popular vacation destination for many, many people. Lots of 5* resorts. Why would a cruiseship be any different?

Thanks, Tom! We’ll be onboard Enchanted this summer.

Welcome to Cruise Critic! Majestic Princess is a lovely ship and I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. You may dress either formally or casually, it’s your choice because the dress codes really no longer exist. I would suggest that gentlemen wear long pants and not shorts. You will hear from others who feel shorts are appropriate, so you decide how comfortable you feel. There is a risk of being denied entry into the MDR. Ladies don’t usually have a problem deciding what to wear.

For sure, the mini suite will be a much better choice. I hate the shower curtain, too. Princess is now probably the only cruiseline that has them. I believe the new Sphere Class ships have moved to the glass enclosure. Thank goodness! The full size sofa is much, much better and you can close the curtains between the bed and sitting area on Royal class ships. We’re sailing on Enchanted in August and looking forward to it. We only eat dinner in the specialty restaurants and we never eat in the buffet, so I can’t help you there. Enjoy your cruise!