Skai

We absolutely enjoyed our only voyage on Oceania to Bermuda.

The R-Class ships hold a special place in our hearts after a memorable trip on the (previous)Royal Princess in French Polynesia.

'Small-ship cruising' is a distinct difference in cruising experience vs. larger-pax vessels.

Depends on the port I suppose.

Vancouver -

Direct to separate counter for those already with medallions.

Long line(looked to be 30+ minutes) for those w/out.

No charge.

It means that they're simply recognizing the date.

They'll likely put something like (a variation or combination of) a congratulatory sign in your room, perhaps a balloon, and a personalized card and/or voucher for a complimentary dessert.

"Princess handled this wrong."

Where and how many times have I read that before?

The correct way to have done this (and all future price increases/base-fare amenity reductions) was(is) to implement these changes on all future sailings not currently offered for sale.  I.E. -- cruises starting Dec. 2025.  That way, prospective cruise purchasers would know exactly what they were buying at the time of purchase.

I understand the need for Princess to remain competitive by continuing to offer (relatively) dynamic fares, and also find new ways to generate additional onboard revenue.  It still sucks that, as a standard(package) cruiser, I will be missing out on what was included in my fare at the time of booking. I was looking forward to a meal (or few) in Gigi's to be included with my sailing on the Discovery next spring.

Having not been overly impressed with the efficiency of OceanNow® delivery, it was still my understanding that the service was a key facet of the MedallionClass® experience.  Now, it is an additional charge to add it on?

Personally, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have been able to sail Princess before all of the numerous cutbacks throughout the years; before the aggressive moves towards the a la carte business model that has taken over the mainstream crusing industry as a whole.

Perhaps, it's finally time to move on from (mainstream) cruising altogether, so that we aren't left with a longing for (or even worse, resentment) for how it used to be.

Thank you for the in-depth review.

Due to my keen sense of perception and astute observational skills, I've deduced that the '1956' in your handle represents the year of your birth, and if my math is correct, that would also place you among the 80% >60 y.o. bracket.

More than 1 out of 7 fellow passengers using walking aids (such as: wheelchairs, walkers, canes or scooters) seems like an extremely high ratio.  I've personally yet to have experienced that many mobility impaired passengers on any of the numerous cruises that I've taken; even on the one sailing with Holland America -- which is commonly known to be a cruiseline that appeals to the octogenarian crowd.

I suppose that I will have to take you at your word per the accuracy of your statement being 100%.

5 hours ago, mamamusings said:

As first-time Princess cruisers, how were we supposed to know to go to the MDR reservations area (or even that there *was* one)  to find out about “held back” times? Princess didn’t provide that information. 

It appears that you've been a Cruise Critic member for 15 years.

Perhaps doing a bit of research and perusing the Princess Board here before your cruise might have provided some helpful tips/pointers.

Most people are surely not going to know the majority of the 'ins-and-outs' of any cruiseline on their first sailing.  I.E. -- Not knowing that choice of condiments(Mayo) needs to be selected separate from one's club sandwich order on the app, or that the buffet is always open on one side during service hours, or being asked to provide one's cabin # when ordering is to reconfirm that the person ordering is the person being charged. 

I'm sure a first time cruiser on NCL wouldn't know most of the 'ins and outs' compared to a person that has had more experience sailing with them a few times.

30 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Not me.  Give me fair price increases and maintain the quality.  I see the same thing in retail where products are cheapened down and pricing stays.  I hate to pay for poor food ingredient quality - I'd rather pay more like what I would buy for myself.

 

I have been wondering for some years now with the great increase in organic and otherwise natural foods, including pasture-raised meats and free-range chickens and so forth, when the consumer will be asking for or demanding this from restaurants on land and at sea.  I don't see it yet and very few establishments (AFAIK) cater to this.

Surveys have shown that the largest percentage of restaurant goers are more content, and would rather pay more for the same than pay the same for less, when confronted with the prospect of rising costs.

IE.  -- Paying $15(for what was previously $12) for a 10 oz. steak, than pay the same $12 for a smaller 8 oz. steak

Princess has decided to go both directions.

The quandary of being limited by what would likely be considered too large of price increases to remain competitive with their industry counterparts, they have decided to charge $15 for that 8 oz. steak. 

17 hours ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

You can’t go wrong with a Rib Eye.  The spinach on the menu is creamed, but the one in the photo is not creamed due to dairy allergies.  So yummy!

Admittedly, we haven't dined in Crown Grill for a few years now; instead only dining at Sabatinis on our most recent Princess cruise.

Most of our previous experiences dining in CG(pre-pandemic) have been pleasant ones.

However(and I mean this with all sincerity and no malice intended), that is a pretty depressing looking Rib-Eye -- if that is what the fare being offered in CG is these days.😞

3 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

 

I get what you guys are saying but still, to me, it is clear where deck 7 is in relation to 5.  I have no idea where Baja is in relation to Aloha or Riviera.  Doesn't matter in what language I say 8, it is always after 7 and before 9.   

Sure.

Baja is below Aloha and above Caribe.

Duh...🤪

To answer your question about cribs...

Carnival provides (sturdy) cribs.  Call and request them for your cabin(s)

We sailed Alaska this last summer in a balcony with our (just turned)2 y.o., and followed the advice of the below (linked)blog.

We brought along magnetic hooks, and a 10' x 7' fabric shower curtain/drape -- (Configured the same, but slightly more opaque than the one shown below in this picture).

It worked out great for us.

http://www.teachermamma.com/the-blog/cruisin-tips

On 2/28/2023 at 11:01 AM, cali-croozer said:

This way it's mostly a one and done, and for some people, not even that. 

On 2/28/2023 at 11:09 AM, Jeal said:

The great thing about these desserts is you are not forced to eat them. 

I concur.

While I certainly can relate to the idea of one getting the 'most bang for their buck', I do find it interesting those finding the need to declare that there is no way that they would (or could) eat these things twice a day.

The limit is in place to limit over-consumption/waste.  It is not a challenge offered by Princess for those that gluttonously believe that they need to max out the limit to feel as if they're getting their money's worth.

Much in the way that the alcoholic beverage limit is set at 15 per day.  Anyone consuming 15 alcohol beverages (day after day) has an unhealthy drinking problem, and perhaps they ought to do some serious introspection.

One or two (or even none) for an entire cruise will likely satiate most people's occasional craving for something extravagantly sweet, albeit with a gaudy presentation.

14 hours ago, HMSDingy said:

Don't know the distance between those two as I'm Canadian, Why are you assuming that everyone knows that?

On par with Quebec City, QC to Windsor, ON.

8 hours ago, Chad_O said:

I found it harsh in its dismissiveness. I assume it was not your intention. many people are not necessarily well versed with the geography let alone port service infrastructure. There could be more viable highway and rail connections there than other ports. I am clueless... 

Türkiye is twice the size of the State of California.

It really is akin to asking if a scheduled port stop in Monterey, CA is going to be affected by an earthquake that occured in Phoenix, AZ.

In this day and age, a person capable of navigating an online message forum could reasonably be expected to have a basic understanding of how to navigate Google Maps.

The biggest issue with this (outside of green-lane access for embarkation) is that the medallion sensor does not recognize when the infant is 'in-cabin'.  This comes into play when satisfying the required viewing of the in-cabin safety video for the muster drill after boarding.

The video will have to be watched (again) through the medallion app on a device(such as a phone) to be able to check off that the child has viewed it.

A minor inconvenience, but it is what it is.

40 minutes ago, suzyed said:

I have never done the Chef's table on Carnival and I am sure it is very nice.  We have done Princess' Chef's Table on several of the ships and the really nice Winemaker's Dinner.  And it's been a while since we sailed Carnival but I always thought the food on Carnival to be very good.
But it sounds like maybe you are comparing a newer Carnival ship with the older Ruby Princess ship? On a recent Enchanted sailing the Buffet had an unbelievable array of food....ethnic food, grilled foods, carving stations, crazy amount of desserts and loads of fresh fruit.  It was the best I have ever seen and I generally don't like buffets.  There is a specialty pizza restaurant, a sushi restaurant and yes, the Salty Dog Gastropub which in my opinion is a waste of space and I would prefer a Vines in the space.  This is all in addition to the Burger joint, pizza and ice cream up by the pool and the great IC and gelato bar.
 

The OP is sailing on the Ruby Princess.  I didn't see a point in mentioning 'Alfredo's', 'Kai Sushi', 'Bistro Sur La Mer', 'Harmony', 'Bayou Cafe' et. al. venues, as they're nonexistent on the Ruby.

I'll hit on the differences in food/dining a little here...

One ought to expect less (included in the fare) casual dining options on Princess vs. Carnival.  

Instead of various spread-out stations such as: 'Guy's', 'BlueIguana', 'The Deli', 'Pig & Anchor', 'Seafood Shack' etc...  On (Ruby)Princess, there is only the 'Salty Dog Grill'(Lido) - Serving Burgers, Dogs, Sandwiches, Tacos -- all at one single venue.

Of note, the Lido Pizza is generally a pretty reliable option on Princess ships for some pretty good pizza (better than Carnival's IMHO).

The Ruby Princess also has the 'International Cafe'(on Deck 5-Plaza); with various tasty options throughout the day; including grill-press sandwiches, (deli)salads, pastries, desserts.  The food served at the I.C. is also generally really good.

The Princess Buffet may have some anytime ethnic offerings available, and many sailings have themed nights -- I.E. 'Italian Night', 'Mexican Night', 'German Night', 'Make your own Miso Soup/Noodles' etc., but there are no set fixed-venues such as: 'Mongolian Wok', 'Burrito Bar', 'Pasta Bar', Bonsai Sushi, 'Masala Tiger' etc.  Keep an eye out in the daily patter for additional occasional offerings such as 'Fish & Chips' in the 'Wheelhouse' etc. 

As for the MDR... Quality of food is subjective.  We've had some good meals in the MDR on both Princess and Carnival, and also some that were rather unmemorable on both lines.  On Princess, enjoy that your meal service won't be interrupted by 'dancing waiters'; unless that your thing.  Expect a more refined decor in Princess MDRs.

In addition to the exclusive offerings of: 'Chef's Table' and 'Ultimate Balcony Dining' options, 'Specialty Dining' on the Ruby Princess is limited to only 'Sabatinis'(Italian), the 'Crown Grill'(Steakhouse), and the 'Salty Dog'(Gastropub).  Recent (post C-19) reviews have been mixed.  However, at least in the past, the former two were fairly consistent places to have a solid meal valued as being worthy of the upcharge.  We've eaten at the 'Salty Dog' a few times, and found it to be fairly decent, but some might not feel the upcharge is worth it for what is essentially modern & trendy pub-fare/comfort food.

Of note, there are no Asian specialty dining offerings on Ruby Princess (like: Jiji, Bonsai or Bonsai Teppenyaki).

Pre-Cruise, Princess Cancelled our excursion in Maui causing us to book a private excursion.

That sucks.  Was a reason provided?

Worst embarkation we’ve ever experienced.  Three hours standing in lines, most of which was outside the terminal building, before finally getting on the ship.

I've read that the cruiseport in San Diego is a clusterfudge when two ships are embarking/disembarking at the same time.

Smallest standard balcony cabin. Sleeps two but only has seating for one (a chair).

I absolutely concur.  Princess cabins fall short when booking a cabin below a mini-suite (deluxe-balcony on the newer ships).

Smallest shower area in bathroom. So small it was laughable.

See above.

Almost missed our privately booked Maui excursion because of the slow tendering.  Return tendering we had to stand in a line for 56 minutes in the sun before we were on a tender going back to the ship.

I've experienced mixed tendering experiences on various different lines.  I'm not sure this is unique to Princess.

Smallest buffet, but excellent omelet station.

The Horizon Court buffets on Grand class ships are indeed small and cramped.

Smallest Casino, but now that I think of it, the Holland Westerdam might have been just as small.

The Diamond Princess (ship-size length/beam) is only slightly larger than the Westerdam.

Princess cancelled our dinner reservations in Sterling Steakhouse.

That sucks.  It's disappointing that certain advertised services are not being provided.

Princess cancelled our dinner reservations in Sabatini’s (twice).

See above.

Anything broken had a sign “we’re on it” but they weren’t.  The Ladies restroom near the Explorers Lounge had two stalls, one was locked with a “we’re on it” sign from day one.  It was still like that when we disembarked.

It's a disappointing that maintenance issues are slow to be fixed.

There were other negatives but you get the drift of our experience on this cruise.

Positives

Princess medallion and App. It worked perfect for us and is the best thing in the cruise industry.

Best Omelet station of any buffet.

Best Naturalist, Mark.

We've had some really good cruises with Princess; some decent ones, and one(or two) that were sort of "meh".  It appears that most of your issues were operational ones.  We've found that such things may be endemic varying from ship-to-ship/staff-to-staff.  If our first cruise had been one of the "meh" ones, we may not have looked as hard at Princess for future sailings.  Fortunately (for Princess), our first couple cruises were of the 'really good' variety.  

I will be canceling the Princess cruise I booked for December.  No more money from me.  Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.

If you were to ever consider cruising with Princess again, you may want to book a cruise on one of the newer vessels.  The Diamond Princess(Grand/Gem Class) is now one of the older ships in the fleet -- Almost 20 years in service.  The newer ships have larger buffets/casinos, but alas, one still has to book a deluxe balcony for a love-seat couch in their cabin.

There is a ferry-shuttle service in the old port of Fira where the ship's tenders drop off.  

The ferry transports to Ammoudi Bay, where one walks up a short hill to a (connected)bus that shuttles ferry passengers the rest of the way up to Oia.  The tickets are around 15€ pp, IIRC.

The service also provides for a return trip (via bus) back to Fira that departs every hour.

It's a very simple process.  We had to wait a few minutes for the ferry boat to fill-up with enough passengers before departing.  We were in Oia about 35-40 minutes after hopping on to the dock from the tender.  

Upon returning to Fira (later in the afternoon), the line for the cable-car was way too long for our tastes; so we opted to hike down the stairs instead.

1 minute ago, SargassoPirate said:

And that, skai, sums up my approach to inflation in a free market economy.  As the consumer I can make a choice if I am willing to pay the asking price for goods and services.  At this point in my life, I find very little that is a must-have.

 

Also, at this point in my life, She Who Must Be Obeyed are buying more experiences than things.

 

BTW, we have never have been very impressed with the specialty dining on any line.  That's just us.  We can find something else to do with that upcharge.

 

Fortunately, there are choices for all of us.

I adopted a similar line of thinking as SWMBO some time ago.  In that, I too place a higher value on 'experiences' than 'things'.

It's partly why I live fairly frugal in my day-to-day life -- I.E. I still drive a decades-old reliable truck vs. being able to afford a bright shiny new one.  Yet, when it comes to satisfying personal passions, such as travel, I tend to opt to spend more freely in the hopes of maximizing experience(s).

5 minutes ago, SargassoPirate said:

To add to your inflation post, allow me to mention the basic law of the marketplace from Economics 101 - "charge what the traffic will bear".

 

If people line up to pay over inflated prices, there is no incentive to lower prices.  On the other hand, if people refuse to pay over inflated prices, the price will come down.

 

It's a free market economy.  

I mostly concur.

Based upon the economic principles of 'supply & demand', the term 'over-inflated'(as it relates to prices) is subjective.

When I was a kid, a candy bar cost .25.  When my parents were kids, the same candy bar cost .05.

Do I feel that $1.25 is an over-inflated price to currently pay for a candy bar?

Perhaps; considering that I reminisce about the days that I could buy one for only a quarter.

So, I now have a choice.  Fork over $1.25, or go w/out a candy bar.

Well, my waistband might prefer the latter option.

Did I find that $20 pp for the Crown Grill($15 pp for Sabatinis) were fairly nominal cover-charges; worthwhile to spend for an elevated dining experience?  Yes.

Do I grumble that the prices are now increasing(over a timespan of only 10 or so years) to $39 pp and $35 pp for the same?  Sure.  Yet, once again, I am presented with a choice -- Shell out for the increased up-charge, or go w/out.

inflation - noun

in·fla·tion in-ˈflā-shən 

'A continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services.'

Princess (akin to almost all businesses that provide goods & services) is in a postion of needing to raise the prices for its offerings due to inflation.

Rather than to simply increase prices alone, they have also decided to add a few more nominal items to their all-inclusive packages; to seemingly soften the blow of needing to pass their own increased cost(s) onto their customers.

For those that grumble about rising prices -- SEE: The above word in bold, and its definition.

42 minutes ago, rjack22 said:

But how do you know that they are not in the pool or at a bar?   You wouldn't.

I absolutely believe in the consideration of other passengers that are following deck chair etiquette.

That's why I perch up for several minutes and watch for a bit.  Double confirmation from any neighbors that they also haven't seen them for a while (if at all) is plenty enough confirmation for me.  Chairs that have been 'hogged' tend to be fairly obvious.  A bathroom break, quick trip to the bar etc. ought naught take 1/2 hour.  

I've yet to have had an issue.  Some have turned up (much) later to collect their belongings from where they've been conspicuously set.  Nary a word is spoken.  Most 'Chair Hogs' know that they're in the wrong.

Many go out early in the morning to stake their claim with the intention of returning later in the morning or afternoon to use the chair.  Or at other times, to secure the chair while going to have a meal, or attend an event somewhere else on the ship.

The vacant chair is 'free game' at that point.

17 minutes ago, bagney said:

My thoughts on this is that since the 'new' upgraded packages don't come into play until next month (Feb. 20 or whatever the specific date is), the drink prices had NOT increased thus we still had the $12 price guideline for Plus drinks. My assumptions are that on/after Feb. 20, the prices of drinks may go up and the $15 drink limit for Plus will be in effect - as I say, this is my thought/guess only! 

This would be a logical conclusion with all things considered.

Yet, the wording in the Personalizer states otherwise.  I'm wondering if anyone has actually 'tested the waters' so-to-speak as far Princess honoring that specific wording.

We're certainly prepared to accept the previous limit, as the package was included as part of a generous focused promotion, but I'm still curious if others that may currently be receiving (and booking) under the same offer are aware of what the previous limit was, and are only going by what their Personalizer states.

FWIW, we booked our cruise only a week(or two) before the announced switch-over.

2 hours ago, Dreamcruiser185 said:

I have to ask unfortunately, how bad are the chair hogs on Princess?  

It really comes down to asking their neighbors when the last time was that they saw them.

If it's been more than 20-30 minutes, and they're not in/at a nearby pool or bar, then feel free to vacate their stuff from the chair for them. 

One can either set their stuff in a conspicuous place nearby, or give it directly to a deck attendent to hold.

It's fully understandable that one might not feel comfortable doing this. Touching another's belongings may be considered as being fairly inconsiderate, or even downright rude, but then so is being a 'chair hog'.

The rules are clearly posted on signage around the deck.
 

My favorite is the people that seem to believe that clothespinning their towel on a chair topped with their novel du jour is going to be some sort of deterrent.