Jump to content

Princess (New) Ships Aren't "Game Changers", Why?


need2cruisesoon
 Share

Recommended Posts

I've gotta give MSC (Seaside), X (Edge) and NCL (Bliss) credit for introducing new ships with Game Changing design and unique layouts.

 

I'm wondering why Princess and also HAL remain stale with new ship design innovations?

The newer ships have become amusement parks for families. not what I want anyway.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I must be in the minority, I really LIKE the promenade deck on the Royal/Regal, the only bummer is that is doesn't have a cover. But normally there is a shady and a sunny side, at night its a really nice quiet comfortable place VS the other ships that the promenade deck has now become the jogging track. And I really don't like the Piazza. To crowded and noisy, I tried having a coffee and conversation with a friend, forget it, we were shouting and nodding. I don't like the outdoor smoking area aft. smells like an ashtray, and then adding the aft "pool" in the same area....YUCK. Narrow balconies I can live with, Horizon Court, I like the layout vs the other ships, which seemed cramped and crowded, but the desert section seems a little out of place...I think it would be better suited farther back. I don't need ice skating rinks, bowling alleys, zip line or rock climbing walls. Give me my balcony and a glass of wine....I'm good

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree that was annoying but not having outside cabins was more so.

I'm either forced to go to an expensive balcony or the dreaded inside closet like cabins. :(

On longer cruises it makes a big difference in the total cost.

 

Totally agree with you! Plaza deck OV cabins are our favorite, both for price and for convenience to the atrium/coffee etc. I don't know why they had to put the spa there on the Royal/Regal. On a cruise, I usually go to the spa daily for the thermal suite and for an occasional massage. We've been on the Royal twice and I used the spa only once--not only is the TS more expensive than on the older ships, but I found the spa very sterile/"cold" and uninviting. So not only lost our beloved Plaza cabin area, but also got an uninviting spa in its place. Too bad the only choices out of FL are the Royal, Regal and Caribbean (which we'll be on in late Feb.). Wish they would bring back one of the other grand class ships to FL and send the CB elsewhere!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, and another dislike on the Regal/Royal is the placement of the spa right next to the forward elevators. We normally get a forward cabin and when going to the IC or PSD, passing those ladies standing right at the entrance to the elevator banks, and getting the "evil eye"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I book a lower deck because I eat breakfast, lunch at IC so I'm always going by the spa! I don't give them a chance to give me a look, I always wave and say, hi gals or guys, here I am again, walking on by! :)

 

Someone mentioned fisticuffs, happened right in front of me in the Diamond Lounge on RCI. Two ladies arguing, one a diamond, other "well I'm diamond plus" then the husbands got involved, I left! A day & 1/2 from Fla. and I heard they were confined to their cabins. Ridiculous, all started over some cookies or coffee, taking too many, whatever, it was dumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Totally agree with you! Plaza deck OV cabins are our favorite, both for price and for convenience to the atrium/coffee etc. I don't know why they had to put the spa there on the Royal/Regal. On a cruise, I usually go to the spa daily for the thermal suite and for an occasional massage. We've been on the Royal twice and I used the spa only once--not only is the TS more expensive than on the older ships, but I found the spa very sterile/"cold" and uninviting. So not only lost our beloved Plaza cabin area, but also got an uninviting spa in its place. Too bad the only choices out of FL are the Royal, Regal and Caribbean (which we'll be on in late Feb.). Wish they would bring back one of the other grand class ships to FL and send the CB elsewhere!

Crown Princess returns to do the 10 night sailings that Royal does now, so there's that. CB is staying in Florida though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Crown Princess returns to do the 10 night sailings that Royal does now, so there's that. CB is staying in Florida though.

 

Thanks for mentioning that the Crown was coming back--we sailed on her 4x when she was in FL before, including 2 TAs. I was said to see her leave.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is simply untrue that Princess doesn't attract a younger demographic. I'm Gen Y/Millennial and I cruise Princess because they aren't going for gimmicks. If I wanted to go to a theme park I would go to a theme park. If I wanted to be on a ship with tacky hydro slides I would go to the local pool (though none really have hydro slides).

 

I like that Princess retains its class and hasn't given into stupid gimmicks such as RCCL and Carnival.

 

When I'm cruising all I care about is the size of the ship, the age of the ship, the cost of the booking, the itinerary, Movies under the Stars, the internet, the Lido deck and potentially other activities such as karaoke and the gym.

 

I also would disagree that interior cabins are stuffy. I've been in them twice and I just use the Lido Deck or the Sports deck when I want to walk around.

 

I also would disagree that younger newer cruisers spend a lot. I do spend a fair amount on internet but why would I use a cruise ship shop when I can buy things on land? The only things I buy on the ship are internet, a few drinks, a coffee card, maybe a specialty restaurant and maybe a few souvenirs. The rest I would buy at home.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What I would like to see as "game changing" is that Princess get into the 21st century with modern internet. Yeah, I know they are "working on it". I just hope by the time it gets rolled out, they aren't behind in technology again. ***** is very ambitious and if they can deliver on the original promise then it is pretty "game changing" for Princess.

 

The other thing I would like them to go against the grain on is maintain the quality and ask us to pay reasonable cost increases. I don't want to pay the same price now as five years ago or five years from now and give up quality of food, drink and entertainment in the process.

 

(y)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

With regards to the Promenade deck, take into consideration the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) rules implemented after the Costa Concordia disaster. Princess, and other lines, must follow the SOLAS rules and regulations. Can’t blame Princess which it appears people are doing.

Do these rules mean no more promenade decks on any ships? This is the first I have heard of this and it's got me interested.

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Forums mobile app

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do these rules mean no more promenade decks on any ships? This is the first I have heard of this and it's got me interested.

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Forums mobile app

 

 

Well, it's on the internet. It must be true. :rolleyes:

 

Utah, please go back and read through the entire thread. In particular pay close attention to the posts by chengkp75. Chengkp75 actually has significant seafaring experience. If I'm not mistaken, his Cruise Critic handle is a contraction of "Chief Engineer." His opinion carries a lot of weight with me. In his posts in this thread he not only insists that there are no SOLAS requirements that preclude promenade decks, but his opinion that larger promenade decks could aid the evacuation of a ship.

 

Although he did not mention it, the Costa Concordia incident, which is cited as the reason that the Majestic Princess does not have the wrap-around promenade, ocurred 10 months after construction began on the Majestic Princess. Believe me, Princess did not suddenly say, "Oh crap, they changed the SOLAS requirements. Now we have to stop construction of this ship, redesign the whole thing and still stay on schedule."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

d.I also would disagree that younger newer cruisers spend a lot. I do spend a fair amount on internet but why would I use a cruise ship shop when I can buy things on land? The only things I buy on the ship are internet, a few drinks, a coffee card, maybe a specialty restaurant and maybe a few souvenirs. The rest I would buy at home.

 

Your personal spending habits aside, it is a statistical fact that newer and/or younger cruisers spend more.

 

You disprove your own point. You admit to spending a fair amount on internet(at a premium), Elite/Platinum passengers get internet packages para gratis. Many Elite passengers also swap their complimentary mini-bar set-ups for coffee cards.

 

With the shareholders' benefit, and other loyalty-related OBC(along w/ FCCs), some older cruisers get a decent pile of complimentary spending money from Princess.

 

Often, younger/newer cruisers have limited vacation time available(compared to older/retired cruisers who can vacation more often.). These younger vacationers stastically spend more per vacation. With only 3% of the population cruising - one must understand that: While loyal returning Black and Silver cards keep the lights on, it's the Blue cards that bring Princess its profit. Princess would much rather fill their ships with Blue Cards, instead of Black and Silver.

 

Cruiselines make their money from onboard spending, not filling cabins.

 

Here's a couple articles that back up the statement that newer cruisers spend more...

 

HERE

 

HERE

 

HERE

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree that new cruisers tend to spend more than experienced cruisers (which can be of any age) but those older experienced cruisers have more time on their hands (longer vacations, retirees) and probably take many more cruises. Most itineraries - with the exception of Alaska and maybe short warm weather cruises - don't attract new cruisers in numbers to fill an entire ship.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your personal spending habits aside, it is a statistical fact that newer and/or younger cruisers spend more.

 

You disprove your own point. You admit to spending a fair amount on internet(at a premium), Elite/Platinum passengers get internet packages para gratis. Many Elite passengers also swap their complimentary mini-bar set-ups for coffee cards.

 

With the shareholders' benefit, and other loyalty-related OBC(along w/ FCCs), some older cruisers get a decent pile of complimentary spending money from Princess.

 

Often, younger/newer cruisers have limited vacation time available(compared to older/retired cruisers who can vacation more often.). These younger vacationers stastically spend more per vacation. With only 3% of the population cruising - one must understand that: While loyal returning Black and Silver cards keep the lights on, it's the Blue cards that bring Princess its profit. Princess would much rather fill their ships with Blue Cards, instead of Black and Silver.

 

Cruiselines make their money from onboard spending, not filling cabins.

 

Here's a couple articles that back up the statement that newer cruisers spend more...

 

HERE

 

HERE

 

HERE

 

The first link actually contradicts your comment. Young people spend more overall, but per night actually spend less than older cruises. It is in the first table of the first article.

 

Spending more overall doesn't mean you're spending more on each individual cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The first link actually contradicts your comment. Young people spend more overall, but per night actually spend less than older cruises. It is in the first table of the first article.

 

Spending more overall doesn't mean you're spending more on each individual cruise.

Tours and activities are where they make their money not the lodging.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The first link actually contradicts your comment. Young people spend more overall, but per night actually spend less than older cruises. It is in the first table of the first article.

 

Spending more overall doesn't mean you're spending more on each individual cruise.

 

Que?

 

<Boomers = 'Young people' in the cruising world. While Boomers may have the opportunity to take more, Gen Xers/Millennials spend more than Boomers PER vacation.

 

Your opinion of cruise-line revenue is incorrect.

 

You've merely based your opinion from your own personal thrifty habits. It's established data that the cruiselines are well aware of that newer/younger cruisers statistically spend more onboard per cruise than experienced/older cruisers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Que?

 

 

 

<Boomers = 'Young people' in the cruising world. While Boomers may have the opportunity to take more, Gen Xers/Millennials spend more than Boomers PER vacation.

 

 

 

Your opinion of cruise-line revenue is incorrect.

 

 

 

You've merely based your opinion from your own personal thrifty habits. It's established data that the cruiselines are well aware of that newer/younger cruisers statistically spend more onboard per cruise than experienced/older cruisers.

 

 

 

Thrifty? I’d hardly say $1k on internet on the last cruise is thrifty.

 

I read the supplied link and the information suggests that we spend more on holidays overall but that doesn’t mean we spend that on board. It just means we travel more overall.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The first link actually contradicts your comment. Young people spend more overall, but per night actually spend less than older cruises. It is in the first table of the first article.

 

Spending more overall doesn't mean you're spending more on each individual cruise.

 

Right. Looks like my fellow Gen-Xers are spending more so as I mentioned in an earlier posting, can we ditch the 60's music nights in favour of 80's nights featuring New Wave and Hair-Metal band music instead? :D

 

I think one important point is that although retirees may take the longer cruises which cost more, I believe the bulk of cruise line revenue comes from the 4-7 day holidays which many people take. These shorter trips are more popular with people who are still working and don't have the option to take a 3-4 week cruise. Shorter duration cruises also come in at a lower price point therefore making them accessible to a larger portion of the population.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thrifty? I’d hardly say $1k on internet on the last cruise is thrifty.

 

I read the supplied link and the information suggests that we spend more on holidays overall but that doesn’t mean we spend that on board. It just means we travel more overall.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Perhaps you're mixing 'new' cruisers with 'young' cruisers a little bit here. It deserves noting that not all 'new' cruisers are 'young', and not all 'young' cruisers are 'new' to cruising. However, by in large, the majority of 'new' cruisers also happen to be 'young'.

 

It's 'new' cruisers that Princess (along with all major cruiselines) are looking to entice, for the reason(s) that I stated above.

 

You're proving my point. My DW and I spent $0 on internet, each receiving 250 (loyalty)minutes for our 8-day cruise on the Crown last month -- More than enough for me -- as I still had some left to help spend the time waiting to disembark the last day.

 

Fairly soon before the sail-date, Princess emailed a casino rate that was around the lowest per person/per day that I've ever seen offered by them, but we were both able to get the time off short notice, and couldn't refuse $149 pp for an inside cabin. Coast-to-coast air was quite reasonable too.

 

In addition to the OBC from the FCC/FCD (we had purchased on our previous Princess sailing), having been Carnival Corp. shareholders for several years now, we also benefitted with more OBC from that relationship.

 

Yeah, we bought a few drinks on board, played some bingo on the final day, hit the Salty Dog one evening. We skipped our usual trip(s) to the Crown Grill this time around -- balking at both the raise in price, and the newer additional cover charge for multiple entrees.

 

Other than purchasing some sunscreen and a very reasonable bar bill. we didn't spend much on this cruise. Couple that with being a little lucky in the casino, and pulling a few C-notes out...I can absolutely guarantee that Princess lost money on us. Having a specific avg. onboard spending pp/pd target threshold, profit margins per passenger are very slim for cruise-lines. Mainstream lines make their money from the large overall volume of passengers.

 

With the money that we saved, we rented cars on the islands visited, having meals ashore and DIY touring.

 

FWIW - We avg. age late 30s, but are not necessarily new to cruising.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree that new cruisers tend to spend more than experienced cruisers (which can be of any age) but those older experienced cruisers have more time on their hands (longer vacations, retirees) and probably take many more cruises. Most itineraries - with the exception of Alaska and maybe short warm weather cruises - don't attract new cruisers in numbers to fill an entire ship.

Certainly not so in our case.

We've cruises significantly more since retired & spent way less than we used to prior to retirement even though the number of days at sea has increased dramatically.

If it wasn't for the wife buying a few items on the ships sale day (maybe $20 or $30) our bill would be zero.

That was never the case when we first started cruising.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Perhaps you're mixing 'new' cruisers with 'young' cruisers a little bit here. It deserves noting that not all 'new' cruisers are 'young', and not all 'young' cruisers are 'new' to cruising. However, by in large, the majority of 'new' cruisers also happen to be 'young'.

 

 

 

It's 'new' cruisers that Princess (along with all major cruiselines) are looking to entice, for the reason(s) that I stated above.

 

 

 

You're proving my point. My DW and I spent $0 on internet, each receiving 250 (loyalty)minutes for our 8-day cruise on the Crown last month -- More than enough for me -- as I still had some left to help spend the time waiting to disembark the last day.

 

 

 

Fairly soon before the sail-date, Princess emailed a casino rate that was around the lowest per person/per day that I've ever seen offered by them, but we were both able to get the time off short notice, and couldn't refuse $149 pp for an inside cabin. Coast-to-coast air was quite reasonable too.

 

 

 

In addition to the OBC from the FCC/FCD (we had purchased on our previous Princess sailing), having been Carnival Corp. shareholders for several years now, we also benefitted with more OBC from that relationship.

 

 

 

Yeah, we bought a few drinks on board, played some bingo on the final day, hit the Salty Dog one evening. We skipped our usual trip(s) to the Crown Grill this time around -- balking at both the raise in price, and the newer additional cover charge for multiple entrees.

 

 

 

Other than purchasing some sunscreen and a very reasonable bar bill. we didn't spend much on this cruise. Couple that with being a little lucky in the casino, and pulling a few C-notes out...I can absolutely guarantee that Princess lost money on us. Having a specific avg. onboard spending pp/pd target threshold, profit margins per passenger are very slim for cruise-lines. Mainstream lines make their money from the large overall volume of passengers.

 

 

 

With the money that we saved, we rented cars on the islands visited, having meals ashore and DIY touring.

 

 

 

FWIW - We avg. age late 30s, but are not necessarily new to cruising.

 

 

 

I’ve only ever spent about $100 on the bar (about a drink a day), the coffee card ($45) and maybe one or two items from the souvenir shop. Outside of the internet (I was working the last cruise I took so needed internet) I spent only about $200 over 15 days. I didn’t do shore excursions. They seem overpriced and I go to destinations I’m familiar with. When I do Hawaii and Fiji (cruise after the next) I’m likely to do shore excursions that time).

 

My next cruise I’m anticipating about $550 overall on board but that may increase if I do a specialty restaurant.

 

I’m a Ruby member right now. I’ll be platinum after my next one (solo cruiser).

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...