Island Princess Holiday Cruise Review...

[dazee8]

Annie,

 

I knew that the priest was asked to leave the ship, but didn't know what happened. Can you elaborate?

 

Thanks,

Nora

[Taters]

Hi Nora:

 

I was the second or third night of the cruise, about 10:30 pm. The DJ was there in the "Off Limits" teen room and the music was turned up quite loud. Hey - they're teenagers and this was a supervised activity! Anyhow, out of nowhere this older man storms in there in a rage and SCREAMS at the kids that he's sick and tired of this music and he' GOING to get some sleep tonight, etc, etc, etc... This guy was cussing and stomping around and the kids were really scared. Jessie said that at first they thought he must be someone's grandpa, 'cause adults aren't allowed in there. Anyway, the counselor, Gosia, that was there along with the DJ, went to try to calm him down and asked him to leave, and the man flung her into the wall. One of the teenage boys attempted to come to Gosia's rescue and he too was flung againt the wall by the enraged man. They got him out of there and locked him out, the kids in. The man then started POUNDING on the walls and SCREAMING at them through the round windows. Security came and they escorted this guy to who knows where.

 

At first I thought that it was just a rumor that this man was a priest...

 

Anyhow, through talks with Heidi, she told me that the man would be put off the ship in Hawaii, that everyone was ok, (Gosia is Heidi's roomate on the ship), and that all that were there were ok. This situation was a huge deal - The captain was involved and there'd been several meetings regarding this man. As it turns out, the man never complaind to the Purser's Desk about the noise or to anyone else, either... He just went down there in a rage, accosted a woman and a child and scared the lot of them. The staff had even been considering letting him stay on the ship (probably because he was a priest), but he showed absolutely no remorse. He didn't think he did anything wrong! Can you believe that?

 

Anyhow, after hearing that this WAS a priest from so many people, I went back and asked Heidi if he really was a priest and she rolled her eyes in dusgust and said yes... It was true. I am still floored at the whole thing. My Jessie is a toughie and she's seen crazy people before, so she chalked it up to another strange experience. I think I was more shocked than she was.

 

Here's ro Princess sending him packing!

 

Annie

[dazee8]

Thanks Annie for letting me know what happened. What he did was unexcusable behavior and I am glad that he was asked to leave the ship. That was assualt and battery in my eyes. I am glad to hear that your Jessie was not hurt, but I am sorry she had to witness such a scene. Let's hope your next cruise doesn't have that on the agenda. :)Nora

[Franknca]

At first I thought that it was just a rumor that this man was a priest...

 

 

Annie:

Ships usually have a few clergy on board for religious services. They get a free ride so they don't get assigned the best locations. Better them than one of us paying full freight. In this case both he and a minister were given accomodations right under the Off Limits area. According to my sources on board, he was an 81 year old retired priest that Princess got off the internet. That is a surprise when one hears about the process they go through for other people on board but I can see how they'd feel they wouldn't need the same kind of detailed checking for a person of the cloth. Who knows if he had other problems too? The minister put up with it.

 

Supposedly the assistant manager from the casino was doing security - a little woman. The story went that when she confronted him, he put his hands around her neck, slammed her into a wall and said something like "Woman, you will listen to me".

 

The story goes on that he was still going to be allowed to say midnight mass but refused. And it isn't clear as to whether getting off at Hilo was his idea or the cruise lines. Some people thought that if they were going to put a priest off the ship, they should also put some of those families off too. But that would entail confronting a paying passenger - something chicken Princess was probably reluctant to do.

 

BTW, our waiter told us that they have the same problem every year with the Mexican families. It is not the same families, just different affluent ones that lead a pretty pampered life and are quite demanding on board. The waiters dreaded the second seating.

 

I doubt we'll ever have the opportunity to have the entire family cruise with us again and when we cruise alone, I want to make sure it is a time when kids are in school.

Frank

[Taters]

Annie:

Ships usually have a few clergy on board for religious services. They get a free ride so they don't get assigned the best locations. Better them than one of us paying full freight. In this case both he and a minister were given accomodations right under the Off Limits area. According to my sources on board, he was an 81 year old retired priest that Princess got off the internet. That is a surprise when one hears about the process they go through for other people on board but I can see how they'd feel they wouldn't need the same kind of detailed checking for a person of the cloth. Who knows if he had other problems too? The minister put up with it.

 

Supposedly the assistant manager from the casino was doing security - a little woman. The story went that when she confronted him, he put his hands around her neck, slammed her into a wall and said something like "Woman, you will listen to me".

 

The story goes on that he was still going to be allowed to say midnight mass but refused. And it isn't clear as to whether getting off at Hilo was his idea or the cruise lines. Some people thought that if they were going to put a priest off the ship, they should also put some of those families off too. But that would entail confronting a paying passenger - something chicken Princess was probably reluctant to do.

 

BTW, our waiter told us that they have the same problem every year with the Mexican families. It is not the same families, just different affluent ones that lead a pretty pampered life and are quite demanding on board. The waiters dreaded the second seating.

 

I doubt we'll ever have the opportunity to have the entire family cruise with us again and when we cruise alone, I want to make sure it is a time when kids are in school.

Frank

 

So Frank, I am assuming then, that this man threw another woman against the wall, the casino assistant supervisor, after he was locked out of "Off Limits". Wow - What a monster.

 

From what Heidi had to say, I feel like it was the cruise line's decision to send him off in Hilo. She was very adamant that he felt no remorse... Said it was the cruise line's decision. But who knows? Anyhow, I feel that it was in the best interest of the crusie line and the passengers on board to get him out of there. No way would I want this guy wandering around with all of those unsupervised TINY LITTLE children around. Who knows what other things this guy was capable of doing.

 

I think that we tend to automatically feel safe and secure once on board a cruise ship, what with all the passenger screening, post 9/11 security measures, those no-fly lists and extra bag checks we all endure. Unfortunately, if someone's not a fellon and can obtain a passport, one is free to roam the world. Princess screwed up by not doing their own background check on him... Something they can do for a very small fee through a private company if they don't want to do it themselves. I can only hope that Princess learned a lesson from this situation and will do a better job in their hiring practices in the future. I want my daughter to be safe. Period. Hell - I want to be safe. Frank, I want you and your family to be safe.

 

Yikes.

 

Annie

[cruisingfreak]

Hi Annie & Frank

 

Did you also know that the darling children were stealing pictures, that were for sale? I had heard that the last day, they set fire to a box with pictures in them. One of them was caught, but the other wasn't.

 

 

Minette

[DMorris]

I am glad that this man left the ship whether it was Princess who threw him off or if it was of his own will... but what I don't understand is why Princess didn't throw the families off who had the kids who were destructive??? Doesn't make sense to me since they supposedly threw this man off. Makes me wonder if Princess picks and chooses who can stay or go no matter what they do.

[cruisingfreak]

but what I don't understand is why Princess didn't throw the families off who had the kids who were destructive??? Doesn't make sense to me since they supposedly threw this man off. Makes me wonder if Princess picks and chooses who can stay or go no matter what they do.

 

 

Supposedly these people, who were from Mexico, were very influential. This means, they probably spend loads of money, while on a cruise.

 

Princess did have more security, in the halls near the cabins, on New Year's Eve & thereafter. They should have done this sooner.

 

 

Minette

[Taters]

I hadn't heard the stories about the art work or the fire, Minette. If these were my kids I'd think seriously about committing them to an institution.

 

Princess should be ashamed of themselves for letting these things happen. Especially over and over again.

 

Minette - In light of all these terrible things that happened on board Island Princess, are you and Marty still planning to be on the Sea Princess for the holidays next year? I know that your cabin was located mid ship on the Island, was it loud for you guys most nights? Just curious!

 

Annie

[cruisingfreak]

I hadn't heard the stories about the art work or the fire, Minette. If these were my kids I'd think seriously about committing them to an institution.

 

Princess should be ashamed of themselves for letting these things happen. Especially over and over again.

 

Minette - In light of all these terrible things that happened on board Island Princess, are you and Marty still planning to be on the Sea Princess for the holidays next year? I know that your cabin was located mid ship on the Island, was it loud for you guys most nights? Just curious!

 

Annie

 

 

It was pretty quiet, until near the end of the cruise. On either side of us, we had a quad cabin. One side, blasted the tv at all hrs. The other side, I heard loud talking and laughing into the nite. The children didn't bother us at all.

 

 

Annie, it wasn't the artwork that was stolen, it was the photo's that were.

 

We're still planning on doing the Sea Princess. This was the most unusual cruise, we've ever done. The Caribbean cruises, are nothing like this, even with all the children doing Xmas.

 

 

Minette

[Cruisin' Chick]

Thank you both for your reviews. My family will be on the 2005 holiday cruise on the Island. I wondering about two things: why would someone order a "specialty meal" when there are many choices already (other than asking for fries vs. baked or like me asking for no salad dressing on my salad or some other omission -- such as leaving off an item off your plate) and why was the priest taken off the ship?

[dazee8]

Thank you both for your reviews. My family will be on the 2005 holiday cruise on the Island. I wondering about two things: why would someone order a "specialty meal" when there are many choices already (other than asking for fries vs. baked or like me asking for no salad dressing on my salad or some other omission -- such as leaving off an item off your plate) and why was the priest taken off the ship?

 

 

Even though there were many choices each and every evening, these Mexican families didn't like what was being offered. I supposed they thought they were entitled to ask for anything since they bought a ticket. Like most people onboard I don't think they would ask waiters to go out of their way each and every evening... but they did. Also you should know that Princess has a children's menu available... perhaps that is why the majority of the kids were ordering spaghetti each night.

 

As for the priest being taken off the ship... you need to scroll back and read the previous answers to that question.

[cruisingfreak]

Dazee8

 

I just noticed that you will be on the Sea Princess in Dec. Will you be going on the 17th?

 

If you are, we have a Roll Call.

 

 

Minette

[sunshine95030]

I ordered prime rib that stated that pototoes blah blah blah would be served along with it... Sorry but I forget what type were listed, it was a french word... never would've imagined that those fancy words meant french fries! LOL

 

As far as switching to anytime dining, we didn't feel it was an option for us. When we cruise with our teenager, we like to have a specific time to meet for dinner every night and we've always had traditional dining and didn't see a reason to change one of the things we've always loved about cruising!

 

Also, I forgot to mention that after the first night's dinner, we went to the maiter'd and asked if we could switch to a larger table and he told us no, that all of the larger tables were full of large parties sailing together and families... Then I read Sunshine's post that said they were initially put at a table in a loud area and were switched to a larger table in a better area of the dining room. She, her mother and son also had late traditional dining on this cruise. Maybe her tip to the maiter's d was bigger than mine? LOL

 

Anyhow, this didn't ruin my cruise, just made me think less of Princess' dining room staff and policies.

 

Taters

Hi Annie,

We didn't tip the maitre'd to move us to another table, and really weren't confident he'd be able to move us - we were just lucky. We also booked this cruise waaaay in advance, and were confirmed (supposedly) for late seating at a large table, so this really is rude that they didn't find a way to move you! By the way, it was nice to finally meet you, Kevin and Jesse! Cody took a few great pics of the "boats" and race.

You are lucky to not have noticed the large family discussed so much on these boards. Even trying to ignore it, we got pretty fed up-especially toward the end of the cruise when it seemed to just get worse. I agree with Frank and his "rules" Princess needs to think about adopting. I'm most upset with Princess for not enforcing rules at all (that I saw) when this family got out of control and so many passengers were complaining. It was more than just "rowdy kids". But I digress...

The islands were beautiful, as always. I'm sorry you didn't think Hanauma Bay was worth the trip. I used to snorkel there when growing up and it was beautiful. We didn't make it on this trip-it was pouring-but I'm sad to hear it apparently isn't as nice as it used to be. We did go to the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel (beautiful!) and saw the dolphins in their lagoon "play" during the kids program.

The Kahanu Catamaran Sail and Snorkel excursion on Kona was a lot of fun! I recommend it to anyone taking this cruise. It was a small group-very personal attention and plenty of food. I also highly recommend the Haleakela Ziplining. We all loved that one!

[Taters]

I am glad that this man left the ship whether it was Princess who threw him off or if it was of his own will... but what I don't understand is why Princess didn't throw the families off who had the kids who were destructive??? Doesn't make sense to me since they supposedly threw this man off. Makes me wonder if Princess picks and chooses who can stay or go no matter what they do.

 

The rumor was that these people were spending thousands of dollars in the casino every night... That Princess was sucking up to them and even giving them future free cruises...

 

That is just a rumor, though... I don't know about this for sure.

[Taters]

[quote name='sunshine95030']Hi Annie,
We didn't tip the maitre'd to move us to another table, and really weren't confident he'd be able to move us - we were just lucky. We also booked this cruise waaaay in advance, and were confirmed (supposedly) for late seating at a large table, so this really is rude that they didn't find a way to move you! By the way, it was nice to finally meet you, Kevin and Jesse! Cody took a few great pics of the "boats" and race.
You are lucky to not have noticed the large family discussed so much on these boards. Even trying to ignore it, we got pretty fed up-especially toward the end of the cruise when it seemed to just get worse. I agree with Frank and his "rules" Princess needs to think about adopting. I'm most upset with Princess for not enforcing rules at all (that I saw) when this family got out of control and so many passengers were complaining. It was more than just "rowdy kids". But I digress...
The islands were beautiful, as always. I'm sorry you didn't think Hanauma Bay was worth the trip. I used to snorkel there when growing up and it was beautiful. We didn't make it on this trip-it was pouring-but I'm sad to hear it apparently isn't as nice as it used to be. We did go to the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel (beautiful!) and saw the dolphins in their lagoon "play" during the kids program.
The Kahanu Catamaran Sail and Snorkel excursion on Kona was a lot of fun! I recommend it to anyone taking this cruise. It was a small group-very personal attention and plenty of food. I also highly recommend the Haleakela Ziplining. We all loved that one![/QUOTE]

Hi Collette:

I was just joking about the maiter'd... It was a crapshoot as to whether we got moved to a different table or not.

I did notice the one table in the dining room that was just kids. What a mess! I felt sorry for the waitstaff assigned to that one. No adults supervising at dinner time.

Sounds like your shore excursions were awesome! We ended up driving around a lot, which I enjoyed, as this was my first trip to Hawaii. I think I'd like to go back and stay at Kona and Kauai. A few days on Maui would be really nice, too!

And I could do all that TODAY, by the way, as it's 35 below here right now!

It was really fun meeting you, Dorthea and Cody! He is a very smart kid! Great sense of humor!

Annie

[Franknca]

[quote name='cruisingfreak']Dazee8

I just noticed that you will be on the Sea Princess in Dec. Will you be going on the 17th?

If you are, we have a Roll Call.


Minette[/QUOTE]

Minette:
We will be on the Sea Princess in October for a New England cruise from Quebec to Fort Lauderdale and again on the Sea Princess in March 2006 for a 14 day Caribbean cruise. My TA has assigned the future cruise credits we purchased on board to these two cruises.
Frank-in-CA

[Franknca]

[quote name='Taters']The rumor was that these people were spending thousands of dollars in the casino every night... That Princess was sucking up to them and even giving them future free cruises...

That is just a rumor, though... I don't know about this for sure.[/QUOTE]

Taters:
It was no rumor about the money they were dropping in the casino. I saw them drop a lot of it. And there seemed to be more adults from Mexico than the amount of children I saw. I don't know if there was some reason Princess catered to these people, whether it was influence, money or both. I wonder if they were in pharmaceuticals back home (G)
Frank-in-CA

[Taters]

[quote name='Franknca']Taters:
It was no rumor about the money they were dropping in the casino. I saw them drop a lot of it. And there seemed to be more adults from Mexico than the amount of children I saw. I don't know if there was some reason Princess catered to these people, whether it was influence, money or both. I wonder if they were in pharmaceuticals back home (G)
Frank-in-CA[/QUOTE]

Frank - You crack me up! Though, what you are saying may have some merit. Hope not, though!

BTW - You'll have to let us know how your Quebec to FLL cruise goes... I've often thought that this would be a great way to buy art... Hitting galleries in Montreal, Novia Scotia and along the New England coast while cruising!... Having stuff sent directly home via FedEx or whatever. I would love to go on a cruise like that.

Someday!!!

Take care,

Annie

[fairlane06]

thanks to all for the excellent reviews. We will be on this cruise for the 2-3-05 sailing and looking forward to it.

This will be our first Princess cruise too. We have sailed MANY Rccl cruises and decided to give this a try, so guess we will see.

Tators......excellent job sharing your experiences. Hopefully the "kids" will be less numbered on our cruise because of the time of the year. I guess the number of kids kinda goes hand-in-hand since it is a Christmas cruise.

Again., THanks all

Kathy

[cruisingfreak]

[quote name='Franknca']Minette:
We will be on the Sea Princess in October for a New England cruise from Quebec to Fort Lauderdale and again on the Sea Princess in March 2006 for a 14 day Caribbean cruise. My TA has assigned the future cruise credits we purchased on board to these two cruises.
Frank-in-CA[/QUOTE]

Frank

Glad you were able to have the FCC's, assigned to those cruises.

Will you be doing the Grand Caribbean Islander itinerary, on your March cruise, or the other?

If they alternate the itinerary in 2006, I'm going to book the Sea Princess again, for that Dec.


Minette

[cruisingfreak]

[quote name='Franknca']It was no rumor about the money they were dropping in the casino. I saw them drop a lot of it. And there seemed to be more adults from Mexico than the amount of children I saw. I don't know if there was some reason Princess catered to these people, whether it was influence, money or both. I wonder if they were in pharmaceuticals back home (G)
Frank-in-CA[/QUOTE]

Now that is funny Frank!!!



Minette

[Taters]

[quote name='fairlane06']thanks to all for the excellent reviews. We will be on this cruise for the 2-3-05 sailing and looking forward to it.

This will be our first Princess cruise too. We have sailed MANY Rccl cruises and decided to give this a try, so guess we will see.

Tators......excellent job sharing your experiences. Hopefully the "kids" will be less numbered on our cruise because of the time of the year. I guess the number of kids kinda goes hand-in-hand since it is a Christmas cruise.

Again., THanks all

Kathy[/QUOTE]

Hi Kathy:

I'm sure that there'll be far fewer children on your cruise next month... This was the first time we've gone while school was out. All of or prior cruises had between 30 - 60 kids, total, on board. You'll have a great time!

Annie

[Mr.Lucky]

Hi Anne and the rest of the CC gang,

We had a great time on the cruise, meeting you guys really made the cruise a lot of fun.
Jackie has been busy setting up another vacation for Memorial Day....she just called to tell me what WE will be doing......back to Hawaii for a week in Waikiki. Funny that was what we were going to do before switching to the Island Princess or one of the Carnival cruises.......I should have said yes to Waikiki the first time!
So, she should be back on line very soon....try to keep her busy.

I saw your posting and thought I should say Hi and we miss you guys.

Mr .Lucky

[cruisingfreak]

[quote name='Mr.Lucky']Hi Anne and the rest of the CC gang,

We had a great time on the cruise, meeting you guys really made the cruise a lot of fun.
Jackie has been busy setting up another vacation for Memorial Day....she just called to tell me what WE will be doing......back to Hawaii for a week in Waikiki. Funny that was what we were going to do before switching to the Island Princess or one of the Carnival cruises.......I should have said yes to Waikiki the first time!
So, she should be back on line very soon....try to keep her busy.

I saw your posting and thought I should say Hi and we miss you guys.

Mr .Lucky[/QUOTE]

Hi Frank

Nice seeing you back online.

I was wondering what happened to Jackie, as she hasn't been online, since we got home.

Going back to Waikiki, I'm glad you are going. Should be a wonderful week.

Take Care & tell Jackie, we want to see her on the Dec. Roll Call real soon.


Minette