Princess experience reduced? T & L rank 7th

[blaze14]

Many of you have read Travel and Leisure World's Best awards Aug 2013 issue:

 

1. Crystal 2. Regent 3. Azamara 4. Oceana 5. Holland America 6. RCI

7. Princess 8. Cunard 9, Celebrity 10. Norwegian

 

Those who have been on the other lines as well as Princess recently, do you think that Holland America and RCI have improved their cruise experience to rise above the Princess ships or do you think the princess experience is not what it was some years ago?

 

Princess suites vs. Crystal, Seabourn, Regent?

 

or Princess vs. Holland, Oceana, RCI, Cunard, Celebrity, Disney?

(for mega ships Princess ranked lower than celebrity, Disney, Cunard too)

 

What do you think of the Travel and Leisure rankings????

[bellebaby]

Many of you have read Travel and Leisure World's Best awards Aug 2013 issue:

 

1. Crystal 2. Regent 3. Azamara 4. Oceana 5. Holland America 6. RCI

7. Princess 8. Cunard 9, Celebrity 10. Norwegian

 

Those who have been on the other lines as well as Princess recently, do you think that Holland America and RCI have improved their cruise experience to rise above the Princess ships or do you think the princess experience is not what it was some years ago?

 

Princess suites vs. Crystal, Seabourn, Regent?

 

or Princess vs. Holland, Oceana, RCI, Cunard, Celebrity, Disney?

(for mega ships Princess ranked lower than celebrity, Disney, Cunard too)

 

What do you think of the Travel and Leisure rankings????

 

I think the Celebrity regulars will go nuts.

 

At least they ranked #1 for Mega Ships.

 

B

[Kentchikan]

Many of you have read Travel and Leisure World's Best awards Aug 2013 issue:

 

1. Crystal 2. Regent 3. Azamara 4. Oceana 5. Holland America 6. RCI

7. Princess 8. Cunard 9, Celebrity 10. Norwegian

 

Those who have been on the other lines as well as Princess recently, do you think that Holland America and RCI have improved their cruise experience to rise above the Princess ships or do you think the princess experience is not what it was some years ago?

 

Princess suites vs. Crystal, Seabourn, Regent?

 

or Princess vs. Holland, Oceana, RCI, Cunard, Celebrity, Disney?

(for mega ships Princess ranked lower than celebrity, Disney, Cunard too)

 

What do you think of the Travel and Leisure rankings????

 

I think Holland America is excellent but Princess keeps getting better. I'm surprised that Celebrity was so low.

[Kentchikan]

Many of you have read Travel and Leisure World's Best awards Aug 2013 issue:

 

1. Crystal 2. Regent 3. Azamara 4. Oceana 5. Holland America 6. RCI

7. Princess 8. Cunard 9, Celebrity 10. Norwegian

 

Those who have been on the other lines as well as Princess recently, do you think that Holland America and RCI have improved their cruise experience to rise above the Princess ships or do you think the princess experience is not what it was some years ago?

 

Princess suites vs. Crystal, Seabourn, Regent?

 

or Princess vs. Holland, Oceana, RCI, Cunard, Celebrity, Disney?

(for mega ships Princess ranked lower than celebrity, Disney, Cunard too)

 

What do you think of the Travel and Leisure rankings????

 

I think Holland America is excellent but Princess keeps getting better and better.

[Astro Flyer]

Those who have been on the other lines as well as Princess recently, do you think that Holland America and RCI have improved their cruise experience to rise above the Princess ships or do you think the princess experience is not what it was some years ago?

 

What do you think of the Travel and Leisure rankings????

I sailed RCI's Navigator of the Seas earlier this year & would disagree that their overall cruise experience was superior to Princess. While we enjoyed the cruise some subjective things such as food were not nearly as good as on Princess. Others will feel differently just like we prefer the Princess ships & overall experience. Princess continues to give us our best cruise experience for the price paid. :)

 

My thoughts on the rankings are that except for switching RCI & Princess (never sailed on HAL but want to someday) the rankings are not surprising to me. I don't know if this was a scientific survey or a random one in which many do not participate in but it looks fairly accurate to me. ;)

[icat2000]

One thing that strikes me about Princess is it "claims" to have interesting and itinerary. But I haven't seem much change up in the past couple of years.

[Pam in CA]

Cruise experience depends on expectations and personal preferences. These results don't include any demographics.

 

I've cruised on Princess, am a 3-star Mariner on HAL, several cruises on RCI and once on Celebrity. In my experience, cabin and dining service on Princess has been overall much better than on the other lines. I prefer the Princess dining options and buffet layout. I think HAL has the best itineraries and ship sizes for "exotic" itineraries.

 

This survey probably does not take into consideration the new pillowtop mattresses and re-designed Horizon Court and Piazza.

[Kentchikan]

There are many variables in a survey and they say that surveys can be used to prove almost any point of view. In Nevada for instance several casinos say they are the best according to surveys but they use different surveys. Also different lines appeal to different types of people with different lifestyles. And the other factor is that you don't really know the demographics of the survey participants.

I think for every cruise line you will find cheerleaders and naysayers.

[iceleven]

I cruised several of these lines and you really cannot compare one ship's experience with another from a different line. Each line has their better and their best. Sometimes one might be comparing apples with oranges.

I still prefer HAL over Princess. I can only dream of being able to take one of their longer, more exotic itineraries but retirement is still a few years away.

[Host Jazzbeau]

I think the Celebrity regulars will go nuts.

 

Then they shouldn't trash Celebrity so much on their forums. Everything is about how Celebrity "ain't what it used to be."

[Kentchikan]

I've been on many of those lines as well and they all have a different personality which is fun to experience.

[caribill]

I suspect the survey was of the magazine's readers.

 

So, how many of those on this board participated in the survey?

[Essiesmom]

The flaw in every magazine survey is that it only reflects the opinions of the readers/subscribers of those magazines. I stopped subscribing to T&L - it was an automatic renewal from my AMEX card, and I resented the automatic charge. I felt that most of the trips they wrote up were high end itineraries/accommodations, did not at all reflect my demographic. The survey forms were weighted heavily toward the high end lines, perhaps because that is what their subscribers indicated they were sailing. Take it all with a grain of salt (around the rim of a margarita). EM

[Kentchikan]

The flaw in every magazine survey is that it only reflects the opinions of the readers/subscribers of those magazines. I stopped subscribing to T&L - it was an automatic renewal from my AMEX card, and I resented the automatic charge. I felt that most of the trips they wrote up were high end itineraries/accommodations, did not at all reflect my demographic. The survey forms were weighted heavily toward the high end lines, perhaps because that is what their subscribers indicated they were sailing. Take it all with a grain of salt (around the rim of a margarita). EM

 

I stopped my subscription as well. It just wasn't all that interesting. I agree with you about the survey.

[fishin' musician]

A poll that is comprised of both leisure and mainstream lines is flawed.

[Mulege]

The real proof is when one actually sails a particular ship or line to determine what is best for them. Opinions are all over the place on any forum. Sailing one or two times on a line doesn't make you become an expert on them.

 

I do feel that CC can be a helpful resource.

[satxdiver]

I have sailed on HAL, Princess and RCI. I prefer Princess over the other two. On HAL it was a very old (I do mean OLD) crowd and the ship was absolutely dead after 9 PM! I like the nightlife but being in a bar listening to the music with only the bar personnel and musician is not my idea of fun.

 

RCI ships is my main beef with them. They have a lot of flash like climbing walls and ice skating rink - when was the last time you did will climbing? The royal promenade is flashy but with no views out to the sea. I like to feel like I am on a ship and see the sea. I live in the SW where ice is a well used commodity due to the heat. RCI guards their ice like it is gold. I either have to beg it from the bars or bug the room attendant for more ice. Princess has it available all the time in the HC and it is self service. It is not self service on RCI.

 

RCI finally has started allowing pax to bring on two bottles of wine per stateroom which is nice but Princess lets us bring on two with no charge and more for $15/bottle. We do enjoy our afternoon respite with some of our wine on the balcony as the sun sets over the ocean.

 

So I do not agree with the survey but then it is subjective for every individual. Princess is a better fit for us.

[Kentchikan]

I have sailed on HAL, Princess and RCI. I prefer Princess over the other two. On HAL it was a very old (I do mean OLD) crowd and the ship was absolutely dead after 9 PM! I like the nightlife but being in a bar listening to the music with only the bar personnel and musician is not my idea of fun.

 

You're right and I think every cruise line caters to its own demographic in the main. Of course there are line hoppers like us. HAL tends to draw an older crowd. Carnival tends to skew young. Destinations change the demographics as well. Long cruises tend to attract older people because they have the time. I like a nice mix of older and younger people and Princess seems to provide that.

[IdahoCruises]

Stole the words right out of my mouth. I also had the auto renewal of T&L from AMEX and had it stopped. It seemed like they catered to a crowd that would like the most exclusive ships available as were in the top 3 - 4 in their poll. Surprise, surprise....

[Bluwaterz]

I would have said Princess, Celebrity, then RCI. We sailed on Disney last year (we have no small children) & their service & food was fantastic. I would list them before RCI as well. Princess is still my favorite. Of course, everyone will have their own opinion based upon their particular experience(s) with each cruiseline. NCL was my least favorite though I could find positives in that cruise. Hard for me not to enjoy a cruise.

[momofmeg]

Many of you have read Travel and Leisure World's Best awards Aug 2013 issue:

 

1. Crystal 2. Regent 3. Azamara 4. Oceana 5. Holland America 6. RCI

7. Princess 8. Cunard 9, Celebrity 10. Norwegian

 

Those who have been on the other lines as well as Princess recently, do you think that Holland America and RCI have improved their cruise experience to rise above the Princess ships or do you think the princess experience is not what it was some years ago?

 

Princess suites vs. Crystal, Seabourn, Regent?

 

or Princess vs. Holland, Oceana, RCI, Cunard, Celebrity, Disney?

(for mega ships Princess ranked lower than celebrity, Disney, Cunard too)

 

What do you think of the Travel and Leisure rankings????

It must have been a smoker who came up with that. (balcony smoking permitted on those 2 liens) RCI is many steps below Celebrity in my mind. I consider HAL-Celebrity-Princess equal premium mainstream lines. Being a nonsmoker I prefer Celebrity or princess too HAL.

[momofmeg]

It must have been a smoker who came up with that. (balcony smoking permitted on those 2 liens) RCI is many steps below Celebrity in my mind. I consider HAL-Celebrity-Princess equal premium mainstream lines. Being a nonsmoker I prefer Celebrity or princess too HAL.

 

I do not agree that Celebrity is only 1 step above NCL either. RCI-NCL-Carnival mainstream lines. (and yes RCI is the best of the mainstream lines) HAL-Princess-Celebrity are considered premium mainstream lines.

 

As far as the top 4 they may be correct, but none of those are considered mainstream or premium mainstream. I do know Azamara and Oceania are a step above premium mainstream, and Crystal is above them. Isn''t Cunard considered more on par with Oceania and Azamara?

 

Of course that may be true of popularity of the lines mentioned, but not necessarily what is considered the best line as far as services/luxuries.

[Kentchikan]

I would have said Princess, Celebrity, then RCI. We sailed on Disney last year (we have no small children) & their service & food was fantastic. I would list them before RCI as well. Princess is still my favorite. Of course, everyone will have their own opinion based upon their particular experience(s) with each cruiseline. NCL was my least favorite though I could find positives in that cruise. Hard for me not to enjoy a cruise.

 

We sailed on NCL a few years ago and were reluctant to because of what it would be like. The cruise was phenomenal. The service fantastic. The captain even came by our table on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday.

[momofmeg]

We sailed on NCL a few years ago and were reluctant to because of what it would be like. The cruise was phenomenal. The service fantastic. The captain even came by our table on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday.

 

I like NCL okay,at least the newer ships that were designed for freestyle unlike the Sun and Sky which have congested buffet restaurants, since a chunk of those restaurants were taken away to make into specialty restaurants. I do go to specialties more when I cruise NCL as the main diningroom food is okay not special. On Celebrity (like Princess) the food is good enough you really do not need to go to the specialty for good food.

[Kentchikan]

I like NCL okay,at least the newer ships that were designed for freestyle unlike the Sun and Sky which have congested buffet restaurants, since a chunk of those restaurants were taken away to make into specialty restaurants. I do go to specialties more when I cruise NCL as the main diningroom food is okay not special. On Celebrity (like Princess) the food is good enough you really do not need to go to the specialty for good food.

 

I was only in the buffet twice on the Sun and it is an awkward layout. Their serving utensils are not great. The first time I went I tried to get a meatball and it slipped from the spoon rolled across my plate and fell on the floor. The second time I tried to get a piece of pizza. Their utensils bent and the pizza flipped on to the floor. I never returned. Probably just as well as they no doubt posted my picture with a circle on it with a line through it. :rolleyes:

However the food in the other restaurants was really good and the service was superb.