A Dyed in the Wool Norwegian Fan Gives Princess a Chance

[newmexicoNita]

I could not say it better if I tried.

 

I think we can all agree on this: each cruise line has its own personality, even though they probably are more alike than different. That being said, it is hard not to compare. Usually there is something or a few things that draw us to a particular line. I know, that is the case with us but for the right price and itinerary, we have always cruised whatever line fits our needs at the time and there probably is no line we would not cruise again if we had the time and money. Still, I have to say, for us, Princess was probably our least favorite, followed by Carnival but for different reasons.

[cruzsnooze]

 

Here's my advice about how to enjoy a cruise on a different line (or ship): Stop comparing the two. That's setting yourself up for finding the negatives.

 

Each cruise company has branded themselves, each does some things well and others not so well. Take it for what it is and enjoy it.

 

You expressed exactly what I was thinking when I read the OP's review. They didn't want to like Princess, they wanted to duplicate their NCL experiences.

[polySeraph]

Here's my advice about how to enjoy a cruise on a different line (or ship): Stop comparing the two. That's setting yourself up for finding the negatives.

 

The OP has provided us with a review of his/her cruise on a Princess ship for what is essentially an NCL audience. I think it is not unreasonable to expect some comparisons between the two cruise lines on a thread like this. While I do understand your point that it's important to appreciate each cruiseline for the unique experience that it provides, I really would like to understand how things are different on Princess so that I can maximize the experience next fall.

 

So, yes, I'm asking for a few comparisons between the two lines. That way I can plan for the differences and show up ready to have a great experience. Specifically, I'm looking for a "heads-up" on topics such as dining (what's the best way to walk up to the MDR and get a table for 2 by the window), shore excursions (what works? private or ship's? does "prebook" mean "prepay"?), and where to get a good cup of coffee. The OP mentioned egg crate mattress toppers; should I ask for one? How's Princess Cay? My DH loves going to the theater show and then later listening to music in the clubs on NCL; what can he expect on Princess?

[cruzsnooze]

My last three cruises were on Princess and my next one is on NCL. I didn't experience any of the issues the OP experienced. Princess' buffet is one of the best organised I've encountered because everything is in one place (except desserts) so your food is hot when you get through the line. I think comparing the OP's Noro virus cruise was not taken as an exception to the usual because of the outbreak of Noro. The harping on the alcohol based hand sanitizer told me they didn't understand the false sense of security it gives. People think they don't need to wash their hands because the Purell will be every where BUT it doesn't do a thing for a virus. The shows on Princess are not 30 minutes they are 50 minutes and seating is so readily available because they have 3 shows. No more going a half hour early to get seats.

Each cruise line has something to offer. I am looking forward to not packing formal clothes on my next NCL cruise. I am looking forward to no set dinner time on my NCL cruise.

[kylenyc]

Thank you for your review and comparison. Your experience is very much like mine back in 2012 when Princess accounted for nearly half of all major norovirus cruise ship cases. There were also fruit flies buzzing all over the ship, all over the food in the buffet (YUCK) and in the atrium and cabin halls. None of the workers in the buffet even cared. And the crew wasn't proactive about getting people to use the hand sanitizers either

 

I wouldn't say the crew were upset at the time. I felt they were trained to be more reserved and formal as oppose to friendly and sociable on Norwegian. My cabin steward in particular was excellent but he did confide with a sigh and a smile that they were getting more and more cabins to attend to over time. Princess officers were not approachable and rarely visible and no officers or any staff whatsoever showed for our Meet & Greet. They provided no refreshments, only a reserved section of the lounge.

 

I think 6 years or so is about right for me to venture to another Princess or Carnival cruise again. Although, I'll be sailing my first Royal cruise soon... I think... I want to eventually but I'm tempted to cancel it and sail another Norwegian cruise :p

Edited April 18, 2014 by kylenyc

[OceanDreaming2]

Thank you to all who have read and commented on my review. I thought it would be fun to compare our Princess cruise and share with fellow Norwegians.

 

I have read the comments and will attempt to respond to them.

 

I stated I realized the hand sanitizers do nothing for norovirus but they do help with bacteria. I would have liked to see them in more places throughout the ship.

 

A good cup of coffee is at the International Cafe. The coffee bar was similar to Starbucks. That was on the Crown Princess. I'm not sure about other Princess ships.

 

The main theater shows are only 30-35 minutes long. During at least one of the shows we attended, it was standing room only. There are other areas of entertainment including bars and nightclubs. There was live music along with DJ's.

 

We had Anytime Dining and chose to share tables with other couples. I believe you can request a specific table from the Maitre d. A tip would help you get the table you want. The Maitre d we had for the Anytime Dining room scolded us the first night when we stood on the wrong side of the entryway (apparently only for those with reservations).

 

Although no one asked, I should mention the dress code for the dining rooms was similar to Norwegian's. Maybe the other dining rooms had different dress codes, but the one we used was very relaxed.

[OCruisers]

Thanks for the time to give us YOUR honest opinion! :)

LuLu

~~~

[OceanDreaming2]

 

I think 6 years or so is about right for me to venture to another Princess or Carnival cruise again.

 

lol -- although we do have a Carnival cruise coming up in August.

 

Since Princess is owned by Carnival, it'll be time to compare again. ;)

[newmexicoNita]

The OP has provided us with a review of his/her cruise on a Princess ship for what is essentially an NCL audience. I think it is not unreasonable to expect some comparisons between the two cruise lines on a thread like this. While I do understand your point that it's important to appreciate each cruiseline for the unique experience that it provides, I really would like to understand how things are different on Princess so that I can maximize the experience next fall.

 

So, yes, I'm asking for a few comparisons between the two lines. That way I can plan for the differences and show up ready to have a great experience. Specifically, I'm looking for a "heads-up" on topics such as dining (what's the best way to walk up to the MDR and get a table for 2 by the window), shore excursions (what works? private or ship's? does "prebook" mean "prepay"?), and where to get a good cup of coffee. The OP mentioned egg crate mattress toppers; should I ask for one? How's Princess Cay? My DH loves going to the theater show and then later listening to music in the clubs on NCL; what can he expect on Princess?

 

He can go to a show and still listen to music after the show on Princess. They will have some sort of music in a couple of places throughout the ship, but overall the entertainment isn't as good as NCL shows. At least in our opinion. One thing we like better about Princess: the selection of TV progarming. NCL has the worst.

[newmexicoNita]

My last three cruises were on Princess and my next one is on NCL. I didn't experience any of the issues the OP experienced. Princess' buffet is one of the best organised I've encountered because everything is in one place (except desserts) so your food is hot when you get through the line. I think comparing the OP's Noro virus cruise was not taken as an exception to the usual because of the outbreak of Noro. The harping on the alcohol based hand sanitizer told me they didn't understand the false sense of security it gives. People think they don't need to wash their hands because the Purell will be every where BUT it doesn't do a thing for a virus. The shows on Princess are not 30 minutes they are 50 minutes and seating is so readily available because they have 3 shows. No more going a half hour early to get seats.

Each cruise line has something to offer. I am looking forward to not packing formal clothes on my next NCL cruise. I am looking forward to no set dinner time on my NCL cruise.

 

I think the buffet organization depends on the ship you are on. Our experience was just like the OPs, all we did was run into other people.

[hpecorari]

One thing we like better about Princess: the selection of TV progarming. NCL has the worst.

 

Agree to that 1000% !

 

Harriet

[soaringfalcon]

Great review!! Thank you for sharing it and I'm so glad you didn't get Noro.

 

We considered Princess for Alaska and the coffee card was a perk that was tipping their favor. Not anymore.

[hehny]

If you read the princess boards, you will find many reviews of the OPs voyage. It was not a typical princess voyage. While it's always good to try different cruise lines to see what you like, I'm not sure this one can be held as representative of princess.

[Cruisercl]

Why are we reading Princess reviews on the NCL boards? Isn't there a board for this?

 

Since you asked....some of us like to hear reviews of other cruise lines when in comparison to NCL. This is the NCL forum after all.

Next time, if you do not want to 'read' a comparison review, which was very well stated in the title, please try to restrain yourself and don't read it. If you have something to contribute, we would all welcome your opinion; please offer this to others.

 

No need to rain on someone else's opinion. Thank you!

 

Happy and safe cruising all! :D

[Cruise_More_Often]

You expressed exactly what I was thinking when I read the OP's review. They didn't want to like Princess, they wanted to duplicate their NCL experiences.

Uh, who would pay a couple thousand dollars to go on a cruise they already knew they wouldn't like? IMO, they went wanting to like it and did find things they preferred over NCL.

 

I would love to know how you can cruise multiple lines without making some comparisons during the week. Personally, I don't think it's possible. Not every cruiseline is for everyone.

 

Mary, thanks for pointing out the differences you experienced between NCL and Princess.. Your experience with Princess is very similar to mine. We've given Princess three times to make a good impression, but nothing really stood out (except that the decor on the three ships we cruised on was virtually identical). We seriously considered doing one of the coastal cruises, since embarking in San Francisco would be soooo easy for us. We just didn't want to pay for a so-so fourth cruise with Princess.

[OceanDreaming2]

You expressed exactly what I was thinking when I read the OP's review. They didn't want to like Princess, they wanted to duplicate their NCL experiences.

 

You and jkgourmet are wrong! We were actually a little tired of NCL. Princess was my first cruiseline. We really wanted to like it. And we did. Just not as much as we love NCL.

[OceanDreaming2]

Uh, who would pay a couple thousand dollars to go on a cruise they already knew they wouldn't like? IMO, they went wanting to like it and did find things they preferred over NCL.

 

I would love to know how you can cruise multiple lines without making some comparisons during the week. Personally, I don't think it's possible. Not every cruiseline is for everyone.

 

 

Thanks for understanding. It's impossible for me to cruise without comparing. If someone can, than good for them!

[sc2011]

Thank you so much for your review including comparisons between what you've experienced on both lines. I have only cruises NCL and often wonder what the other ships/lines are like.

[apiary311]

Thanks for taking the time to write and post this review and comparison. It seemed to be very well-balanced and fair to me. Princess has had some great prices lately, and we have been considering giving them a try. Your input will help us with that decision.

[newmexicoNita]

If you read the princess boards, you will find many reviews of the OPs voyage. It was not a typical princess voyage. While it's always good to try different cruise lines to see what you like, I'm not sure this one can be held as representative of princess.

 

Noro Virus can change any cruise from good to bad or outstanding to just so/so It is bound to play a major part in peoples enjoyment or lack of same. That being said, as I have reported before, our experience 3 times on Princess were very similar to OPs. I think we all have to realize, what works for one, may not for another. We all have our own personalities, our likes and dislikes: this is one of the reasons there are so many choices in our world. OP found Princess not what she had hoped. Others feel this way about NCL. I do not think her comparisons were unfair or overly negative, compared to some we see here blasting NCL.

Edited April 19, 2014 by newmexicoNita

[fishin' musician]

DW and I have cruised 20+ times on most maintream lines except MSC. Our preference is Princess with NCL a close second. I think both lines have a somewhat laidback vibe compared to ccl or rcl, have a less prententious clientelle than x and are more vibrant than hal. But if the deal is right any of these brands are fine.

[sjbdtz]

If you read the princess boards, you will find many reviews of the OPs voyage. It was not a typical princess voyage. While it's always good to try different cruise lines to see what you like, I'm not sure this one can be held as representative of princess.

 

 

I have no interest in reading the Princess boards, but since you have, and you believe that this was not a typical voyage.... yet this mimics my experience with them too (minus the noro), I'd like to understand how this voyage and mine differed from the norm?

 

.

[KarmaElectra]

I found this post very interesting, since I also cruise mostly NCL, but took my first Princess cruise last fall (Caribbean Princess).

 

I love cruising...it's vacation, and I am there to enjoy, not to complain! I don't get enough vacation time to spend it being unhappy. :) Sure there are little things I don't like, but I don't let it ruin my trip. (Now if I break my arm, or contract norovirus, then we'll talk. *lol*) I would choose NCL over Princess, but would not rule out Princess again if the opportunity arose.

 

Liked on Princess: the real pizza (yum!!!); the International Café; bigger balcony; able to use your room key as your casino card; frequent and well-attended trivia.

 

Didn't care for: not enough tables for 2; no towel animals; no smoking on balcony (for my traveling companion); very short shows (probably so they can do 3 instead of 2 per night); no jogging track; shower curtain instead of shower door.

[OceanDreaming2]

Just a note of thanks to whomever corrected the spelling in the title of this thread. :)

[quercus alba]

Just a note of thanks to whomever corrected the spelling in the title of this thread. :)

 

From me too! :o