Seeking your opinion(s) on Pacific Princess. Worried ship is too small.

[Mommypig]

Some people cruise for the glitz and the casino and the shows. Other people cruise to travel to new places and make new friends. The big ships are better for the first, and the small ships are better for the latter.

 

We love the little ladies and were so sad that Princess sold the Ocean Princess. We have the world cruise booked on the Pacific Princess for 2016 because we want to do that cruise on a small ship with Princess, and we are afraid they will sell her too.

 

Personally I love the muted decor of the Pacific Princess. Sort of old manor home. The library is a treasure.

 

We love the sea days. We have met good friends on the the small ships and are cruising with some of them again.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

Carnival 24 cruise days

Princess 79 cruise days, plus 142 cruise days scheduled

Norwegian 7 cruise days

Celebrity 15 cruise days scheduled

[Cruise Junky]

One should also note that many of the most expensive ultra-luxury vessels are small (sometimes about 200 passengers) and folks are willing to pay over $1000 per passenger day just to avoid the large ships.

 

Hank

 

But I'd be willing to bet they had open dining which Pacific doesn't. That is the deal breaker for us.

[DougH]

As to smaller cruise ships, one of our favorites is the old Prinsendam (about 800 passengers if full) where we once cruised over 60 days with just 585 folks. It was heaven.

 

I sailed on the HAL Prinsendam to Australia/New Zealand on the 2nd or 3rd cruise right after HAL bought her. We had less than 500 passengers aboard (was told the previous one had about 300!) and it was like a private yacht. Fantastic experience

 

I love the small ships and have 4 booked on the Pacific this year :)

[furb]

While my husband and I generally cruise because we want to see new places and get a taste for them, we are also very fond of the luxury of idle sea days in each other's company without any structure other than meals.

 

Though we are definitely not all that fond of meeting new people; after the first few cruises we could spot from a mile away the old farts who would drive forced conversations because they were bored and/or nosy, or because they were attention whores who needed an audience to ooh and ahh over there stories (while their spouse rolled their eyes and tuned it out...). That's when we discovered Anytime Dining. :D Our savior.

 

Personally, I've found that people who are easily bored are boring.

 

I have to quote this, it's brilliant.

Edited February 6, 2015 by furb

[Laurie7]

We sailed on the Pacific Princess approx. one year ago. We flew to Papeete, Tahiti and did a ten day cruise around the islands. We only had two sea days which might make a difference, not sure. What we enjoyed the most was all of the great people we met on board, passengers and crew. Everyone was so friendly/helpful and being that it is a small ship you see them repeatedly and get to know them. We found plenty of things to do or just relax. We met some people on board who were sailing on Pacific Princess for months straight and they love to do so. I am also a fan of the large ships, but this was a great experience for me to try a small ship.

[latebloomer56]

We were just on the Pacific this past summer. Wanted the small ship experience and enjoyed it. Loved knowing folks from day to day no long lines getting on or off the ship. That said I really missed the IC. I get up very early (yes even on vacation) and missed my coffee at 4 AM. Also the buffet is a bistro at night so missed the option of grabbing a late snack or just poking around checking out the goodies :). We didn't use the pool area so no help with that. Entertainment as always was hit or miss when we bothered. We only wanted to veg with a book or movie. Computer use was also easier than on the larger ships no lines.

We passed on a mini this trip because they are under public areas liked the balcony cabin but it was only a week. This trip was a just because vacation and the Pacific had a nice price at the time. I can now check this off my list :). We would go on her again if the timing and price were right, but only just to relax and get away period. Now if I can just get myself to try a mega ship.

[RDC1]

The dining room on the Pacific Princess is traditional only.

 

One other interesting item is because the crew size in limited, the dancers in the production shows also double as the CD staff. They did an excellent job at both.

[Hawaiidan]

If you love ocean travel and the unique feel of it the smaller the ship the better.

If you want to cruise on a seagoing version of Las Vegas resorts with 4000 other party goers then no

 

After years of travel doing 30 to45 day cruises you will never ever get me back on a ship over 900 people..... ever. The people who sail these small ships are lovely outgoing and well traveled folks... Its like a private country club, vs Disneyland. I can not say enough good things.

 

sailing to Hawaii is a very short 4 days.... too short. Many after experiencing the pleasure and relaxation of sea days crave more and more and ports become secondary

[PescadoAmarillo]

We were also uncertain of our feelings about such a small ship...until we went on the Pacific Princess. We so enjoyed our 86 nights on the ship that we're hoping to repeat them next fall. Even with the stretch of sea days to/from Hawaii and French Polynesia (5 days each), which are not my favorite, I coped very well (buying a wine package might have helped with that...nice, boozy lunches in the dining room every day). I would take every cruise in that ship if I could.

[Cruise Junky]

sailing to Hawaii is a very short 4 days.... too short. Many after experiencing the pleasure and relaxation of sea days crave more and more and ports become secondary

 

It's 5 days on Pacific Princess.

[KruzeKrazy!]

Laurie7 and Pescado -

 

Any recommendations as to a few scenic "highlight" excursions? We're on the same cruise this fall for our 40th and don't want to do an excursion in every port - just a few highlights. And don't really want to do a snorkel/motu picnic over and over - we've booked that with Patrick on Bora Bora so we're covered there.

 

And we're staying post-cruise on Moorea so we'll have non-ship time there.

 

We like scenery and R&R - not so much guided tours nor shopping.

 

Thanks!

 

P.S. Pescado - I've just started reading your great blog (on day 14 now...) so expect to learn lots of great tidbits there! Love your writing and photos!!!

[PescadoAmarillo]

Thank you! Here is my "best of" list:

Moorea- ATV Tour

Bora Bora- Patrick's motu picnic and lagoon snorkel

Raiatea- probably a snorkel or dive, or you can climb Mt Tapioi for some of the best views of your life

Huahine- Marc's motu picnic and lagoon snorkel

Rangiroa- snorkel/dive Tiputa Pass or the Aquarium

Tahiti- 4x4 with Patrick (we've done this twice in the past)

If you go to Nuku Hiva, get off the ship ASAP and pick up a local tour, or simply walk around Taihoe village and view Notre Dame church

 

The best part about the Pacific Princess in French Polynesia is that, even if you don't have tender priority, they were calling open tender generally by 8:30am, 9am at the latest.

[KruzeKrazy!]

Pescado -

 

Thanks a bunch !!!

 

Tonight I'll get to reading more of your blog - so eager to get past day 14 and keep on going!

Edited February 6, 2015 by KruzeKrazy!

[jpj39]

I sailed on the pacific princess oct 2013 Mediterranean cruise

it was a port intensive cruise.

With few sea days,I spent most of my time touring and spent little time on board.

The ship was fine. the thing I disliked the most was the traditional dining

I will never cruise on a ship that doesn't have anytime dining

the library was the best

Entertainment is not a deciding issue with me

[Aussie Gal]

We love the little ships and we will be back on the Ocean Princess for the last time as she is now in April for 32 days. Can't wait to be back in our mini suite once again. The best mini's on those ships are the ones between 8000 and 8010, as they are not under the pool area or the buffet and are very quiet.

 

We have just come off Celebrity's Solstice with a full ship of over 2800 passengers with so many people everywhere. The only saving grace for us was being in Aqua and having the Blu restaurant for both breakfast and dinner. The queues to get off each day for the tenders were incredible and even though the anchor went down at 8am, we were still having trouble getting off the ship at 10.30am. Give me the little ships anytime.

 

We also love the Prinsendam, it is such a beautiful ship and it has an amazing array of public rooms. We have also been on the Maasdam and Veendam of HAL, but I don't class those ships as being small at 1200 passengers.

 

We enjoy Anytime dining but on the little ships, (other than Oceania and Azamara which do have Anytime dining), we always request a table for two when it is Traditional Dining. Over the years we have had too many table mates that we would never choose to share a meal if we were on land and therefore we don't want our meals spoilt with unpleasant company.

 

We love the sea days and can always find plenty to do as we love Trivia, going to the lectures and reading. I am happy that the Casino is small as we don't participate and we enjoy the small lounges and the lovely Tahitian Lounge at the front of the ship for a drink. The one big bonus is that there are no more Art Auctions on the two little ships which is fantastic for those who get sick and tired of the Art being placed all around the ship.

 

If you love extravagant shows, then the larger ships are what you need but for a good Production show or a solo performer, the Cabaret Lounge is fine.

 

I also love the English Country House decoration of the ship which is understated. It is a change from the glitzy interiors of the newer ships.

 

I will be sorry to see the Ocean Princess leave Princess but as we enjoy cruising on Oceania, I daresay that we will probably get to cruise on her under her new name.

 

Jennie

Edited February 6, 2015 by Aussie Gal

[The-Inside-Cabin]

I did 18 days on the Ocean. Loved it. Biggest difference to me was the showroom - you will gets shows like you see in explorers lounge on bigger ships. Sooo if you will miss the big production shows...you won't like it.

 

As far as the ride goes. They all have stabilizers and I didn't notice any difference.

[MGnut]

While my husband and I generally cruise because we want to see new places and get a taste for them, we are also very fond of the luxury of idle sea days in each other's company without any structure other than meals.

 

Though we are definitely not all that fond of meeting new people; after the first few cruises we could spot from a mile away the old farts who would drive forced conversations because they were bored and/or nosy, or because they were attention whores who needed an audience to ooh and ahh over there stories (while their spouse rolled their eyes and tuned it out...). That's when we discovered Anytime Dining. :D Our savior.

 

Wow! I hope I never have to sail with you!

[caribill]

I did 18 days on the Ocean. Loved it. Biggest difference to me was the showroom - you will gets shows like you see in explorers lounge on bigger ships. Sooo if you will miss the big production shows...you won't like it.

 

 

There are production shows, just with less singers, dancers and scenery.

[AZbeachboy]

While my husband and I generally cruise because we want to see new places and get a taste for them, we are also very fond of the luxury of idle sea days in each other's company without any structure other than meals.

 

Though we are definitely not all that fond of meeting new people; after the first few cruises we could spot from a mile away the old farts who would drive forced conversations because they were bored and/or nosy, or because they were attention whores who needed an audience to ooh and ahh over there stories (while their spouse rolled their eyes and tuned it out...). That's when we discovered Anytime Dining. :D Our savior.

 

 

 

I have to quote this, it's brilliant.

 

You have to be kidding. Maybe there should be a policy that Princess have a psycholigist onboard for antisocial behavior. I am not trying to be mean but that is a pretty harsh attitude towards other. Or atlease you could say, we just prefer to be by ourselves.

[Laurie7]

Tahiti was so beautiful, the only bad part was the flight getting there. You are so lucky to stay in Moorea extra time, to me that was the most beautiful island. Due to our flight schedule we did not do an excursion in Moorea, except for purchase a beautiful black pearl necklace. My favorite excursions: Raiatea-Tahaa Coral Gardens Drift Snorkel-a little challenging for me, but it was amazing to do- I had the help of the guide to lead me down the drift. Bora Bora-Aqua Safari Helmet Dive-so cool and relaxing feeding the fish, viewing for approx. 45min. Huahine-Pearl farm, Maeva Marae & Vanilla Plantation, not to sure about the plantation part (was a house along a street) but the tour overall was a nice variety and boat out to pearl farm was very interesting. Hope you enjoy your trip. A little pricey overthere but definitely a bucket list thing to do.

[KruzeKrazy!]

Laurie7 -

 

Thanks a bunch !!!

 

Brian

[Silver Sweethearts]

After years of travel doing 30 to45 day cruises you will never ever get me back on a ship over 900 people..... ever.

 

We're confused now. We believe you are scheduled to do a cruise on the Sea Princess next January. That ship holds over 1,900 passengers plus 900 crew.

[machineknitter]

I love the discussion on this list and the varied opinions of small ship cruising. We have done 3 world cruises on Pacific Princess, plus a back to back Amazon cruise. We do love the small ship cruising and keep ourselves entertained. The lectures on the world cruises are amazing, about the upcoming ports.

 

I read a lot and do my knitting. Usually I find others who do some sort of needlework so we get together on sea days to do our craft and talk (okay, as some might say, gossip).

 

The traditional dining can be good or bad. Our first time we had late dining, which meant I had a snack or nap before dinner and we saw the show at 10 pm. The good part about that was that the show was not crowded and we could sit in the second row and see everything. After a few nights of our dinner companions trying to outdo each other, we settled in to enjoy each other. Our stateroom was one of the sideways ones on deck 6 overlooking the lifeboats. Our "balcony" was the lovely lounge chairs on Promenade deck 5, where our new and old friends walked by.

 

The second world cruise we made close friends with one of the couples at our table, but the other two couples sometimes squabbled. There was a language difference which could have made for some of the problems. But overall we enjoyed ourselves. We had an oceanview room on deck 4 and called the public area on deck 4 our "living room" where we could sit and have new friends and old friends visit us.

 

On our third world cruise we had a balcony room and did not spend as much time sitting out on deck 5 or in the living room on deck 4. But we still loved sitting outside near the buffet. We were again at first seating for dinner and liked our dinner companions, but for some reason both couples did not like to come to dinner, so we were left sitting all alone at a table for 6.....looked like we had BO! After a while of this, we connected with some people we knew and some we did not know and had our table assignment changed. It was no big deal and we enjoyed dining with other people. When we saw others in the lonely position we had been in, which happened occasionally, we would invite them to join us for the evening. It worked. We were all happy. Rules are not quite so rigid on a small ship, and on a long cruise. Be pleasant and sometimes good things happen.

 

We will be on Pacific Princess again in April for the last leg of the world cruise. We are looking forward to it. Because we have stayed in a variety of rooms, and visited in other levels of luxury, we have decided to play the "room lottery" game. It is officially called a "guaranteed room" at a certain level....or maybe a higher level if we really luck out <G>

 

This little ship does roll when the seas are very rough. They even board up the windows of the rooms on deck 3! Once we had to change course in the Pacific Ocean on our way to New Zealand because of a typhoon. The ship rolled a lot (things fell off the dinner table, bottles clanked in our room, etc.). In fact it was so rough that the elevators were damaged and two remained out of order for weeks.(The staff could be seen using the passenger elevators to take the laundry down for cleaning or up for restocking the rooms.) One night they had to announce that all handicapped people had to return to their room or deck by 8 pm because the remaining working elevators would be shut down to protect the elevators!

 

We really had a feeling of family for the staff who watched over us.

 

This closeness is a definite positive for small ship sailing. We could recognize the staff when we were on shore. We could ask them for help, or offer help to them as needed.

 

I can't wait for my next cruise.

 

Yes, we have sailed on larger ships and they have good food venues, and larger shows, but we love the coziness of Pacific Princess. And we get to meet the entertainers in a closer, less formal way!

[Wehwalt]

Stabilizers or no stabilizers, I would think twice before taking a cabin too much forward of the forward elevators, because the bow area is where you are really going to get the most motion.

 

I used to take only small ships. Now I feel that there just are not enough people on a longer cruise. And having seen the elephant, I find I do miss things like International Cafe and MUTS. I also hate the way the buffet is set up, it can be hard to get to where you want and you're always dodging high-speed crew members going to/from the kitchen doors.

 

Yet you can be on Deck 10 at night and be alone, no one in sight on that deck or the one below. So my feelings remain mixed. I'll be riding the Ocean Princess into the boneyard, so to speak.

 

A couple of ports mentioned above: Tahiti, any tour that takes you around the island is great. Moorea, I'd consider Frankyfrank, he was a nice guy. He'll accept payment in champagne, which is pricey in the islands.

Edited March 17, 2015 by Wehwalt

[Colo Cruiser]

I agree about the cabin location.