Tell Me What you Like About Princess???????

[isujim]

I don't want a comparison of Royal Caribbean vs. Princess........my wife and I have only sailed RC and are almost Diamond members. We have never had a bad experience on RC.

We decided to try Princess and Celebrity, so our next 2 cruises that are booked are on Princess and Celebrity respectively. We are looking forward to these new experiences.

So for all of you Princess regulars........knowing I haven't had a bad experience on RC.......what will I like on Princess that will make it different or unique??

Thanks for your imput to a Princess newbie....who knows, this might become my favorite cruise line.

Jim

Nordic Prince 8/88
Viking Serenade 3/93
Enchantment 3/01
Rhapsody 9/02
Splendour 4/03
Rhapsody, 9/03
Brilliance, 4/04

Until our Caribbean Princess cruise
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;11;6;23;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

Until Hawaii on Inifinity
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2005;4;6;23;59;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/img]

[jhannah]

I've only been on three different Princess ships, but I've found each one to be well maintained and classy (without being gaudy.) While each ship has its own character, we've always had no doubt we were on board a Princess vessel. Felt right at home.

There are enough activities, but not over the top.

Food has never been an issue ... it's all been wonderful for us.

Princess offers its product at a reasonable price, and some of their bargain specials are truly an outstanding value.

The crew has been friendly and helpful. (Only rare exceptions .. but you have those exceptions everywhere.)

With their range of ships and itineraries, Princess offers something for almost everyone. I am confident you will like the experience.

'Vegas Jim


BTW -- I'm originally an Okie from Muskogee, and my daughter used to live in Edmond just NW of Penn and Memorial.

[isujim]

By the way......we are booked on the Caribbean Princess in November and have booked Personal Choice for dinner.......this will be our first experience for this as well.

Jim

Nordic Prince 8/88
Viking Serenade 3/93
Enchantment 3/01
Rhapsody 9/02
Splendour 4/03
Rhapsody, 9/03
Brilliance, 4/04

Until our Caribbean Princess cruise
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;11;6;23;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

Until Hawaii on Inifinity
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2005;4;6;23;59;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/img]

[Druke I]

We have sailed Princess many times, and think that generally speaking, they offer some of the most interesting itineraries, particularly those that used to be catalogued in the Exotic Adventures brochure.

Price wise, they are certainly more reasonable than say Crystal or some of the other "high end" lines.

We think they do an excellent job for the market they are "going after" - mass market.

Michael

[mii]

We have been on 5 different princess ships and yes each one has its own identity. I agree fully with jhannah in what he said. He and I were both on the Coral just this last Feb. and it was a fine ship. I have been on different sizes of ships but the big one will be the Sapphire in October. Even though there havae been alot of complains regarding food, we never had a problem with it. Maybe you have already done this but it might be a good idea to go back a few pages on this thread and also Celebrity and you will probably pick up a wealth of info. I truly hope y9ou enjoy the princess experience.


Marilyn

[isujim]

Thanks to those that have responded......I'm sure we will enjoy this experience.......

What are your "favorite" spots on the ship. We like a quiet place for that nightcap before turning in.

Nordic Prince 8/88
Viking Serenade 3/93
Enchantment 3/01
Rhapsody 9/02
Splendour 4/03
Rhapsody, 9/03
Brilliance, 4/04

Until our Caribbean Princess cruise
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;11;6;23;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

Until Hawaii on Inifinity
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2005;4;6;23;59;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/img]

[coiran]

Here is what I do not like about Princess!!!

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Princess Rules!!!

NCL PRIDE OF AMERICA Oct. 2004
SUN PRINCESS 2004 Caribbean
REGAL PRINCESS 2003 Europe
GOLDEN PRINCESS 2002 Canada New England
SUN PRINCESS 2002 Panama Canal
SUN PRINCESS 2002 Mexico
DAWN PRINCESS 2001 Caribbean
DAWN PRINCESS 2001 Caribbean
SEA PRINCESS 2001 Alaska
REGAL PRINCESS 2000 Mexico
REGAL PRINCESS 1999 Panama Canal
PACIFIC PRINCESS 1999 Europe
SUN PRINCESS 1998 Caribbean
ROYAL PRINCESS 1996 Panama Canal

[Cruisinforever]

Hi~ Well, I don't think my favorite spot is going to be quiet at night, but during the day... there's nothing like Skywalker's! I'd see people sitting readng by the beautiful view looking down over the ocean all around.... lovely!

During the morning (early riser.... I was about the first one up in Alaska last year) I loved to sit in the "Writing Room", which, is not a "room" really, but an area where I could sit with my coffee and actually write in my daily cruise log book about the previous day's adventures. It is off the Atrium on the Star, and is probably the same on the Caribbean Princess.

What I like about Princess is the classy and subdued atmosphere. I love the colors they use to decorate the public rooms with. But, you can't have a great cruise just because you like the colors, right? I've found Princess staff to be very courteous, kind, and willing to serve. I enjoyed the food immensely on my last cruise on the Star, especially the Fettucine all'Alfredo, which I had three times on a 7 night cruise! (I don't eat a lot of meat....) I think Princess does a wonderful job keeping the ships in excellent form, clean, and inviting.

I experienced PC dining last May.... we didn't have to wait all that long, and never had reservations. I know I've read that the Caribbean Princess is still working out the kinks in the dining dept., probably a lot of problems due to 500 extra passengers on the same size ship. Heck, I've waited 4 months for this cruise, I can wait an hour for a wonderful dinner! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

I hope you love your cruise on Princess. I've often thought that I'd like to try RCCL someday, but unfortunately my health won't allow me any more cruises after this one on May 1st. I'm going to enjoy it to the hilt!

JJ
Caribbean Princess 5/1/04
Star Princess 5/24/03
Sun Princess 6/12/00
Carnival Fantasy 1/18/98

[MTS]

How great to read all these positive posts!

On RCCL and Celebrity (6 cruises) I've had nothing but great experiences. I've always loved the food, the ships, being out at sea and meeting all the (mostly) friendly folks.

In the past when I've heard folks griping about food or service on my previous cruises, I always say to myself, "Have we been on the same ship?"

So much of our experiences are what we choose to make it. I can't wait for my Diamond Princess cruise in a week! I know it will be a great time! ;-)

MTS

[CaptData]

I like grabbing a drink and heading for the Aft Terrace Pool (no bar right around there opened past 8PM). I always meet someone. If I spot a young couple I'll quietly leave the area. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] Sometimes I'll go out there and go in a hot tub. Another fav is Skywalkers during the day if I can manage stairs that day (I've got MS).

Hopfully a Hawiian Cruise

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2006;12;5;11;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img] Until we sail away on the ocean blue



Navigator of the Seas Western Crib 08/03
Dawn Princess - Eastern Carb 01/03
Dawn Princess Panamal Canal 11/02

[WendyG]

Princess has fresh water pools that are open 24 hours. A definite PLUS!

Princess also has nicer cabins, especially the balcony cabins. Our balcony on the Explorer felt too caged in, we didn't spend much time out there.

Celebrity will have the best food, and they have a dedicated movie theatre which is really nice (not a movie shown in the huge production theatre with lousy reception, a real theatre with fresh popcorn [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

One thing that Princess and Celebrity don't have is that gorgeous promenade deck on the Explorer (or johnny rockets)

But most important, Princess has the best prices!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=008000&cdt=2004;7;17;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img] until the Caribbean Princess!



Sovereign of the Seas 8/98
Premier Seabreeze 4/99
Norwegian Wind 4/00
Norwegian Majesty 4/01
Holland America Volendam 11/01
Grand Princess 4/02
Carnival Fascination 5/02
Costa Atlantica 11/02
Golden Princess 3/03
Explorer of the Seas 7/03
Sun Princess 11/03
Caribbean Princess 07/04

[WendyG]

dont forget the fresh water pools on Princess!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=008000&cdt=2004;7;17;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img] until the Caribbean Princess!



Sovereign of the Seas 8/98
Premier Seabreeze 4/99
Norwegian Wind 4/00
Norwegian Majesty 4/01
Holland America Volendam 11/01
Grand Princess 4/02
Carnival Fascination 5/02
Costa Atlantica 11/02
Golden Princess 3/03
Explorer of the Seas 7/03
Sun Princess 11/03
Caribbean Princess 07/04

[isujim]

Thanks to everyone that is posting......exactly what I was hoping for.....

Keep your thoughts and favorite things about Princess coming.

Jim

Nordic Prince 8/88
Viking Serenade 3/93
Enchantment 3/01
Rhapsody 9/02
Splendour 4/03
Rhapsody, 9/03
Brilliance, 4/04

Until our Caribbean Princess cruise
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;11;6;23;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

Until Hawaii on Inifinity
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2005;4;6;23;59;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/img]

[roohound]

right now I only have one Princess cruise to comment on, but here's what I like:

Cruise director staff is possibly the nicest, most approachable group I've dealt with on any cruise.

Food choices are varied. Yes, some dishes may not be to your liking, but I guarantee you won't go hungry [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

The Grand was huge and yet I never felt overwhelmed.

Lots of activites to keep me amused.

Cabins seem to be well laid out and more than ample space-wise.

The only "issue" I have with Princess is with personal choice dining, I didn't get a chance to stick with one wait staff (tho I know that you can request to stay with someone, we just never found anyone in PCD that made us say yes, this is the person I want to spend the next 7 nights with) On the othe rside of the coin, you don't get stuck with someone you really don't care for either [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Plus, another positive about PCD, even if you start off wanting a table for 2, I can almost guarantee by the 2nd or 3rd night you'll be hookin up with other couple/families and it's nice to be able to not be "stuck" with anyone.

[cruise pup]

I've never felt so spoiled as I have by the dining room staff on Princess cruises. Special requests were never a problem. I've had entrees prepared special for me with advance notice of course. I've been on several Celebrity and HAL cruises and never had it as good as I did on Princess.

The entertainment on Princess is superb. I work in the entertainment industry and I am amazed how Princess' have a better representation of current musical theatre trends that goes way beyond "Memory" from Cats. I've also enjoyed their lounge entertainment a lot.

Princess also excels in the activities department. Even with 2 sea days in a row I never felt bored.

Graham Seymour has to be the best cruise director, ever which is another reason I like Princess.

Lastly, the crowd always looks so well dressed on formal nights.

I have had issues with Royal Caribbean but never with Princess.

Norway - 2/97;Leeward -12/97;
Grand Princess - 1/99; Leeward - 6/99; Dawn Princess - 11/99;Vision of the Seas - 6/00;Carnival Victory - 9/00; Zenith - 10/00
Mercury - 3/01; R1 -7/01; Grand Princess - 11/01; Majesty of the Seas - 12/01; Norwegian Star - 3/02;
Carnival Triumph - 7/02;
Maasdam - 11/02; Holiday - 12/02; Millennium - 4/03; Carnival Victory - 7/03; Zaandam - 8/03; Zuiderdam - 10/03; Enchantment of the Seas - 1/04; Galaxy - 3/04

[srphnx]

They are likely the best in the business in terms of embarkation and the dreaded disembarkation.

If only there was a stay-on-barkation option.

Anyone want to sponsor a full time somewhat wry cruise reviewer?

One open Princess booking
[B]<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>[/B]
Diamond Princess 05/04
Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98
Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
[B]<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>[/B]
Diamond Princess 11/04
Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02
Vision o.t. Seas 04/02
Star Princess 12/02[B]<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>[/B]
Ecstacy 09/01
Vision o.t. Seas 10/02
[B]<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>[/B]
Century 12/97
[B]<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>[/B]
Century 9/96

[isujim]

I am very glad to hear that Princess does a great job on Embarkation and Debarkation. That can be a real pain...............

Nordic Prince 8/88
Viking Serenade 3/93
Enchantment 3/01
Rhapsody 9/02
Splendour 4/03
Rhapsody, 9/03
Brilliance, 4/04

Until our Caribbean Princess cruise
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;11;6;23;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

Until Hawaii on Inifinity
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2005;4;6;23;59;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/img]

[Bisous3]

PC dining is the #1 reason why I'd sail Princess again in a heartbeat!
It worked out perfectly for us.

Suzanne
Oceanic '82
Oceanic '83
Century '01
Century '03
Millennium '03
Island Princess '04
Thanksgiving on the Millie '04

[sue d. miller]

Hi Jim. Great post!!!! Can you tell we love Princess? LOL. You will have a great time on the Carribean. Say Hi to Rena. you have only 26 fridays to go!!!

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[comettgirl]

I love the soufflé's, They have more day time activities, and I like there on board scuba and snorkling shop.

17 princess cruises
31 in all.

Therese

[Northender]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by roohound:
right now I only have one Princess cruise to comment on, but here's what I like:

Cruise director staff is possibly the nicest, most approachable group I've dealt with on any cruise.

Food choices are varied. Yes, some dishes may not be to your liking, but I guarantee you won't go hungry [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

The Grand was huge and yet I never felt overwhelmed.

Lots of activites to keep me amused.

Cabins seem to be well laid out and more than ample space-wise.

The only "issue" I have with Princess is with personal choice dining, I didn't get a chance to stick with one wait staff (tho I know that you can request to stay with someone, we just never found anyone in PCD that made us say yes, this is the person I want to spend the next 7 nights with) On the othe rside of the coin, you don't get stuck with someone you really don't care for either [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Plus, another positive about PCD, even if you start off wanting a table for 2, I can almost guarantee by the 2nd or 3rd night you'll be hookin up with other couple/families and it's nice to be able to not be "stuck" with anyone.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We had a great PCD waiter - his name was Crisan.
Very attentive, making good suggestions and never missed a beat. We asked for him after we got him the first two nights - only one night he was not available. I think the maitre de sometimes does not like to be told where you want to sit vs where HE wants to put you. We enjoyed sitting with folks for breakfast and lunch but always had a table for 2 at dinner with no problem. Longest wait 10-15 minutes. We went to dinner at different times every evening.

We were on the grand and really loved it. I don't have too many negatives

1. They really need better coffee - this is a must do.

2. Bigger bath towels - this is a would be nice if they could and a little more fabric softener in the towels. If they can't do it, fine that I only have the one negative - COFFEE



Grand Princess 4/4/04

[isujim]

Sue:

I like your countdown...........26 Friday's seem very reasonable to me! LOL!

Northender.....Universal bad coffee on cruise ships must be a standard.......RC which is all we have sailed I thought had to be the worse..although not a reason to keep me from sailing with them or Princess.......maybe someday, someone will get the coffee right on cruise ships.

Jim

Nordic Prince 8/88
Viking Serenade 3/93
Enchantment 3/01
Rhapsody 9/02
Splendour 4/03
Rhapsody, 9/03
Brilliance, 4/04

Until our Caribbean Princess cruise
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;11;6;23;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

Until Hawaii on Inifinity
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2005;4;6;23;59;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/img]

[argosy]

I like how the cruise staff, from Cruise Director on down, are SO friendly and approachable. They seem to really enjoy their jobs. I did not find this to be true on the other cruise line I have tried.

[cruisinsince75]

Jim, I think our favorite thing about Princess is sailing with good friends.

Carnival Mardi Gras 04/75
NCL Skyward 05/84
NCL Southward 04/91
Carnival Ecstasy 12/93
Crown Princess 12/94
Seabourn Legend 05/96
Enchantment of the Seas 08/01
Celebrity Infinity 10/01
Rhapsody of the Seas 11/02
Splendour of the Seas 4/03
Splendour of the Seas 10/03
Silver Whisper 4/04
Caribbean Princess 11/04
Celebrity Infinity 4/05
RSSC Diamond 7/05
Silver Whisper 11/05

Don

Until Our Caribbean Princess Cruise [img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;11;06;18;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

Until Our Infinity Cruise [img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;4;6;18;00;00&timezone=GMT-900[/img]

Until Our RSSC Diamond Cruise [img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;7;2;15;00;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

Until Our Silver Whisper Cruise [img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;11;21;18;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[NitaBcruising]

Good prices, good itineraries, good staff, decent size cabins, good entertainment. I like their omelette bar, and their burgers are very good! I hadn't tried the pizza, but hear it's good, also. My favorite line, along with Celebrity! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] (not that I've had a bad cruise, on 6 lines, but these 2 lines stand out a bit from the others!)

Nita