We love Princess- but...

[lahore]

My recommendation is Seabourn. I was very impressed with the ship, food, alcohol included, suites for everyone. No photographers, gratuities added or art auctions every other day. We choose for the itinerary and not for daily activities. I would try Crystal but haven't needed to yet.

 

 

Agree, and moreover these gross insults to the intelligence are also thankfully missing on Oceania.

 

 

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[Cairn Mom]

Agree, and moreover these gross insults to the intelligence are also thankfully missing on Oceania.

 

 

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The person you quoted was discussing Seabourn, but you’re discussing Oceania. Please, can you clarify your remark? Which line insults your intelligence?

 

 

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[Brad1185]

We were avid cruisers and after 61 cruises we could not take the extra charges and cutbacks anymore so we gave up cruising for 4 or 5 years then we tried Viking. We loved it.

 

So much better than the constant bombardment of ways to get as much out of your pocket by giving you as little as they can.

 

Viking seemed concerned to make sure you had the best time possible.

 

I cannot imagine good by back to the likes of Princess, Celebrity, Royal, Hal, Carnival, NCL.

 

We still follow the boards of these lines to keep up with the new latest cutbacks and new extra charges.

[MrMan]

You should look at NCL Haven product. You get the Butler upscale service but the advantage of wider variety of entertainment (Broadway shows etc) and more specialty restaurant options than the smaller upscale options

 

 

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[land lover]

.

If service, food and real-estate is what you are after I can't even imagine why you looked at Carnival and then Princess for you first cruises.

 

 

Itinerary has always been our interest....I would suggest picking an itinerary you like on another line and and go chat on the roll call ask the people who cruise the line regularly what their thoughts are...

 

BTW a lot of the upscale lines do have children sail free(crystal) or for a cut rate(regent) so you might be surprised what you find....a large family with screaming baby, right next to your beautiful suite.....and on a small ship you will run into them everywhere.

 

Good Luck.....

Edited January 28, 2018 by land lover

[land lover]

We were avid cruisers and after 61 cruises we could not take the extra charges and cutbacks anymore so we gave up cruising for 4 or 5 years then we tried Viking. We loved it.

 

So much better than the constant bombardment of ways to get as much out of your pocket by giving you as little as they can.

 

Viking seemed concerned to make sure you had the best time possible.

 

I cannot imagine good by back to the likes of Princess, Celebrity, Royal, Hal, Carnival, NCL.

 

We still follow the boards of these lines to keep up with the new latest cutbacks and new extra charges.

 

So I take it you do not like to gamble? It is nice that each port includes excursions.......

 

 

We've done a few river cruises with Viking so have gotten all their ocean brochures....how after 61 cruises can you find anywhere that viking sails that you have not already visited...so your reason for booking viking is they make you feel good...? I don't mean to sound rude, I am just curious?

Edited January 28, 2018 by land lover

[Cairn Mom]

So I take it you do not like to gamble? It is nice that each port includes excursions.......

 

 

We've done a few river cruises with Viking so have gotten all their ocean brochures....how after 61 cruises can you find anywhere that viking sails that you have not already visited...so your reason for booking viking is they make you feel good...? I don't mean to sound rude, I am just curious?

 

 

 

Brad is entitled to tell the OP to check into Viking. Although it doesn’t appeal to you, it may appeal to OP. Brad also doesn’t have to explain his choice of vacation destination to you. Perhaps you don’t mean it, but you’re coming off as rude. Please be kind.

 

 

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[LSGDRG]

Found the OP's post fascinating. We have been cruising (extensively) for over forty yeas on all kinds of cruise lines from budget to upscale. Over the years we have never understood why anyone would book an expensive suite on a mass market line. Sure, some folks do not care about the money and like a larger cabin. But we equate an expensive mass market cruise line suite (such as Princess) with the person that buys a million dollar home in a neighborhood where the other homes cost $100.000. Bottom line is that you still have the same Princess staff, same entertainment, pretty much the same cuisine, same deck chairs, etc.

 

Go on a line like Seabourn, Silverseas, Sea Dream and everything is upscale. I guess there are some folks who prefer to be the big person in a small field. But others (including us) figure if we are going to pay the big bucks we want more for our money then a few extra square feet. For us, the truth about suites is that we sleep in our cabin 6-8 hours a night (when we have no clue to the size of our cabin). We are awake in our cabin 2-3 hours a day. To pay an extra $1000+ per day for space we use no more than 3-4 waking hours is nutz. Because in the end we are on the same ship as folks paying less than $100 a day. Bottom line is that if we are paying the big bucks. we want to be on a ship where everything (not just our cabin) is upscale.

 

Hank

 

Choosing a suite on Princess depends on what you value most. My husband and I spend a lot of time in our cabin and on our balcony. For us, the size of the cabin & balcony is very important. We don't require the luxury service or ambience provided by some other cruise lines. We consider a Princess suite to be a good value.

[Globehoppers]

Recommend giving Azamara a try. For us, its like coming home. Always warmly greeted by senior staff who remember us, great cuisine and varied ethnic offering every evening, wonderful schedules, very comfortable ships, not to mention the all inclusive nature that includes a specialty restaurant every evening (if desired) if sailing on a Club Continent suite or high and included beverages (everyone), and love the "country club" on board atmosphere. We do still sail the larger ships (Celebrity, Princess) for their schedules. However, of late the larger ships have started to wear on us for the crowding, noise, and "aggressive" on board sales tactics by staff.

[jabrown40]

We leave on a Viking cruise next week for the Caribbean and Columbia. I chose Viking based on many of the comments on the Viking board as well as the reviews. It’s true there isn’t a casino, but we never went in the past. No children under 16. No art, photographers, jewelry sales, etc. All rooms have balconies, no formal nights. Price point was less than some of the other lines. King sized beds, decent sized rooms. Also, no issues bringing your own spirits or wine aboard, can be consumed anywhere on the ship. I’m afraid I’ll never enjoy a mass cruise line again, but we’re booked on HAL in July because of itinerary, New England and Canada in the summer. It’s frustrating to Plan and spend money on a cruise That wasn’t right for you, and not everybody has the time or money to try a lot of different lines. Thats what’s so great about these boards - if you can get the information you’re looking for, it will help narrow your choices.

 

 

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[ABoatNerd]

Hlitner, precisely said and the truth of "value" that the mass lines don't want people to think about!

 

Found the OP's post fascinating. We have been cruising (extensively) for over forty yeas on all kinds of cruise lines from budget to upscale. Over the years we have never understood why anyone would book an expensive suite on a mass market line. Sure, some folks do not care about the money and like a larger cabin. But we equate an expensive mass market cruise line suite (such as Princess) with the person that buys a million dollar home in a neighborhood where the other homes cost $100.000. Bottom line is that you still have the same Princess staff, same entertainment, pretty much the same cuisine, same deck chairs, etc.

 

Go on a line like Seabourn, Silverseas, Sea Dream and everything is upscale. I guess there are some folks who prefer to be the big person in a small field. But others (including us) figure if we are going to pay the big bucks we want more for our money then a few extra square feet. For us, the truth about suites is that we sleep in our cabin 6-8 hours a night (when we have no clue to the size of our cabin). We are awake in our cabin 2-3 hours a day. To pay an extra $1000+ per day for space we use no more than 3-4 waking hours is nutz. Because in the end we are on the same ship as folks paying less than $100 a day. Bottom line is that if we are paying the big bucks. we want to be on a ship where everything (not just our cabin) is upscale.

 

Hank

 

We will not book a suite on any line, and it is not the money. For us, it is "overkill" when measured by useage of the real estate and the butler, hour by hour day by day. Everyone has a different measure of "value for money" to be sure, so my analysis is not aligned with others to be sure. Acknowleged.

 

However, corporations spend their lives trying to separate people from their money and the mass cruise lines are very successful at it based on their share price. The mass cruise lines have a winning strategy in "free" beverage packages and suites.

 

We are moving on from Celebrity to Oceania to acquire a consistent, high quality, everyone is treated about equal voyage where I can mingle with all my fellow guests.

 

As a consumer, I want exactly what is advertised, every single voyage. No lies, no grandstanding, no overpromising and underdelivering.

 

Princess is getting significant negative reaction to their cutbacks, as is Holland America on their thread "cutbacks".

[Flatbush Flyer]

 

 

 

We are moving on from Celebrity to Oceania to acquire a consistent, high quality, everyone is treated about equal voyage where I can mingle with all my fellow guests.

 

 

That's the same thinking that made Oceania our "go to" cruise line.

 

 

 

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[Redwing55]

Found the OP's post fascinating. We have been cruising (extensively) for over forty yeas on all kinds of cruise lines from budget to upscale. Over the years we have never understood why anyone would book an expensive suite on a mass market line. Sure, some folks do not care about the money and like a larger cabin. But we equate an expensive mass market cruise line suite (such as Princess) with the person that buys a million dollar home in a neighborhood where the other homes cost $100.000. Bottom line is that you still have the same Princess staff, same entertainment, pretty much the same cuisine, same deck chairs, etc.

 

Go on a line like Seabourn, Silverseas, Sea Dream and everything is upscale. I guess there are some folks who prefer to be the big person in a small field. But others (including us) figure if we are going to pay the big bucks we want more for our money then a few extra square feet. For us, the truth about suites is that we sleep in our cabin 6-8 hours a night (when we have no clue to the size of our cabin). We are awake in our cabin 2-3 hours a day. To pay an extra $1000+ per day for space we use no more than 3-4 waking hours is nutz. Because in the end we are on the same ship as folks paying less than $100 a day. Bottom line is that if we are paying the big bucks. we want to be on a ship where everything (not just our cabin) is upscale.

 

Hank

Hank,

That's a great perspective. I read a ton of CC posts and I wonder what the poster typically books since that can impact the service on some cruises and cruise lines. Princess doesn't do much differentiation (other than CClass) so an inside cabin gets the same out of cabin experience as the Pres. Suite. I'm not as clear as to how other lines do it. It is a factor to consider though.

[Gracie115]

I would go with Celebrity. They have wonderful suites on the "S" class ship and great perks. Michael's Club and Luminae(the dedicated restaurant for suite guests only). If you want a full suite go with a Celebrity Suite or Royal Suite, both are very nice and with the Royal Suite you will also have a premium beverage package and unlimited specialty dining included. We've been in a Celebrity Suite for 3 TA's and about to do another one in April and loved it. We were lucky enough to be in a Royal Suite on one voyage and it was just amazing. Take a look at Celebrity, I suspect it would be less costly than Crystal or Azamara or Seabourn for more sailings.

[Gracie115]

Hank,

That's a great perspective. I read a ton of CC posts and I wonder what the poster typically books since that can impact the service on some cruises and cruise lines. Princess doesn't do much differentiation (other than CClass) so an inside cabin gets the same out of cabin experience as the Pres. Suite. I'm not as clear as to how other lines do it. It is a factor to consider though.

 

Celebrity certainly has different service levels for those in suites, includingbutlers, a lounge with Concierge that includes free beverages including alcoholic beverages, a special dining room exclusively for suite guests in Luminae. Hard to go back after being in one of their upper level suites for sure.

[Brad1185]

So I take it you do not like to gamble? It is nice that each port includes excursions.......

 

 

We've done a few river cruises with Viking so have gotten all their ocean brochures....how after 61 cruises can you find anywhere that viking sails that you have not already visited...so your reason for booking viking is they make you feel good...? I don't mean to sound rude, I am just curious?

 

I hate gambling, shows, don’t really care about the ports. I hate extra charges even more. Viking gave us what has been missing from the main cruise lines for years. A fantastic experience, service and meals at a price that is the same or slightly more than what I priced from the main cruise lines.

 

Have 3 more Viking cruises booked. I highly recommend them.

[lahore]

The person you quoted was discussing Seabourn, but you’re discussing Oceania. Please, can you clarify your remark? Which line insults your intelligence?

 

 

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Any line that has photographers dressed in stupid outfits everywhere and rampant noisy auctions of over-priced, mass-produced pseudo art.

[lahore]

Recommend giving Azamara a try. For us, its like coming home. Always warmly greeted by senior staff who remember us, great cuisine and varied ethnic offering every evening, wonderful schedules, very comfortable ships, not to mention the all inclusive nature that includes a specialty restaurant every evening (if desired) if sailing on a Club Continent suite or high and included beverages (everyone), and love the "country club" on board atmosphere. We do still sail the larger ships (Celebrity, Princess) for their schedules. However, of late the larger ships have started to wear on us for the crowding, noise, and "aggressive" on board sales tactics by staff.

 

 

 

Regarding your last sentence I could not agree more strongly. We leave for our first Azamara cruise in 10 days, I really hope we enjoy it as much as you obviously do.

 

 

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[ABoatNerd]

Not interested in Celebrity with their in your face class segregation.

 

What Hlinter and others and myself are saying (read posts on the Virgin thread about what people do not want on the new ships) - you can "hide" on a mass market ship and come out to a mass market experience, or you can simply be on a higher class and higher quality ship period. To each their own of course.

 

The mass lines are all over themselves trying to outdo each other fawning over the suite class, when premium lines, well are really more egalitarian and provide high quality to every guest.

 

In many ways, cruising is becoming a philosophical purchasing decision, at least for me.

 

Remember, the cruise industry in the beginning slammed Cunard, French Line, for their class segregation. The cruise industry crowed that everyone was equal on their ships. My how times have changed, the cruise industry in my mind are hypocrites.

 

Our group will not purchase a cruise on a line that promotes and fawns over suite class.

[Cairn Mom]

Not interested in Celebrity with their in your face class segregation.

 

What Hlinter and others and myself are saying (read posts on the Virgin thread about what people do not want on the new ships) - you can "hide" on a mass market ship and come out to a mass market experience, or you can simply be on a higher class and higher quality ship period. To each their own of course.

 

The mass lines are all over themselves trying to outdo each other fawning over the suite class, when premium lines, well are really more egalitarian and provide high quality to every guest.

 

In many ways, cruising is becoming a philosophical purchasing decision, at least for me.

 

Remember, the cruise industry in the beginning slammed Cunard, French Line, for their class segregation. The cruise industry crowed that everyone was equal on their ships. My how times have changed, the cruise industry in my mind are hypocrites.

 

Our group will not purchase a cruise on a line that promotes and fawns over suite class.

 

 

 

Agree totally! We don’t have an ego problem. We aren’t and do not need to feel we’re superior to others. I love to do a little gambling so Viking is not for us,but it sounds great. Oceania is a wonderful experience but we like Crystal the best. We have yet to try Seabourn but I hear good things. When they’re going our way (lol),we travel Princess too.

 

 

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[fishin' musician]

I'm not sure if Windstar is considered upscale. We have enjoyed them very much. We just got off Diamond Princess and were disappointed with the cruise.

 

I would consider the non-sailing vessels; Breeze, Legend and Pride upscale. These were formerly Seabourn ships, have all suites and are limited to 212 passengers. DW and I have been on the Breeze and Legend (Mediterranean and Caribbean). They also feature bridge access which is cool if you are a bit of a nautical geek. They do have a sail away ritual that is a bit over the top with pomp and circumstance (but does make for some "interesting" pics). I understand the Windstar sailing ships have mostly small cabins.

 

For a taste of these ships check out the movie Speed II which stars the Legend (Seabourn at the time) and Sandra Bullock.

[nooptere]

"Any line that has photographers dressed in stupid outfits everywhere and rampant noisy auctions of over-priced, mass-produced pseudo art."

 

 

 

 

Thank you!

Edited January 29, 2018 by nooptere

[Hlitner]

Am really enjoying the posts on this thread :). There are so many good points and differences of opinion. Even after more than 40 years of extensive cruising (on all sizes and levels of cruise ships) we are still learning :). Perhaps thats why, after far more than 100 cruises we keep coming back for more "torture."

 

But as we continue to age (been seniors for a while) we do find that, more and more, we enjoy the better things in life :). Trying to find the "perfect" cruise line/ship has proved elusive....so we will simply have to keep looking :). The more I think about this topic is occurs to me that the ideal (for us) would be a small luxury ship (less than 300 cabins) with big time entertainment (including decent production shows), great cuisine, and not having to battle for a deck chair. Must admit that DW and I are looking for an opportunity to try Viking Cruises.

 

Perhaps what is almost laughable are the "cruise snobs" we have met on several mass market line cruises (this could be an entirely new topic). And yet, if you cruise on one of the ultra luxury lines you seldom meet any "cruise snobs." Go figure. On our most recent Princess cruise (Regal in November) we actually met a couple who did their best to "impress us" because they were "Club Class." And then there are the really neat cruisers who are an absolute delight. On a recent long (38 day) HAL cruise we became friendly with another couple who often helped us "close down" the piano bar on most nights. It wasn't until the last day of the cruise that we learned this couple was in the largest suite on the ship. When I found this out I managed to tease my friends that they wasted their money since they spent more time in the piano bar then in their cabin. On that same cruise, the young looking wife of Carnival Corps CEO was traveling without her husband. We would see her at the nightly BB King shows where she loved to dance (often by herself). She could have certainly been in any cabin/suite of any CCL vessel (which includes Seabourn) but she chose to be on an old (and badly aging) HAL vessel (where she traveled somewhat incognito). Why did she choose the Rotterdam instead of one of the gorgeous Seabourn vessels? Itinerary! And she liked having one of the loud BB King groups for dancing and entertainment (you will not find this on any of the ultra luxury lines).

 

Hank

[keithm]

Hi all,

My wife and I are ready to try the more upscale ships. We started out with a boom-boom spring break to the Bahamas ( Carnival big mistake). We are late 50's and the cruise age was 20.

 

I post this on the Princess forum because a lot of Princess cruisers have done upper scale cruise lines and in my opinion have the best overall experience.

 

Our 2,3,4 cruises were on Princess out of San Francisco on the Golden and we enjoyed it very much. The ship was kinda old but the staff was wonderful.

 

We are now ready to upscale to Oceania, Chrystal, Regent and other high end cruisers. We are more than willing to pay for excellent service and food. Hence an upscale cruise line. We want it all. Sorry we don't want to seem snotty.

 

Our problem:

We booked the grand suite on the Princess $1000 p/day (Golden) but it was really lame service. Suite L302

The breakfast menu was the same as everyone else and no perks at all for booking the grand suite. You booked the grand suite- but don't expect anything more.

 

We really want a beautiful suite and all the perks with fine dining , which in your opinion cruise line does it the best?

We've heard that some cruise lines require suit jackets after 6pm??

 

We realize that food is subjective. We don't want to be nickel & dimed but are willing to pay top dollar for top service.

No kids- no boom boom party cruises, basically old timers like us that want to relax in style with perfect Gin & Tonics.

 

Does it exist? Sorry for being long winded.

Thanks to all for replying.

 

 

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We just did 10 nights on the Oceania Riviera. Outstanding. Softdrinks/bottled water are complimentary. Food was outstanding. All Specialty rest(exception: Le Reserve)are complimentary. Easily the best food since the Queens Grill on the QM2. Absolutely outstanding Tea service each day. With REAL clotted cream!!

Dresscodes are what they call "Country Club Casual". This means NO jeans in the dining rooms(at night), but no suits either. Pax did dress up a little more in the specialty rest.(usually a sport coat) very few ties were evident. We didn't wear ours, but wore the sport/suit coats most nights.

Not a child was on board. Overall, generally mostly retired pax(many were VERY wealthy, but not snobby)Surprisingly, the breakfast menu was really quite lame. Only continental style. Likely, because we saw few pax use it, most went to the various dining placers on board. For a 10 night cruise on Riviera in a B-1 Veranda cabin it came to about $2800pp. Veranda cabin bathrooms have a full tub & shower & also a separate enclosed shower.

Less expensive than a minisuite on Princess & everything(staff service/ attention to detail) was top notch.

Only real downside is limited entertainment: Decent small ship band. Excellent String Quartet. Decent small group of singers/dancers. The budget goes to the gourmet food.

For the chairhogs out there, Oceania is NOT the line for you! They really crack down. NO cheesy clip-ons were on any lounger I saw. Staff DOES remove any & all belongings left unattended for more than 30 min. Worth booking the line for that reason alone!

Edited January 30, 2018 by keithm
additions

[jagoffee]

For the chairhogs out there, Oceania is NOT the line for you! They really crack down. NO cheesy clip-ons were on any lounger I saw. Staff DOES remove any & all belongings left unattended for more than 30 min. Worth booking the line for that reason alone!

 

I have only cruised once on Oceania when they were first create.

 

If this comment is true, then it it might be worth another look.