grand princess 20th December till 22nd of January

[yes!yes!yes!]

Well, I hit the ground running with work after this cruise and haven't had time for any sort of wrap up.

Really enjoyed both cruises and the stay in Melbourne in between.

I think the food was better on the Christmas cruise, But I also think the food was better last year on the same cruises. I don't expect fine dining on a princess cruise but i think the quality in the dining room is going down. Surprisingly the buffet quality seemed a bit better, but we never ate there at dinner.

The activity/entertainment staff were great. Really enjoyed all the fun music trivias and game shows etc. I didn't go to many of the guest performers as they didn't entice me when I googled them. Although the blonde singer on the first cruise who was also on last years Christmas cruise was excellent.

The bar stewards and waiters were friendly and we obviously got to know a few well. We barely went to the elite events in the evening, in fact we didn't go at all on the second cruise as I found the bar manager such a clingy creep. But overall we had amazing service. I had the drinks package (princess plus) on the first cruise and just paid as I went on the second cruise. I wouldn't bother with a drinks package again unless it was a really short cruise and I was travelling with heavy drinkers. I usually pick out a couple of waiters in Explorers and elite/vista lounge in the first couple of days, tip them well and get the best service.

I must mention the band was great, we got up to dance many nights. We enjoyed the theme nights too. The abba night was so much fun and Nick and Clare made the theme nights.

We didn't do much on port days if we got off as we have been many times before and mum doesn't like to walk too far (I forget she's old and wear her out some times)

Sadly I have to wait till May for a quick 3 night cruise on P&O (Yes I know they aren't great) with mum.

Then I am off for 8 weeks to England later in May where I will try and pick up a cruise or two. That will be with my son.

[yes!yes!yes!]

One thing I forgot to mention. They are getting pushy with the on sale of "the crab shack" pop up restaurant and the Sabatinis lunchtime degustation. They must get a commission as our dining room waiter asked us to book thru him if we decide to try it. Whenever it was quiet in the buffet the servers were constantly asking you to sign up for it. It was like being on Royal Caribbean.

I also noticed on the second cruise (when I didn't have princess plus) I got harassed by every server I walked past on the first two days to upgrade, it must come up on there medallion machine. 

[resordanis]

11 hours ago, yes!yes!yes! said:

One thing I forgot to mention. They are getting pushy with the on sale of "the crab shack" pop up restaurant and the Sabatinis lunchtime degustation. They must get a commission as our dining room waiter asked us to book thru him if we decide to try it. Whenever it was quiet in the buffet the servers were constantly asking you to sign up for it. It was like being on Royal Caribbean.

I also noticed on the second cruise (when I didn't have princess plus) I got harassed by every server I walked past on the first two days to upgrade, it must come up on there medallion machine. 

Have really enjoyed your detailed review and look forward to your next adventure. Your point on the package will be interesting for me. Our cruise next week, we don’t have any package but on one in April we do. I will compare and see if they are trying to entice us more next week. Thanks again.

[boeckli]

16 hours ago, yes!yes!yes! said:

 

I also noticed on the second cruise (when I didn't have princess plus) I got harassed by every server I walked past on the first two days to upgrade, it must come up on there medallion machine. 

 

I did not have a package on my Majestic cruise just before Xmas but not once did anyone talk to me about upgrading.

[arxcards]

Thanks again Ms J.

 

I don't believe they get a commission, but they do get brownie points and prizes like an extra port day ashore.

[ceeceeDee]

I really hate up-selling. If I wanted something I would have bought it in the first place!