Comparing Princess to P&O.

[Gettingwarmer]

52 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

We have not been to the theatre or live lounge yet, but TBH we find the best evening entertainment is in the Piazza (Atrium to us), and the quality has been excellent.

A duo playing violin and cello covering popular music from classical to pop, ans the violinist is one of the best I have heard.

The party band, Asian soul with a  philpino vocalist who is excellent, she hits all the high notes without any screeching, and they had the dancefloor heaving the other night

Plus we have had a brass section from the orchestra doing New Orleans jazz and dance music, whose philpino trumpet player would have starred in any 30s, 40s or 50s big band.

Then yesterday an ensemble of all three had the Piazza crowd enthralled with a wide selection of music, culminating with Bohemian rhapsody with asian sou'ls lead guitarist giving an excellent imitation of Brian May at his best.

The quality of all these musicians is way ahead of anything we have seen on P&O recently, where the excellence of one of the Pulse singers can be let down by the other, and no real stand out performers among the instrumentalists.

We also do not visit the theatre and find the entertainment in the Piazza very good. If the group you like is not there they will often be in one of the other bars. They nearly always have some kind of string ensemble which P&O seem to ignore except on Aurora. We also enjoy Take Five, the jazz club. 
Thank you for your time reporting back. 

[grapau27]

One of my dislikes on Princess and Royal Caribbean is the Smoking in the casino and the smoke smell spreads into other area's.

Fortunately this is not an issue with P&O.

 

 

[terrierjohn]

8 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

One of my dislikes on Princess and Royal Caribbean is the Smoking in the casino and the smoke smell spreads into other area's.

Fortunately this is not an issue with P&O.

 

 

To be fair the smoke smell seems to be limited to the casino, I have not noticed it as a problem anywhere else. In fact the smoke around the deck 18 smoking area on Iona is far worse.

[grapau27]

4 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

To be fair the smoke smell seems to be limited to the casino, I have not noticed it as a problem anywhere else. In fact the smoke around the deck 18 smoking area on Iona is far worse.

As non smokers we never go to deck 18 on Iona but the smoking is outdoors.

We never use the casino but while walking around the ship on Princess and Royal Caribbean the cigarette smoke is overpowering walking through the casino and the smoke smell spreads out from the casino when doors are opened.

 

 

[Josy1953]

As non-smokers we avoid any of the smoking areas on any ship that we sail on.  I think that the first cruise line to bite the bullet and designate a ship to be non-smoking will be inundated with interested passengers.

The last P&O cruise that we were on there were heavy smokers in the cabin next to us and they made the balcony unusable for us because the smoke drifted over the balcony separators.

[Angel57]

2 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

As non-smokers we avoid any of the smoking areas on any ship that we sail on.  I think that the first cruise line to bite the bullet and designate a ship to be non-smoking will be inundated with interested passengers.

The last P&O cruise that we were on there were heavy smokers in the cabin next to us and they made the balcony unusable for us because the smoke drifted over the balcony separators.

Totally agree Josy…….

 

[Cloudyrain]

18 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

As non-smokers we avoid any of the smoking areas on any ship that we sail on.  I think that the first cruise line to bite the bullet and designate a ship to be non-smoking will be inundated with interested passengers.

The last P&O cruise that we were on there were heavy smokers in the cabin next to us and they made the balcony unusable for us because the smoke drifted over the balcony separators.

Smoking isn't allowed on balconies: I would (and have, albeit on NCL - I haven't encountered it on P&O) reported it.

 

I am an ex-smoker who happens to not at all bothered by the smell of smoking, but the safety/mess factor makes me report it. 

[Selbourne]

53 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

As non-smokers we avoid any of the smoking areas on any ship that we sail on.  I think that the first cruise line to bite the bullet and designate a ship to be non-smoking will be inundated with interested passengers.

The last P&O cruise that we were on there were heavy smokers in the cabin next to us and they made the balcony unusable for us because the smoke drifted over the balcony separators.

I couldn’t have tolerated that even for 5 minutes. I’d have challenged them directly (much to my wife’s annoyance) as it would absolutely infuriate me and I would call for the deck manager every single time they did it. If they still carried on after deck manager intervention I’d be pushing for them to be removed from the ship at the next port. 

[TRLD]

7 hours ago, Josy1953 said:

We have done 2 cruises with Princess this year and we did not see long queues for check in.  We are elite so were sent to the elite check in queue but people arriving when we arrived at 11:00 for the 1st cruise and 13:30 for the 2nd cruise were being given a card and asked to take a seat but there were not a lot of people sitting waiting to be called forward.  I imagine that when the transfer coaches arrive from the London airports particularly from trans Atlantic flights which usually arrive early morning there could be a lot of people arriving at the same time.

Depends upon port and cruise Usually security and check in opens around 10am. Ships will start boarding around 11. Have seen lines as long as 30 minutes getting through security and check in for some ships. Many tend to show up early to get lunch on board. Vancouver is usually one of the worst.

 

For most ports Princess nolonger has an Elite check in queue. Only green for those that have gotten their medallion in advance and completed all registration requirement and blue for those that do not. Southampton might still since Princess only advance ships medallions to US and maybe Canada.

Edited May 10 by TRLD

[grapau27]

4 hours ago, Selbourne said:

I couldn’t have tolerated that even for 5 minutes. I’d have challenged them directly (much to my wife’s annoyance) as it would absolutely infuriate me and I would call for the deck manager every single time they did it. If they still carried on after deck manager intervention I’d be pushing for them to be removed from the ship at the next port. 

I absolutely agree.

I would report smoking on the balcony too.

Who can remember the fire on Star Princess in March 2006 caused by a cigarette butt thrown from a balcony.

Smoking is controlled in certain areas of a ship only for all of our safety.

Edited May 10 by grapau27

[david63]

It is simple - report smoking to reception and if nothing happens then a letter to the Capitan.

[davecttr]

21 hours ago, Josy1953 said:

As non-smokers we avoid any of the smoking areas on any ship that we sail on.  I think that the first cruise line to bite the bullet and designate a ship to be non-smoking will be inundated with interested passengers.

The last P&O cruise that we were on there were heavy smokers in the cabin next to us and they made the balcony unusable for us because the smoke drifted over the balcony separators.

I think that approach would result in a reduction of passengers and profits. Smokers go on cruises knowing they can go somewhere for their quick fix and not bother other passengers in the process. Ban smoking and all those potential cusomers are going to cruise elsewhere. The better approach is to strictly enforce the smoking regulations. BTW I have never smoked which my GP is extremely pleased about.

[Camberley]

14 hours ago, david63 said:

It is simple - report smoking to reception and if nothing happens then a letter to the Capitan.

Absolutely right

[Tigrou]

On 5/9/2024 at 11:17 AM, yorkshirephil said:

Not always Sue, Princess do have some well priced cruises if they suit your needs. We are on Sky Princess to USA and Canada whereas the Arcadia equivalent is just over £1000 pp more for the same cabin grade. 

 

But perhaps Arcadia will actually visit the USA and Canada ports listed on the itinerary (or, if necessary, find alternatives in the vicinity), and not replace 2 of them with ports in northern France as has just been notified for the Sky Princess cruise! 🤔

[Seabound Steve]

Hi terrierjohn, we are due on Sky Princess next Sunday, having only ever been with P&O and Cunard and was wandering what the dress code for formal nights are on Princess. I had heard a rumour they had down graded the dress code, so do I need my tux or will a jacket and trousers do?

I have been reading this forum for many years but have only now “plucked up the courage” to post, hope I don’t mess it up.

[john watson]

16 minutes ago, Seabound Steve said:

Hi terrierjohn, we are due on Sky Princess next Sunday, having only ever been with P&O and Cunard and was wandering what the dress code for formal nights are on Princess. I had heard a rumour they had down graded the dress code, so do I need my tux or will a jacket and trousers do?

I have been reading this forum for many years but have only now “plucked up the courage” to post, hope I don’t mess it up.

Dress code encountered on Princess is similar to P&O. However I should say Alaska and Hawaii probably not as dressy.  Ex UK cruises on Princess cruises that I have been on seem to be very similar level to P&O.

 

Hope this helps.

 

John

Edited May 12 by john watson

[TRLD]

1 hour ago, Seabound Steve said:

Hi terrierjohn, we are due on Sky Princess next Sunday, having only ever been with P&O and Cunard and was wandering what the dress code for formal nights are on Princess. I had heard a rumour they had down graded the dress code, so do I need my tux or will a jacket and trousers do?

I have been reading this forum for many years but have only now “plucked up the courage” to post, hope I don’t mess it up.

While Princess still has what they call formal nights, the term can be very loosely applied. Even on formal nights one does not even need a jacket. Though the majority will still have atleast that. There are still some tuxes, the majority in suite and tie, or blazer, then some in more business casual attire.

 

Have been on both P&O and Princess out of Southampton in the last 6 months. Princess tends to be a bit less formal, even on formal nights. With no requirement for jacket and tie on Princess. The degree of formal attire probably more of a passenger mix. More UK passengers more tendency towards formal attire.

Edited May 12 by TRLD

[Gettingwarmer]

2 hours ago, Seabound Steve said:

Hi terrierjohn, we are due on Sky Princess next Sunday, having only ever been with P&O and Cunard and was wandering what the dress code for formal nights are on Princess. I had heard a rumour they had down graded the dress code, so do I need my tux or will a jacket and trousers do?

I have been reading this forum for many years but have only now “plucked up the courage” to post, hope I don’t mess it up.

Tux seen very much on Princess from Southampton. But you can wear what you want and find somewhere to eat. 

[Ranchi]

Last summer we went on Sky and I opted to take a dark blue light-weight lounge suit (I quite like wearing a tie!) and embarked in a dark linen jacket so I could mix and match as I fancied. Also we were not travelling home straight away after our cruise and I thought the extra weight of a DJ, dress shirt etc. unjustified. It was fine with that choice, although I did feel a little twinge of regret on the formal nights. There were a good number of DJs - probably a smaller %age than on P&O but still a significant number. It was also noticeable that there was all kinds of dress baseball caps, shorts etc. on all evenings. It wasn’t a problem and I didn’t feel that anyone was wearing a particular style of clothing just to make a point. If I was to go on Sky again and packing wasn’t constrained I would probably opt to take my DJ- but I am a lazy dresser and formal wear takes away all the decisions. 

[terrierjohn]

6 hours ago, Seabound Steve said:

Hi terrierjohn, we are due on Sky Princess next Sunday, having only ever been with P&O and Cunard and was wandering what the dress code for formal nights are on Princess. I had heard a rumour they had down graded the dress code, so do I need my tux or will a jacket and trousers do?

I have been reading this forum for many years but have only now “plucked up the courage” to post, hope I don’t mess it up.

Sky Princess sailings from Southampton do still seem to have quite a reasonable number of tuxedos, but jackets and tie, or just shirt and tie are equally acceptable in the MDRs. So go with what makes you feel most comfortable.

[terrierjohn]

A further comment on what is still standard on Princess but missing on P&O, or at least not automatic.

 

Evening turndown service, including fresh towels and cabin tidying.

Two facecloths regularly changed.

Body lotion along with shower gel and shampoo/conditioner, in bathrooms

Orange juice and Apple juice available all day in the buffet.

Soft serve free ice cream available from pool deck kiosk.

Iced face cloths brought round pool and sun decks by deck attendants.

Cold drinks and iced facecloths on return to ship.

 

Will add if I detect anything else.

[TRLD]

7 hours ago, terrierjohn said:

Sky Princess sailings from Southampton do still seem to have quite a reasonable number of tuxedos, but jackets and tie, or just shirt and tie are equally acceptable in the MDRs. So go with what makes you feel most comfortable.

Actually on Princess you do not need a tie. Shirt with collar considered acceptable by the cruise line for MDR. Has been that way for several years, including cruises out of Southampton.

[terrierjohn]

58 minutes ago, TRLD said:

Actually on Princess you do not need a tie. Shirt with collar considered acceptable by the cruise line for MDR. Has been that way for several years, including cruises out of Southampton.

Agreed, I was just commenting on the actual dress of the diners on our cruise.

[Gettingwarmer]

2 hours ago, TRLD said:

Actually on Princess you do not need a tie. Shirt with collar considered acceptable by the cruise line for MDR. Has been that way for several years, including cruises out of Southampton.

The original poster was asking specifically about formal night in MDR where Princess do still request tie on website. 

[yorkshirephil]

2 hours ago, Gettingwarmer said:

The original poster was asking specifically about formal night in MDR where Princess do still request tie on website. 

Half the problem with the websites is that depending where you look they contradict themselves, our next sea cruise is with Princess so I keep taking a look at the website to see if there is anything different. This is what I just read (below). This is somewhat vague, as is P&O.

Little surprise that people ask on facecloth or these boards only to cause the usual arguments as to what peoples opinion of the dress code is. 

 

There are two recommendations for evenings and dinners:

• Smart casual:
  Dress the same way you would do for a visit to a restaurant at home. Skirts, dresses or trousers with t-shirt or blouse for ladies, trousers and shirt or polo shirt for gentlemen. Shorts and swimwear are not allowed in the restaurant.

• Formal:
  Evening gown, cocktail dress or pantsuits for ladies, suit, combination or dinner jackets for gentlemen.