10/31 Star not really bright

[mina]

I have hesitated to write this review for about a week now given my concern that a negative perception of princess will be flammed as well as others recent comments about how wonderful the STAR crew is. However, my opinion is relevant, so I would like to provide some realistic feedback on our Star Princess cruise of 10/31/08 - 10 day Mexican Riveria. We are platinum Princess cruisers. However, our last three cruises have been on HAL. Given our recent experiences on the STAR, I have to say the edge goes to HAL and we will be cruising with them going forward unless there is a signficant price advantage with Princess.

 

It is hard to put into specifics the overall impression of the STAR - but I will try to do so -- each event, individually, is minor - however in combination -- they show a general lack of service orientation and general disregard for the Princess Values. Nothing that happened ruined our cruise -- it was quite nice and worth the $$. However,the apathy displayed by many of the crew took the shine off. Below are some examples of the positive and not so positive:

 

Positives:

 

The food was OUTSTANDING!!! I have not had better food on a cruise before and I am quite picky about food quality. We had the ultimate balcony dinner and it was beyond anything I could describe or has been described here. Except for the fact that they were over 40 minutes past the dinner appt time when it started (yep --that general apathy again) -- the food was really really good. We ate in the Crown Grill and were disappointed that they did not serve any lobster dishes as the full refurb was not done (not their fault though and the steaks were good!). The food in the dining room was also wonderful. I found the buffet to be quite nice as well. KUDOS to the chef -- an outstanding performance on a mediocre ship.

 

VICTOR - we had the wonderful cabin steward from Mexico that has been mentioned on these boards before -- gosh he is good. Excellent service that warranted additional tipping as we departed. THANK YOU VICTOR.

 

SHIP HOUSEKEEPING: The ship was very clean and well maintained -- they were constantly cleaning it (save for the hot tubs -- see below).

 

Not So Positives

 

Pools & Hot Tubs & MUTS & Deck Attendants: throughout the cruise the hot tubs were randomly closed or not working. I do not like the crowded main pool and had difficulty finding hot tubs other than the two at the Neptune that were consistently open and not crowded. Also none of the pools were heated -- the water was freezing most of the trip. This was disappointing as we love to use the hot tubs -- the two hot tubs in the lotus pool for the first two days were covered and closed -- after that they still were not working right although they were open -- on alerting the deck attendants (more on them later) that one of the pools was excessively hot and asking to have it checked (which I had to insist on) -- it was measuring at 107 degrees! One time they had the aft tubs closed during the middle of the day so they could varnish around them -- shouldn't they do that at non primetime? I also remember asking a deck attendant for a deck blanket on the first sea day as it was chilly. (NOTE: the welcome letters had a section indicating that if you would like a deck blanket go to this specific location and ask). The deck attendant was not really happy and told me I could not have a deck blanket unless I was in Alaska or MUTs was on. I told him about the description in the welcome letter and he went off to try to find me one. After about 20 minutes of waiting - I left. Not a big deal -- but throughout the cruise I watched the deck attendants just standing around talking to each other -- if so many hot tubs were not working - you would think they could find enough work to do to minimize their hanging out on deck talking. The Movies under the stars was wonderful -- even though it was not working right. What a great concept! I must say that we sat on the upper deck to watch and again were overwhelmed by Deck Attendants and other crew sitting at the back bar together watching the movies. I felt like I was at a high school event with all the kewl kids hanging out disturbing everyone else. I do not have a problem with crew members watching the movies, but they could be quiet and not all congregate in one area?

 

AnyTime Dining Reservations/Service: By the end of the cruise -- we found a waitress Agnes from Poland and her assistant who were wonderful. On the other nites we had mediocre service. When I got an appetizer I did not order - I was told that I had indeed ordered it and - with a sigh - if I wanted something else --I should eat that while the waiter requested my original order. I drink decaf and my husband drinks regular cappuccino -- the decaf is decorated with TWO hearts the reg with one heart in the foam-- One nite we got ours and both only had one heart -- I asked if it was decaf and the asst said yes of course -- I said it usually comes with two hearts as the decoration -- are you sure this is decaf as there is nothing differentiating both our drinks? He said -- if you don't believe me, I'll get another one if you have to have two hearts. Although minor -- again these service events signify below average interest in serving passengers.

 

We always reserve a table for two -- one nite we forgot and went to the portofino at 6:00 pm and asked Victor the head waiter for a table for two -- he said -- no sorry - I have given them all out - you must sit with others. I have no tables for two. Since we were not that hungry - I said -- we will wait till one opens up. His response was to shake his head and say 'No, you will need to sit with others, it would be too long to wait". I again said no, we will wait. Please give us a beeper -- he shook his head - so we turned around and left. I was not pleased that the head waiter would insist we had to sit with others -- he should have given us our options and let us decide. Again, a lack of concern for what the pasanger wants. The next day, I called and wanted to reserve Agnes' table -- and I requested table 101, but was not certain that was her table number. Later that morning we went by the dining room as I wanted to check to see if the table I wanted was indeed 101 -- when we checked it did not have a number on it -- so in the afternoon I called reservations back and said -- can you please confirm for me that table 101 is a table for two -- I just want to be sure. The same reservation guy said -- I TOLD YOU ONCE AND ALREADY DID THIS __ WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT ME TO DO!" I was flabbergasted at that response. How rude. So, overall anytime dining service and reservation setting was mediocre to bad. Agnes and crew were outstanding and we submitted very positive feedback on them.

 

OTHER STAFF: The casino staff were luke warm and appeared to be going through the motions while dealing the table games. It was not really enjoyable to lose your $ there. Also, one afternoon, we were napping in our stateroom. My husband answers the door and there is a maintenance worker there. He tells my husband he needs to change a light bulb. My husband tells him I am sleeping and he would appreciate him coming back. (We had not noticed a light bulb out so he was not concerned). The worker said no -- I must change it now -- this is my work order and I get off before six. So my husband had to wake me up, I had to get dressed so this worker could change a light bulb we did not request be changed. And guess what, as we are walking to dinner at 6 pm - who do we see in the hallway on the way to another cabin with his work box and a work order? I guess he did work after six after all. Again, not a big deal -- but this was a clear example of more concern for the "motions" then for the comfort of the passenger.

 

There were multiple other minor events like this -- but I am just giving a few to try to demonstrate why my overall opinion of the service was not as positive as it has been on past Princess cruises. I have to say that the overall service was just "off" -- many of the staff were going through the motions and not really excited about their roles or responsibilities. Except for the reservation guy, no one was outright rude, but the extra touches and positive attitudes that used to make me want to sail Princess were just not there. I can only assume that the overall management of the crew is poor leading to apathetic service. Hopefully things will improve. I understand that others may have had a different experience, that is great. Given the quality of the food and the ship itself, just a light upgrade in service would make the difference.

[liverpool08]

The Jacuzzis's measured 107 Degrees?

Are you saying the water was hotter than Boiling temp (100deg)

So you were sitting in a Jacuzzi of boiling water? You would be dead?

And its not physically possible to get hotter than 100 degrees.

[mina]

I was not sitting in the hot tub -- it was TOO HOT TO GET INTO -- and it did measure 107 degrees F -- I saw the temp guage when the attendant measured it and he was surprised as well -- they said they keep the whirlpools at 100F and 104F (one each by each pool). So no -- I am not dead -- nor am I a liar.

[WeBeGone]

Thanks for taking the time to write your review. We've sailed on the Star 3 times and didn't notice your concerns, however that doesn't diminish your opinion. Did you ever make your concerns know to anyone whilst on board? I would have contacted the maintance superviser re the light bulb and I would NOT have let him in. I also would have spoken to the maitre de regarding the head waiter. Sometimes they get a little carried away with their position.

[NeurosurgeryNP]

The Jacuzzis's measured 107 Degrees?

Are you saying the water was hotter than Boiling temp (100deg)

So you were sitting in a Jacuzzi of boiling water? You would be dead?

And its not physically possible to get hotter than 100 degrees.

100 degrees farenheight I think she means - not boiling. I think in F it is 212 degrees to boiling. Normal hot tub temp about 104 F I think.Sorry for your lukewa. experiences.

[Coral]

Mina - thanks for your review. I too would be upset at some of the things you encountered. The last time I was on the Star, I had less than stellar service. I am glad to say my last 2 cruises (B2B) on Princess, I had outstanding service. Hopefully one day, Princess will be able to win you back.

 

I like HAL and think they offer a great product also.

[bunnysmom]

Leaving on the Star in 3 days.... never been on Princess before and I'm hoping your experience was unusual. As far as 107 degrees,I think liverpool08 is talking celsius (212 degrees F would be boiling not 100)

 

I'm praying we have a better experience...we're on for 18 days....

[morriscats]

We were getting off Star as you were getting on. There were a few things that had not been completed during drydock but they were being handled and didn't cause us concern. MUTS had a few problems but we did enjoy sitting out there. We did sit at the second level and the crew seemed to be very "controlled" by a female suprevisor and they were jumping to please her. No slacking for them. I was looking forward to the lobster at Crown but the meal was excellant. Sorry you had the problems you did. We loved every minute of it and felt totally spoiled.

[mii]

Thanks for your review. We were on the oct. 21st cruise and we did not have the problems you had but I am sorry that you did. Boy 107 degrees is hot. We also experienced MUTS not working some of the time either. We also had workers knock on the door to replace one of the sliding glass doors. The workings that make the sliding door work really was not working for us at all although we did not report it one day they came one afternoon to replace a part. They said it was part of the drydock stuff that was supposed to be done but did not have a chance. Fortuately we were awake and just relaxing so it was not a problem for us.

 

Again I am sorry you had some problems on your cruise.

 

Marilyn

[bubbadog]

for your info,regular water boils at 212'degrees farenheight,and hottubs are usually 102-104degrees farenheight,at 103-104 any bacteria in water dies,and no you wont die if you get into 100-104 degree water,just info for you is all,check out hotubs on next cruise:)))

[yorky]

I have hesitated to write this review for about a week now given my concern that a negative perception of princess will be flammed as well as others recent comments about how wonderful the STAR crew is. However, my opinion is relevant, so I would like to provide some realistic feedback on our Star Princess cruise of 10/31/08 - 10 day Mexican Riveria. We are platinum Princess cruisers. However, our last three cruises have been on HAL. Given our recent experiences on the STAR, I have to say the edge goes to HAL and we will be cruising with them going forward unless there is a significant price advantage with Princess.

 

It is hard to put into specifics the overall impression of the STAR - but I will try to do so -- each event, individually, is minor - however in combination -- they show a general lack of service orientation and general disregard for the Princess Values. Nothing that happened ruined our cruise -- it was quite nice and worth the $$. However,the apathy displayed by many of the crew took the shine off. Below are some examples of the positive and not so positive:

 

Positives:

 

The food was OUTSTANDING!!! I have not had better food on a cruise before and I am quite picky about food quality. We had the ultimate balcony dinner and it was beyond anything I could describe or has been described here. Except for the fact that they were over 40 minutes past the dinner appt time when it started (yep --that general apathy again) -- the food was really really good. We ate in the Crown Grill and were disappointed that they did not serve any lobster dishes as the full refurb was not done (not their fault though and the steaks were good!). The food in the dining room was also wonderful. I found the buffet to be quite nice as well. KUDOS to the chef -- an outstanding performance on a mediocre ship.

 

VICTOR - we had the wonderful cabin steward from Mexico that has been mentioned on these boards before -- gosh he is good. Excellent service that warranted additional tipping as we departed. THANK YOU VICTOR.

 

SHIP HOUSEKEEPING: The ship was very clean and well maintained -- they were constantly cleaning it (save for the hot tubs -- see below).

 

Not So Positives

 

Pools & Hot Tubs & MUTS & Deck Attendants: throughout the cruise the hot tubs were randomly closed or not working. I do not like the crowded main pool and had difficulty finding hot tubs other than the two at the Neptune that were consistently open and not crowded. Also none of the pools were heated -- the water was freezing most of the trip. This was disappointing as we love to use the hot tubs -- the two hot tubs in the lotus pool for the first two days were covered and closed -- after that they still were not working right although they were open -- on alerting the deck attendants (more on them later) that one of the pools was excessively hot and asking to have it checked (which I had to insist on) -- it was measuring at 107 degrees! One time they had the aft tubs closed during the middle of the day so they could varnish around them -- shouldn't they do that at non primetime? I also remember asking a deck attendant for a deck blanket on the first sea day as it was chilly. (NOTE: the welcome letters had a section indicating that if you would like a deck blanket go to this specific location and ask). The deck attendant was not really happy and told me I could not have a deck blanket unless I was in Alaska or MUTs was on. I told him about the description in the welcome letter and he went off to try to find me one. After about 20 minutes of waiting - I left. Not a big deal -- but throughout the cruise I watched the deck attendants just standing around talking to each other -- if so many hot tubs were not working - you would think they could find enough work to do to minimize their hanging out on deck talking. The Movies under the stars was wonderful -- even though it was not working right. What a great concept! I must say that we sat on the upper deck to watch and again were overwhelmed by Deck Attendants and other crew sitting at the back bar together watching the movies. I felt like I was at a high school event with all the kewl kids hanging out disturbing everyone else. I do not have a problem with crew members watching the movies, but they could be quiet and not all congregate in one area?

 

AnyTime Dining Reservations/Service: By the end of the cruise -- we found a waitress Agnes from Poland and her assistant who were wonderful. On the other nites we had mediocre service. When I got an appetizer I did not order - I was told that I had indeed ordered it and - with a sigh - if I wanted something else --I should eat that while the waiter requested my original order. I drink decaf and my husband drinks regular cappuccino -- the decaf is decorated with TWO hearts the reg with one heart in the foam-- One nite we got ours and both only had one heart -- I asked if it was decaf and the asst said yes of course -- I said it usually comes with two hearts as the decoration -- are you sure this is decaf as there is nothing differentiating both our drinks? He said -- if you don't believe me, I'll get another one if you have to have two hearts. Although minor -- again these service events signify below average interest in serving passengers.

 

We always reserve a table for two -- one nite we forgot and went to the portofino at 6:00 pm and asked Victor the head waiter for a table for two -- he said -- no sorry - I have given them all out - you must sit with others. I have no tables for two. Since we were not that hungry - I said -- we will wait till one opens up. His response was to shake his head and say 'No, you will need to sit with others, it would be too long to wait". I again said no, we will wait. Please give us a beeper -- he shook his head - so we turned around and left. I was not pleased that the head waiter would insist we had to sit with others -- he should have given us our options and let us decide. Again, a lack of concern for what the passenger wants. The next day, I called and wanted to reserve Agnes' table -- and I requested table 101, but was not certain that was her table number. Later that morning we went by the dining room as I wanted to check to see if the table I wanted was indeed 101 -- when we checked it did not have a number on it -- so in the afternoon I called reservations back and said -- can you please confirm for me that table 101 is a table for two -- I just want to be sure. The same reservation guy said -- I TOLD YOU ONCE AND ALREADY DID THIS __ WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT ME TO DO!" I was flabbergasted at that response. How rude. So, overall anytime dining service and reservation setting was mediocre to bad. Agnes and crew were outstanding and we submitted very positive feedback on them.

 

OTHER STAFF: The casino staff were luke warm and appeared to be going through the motions while dealing the table games. It was not really enjoyable to lose your $ there. Also, one afternoon, we were napping in our stateroom. My husband answers the door and there is a maintenance worker there. He tells my husband he needs to change a light bulb. My husband tells him I am sleeping and he would appreciate him coming back. (We had not noticed a light bulb out so he was not concerned). The worker said no -- I must change it now -- this is my work order and I get off before six. So my husband had to wake me up, I had to get dressed so this worker could change a light bulb we did not request be changed. And guess what, as we are walking to dinner at 6 pm - who do we see in the hallway on the way to another cabin with his work box and a work order? I guess he did work after six after all. Again, not a big deal -- but this was a clear example of more concern for the "motions" then for the comfort of the passenger.

 

There were multiple other minor events like this -- but I am just giving a few to try to demonstrate why my overall opinion of the service was not as positive as it has been on past Princess cruises. I have to say that the overall service was just "off" -- many of the staff were going through the motions and not really excited about their roles or responsibilities. Except for the reservation guy, no one was outright rude, but the extra touches and positive attitudes that used to make me want to sail Princess were just not there. I can only assume that the overall management of the crew is poor leading to apathetic service. Hopefully things will improve. I understand that others may have had a different experience, that is great. Given the quality of the food and the ship itself, just a light upgrade in service would make the difference.

 

Thanks for the review, however why is it so many people do not want to enjoy meeting new people at dinner, we have met so many wonderfull new people in the years we have cruised and I really think many are missing out. I have always guessed that it's a shyness thing,are everyones partners so fascinating that everyone else is boring by comparison or is that society has changed and we just don't mix with other people the way we used to do.

 

I'm in my 40s so have no comparison with the heydays of cruising but was that not partly about meeting new people and sharing experiences?

 

I just find it slightly sad.

[SFParrtHd]

Thank you for your review. We were on the Star 10/11, after drydock, and we were one of the lucky ones to have had Victor as our CS. Our son went to sit in the hot tub one day and had the attendant check the temp - it was 110. (Yes he was correct and no he is 31 yrs old, so he wasn't making it up or got it mixed up :D). The attendant was pretty much non responsive when questioned about it. We had a few negatives about the crew also and just put it off to it being the first cruise after dry dock.

[SFParrtHd]

Thanks for the review, however why is it so many people do not want to enjoy meeting new people at dinner, we have met so many wonderfull new people in the years we have cruised and I really think many are missing out. I have always guessed that it's a shyness thing,are everyones partners so fascinating that everyone else is boring by comparison or is that society has changed and we just don't mix with other people the way we used to do.

 

I'm in my 40s so have no comparison with the heydays of cruising but was that not partly about meeting new people and sharing experiences?

 

I just find it slightly sad.

 

When not traveling with friends or family, my DH and I always sit at a table for 2, that is our preference. We are not shy and I don't feel other people are boring. We have made a few life-long friends that we have met on cruises. Also, people may have health or disability reasons why they like to eat alone. That is the great thing about cruising, you have choices. So, don't feel sad for us :)

[amapola]

Thanks for the review, however why is it so many people do not want to enjoy meeting new people at dinner, we have met so many wonderfull new people in the years we have cruised and I really think many are missing out. I have always guessed that it's a shyness thing,are everyones partners so fascinating that everyone else is boring by comparison or is that society has changed and we just don't mix with other people the way we used to do.

 

I'm in my 40s so have no comparison with the heydays of cruising but was that not partly about meeting new people and sharing experiences?

 

I just find it slightly sad.

 

I do happen to think my DH is fascinating :) and I hope he finds me fascinating too, even after almost 20 years of marriage. We're no shy, not antisocial and definitely not to be pitied, but I just don't care to share a table with strangers. I don't do it in a land based restaurant, why should I do it just because I'm at sea? Anytime Dining makes Princess my favorite line because I can be guaranteed a table for two. DH and I both work in intensely people-oriented jobs (DH is a graduate school professor, I'm a public health worker) and a week of time just for us is priceless.

 

When not traveling with friends or family, my DH and I always sit at a table for 2, that is our preference. We are not shy and I don't feel other people are boring. We have made a few life-long friends that we have met on cruises. Also, people may have health or disability reasons why they like to eat alone. That is the great thing about cruising, you have choices. So, don't feel sad for us :)

 

What she said :).

 

OP, sorry for the hijacking but this is kind of a trigger for me. Back on topic, I'm sorry you had a bad experience on the Star. We were on her this summer in AK and had an excellent time. You really hit on some bad service there :( and I'd be mad about it too. Hope your next cruises are much better!

[KreinKrunker]

Thanks for the review, however why is it so many people do not want to enjoy meeting new people at dinner..............................

 

I just find it slightly sad.

 

There are many reasons not to sit at a table with other people. If you work with the public, for instance, the last thing you may want to do is meet other people. We always request a table for two at breakfast, as we are not too social in the morning. We don't even sit with our traveling partners, and they are happy we don't. If this is sad, so be it.

[LARGIN]

When not traveling with friends or family, my DH and I always sit at a table for 2, that is our preference. We are not shy and I don't feel other people are boring. We have made a few life-long friends that we have met on cruises. Also, people may have health or disability reasons why they like to eat alone. That is the great thing about cruising, you have choices. So, don't feel sad for us :)

Don't feel sad for us either as we also enjoy a table for 2 when we are not traveling with friends or our "Kids".. :)

[BalconyBumz]

Sometimes we like a table for 2 to make the meal maybe not take 2 hours. We prefer late seating and like to get done by 9:30 if we can, not 10 like it takes when you have a full table talking. Don't feel sorry for us either. :D

[Cruisin Bob]

It sounds like a pretty fair revue. You had some bad experiences which are not uncommon on any cruise line.

 

There are always plenty of good experiences and some poor experiences. I think it is good that you comment on where a ship needs improvement here, at the pursers desk, or on the comment cards.

 

More importantly I think it is best to focus on the positive experiences and enjoy your cruise. There are always problems on a ship and you can not fix the ship so concentrate on enjoying the cruise.

 

If you choose to switch to a cruise line that is doing a better job on future cruises that is fine. I am sure Carnival will not mind if you switch from Princess to HAL. I also think princess will not like reading the deck attendants on the star ( a ship I love) are not attentive to passenger needs.

 

As for the hot tubs not functioning, I think you were just unlucky about maintenance issue during your visit. Except that the 107 F hot tub is a problem as that seems like a problem for many passengers that needs to be prevented.

 

All in all I am glad you posted your concerns, but hope you enjoyed your cruise in spite of these issues.

[The Tsar]

Mina -

 

I was also on the same cruise and like you was forced to set at a table for six. I must agree that the Head Waiter was extremely uncaring and made no effort to please the passengers. However unfortunately - unlike you - thought the food was generally very poor, especially in the lido sightly only better in the dining rooms.

 

We thought the ship was beautiful - that was the good!

 

Many, many minor incidents spoiled the cruise for us, and it is doubtful if we will ever sail a Princess ship again. The staff was not well trained in their duties - Giving the standard comment "I am new". The Front Desk staff would promise anything to get you to leave, but would not follow-up.

 

However the incident that completely turned us off on Princess was during the disastrous debarkation. Passengers were completely jammed in the stairway not moving, while staff continued to call for more passengers to disembark. During this time one of the ship's crew (appeared to be maintenance staff) forced his way through the crowd by physically pushing elderly passengers to the side - I really thought the passengers were going to riot as they started screaming at him. When I finally reached the exit, I asked who was in charge and was greeted with a shrug - When I forced the question I was refer to another security staff, who finally answered the Front Desk, as he sheepishly smiled.

 

I have been waiting to cool off before making a formal complaint.

[gargoyle999]

Thanks for the review, however why is it so many people do not want to enjoy meeting new people at dinner, we have met so many wonderfull new people in the years we have cruised and I really think many are missing out. I have always guessed that it's a shyness thing,are everyones partners so fascinating that everyone else is boring by comparison or is that society has changed and we just don't mix with other people the way we used to do.

 

I'm in my 40s so have no comparison with the heydays of cruising but was that not partly about meeting new people and sharing experiences?

 

I just find it slightly sad.

 

That's why there are different strokes for different folks and choices to make everyone (well most everyone) happy.

 

I will be requesting a table for two during our Anytime dining in a couple weeks on the Sapphire. "No" will not be an option! :). Though I plan on eating early so hopefully it won't be a problem. Sorry but not everyone is into small talk with strangers while trying to eat.

[pris993]

Thanks for taking the time to write your review. We've sailed on the Star 3 times and didn't notice your concerns, however that doesn't diminish your opinion. Did you ever make your concerns know to anyone whilst on board? I would have contacted the maintance superviser re the light bulb and I would NOT have let him in. I also would have spoken to the maitre de regarding the head waiter. Sometimes they get a little carried away with their position.

 

 

We were on the Star cruise just prior to yours. We left feeling very much the same way you did, service not up to par in general. We also had a table for 2 in the main diningroom, second seating. Our servers were nice but slow and non attentive. For example, we like our wine bottle re-corked after pouring, we requested it, they would do when asked but forget the next night. Getting a second cup of coffee was very slow every night, they seemed to disappear. We waited a long time between first and second course as well. We special ordered our meals, had Sea Bass or Veal Chops most nights, these were very good. We asked for a filet migon one night, what we were served was unbelieveable. We did tell the Matre'd we did not think the steak or salmon was very good. This is our 6th cruise to Mexico out of SF (on Princess and Celebrity) over the past few years, we have come to the conclusion that these cruises are second rate period. Often they are filled with large groups of older folks and we feel the cruiselines gets away with less than first rate service. We are elite on Princess. Almost elite on Celebrity. We have cruised on 7 different lines over the past 30 years. We sailed on the Royal Princess, from Rome, to Egypt, Israel, Turkey and Greece last October, that cruise was outstanding.

 

We were so tired of the service in the diningroom, we eat at the buffet the last night and found the servers there more than willing to get things we wanted, i.e., "whole grain bread", getting it in the main diningroom was a major issue. We were able to get this in the buffet at lunchtime and the server even anticipated we would want each day, isn't that amazing compared to the main diningroom.

 

We were not impressed with the entertainment, i.e., production shows either. Left early from the two shows we went to because music was not to our tastes. It seemed more suited to the taste/age level of the entertainers than the passengers.

 

Our cabin steward was great. We had a mini suite which we enjoyed. We had breakfast in the cabin each morning. Serve here was okay, on time, some days they would forget a item ordered.

 

We are booked on the Ruby for a TA in April. We have decided we will eat in the buffet if serve is not good in the diningroom on our next cruise.

 

I did write a complaint/suggestion after going to MUTS one evening, suggesting the Bar staff needs training to work quietly during the movie. It was quite distracting watching a moving, while listening to bar staff cleaning pans and gathering bottles and cans behind us, plus yelling and talking loudly among themselves. We were on the lower deck viewing the movie.

 

After we returned home, our TA sent us a booking notice, that we did not book, we only purchased a future booking, we did not book a cruise. I called our agent and advise her the booking was Princess' error - did not want to pay a cancellation fee for a cruise we did not book. Agent said this has never happened before, I said never happened to me either but I want it corrected. Agent got it corrected.

 

We also found beer we purchased in the buffet for lunch, had a "best by selling date" that was past by 2.5 months. We brought this to the attention of the bar manager in the area right away, he reimbursed our account.

 

We are not impressed with all the new eating areas in the lobby area. Thought the smells of food in the area was not very appealing. But obviously Princess is trying to sell passengers something at every corner.

 

We were disappointed that the shops had only Princess logo items. We misplaced a bow tie and wanted to purchase one, non could be found in the shops. In the past shops aboard had such items.

 

We also had a crew member enter our cabin mid day to change a smoke alarm on the balcony one day. Interestingly, we were on a cruise in the Mediterranean a few years ago - one day, we were sitting on our balcony and the ship had crews cleaning windows and hosing down balconies. When they approached our balcony, I motion to them to "stop" - I was in the middle of doing my nails and I was not about to have to stop what I was doing. I remained firm and they went back the way they came. Sometimes, we have to make a stand. We did write comments on our review card when we left the ship.

 

Like you, non of these things really wrecked our overall cruise experience individually but collectively one wonders why the Mexican Riveria cruise lack something. We asked this very question on our review comments at the end.

 

We will still travel on Princess, but if we go to the Mexican Riveria again, we will probably eat in the buffet dressed to the nines and enjoy the ship. The buffet is a lot quieter than the main diningroom, depending on daylight savings time/time of year -- if it is still daylight, ones has a view to boot. :)

[BalconyBumz]

Sorry, you didn't enjoy your cruise as much as you anticipated. I had the same thing happen on NCL cruise with so many awful things that mounted up that it made me literally never want to come near them again. I could just see their standards across the board. However, I do believe Princess is still a very good line.

[NorcalGuy]

Also none of the pools were heated -- the water was freezing most of the trip.

 

I am sad to hear that this is still the case. On my Star Mexican Riviera voyage this October, I compained all the way to a conversation with the chief purser, who gave me the run-around that they were following a "government regulation" for maximum pool temps. When I asked him what the temps were he said 74 degrees Farenheit! They simply were not being heated. Besides being lied to, he expected me to accept a very lame attempt at BSing me, which I found insulting. I heard other passengers complaining as well. I've been on many Princess ships and know that at least one pool should be warmer that 74 degrees Farenehit.

I had the same problem on the Grand last April and they finally turned on the heat for the last few days of the voyage. Again, I had to talk to the cheif purser to get any dialogue and had to tell him "too little too late".

Princess has really gorgeous pools and I have stayed with them mainly due to that. I swim laps twice daily in the early AM and PM when they aren't busy. If I can't expect a heated pool, I may as well try the other lines.

Since the Ship's crew ignored my feedback during the cruise, I assumed they would also ignore my feedback on the comment form at the end of the voyage as well. I sent it to the corporate office instead.

[Coral]

I am sad to hear that this is still the case. On my Star Mexican Riviera voyage this October, I compained all the way to a conversation with the chief purser, who gave me the run-around that they were following a "government regulation" for maximum pool temps. When I asked him what the temps were he said 74 degrees Farenheit! They simply were not being heated. Besides being lied to, he expected me to accept a very lame attempt at BSing me, which I found insulting. I heard other passengers complaining as well. I've been on many Princess ships and know that at least one pool should be warmer that 74 degrees Farenehit

 

We were on the Sapphire (Mexico) in Sept and October and the pools were actually warm. It felt great and the pools were packed.

 

That is too bad that they were cold.

[cynbar]

Thanks for the review, however why is it so many people do not want to enjoy meeting new people at dinner, we have met so many wonderfull new people in the years we have cruised and I really think many are missing out. I have always guessed that it's a shyness thing,are everyones partners so fascinating that everyone else is boring by comparison or is that society has changed and we just don't mix with other people the way we used to do.

 

I'm in my 40s so have no comparison with the heydays of cruising but was that not partly about meeting new people and sharing experiences?

 

I just find it slightly sad.

 

My goodness, this is judgmental!! DH and I are not anti-social or at all shy. We often (but not always) request a table for 2 because our regular lives are very busy and we welcome our time on a cruise to converse with each other. In addition, we find that at a large table, often one person monopolizes the conversation. But I think a wonderful part of modern cruising is that passengers get choices--- I don't see why this should invite insults.