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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Bonita Folvarcik
Email: bonnie.folvarcik.blbw@statefarm.com
Age: 52
Occupation: Insurance Claims Manager
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Ocean
SailingDate: 9/9/00
Itinerary: Voyage of the Glaciers
Cabin: c710
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 98
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 92
CabinAmenities: 97
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 99
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 99
FoodVariety: 96
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 92
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 97
BeautySalonStaff: 97
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 97
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 98
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 98
Casino: 92
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 97
DeckSpace: 96
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 97
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 18 Sep 2000
Time: 15:24:59
Remote Name: ns7.statefarm.com
Remote User:
Comments
This was our first cruise with the Princess line and I made it a point to read all I could prior to sailing. I
was not disappointed. We arranged our own air transportation as we wished to do a land excusion to
Denali National Park prior to the cruise. We did purchase the Princess transfers however. There was a
bit of confusion as to where we needed to go in Anchorage to join those being transferred to Seward
for embarkation on the Ocean Princess. We found it necessary to call Princess Cruise Lines to obtain
the needed information. For those in the future who will be making their own flight arrangements into
Anchorage for the southbound cruise, you need to arrive at the Eagan Convention Center from 8 a.m.
to 1 p.m. on the morning of the cruise (the earlier the better as you will be placed on the earlier
buses). If you arrive at 8 a.m. you will have ample opportunity to tour Anchorage downtown on your
own as the first buses do not leave until 1:30. We took advantage of the time to tour the Saturday
market and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. As we were traveling with another couple, the time went by
quickly.
Embarkation was made very easy and extreamly well organized by the Princess staff. I can't say the
same of any of the other cruises we've taken in the past. Princess has a knack for organization.
The bus trip to Seward was delightful as the bus driver also acted as tour guide pointing out many of
the features of the landscape an history of the area. There was ample time for photographs and rest
stops.
Once we arrived in Seward, we were directed to the cruise terminal where many staffers awaited our
arrival. The embarkation process went just as smoothly as the initial phases in Anchorage. Once we
were issued our ID cards we were processed through security and boarded the ship. We were directed
to our deck (Caribe which was deck nine) and our luggage was already in the stateroom. Based on
prior reviews we elected to have an inside cabin as we knew we would not spend much time inside it.
We spent some time getting acquainted with the ship and unpacked.
Dinner was an event to anticipate. Our table mates were senior citizens who had cruised before and
they were a delight to be with. We thoroughly looked forward to sharing dinner with them each
evening. My husband and I had opted for the low fat menu with some vegetarian aspects. We were
thrilled with the selections and often went off our diets to try some of the other exquisite food. Our
waiter Arturo and assistant waiter Isabella were outstanding. Once they learned everyones preference,
they remembered these from meal to meal. My husband was actually offered additional entres when
he couldn't decide which to chose from. Isabella even saved a half bottle of unconsumed wine for us
from one evening until the next. They were worth every penny of the tips we spent on them. We ate
breakfast and lunch in the Sardinian dining room where we had open seating although we ate dinner
each evening in the Tuscan dining room. We were never disappointed with a meal. We sought out our
Matre'd at breakfast and lunch as he always took care of us. I can't say enough about the beautiful
meal presentations. They were awesome. We did get to tour the galley with our waiter and found it to
be immaculate. It's hard to imagine how Princess can serve so many people at one time and keep the
meals hot. They do an amazing job.
We attended the wine tasting on Sunday and were not disappointed (especially since our five dollar
fee was deducted from the bottles we chose). We also had massages at the Spa. They were well worth
the expense as it helped us start the cruise in a relaxed mood. The staff was a little excessive in
prodding us to buy the products being promoted for our skin care, however.
Sunday was the first formal evening. We were in the Gulf of Alaska and a storm had blown in. If I had
now been wearing my patch, I probably would have been sea sick as many of the other passengers
were. There were 26 foot swells and although the ship had its stabilizers out, the ship rocked quite a
bit. It was pretty scary all night long until we reached the inside passage on Monday.
I can't say enough about the beautiful glaciers and shore excursions we took. There were just so many
shore excursions to chose from. I'm glad we had the opportunity to opt for these prior to sailing. We
were out of town when the original package arrived at our home address and we had to have the
forms faxed to us by Princess but our tickets were on the dresser of our stateroom when we arrived.
Every shore excursion was well organized and ran like clock work! I would highly recommend the Valley
of the Eagles Nature Tour in Skagway. It was our favorite. Eagles as numerous as robins were seen
everywhere.
We attended 3 shows while on board and loved them all especially the comedian from Las Vegas.
Our stateroom, although small, was more than adequate for our needs and immaculately kept by our
cabin steward. We had notified Princess in advance that we wanted the single beds made up into a
queen size bed. We couldn't figure out how they accomplished that without making one big valley in
the middle of the bed. Except for the night of the storm, we slept very well. Our huge suitcases even fit
under the bed. Princess thought of everything.
Disembarkation in Vancouver went almost as well as the embarkation except that our bus for the
airport left before we could board it. One of the Princess staff arranged for us to take a cab to the
airport instead.
The Ocean Princess was brand new and her crew was continuously grooming her whether at sea or in
port. We would not hesitate to cruise with Princess again and doubt very much if there is a cruise line
which can compete with the efficiency, service, shore excursions and food quality that Princess has to
offer.
Name: Liz H.
Email: fhantom2@hotmail.com
Age: 36
Occupation: self-employed
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Ocean
SailingDate: September 16-19, 2000
Itinerary: Pacific Coastal
Cabin: C441
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 80
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff:
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 75
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 92
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall:
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 97
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 20 Sep 2000
Time: 19:37:08
Remote Name: durham-ar1-020-125.dsl.gtei.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was my third cruise, all on Princess, and all coastal 'repositioning' cruises betweem LA and
Vancouver, BC. The first two were on the Dawn Princess, and this one on her sister ship, the Ocean
Princess. The ships are practically identical, except for differing names on the diningrooms, disco, etc.
The embarkation was fast and simple. Baggage was taken litterally from the trunk of the car to the
stateroom... we didn't have to drag anything through the terminal. Within minutes of arriving at the
terminal, we had our cruise cards in hand and were up the gangway to the ship. Our luggage arrived a
few minutes later, while we were still checking out our cabin! My daughter (22) and I had an outside
room with a private veranda. On previous cruises I had been in inside rooms, so was thrilled to learn
about the upgrade. The room was well-appointed, the view was lovely, but I was disappointed with the
lack of floor space. Because of the sliding glass door to the veranda, the twin beds had to be placed
cross-ways in the room, which left about 18 inches beween the foot of the beds and the wall, and only
about 10 inches between beds! This is not a lot of room for two ladies and their luggage! My daughter
loved the veranda, although we rarely used it for anything more than a quick look at the ocean.
Personally, I would trade the veranda for more floor space, which is forthcoming in the inside rooms (or
maybe an outside room with window rather than veranda?) My husband and son took the inside room,
which seemed HUGE in comparision to ours: one bed on each side of the far wall, with plenty of room
(4-5 feet) between beds.
Our room steward was friendly, efficient, and quiet. We didn't see much of him, but the room was
always cleaned even if we were only away for 30 minutes. There was a bottle of water in the room, but
it came with a $3.00 charge if we chose to drink it. I think Princess can afford a bottle of water! Other
than that, if you wanted water you got it from the sink. Bathrooms are small but functional, and the
soundproofing was very good at our position (roughly mid-ship on deck 9)
We ate all dinners in the diningroom, second seating. We all enjoyed the food, no complaints here!
Our waiter and assistant waiter were perhaps two of the dullest people on the ship, but still they were
polite, if not somewhat cold. From past experience, we have found that the waitstaff can make or break
a dining experience, depending on their attitude and willingness to involve themselves in the goings-on
at the table. These two were sticks in the mud, no matter how we tried to joke with them. Oh well, can't
win 'em all!!
Still not happy with the Horizon Court. I really think that Princess can do better. This was one of the
only negative comments I had about the Dawn Princess, and unfortunately it seems to be the same on
the sister ships. The food is edible, but lacks imagination. In fact, they once served a 'seafood salad'
that was a reincarnation of one of the appetizers from the diningroom the night before!! I'm all for
using up what they have, but they need to have a better mix with fresh items too. I tried all sorts of
things for breakfast - eggs, bacon, french toast, etc - but usually ended up just eating the toast and
coffee.
I still think the best bet for lunch is the Riviera Grill. They serve up fresh burgers and hotdogs, along
with some of the best french fries I have ever had. All made fresh to order, and just a hop away from
your lounge chair.
We enjoyed the library very much. My daughter and I were wandering through, and ended up staying
for over an hour! She played 'Solitaire' on the computer, while I lounged in a wonderful leather chair,
browsing over some books from the shelves. This is one of my favorite places on the ship, especially
on those days when the sun forgets to wake up!!!
We only saw one of the nightly acts, an entertianer from Las Vegas. Although he was very good -
excellent, in fact - I thought that the show needed more. When he finished his act, I thought 'OK, now
they are going to bring out the dancers and acrobats'. Nope, that WAS the show!! When I was on the
Dawn Princess, they had an all-out Vegas-style revue that was terrific. Apparently there was a
comedian/magician in the other lounge, but we never got around to seeing him.
Most of the daytime 'seminars' seemed to be based on products that you can purchase on the ship -
cosmetics, perfumes, wines, art, etc. We did go to the art auction, and it was great fun! Although we
didn't buy anything, we learned a lot about art and were entertained at the same time. Of course, I
tried my luck at bingo, and this time lady luck was on my side.... I won the final day jackpot! Well, it was
split two ways, but still a wonderful bonus to my trip! I also volunteered to be a 'jockey' at the horse
races, which was a blast. All in all, I find that if you just make the effort to go to these activites, they
really can be quite entertaining, win or lose.
All of the staff that I came into contact with were top-notch; very polite, very cheerful, and always
happy to help - except one. My husband and son were given one color tags (red #1), and my daughter
and I another (red #4). I went to the desk to inquire, explaining that I had a flight before 12:30, and was
told by the young lady that my tags were just fine. I asked 'Will this get me to the airport in time for my
flight?' and her very sarcastic reply was 'Well, I guess that depends on the type of transportation you
have arranged.' I was quite taken aback by her abrupt and rather rude response. I went to the desk
later that night, hoping to try my luck with someone a little more friendly. There was a different clerk on
the desk, and she explained to me that they had run out of Red #1 tags, which is why we got Red #4,
but that all red tags are called within 10 minutes of each other, and did we have enough Red #1's from
my husband's cabin to tag all our luggage? She took the time to explain, and all was well. Maybe the
first clerk had woken up on the wrong side of the bed?!
Disembarkation was just as easy as embarkation. In fact, they were ahead of schedule! We were told
that disembarkation would begin at 9:30am, and the first tag color was called at 8:45am! We were in
the first group to leave, as we had early flights, and we were all checked in at the airport by 10:00am,
way ahead of time.
My husband has cruised on other lines, but we both still love Princess. It is very classy, very clean, with
almost faultless service. I would certainly recommend the Ocean Princess (or any of her sister ships)
as a wonderful vacation experience.
Name: Helen Ciangiulli
Email: helensands@att.net
Age: 55
Occupation: Legal Secretary
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Ocean
SailingDate: 09/09/00
Itinerary: Voyage of the Glaciers
Cabin: C420
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 98
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 98
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 98
FoodVariety: 98
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 98
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 98
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace:
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 98
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 25 Sep 2000
Time: 15:31:03
Remote Name: amre-gate.amre.com
Remote User:
Comments
We were a group of eight people. Six of the eight had previously been on other cruise ships. None of the
six had been on Princess. We opted not to take Princess' transportation from Anchorage to Seward. We
arrived at Seward at a time when there were no other people around. So the embarkation process was as
easy as could be. We boarded the ship and were escorted to our cabin on the Caribe deck. Our cabin
was beautiful, but not very spacious. The bags and wine from Princess were a very nice welcoming touch.
We met our steward (Jennifer, who was always available) and went out to explore the ship.
We had lunch in the Horizon Court and were immediately taken with how well appointed and clean the
various areas of the ship were. We also took a tour of the Spa and some of us made appointments for
later in the week.
By the time we returned to our cabins, our luggage had arrived. At first I thought there would be no way
everything would fit (I do not travel lightly), but there really was enough space for all of our belongings.
The safe in the room is a wonderful addition to the closet.
We had the late dinner seating and when we were escorted to our table, we were very disappointed to
see that the table was on a direct path to and very near the kitchen. Since we had booked the cruise
about 8 months prior to the trip, we were very dismayed. However, we decided to stay at the table for
dinner that night and find the maitre'd after dinner to discuss a possible table change. Our waiter
Giussepe and his assistant, Carmen turned out to be so accommodating and gracious that after the first
dinner, we decided to remain at the assigned, poorly located table. They were a wonderful team and
certainly went the extra measure to assure a terrific dining experience. Please note here that two of the
members of our group are gourmet chefs. The food in the dining room was marvelous. The choices, the
presentation and the preparation were truly first class. Our group opted to take most meals in the dining
room but did have a couple of occasions to eat at the Horizon Court. The lunches were very good and
there was a very nice variety of food.
The Tour Desk was also acommodating. Three of us had booked a tour to Mendenhall Glacier and were
unable to keep the appointed time. The Tour Director was able to reschedule us for later in the day and
we certainly appreciated that.
Some of the little extras we enjoyed were the Library and Card Room. One afternoon, my husband and I
took our books and went into the Library and sat in wonderful overstuffed leather chairs with ottomans to
match and read for about 2 hours. Heaven. Also, our group used the Card Room a few times and really
enjoyed it.
We attended some of the shows and found them pretty good except for one that had a girl singer who
was terribly off key.
We enjoyed the shops both on and off the ship. My husband used the exercise room (the treadmill) and
steam room quite a few times. My friends used the steam room also but they said that the changing room
was verrrry small.
Several of us visited the Spa for various treatments. The treatments were good but the sales pitch for
various products was a little much.
As I said at the beginning, six of the eight of us had been on other cruises. All eight of us agreed that
Princess would be our choice for future cruises and there will be future cruises!
Name: Helen Ostroski
Email: helenwhoo@aol.com
Age: 62
Occupation: Housewife
NumberOfCruises: 21
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Ocean
SailingDate: 9-26-00
Itinerary: Panama Canal
Cabin: C410 BC Veranda
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 98
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities: 95
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 17 Oct 2000
Time: 13:31:23
Remote Name: spider-wc083.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
We just returned from our Ocean Princess Cruise to the Panama Canal. It started out bad with Mexicana
Airlines. Half the seat belts did't work nor the earphones. We were wondering how much of the plane
didn't work. We had a stop over at Mexico City Airport. It was a zoo trying to find out where we had to go
through customs and where our connecting flight was.
Transfers at the Acapulco Airport were great. At the pier it was hot and humid. It got hotter when we found
out the forms we filled out in advance at home and sent them back to Princess, got lost and we had to fill
them out all over again in the heat.
We finally got on the Ship, found our cabin with great help from the crew. Other Cruise lines have
someone to take you to your cabin. This is not necessary the way Princess does it. They have someone
to show you the right elevator to get on. When you get off on your deck, someone is there to show you
the way to your cabin. We walked in our spotless cabin, looked around, found all our tour tickets on the
desk. That was another good thing, we could look over all the tours at home and make all the decisions in
a couple days rather than in minutes as to which tour we wanted. We were about ready to leave to
explore the ship, when there was a knock at the door. It was our luggage. How great. Other ships would
take hours for your luggage to arrive. We unpacked, freshened up and it was time for our dinner.
We met our waiter Mario and assistant Alex. They were so warm and friendly, we felt comfortable with
them right off the bat. Their service was excellent the whole time. Mario even took us on a Galley tour on
his own free time. There were only 6 of us so we really had a personal tour. It was a first rate tour. Never
had one like it before.
The selections on the menu each night was a good variety. The presentation was exceptional. The taste
was great. Everything connected with the dinning room was superb. Even each day with open seating for
breakfast and lunch, I would have to say most of the staff were great.
The entertainment was a good variety. The singers and dancers were very good, and each night a
different entertainer was there. Two of which the audience gave a standing ovation. We looked forward to
the shows each night.
The activities through out the day were many to choose from. As well as different type music in the
lounges at night. It was very well balanced. In the Casino it was the same as other ships, the most popular
slots were the nickel ones and they were always full, you could never get one of the machines. They
needed a lot more.
The tour desk we were a little disappointed with. My husband had gone on a snorkeling tour and it was
ruff water. He didn't snorkel. He asked why they didn't cancel the tour because of bad weather. They only
said SORRY. He didn't like the answer. He asked if the weather was ruff at the other ports where he was
going to snorkel at, if he could cancel that day. He was told he could cancel right now. That is not what he
wanted. They said it had to be 24 hours in advance. Our opinion is it should have been canceled.
Our cabin Steward, Jennifer, was very good. We asked for extra ice the first day and each day after we
got it. We left the cabin for breakfast and the room would be made up spotless when we returned. The
whole ship was spotless. You always saw someone cleaning areas we wouldn't have thought of to clean.
The public rest rooms, I can't tell you how often I would enter one and there would be someone in there
cleaning all hours of the day or evening.
The Captains party was great. I don't care for the formal lines and picture taking with the Captains. This
was held in the Atrium, and to our liking, no receiving lines and no pictures. Very casual and comfortable.
The Captain made his speech, we had the refreshments and toast, and that was it. Very nice. Also in the
Atrium was the champagne waterfall. Free Champagne flowing to passengers and the waterfall. Very nice
parties.
It was smooth sailing. I only wore my wristbands for sea motion one time, and I really didn't need to.
Disembarkment was very smooth and fast. A non-stop flight home.
I would give this Cruise a 98% for an almost perfect Cruise. This was our 5th Cruise on Princess and I am
sure it won't be our last. If any one would like more information about the Cruise, ship or ports, please
write us.
Matt & Helen
Name: Charles Calkins
Email: charliecstl@worldnet.att.net
Age: 31
Occupation: Consulting Executive
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Ocean
SailingDate: 10/15/00
Itinerary: Southern Carribean
Cabin: Plaza 333
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 93
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 85
MedicalFacilities: 90
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 75
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 22 Oct 2000
Time: 22:24:18
Remote Name: 193.st-louis-108-109rs.mo.dial-access.att.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was my first cruise ever, and I was sufficiently pleased to already start thinking about my next trip. The
Ocean Princess is less than one year old and was in great condition, as one would expect. There was very
little left wanting about the ship itself. Beautiful public areas, plenty of amenities, lots of space and deck
chairse -- the Ocean really was an excellent ship.
The staff onboard were generally top-notch. The ship has two primary dining rooms. I was assigned to the
Tuscan Room on the Plaza Deck. The service was exemplary. Our Waiter and Assistant Waiter were very
attentive and could make most anything happen to ensure we enjoyed each dinner. The menus varied
somewhat in quality and selection. A couple of nights provided exceptional food throughout, while a couple
of other nights provided few interesting choices. I had one of the best desserts of my life one night with a
custard filled Napoleon. I almost asked for an extra to take back to the room. Unfortunately, two nights later
the creme brulee left much to be desired. This kind of inconsistency was fairly consistent.
If you are really into food, stick to the dining room as much as possible. I did not care for the buffets offered
in the Horizon Court on the Lido Deck. While it was nice to have a 24 hour food source, the quality was that
of a buffet. Late night, they offer a bistro service in the same room, but the service is not as effective as the
dining room. I tried out pretty much all of the eateries on board. The Riviera Grill was just not a good option,
the coffee bar (La Patisserie) was a great option for an afternoon treat, the afternoon tea service in the
Sardinian Room was also very nice, and the pizzeria offered several selections which were good overall. I
did not try the room service option, but the menu was pretty limited. Overall, the quality of the food varied
greatly throughout the ship.
Entertainment was another highlight of the cruise. Most all of the entertainment options were good to
excellent. The guest performers in the lounges and productions were very solid and the shows were
enjoyable. There was a fabulous comedy juggler and everyone felt he was a definite highlight of the
voyage. There were typically at least two major shows each night, and then lots of lounges to check out.
The Spinners Disco was fun, the pianist in the Atrium Lounge was great and had Name That Tune each
night, the musicians in the caviar bar and pre-dinner were good as well. There was never an excuse for
being bored.
The ship has much to offer passengers during the day as well. We stopped at a port of call everyday, so
there were not a ton of structured activities, but there was more than enough to do. The Fitness Center was
very usable, the pools were spread around the ship and were nice, I never had trouble finding a deck chair,
the library was a beautiful and quiet place to read, and the Promenade Deck was an open air refuge from
the sun and noise -- great for reading and daydreaming.
The cabin was really great overall. I travelled by myself, so the room was all mine. However, it was very nice
for two as well. The cabin was very effectively arranged. The bathroom was quite small, but very
manageable. Everything in the cabin was brand new (the ship is literally just months old), and worked well.
The television offered CNN Int'l, ESPN Int'l, movies, some basic programming, and lots of ship/port
information. There was an in-room refrigerator to keep cold drinks as well. Lots of closet space. Each floor
has a laundry room with an iron.
I found the cruise interesting in that there was a great diveristy of people on board. There were travellers of
all ages and backgrounds. That was very pleasant. I really enjoyed my dinner companions from New Jersey
and California. We would always share notes at the end of the day, so it was like we all got to experience
three times as much as we had actually did. I did find that the ship was rather large, so you did not see the
same faces all that often. In addition, lots of people kind of stuck to themselves, and there was less
interaction with others than I anticipated. Everyone was very friendly, just not very interactive.
Overall, Princess put out a very nice product that was worth experiencing. I do want to check out some other
providers, but would be very willing to return to another Princess cruise in the future. Princess is brining out
two new mega-ships next year and the year after, and then will be introducing a new line of smaller ships
that have many of the amenities and features of the large ships. There should be plenty of great cruising
for years to come with the Love Boat line.
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