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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Melinda Swulius
Email: mswulius@sdcoe.k12.ca.us
Age: 46
Occupation: teacher
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Sun
SailingDate: April 8, 2000
Itinerary: Panama Canal
Cabin: E304/outside
FoodDiningRoom: 93
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: n/a
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 1
GoodForHoneymoon: 99
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 99
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 99
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 70
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 80
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 20 Apr 2000
Time: 13:17:29
Remote Name: asc61-2.sdcoe.k12.ca.us
Remote User:
Comments
We traveled with a group of 8, which included four teenagers. Keeping this fact in mind, we still overall had a
really good time. Our cabin would have been just the right size if there were just two people in it, but with both
our daughters sleeping in the top bunks, things got a little crowded when trying to get dressed, etc. All
luggage with the exception of two really large (thick) suitcases, fit under the two bottom beds. Closets had
plenty of space, and our room steward brought us more hangers when we asked for them. We had a nice
large window and my youngest daughter enjoyed sitting on the ledge of it. At the last minute our travel agent
informed us that we could get a cabin with a balcony for just $1000 more. We declined since we were already
pushing our budget just to afford the trip.
Arrival and travel to the ship from the airport went very smoothly. We were on the ship within an hour of
touching down in Mexico.Cruise staff-very helpful every step of the way.
Jose, our dining room waiter, was just wonderful. Our 16 year old daughter is a very picky eater and he always
tried to bring her things that she could eat. He even special ordered something from lunch that was served the
previous day that she wanted for dinner. We always had way too much food available, with seconds, thirds,
etc., ready for the asking. When it was time for dessert, he loaded up our table for 8 with enough food for 20.
Andrea, the assistant waiter, wasn't too thrilled with us at first because we were a table of 8 who did not drink
alcoholic beverages or order anything from the bar, including soft drinks (we brought our own- packed one
entire suitcase with bottled water and soft drinks!) She would have automatically received a 15 percent tip on
anything that was odered from the bar. Plus the kids always wanted hot chocolate for dinner, (it was free) and
she finally started bringing it by the pitcher. Once the kids asked for marshmellows and she brought a huge
bowl of them to the table.
Ildebrando, our room steward, was a strange guy. He would just stare right at you and only spoke if he was
spoken to. He did only what he was supposed to do and I have no major complaints, but Miguel, my sister's
steward, was very friendly and called everyone by their first name. Many times if we wanted something, we
would ask Miguel instead of Ildebrando. (My sister's room was about 5 away from ours.)
We never took any of the tours that were offered by the ship, $$$. Since my husband and I have taken two
cruises before this one, we felt pretty comfortable just getting off the ship and finding our own tours for a lot
less money. Since we stopped in Costa Rica and Columbia, it was a little bit scary, but we had no problems at
all. In Costa Rica we hired a van that had both a driver and a tour guide. We paid $200 for seven of us and
they took us anywhere we wanted to go for the whole day. It was a 1998 Mercedes van that was very
comfortable. We went to a beach to go swimming, went to the edge of a rain forest and saw crocodiles, went to
another place to see some cute little animals that I've never seen before (kind of like raccoons with a long tail)
and stopped for shopping.
In Cartahena, Columbia, we only had about a 6 hour stop. Again we got off the ship and this time hired two
taxis to take all 8 of us around. Each taxi cost $40 and we went to all the places a lot of the other tours went
for much more money. This place was not too thrilling. We went to a fort, and went to two shopping places. A
lot of people on the ship were shopping for emeralds. Too expensive for our blood. Both taxi drivers were
great and stayed with us at all times.
Aruba was a beautiful place. Very clean, beautiful blue water. We took a taxi bus ($2.50 per person) and first
went to a beach that the driver recommended for snorkeling. It had a beautiful hotel with iguanas, bright blue
lizards, and macaws, but the snorkeling wasn't the greatest. Then we hired another taxi ( 7 of us crammed into
it) and went to another beach that was known for the snorkeling. It didn't have stuff to rent though, so we had
to share the two sets that we had brought with us from home. We saw beautiful fish, and easily found another
cab to bring us back to the ship ($14 for all 7). Shopping was located right off the dock, so we ate lunch on the
boat, and then went back to shop. There were either really nice shops with nice jewelry (diamonds, emeralds,
tanzanite, etc.) or their were little stands with touristy stuff like t-shirts. (In the main shopping terminal right by
the boat, both of my daughters called their friends from a phone booth and the charge was only $3.50 for
three minutes).
St. Thomas also had nice snorkeling beaches. We rented a car for the day and drove to Sapphire beach.
There is a resort there also, but the people were very friendly. We rented snorkel gear for $8 for 3 hours. The
fish were unbelievable. We saw so many beautiful fish. I would recommend renting a car right on the boat
before you arrive in St. Thomas. They advertised a van for $99 for the day at Budget. We didn't sign up for
that (I have no idea why) and tried to the evening before we docked. It was too late. My sister and I tried to go
to the Budget place the next morning (it was right across from where we docked) but they didn't have any cars
available at all. We went to another car rental place (Tri Island Rentals) that was two blocks away. All they had
left was a banged up Ford Escort. Again we crammed 7 people into 1 small car. The good news was that it
only cost us $60 for the day.It was scary driving on the left side of the street back to the dock to pick up the
rest of our gang. The look on our teenage girls' faces when they saw our ride was worth a million bucks!After
snorkeling we again went back to the boat for lunch, and then drove to the main shopping area about two
miles away. Some people from the boat walked, there was a nice sidewalk all the way to the shopping area,
but it was hot!
So overall I feel we saved some money by doing things the way we did. Since most of us were concerned
about eating food that could possibly make us sick, we always had lunch on the boat. There was still enough
time to see things and still eat on the boat. If there were just two of us traveling, we probably would have done
things differently and maybe even signed up for a tour. It was very hard trying to organize things for up to 8
people.
Both my daughter and my mom got very seasick on our second day at sea. I finally convinced my daughter to
wear a patch that I got from our doctor at home. It made her very sleepy and I then had to convince her to
take if off once things got better the next day. My mom wore patches during the entire trip.
Going through Panama Canal was something I'll never forget. My husband and I got up at 6:15 am on that
day. I was amazed at all the people who had already staked out their claim to a chair next to the railing. If you
want to sit right next to the railing at the front of the boat, I would definately recommend setting your alarm.
Things thinned out later in the day, but it was still pretty crowded most of the day. The boat tells people not to
save seats, but people still do.
We had some excitement one night. A freighter that was in front of us sent out a distress signal. Since our ship
was the closest to it, we went to their assistance. This all happened after midnight. They announced to us that
this was happening, and everyone who heard it went out on top to watch. The seas were really rough and the
freighter ended up sinking right in front of us. The 13 men on board made it onto a small boat and a rubber
life raft. Our ship stayed next to them and shinned a spot light on the men. Finally a coast guard ship from
some country ? came and after about 2 hours finally managed to get them all on to their ship. Very exicting,
but we didn't get to bed until after 3 that morning.
All in all we had a wonderful time and would do it again in an instant. This was our second trip with Princess
and we would go with them again. The ship was spotless and crew members were constantly cleaning and
polishing things. It would be great if they had about 300 less passengers on board, but it was still very
bearable. I feel that they were a bit pushy about where people should shop, and am sure they must get a
percentage of what people spend by directing them to certain stores, but again it was something we were able
to ignore.
Name: D Buckman
Email: JKB95@dellmail.com
Age: 34
Occupation: Sales Rep
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Sun
SailingDate: 6/1/2000
Itinerary: Alaska Southbound
Cabin: B402
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 92
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 80
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 85
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 80
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Jun 2000
Time: 17:07:56
Remote Name: 1cust239.tnt3.boca-raton.fl.da.uu.net
Remote User:
Comments
This ship is excellent for seniors and seems to gear activities and shows to the older crowd. I was travelling
with my young children, so it was a dissapointment that there were not more young people aboard. The child
care center, Fun Zone, was well equipped, but I was not impressed with the staff. I was informed more than
once that they were paid a flat salary whether they watched 20 children or zero. (Hint, hint....no children to
watch = time off)Perhaps this is not as much of an issue later in the season when more families are on
vacation and not all of the babysitters had that attitude. If your childs entertainment and your childcare is top
priority, look to Carnival. I may sail Princess again, but it would be in a more child-friendly destination such
as the carribean)
Our room steward, Arnulfo, was wonderful and I give him top points. He kept our cabin neat and clean and
attended to our every need with a smile. The same can be said of our waiter Lucky, who also did an
excellent job (along with his busboy)
One dining room hint that I picked up on. The Pizzeria and the Bistro are staffed with "waiters/busboys in
training" for the dining room . Service in these 2 places is hit and miss and the selection is very limited. Both
times we had waiters that were not able to communicate well with us and one even switched our sign and
sail card with another passengers. Stick to the dining room if you can. Your own waiter is likely to welcome
you there.
Get a room on the land side of the ship! It's a great tip that we read here before booking. Bring plenty of
clothes. The washers and dryers are free of charge and almost always in use. On our floor, the dryers took
2 hours to dry a load of laundry. Prebook your shore excursions if possible. We waited until the last minute
to book Misty Fjords in Ketchikan and ended up missing out. Horseback riding also seems like a popular
trip. The highlight of our cruise was the helicopter to the Juneau Ice Fields. There are several to choose
from, but we chose the glacier panorama trip which entails flying over 4 glaciers and landing on one. It was
positively awe inspiring. I have also hear that the pilots choice is quite good, but Mendenhall is a little
overcrowded. The helicopter was pricey, but worth every dime and more. We also enjoyed the White Pass
train ride in Skagway (great scenery..waterfalls everywhere!)....however, it you are on the northbound
sailing and Skagway is your final port of call, you will probably have overdosed on scenery by that point.
Name: Bill Bexfield
Email: wbexfiel@uvic.ca
Age: 43
Occupation: Public Administration
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Sun
SailingDate: May 15, 2000
Itinerary: Alaska, Vancouver - Anchorage
Cabin: C711
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 99
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 99
FoodVariety: 99
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 100
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 70
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Jul 2000
Time: 16:58:54
Remote Name: px2cl.gv.wave.shaw.ca
Remote User:
Comments
Sun Princess, Voyage of the Glaciers (Vancouver – Seward/Anchorage), May 15, 2000.
EMBARKATION As first time cruisers we arrived at Canada Place (embarkation terminal in
Vancouver) not knowing what to expect or do. We had been dropped off outside the terminal, and
carried our luggage down from the street and into the terminal where we could find Princess
embarkation booths for some of the ship’s lower decks, but none, which corresponded to ours.
Princess staff were very harried, and while not rude, weren’t much help when approached. We finally
figured out that we should give our luggage to the longshoremen out in the parkade area, and found
a sign that indicated Caribe-Aloha decks, pointing to a door marked NO ENTRY, with a counter
beside it. Many (aprox. 100) people were milling around and none knew what to do. Finally, a
Princess staff member came to ‘man’ the counter and said we should check there before going
through. We stood in line for 20 min. watching one group of morons hold everything up because they
had not filled out their embarkation forms in advance. I couldn’t see how they could possibly get
everyone onboard before sailing-time when another staff member came by and said we should ‘Just
go ahead’. Once through, we were in another large area with many booths for specific decks and
staterooms; and embarkation was a breeze! The whole process would have only taken 10 min. if we
knew, or had been told what to do in the first place. Customs clearance consisted of being asked ‘Are
you American or Canadian?’ If one answered ‘Yes’ one was waived through – that’s it!
STATEROOM Once onboard we proceeded to our stateroom (C711) inside, dead center, aft. I had
done a lot of research on different cruise lines and ships in the preceding months, and knew that
these staterooms were on the small side, but was pleasantly surprised to find it was larger than I had
envisioned. For a seven-day cruise we found it to be perfectly adequate, however, on a longer cruise
I can understand how some people may find it to be too small, especially if they have packed many
clothes. The stateroom very nicely appointed and had twin beds. We had asked for a ‘queen size’
configuration when we booked the cruise, and again when our documents arrived and I noticed the
beds were listed as ‘twin’. However, after seeing the stateroom we decided it would be better to leave
the beds separate. There was a night table, desk/vanity and chair, hair drier, refrigerator with ice
bucket and glasses, TV, 3 closets with lots of space (for us), programmable safe, and a small but
beautifully functional bathroom with shower. It was immaculate and tastefully decorated. Large
mirrors and smaller than normal furniture give the illusion of more space than there actually is, but we
found that for two of us for one week it was great. There was plenty of drawer space in the desk and
the night table. Our steward (Arnold) introduced himself and wanted to know what dinner sitting we
had (so he would know when to turn down the beds). The service was excellent, he was cheerful and
promptly attended to any requests - terrycloth robes and pool towels etc. - he kept the stateroom
immaculate the whole week. The ice bucket was always full, there were always clean glasses, and we
always had a plentitude of fresh towels etc. in the bathroom. The soundproofing was excellent and
there was no vibration, which I have read can be a problem with aft staterooms on other ships.
We left to explore the ship. It truly is beautiful, spotlessly maintained and looks brand new – not five
years old. When we returned to our stateroom about an hour later, the luggage had arrived along
with two surprises: a bottle of champagne from our travel agent, and a bouquet of roses from the
steward! He explained that they were from a stateroom on the previous cruise and would just be
thrown out. They lasted five days – nice touch. After unpacking we had a bite in the Horizon Court
buffet and went on deck to watch our departure. I couldn’t believe it, but they played the ‘70s Love
Boat TV theme over the loudspeakers as we pulled away. Really kitschy – I wanted to shoot the
speakers.
FOOD Food in the Horizon Court varied from excellent to awful. Just remember it’s a 24 hr buffet and
some dishes do not lend themselves well to sitting on a steam table for any length of time. The
selection is huge so this is not a problem, if fact we ate most of our breakfasts and lunches there.
One thing I must get across is - the Horizon Court coffee is awful!!! If anyone from Princess reads
this, please take note and do something about it.
Verdi’s pizzeria was not very good. We tried it only once. Not many toppings on a thin cardboard
crust. I can’t understand all the rave reviews.
Dining room cuisine was generally fabulous and well presented; our waiter and assistant waiter were
wonderful. They quickly learned our preferences/quirks. For example, I like coffee and Mavis likes
chamomile tea after desert. We only asked for these on the first night and from then on he would
automatically bring them. The dining room coffee is great – no problem there. We had the late sitting
(8:15) and really liked it. The ship left ports at 8:00, so we had more time ashore. There are two
shows every night in both the Princess Theatre and the Vista Lounge, so you won't miss anything.
GENERAL The muster station drill was fairly low key and short.
If you’re on a budget take your own alcohol. Princess currently has no written policy on this matter. I
took a bottle of vodka and got OJ for mix from room service or the Horizon Court – saved a fortune.
We still bought drinks: a Heineken in the Wheelhouse Bar, wine with dinner, coffee and Irish Cream
on deck in Glacier Bay etc., but taking the vodka sure cut down on the onboard expenses. I think the
reason they charge $1.50 US for a can of pop is to ‘ding’ you on the mix if you do bring your own
booze onboard. Next time I’m going to take Scotch.
The aft elevators do not go to the two lowest (restaurant) decks. Consequently they are nowhere as
busy as the forward elevators, where the waits can be interminable. This was one reason we really
liked having a stateroom at the aft of the ship. Another reason is the pool and spas (hot tubs) at the
aft are also nowhere near as well used as those mid-ship. Our favorite spa was on the top (Lido)
deck, 14, aft. It has a great view, and many times there was absolutely no one else around.
We also found it was better to be at the stern when viewing the glaciers in Glacier Bay and College
Fjord. Everyone goes forward, and there are huge crowds 2-3 deep elbowing each other along all
the rails. You will see just as much from the stern and there are very few people - lots of space and
deck chairs and no crowd at the rails. Paradise is having a drink while lounging in a spa with a view
on a sunny day, right next to a glacier – it just doesn’t get any better!
DAY-BY-DAY Be prepared for any weather. You may need anything from shorts to a down parka,
rain gear and a warm hat/gloves. On the whole we were very lucky weather-wise. Day 1 We left
Vancouver on a hot sunny day. Day 2 at sea - Inside Passage - overcast. Day 3 – Ketchikan - rained
all day. I learned quickly that an umbrella is a pain-in-the-ass when your taking pictures. Day 4 –
Juneau – started out ‘socked in’ with low clouds and rain with wind - looked like our helicopter Glacier
Discovery tour was going to be cancelled. Began to clear a little around noon and we were on one of
only two helicopter tours that flew that day. There were many very disappointed people whose flights
were cancelled. We were extremely lucky, there were only four of us onboard, and we got to spend
almost an hour on the glacier, not 30 min. like planed. I would recommend this excursion to anyone.
It’s expensive but worth it, even on a rainy/cloudy day - a once in a lifetime experience. It must be just
unbelievable on a sunny day when you can see the whole of the 1500 sq. mi. Juneau Ice Field! Day
5 – Skagway – started out with light drizzle for our Yukon Territory Adventure Tour and cleared up
once we were over the White Pass summit and into B.C. Beautiful and sunny for lunch at Frontier
Heritage Village in the Yukon, Carcross, Tormented Valley, and back down the White Pass –
spectacular. Day 6, at sea – Glacier Bay – started with high overcast that burnt off and turned into a
beautiful sunny day – fantastic! Day 7, at sea – College Fjord - gorgeous sunny day. The kind of day
they take brochure pictures on. Day 8 – Seward – mixed sun and showers. Disembarked 9:30 am.
Three hour buss ride through the spectacular Kenai Peninsula and along Turnagain Arm of Cook
Inlet to Anchorage. We were dropped off at the airport around 12:30, and as our flight didn’t leave
until 5:00, thought we would leave our luggage in a locker while we went downtown for the afternoon.
There are no lockers, but the airport does have an expensive baggage storage room where you
have to pay for a minimum of 24 hrs., which we decided not to use. Princess has free shuttle busses
between downtown and the airport every half hour. Six of us were waiting for the next one, when a
Princess employee asked if we wanted to go 'right now', then radioed over to a luxury bus that was
waiting to take passengers to Seward, but whose flight was delayed.What great service! We were
dropped off at the downtown convention centre, which Princess had taken over as ‘headquarters’.
Here we found we could ‘check in’ our luggage with Princess for free while we spent the afternoon
exploring Anchorage. We were extremely happy with our cruise - just change that Horizon Court
coffee and it would be almost perfect! Princess really does a great job, and we would not hesitate to
sail with them again.
Name: Arthur & Bonnie Friedman
Email: settle2000@msn.com
Age: 57
Occupation: Attorney and Real Estate Title Manager
NumberOfCruises: 19
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Sun
SailingDate: July 10, 2000
Itinerary: Alaska
Cabin: J C-740
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 100
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 100
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 19 Jul 2000
Time: 14:15:04
Remote Name: 199.115.12.170
Remote User:
Comments
This is our second cruise on the Sun Princess and the 3rd on Princess (see our review of Regal) in
the past 18 months. Our first cruise was the best we ever had, so we went this time enticed by the
give-away prices offered to us by email with the highest possible expectations. I am pleased to report
they were exceeded by a substantial margin!!! The Sun Princess is even better than the first time.
On our last trip through the Panama Canal we heard a number of comments that the food – which we
thought was excellent – was not as good as on earlier trips. We found that perplexing until this trip.
Those other passengers were right because the food was unbelievably good and better than last
time. We ate all breakfasts and lunches in the Horizon Court which is a buffet. The food there was as
good as any in the restaurant with an amazing selection each day.
Embarkation was typical of Princess. We unloaded our luggage and were in our cabin in about 15
minutes flat! They have reduced it to a science that other lines could learn from. Boarding was by
cabin number, something new. Although our luggage didn’t beat us to the cabin as it did on Regal, it
was there within an hour. Getting off was the same. Unlike any other trip, during embarkation in
Vancouver you clear customs and immigration (unnoticeably) and so you are in the US when you
leave. As soon as the ship docks, you can get off – more or less. It docked at 12:30am.
Disembarkation began at 6:30am! Glad we made our own arrangements, we were off at 9:00 and
had plenty of time for one last great breakfast.
We booked only the bus trip to Mendenhall glacier for $17 from the ship. Everything else we did
ourselves by checking on the Internet. I was pleased to see however, that the shore excursion prices
in the brochure when we got it were very reasonable and only a small amount over booking
independently. On many other cruises we have seen markups of 100%. As with everything, it pays to
shop around.
We took the Alaska railroad from Seward to Anchorage, an option not offered by Princess, but one
that is a delightful trip. I would highly recommend it, particularly if you are not going on to Denali or
Fairbanks. We had to return from Anchorage due to time. (PS: PREMIUM Gasoline was $1.79 in
Anchorage!) You can book on the Internet. You will then have a day in Seward because the train
does not leave until 6pm. Take a P&J taxi to the Iditarod kennels and Exit glacier. Total charge was
$60. Kennels charge $39 a person and glacier is $2. If you like Huskys or the Iditarod, you will love
this tour. It is family run by a family that has at least one entry in the race every year.
We stopped in Ketchican, Juneau and Skagway. All were delightful and different. Don’t miss the
White Pass & Yukon trip if you like trains! You are in the US and can easily do all on your own if you
don’t like the groups.
We had wonderful weather, but it varies greatly. It was warm everywhere, we never wore our wool or
heavy jackets. Only had rain in Glacier Bay and College Fjord. The overcast is supposed to make it
much easier to see the blue color of the glaciers, but I would have settled for the beautiful days we
had otherwise. Heard the prior trip was all rain, so I guess you take your chances.
The entertainment was very good on the ship. Bonnie and I are ballroom dancers and Princess has
always proved to cater to our interests. This trip was no exception. Dancing with great music was
available from 5pm until 1am every night! It just doesn’t get any better. This time we even had
several other good dancers with us, so we had a little dance group each evening. If you like dancing,
Princess cannot be beat! The bands quickly get to know you and are anxious to play for you. They
love to have people dancing and few spend more than one song on the floor. We can’t say enough
about the groups. (There were 4 different bands-well one was a piano player, but with the
electronics, he sounded like an orchestra!!)
At the Captain’s circle party, the couple with the most cruise days on Princess had 790! I think that
sums it up as well as anything. We are at 27 and climbing.
Was there anything not perfect. I honestly cannot think of anything. The ship was absolutely spotless
inside and out and it’s a year and a half older than our last trip. There is not the slightest sign of wear
anywhere. Our waiter –actually waitress, a first – was terrific. Our cabin steward came as close to the
old cruise director joke told on the last day – “went to the bathroom in the middle of the night and
when I came out my bed was made” – as any we have ever had. We never saw him, but our cabin
was always spotless, bed made or turned down, and fresh towels etc. One evening we went out, got
partway to the Wheelhouse lounge when Bonnie decided to return to the cabin for something. We
didn’t see our steward on the way out or the way back, but our beds were turned down which entails
putting the spread somewhere, mints on the pillow etc. when we got back. We couldn’t have been out
of the cabin more than a couple of minutes!!
I rated the casino low because they are now using a continuous shuffle machine for blackjack. At the
end of each hand the cards go back into the machine. The results were not good for the players. I
hope they go back to the old 2 sets of cards. I cannot recommend blackjack with these shuffel
machines.
Please feel free to email us at settle2000@msn.com. We enjoy hearing from others and their
experiences!
Name: Phil
Email: Founder@ivconsult.com
Age: 40
Occupation: Stock Analyst
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Sun
SailingDate: 8/ 21/ 00
Itinerary: Alaska: Voyage of the Glaciers
Cabin: D614
FoodDiningRoom: 97
CruiseDirector: 94
CabinComfort: 81
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 84
FoodLidoDeck: 91
DiningRoomService: 96
CabinQuietness: 87
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 92
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 91
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon: 96
CasinoStaff: 93
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 96
LoungeService: 93
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 98
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 97
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities: 89
EntertShowLounge: 97
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 97
Casino: 91
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 97
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 93
OverallCruiseValue: 97
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 05 Sep 2000
Time: 14:43:15
Remote Name: user-v3qslvr.dsl.mindspring.com
Remote User:
Comments
This our first cruise and we were traveling with a family of four:two adults and two kids. Embarkation
was pretty easy, no lines and we boarded the ship within minutes of arriving at the port in Vancouver. I
could only describe in one word what I thought at the first glimpse of the ship: HUGE. I was expecting
something smaller! We were all amazed and our excitement built. The grand atrium lounge took up 4
floors: 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. It was so beautifully decorated and it had a classy atmosphere (a string
quartet was playing when we arrived.)We had to take a mandatory drill, and as first time cruisers, we
listened attentively. Most of the other people there kept looking at their watches. Our stateroom was
an outside quad (category F,) which included two twin beds (make queen) and two twins that come
down from the top (like bunks.) We were pretty tight, but we got used to it and enjoyed the trip. Our
steward was cheerful and left the room looking clean.
The cabin made some noise the first night and I
had trouble sleeping, but the rest of our week, we didn't hear too much. The food on the Lido deck
was pretty good, but the cold coffee could really use some work. The Dining Room food was delicious.
Our waiters were efficient and attentive. I enjoyed eating there and I recommend the early dinner
seating, if you want to enjoy some good shows or the sunset after your dinner. The other alternative
resturaunts were good. The Terrace Grill had pretty good hamburgers and fries, but people only ate
their on nice days. Verdi's served great pizzas and I enjoyed eating there. There were so many
activities to do there. Watch a show, participate in bingo, play tennis or b-ball at the sports court, work
out in gym or health club, surf the internet at the business center (very expensive though,) read in the
reading room, play cards in the card room, gamble at the casino, or just sit and drink at the bar or
lounges.The night disco was never active since nobody went. Princess has 3 pools. If you're hesitant
on bringing your kids on Princess, don't be. There were plenty of kids there and there was an arcade
or a kid and teen center to keep them occupied. Alaska had incredible scenery and the Denali
Princess Lodge was pretty nice. I recommend this trip to people of all ages. And I'd love to cruise on
Princess again!
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