I have 30+ years of cruising history with various cruise lines and ships of all sizes of which Princess Cruises has always been a favourite. This last cruise on the Emerald was a display of where a once great cruise line can come from and then end up. Since the take over by Carnival PTY approx. 15 years ago, Princess Cruises has now sunk to the lowest levels. The company now must have the following motto - "Build them a pretty ship and they will come, given them the most watered down service, catering levels and over the top saturation marketing possible and hope they may come back." The Princess cruises I remember is gone and this new cruising experience has taken its place. Some examples:

Once on board, find your own way to the cabin.

The cabin, average, nothing spectacular, but functional - we travelled in a standard veranda cabin. Cabin steward, did well, English language was a struggle, but at least he tried. Read more