Caribbean Princess Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,772 reviews

Disappointed Princess cruisers

Review for the British Isles & Western Europe Cruise on Caribbean Princess
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Jan and Phil
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Apr 2017
Cabin: Oceanview

What appeared to be a good choice of varied destinations turned out to be a damp squib. Having just been refitted we were surprised that it did not look bright and new! Embarkation and cabin, when found as not shown on ship signage, was up to standard. The bed and bed linen were exceptional. Layout of ship was as per usual with Princess.

Dining in the main dining rooms was Anytime which we much prefer. Buffet was well attended but limited options (food allergy). We were amazed that there was no insistence on cleaning hands before going in to any of the dining areas. Main dining areas were clean and staff were efficient. Maitre d' went out of his way to track me down to provide next day menus because of food allergy. The entertainment was very poor as were the on-board activities and lectures. The Staff in general seemed lacking in experience and knowledge. When asked questions they did not know answers and did not volunteer to find out and get back to us. Apart from in Rotterdam, any shuttles to and from ports were charged at a high rate and many were per return trip, not all day. We were captive in Zeebrugge unless we paid for a taxi or shuttle - other cruise lines were offering a complimentary service. Through no fault of Princess we lost the call to Le Havre. They therefore extended the length of time in Zeebrugge but not the shuttle time originally scheduled which meant that any trips of distance could not be undertaken. Even though we were not departing until 9 am the following morning everyone had to be on board by 11.30 pm (shuttles finished at 4 pm) although this was extended to 6 pm (only found out on return at 4 pm!!!) The excursion we were able to take was very informative and well organised.

After a fairly bland cruise (thank goodness we like reading and had brought sufficient reading material) we encountered major problems with the collection of our suitcases. After putting them outside our room we had to make several phone calls to customer services during the small hours (and later not so small hours) before they were eventually collected. This might be because our cabin did not appear on the signs and was hidden round the corner. Disembarkation was very smooth - in fact we had no time to enjoy the priority lounge available to platinum level and above. If we had not already booked another cruise (prior to starting this one) we might have thought twice about Princess cruises in general. Overall decent cruise destinations but everything else left a LOT to be desired. We spoke to others on the cruise and we did not find anyone who had good things to say about it. First time cruisers with Princess said they would not cruise again with them. It seems that Princess are relying on past glories. Let's hope the next cruise is up to past standards.

Cabin Review

Oceanview

Cabin OF

Problem because it did not show on any signs. We gather this was because it had been added at recent refit. You could not look out of window unless kneeling on bed as it had high portholes. Why can't Princess invest in non-plastic shower curtains? (Other cruise lines have) Room cleaned efficiently by friendly and helpful steward

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