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This was my third cruise with Princess. I was excited to be on the larger ship again. My first cruise was on the Crown and second on the Coral. For some reason I find it easier to navigate a larger ship.
Embarkation was fine. We arrived early to the port and had to wait for some time. Knew that in advance but the people working at the port we friendly and efficient.
Once on the ship we found our cabin pretty easily. There were not many staff members around in the halls to direct you but we knew Caribe deck and at the very back of the boat. Upon entering the room there was a horrible chemical smell. This made not only myself ill but also my aunt. We contacted the room steward, Albert, who informed us that there had been heavy smokers in the room prior to us and they had treated the room. He sprayed something else but it still didn't help. Later we went again to the pursers deck and complained. Someone else arrived at the room promptly. They found that most of the smell was contained in the curtains and the drapes. They removed them to launder but said they had nothing to cover the doors until they were cleaned. So our first night at sea-no drapes. Also, no apologies from Princess.
Next, we were supposed to receive the new festive coupons books. Again we went to the pursers desk. They said they had no record and we needed proof. So I went to use the Internet cafe and emailed my t/a at Princess. Let me say that this person had all ready messed up our reservation and not sent the appropriate information to myself or my aunt prior to the cruise. So, my t/a responded and said yes indeed we should have the booklets and she would get in touch with someone. So back to the pursers desk I go. Once I get to the desk, they say they still have nothing and I have to print the email for proof. Back to the Internet cafe, print the email, back to the pursers desk. Are you seeing a pattern? They took the email and said they would have to present to the person in charge and would call and get back with me. No phone call but 2 days later-the coupon books. When I asked if I could get credited for the Internet and printing usage. Well that was a no again with no apologies.
Then there was the on board credit that we were to have for the trip. It was to have been $100 per person. When we received our statements, it was $50 per person. Back to the pursers desk with the never delightful Ana from Argentina. Even though we could prove what the credits should have been, she said it was too late in the cruise and we would have to send a letter to Princess.
Now more about the Emerald. She is a beautiful ship but showing some wear.
Loved MUTS. Good selection of movies. They are serving popcorn but also they have waiters serving cookies and milk and pizza. Could it get any better! MUTS during the day is a waste. You can't really hear and too many interruptions.
Don't expect to find deck chair even if you are out at 10am. Selfish chair hogs still rule with Princess. Someone even asked a deck hand about all the towels and the number of people in the pool, which weren't adding up. The deck hand told the passenger he could move things if he wanted. What was his job.
Speaking of the staff of the ship, most were very friendly. Some were as someone else all ready said, openly complaining about other staff members and Princess. This was readily seen in the boutiques. Also, I think many members of the staff were new to the Emerald, as they were studying the small ship layouts at any quiet moment.
The food on Princess is lacking variety. Seems that many of the menus are the same as when I cruised my first cruise 3 years ago. It was nice to have items at the international cafe for free. Great treats there. The dining room menus are tired. The food at the horizon court has gone from pretty good to poor. The new plastic wrapped sandwiches are HORRIBLE! They are a mushy mess. And what happened to the turkey sausage that used to be available at breakfast. I asked several people on staff, even the gentleman in charge, and they said it would have to be a special request made before cruising. It used to be readily available on the buffet. Dining in the Caribe Cafe was generally pretty good. Still really enjoy the pizza. And about the free ice cream-that is a joke. It is a dab of soft serve custard in a cup. They have other ice cream available in the coolers in that area but unless you know the code word, you can't get access.
Entertainment was pretty good. The shows were somewhat cheesy but really enjoyed the one about shoes. The comedians were hysterical. Didn't really enjoy the cruise director staff. Didn't readily see them around the ship and when you did they seemed pretty phony. Plus things seemed to be scheduled rather late or on top of each other.
About the ports-the cays was nice. They seemed to run out of food. The cooked meats were rather dry. Plenty of places to set and relax by the water.
Loved St. Maarten and wished we had had an entire day there. We did the excursion the included both sides of the island and the beach. The French side was my favorite and the beach amazing. 1 hour there not enough.
At St. Thomas we did the new ultimate tour. Another wonderful beach. Very disappointed with Blackbeards Castle. Too many steps which weren't labeled in the description and not very well laid out. If maybe a guide or better explanation. There was one really nice house on the tour with wonderful views.
Grand Turk-well it is Grand Turk and you just can't go there with great expectations. Did the port and Margaritaville. Poverty on the island is sad.
All in all the cruise was ok. It was the customer service from Princess or lack there of that makes me pretty sure that we will not cruise with them again. Too much money and time is spent trying to plan a nice vacation and Princess staff disappointed me from beginning to end.
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