I have just returned from a 10 day voyage on the Sea Princess to Alaska and am wonder just what is up with Princess Cruise lines? I have never cruised on Princess before, and after this trip, I dont think I would consider them again. I have cruised previously on Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Carnival and have never had the poor customer service experience that I had on this trip. I don't know if the previous sailing was especially trying but I have never met such a ...surly... crew as I did on this trip (the pursers desk most especially) Rude, snarky, eye rolling folks at the desk like you wouldn't believe...and this when answering very simple questions, politely asked. I had so many fellow cruisers tell me of the same experience that I cant believe is was just bad day or fluke. The trip up to Alaska was rough the first couple of days, but that is to be expected. Not sure if that had anything to do with the almost constant sewer smell on board. The power went out one day in port at Dinner time (sure it happens) but there seemed to be no plan, and the crew were annoyed when folks asked questions. Last, and definitely LEAST (least appealing anyway)...the buffet....kids....it was soooo bad. High School cafeteria bad. The food looked like an afterthought, yesterdays left overs. The first day I just thought is was opening day chaos, but it never got better. The good news is our room steward was very nice and the ports were fantastic. The on board entertaining was very good as well.....you can keep the rest. I guess I should say this was my 6th cruise..and my very first bad experience, so I guess that is good as well.