We cruised on the Ocean Princess in 2002, and actually had our Vows renewed on this ship. I had heard from reading many reviews, that since Princess was purchased by Carnival, that many things had gone down hill. We were to see that for ourselves. What we noticed, and it may not be a big thing to anyone else, but it matters to us, was the whole Dining Room experience. Although the food was fine, we did not at any time feel we were in a 5* classy venue, but a Mom and Pop diner where your meals were plunked down in front of you, and served so fast, it was like "here's your hat, what's your hurry". The other aspect, that we have never seen on Celebrity or Royal Caribbean, was the attire that was let into the main Dining Room. Jeans and tank tops, on both men and women, shorts and flip flops fall short for the many people who took the time to pack "Smart Casual". We actually went to the Buffet 2 nights, as I felt too uncomfortable and overdressed in what I had brought. As I said before, this is just our opinion of what we like on a cruise.

Though every employee we met on the ship was extremely helpful and always had a hello, I agree with a previous reviewer about the "Coffee King" guy in the International Cafe. He was the rudest and surliest person I have ever met on a ship.... and yes, he would only give you 1 coffee, even though we had purchased 2 coffee cards.

Island night was a disappointment from last time, no buffet, no ice carvings, no fruit carvings, no drinks in coconuts, etc. Did we have a good time..... of course we did. Read more