Went on Pacific Coast tour in October and I couldn't believe how horrible the buffet food was on this trip. I admit this is my second cruise on Princess and most likely my last as the thought of being on a cruise for a long duration and having to eat horrid food with questionable sanitation at tables each time we eat there is not my idea of vacation. The food was bland, dry, and at times tasted awful. Buffet service is slow cause everyone had to wait for their utensils once they find a table to sit. I already have gotten my food and now I have to wait for utensils by finding and asking the waiter for utensils...which was not always easy. Also cream for my coffee was crazy. Had to also ask waiter for cream since they don't put it out at the beverage area, Napkins, what? Again had to ask the waiter. Waiters were busy getting utensils for people that waiting for cream which often took a while that my coffee was cold. Crazy. We couldn't wait to get off the ship to eat fresh, tasty food, which is saying a lot!
The ship's layout was very strange to badly laid out. I understand that these ships are huge and takes time to manage it. But if I keep having to go up on flight and down again just to get to the dining room or theater is totally baffling and strange to me why one can't simply walk thru to the other end of the ship is the common areas. Maybe they want people to get their exercise walking stairs? Can't imagine how difficult it must be for the handicap having to wait for elevators which was really slow. The ship's layout is the worst I've had to maneuver.
Ports were nonexistent, tho I admit I went on this cruise just to get away, relax and enjoy dining experience. Not much in Astoria, tho we did enjoy ourselves at the brewery...hmm, why couldn't it be like this on the cruise.