We started out on 30 July but due to re-introduction of cancelled Covid cruises, we ended up doing back to back and stayed on for 5 weeks. First time back on Princess for us since the Covid shutdown and first impression is that there are very noticeable cutbacks and a significant increase in on board charges. I appreciate the cruiselines lost a bit over the past couple of years but if they try to claw it back to quickly, people will stop booking . A distinct reduction in crew numbers was evident which resulted in long waits for service at the bars and restaurants. Thankfully , the level of service from the stateroom attendants was as good as ever and they deserve all the tips they get. On board charges were way up be it for drinks, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty restaurants, laundry etc. We spent a lot more on board than on previous cruises.

Entertainment was pretty good, although doing a back to back meant we got to see repeats from the previous cruise. As they are aware that many guests do back to back, surely they could spread it out a bit and not have the same acts coming back on until after a few weeks. Same with the Trivia. We actually did a Queen music Trivia on the Friday night and then it was on again on the Monday, 3 days later. Granted it was a new cruise but how hard would it be for them to put together a list of Trivias that wouldn't repeat again until after a few weeks.

We were encouraged to wear masks whilst walking around but hardly anyone did. Not surprisingly we had a lot of people coming down with Covid symptoms. Plenty of hand sanitisers were around the ship Read more