Excellent Cruise on a New Vessel
Written: May 07 '07
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Pros: Excellent accommodations, service and food.
Cons: Internet service, rented formal wear.
The Bottom Line: The crew accommodated every request. It was expensive but worth every penney.
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| defenbaugh's Full Review: Princess Tours |
We just got back from a Mediterranean cruise on the Emerald Princess. This was the second cruise for the new vessel reported to be the second largest cruise vessel. The newness speaks for itself - it was luxurious and awesome. The layout was the familiar layout with the fore, aft and mid sections. The midsection had the glass elevators doing their thing in the "atrium."
The stateroom had a reasonably sized balcony. Originally, we registered for the smallest stateroom with a balcony but were upgraded at no charge to the next size. Upon entering, we were pleasantly surprised by the size and amenities. There were two televisions which could be viewed on different channels at angles to not disturb viewing the other.
The room attendants were their usual at tentative selves. We had a couple issues with rented formals and he timely corrected the problem. He was very accommodating without being ever present (as on one of our earlier cruises.)
One feature we enjoy much is the room service. Breakfast in bed, coffee any hour, drinks and fruit are examples. One of the confusing things for us was the $10.00/guest/day gratuity. Each guest is charged $10/day gratuity for behind the scenes service, e.g. chef, engine personnel, etc. There is also a 15% gratuity on drinks. We felt compelled to give each server a gratuity in addition. This put the gratuity in a level we are not used to. However, on the other side of the coin, we have never been so graciously served in any setting.
The evening entertainment was varied, but we found that most guests locked into a particular setting and varied little. We enjoyed the Romanian couple singers in the Wheel House. They noticed our daily attendance each evening prior to dinner and greeted us coming and going. It was a nice personal touch.
Anytime eating is available along with the traditional seating. We opted for the anytime eating for the scheduling flexibility. This afforded us the opportunity, if we desired, to sit with other guests. We met some very nice people and had extended conversations with them during the cruise.
The food was excellent, with only one exception. One evening we ordered an "aged corn-fed steak." It was tough and grizzle. Otherwise, it was excellent. The captain's menu and chef's menu are to die for.
We often had a continental breakfast, but participated in dining room breakfast a couple times. We ordered from the menu and special ordered as needed to suit our dietary desires. They always accommodated. One morning we asked for a Bloody Mary. The sever for a second looked startled, wheeled around and returned with the requested "morning" drinks. They are trained not to say no. Everything is answered positively.
The only negatives that come to mind was the formal wear mix-up, an Internet needing adjusting, and some personality problems at the tour desk. We only participated in 3 tours and the desk attendants did satisfy our needs but the jovial, pleasantness was not there. We made arrangements with cruiseformalwear.com which we thought was not associated with Princess. It may be; the hangers had "Princess" on them. Firstly, shoes my size were not available. The upgrade change of room stumped them. I contacted them prior to the cruise and they indicated I needed to work that out with housekeeping on arrival.
We took the Greek Isles 12 day cruise which I am not evaluating here, but it was also excellent.
We had an early flight out of Rome which made us anxious. The crew handled our disembarkment in an organized fashion and had us at the airport with time to spare. There was no need for any anxiety.
If this crew can't please, one is not pleasable.
We would do it again in the blink of any eyelid.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Tour type: Individual
Tour format: Boat
Tour length: Over a Week
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Epinions.com ID:
defenbaugh
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Location: Stanberry, MO
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
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