Help!!! I was checking and noticed that Princess Cruise line has a ship (Caribbean Princess) that is leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale the same day that RCC's however, it is a tad bit less expensive than RCC and we could still have our balcony.
I'm just concerend about whether or not this ship has the same level of service (or better) than RCC, and if the crowd is an 30+ party group, or more reserved like that of a Norw. or Celebrity Cruise.
We've sailed on NCL, RCCL, HAL, Costa, Carnival, and Princess. So far Princess is my favorite. We've been on the Dawn, Sea, and Sun and sail on the Sun in October. These ships are not as big as the Caribbean, but are great. We've seen the Caribbean in port and she looks beautiful. We are in our 50s, but think we're in our 20s. We've found a mixed group on Princess and have never had a bad cruise. The Sea is my favorite, even though they are all sister ships, the food was just a tad bit better. The balcony rooms are wonderful. I might sound like a sales person for Princess, but the service, food, and cleanliness of the ships keep me coming back. Wish I could afford to book more so I could check out all the cruise lines. Which ever cruise you pick, may it be one of the best ones ever!!
We sailed on the Caribbean Princess in 2004 and on the Adventure of the Seas in 2005. We liked the buffet food better on Royal Caribbean, but everything else was better on Princess (the shows, the service, the dinners). We are sailing on Princess (Star) again in December. It will be our 3rd cruise with Princess.
Star Princess - December 2006 Adventure of the Seas - April 2005 Caribbean Princess - July 2004 Golden Princess - March 2003 Disney Magic - October 1998
Posts: 64 | Location: Rochester, NY | Registered: December 28, 2004
I suppose it depends on which Royal Caribbean or Princess ship you are on. The Caribbean Princess looks like a beautiful ship. If I were to book a Princess cruise it would be the Caribbean Princess for sure.
Thank you all for your respones. It's helping even though I'm still a little up in the air about which way we will go.
I'm hearing that the Princess might be a little step down from RCC. Some of the message boards and reviews are up and down as well. Some say the entertainment and food is not as good as RCC, but the better feature is the dinner time selections. Need a little more than a good time to eat, to make me switch.
I don't think it's a step down at all. However, I don't think it's a big step up either. I have come to the conclusion that food and entertainment are probably more subjective than most other aspects of a cruise, so what's "better" for me may not be for you.
Some of the things Princess does well: nice large cabins, especially in the balcony categories; designed to give the feeling of good personal space, with lots of smaller, more intimate restaurants, theaters, etc., so the ship doesn't feel as big as it is; and - again subjective - the steaks in the alternate steakhouse restaurant are among the best I have ever had.
If you enjoyed RCCL, you will most likely enjoy Princess about as well.
Posts: 1361 | Location: Illinois | Registered: June 19, 2002
A few years ago I would have rated Princess equal with RCI in all respects but lately (the past 4 months) the food has slipped on Princess. We definitely will sail on Princess again in the future because I consider it a better value all around but just be aware that they have cut back in the food department. (we did not eat at the alternate restaurants)
It depends on what you're looking for. Some RCCL ships have many unusual activities such as ice skating, rock climbing, etc. We think Princess has better food. It's all in what you're looking for. Look over the ship layouts and it might help you decide.
Originally posted by blessed: Help!!! I was checking and noticed that Princess Cruise line has a ship (Caribbean Princess) that is leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale the same day that RCC's however, it is a tad bit less expensive than RCC and we could still have our balcony.
I'm just concerend about whether or not this ship has the same level of service (or better) than RCC, and if the crowd is an 30+ party group, or more reserved like that of a Norw. or Celebrity Cruise.
I don't know about RCCL but I do know about the Caribbean Princess. We said it 4/06 from Fort Lauderdale. It was our first cruise so maybe my opion doesn't count as much. Anyway the service aboard the Caribbean Princess was outstanding !! The average age on our cruise was 30+. We sailed with my senior in-laws and my teen age children and the ship offered plenty of activities for all. As for me and my family we will be sailing on Princess again next year.
