Fist cruise on Princess. Experienced cruiser on DCL.

[KashasMom]

I'd be scared if I couldn't tell the difference between 'any' cruising and what Princess has been caught and fined for - twice!

2016: https://www.theguardian.com/environ...ises-given-record-fine-for-dumping-oil-at-sea

2019: https://www.narcity.com/news/ca/bc/...llar20-million-for-dumping-garbage-into-ocean

Sorry, but IMO just because someone else is doing worse doesn't make what you're doing any more okay. Add in all their parks, hotels, etc., etc. and it's obvious Disney is not the most environmentally friendly corp. Oh...wait, they did get rid of plastic straws on their cruises.

 

[CarolynU]

Thanks for your review. We have only sailed DCL (upcoming 20th cruise) but the prices are making it very difficult to stay with them. It's nice to know there are good experiences to be had on other lines. How was the smoking situation? I like that DCL limits smoking and the ship never smells like smoke.

The only time I really smelt smoke was when I had to walk through the casino to get somewhere and that was because in a very small enclosed adjacent room was a cigar lounge so I’m guessing that the smoky smell came from there. Other than that I didn’t smell smoke anywhere.

 

[CarolynU]

Thanks for your review! So glad you had a great cruise. I always say there IS life after Disney...some people just have to be brave enough to try it out. Princess has amazing itineraries and some of their new ships are beautiful! We haven't been on them in 9 years but it may be time to take another look.

Part of the reason that I didn’t book for the first time in forever anything in the early 2021 DCL release was just because I’ve honestly done 99% of those itineraries at least once before.
I will book something in the next release because that’s my annual trip with the grandkids but I could easily be tempted by a more unusual Princess itinerary in the fall.

 

[CarolynU]

Thanks for the review. I've done 7 cruises with DCL but have my first cruise with Princess booked for April. We're looking forward to it.

Have a wonderful time. I’m sure that you will enjoy it.

 

[Lauri]

CarolynU--We were on the same cruise as you! (And disappointed that we didn't make it to Mykonos.) We are Platinum of Disney, and only Ruby on Princess. We love to sail Disney for our relaxing cruises, and to spend time on the ship. We love Princess for the itineraries, and the price, which is much lower than for the same thing on Disney. We do find that we have so many things to do on Disney on the ship, but not as much to do on Princess. We tried going to the shows, but we were just not impressed.We are two adults, but we prefer the activities that Disney offers. We agree the food is about the same quality, but prefer Palo as far as specialty restaurants go. We did splurge and do the Ultimate Balcony dinner one night, and that was the best dining experience we've ever had, anywhere.
I hope you booked a future cruise deposit with Princess (like a placeholder with Disney), but you seem to get many more benefits.

 

[CarolynU]

CarolynU--We were on the same cruise as you! (And disappointed that we didn't make it to Mykonos.) We are Platinum of Disney, and only Ruby on Princess. We love to sail Disney for our relaxing cruises, and to spend time on the ship. We love Princess for the itineraries, and the price, which is much lower than for the same thing on Disney. We do find that we have so many things to do on Disney on the ship, but not as much to do on Princess. We tried going to the shows, but we were just not impressed.We are two adults, but we prefer the activities that Disney offers. We agree the food is about the same quality, but prefer Palo as far as specialty restaurants go. We did splurge and do the Ultimate Balcony dinner one night, and that was the best dining experience we've ever had, anywhere.
I hope you booked a future cruise deposit with Princess (like a placeholder with Disney), but you seem to get many more benefits.

Yes I was very disappointed not to make Mykonos too as that was the place I was most looking forward to seeing, but after those swells I wasn’t surprised that we didn’t. We actually stayed in Athens for three nights after the cruise and day excursions for at least two of those days departing the hotel for Mykonos were also cancelled.
I agree about Palo being my preference and also about the main stage shows, but I did think that the variety of entertainers all over the ship way past midnight was great for me. I always go to the adult only show on Disney but then after that there is nothing but the empty disco.
I never did manage to catch the future cruise place open so no placeholder, so that’s a shame because I definitely know I’ll sail Princess again probably 2021, although I guess there might be room for a cheeky fall Princess.
I do have three DCL cruises already booked for 2020 and I’m definitely taking them, but who knows where the future will take me ha ha!

 

[Intr3pid]

Sorry, but IMO just because someone else is doing worse doesn't make what you're doing any more okay. Add in all their parks, hotels, etc., etc. and it's obvious Disney is not the most environmentally friendly corp. Oh...wait, they did get rid of plastic straws on their cruises.

Possibly the emptiest strawman on this topic - no pun - but this isn't about Disney. Plenty of other cruiselines - incl. some within Carnival's umbrealla - do a great job of helping you vacation without any illegal dumping.

 

[TortoiseTaughtUs]

Possibly the emptiest strawman on this topic - no pun - but this isn't about Disney. Plenty of other cruiselines - incl. some within Carnival's umbrealla - do a great job of helping you vacation without any illegal dumping.

Alas: “Carnival Corp. has been on criminal probation in the US for the last two years as part of a $40 milli on fine and plea agreement for illegally dumping oily waste into the ocean and obstruction of justice. In April 2019, news broke that eight Carnival Corp. companies had violated its 5-year probation by dumping wastewater and plastic into the ocean and polluting our air in excess of federal and state rules. In June 2019, Carnival Corp. paid an additional $20 million fine and again admitted guilt in a settlement with the US government.”
https://foe.org/cruise-report-card/

 

[Intr3pid]

Alas: “Carnival Corp. has been on criminal probation in the US for the last two years as part of a $40 milli on fine and plea agreement for illegally dumping oily waste into the ocean and obstruction of justice. In April 2019, news broke that eight Carnival Corp. companies had violated its 5-year probation by dumping wastewater and plastic into the ocean and polluting our air in excess of federal and state rules. In June 2019, Carnival Corp. paid an additional $20 million fine and again admitted guilt in a settlement with the US government.”
https://foe.org/cruise-report-card/

Thanks for the link and the 'report card' - quite enlightening.

By the way, that fine - both times - was for the violations they found on Princess ships. Really why that specific brand has turned us off.

 

[Lauri]

Yes I was very disappointed not to make Mykonos too as that was the place I was most looking forward to seeing, but after those swells I wasn’t surprised that we didn’t. We actually stayed in Athens for three nights after the cruise and day excursions for at least two of those days departing the hotel for Mykonos were also cancelled.
I agree about Palo being my preference and also about the main stage shows, but I did think that the variety of entertainers all over the ship way past midnight was great for me. I always go to the adult only show on Disney but then after that there is nothing but the empty disco.
I never did manage to catch the future cruise place open so no placeholder, so that’s a shame because I definitely know I’ll sail Princess again probably 2021, although I guess there might be room for a cheeky fall Princess.
I do have three DCL cruises already booked for 2020 and I’m definitely taking them, but who knows where the future will take me ha ha!

We stayed in Athens for three nights after too, although it was only supposed to be two nights (our flight home was delayed, then cancelled.) And Athens was VERY windy. A gust would come along, and everyone just stopped what they were doing to turn away from the wind.
It gives us an excuse to go back, as I'd really like to get to Mykonos and Santorini.
We have two cruises coming up in 2020 on Disney, including a two week Panama canal.

 

[CarolynU]

We stayed in Athens for three nights after too, although it was only supposed to be two nights (our flight home was delayed, then cancelled.) And Athens was VERY windy. A gust would come along, and everyone just stopped what they were doing to turn away from the wind.
It gives us an excuse to go back, as I'd really like to get to Mykonos and Santorini.
We have two cruises coming up in 2020 on Disney, including a two week Panama canal.

Oh now you come to mention it I remember those winds in Athens. Our hotel was right opposite the temple of Zeus and we watched the wind whip the dust up like a whirlwind and everyone covered their eyes.
Enjoy your PC cruise. Funnily enough we are just about to cancel that one as my son can’t get the time off...... again!!!!

 

[Lauri]

Oh now you come to mention it I remember those winds in Athens. Our hotel was right opposite the temple of Zeus and we watched the wind whip the dust up like a whirlwind and everyone covered their eyes.
Enjoy your PC cruise. Funnily enough we are just about to cancel that one as my son can’t get the time off...... again!!!!

It's getting more coincidental. I think we stayed at the same hotel too! Were you at the Athens Gate?

 

[CarolynU]

It's getting more coincidental. I think we stayed at the same hotel too! Were you at the Athens Gate?

Oh my goodness yes I was. How did you guess that? Was it from the opposite Temple of Zeus comment? That's insane lol!

 

[Garyjames220]

Yes I was very disappointed not to make Mykonos too as that was the place I was most looking forward to seeing, but after those swells I wasn’t surprised that we didn’t. We actually stayed in Athens for three nights after the cruise and day excursions for at least two of those days departing the hotel for Mykonos were also cancelled.
I agree about Palo being my preference and also about the main stage shows, but I did think that the variety of entertainers all over the ship way past midnight was great for me. I always go to the adult only show on Disney but then after that there is nothing but the empty disco.
I never did manage to catch the future cruise place open so no placeholder, so that’s a shame because I definitely know I’ll sail Princess again probably 2021, although I guess there might be room for a cheeky fall Princess.
I do have three DCL cruises already booked for 2020 and I’m definitely taking them, but who knows where the future will take me ha ha!

Can I have your job please its taking me years just to pay one off

 

[Lisa F]

Thanks. That sounds great. I really like their NZ itineraries, but someone mentioned it would be a far older crowd than what you experienced, so I wasn't sure. She recommended Celebrity, but for whatever reason I just don't feel like that's a fit for us whenever I look on their website or peruse their itineraries. My Mother and her siblings love Princess so I've heard good things about it. I'm glad you had such a nice cruise!

I think some itineraries are older than others. Longer ones seem to be an older crowd which would make sense with retirees being way more flexible on time than working aged people. An acquaintance of mine did a month long south seas cruise and it was very cheap for such a long cruise but he mentioned the crowd was even older than he is (retired in 60's). This cruise is on my bucket list but I may be in my 70's before I can afford the time myself!

 

[CarolynU]

Can I have your job please slits taking me years just to pay one off

That’s so funny! My job is blissfully retired! In my case this is good for finances and time off but less so for having the mind and body of someone youthful! Definitely plusses and minuses ha ha!

 

[Garyjames220]

That’s so funny! My job is blissfully retired! In my case this is good for finances and time off but less so for having the mind and body of someone youthful! Definitely plusses and minuses ha ha!

haha that’s true, you must be a dcl expert

we have the eastern Caribbean cruise booked for May 2021. Have You done that one, any tips if you have

I wish I could cruise three times a year but I guess that’s loads of people that wish they could just cruise at all. So greatful for what I got

 

[CarolynU]

haha that’s true, you must be a dcl expert

we have the eastern Caribbean cruise booked for May 2021. Have You done that one, any tips if you have

I wish I could cruise three times a year but I guess that’s loads of people that wish they could just cruise at all. So greatful for what I got

Are your ports of call Tortola, St Thomas and CC?
Tortola I’ve not been to but would love to.
St Thomas I’ve been to quite a few times.
I’ve done both DCL excursions and arranged my own.
One of the times that I arranged my own we went to a beach by cab near to the aquarium place. I’m really sorry I’ve forgotten it’s name.
It was bliss to begin with. We hired sunbeds and parasols and relaxed and went into the very shallow ocean and snorkelled. However, after a while this area became crazy as more and more cruise folks arrived from the many ships in port that day and it became anything other than relaxing! The beach was too small to cater for all the people.
Another year I just went shopping at St Thomas and I do believe that it has an amazing reputation for bargains. Many folks seem to have their favourite trusted jewellery stores.
Then in 2017 my friend and I took a DCL excursion to a beach which promised beds, drinks, crystal clear unspoilt waters.
Now I thought that they delivered and it sort of had a rustic charm. Drinks were out of a cool box lol! The ocean was lovely. The sunbeds were not especially well maintained but that didn’t worry me and there were restrooms.
It was only a half day excursion anyway. My friend wasn’t keen at all, so it just goes to show that varying tastes can influence how one perceives anything.
On the way back the driver stopped at a tiny area by the roadside selling a few bits and pieces which were very inexpensive. Most folks didn’t buy anything. I did as I like to support a local economy.
So my only advice is think carefully what your priorities are eg sightseeing, views, attractions, beaches, shopping and research everything on offer before making your choice. Sorry I can’t be of more help. Hope that’s at least a bit useful.

 

[CarolynU]

I think some itineraries are older than others. Longer ones seem to be an older crowd which would make sense with retirees being way more flexible on time than working aged people. An acquaintance of mine did a month long south seas cruise and it was very cheap for such a long cruise but he mentioned the crowd was even older than he is (retired in 60's). This cruise is on my bucket list but I may be in my 70's before I can afford the time myself!

A month long South Seas sounds complete bliss lol!

 

[Garyjames220]

Are your ports of call Tortola, St Thomas and CC?
Tortola I’ve not been to but would love to.
St Thomas I’ve been to quite a few times.
I’ve done both DCL excursions and arranged my own.
One of the times that I arranged my own we went to a beach by cab near to the aquarium place. I’m really sorry I’ve forgotten it’s name.
It was bliss to begin with. We hired sunbeds and parasols and relaxed and went into the very shallow ocean and snorkelled. However, after a while this area became crazy as more and more cruise folks arrived from the many ships in port that day and it became anything other than relaxing! The beach was too small to cater for all the people.
Another year I just went shopping at St Thomas and I do believe that it has an amazing reputation for bargains. Many folks seem to have their favourite trusted jewellery stores.
Then in 2017 my friend and I took a DCL excursion to a beach which promised beds, drinks, crystal clear unspoilt waters.
Now I thought that they delivered and it sort of had a rustic charm. Drinks were out of a cool box lol! The ocean was lovely. The sunbeds were not especially well maintained but that didn’t worry me and there were restrooms.
It was only a half day excursion anyway. My friend wasn’t keen at all, so it just goes to show that varying tastes can influence how one perceives anything.
On the way back the driver stopped at a tiny area by the roadside selling a few bits and pieces which were very inexpensive. Most folks didn’t buy anything. I did as I like to support a local economy.
So my only advice is think carefully what your priorities are eg sightseeing, views, attractions, beaches, shopping and research everything on offer before making your choice. Sorry I can’t be of more help. Hope that’s at least a bit useful.

yeah that’s very helpful

we always like to do half day excursions apart from CC as we like to make use of the ship

what cruises u doing next year with disney