Adventure of the Seas
Aug 6th, 2012, 05:37 AM
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Adventure of the Seas
We have been cruising on and off since 1991 (so we are not youngsters) with a variety of companies on assorted seas, oceans and rivers. Our children are long grown up and therefore we never utilised any of the many family oriented activities, which seemed to be enjoyed by those participating.
We took a taxi from the station which was 12 euros to the embarkation hall.
The loading process was fast efficient and painless.
Our cabin was comfortable enough with more than enough room for a couple, a good sized bed with a sofa and plenty of storage space. Exceptionally clean and attended to by an unobtrusive attendant who made every effort to ensure our comfort.
Dining:
The immense self service Windjammer Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and is a canteen style self service buffet where, never mind the queues and the general elbowing aside when gathering your food selection, you then are faced with the challenge of finding a seat, no easy task. We chose to avoid the windjammer.
Once found taking an a la carte breakfast in the Strauss dining room was a pleasant start to the day with an excellent menu served professionally.
There is no a la carte lunch service so you are left to use the Windjammer of the buffet in the Vivaldi dining room. This was well presented with a good selection of dishes, however on a sailing with 2500 Spanish clients who like to eat late it is advisable to lunch early and avoid the masses.
The Evening dining is divided into 2 sittings 7:00 and 9:30 which you choose prior to boarding and you are allocated a dining room and table and for the trip. As hard as they try there are far too many passengers for them to serve even a half decent meal and we quickly found that the safest bet was a cold starter and the chefs dish of the day for a main course. Although even that was not safe from the red hot plates which continued to cook the dish and dry out meat dishes.
The dining room staff were polite and helpful although they were fully aware of the shortcomings they knew that it was futile to point out the shortcomings. A very professional waiter was in charge of a group of table accompanied by an "assistant". The assistants were charming but had a long way to go to complete their progression to "waiter".
FANCY A DRINK? Count your fingers after the purchase.
The basic drink prices are exorbitant drinks which are then subject to the addition of 23% to any drink made up of 15% service charge and 8% Spanish value added tax
A bottle of Pinot Grigio, a basic enough wine has a starting price of 33 dollars rapidly turns into 40.59 dollars
There are several wine package offers and we selected the Gold package at 180 dollars for just 7 bottles hits you with a bill of 221.40 dollars. Not exactly a great reduction for bulk buying.
WANT TO GET OFF THE BOAT? OK but not until you pay. 15 dollars, 10 dollars, 5 dollars a head until Corsica where you can walk into town for free. So an additional charge of 60 dollars for a couple just for visiting the ports. WHY ON EARTH NOT INCLUDE IT IN THE PRICE??
We used room service just the once when we ordered a bottle of wine and a cheese platter to have after dinner at 8:30 p.m. it arrived at 3:00 p.m. the following day (nice timing)
Before we left we read smoking had been reported as a problem, but we found that the non smoking areas were being respected and were easily avoided by non smokers.
The pools and pool decks were over congested and getting a sun bed was virtually impossible unless you were willing to get up there really early and stake your claim. The rule was that if an attendant noted that a bed with a towel on was left vacant for more than 30 minutes or an hour, they would remove the towel and make the sun bed available. I cant remember how long as it was irrelevant. We never saw any enforcement.
The entertainment in the Lyric theatre was at best mediocre, and I am afraid that we gave up and missed that the last two shows. The Ice show was in spite of a few tumbles and quick recoveries far more professional and the best show of the week.
There were two formal nights, when those of us who took the trouble dress formally were certainly in the minority, in fact we were out of place. The majority made more of an effort than on a normal night but there were very few jackets, hardly any ties and some never even managed to get out of polo shirts. One table was asked to change when they turned up in T shirts
Overall younger people on their first cruise seemed to be happy enough. Those that had something to compare it with were not so forgiving. More Holiday camp than luxury cruise.
We took a taxi from the station which was 12 euros to the embarkation hall.
The loading process was fast efficient and painless.
Our cabin was comfortable enough with more than enough room for a couple, a good sized bed with a sofa and plenty of storage space. Exceptionally clean and attended to by an unobtrusive attendant who made every effort to ensure our comfort.
Dining:
The immense self service Windjammer Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and is a canteen style self service buffet where, never mind the queues and the general elbowing aside when gathering your food selection, you then are faced with the challenge of finding a seat, no easy task. We chose to avoid the windjammer.
Once found taking an a la carte breakfast in the Strauss dining room was a pleasant start to the day with an excellent menu served professionally.
There is no a la carte lunch service so you are left to use the Windjammer of the buffet in the Vivaldi dining room. This was well presented with a good selection of dishes, however on a sailing with 2500 Spanish clients who like to eat late it is advisable to lunch early and avoid the masses.
The Evening dining is divided into 2 sittings 7:00 and 9:30 which you choose prior to boarding and you are allocated a dining room and table and for the trip. As hard as they try there are far too many passengers for them to serve even a half decent meal and we quickly found that the safest bet was a cold starter and the chefs dish of the day for a main course. Although even that was not safe from the red hot plates which continued to cook the dish and dry out meat dishes.
The dining room staff were polite and helpful although they were fully aware of the shortcomings they knew that it was futile to point out the shortcomings. A very professional waiter was in charge of a group of table accompanied by an "assistant". The assistants were charming but had a long way to go to complete their progression to "waiter".
FANCY A DRINK? Count your fingers after the purchase.
The basic drink prices are exorbitant drinks which are then subject to the addition of 23% to any drink made up of 15% service charge and 8% Spanish value added tax
A bottle of Pinot Grigio, a basic enough wine has a starting price of 33 dollars rapidly turns into 40.59 dollars
There are several wine package offers and we selected the Gold package at 180 dollars for just 7 bottles hits you with a bill of 221.40 dollars. Not exactly a great reduction for bulk buying.
WANT TO GET OFF THE BOAT? OK but not until you pay. 15 dollars, 10 dollars, 5 dollars a head until Corsica where you can walk into town for free. So an additional charge of 60 dollars for a couple just for visiting the ports. WHY ON EARTH NOT INCLUDE IT IN THE PRICE??
We used room service just the once when we ordered a bottle of wine and a cheese platter to have after dinner at 8:30 p.m. it arrived at 3:00 p.m. the following day (nice timing)
Before we left we read smoking had been reported as a problem, but we found that the non smoking areas were being respected and were easily avoided by non smokers.
The pools and pool decks were over congested and getting a sun bed was virtually impossible unless you were willing to get up there really early and stake your claim. The rule was that if an attendant noted that a bed with a towel on was left vacant for more than 30 minutes or an hour, they would remove the towel and make the sun bed available. I cant remember how long as it was irrelevant. We never saw any enforcement.
The entertainment in the Lyric theatre was at best mediocre, and I am afraid that we gave up and missed that the last two shows. The Ice show was in spite of a few tumbles and quick recoveries far more professional and the best show of the week.
There were two formal nights, when those of us who took the trouble dress formally were certainly in the minority, in fact we were out of place. The majority made more of an effort than on a normal night but there were very few jackets, hardly any ties and some never even managed to get out of polo shirts. One table was asked to change when they turned up in T shirts
Overall younger people on their first cruise seemed to be happy enough. Those that had something to compare it with were not so forgiving. More Holiday camp than luxury cruise.
Aug 6th, 2012, 09:01 PM
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I am surprised to see the 8% VAT on the ship. Unless the ship is Spanish registration which I doubt it. Maybe they will charge you the Spanish Tax while in Spanish Port or water? I can't see them charge you any VAT while you are on high sea.
Also strange that you have to pay to get off boat. Corsica is Fernech territory off the coast of Italy so they would ask for Euros, and not USD. There are many scam artists around.
I am not too sure what other cruise lines you have cruised, I would say RCL is definietly not "luxury", even among the mass market lines.
Also strange that you have to pay to get off boat. Corsica is Fernech territory off the coast of Italy so they would ask for Euros, and not USD. There are many scam artists around.
I am not too sure what other cruise lines you have cruised, I would say RCL is definietly not "luxury", even among the mass market lines.
Aug 7th, 2012, 07:27 AM
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" Although even that was not safe from the red hot plates which continued to cook the dish and dry out meat dishes."
This is the 1st time I've ever heard a comment like this. The plate keep things warm but to over cook meat??
"There are several wine package offers and we selected the Gold package at 180 dollars for just 7 bottles hits you with a bill of 221.40 dollars. Not exactly a great reduction for bulk buying."
Well this come to $10.00 less per bottle that the price you quoted for one bottle.
e used room service just the once when we ordered a bottle of wine and a cheese platter to have after dinner at 8:30 p.m. it arrived at 3:00 p.m. the following day (nice timing)
This is the 1st time I've ever heard a comment like this. The plate keep things warm but to over cook meat??
"There are several wine package offers and we selected the Gold package at 180 dollars for just 7 bottles hits you with a bill of 221.40 dollars. Not exactly a great reduction for bulk buying."
Well this come to $10.00 less per bottle that the price you quoted for one bottle.
e used room service just the once when we ordered a bottle of wine and a cheese platter to have after dinner at 8:30 p.m. it arrived at 3:00 p.m. the following day (nice timing)
Aug 7th, 2012, 04:00 PM
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Larry, I hope you mean follow up, not the other one ... 
Otherwise, you may get censored again ...
I didn't find $30 to $35 per bottle of wine all that expensive. A typical restaurant would charge you 100% to 200% or mroe as a mark. We typically find the wine price less than double on board compare to the typical store price. For that, they have to inventory it, store it properly, risk of breakage or spoil, serve it at your table so I did not find the mark up offensive. On the other hand, beer price is much higher unless you buy a bucket at a time.
If the food is kept in a warmer (holder), the low heat (about 180+) will continue to cook and dry out the food, the same if it was left on the "pick up" line under the heat lamp for too long. That would be the fault of the service staff being inefficient, or the kitchen staff being too efficient. I will blame the service staff on this one.
As an aside, and take this for whatever it is worth, this is the OP's only post, and arroyo in Spanish means a "sometimes dry creek".
I still can't beleive the Spanish VAT charged on the ship and you have to pay to leave the ship. (Isn't that call a port charge?)
Otherwise, you may get censored again ...
I didn't find $30 to $35 per bottle of wine all that expensive. A typical restaurant would charge you 100% to 200% or mroe as a mark. We typically find the wine price less than double on board compare to the typical store price. For that, they have to inventory it, store it properly, risk of breakage or spoil, serve it at your table so I did not find the mark up offensive. On the other hand, beer price is much higher unless you buy a bucket at a time.
If the food is kept in a warmer (holder), the low heat (about 180+) will continue to cook and dry out the food, the same if it was left on the "pick up" line under the heat lamp for too long. That would be the fault of the service staff being inefficient, or the kitchen staff being too efficient. I will blame the service staff on this one.
As an aside, and take this for whatever it is worth, this is the OP's only post, and arroyo in Spanish means a "sometimes dry creek".
I still can't beleive the Spanish VAT charged on the ship and you have to pay to leave the ship. (Isn't that call a port charge?)
Aug 7th, 2012, 09:11 PM
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The Spanish VAT is applicable (during the entire cruise) to sailings round trip from Spanish ports that do NOT visit a port out of the European Union. If the cruise sails to a non EU port, the Spanish VAT is applicable only while you are in Spanish waters. There is a big flap in the cruise community as Spain has recently announced that the 8% VAT will rise to 10% as new austerity measures are implemented.
As for paying to leave the ship, I am going to guess that the ship did not port "in town" and RCI sold shuttle transfers to town. In all the cruises I have taken (about 30) I have never been charged a fee to get off the ship (other than port charges paid with the final payment for the cruise).
As for the high price of wine, no question prices are marked up on cruises. Bottles of wine I can buy at the grocery store (here in CA) for about $9 are about $30-35 on the ship.
As for paying to leave the ship, I am going to guess that the ship did not port "in town" and RCI sold shuttle transfers to town. In all the cruises I have taken (about 30) I have never been charged a fee to get off the ship (other than port charges paid with the final payment for the cruise).
As for the high price of wine, no question prices are marked up on cruises. Bottles of wine I can buy at the grocery store (here in CA) for about $9 are about $30-35 on the ship.
Aug 8th, 2012, 05:18 AM
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I too thought getting off was covered with port charges. Anyway we may never know exactly what happened.
Our cruises on RCI have been fine though I think Princess has a better food quality but of course food is subjective. However RCI has IMHO great ship designers. For me they are ahead of the curve.
Our cruises on RCI have been fine though I think Princess has a better food quality but of course food is subjective. However RCI has IMHO great ship designers. For me they are ahead of the curve.
Aug 8th, 2012, 05:45 PM
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BarbAnn, thanks for the clarification. So any Spanish roundtrip cruise would be out for us. If enough cruise ships choose not to do the Spainish round trip, the one who will end up geeting less revenue would be Spain. Except for specific Spanish market, round trip Spain would be a thing of the past.
We have never been charged a fee to get off the ship either, so selling a "shuttle transfer" to town (like an excursion) may makes sense, if that is the case.
Larry, everyone's taste is different and the designers are careful to "protect" their cruise line's uniqueness, or what the buying publilc preceived to be features, or wow factor.
For me, I like the Celebrity and Princess designs better than Carnival and RCL, and I abosultely dislike the bright color on NCL. To each their own ...
We have never been charged a fee to get off the ship either, so selling a "shuttle transfer" to town (like an excursion) may makes sense, if that is the case.
Larry, everyone's taste is different and the designers are careful to "protect" their cruise line's uniqueness, or what the buying publilc preceived to be features, or wow factor.
For me, I like the Celebrity and Princess designs better than Carnival and RCL, and I abosultely dislike the bright color on NCL. To each their own ...
Aug 9th, 2012, 03:42 AM
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As an addendum and I complely agree about personal taste, but based on how the public has flocked to the Oasis class ships you have to give props to RCI,s design concept. It's been a hit. I would luv to try one of those ships but their routes and prices slam the brakes for me.
Aug 9th, 2012, 07:32 PM
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Been on it for a tour when it first arrived at Fort Lauderdale before their first official cruise. It's big but it is not for us. Their "BIG" attraction didn't give us the wow factor. Didn't much cared for the zip line, the carosuel, the water show, the piped in cricket sound in Central Park etc.
RCL only built 2 with this design and moved on. Their next new ships (Sunshine Class) holds a more modest 4100 passeneger, compare to the 5500 of Oasis class.
Prior to the Oasis, they built 3 of the freedom class, 5 of the Voyager class, 6 of the viision class.
Stopping at 2 may mean design faults (could be oeprational, could be profitability, could be anything) and returning to a smaller and maybe more manageable size.
Princess found out the hard way on their "Grand" class ships. The designer thought the Skywalker lounge (the spoiler, or the handle bar of a shopping cart) would be a great distinctive piece, a siganture item. As it turns out, it was such a drag on aerodynamics to the ship that the fuel consumption is so incredible high that they are chopping them off, spending millions to remove it at retrofits, and adding/moving them to a better lcoation. The handle bar will all disappear after 2013 when they chop it off the Ruby, their last Grand class ship.
We look for a more resort, relax type of atmosphere on a ship, but not too "relax" that there is nothing going on. And that's where Prineess and Celebrity fit in best. The luxury liners like Windstar did not offer enough entertainment varieties when we are looking for action, and the Carnival and RCL have too much going on that they are intrusive.
You should cruise at least once on the Oasis, but avoid the inside balcony cabins.
RCL only built 2 with this design and moved on. Their next new ships (Sunshine Class) holds a more modest 4100 passeneger, compare to the 5500 of Oasis class.
Prior to the Oasis, they built 3 of the freedom class, 5 of the Voyager class, 6 of the viision class.
Stopping at 2 may mean design faults (could be oeprational, could be profitability, could be anything) and returning to a smaller and maybe more manageable size.
Princess found out the hard way on their "Grand" class ships. The designer thought the Skywalker lounge (the spoiler, or the handle bar of a shopping cart) would be a great distinctive piece, a siganture item. As it turns out, it was such a drag on aerodynamics to the ship that the fuel consumption is so incredible high that they are chopping them off, spending millions to remove it at retrofits, and adding/moving them to a better lcoation. The handle bar will all disappear after 2013 when they chop it off the Ruby, their last Grand class ship.
We look for a more resort, relax type of atmosphere on a ship, but not too "relax" that there is nothing going on. And that's where Prineess and Celebrity fit in best. The luxury liners like Windstar did not offer enough entertainment varieties when we are looking for action, and the Carnival and RCL have too much going on that they are intrusive.
You should cruise at least once on the Oasis, but avoid the inside balcony cabins.
Aug 10th, 2012, 06:18 AM
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Quite informative Eschew. Thank you. Actually I really liked the Skywalker lounge on the Star. wah a view! I recall being there on out Baltic cruise at like aorung 0200 looking out at the horizon. It seemed as if you could see the day moving in and night receding. Great moment. Too bad they are removing them.
I would avoid the inside cabin on the oasis class but the problem agai for us is the cost vs. the ports. Those ports just don't do it for me. I wonder if they will change their routes some day.
We've been on one small ship, the Tahitian Princess which as yopu know is now the Ocean Princess. It had its plusses but overall we prefer something bigger, esp. as far as evening shows go. I will say the food was great but of course its much easier to prepare for 700 vs. thousands.
I would avoid the inside cabin on the oasis class but the problem agai for us is the cost vs. the ports. Those ports just don't do it for me. I wonder if they will change their routes some day.
We've been on one small ship, the Tahitian Princess which as yopu know is now the Ocean Princess. It had its plusses but overall we prefer something bigger, esp. as far as evening shows go. I will say the food was great but of course its much easier to prepare for 700 vs. thousands.
Aug 10th, 2012, 07:26 AM
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I think personal taste and expectations have a lot to do with your experience on any particular ship. The past ten years I have primarily cruised on RCI. Been on the Vision, Voyager, Radiance and Sovereign class ships. Radiance class is by far my favorite. I never was interested in the Oasis class. It is just way too big and holds so many people. Plus, the ports are ho hum.
Used to cruise Carnival, but the color scheme and decor was in your face, cheesy. NCL and Princess were nice years ago. Don't know too much about their newer (last 10 years) ships. My brother swears by Princess and HAL.
Each cruise line has their own personalities, as do the ships. RCI has been a good fit for us. That being said, we are booked on Celebrity for the first time this October. I can't wait (sorry I will miss you by a week, Larry). As we get older, our cruising needs and expectations change. There is a ship out there for everyone. Trick is to find it and that the cost fits in your budget!
Used to cruise Carnival, but the color scheme and decor was in your face, cheesy. NCL and Princess were nice years ago. Don't know too much about their newer (last 10 years) ships. My brother swears by Princess and HAL.
Each cruise line has their own personalities, as do the ships. RCI has been a good fit for us. That being said, we are booked on Celebrity for the first time this October. I can't wait (sorry I will miss you by a week, Larry). As we get older, our cruising needs and expectations change. There is a ship out there for everyone. Trick is to find it and that the cost fits in your budget!
Aug 10th, 2012, 07:47 AM
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I know Barb. Are you also on the Equinox? BTW CCL has replaced Joe Farkus, its ships designer so maybe the newer ships will have a more seadte look and when they refurbish older ones that may hold true as well. Larry
Larry
Aug 10th, 2012, 10:24 PM
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Larry, for the Oasis: not inside cabins, inside balcony cabins. Yes, the ports are so so and I can't see them make big changes. They have invested big bucks on those ports so that the ship can dock (example: Labadee) They probably won't breakeven for a while. For the Oasis, it's been 2 years already so in another 3, it will be time to refit. I wonder what changes will be made.
I too loved the Skywalker, it is a real nice quiet place during the day (on a sea day) to get away from it all, watch the wake, relax or even doze off. The Skywalker is still there after the refit, and still have the great view, they just relocated it forward a bit. You no longer have that "walkway". You simply took the elevator to the very top and step into the area in front. Nothing exciting at all.
The dramatic "entrance" to the room is gone, so is the hidden room one floor below, or at least I haven't find it yet.
We were on the Pacific Princess 2 years ago and it was an R3 ship, almost identical to your R2 Ocean Princess. There was not enough entertianment venues but we loved the library and the (non functioning) fire place in there. The production show was in the cabaret and the compliments of dancers and singers were halved. We didn't mind it, and with the smaller ship, they can make stops that the bigger ship can't. It's a trade off. The food is decided better than the other ones, maybe except the Ruby inaugral cruise where everything was A1. (Note, the corporate Chef was there looking over everyone's shoulder)
Our next cruise will be back on the Ruby and we will make sure we take pictures of the old Skywalker, and the walkway before it disappears.
I too loved the Skywalker, it is a real nice quiet place during the day (on a sea day) to get away from it all, watch the wake, relax or even doze off. The Skywalker is still there after the refit, and still have the great view, they just relocated it forward a bit. You no longer have that "walkway". You simply took the elevator to the very top and step into the area in front. Nothing exciting at all.
The dramatic "entrance" to the room is gone, so is the hidden room one floor below, or at least I haven't find it yet.
We were on the Pacific Princess 2 years ago and it was an R3 ship, almost identical to your R2 Ocean Princess. There was not enough entertianment venues but we loved the library and the (non functioning) fire place in there. The production show was in the cabaret and the compliments of dancers and singers were halved. We didn't mind it, and with the smaller ship, they can make stops that the bigger ship can't. It's a trade off. The food is decided better than the other ones, maybe except the Ruby inaugral cruise where everything was A1. (Note, the corporate Chef was there looking over everyone's shoulder)
Our next cruise will be back on the Ruby and we will make sure we take pictures of the old Skywalker, and the walkway before it disappears.
Aug 11th, 2012, 06:44 AM
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One thing I notice is that the Princess ships I've been on seem to have a sameness to them. Except for the Tahitian we've been on the Sapphire, Star and Island. The last three are sort of similar in design and feel. Having been on the Ruby can you make a comparison with other Princess ship about this?
Aug 11th, 2012, 08:15 PM
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Larry, the Ruby is very much like the Sapphire. Their next new ship will be the Royal class, debuting very soon and would be their first new class of ship in 10 years. It will be called the Royal Princess.
Princess fleet only has 4 classes of ships so far. The old R2 and R3 that they bought from Renaissance when Renaissance gone under. The R ships holds 680 passenegers and about 30,000 tons.
They have 3 ships in the "Sun" class, the Sun, the Dawn and the Sea. They were built in the mid 90's: 77,500 tons, and 2,000 passengers each.
The Coral class, which are panamax ships and they are the Coral and the Island. These are purposedly built ships to the maximum size allowed through the Panama Canal. Built in 2002 and 2003; 91,000 tons, 2000 passenegers.
The rest of the fleet, from 1998 on to the last one (Ruby, built in 2008), they built a total of 9 Grand Class ships in the 10 years. Starting off at 108,000 tons Grand Pricness, and ending with the 113,000 tons Ruby. That probably explained why their ships all looked almost the same since they are the same design. If it is working, why change it?
Each new Grand class ship has slight refinement over the previous ones. The changes are minor, but were "good" additions. Example: International cafe, Vine (wine) & Sushi Bar, Movie under the stars, adults only retreats, those are all refinements on the newer Grand ships and when they refit the older Grand class ship, those features were added. Some additions did not worked well and were not rolled out across the fleet.
The similar look and feel of design lets Pricness managed the staffing more efficiently. Crew moved from ship to ship do not need to re-learn layout and routines. Staff works on a 9 months contract, and typical will be moved to another ship for the next contract. This totally avoid staff getting used to the same management staff (playing favorites?) or became stagnant and complacent under the same management. This keeps the staff fresh and on their toe.
Most repeat Princess customers likes the familiar look and feel of the ships. There are lots of public area, not crowded, and venues for a variety of taste. Each Grand class ships has it's distinct theme but it is really minor. The Diamond is probably our favorite, with all the Oriental touches (being built in Japan) and all the fancy tile work at the indoor pool area. The Diamond and the Sapphire are similar and are the largest of the Grand class.
For those who likes to look for different adventures on board a ship and cruise because of wanting to experience the ship (example: RCL Oasis and Allure), they will be bored after a few time on Princess ships.
We enjoyed the Princess ships becasue it is familar and user friendly, almost like staying at a certain luxury hotel chain that shall remain nameless, that the layouts of the hotel is the same throughout the chain, although the city is different.
We cruise becasue of the itenary and destination. To us, the ship is a floating hotel that takes us from point A to point B. We get our excitment off the ship, and like to have a bit of familarity while on board. We also like their cabin configuration and layout.
Here is an interesting tidbit. Our last Baltic cruise in June on the Emerald Princess, the ship holds 3,000 passenegers. Over half are repeat customers (Gold level: 1-5 crusies), and 400+ are Platinum and Elite (5+ cruises). That speaks volume to the loyalty factor. They have to host 3 separate captain's cocktail reception for their repeat customers on that cruise in order to accomodate everyone. Twice (750 each) at the theatre to host the 1500+ Gold level customers, and a special reception for the 400+ Platinum and Elite customers.
Princess fleet only has 4 classes of ships so far. The old R2 and R3 that they bought from Renaissance when Renaissance gone under. The R ships holds 680 passenegers and about 30,000 tons.
They have 3 ships in the "Sun" class, the Sun, the Dawn and the Sea. They were built in the mid 90's: 77,500 tons, and 2,000 passengers each.
The Coral class, which are panamax ships and they are the Coral and the Island. These are purposedly built ships to the maximum size allowed through the Panama Canal. Built in 2002 and 2003; 91,000 tons, 2000 passenegers.
The rest of the fleet, from 1998 on to the last one (Ruby, built in 2008), they built a total of 9 Grand Class ships in the 10 years. Starting off at 108,000 tons Grand Pricness, and ending with the 113,000 tons Ruby. That probably explained why their ships all looked almost the same since they are the same design. If it is working, why change it?
Each new Grand class ship has slight refinement over the previous ones. The changes are minor, but were "good" additions. Example: International cafe, Vine (wine) & Sushi Bar, Movie under the stars, adults only retreats, those are all refinements on the newer Grand ships and when they refit the older Grand class ship, those features were added. Some additions did not worked well and were not rolled out across the fleet.
The similar look and feel of design lets Pricness managed the staffing more efficiently. Crew moved from ship to ship do not need to re-learn layout and routines. Staff works on a 9 months contract, and typical will be moved to another ship for the next contract. This totally avoid staff getting used to the same management staff (playing favorites?) or became stagnant and complacent under the same management. This keeps the staff fresh and on their toe.
Most repeat Princess customers likes the familiar look and feel of the ships. There are lots of public area, not crowded, and venues for a variety of taste. Each Grand class ships has it's distinct theme but it is really minor. The Diamond is probably our favorite, with all the Oriental touches (being built in Japan) and all the fancy tile work at the indoor pool area. The Diamond and the Sapphire are similar and are the largest of the Grand class.
For those who likes to look for different adventures on board a ship and cruise because of wanting to experience the ship (example: RCL Oasis and Allure), they will be bored after a few time on Princess ships.
We enjoyed the Princess ships becasue it is familar and user friendly, almost like staying at a certain luxury hotel chain that shall remain nameless, that the layouts of the hotel is the same throughout the chain, although the city is different.
We cruise becasue of the itenary and destination. To us, the ship is a floating hotel that takes us from point A to point B. We get our excitment off the ship, and like to have a bit of familarity while on board. We also like their cabin configuration and layout.
Here is an interesting tidbit. Our last Baltic cruise in June on the Emerald Princess, the ship holds 3,000 passenegers. Over half are repeat customers (Gold level: 1-5 crusies), and 400+ are Platinum and Elite (5+ cruises). That speaks volume to the loyalty factor. They have to host 3 separate captain's cocktail reception for their repeat customers on that cruise in order to accomodate everyone. Twice (750 each) at the theatre to host the 1500+ Gold level customers, and a special reception for the 400+ Platinum and Elite customers.
