Cruise Reviews | First 2 week family cruise| Cruises.co.uk

Thursday 28th August 2008

The UK's largest cruise community and information site

Sitemap

Spirit of Adventure Cruises | Holland America Cruises | Yachts of Seaborne Cruises | Voyages of Discovery Cruises | Other Cruise Lines

First 2 week family cruise
Reviewed By: Hayes, Preston on 16th Jul 2008
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises	Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: Sea Princess	Sailed: May, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 36-45

Embarked on Sea Princess 31st May 2008 for a 2 week cruise round the Med. Got on the ship very quickly which was pleasant (actually, 7 year old was the very first on the ship) Bought the soft drinks package for the kids, but they advised us to buy TWO as we had 2 kids when this was not necessary at all as you can have as many soft drinks as you want even if you only buy one package, so be warned!!! Cabin was small and ok (squeeze for 4 of us) looked very "tired" like it needs a damn good overhall, and a steam clean to be truthful, but was ok. Steward was a lovely chap from Poland. Kids club was good (though one of the girls running it was a little on the miserable side) the kids loved it though. We have smaller kids and the lack of control some parents had over some of the older kids was annoying as they made the pool dangerous, but this was sorted out by security eventually. One thing that was very annoying is the number of fully clothed elderly people who hogged the sun loungers ALL DAY next to the only family swimming pool, if you have young kids you want to be sat right next to the pool so you can watch them and these inconsiderate people made this almost impossible. They also complained when they got splashed by water!!!! Considering that there are 2 other pools which are SOLELY for adults on this ship, they had a cheek! One couple were very rude to a young lady one day - they had been away from their loungers for over an hour (only towels left on them) and so this lady and her boyfriend went to use them - she had been sat there for over 1/2 an hour and the old couple came back and started telling her off!!!!! Also - (I am not anti-old people honest, some were lovely) the lack of hygiene of some of the old people left a lot to be desired, so many times I say ladies emeerge from the lavatories and walk straight out without washing their hands, disgusting. During the 2nd week a minority of people were hit with the sickness bug (including me and my husband) even though we had been meticulous about hygiene, even having our own hand sanitising Gel!! Many of the elder guests also thought it was their right to barge you out of the way into the lifts and especially in the buffet, my young daughter was squashed several times. With regards to Shore Excursions, We did enjoy the ones we went on, except Pompeii, I have a young daughter who needs a pram sometimes, we got on the coach, and the guide personally loaded the buggy on for us (and another 2 other babies) and then unloaded it again for us at pompeii. We then went into Pompeii itself and about 100 meters in he turned round and told us it was not recommended to take prams????? Why tell us now, there was no-where we could leave it???????? It really really is unsuitable for prams, and my husband and I spent the next 2 hours not looking at the ruins, but trying to carry a pram over all the giant cobbles - it was a nightmare. I was really annoyed and went to complain to the team on the Shorex counter - when i did a very surly and uninterested bloke called Adam said I should have checked before we went....I said that they are there to take us on a trip and THEY had a duty to advise us, the guide could at least have told us to leave the buggy on the coach. He was uninterested and implied it was down to us!! Nice when I had spent over £100 for a morning carrying a buggy over ruins! Dinner - Our waiter Arnold and wine water John were absolutely brilliant, we looked forward to seeing them every day and they made a huge fuss of the kids with Origami and magic tricks (forks balanced on cocktail sticks) I can't fault it at all. All in all, it was enjoyable and I have booked to go on a bigger princess ship next year!
Quality of Food

Entertainment	n/a

Shore Excursions
Pompeii
Staff
John, Arnold & Peter
Children's Facilities

Onboard Activities

Cabins

Overall Rating

Report this review

ASK A QUESTION

COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW

Question by Webb, Hants (23 Jul 08 10:03) about this REVIEW.

We are booked to go on the Grand Princess next year on our first family holiday cruise.Are there any pitfalls to watch out for? Was it very expensive for drinks & trips etc? Did you have a room with a balcony? Having 2 children under 12 is there a good time to eat & which resturants were better for the family? Thanks for any help or advice anyone may have.

ANSWER

Report this comment

Answer by Dobson, holme upon spalding moor (03 Aug 08 20:44) to a QUESTION by Webb (23 Jul 08 10:03)

DRINKS We've been on Crown and Sea Princess. We found drinks no more expensive than at home. You can purchase the soft drinks package which allows you to have unlimited amounts of soft drinks. On the Crown Princess (not sure about others) you could buy the soft drink bottle, which was large enough for two children. ADVICE - buy only one soft drink package for your children. It works out cheaper to share. STATEROOMS Being a couple we found category K inside cabin big enough as you spend little time in a stateroom (cabin). However, many people have found them too cramped for a family of four. Adults cannot have a double bed when a 3rd and 4th occupies the room.I believe this to be true of all cabins except suites and mini suites. The higher the category, the more square footage. RESTAURANTS There is a wide choice of places to eat. If you like the flexibility to dine whenever you like, choose Any-Time Dining. Also you don't have to go to the dining room every night. We didn't. Sometimes when we wanted a relaxing evening we dined at the buffet restaurant. Also if you have an early dinner you can always have a snack at horizon court. Go to www.princess.com for more information on Grand Princess.

ASK A QUESTION

COMMENT

Report this comment