Princess Cruises
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Overall a very good experience
I have sailed on the Sky Princess 4 times. This ship came into service in 2019 and has suffered from the Covid problems and issues experienced by all other cruise lines. Each time I recognised general improvements had been made in various areas, which are most likely in response to the customer satisfaction survey comments. The comments I make are based on my experience and opinions.. others may disagree. Princess promotes itself on providing 5* service and expectations are high. Cruising is not cheap, but overall and taking everything into account, you get what you pay for and possibly more compared to staying on land, in a hotel of similar ** rating. Mistakes/errors happen wherever and whenever, hence being a called mistake/error. I have read negative comments posted by passengers. Some I agree with..such as ordering via the Medallion app, showing as delivered but not arriving. In order to resolve this I complained, in person, at Guest Services and it was quickly resolved, though not on first attempts via app chat link. Complain at the time, not after the event and then moan about it. If you do nothing, they do nothing as they are not aware of it. Complaints are encouraged, they do not like them and do react in trying to give satisfaction. If you do not complain, steps cannot be taken to rectify the issue. We were told by a couple, complaining about slow service in the main dining room, that they had waited 1.5 hours for their main course..why did they not open their mouths and say something? Another comment I read is regarding unidentified or duplicated monies being added to account. This happened to us, but being able to provide dates and times and suggesting how the duplicated error to our account had arisen helped resolve the matter. The monies were reimbursed. The Medallion app provides you with the opportunity to monitor your account during your cruise, so that any discrepancy may be raised with Guest Services. We had a bottle of wine added to our account that we had not ordered and the monies were removed...someone may have possibly received a free bottle of very nice wine, if the orderer could not have been identified. There may be some late accrual of outstanding costs that may not be credited until after the cruise ends. Again, as with anything, things take longer and are more difficult to resolve after the event. The Medallion app has its advantages, but it also has quirks and upgrades that are not necessarily user friendly. We have never encountered unfriendly or rude staff. Service has been favourable and positive overall, but possibly a little slow in some bar area at very busy times. Cabin steward, waiting and bar staff have always been polite and eager to please...which is more than can be said about some passengers at times. Comments have been made about accents and understanding. Staff come from all nationalities and so do passengers; it works both ways. Face to face is always better as it is immediate. You need to be clear in asking for exactly what you require. Chips might mean fries or crisps. Asking for something on the menu as described on the menu, then trying to make a change may mean you get both, rather than a replacement. My friend asked for the set breakfast, with scrambled egg, meaning instead of fried eggs..her breakfast was delivered as described on the menu, with a side dish of scrambled eggs. Another passenger asked at the Salty Dog for just a burger..he actually wanted the Princess burger as described on the menu and without fries. It was an entertaining conversation to listen to. I have seen and experienced passengers being rude or difficult with serving staff, in the main dining area, and also towards staff and fellow passengers in the buffet restaurant. Entertainment is an individual choice..it is provided for all tastes; it is, however, hit and miss at times. Some you will enjoy and others not, some you will join and some you will avoid. I felt it was lacking, or better, in some areas on our last cruise compared to previous cruises. I caught COVID in 2022 and we were very well cared for, albeit with certain restrictions. Negative comments on.. 1. embarcation dock number. Whilst cruise lines may generally use a regular berth, do occasionally change at port. 2. booking a " guaranteed cabin" at a lower price, you have no say on location & same with automatic upgrades. Worth a little extra to choose your own location & opt out of upgrade However, despite taking 4 cruises with Sky Princess, I do feel that there could be improvement which is not necessarily is due to the crew, but more inclined to company measures and policy. Cost cutting measures may not reflect favourably on passenger satisfaction. I will not hesitate in booking again and sail on this ship. Had a great time, each time. Good itineraries.