We booked on the Caribbean Princess about a month out from our 3/30/17 sailing. The ship had recently come out of dry dock so we expected everything to be in tip top shape. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The exterior looked new and the dining venues have been remodeled but the cabins were lacking. Mold in the restroom, very soft beds, and overall tired looking. This was my 12th cruise with Princess so I have many ships to compare it with. Also, be warned that Southhampton is a couple of hours from Heathrow.
Our favorite meal was at the Crown Grill but this also adds a $29 per person charge. We have never had a bad meal at one on any of Princess' ships. Sabitinis revamped their menu and in our opinion for the better but again expect to pay an additional $25 per person. We dined at the new Planks a couple of nights and enjoyed it. Although there is a surcharge (I think $12 per person) you can go casual. The dining room was okay and the Market Place (formerly Horizon Court) was okay. My husband felt it lacked variety and sometimes the food was not warm.
We typically enjoy the production shows and did so this time. There was also a comedian, piano/comedian, magician, and Voice of the Ocean we attended. Most early shows were booked and they had a live feed in the Explorers Lounge. Spent some time in the Casino if it wasn't too smokey. I usually go to the spa a couple of times per sailing but the last two times I've passed since it seemed like their prices have really gone up. I expect to pay more at sea but when it is so much that I lose any enjoyment...I just decide not to go. Overall, this is a general complaint I am having with Princess and am considering other lines. I feel like I am nickle and dimed to death (increase in specialty dining, increase in photos, increase in spa, increase in drinks). For some reason it just irritates me. Now there's the Club Class and such but of course it comes with a price.
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