WHY ARE PEOPLE FIGHTING OVER THIS LOCATION

[@markm3901]

4 hour wait for a show is crazy. Need a ticketing system like Royal.

[@ruthkringle1353]

I’m sure people tried to come in late

[@MitzyGoose]

This is one of the reasons I don't like Princess. I tried to get into some shows and they were full. So I then tried to cram into the show, like everyone else. It was so packed, literally standing room only, blocking the stairs etc (and that's after waiting nearly 45 mins in advance!). Royal will rebroadcast it on tv, in case you missed the show, for whatever reason and if Princess had offered that, I wouldn't have gone to any show because standing for over an hour isn't my idea of fun. Plus, when you do that, you're missing another activity... I think the venues are too small or they need some other crowd management method (tickets or rebroadcast on tv).

[@gigi9301]

OMG was this this guy bitching about something Again? Aye.

[@PatrickGermany]

4 hour wait???? I'm out. I can think of several better ways to spend that time. Need to change that system.

[@susanburkettrn2042]

But at least it’s in the bar where we can have our cocktails

[@Cruisetravelers]

I completely agree.

[@Cruisetravelers]

@@susanburkettrn2042That’s very true. You have a good point!

[@jeandalton7108]

I couldn’t wait like that…I’m elderly and don’t need a scooter, but I cannot stand due to swelling legs and back pain. I will never go on that ship!

[@jblkcns]

Exactly, I don't have FOMO. If there's no reservation, they don't really want me to see it anyway. I will find something else to do with myself.

[@cindyk3281]

The dome theatre seems to have not been thought out very well. Let alone waiting 3-4 hours for a show is ridiculous.

[@deborahkirkle9047]

Remember the old days where they had show venues that held half the cruise. Early dining and late dining just rotated.

[@devilpup1945]

I was on the Sun Princess in July and I was surprised how small the dome theater is, Its very nice but not practical. I've sailed on ten other Princess cruise ships and their entertainment theater was large and accommodated large crowds. No problem's with access, this was a mistake by Princess.

[@ivanmorley3735]

Need to be able to book seats to avoid queues, or have a bigger venue.

[@dorisromanisko2219]

What a difference a few months can make! We sailed in May for 14 days and we're able to watch the shows in the Dome 3 times (we didnt know that one was a repeat). Had great seating two of the three. The other we were in one of those second rows, tier 3. We discovered the bar secret. The first time, it was total confusion on the lining up part. Had to line up while your partner went to the bar, and then switch off for bathroom. The bartender and officer in charge made the change on that first show. After that, it was a piece of cake, but now that the secret is out apparently the wait time has increased significantly. The third show actually only lasted about 25 minutes. We thought waiting an hour and half for that was definitely not worth it. I can't wait until you address the theater being too small as well for the number of people sailing. A reservation system is definitely needed along with an optional stand-by line for no show seats (15 minutes before show). And to answer a question, the shows are definitely worth it.

[@TheMoonlightAdventures]

This has been our biggest frustration with this ship so far.

[@gbay4306]

We’re currently on the Sun and are so disappointed in the size of all venues. The Dome is a beautiful area but they keep closing it for rehearsals or a stretch class for about 15 people. We waited almost 2 hours to get into the show! With over 4000 people on the ship only about 400 will actually get to see the show in the Dome.

[@nanafun2406]

Nope. Not me. WHOEVER thought any of this is a good idea was clueless.

[@nancykk3065]

Is it really worth it? Seriously, having to waste 3-4 hours of cruise time to watch a show is ridiculous. Give out tickets only. I really hate to see fights breaking out on cruise lines.

[@Niallisababe1]

I wouldn't wait that long. It sounds like the lines at Disney World

[@rcfnc]

Yes, no way would I do it.

[@jameswade7550]

absolutely not worth it for me, waste 4 hours on a cruise no I can find other things to do and enjoy.

[@Graygeezer]

That’s not what I cruise for!

[@mrlogboy]

For a three day or four day cruise I agree with you 100%, but for me because 99% of the time airfare for me would cost more than a short cruise like that I usually take 10 to 15 day cruises, on those cruises 3 to 4 hours is not a waste.

[@stevesse]

Same problem on Celebrity Edge class ships. Have a venue called Eden at the back of the ship. They put on performances that are better than the regular shows. Problem is, if you are not there 2 hours before, you can’t see much. I doubt it even has seating for 250.

[@mariodopico5581]

@@stevesse Celebrity is getting rid of Eden on their new ship. The space does not work.

[@danielbobberson9849]

Ships like the Sun are TOO BIG...too many people for these small venues...lines...lines...lines? Forget it. Far prefer small ships....and less mass market ships ..ie Azamara or others. 4 hours..nothing worth that wait.

[@Scruffy99-b2m]

This ship does not feel like a Princess ship While we have been loyal Princess passengers for nearly 30 years Sun Princess is the worst weve ever been on gone are the intimate rooms now when you sit in are bar all you see is people walking through heading to other places the music is so loud in other venues it can be heard over the top of what's happening in the place your sitting the wheelhouse bar is so small and everyone we spoke to said where is the music for this bar we sat in Crooners to relax but the music from the atrium was so loud you just couldnt have a conversation also it was impossible to get a seat at the main pools because it was crowded every day after flying nearly 30 hours to get to Athens it was so disappointing for us it felt like being on a Carnival cruise ship not a Princess ship

[@RickDuBose-o8q]

THAT'S WHY we don't do the behemoth, AMUSEMENT PARK cruise ships!!!...In no apparent order, our concerns: (1) SAFETY/EMERGENCY EVAC, (2) FOOD LINES, (3), ENTERTAINMENT LINES, (4), EMBARK/DEBARK/TENDER LINES, (5),CROWDED ELEVATORS, (6) 10% OF 5,000 KNUCKLEHEADED PAX AND THEIR PROGENY, and (7) THE OMNIPOTENT, EVER PRESENT CRETINOUS CHAIR HOGS/AUDITORIUM SEAT RESERVERS!!!.....

[@danielbobberson9849]

@@Scruffy99-b2m And i think your comparison to Carnival is perfect. Carnival is the biggest money maker for this company and they are now trying to attract that kind of customer and vibe on Princess. Lost me long ago.

[@richardracette-w6w]

you are patient. I won t wait 4 h for a show 🤣

[@Lealelan]

I work too hard and am too exhausted by the time I vacation to consider even waiting 30/45 minutes for anything! So glad I'm not a big show person. It's beyond me how the designers of this ship thought this was a good idea, given how many are on the ship and how few this venue holds! Really disappointing for many I'm sure!

[@TheOnlyLilithcat]

I can't imagine any show I'd wait in line for that long.

[@vickiebridges3584]

Hopefully that gets figured out for Star. That’s crazy.

[@eileenrulli6419]

Don, I’m so glad that you are bringing the shortage of shows and seating to light. We were on a NCL cruise where we weren’t able to see one show. RCL is no better. Who wants to wait in an hour + line to see a show. And going back at 10 or 11 to see the second show is annoying and there is still a line. Why can’t the cruise lines schedule people for these? At least everyone would have a chance. Too many people, too few entertainment venues!

[@dbwatx931]

Seriously, my time on vacation is precious to me. I do not want to fight anyone in line or wait 4 hours for a show. Not worth it. Smaller ships peaceful vacation worth paying more for. Plus, you tend to get more civilized people sailing, better food and quality time away.

[@kathyclark2471]

First of all, they need to do more than 2 shows. Mainly they need to use a reservation. It can’t be that hard. Just scan people’s medallions as they come to the door. 10 minutes before showtime, open for anyone for remaining seats.

[@karenjensen2345]

Agreed 100%

[@jimroscovius]

Like Royal does.

[@johnm1900]

Don. We were at the same show. Stood in line for 1:20 got the last seats in the last row. Had to stand to see anything on the stage. Completely agree. Princess needs to allow reservations like royal or give out numbered tickets in line. Dome is a cool venue but much too small. Arena too. They made the ship 30% bigger than the royal class but made the biggest venues 50% smaller!?.

[@davidmarsden305]

As most have said a ticket system would, ease the confusion, silly waiting times etc. or, couldn't they screen the show on the pool area big screen/TVs? Personally that's how I would like to watch it, weather dependent of course, however may solve some of the issues 🤷

[@Graygeezer]

Sounds like way too many passengers for way too small venues. Astonishingly bad design decisions!

[@terrymcminn9679]

Hi Don, So nice to see you again & in good health! Long standing fan. We still love smaller ships! 70K to 90 ton. Much better service!

[@jameswade7550]

Thats crazy, Princess will have to get some kind of system to organize the shows. 4 hours to wait on a show on a cruise NO Thank you there other things to do that will be more enjoyable.

[@sharoncruisingscene]

Thanks for sharing Don!!

[@lukeolmstead1024]

I don't go to shows when I cruise. I would rather relax, and do my own thing.

[@alisonr9608]

Then you might miss my daughter.She is out there on a ship.

[@lightwarrior432]

Don’t blame you! I’m not either 😊👍🏽

[@WIgirl26]

Me too. I'm not into shows. 🤷‍♀️

[@richardlaino1079]

Don…you can’t be serious!…3 hours early for show??……I can’t wrap my head around that kind of logic??…..have a great day……

[@melindachampagne6030]

Totally unacceptable.

[@chuckcanady578]

Totally agree with your assessment in the Dome. We got in OK, went to the top deck behind the seating and stood up. View was good. PS: The Vallora production show is outstanding.

[@travelwithdebandnick]

wow that sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. i do not like having to line up 30 mins before a show as i have issues standing in the one spot. to line up 4 hours before a show i could not physically do at all

[@karenross4706]

Thanks Don for the updates. You’re awesome! 😎

[@joyadefoor2095]

Maybe Princess should do a numbered lottery system.

[@anne-marievr5710]

I just came off the Caribbean Princess. I love the old Explorer’s Lounge and Club Fusion….these venues are huge and fantastic and versatile. Why they replaced Explorers and made Princess LIve….I have never liked that. Specialty dining takes up too much room on new ships. I love the pool at the back of the ship. The old theatres are a great size also…always packed but definitely big enough.

[@sarasue56]

Agree. Caribbean Princess is my favorite.

[@karenjensen2345]

There absolutely has to be a reservation system, with stand by 10 minutes before showtime.

[@RLMARMEN]

Its crazy to sit or stand that long to see a show! There are other things you can do with your time that are just as worth while. I would rather go and relax in a quiet corner of the ship , watch the waves or maybe spot a whale or flying fish. Thats why I like small cruise ships. There isnt any long waiting and even though the show is small and not a huge production if you miss the first show you can catch it at the second time. no fighting and no problem getting a seat!

[@lifewithgrandmabev]

My gosh. All we’re hearing lately is complaints. No show is worth waiting 2-3 hours to get in.

[@txpatriotgirl]

This same faulty design of crowd management happened on my cruise for the tender boarding. We only have >3500 passengers. It isn’t like these ships haven’t experienced all of this before and couldn’t figure it out.

[@randijaffe-7665]

4 hr wait is crazy!! That’s what makes me mad about Celebrity at well- small venues and too many people! Need to do tickets like Royal and a wait line!! Good shows, small venues not fair!! We were in the casino on Regal Princess and this woman literally threw my husband off a machine stating it was hers every night? Or Royal standing or sitting an hour or more in the Prominade - waiting for a parade and someone comes last minute and stands right in front of you and puts their phone to video right in front of you!!

[@judydale9661]

What a mess. I agree with some of the other posters, waiting in line to see a show for 3 to 4 hours is such a waste of your time on a cruise ship when you could be doing something else. They are going to have to solve this problem because it really is a problem.!!!!

[@Nicho_Ldn]

Agreed. I think I’d set my waiting limit at 45-60mins.

[@allytrudie864]

He said “almost” fist fights. Princess is more expensive right? Then it’s scientifically statistically true that people with less money will use more physical violence. That is a fact. Carnival is cheaper and therefore will have a more Pysically violent people as customers. We can do the thing society demands of us and lie about this fact or we can cut through the gaslighting bs and tell the truth.

[@AmyJones-o1g]

That’s a bit much! They should probably do, like you mentioned, reserve your seat ahead of time. I did that on Royal with my kids last year and it worked out well. Love your style of dealing with one issue so we know what we should do if we’re n a similar situation. Enjoy the rest of your voyage. Beats a day at work..unless it is your job! Lol

[@mariodopico5581]

Princess should have known better. Their clientele is geared towards older people that like shows. Not young customers that like to drink and gamble all night. Even Celebrity is getting rid of Eden on their next new ship because it did not work with shows in a small space.

[@jamiesuejeffery]

Sunday, I went to the Reno Philharmonic. Guess what? We had assigned seating. At the end of January, we are going to see, “The Book of Mormon” in the exact same theater. Guess what? Assigned seating! This is not a difficult concept (they do it with dinner service). We have been doing this for literal centuries. Assigned time and assigned seats. Easy.

[@bstanz5266]

Royal has aame issue with dive show. Seems to have resolved with a reservation system. Of course can do the MSC trick and charge 15.00 to see the show. That would eliminate a lot of people.. .

[@susanburkettrn2042]

I hope they have this corrected before we get on the group cruise! But thanks for the heads up . Don, with your clout, I’m sure you got us reserved seating…😂

[@brendapolk1723]

Princess clearly dropped several balls in their design and execution. This screams for a different approach - reservations, waitlist, lottery, or some combination thereof. At a minimum any queue should be well marked and equitable.

[@rebeccapeterson3028]

Happy Wednesday 🎉

[@Carrusing4us]

How much crap on the Sun Princess has been so poorly planned. From the inaugural sailing , in the first six months reconfiguring the dinning deck plan, having to remove the kids park on the back of the ship and venues that you have to wait over 2 hours to hope you get in.

[@marymcmann9546]

Been there done that. Didn’t have to stand in a long line but barely got a seat that I couldn’t see very well from. That place is much too small for a ship of 4000 people! I think overall the planning for this ship was not done very well. Hope they listen to you Don! Princess, leave the mega ships to Royal Caribbean.

[@vickyb5935]

It sounds like a “take a number” system would work best - once you got a number you could move out of the way for others and then at a certain time, line up in numberical order??????

[@WalleyeScott57]

Don, the other thing that I’d mention is that the shows really aren’t advertised well. They are no where to be found if using only the app instead of the Princess Patter, nor have we heard them mentioned during the daily Wake Up program. This was part of the entertainment that we planned on attending and we’ve missed out entirely on the two so far and with 8 days remaining we’ve seen nothing about upcoming shows. With that said we’re glad that we’ve missed out on the angry crowds! Thanks for the update and glad you are feeling better.

[@pamelabottino9293]

Yikes! We’re going on the Sun Princess in January 2025 and hope they figure this situation out before then! That is completely ridiculous to wait that long for a show. I wouldn’t do it!!!

[@jeanettestolle6706]

I would never wait more than 40 minutes 😮

[@lej1105]

They should do what most movie theatres do now. Automatic assigned seating. That way there are no problems. They also need to close the doors at showtime. If people are late then too bad. And they have to do something to get stadium style seating.

[@robertb7864]

They'll have to do a reservation system. MSC DOES reservations for their shows. You still have to get there early for good seats. Doors open 1/2 hour before it starts.

[@Patricia-zv5mj]

I have been on 17 Carnival Cruises and have never seen any fights. FYI Princess is part of the Carnival Cruise Corp.

[@Reed-2big]

Don, NCL has a comedy show in a very small venue. It also requires long waits! It’s nuts! Seems like Royal’s 270 although larger also has the problem with levels, too.

[@billyfranquiz3910]

You’re my favorite, Mr. Don

[@geoffdrew5207]

Small theaters don't work well on cruise ships. Virgin Voyages ships offer an amazing cruise experience but their small venues mean most people can't get in to see the shows which are amazing.

[@feelosophy1921]

The blocked view is fairly simple adjustment, just purchase two different lengths of chair legs. That way there would be a short front row and a slightly taller back row as long as the venue setup is done properly. Allowing one reservation per sailing by cabin number might alleviate the queuing up so early.

[@TerryT-wh5tl]

We found out the same thing on our July 5th sailing for 14 days. We had the premier package and showed up 3 hours early for the bar. We did always have great seating sitting in the front row.

[@bigguy1403]

I wouldn't wait 4 hrs to see a Broadway show and I've lived in New York. 4hrs for a show on Princess!! Crazy

[@robd9826]

Close that bar during showtimes! Might help a bit

[@dorothygiunta8519]

That's a pretty good idea.

[@lillianblair6071]

Good afternoon Don. A simple way to fix if they do not want a reservation system. Wrist bands, have enough to cover seating capacity. Anyone asking to see the show gets a wrist band first come first serve. Once out of those wristbands no others are allowed to enter the venue. A different colour for each performance for that cruise. Blue, orange, so on also helps if you didn't get that performance wrist band you don't line up. A sign goes up all seats gone. Avoids the lineups for hours and may stop the arguments from cruisers. May stop people that already seen the show from coming to another one.

[@pablollanos4916]

Keep up the good work don. The problem is that place is too small for shows. Even the stage is small. They need to change it to a bigger venue so more people could enjoy the show.

[@berniekirk1397]

Cruise lines need to study the way theme parks handle lines, and monitor the lines for line cutters. Have the shows in bigger venues and have more showings. Norwegian has issues with the Cavern club and the Syd Norman club.

[@chriskessler1043]

After attending the captain's circle party on the previous cruise where they had 3 seating for it (and everyone didn't attend) we have not even attempted to go to the dome. They need a ticketing system for it. Period.

[@tod2992]

Sounds like disembarking day No thank you

[@helenatremblay4019]

The last cruise I was on was a Viking to Down Under! About 900 guests. Everything was perfect. Can't imagine a boat that holds 4000 guests.😱😱😱😱 Next time hoping to go on a Windjammer with ?300 guests. I do enjoy your channel❤❤❤

[@jrcasanova4040]

They should televise the show

[@alanshinosky2336]

Looks like the Sun Princess was not very well thought out. Maybe they should hire some folks from Royal to learn how to develop and bring out a new ship.

[@jeffreyrusnak5197]

Close the bar 2 hours before the show.

[@mariefraher8725]

They are making more money with people at the bar.

[@JonKaye]

We’re on this cruise with you. Accurate characterization. The Sun Princess is broken. As you know the issue extends to dining as well. Not sure how they’ll cope with it but I couldn’t recommend this ship to anyone.

[@kategibb5245]

That's crazy.Maybe pre booking is the only answer with just one booking per cruise

[@wallymanic]

Hi Don. Hurricane Milton is now catagory 5, 175 mph winds, pressuee 911 mb, dropping pressure hourly. location 105 mi wnw of progreso Mexico. Stay safe and cruise well. Perhaps they can make their first North American port Halifaw?

[@GlamorGrowthTravelwithMica]

Nope. Not me. I don’t even wait for restaurant reservations for 30 minutes!!!

[@stewartbradshaw3011]

big ships , big lineups, crappy way to spend your vacation time and money!

[@zulemasarinana9218]

They are doing things wrong. Royal Caribbean has several shows during the day and you make reservations and there are no fights and every one has a chance to enjoy all the shows they have,

[@whistlebloer8254]

Thank you, Don. For those of you who have not been to Sun Princess yet, you should anticipate the time you'll be wasting for the show. It is a disaster making the Dome a venue for popular shows. I like the Dome, where you can really sit around and enjoy the beautifully designed area when there's no events. Btw, the acrobatic show was not as spectacular as I expected. I was told by the crew that there's a couple of variations of the show. Maybe I was just unlucky.

[@angelathomas6770]

Definitely need a ticketing system.

[@jstanovic]

My last Princess Cruise was their Grand Mediterranean Cruise in 2015. The worst thing that pissed people off was the occasional person saving 8-10 seats. I don't want to go on any cruise where I have to wait an hour for a show, let alone 3 hours!

[@rickpula6196]

So Don I think three and a half four hours to wait for a show is outlandish. That's a lot of time to give up for things that you could be doing otherwise. Realizing that they do need to make a change and then I'm going to be on this ship in September of 25 is it worth really giving up that much time just to see 500 people? Nobody wants conflict especially well on vacation. Interested more in your opinion. Right now I'm of the opinion that it isn't even worth trying to go there

[@bethbounds2873]

Definitely have reservations. When the show is full it’s done. So only the people with reservations show up! Problem solved. We make reservations on Royal for almost every show. No issues.

[@CherieMabrey]

It’s called a raked stage when it slanted like you mentioned, Don. Some theatres have raked stages so the audience can see the stage better. A lot have several rows that are flat and then raked, I don’t know why. That’s when I’m seated behind the tallest man on the ship or the woman with the biggest Afro in the world.

[@kevinp1904]

keep up the good work!

[@bradmarlin6591]

First off. It's a SHIP not a boat. Second, I would not wait over an hour for anything while I am on vacation !

[@cbi-ju5mi]

Seems like Princess didn’t think through the seating capacity for this venue. 4000 passengers divided by 250 capacity per show is not viable. Not designing tiered seating for each row of seats creating obstructed views is also a mistake.

[@jctrame]

God bless the shows, they siphon off people from the other venues so we can get a seat at our favorite bar. We quit the shows years ago.

[@stevenv2190]

Looks like a case of "Bigger is NOT always better". Went on Discovery Princess last month for Alaska - liked it.

[@richardjohnson5882]

270 theater on Quantum class ships are about the same size, and use a reservations system. The same goes for mainstage shows on NCL, with an option for standby. That's one reason I'll never go on Sun/Star, along with having only one of 3 dining rooms set aside for non-suite, non-fixed dining, with elevators dropping people off in the middle of the long lines, creating more potential for queue jumping and confusion and anger. Royal and Celebrity Edge-class ships have been doing entertainment like this for a long time, with their own training school, and their venues and procedures seem to have been planned better. The same with the outdoor activities--Royal has skydiving and ziplines, Princess can't even get a simple ride to work safely.

[@jlynnc9559]

Royal Caribbean has a reservation system. At 15 min before the show they open up for everyone. You make the reservations when you board the boat. So easy and seemless

[@tduck828]

Love your shirt don!!

[@rebeccaj]

We were on a couple of weeks ago and although there was a wait, it was not as bad as this! Also, the officer that was on the doors, allowed those at the front to go into the bar and didn't allow anyone in that hadn't been waiting. It seemed to work well. I think our longest wait was 45 minutes. Hopefully things will improve 🤞🏼

[@ninerjen1]

This is a bit concerning. They put so much money into this ship and so far have had some bad planning like removing the zone upstairs too. Wow. Well, i will experience with you again in December. Thanks for the update.

[@Keep-on-ok]

Did someone get in front of you Don? 😂 Make sure they know who you are! Keep it up and you won’t get invited back. Go ahead, tell the Captain what he/she needs to do. 😅

[@karenwarner1517]

No, We would never do that.

[@davidhudson5452]

More rebuilding is needed Don said so

[@Ako2account]

This is why our first and last cruise was 26 years ago. For 75% of your vacation you're stuck on a ship surrounded by thousands of potentially mentally unstable (usually from being drunk) people. And when you do get off the ship, just as you're starting to get into the local culture and actually experience something... you're hustled back onto the ship. Going on a cruise and saying you've traveled is like going to the zoo and saying you went on an African safari.

[@Drjanetta]

Life is too short to wait fours for a second show(s) ! No way!!!

[@pinkpigtraveladventures3035]

Thanks for pointing out the line problem Don. Are you on the ship now ?