Why Princess Cruises Was Not What I Expected

This Princess Cruise review is all about what I was surprised the most by on the Discovery Princess ship during my first cruise with the brand. From the Discovery Princess Balcony Cabin I stayed in to the classy feel of the piazza, to the best bed at sea claim that Princess Cruises is quite proud of, and The Sanctuary on Discovery Princess being one of their best values.
For it being my first time on Princess Cruise Line, I was really impressed with the luxury, comfort, affordability and the incredible Princess Cruise medallion that really made the cruise so much easier.
#princesscruises #cruise #princesscruise #solotravel

[@allent1034]

A couple of unique things on Princess you should mention are; the buffet does not close during the day. Unlike other cruise lines that close the buffet for hours between regular meal times, Princess leaves it open all day long. That is especially appreciated when coming back in the afternoon from an excursion. Next is the International Cafe, the 24-hour eatery with amazing light dishes and desserts. All cruise lines are good but Princess overall has some great features.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

All excellent points! Many of which I am including in my forthcoming full trip report from the Discovery Princess. Do you have a favorite Princess ship?

[@allent1034]

No. I always hope my favorite will be my upcoming cruise. I think I like the Grand Class the best. Small enough to feel more intimate and easy to navigate but big enough to have enough amenities.

[@franford8029]

Thanks, I enjoyed your point of view! I've been on enough Princess cruises to earn an Elite status! I enjoy those perks. I'm brand new to the Solo cruise (husband died 6 yrs ago). I do not like the Solo double cost - as I'm an antique & truthfully can't afford much. Most of my friends have past away, no splitting the cost. But I Do LOVE the Princess Line!!!

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your husband but I’m glad you’ve decided to try solo cruising. It can be a joy. The double cost is hard to swallow sometimes but thankfully Princess rewards you with double the loyalty points as a small token to make up for it. I do enjoy that and it has made me Platinum level fast. Thank you for watching and taking time to comment. I hope you’ll stop by again. Happy cruising to you.

[@williamwatson689]

Consider inviting a relative for company. I'm sure they would chip in.

[@lynnfranklin5098]

Are you close to a port often near sailings when ships aren’t full they will waive solo fee

[@paulreiche2746]

Ditto!

[@sharondalynnewton7562]

Do you have any kids? Grandkids? Church groups? My aunt travels with a travel group of women. She’s retired. No husband.

[@kimvilleneuve2543]

I only cruise on princess. Well because I am a princess 😂. Next February will be my 5 cruise.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Wishing you a wonderful 5th cruise, your highness!

[@jacksonlytal3302]

25 Princess cruises later...still the best !

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Whoa! 25?! You are very loyal.

[@Becca734]

Awesome video! Informative! I'm leaning towards princess cruises for my first cruise.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

I think you will really appreciate the experience and elegance of it all. They are definitely a premium cruise brand for a reason.

[@victoriabryant7563]

I enjoyed my first Princess cruise on the Emerald. The beds were the best I've ever slept on. And the service was great!

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

The best!

[@elenamarie25]

Thanks for all the info! I go on my first ever cruise in less than a week. I used to want to go on NCL, as they seem to be one of the better options for solos, but i prefer a calmer and quieter atmosphere. I think i made the right choice going with princess, hopefully.

[@donnahoffman8973]

We cruised to the Mexican Riviera New Years Eve, had a wonderful time. For a more all inclusive cruise we chose Princess Premier Package, so all food and drinks were pretty much covered, along with internet, gratuities, photo package, specialty deserts, 2 specialty restaurants, unlimited fitness classes, room service and more. We just loved the ship and the staff was awesome, not one complaint. My husband is a smoker and now they replaced the cigar/smokers lounge with an arcade. Only one smoking area on the ship now. The medallion works great, you can order anything and it will be brought to you wherever you are on the ship. Planning another trip soon.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Wonderful to hear. Those specialty desserts are really something!

[@jackredmond6023]

Great review! Sailing on Discovery Princess in August traveling to Alaska - second year in a row! 😁

[@DJN881]

I took that same cruise on the Discovery and loved it for the same reasons as you; but I must say that I have a soft spot for the quirky, kind of gawdy, Carnival Miracle, especially the dramatic dining room up in the Whale Tail.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

It has a lot of charm for sure!

[@kikky811]

What a beautiful ship! Can’t wait to try Princess cruises!

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

The Discovery is stunning. Thanks for watching and your feedback. Happy Cruising!

[@shelleybailey9120]

I’ve been on her twice and she is my favorite so far on the Princess fleet. I loved spending time in Crooners lounge before or after dinner.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Crooners was always packed, so you were in good company no doubt. Glad you like her. She’s a beauty. Can’t wait to experience the new Sun Princess!

[@luciejackson2164]

My favourite princess ship!!

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

She’s a beauty!!

[@susanbritton-giza5054]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise ! Princess is our favorite cruise line and after 35 cruises on a variety of lines, we love our Princess best ! Ole world class ! Without the stuffiness ! ❤ love your cruising experience 💞

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching.

[@ruthkringle1353]

Makes me homesick when I see a ship. I like being pampered and relaxing.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Same here 😄

[@benyounce8390]

Discovery Princess is a newer ship but don’t write off the older ships. I’m currently on a 32 day South Pacific cruise on the Sapphire Princess. Though an older ship by decades this ship continues to maintain top notch, cleanliness and is continually updated and refreshed. I will be cruising again on the sapphire in February to Antarctica.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Couldn't agree more. I have been on the Ruby several times and it is a delight. Several features I enjoy that Discovery doesn't even attempt. I like how these generations of ships have their own identity.

[@mandywong1408]

Great video! I like your details down to the medallion lanyard. I definitely subscribed.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Wow thank you for your support! Happy cruising.

[@pamelalambe1356]

Totally agree. Just home from Enchanted and it was my favourite ship ever. Beautiful decor, eleganant , fun, great atmosphere, friendly, comfortable, plentiful lounge chairs, excellent beds, attentive cabin steward, mediallion worked flawlessly, wonderful room service, and the best layed out , divided, spacious, and immaculate, delicious varied buffet. The entertainment was tops, and shows spectacular. And the staff and service exemplary. only complaint is you have to remember what elevator goes where.

[@Itsjustme2424]

My first cruise was on the Majestic Princess to Alaska. I loved it. Fifth cruise is booked.

[@frankrockenback5329]

Wonderful video. Very informative.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Why thank you! It was a pleasure to put together. Appreciate you taking time to watch and share feedback.

[@stevewilson6390]

Sounds so nice and calming, We normally go with Celibrity but unfortunately they are now getting so expensive , nickel & diming, and daming down the menu in the mdr. The trouble is making the leap to change cruise lines because when you get comfortable you tend to stay instead of trying new experiences.

[@paulreiche2746]

I do both East Caribbean w/ followed by 15 day Celebrity to Canada, Greenland and Iceland solo!

[@graceto6843]

We loved the Discovery, we went last year for our first cruise. I picked Princess because of the all inclusive cost compared to other cruise lines and also my parents enjoyed their Alaska experience with Princess. We did the Coastal California and I would most definintely book another Princess cruise in a heart beat. The Discovery was so clean, crew friendly, entertainment so fun, and the food.. ah the food was so so good and the portion sizes a perfect portion! My only regret is that I had to leave. 😄

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Leaving is the worst part, agreed! Haha thanks for watching. I feel the exact same way about Discovery Princess, glad you had such a wonderful experience.

[@lovecruisin6457]

32 Princess cruises, I have been on every ship - the Discovery twice. I always feel like I am at home on a princess . Nice video.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Wow, that’s impressive! Do you have a favorite Princess ship?

[@lovecruisin6457]

Yes - I really enjoy the Island and Coral because they are a smaller ships. Even though they are older ships, I like the size.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

@@lovecruisin6457 I hear that a lot. Hope to experience them one day.

[@rebecca94503]

Hi! Sailed on the Majestic in 2022 on this same itinerary. It was my first Princess cruise. I have been a loyal RCCL cruiser in past. However, I am sold on Princess and I am sailing the British/Irish Isles in August aboard the Regal...can't wait!

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Sounds like a dream cruise! How great you found your way to Princess. Have a wonderful time.

[@mandywong1408]

I've been considering RCCL, but I heard it's noisy. We go on cruises to relax so is this true about RCCL?

[@AxelQC]

We are booked on this same cruise in January.

[@tillyortiz346]

TFS, I will be a 1st time Princess cruiser in Nov we are on the Ruby Princess.. Looking foward to trying another cruise line, we've mostly cruised Royal as we are on ICON in May.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Congrats on trying Princess! I have a full trip experience on the Ruby Princess here on the channel. She is a great ship with a lot of charm. Where will the Ruby be taking you?

[@jeansoofi5716]

Loved your very informative video. Thank you. Where do you sign up for the Sanctuary when you board?

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Thanks so much for your feedback and for watching. Go straight to the Sanctuary itself on the very top deck forward. Their front desk will greet you, walk you through their availability and show you what inventory they have to choose from.

[@robertk4552]

Our first Princess Cruise is this coming June 2024 on the Royal Princess for 14 days to Alaska. Mini Suite Mid Ship with Premier Package. Our first time to Alaska so no excursions planned other than visiting the towns for our first time. We have been on Carnival and Disney so far and looking forward to something new.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

WOW - Those details make it sound even better. You are going to have an amazing time. Happy Cruising to you!

[@dmaextraordinaire8205]

We’ve been on board the Discovery Princess three times. Our favorite cruise was in a penthouse suite which offered ample room. We tend to sail the most with Princess because of their itineraries. We are not fans of sailing out of Florida, we prefer the West Coast. Unfortunately, we’ve noted that Princess does have the smallest staterooms and balconies. Other ships that we’ve sailed have a bed and a couch. On Princess however, in order to have a couch is considered an upgrade, and you pay for it. The Discovery is a lovely ship. The Sapphire and the Ruby have good layouts and are both easy to navigate. I love the indoor/covered pool area on both of those ships. The Grand needs to be retired, we wouldn’t recommend cruising on her. Happy travels.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Just did a full review of the Discovery Princess! You may find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3_Ue4Fsr9ejo7M

[@tomlane2390]

Thank you we are going on our first Princess next month to Alaska

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Appreciate you watching and your feedback. Have an amazing voyage. Which ship is taking you there?

[@paulashields7173]

Going on my first in June. Have fun.

[@ladymax23]

The last time I was on Princess Cruise Line was 1998 the Crown Princess Tahiti Hawaii OMG I'm like you I was floored and I was shocked. It was a solo cruise, and my first cruise, no snooty people on board, had a fabulous time. Everyone was oh so friendly and nice. I can't find those prices. I paid for Tahiti Hawaii 12 days $3500, and it was a discount it would have been $4,000. That was the first time 1998. The second time I cruised was Carnival OMG, a hot mess. After that, it's been Royal Caribbean and one NCL due to my travel agent because I was working as an artist coordinator. we brought our own onboard entertainment. I can't wait to try Princess again. Happy cruising🎉

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Just did a full review of the Discovery Princess! You may find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3_Ue4Fsr9ejo7M

[@robertk4552]

Our First Princess Cruise is in June 2024 on the Royal Princess. 14 days Alaska from Vancouver. Premier Package. Prior cruises were Disney and Carnival to the Caribbean. So we're excited for a new experience.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Fantastic! Happy cruising to you.

[@tanamurphy7388]

Just got off a seven day Alaskan cruise on the Ruby Princess and my mom and I thought it was a great time for first time cruisers. Loved every minute of it except the first two nights we discovered they don't hold reservations in the main dining rooms for you if all your party doesn't show up. We did kick up a bit of a fuss about this the second night, we did apologize later but after that they went to great lengths to accommodate us and make us comfortable. Gave a great review when the trip was over.

[@vanessamateen9613]

My first Princess cruise is in June on Enchanted

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Wishing you an enchanting cruise!

[@wadewave4323]

Hey Wade - I'm Wade too. My friend Cole is the Cruise Director on that ship. We did the World Cruise together last year and multiple others. Loved the vid!

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Hey Wade! I have had the pleasure of having Cole as Cruise Director on both the Ruby and the Discovery. He is hands down my favorite of all of the CD's on Princess, truly, brings so much personality and brilliant humor to the table. I was onboard when we Cole had his birthday earlier this year. Please pass him my sincere compliments. He is fantastic. Thank you for your kind feedback and for watching. Means a lot.

[@wadewave4323]

Hey Wade, I'm so happy that you had the pleasure of sailing with Cole on multiple occasions. I did a transatlantic on Sky when he was promoted to CD. I also sailed with him on Ruby and Island for the World Cruise. Also met his family when we were in New Zealand on the World Cruise. He's FAB - will pass on your hellos. Keep the FAB content coming. Love to follow you on FaceBook if you have a page. Take care!!! @@SoloCruiseTravel

[@sackanutz]

Was on the discovery in January, Cole is the best.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

@@sackanutz nobody better!

[@alasanasilvia5605]

We always cruise with Princess it’s our number 1 choice, and we always pay for the premium rate. Cruised on Discovery 3 times we love it.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Such a great ship. Where has Discovery taken you?

[@alasanasilvia5605]

@@SoloCruiseTravel we cruised twice to Mexico and pacific north when they changed our itinerary. No matter what we always enjoyed it.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

@@alasanasilvia5605 Fantastic!

[@kristireardon7035]

On Princess ships is there an adults only area with lounge chairs and pool that does not have an extra charge like the sanctuary in your video? Celebrity has a solarium adults only area that is included without an extra charge.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

They sure do! The Adults only area is two decks located right in front of the Sanctuary on Discovery Princess. FREE

[@jrtmanmd]

Going on Enchanted Princess next year.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Awesome! Where is it taking you?

[@jrtmanmd]

@@SoloCruiseTravel Western Carribean (7 days), It'll be my first civilian cruise.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

@@jrtmanmd what a great journey to start with! Have an amazing time.

[@happytraveller2122]

If you haven’t Cruise with them before you wouldn’t notice the difference. A few years ago there was many more things included with your basic fare . There’s a lot less included now and to get those items. You have to pay the plus fare or the premium fare .

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Just did a full review of the Discovery Princess! You may find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3_Ue4Fsr9ejo7M

[@lindaparry7491]

Hi one thing I noticed is Princess is quite generous with port stops. Many other up market cruise lines keep the number of stops down and bypass many interesting places. Port fees are high so it’s an economic strategy.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Good call out.

[@dondgc2298]

An alternate viewpoint is that many cruisers love sea days and enjoy not going to ports every day.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

@@dondgc2298 I’m a bigger fan of sea days myself!

[@KMA66]

What about your cabin? Was it a solo cabin? How many solo cabins on board??

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

No solo cabins on Discovery Princess. I stayed in a deluxe balcony obstructed stateroom. Full room tour coming soon!

[@KayakTN]

I didn't find it 'snooty' but I did find the onboard entertainment to be a little stale. The average age was somewhere between retired and deceased, but I did spend a wonderful week with a bunch of Navy veterans who were there for their annual meet up.

[@stevewilson6390]

😁 I'm 64 am i to young?

[@karibivona5725]

Sailed Grand Princess years ago. Main dining service was bad, the rest of the cruise was ok..recently sailed the New Carnival Jubilee, beautiful, but a huge ship. Prefer the Breeze or Valor we're Platinum, don't need all the extras. Just enjoy the fun atmosphere. Have sailed HAL and NCL, still prefer Carnival. And remind your listeners Princess is owned by Carnival Corp

[@keithm1138]

I've found Princess beds too soft. We like really firm mattresses. I love the loungers on the pool deck. (no, I don't) Try Oceania for soft "day bed" like comfort. Basically, ALL loungers on Oceania are like what you see in the Sanctuary. Princess has great caring staff & among the best excursion itineraries.

[@mandywong1408]

I agree! Princess' bed is too soft for me too.

[@gailhoover9263]

If interested, Norwegian and a few others offer solo price reductions.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Yep! Just got off one where I did a solo studio cabin. But the bulk of the industry still hits us with that double occupancy rate. All good though. Just happy to be cruising.

[@kimandcraig306heath9]

This is very informative. But is this technology really better? The food looks great and Wifi is a great idea for no charge while on the cruise. People all love a variety of foods instead of same stuff every night. What about Disney cruise have they notified you yet to do a cometetive report? That would be an interesting cruise maybe.? With all they have to offer as well!.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

There is still a charge for wifi, it’s just all Inclusive of one price. The medallion technology makes a Princess cruise much better than any cruise still having you handle cards for things.

[@PhillProbst]

Feather pillows? That would be a non-starter for me (allergies). Is there an alternative available? Or do I have to bring my own from home?

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

There are! Just let them know.

[@terrorbulyfe]

Buffet space is a definite on the newer Discovery ship. On the older Grand classes, everything on those are pretty dated.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

I share a similar reaction in my review of the Ruby Princess. That buffet was like a hospital cafeteria from the 70's!

[@mandywong1408]

But is the food still up to par?

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

@@mandywong1408 to me it seemed like the food offered was fine it was just less of a selection due to the size restrictions

[@MelissaHerzog-px9cn]

What was the cabin number you were in?

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

My first Discovery Princess Cruise was in E512.

[@MelissaHerzog-px9cn]

@@SoloCruiseTravel So funny thats the cabin im booked in for my trip.!!! Is that the cabin in the video? I wanted to see the obstruction.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

@@MelissaHerzog-px9cn ha! Small world. Yep it’s in there as I talk about the luxury bedding. When is your cruise? I’ll be releasing a full room tour in the next week or so.

[@MelissaHerzog-px9cn]

@@SoloCruiseTravel My cruise is April 13th. I did get to see the ship a few weeks ago on a Ship Tour but we werent able to see any cabins. That cabins obstruction isnt that bad at all. Now Im happy that I got to see it. I didnt want that big white thing in my view and I havent been able to move out of the cabin because the sailing is completely sold out.

[@fabb2527]

I sailed this past Sunday on my first cruise and I am now hooked. I don't think I will be able to cruise any other line. I loved it!

[@happytraveller2122]

The beds are comfortable, but the cabin size is small in comparison to Royal Caribbean of the same category

[@deborahsheldon9951]

It depends on the Princess ship. I just got off a Celebrity Summet balcony cruise, our room was a little larger than a broom closet.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Have you ever taken a cruise on Princess? What do you like most about them??

[@harlanabraham7772]

Have taken two cruises on Princess. Both were to New England and Canada. The food was good on Princess. They used to have a lot of included restaurants on the ships. Now they charge for almost everything. The Specialty Coffee's are good and cost a little extra. Like the Gelato place. Have gone to the buffett for lunch and it was pretty good. Last Princess cruise used a medallion and it was pretty good. Nothing on a cruise is "free". It is either included or you pay extra for it. The Buffett is pretty well spaced out. Not packed in like a sardine can. Most days like to eat at the MDR, but, if get back late from a shore excursion good to know the buffett is there.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

@@harlanabraham7772 I appreciated the early and late hours of the buffet. That was great.

[@abrahamclott5604]

My first ever cruise was solo last Oct on the Emerald Princess to Canada/NE. I absolutely loved it and have a booking on The Sapphire to Alaska in May. I understand that The Emerald is older than The Discovery but I found everything you liked on The Discovery to apply to The Emerald as well. Having had such a good experience for the price, and with Princess offering so many interesting itineraries, I see no reason to consider other lines. Of course I can imagine some changes that would increase my enjoyment even more, but they would increase the price unrealistically. Unless something goes way wrong with Alaska, I look forward to many more Princess cruises in the future and have a long wish list of trips.

[@djb6313]

I love Princess Cruises. Their entertainment options are a good middle of the road variety than are entertaining and fun. The food has never disappointed me as a whole but there are some days where what was on the menu didn’t meet the quality of the other days. The access to services via the medallion is fantastic! Love that feature! The ships have been clean - even the older ones but the older ones do look a little dated in style. Boarding is a great experience compared with other ship lines - smooth, quick, and painless. The rooms and the beds are really comfortable which has definitely left me renewed, rested, rejuvenated. I’ve also found their recent shipboard internet access on some of their ships to be very good and lived up to their high speed promise. I’ve sailed with Princess 16 times as well as been on other cruise lines 5 times and as you can see, my preference has been for Princess considering the amount of times I’ve been with them.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

@@abrahamclott5604 good for you. I’ve come to really appreciate Princess and feel very well taken care of on their ships. Glad you’ve experienced the Emerald and will experience Sapphire. The older ships have a lot to appreciate as well that these newer and bigger ships can’t compete with. Please stop by again and happy cruising to you!

[@trishmagee7595]

I love Princess. I will never cruise any other line.

[@happytraveller2122]

You should try others. You might be surprised

[@froodogga7053]

avoid princess...they've lost it...poor service, too many nominal fees, old dated and dark ships...meh

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

Totally disagree, hop aboard their newer ships and it’s a very different experience from what you’re describing, at least it was for me.

[@froodogga7053]

@@SoloCruiseTravel 200+ cruises here...princess theeeee worst since 2020. Read the "which" report. Princess ranks dead last of all cruise options. Lower than Costa and MSc.

[@SoloCruiseTravel]

@@froodogga7053 that’s a UK publication and Princess is still highly regarded in the states where they serve the majority of their customers. Sorry to hear you’re no longer a fan of them.

[@froodogga7053]

@@SoloCruiseTravel well ya, of course, it only matters in murica...

[@WokOverEasy]

@@froodogga7053I can’t imagine anything worse than MSc. They were so so disorganised leaving the NYC port. Everyone was frustrated it took two hours to be let out and then hours more to be allowed back on ship. Horrible.