Princess Cruises, Emerald Princess

There are no segregated cabins for smokers and non smokers on the Emerald Princess, but there is non and smoking areas on deck. The smoke from other cabins and balconies encroached on the enjoyment of my accommadation and feel that this should be put into the brochure so that you can make a decision before booking.

The self service restaurant food was very varied and good

Everyone smiles and really tries to be of service. No wireless internet signal in my stateroom or on balcony! I've already put down a deposit on my next cruise!

The Emerald Princess is a beautiful ship and well maintained. Accommodation was nice and spacious. Cabin service was adequate. Lots of places to hang out and eat for adults, less so for teens. Food was okay and plentiful but definitely not five star. Actually quality and tastes were disappointing. Service was mediocre and at times inattentive. Service charges, prepaid gratuities and demands for additional gratuities was a downer as well. We had a much better experience with Princess in 2007 (California to Mexico) so we will likely give this cruise line one more chance because of quality of their ships, but others are catching up.

Good all round service also plenty to do on board ship. Rooms are very spacious and staff are always willing to help when required.

Also cannot really moan about food it was fresh and plentyful

Also every where was clean and tidy. I especially enjoyed the shows they were very well thought out.

In my experience I found the customer service on the Emerald Princess was very poor and in some areas of the ship downright rude. I purchased a soft drinks card $58 and I feel that the bar staff don't promote this as there are no gratuities for them, no smiles, friendly banter. Order a drink or cocktail and how things change.

The Adagio and the Wheelhouse bar were the best bars by far, the Adagio in particular. The main dining room service on one morning in my opinion was so bad that I had the gratuity charge removed from my bill (this is shown on your bill as Hotel charge $10.50 per day). Gratuity is also added to any bar bills with an option of you adding another gratuity. I really think the Emerald Princess is beautiful ship, however the crew that did give good service were let down by many of those that didn't. Customers who pay to go on these cruises expect the best however on this occasion that in my view did not happen. I will be cruising again but will probably go with another liner.