We chose the trip for the itinerary i.e.
to the very North of Norway and as such that aspect was good.
Our first time on Princess so expected some unfamiliar practices.
The first impression is very much driven by their “Medallion” system [a widget you hang around your neck rather that a key-card] this and it’s IT system is joy-reducing even before boarding the ship: pre-booking of dining times was a disaster because the App crashes and it limits access to all but the first few days then fills up most times from the “higher ranks” of passengers.
We were guided on a work-around by staff who were fully aware of “the Medallion problem” and sympathetic.
The ship itself is old and a bit “tired” but identical to P&O’s Azura on which we had a good Mediterranean experience.
It appeared that the ship was not at its best it the stormy waters of the North Sea, rolling a pitching far more that we’d ever experienced before even crossing Atlantic and Pacific.
As usual there were very few quiet places – loud music everywhere.
Worst feature: the Medallion system was overcharging us 8 times in the first 5-days! No receipts are given and the App only tells you the total transaction charge not itemised – so private detective work essential.
Staff are well aware of this problem and swiftly correct when told, but we had to identify the charges first.
Interestingly all the “errors” on our account were over-charges not a single undercharge.
It would appear that this does not worry the management as “most passengers opt for the Plus package” – free drinks so no need to check!
The Plus package is heavily pushed before and during embarkation.
My Maths shows it would only be cost effective if you –
1.
would follow their advice on Staff Appreciation @ $16 per person per day,
2.
value their WIFI rather than rely on your normal mobile data-roaming package, and
3.
drink the balance of the $60 per person per day!
Conclusion: it will have to be a very special itinerary for us to chose Princess again.
