I love cruising with Princess Cruises because they do a lot of things right. I’ve always enjoyed great food onboard, and the relaxed, peaceful vibes are perfect for relaxing. It’s also my go-to cruise line for Alaska sailings and adventurous excursions.
However, it’s not always been plain sailing on Princess cruise ships. Sometimes, the MedallionClass app is a letdown, and the dining and entertainment options seem to wind down around 10 p.m. And, after reading countless comments on cruise forums, it seems I’m not the only cruiser disappointed by some services on a Princess cruise.
The good news is that you don’t have to learn by trial and error. In this article, I’ve shared what I get right on my cruise vacation and what I always avoid on a Princess cruise ship. After all, the dream vacation at sea is all about managing expectations.
9 Things That Shocked Me on a Princess Cruise Ship
What are some of the things you definitely want to rethink on a Princess Cruise so that nothing spoils your cruise vacation?
I Thought OceanNow Would Be Fast and Magical — It Wasn’t
I was sold on the idea from the start—order a cocktail or pizza from anywhere on the ship, and it finds you. What was the reality? While the app sometimes worked, delivery was inconsistent. Sometimes, I waited over an hour for my margarita to arrive.
It seems I’m not the only cruiser complaining about the MedallionClass OceanNow technology. Many passengers shared online that it’s a fantastic perk—when it works. Others said that ordering was 50/50 and that going to the bar was often easier and quicker.
Despite the tech bugs, I’d definitely rank MedallionClass as one of the things Princess Cruises does best—when it works.
I Didn’t Plan for Entertainment Seating — Rookie Mistake
One thing I didn’t expect on a Princess ship was how small the theater was. I thought I could stroll in ten minutes before showtime and snag a decent seat. Big mistake. I discovered that the theater fills fast, and the legroom is tighter than the cheapest seats on an economy flight.
The online consensus is that you should get to the theater an hour before shows start if you want a decent seat. What’s worse is that there are sometimes only two or three shows per cruise. So, with a 900-person capacity, a lot of cruisers are disappointed at not getting into a show.
Related reading: 15 Princess Cruise Booking Mistakes to Avoid at All Cost.
I Trusted the Food Would Be Great Across the Board — Spoiler: It Wasn’t
Princess Cruises has a solid reputation for great food, and its casual dining options usually hit the mark. But I discovered, to my surprise, that some meals flopped. Once on the Sun Princess, the macaroni and cheese tasted worse than processed cheese, and I left my tempura cauliflower because it tasted bland
But it’s not just me who’s felt let down by inconsistency in some casual dining restaurants. Other guests shared on Cruise Critic that the breakfast at the buffet on Grand Princess was “OK,” but lunch and dinner were awful. Others described the food as mediocre.
I’d recommend Alfredo’s, which is a must-do. It’s also a good idea to read menus and reviews carefully before deciding where to dine outside of the Main Dining Room (MDR).
I Didn’t Expect Service Delays (Especially on a New Premium Ship)
I booked a Princess cruise expecting premium service on par with Celebrity Cruises, so I didn’t think I’d have to complain about slow service. But that’s what happened on Sun Princess. It seemed that drink orders took forever in some lounges, and dinner in the MDR was a two-hour affair.
It seems opinions are mixed about the quality of service on Princess cruise ships. Some guests cannot fault it, whereas others talk about inattentive cabin stewards or waiting too long for drink orders on the Lido deck.
Discover how the newest Princess cruise ships compare with older vessels in my article The Best & Worst Princess Ships Ranked by Reviews.
I Booked Spellbound – But Was the High Price Worth It?
Spellbound is one of the most immersive experiences I’ve had on a cruise ship. This Victorian-themed venue offers guests an enchanting blend of fine dining, mesmerizing magic performances, and theatrical cocktails. But I had to question if the $150 price tag was worth it. The multi-course meal was OK, and I enjoyed the magic show, albeit fairly short. I was glad I booked Spellbound, but would I do it again? Probably not.
The issue many cruisers have is that meals are served in the Deck 8 dining room, and then everyone is marched to Spellbound. On the plus side, you can linger in the area as long as you want after the magic show has finished. Some cruisers say that despite the price, the experience is worth it. However, many passengers share that there are probably better ways to spend $150 onboard.
I Assumed Balcony Cabins on a Princess Ship Would Be Bigger — How I Was Wrong
I booked a balcony cabin on Royal Princess, expecting to have plenty of space to stretch out. Unfortunately, there was hardly any room for a table and two chairs. I found myself sidestepping chairs and knocking knees with the railing. The cabin? Cozy, but tighter than expected, definitely not the spacious luxury I imagined.
One reviewer nailed it: “Great views, but you won’t be doing yoga out there.” I still loved the fresh air and ocean soundtrack. Just know—on Princess, “balcony” doesn’t always mean “big.”
Which Princess cruise ships have the best and largest balcony cabins? Read my article The Best & Worst Princess Cruise Ship Classes to find out more.
I Expected Late-Night Dining to Be Like Other Cruise Lines — It Wasn’t
Princess cruises attracts travelers for their relaxed vibe, but don’t expect much to stay open after 11 p.m. I’ve read that on some ships, the buffet may close even earlier. The International Café usually stays open the latest, but don’t expect late-night pizzas or hot snacks.
Cruisers on Reddit warned, “Princess isn’t built for night owls, and you won’t get the late-night dining options that Carnival and Royal Caribbean are famous for.” They were right. If you eat late, plan ahead. Of course, for Princess loyalists, the dining setup is perfect.
Letting One Venue Shape My Whole Opinion
One thing I regret about Princess is letting the cramped theater—tight rows and low seats—sour my onboard opinion of their entertainment spaces. In hindsight, I should have tried alternate lounges or outdoor screenings.
After reading reviews of various entertainment options, I should have spent more time in Take Five and the Crooners Cocktail & Piano Lounge. Several cruisers shared that the jazz sets in Take Five were amazing every night. Lesson learned!
I Relied on Customer Service to Resolve Issues Onboard Fast
I quickly learned with Princess that it’s a big mistake to rely on their customer service team to resolve issues quickly. I had problems with my Plus Package on day one, and I was still waiting the next day to get it sorted. On another cruise filled with glitches, I submitted a complaint—and waited about three weeks for a reply.
One cruiser on Cruise Critic said, “Bring patience—and screenshots.” Wish I had. I’ve learned to sort issues early, double-check everything in the app, and never assume it’ll be fixed with one visit to Guest Services.
What I Got Right (And You Should Absolutely Copy)
So, a few things haven’t gone to plan on Princess cruise ships—despite that, I still love the cruise line. The vibe, the views, the slower pace—it just works for me. If you want a stress-free cruise vacation, here are some things to make the experience way better.
Booking the Princess Plus or Premier Package
The Princess Plus Package is one of the hands-down best-value drink packages at sea. It covers gratuities, drinks up to $15, WiFi, desserts, juice, and fitness classes. Honestly, it makes the trip feel more relaxed—no nickel-and-diming, no surprise charges.
Most cruisers agree that the Princess Plus offers tremendous value. One cruiser shared, “I did the math and saved over $400 on my cruise. Also, I had the bonus of WiFi, which I usually skip because it’s such an expensive add-on on other cruise lines.”
Princess also offers a Premier Package, which includes drinks up to $20, faster WiFi for up to four devices, two specialty dining meals, fitness classes, photo perks, and more.
However, it should be noted that Princess Plus or Premier packages are not suitable for everyone or for certain cruise types, and you can read more about it here.
Eating at Alfredo’s Multiple Times
Dining at Alfredo’s Pizzeria is one reason to cruise with Princess and get the Plus package. With Plus, you get two complimentary casual dining meals, including Alfredo’s. I’d definitely recommend going there at least twice to sample the delicious pizza and pasta.
Despite the limited menu options—apart from a ton of pizza choices—cruisers on Cruise Critic rave about Alfredo’s. Some say it’s the “Best pizza at sea, hands down.” Others praise the restaurant for its upscale yet comfortable, smart-casual surroundings.
One of my smartest moves onboard was skipping the buffet in favor of Alfredo’s. Even without the complimentary dining, $15 for a delicious pizza is super-great value.
Exploring Casual Dining Instead of Relying on the Buffet
A reason I love Princess Cruises is their range of casual dining options. Apart from the delicious Alfredo’s, you’ll find a great range of pub-style places that serve everything from sushi to burgers, tacos, pasta, and ribs. Casual dining gave me variety without the buffet chaos or lukewarm trays.
Unless you have a Plus or Premium package, you’ll pay between $8 and $15 per cover. According to comments on cruise forums, Salty Dog and O’Malley’s were unexpected favorites. The vibe at O’Malley’s was laid-back but lively—live music, comfort food, and a proper pub feel. Salty Dog hit the spot with elevated bar bites and one of the best burgers I’ve had at sea.
However, be prepared for slow service during peak times. One cruiser joked, “Order a drink and settle in—it’s worth the wait.”
Using the Medallion to Track My Partner and Skip Lines
I remember the first time using the MedallionClass tag—what a game-changer! It made the whole cruise experience so much smoother. I was impressed that my cabin door opened as I approached, and ordering food and drinks with OceanNow was super convenient (despite some glitches and slow service).
What I love about the Medallion app is seeing exactly where my partner was on the ship. I agree with one cruiser who said, “The tracking app was surprisingly useful. No more wandering around the ship looking lost and missing connections.”
Scheduling Dinner Around Shows (Eventually)
At first, I did what most newbies do—dinner first, shows later. But I kept arriving late or getting stuck with bad seats. So, I decided to flip it when I wanted to get great theater seats. Show first, then dinner, and never missed a show. No rushing, no stress, no aisle squatting.
Cruisers always say, “Plan your nights in reverse.” Now I get it. Princess shows fill up fast, and dinner’s more flexible anyway. Once I nailed the timing, evenings felt way more relaxed—and way more fun. Remember, timing is everything on packed sailings.
Getting to Know My Cabin Steward Was Worth It
I always make a point of chatting with my cabin steward and leaving a tip on the first day. They always greeted me by name and noticed when I needed extra towels. My partner and I also got bathrobes and luxury toiletries that weren’t in our cabin class. The attendant also gave us great tips on finding the quietest spots on the ship.
Even More Things I Got Right on My Princess Cruise (That You Should Totally Steal)
I Chose Princess Over Carnival (For the Right Reasons)
It was something I learned early on when I started cruising—pick the right cruise line for the experience you’re after. That’s why I always pick Princess over Carnival when I want calm seas and tranquility, not poolside dance parties.
Princess cruises hit the sweet spot when you’re after a quieter, more relaxed vibe. No conga lines around the ship or belly-flop competitions—just ocean views, fine wine, piano tunes, and space to breathe.
Cruisers in Reddit say that “Carnival’s the party, Princess is the getaway,” and I couldn’t agree more. When I’ve been craving downtime with a splash of elegance, I’ve never had any regrets on a Princess ship.
Related Reading: Princess vs. Carnival—Which Cruise Line Should You Choose?
I Prioritized the Right Specialty Restaurants
I spend time reading reviews of specialty dining options on Princess cruise ships, and it’s helped me learn how to make the right calls. After a few disappointments, I’ve found that Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, Umai Hot Pot, and The Catch by Rudi consistently get rave reviews. So, I now try to dine in at least one specialty restaurant.
A cruiser shared online, “Crown Grill’s filet was better than what I had on land.” I can vouch for that! By picking smart, you can enjoy a memorable meal without regret.
I Took Time to Explore the Lido Deck
I quickly learned to avoid the mistake many cruisers make—they rush through the Lido deck straight for the buffet. They don’t realize that the Lido Deck has some of the best complimentary food on board and without the chaos. You’ll find delicious tacos, lamb shawarma, and healthy salad options.
Many cruisers share how they head for the Lido Deck, grab food at Prego Pizza or the Trident Grill, and then take their food to the Horizon Terrace for stunning aft views. It’s a much better experience than battling buffet crowds.
I Explored the Ship’s Design and Found the Best Spots Early
The first couple of hours on board, I make sure to explore every deck while the ship is quiet. By dinner, I already knew where to find quiet corners, the best views, and the shortcut staircases everyone else missed. It makes the rest of the cruise feel easier.
A traveler on Cruise Critic said, “Get your steps in early—it pays off.” They were right. Another shared that many cruisers stick to Deck 17 on Sun Princess and Star Princess. Knowing the ship’s layout saves time, stress, and frustration. Plus, I can usually snag the best loungers before anyone else.
I Didn’t Waste Money on Photo Packages or Trinkets
After two cruises, I quickly learned to avoid cruise ship rip-offs like overpriced photo packages with staged backdrops. Others splurge on over-priced souvenirs that feature the Princess logo. Some of the best pictures I’ve got from cruising are ones I took myself.
I agree with what one cruiser said, “Those photos collect dust, but memories don’t. I’d rather spend my money on the Plus or Premier package to make the cruise experience extra special.” Another said, “Save your hard-earned cash for cocktails and shore days.”
I Balanced Activities and Relaxation — Without Overbooking Myself
Gone are the cruises when I’d pack my days with trivia and dance classes or try almost every event in the Princess Patter. Instead, I learned to choose one or two things a day and let the rest unfold. It keeps the trip feeling like a vacation—not a checklist.
Cruisers always say, “You don’t need to do it all to enjoy it all.” That stuck with me. Slowing down meant more ocean time, less stress, and better memories. The last thing you want is to feel like you need another vacation after your exhausting cruise.
I Didn’t Overpack or Lug Around the Wrong Stuff on Embarkation Day
Packing the right carry-on is the key to enjoying the first few hours onboard any cruise ship, not just on Princess. Here’s what I pack: a change of clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, essential meds, and my Medallion app. Then, get changed and head to the Lido deck while waiting for your luggage to arrive.
I Knew When to Cut My Losses and Adjust Plans
I’ve discovered that flexibility is key to enjoying every cruise vacation. Let’s face it: things don’t always go according to plan. One time, slow service in the MDR made us late to a show—and the theater was already packed. Instead of squeezing in, we left, grabbed a cocktail, and found a quiet corner. It turned out to be one of our favorite nights on board. No regrets.
A cruiser on Reddit said, “Sometimes the best moments aren’t the ones you planned.” Another shared that they ate dinner earlier to make the most of the Dome shows.
Getting it Right Sailing With Princess Cruises
Enjoying the perfect cruise vacation with Princess is about making smart choices when planning and when on board. I got some hard knocks early on and quickly learned from my mistakes. Hopefully, sharing my experiences on Princess ships will help you cruise with more confidence and fewer surprises. Wishing you calm seas, clear skies, and your favorite seat on deck.
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