Rambling in Japan and Cruising Across the Pacific 2005: What makes Princess Cruises unique?

Monday, May 09, 2005

I wasn't sure whether I was equipped to answer this question so I made it the question of the day and asked people I met throughout the day.

Afternoon tea in the British tradition. Apparently, Cunard on the QE and QM do it the best though. However, people who've sailed on the QM2 have all told me it's a horrible ship to sail on - badly designed and just not good all round. I guess that's why you can now sail six days for $699. I do remember HAL did a pretty good job of afternoon tea, but I haven't been on their ships for a while so I'm not sure now.
Passenger handling and organization for embarkation, tours, etc. has been emphasized a a real strong point. Also during pre-cruise and post-cruise packages and airport arrivals and departures, they seem to nurture their cruise folk.
Another point that many agree on is that the value for the price can't be beat.
Their Elite status is probably cloned on all the other ships but I don't know about that. But I think it's fabulous. I love the free internet, laundry, dry cleaning, etc.

Otherwise, I guess it's quite a generic product.