Sailing on Emerald Princess
Beccy Miller
Ryan and Rob recently took a short trip with Princess Cruises onboard Emerald Princess as she sailed around the British Isles. Let's find out what they thought...
The Medallion App
We loved the app! We had the Princess Plus package which included Wi-Fi, but the app can work without this add-on. It was challenging to log in but got there after a few attempts. Anything that cannot be done on the app can be completed at the port, so we didn't worry too much. The only thing you cannot get off the app is the luggage labels, but these can be printed off the website or collected at the port (which we did.)
The app is linked to the physical Medallion that you are given at check-in. It is a small coin-sized token which is placed within a lanyard and placed around your neck. Keeping this with you at all times is your access to all of the above and more onboard. The app shows the staff where you are sitting and your favourite drinks and ordering trends so they can recommend the best things for you! You can personalise the Medallion by purchasing one of the many wearable accessories to slot it into, such as a watch or necklace.
Once onboard, the app is amazing and straightforward to use. We used the app to order food and drink anywhere on the ship for quick and efficient service (tried and tested this in many areas of the ship and it worked every time). You can also live chat with guest services, book and amend dining reservations, order room service, add your travelling companions and message them around the ship and so much more.
Cabins
Although Emerald Princess is one of the older ships in the fleet, the cabins were still extremely comfortable, especially the famed Princess bed! We stayed in a standard balcony cabin beneath the lido deck and buffet, but we could not hear any noise from either deck from the cabin. The bathroom was on the smaller side but had everything you needed and the water was always hot and powerful, even in the evening when everyone was getting ready for the evening meals. At 6ft 4in though, Rob had to crouch down to wash his hair! The cabin was a lovely place to relax at any time of the day and the balcony, which came with 2 deck chairs and a table was a great place to enjoy the views of the voyage.
Pool, Spa & Activities
The ship had a fantastic range of facilities for all ages onboard. It might not have the wow factor facilities of some of the newer ships at sea, but there was still so much to do. The lido deck hosted a number of pools and hot tubs which never felt busy even though the ship was at full capacity. There is a fantastic pool area at the back of the ship looking over the views from the aft. The Spa and Sanctuary had a wonderfully calm atmosphere and had everything you needed from the gym, treatment rooms, sauna, thermal suite and more. There were great facilities for children onboard in the kids club which had a secure space for them to enjoy time spent with the other children onboard. For young adults or the young-at-heart, the ship’s nightclub hosts music until late.
Food & Drink
We both agreed that the food and drink offered by Princess were some of the best we have experienced on a cruise to date. The quality of the food in the main restaurant was incredible, with around six starters (including soups), twelve main courses, including five “Princess Favourites” that are available every night, and nine different desserts, there really is something for everyone! The service from the restaurant staff was also very good – water was regularly topped up and jokes and laughs were made throughout the meal. We also dined in the Crown Grill on our last night and, as long as steak is your thing, you will not leave disappointed! The $29pp supplement is worth every penny for fantastic, well-cooked steak, unlimited side dishes and impeccable service.
Entertainment
During our short break, there were, unfortunately, no West End-style shows performed although a very good comedian (Paul Adams) did perform on two nights and left everyone crying with laughter. There was also plenty of live music including house bands, violinists and pianists, as well as a movie screen outside which showed films over the course of a day and evening – at night time, they even provided complimentary popcorn, blankets and pillows.
