ruby princess aug 09 v thomson cruises

[bollinger]

Has anybody sailed on both Thomson and Princess cruises?
We have been on all the Thomson ships over the past few years, myself, husband and 3 childres now 11, 13 and 15. Feel we have DONE Thomson so next year have booked on the new Ruby Princess cruise in the med. Are slightly worried about costs on board because have always been all inclusive on Thomson ( which was the big draw). Can we expect a very big difference between the two companies and will Princess cruises still be good for kids. Has anybody got experience of both?
Bollinger

[HW tenpin]

Hi Bollinger,

Done both many times, and they are very different the Ruby is certainly a class above any Thomson with all of their onboard facilities, Princess will blow your mind with the surroundings alone.

The main difference is the whole package with Thomson, AI, tips ect are included in cruise price, with Princess they are not, expect $10.50 pppd added for graduties, at time of writting this can be take off at anytime at reception, but they are looking at fixing it.

The main difference is in dining a whole range of options are available to you, your best bet would be anytime dining rather than fixed, same menu but you turn up and get table on arrival.

Kids club is very good, with plenty of outside things set aside for them as well as the club.

They do several wine packages, and I beleive a 'soda card' once you get your cruise number go to Princess site log-in and you can explore tours, booked extras, enter all your passport and paperwork details before you go, saving loads of time at check in.

Think you will all enjoy the Ruby I will try to answer any questions yoi have about her.

[bollinger]

Thanks Tenpin
It is nice to find someone who has done both.
We chose Princess over Royal Caribbean because we are a bit scared of the all American Millies cookies/Ben and Jerrrys thing, are we likely to be overwelmed with the have a good day thing or will there be a mixed nationality onboard and also great waiters etc from around the world as on the Thomson ships?

[judithchalmers2]

No contest. Princess wins on every count from surroundings to food to variety of entertainment and childrens club.

But to the poster who chose Princess over Royal Caribbean - there is very little difference - both are American lines but with a mix of nationalties among the passengers. In fact we found fewer Americans and the food more to English taste on Royal Caribbean. I'd go on either line like a shot.

Thomson was OK as an overnight taxi to some fascinating ports and the entertainment was good, but there is no comparison with Princess or Royal Caribbean. However, gratuities do add up to a substantial amount on these lines - don't get me started on the tight people who stiff the crew by removing them!!

If you liked Thomson, you'll love Princess

[HW tenpin]

Hello Bollinger,

Really don't ever remember hearing 'have a good day' on either RC or Princess (Over 15 cruises) The American passengers are in fact rather nice people on the whole. and we have made some very good US friends over the years who we still travel with.

But that said in the main 'Med cruises' by any line seem to have a mixed list and would say mostly European, while the Caribbean is mostly American and Canadian.
Costa and MSC are Italian and that is reflected in their food.

While JudithC may disagree with us Brits, we as a whole do not favour tipping as a right. I have always felt those those who go that one step further should be rewarded, but since some lines are introducing fixed 'Gratuities' the standard of service is declining. We English are so used to the minimum wage that we forget that not all overseas workers get it. A family of 5 can expect something like $500 be added to their account, so I would tip room service/stewart, dining room waiters.

You will enjoy Princess and can say also RC should you ever consider it.