I’m fortunate sufficient to have sailed on each ship Princess Cruises has launched since 2013, to not point out a number of older ones.
So, the true problem when boarding a ship like Solar Princess is determining the best way to eat in as most of the newly launched venues as attainable whereas nonetheless becoming in with my longtime favorites.
Generally, getting a chunk to eat is much less a couple of venue being new than one thing acquainted that has been given a brand new look. That was the case this morning when not being a lot of a breakfast individual, I skipped the buffet in favor of grabbing a latte and a yogurt on the Worldwide Cafe.
I really like the best way the Cafe is ready up on this ship. It’s divided right into a bakery and a espresso counter. That sounds easy, however if you happen to simply wish to seize a pastry, you don’t have to face according to all of the folks ready for espresso.
You probably have the Plus or Premier packages, you don’t have to attend in line, as you possibly can have your breakfast delivered straight to your room.
Princess Medallion on Solar Princess
I’m a giant fan of the Princess Medallion. This wearable tech is nearly not possible to lose and might function every little thing out of your room key to a bank card.
It’s the identical factor because the Magic Band Disney rolled out some time again, though, with the Medallion, you might have numerous choices if you happen to’re not into the concept of sporting it in your wrist like a watch. I hold mine on a lanyard looped round my belt, but it surely’s the vendor’s selection.
I’m the least trendy individual, so not one of the different equipment me. A lanyard is ideal for me since I lose a keycard not less than as soon as on each cruise.
Plus, your door opening as you method it’s tremendous useful, particularly for somebody like me who’s at all times carrying a water bottle or a laptop computer, if not each.
‘Ephesus on Your Personal’ Tour
Right now, we had been in Kusadasi, Turkey. I used to be up and about early, as we’d booked an audio-guided strolling tour of Ephesus by way of Princess, which rang at $114.95. It was a couple of 30-minute experience outdoors of Kusdasi and a nice shore tour lasting about 4 hours.
We met within the pub for our tour and left promptly at 9:30 a.m. A motorcoach took us to the positioning, the place we explored for a few hours.
There’s a lot historical past within the space, and strolling down the identical paths they did 2,000 years in the past was fairly wild. Getting misplaced is not possible even for somebody with no sense of route, as you begin at one level after which finish at one other. We walked previous a centuries-old library, an historical temple, and Turkish baths.
The day ended with a go to to a Turkish rug manufacturing facility. Whereas they ran a bit of wealthy for my blood, a number of folks in our group fortunately purchased the attractive $6,000 rugs.
The couple sitting subsequent to us used their ocean medallion on the rug retailer and acquired seven % again in onboard credit score—sensible of them. The one factor I may consider was my utilizing the rug as a scratching pad!
The tour was cool, and doing it at your individual tempo was excellent. I like to recommend it as transportation, particularly if you’re extra of an on-you-own individual and need independence on shore excursions.
Dinner at Alfredo’s
Having walked sufficient to work up an urge for food, we opted to seize an early dinner at Alfredo’s as soon as we’d gotten again to the ship.
This pizza place has lengthy been a favourite amongst Princess cruise passengers. Nonetheless, the road upset various loyalists by slapping an upcharge on the previously free venue for anybody who doesn’t buy the Princess Plus or Premier packages—extra on the pricing in a second.
The ambiance of Alfredo’s is inviting. Situated proper off the Piazza, it’s the right spot — each when it comes to comfort and meals — for grabbing lunch, dinner, or a between-meal snack. And sure, a pizza could be a between-meal snack, not less than in my guide!
Beforehand, the cooks took about seven minutes to cook dinner one of many made-to-order pizzas. However because of their new flash ovens, your pizza may be cooked in 90 seconds, which is unbelievable. Meaning regardless of how crowded it will get—and the place could be very standard—there’s by no means an extended wait.
I went with a mozzarella and tomato salad this spherical, which was excellent alongside a Margherita pizza.
So, how a lot will a meal right here price? A pizza will set you again $8.50, or you possibly can have an appetizer, pizza/calzone, and dessert for $14.99. The eating expertise right here takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Our authentic intention was to attempt to seize a reservation to eat right here early, however slots had been few and much between. Consuming at 5:30 was very best, as we may stroll proper in with no wait. It seems the early fowl will get not solely the worm but additionally dinner and good service.
It’s nonetheless a bit cool in Europe at the moment of 12 months, however we may’ve dined outdoors on the patio if we had opted.
It’s price noting that you may nonetheless get free pizza on the Solar Princess. Whereas Slice Pizza, situated on the pool deck, is akin to what you’d get free on different strains, it’s nowhere close to pretty much as good as Alfredo’s.
Onboard WiFi Speeds
Earlier than testing that night’s leisure, I returned to the room to work out on the balcony for some time. I’ve to say, I used to be impressed with the web pace.
As a result of I’m a tech man who depends on the web for work, I did random pace checks all through the journey utilizing my iPhone, MacBook, and Google Pixel (a cellphone I take advantage of for a hotspot with an area SIM whereas in port).
They had been constantly within the 5-10 Mbps vary, which is nice for a cruise ship. I’ve been on ships that boast about their high-speed web, solely to have it’s greater than 1 Mbps.
Wandering Across the Ship
The onboard programming on Mediterranean cruises fascinates me as a result of the itineraries are so port-intensive. Except you’re a seasoned night time owl, it’s essential to begin the get together a lot sooner than you’d on a Caribbean cruise. Keep up too late; you may simply sleep by way of your tour the following morning!
The ship had its share of leisure, minus the manufacturing exhibits, which weren’t prepared but since this was one of many first sailings. It’s common for the primary few sailings of a brand new ship to have this subject.
When Norwegian Viva debuted, for instance, I used to be excited to see their model of Beetlejuice, a present I’d cherished on Broadway.
Sadly, it wasn’t fairly able to hit the stage but. And that’s one thing to recollect when reserving inaugurals and even the primary few sailings: All the pieces may not be fairly prepared, whether or not it’s exhibits or different facets.
That mentioned, as soon as they’re up and working, this ship is ready to debut 4 new manufacturing exhibits.
Nonetheless, the Piazza was going off with all types of dancing and movin’. The DJ had everybody’s ear, and the gang ate it up.
I ought to cease right here to reward the Piazza’s design normally and, extra particularly, the big variety of seating choices accessible there.
On some ships, you possibly can wander by way of the atrium with out stopping as a result of there isn’t any seating accessible, and individuals are simply leaning on the upper-level railings.
That’s not the case right here. A number of instances, I discovered myself stopping and taking a seat to get pleasure from no matter occasion or manufacturing occurred to be happening there.
There are many locations to face or sit in opposition to the railing, tiered seating alongside the higher ranges, and little tables and cubicles scattered.
Throughout the day, this space is downright gorgeous, thanks to large glass spheres on both facet of the house that present beautiful ocean views. It shortly turned my favourite spot to daydream whereas sipping my morning espresso.
Strolling After Midnight
I didn’t guide a shore tour or make plans in our subsequent port, Crete, as I’ve been there just a few instances earlier than. This meant I may keep up late and stroll the ship lengthy after most individuals had gone to mattress.
I prefer to stroll the decks on new ships, ranging from the underside deck, entrance to again, and dealing my approach up. Because the ship is over 1,000 toes lengthy and has 18 public decks, you clock some main steps in doing this, but it surely actually provides you a very good sense of the vessel.
Who doesn’t love feeling such as you’re the one individual on a ship? It’s cool and a bit of spooky on the identical time.
Late-night Solar Princess Observations
The primary was the house within the Eatery, the informal eating space, which is decrease on this ship. Situated on deck 9, the meals courtroom begins round midship on the Worldwide Cafe and goes to the again of the ship.
The actual take a look at can be to stroll by way of it throughout a sea day, breakfast or lunch, to see the way it handles the crowds. There gave the impression to be loads of seating, although.
At first, I wasn’t positive if this space may accommodate a ship with over 4,600 folks, however as I walked again, I noticed extra seating.
Two specialty eating places, The Catch by Rudi and Butcher’s Block, are situated behind deck 9. Seating extends to the buffet space throughout breakfast and lunch, and stations are additionally arrange there.
My second remark was the variety of venues proper off the atrium or down a hallway. This ship manages to create intimate zones or areas with out even making an attempt. I just lately spoke with Jason Leppert of Standard Cruising, who agreed that it’s a seamless circulation.
If I needed to be away from the noise and luxuriate in someplace quiet, I may sit within the Princess Dwell house or go to the Good Spirits cocktail bar.
Alternatively, if you happen to needed to be a part of the motion, areas like Crooners drew crowds.
Within the subsequent report, we’ll discover Spellbound by Magic Fortress (Princess’ new interactive expertise onboard) plus take a look at a few different eating venues onboard, together with their Americana eating idea on deck eight of the primary eating room.
In case you missed our earlier journey report, you possibly can catch up right here, and be taught extra concerning the Solar Princess christening right here.
