 |
 |
|
Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Ron Eisenbeis
Email: reisenbe@ford.com
Age: 51
Occupation: Systems Analyst
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: July 25, 1999
Itinerary: Barcelona to Istanbul
Cabin: B331-outside w/balcony
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 75
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 23 Aug 1999
Time: 13:31:26
Remote Name: ncache1.ford.com
Remote User:
Comments
12 day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Istanbul, Turkey. We did our own air
as we went to Rome from
Istanbul after the cruise.
Arrived Barcelona early Sunday morning, July 25. Princess staff met us at the airport and
handled luggage, customs.
We were put on bus and taken directly to Grand Princess and allowed to board immediately!
Very fast checkin and
we were on the ship before noon; even while passengers were leaving from prior cruise.
Room wasn't quite ready;
but we could tour ship and have lunch. High marks to Princess for embarkation process.
We had room on Baja deck 11 - outside with balcony. Room was average size with 2 double
beds put together for
queen size, TV, desk, bathroom with stall shower, not a lot of closet space. Balcony was
great for entering, leaving
port and just sitting and relaxing with room for 2 chairs and small table. Our room
steward was very efficient. We
used room service for breakfast twice. Room service menu fairly small.
Food in Horizon Court was excellent for a buffet. No lines and plenty of variety. We ate
breakfast and lunch there
most days. Our dinning room was the Botticelli in aft of ship. Our waiter (Jose) was best
I've had on a cruise. Food in
dining room was excellent; especially the beef and pasta. We ate in the dining room every
night except overnight in
Venice.
We're dancers and were a little disappointed by bands on ship. The band we liked the best
played in Explorer
Lounge and other shows often took up time each night so we did not dance as much as we
normally do on a cruise.
Shows were generally good and there was a wide variety.
The ship is huge; but you don't feel trampled by other people. Princess staff was very
organized. Only days that
seemed crowed were the 2 days at sea when a lounge chair was a little hard to find.
Barcelona: Beautiful city - we took the Barcelona Highlights bus tour and it was a good
way to find out about the city.
The Gaudi church in central Barcelona is wonderful.
Monte Carlo: We did Monte Carlo on our own. Grand Casino costs $10 to go into the gambling
area so we just went
into the lobby. Took a cab to the Palace of Prince Rainier and went on the tour -
worthwhile. Monte Carlo is beautiful
port with plenty of people with money.
Livorno/Florence: We took the 1.5 hr bus ride tour to Florence and then went on our own.
See the Academy of Arts
with David statue for sure. We did not get into the Ufizzy gallery as lines were too long.
We saw as many things as we
could in 5 hours we were in Florence; but we needed more time.
Naples: Went on the Sorrento/Amalfi Drive tour - the drive along Amalfi coast was
gorgeous! Sorrento is also in the
mountains in a beautiful area surrounded by beaches. Very good tour...
Venice: Highlight of cruise was coming into Venice at noon. The Grand Princess is taller
than buildings in Venice so
you get a great view of the city. We also did Venice on our own. You get off the ship and
take a water taxi to the main
square. We saw the main sights in the square - church and castle, bridge of sighs; and
then were offered a free trip
to the Murano glass blowing factory. After a wonderful water taxi ride to Murano island,
you see a glass glowing
demonstration and then get a high pressure salesman that tries very hard to sell you
something. Our travel book
said the prices were high at the glass factories so we didn't buy. After that, they send
you out the back door and you
find your own way back by public water bus. We walked all over main part of Venice. Every
side street is interesting
with shops and restaurants. We must have looked at 12 Murano glass shops before finding
one that we actually
bought something. Prices are much better when you get a few blocks away from the main
square. We also did a
gondola ride that evening. Price for 2 people for 50 min ride was a little over $100. If
you go on Princess tour, they
put 6 people in each gondola. We stayed in Venice all night, had dinner, and didn't return
to the ship until midnight.
The next morning, we went back for some more sites and shopping. Leaving Venice was just
as beautiful as the trip
in with the Grand Princess sailing past the main square and blowing the horn.
Athens: After a tour of the Parthenon, we were dropped off in the shopping area. The
merchants were pushy so
shopping got old quickly. We were not that impressed with Athens. Lots of traffic and
congestion.
Ephesus: Tour of the ancient port (now land locked) was very good. Very well preserved for
a city dating back almost
2000 years. After tour, again dropped off in the shopping district. Found the Turkish
merchants also quite pushy
(especially the rug stores).
Istanbul: Arrived in the morning and had the afternoon to visit the city on our own.
Visited the Ottoman's palace (just
ok) and a couple of the famous Mosques. The main shopping area (Grand Bazaar) has so many
shops selling gold,
leather, rugs, etc. you could get lost. After awhile, they all begin to look alike.
It was a wonderful cruise with a great itinerary.
Name: David Heinrich
Email: chein25@aol.com
Age: 67
Occupation: retired engineer
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: July 25, 1999
Itinerary: Barcelona to Istanbul
Cabin: D 604
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 89
CruiseStaff: 65
CabinAmenities: 92
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 92
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 88
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 88
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 92
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 78
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 77
Stabilization: 92
ShopsOnBoard: 88
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 88
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 26 Aug 1999
Time: 19:12:19
Remote Name: spider-wi013.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
In general this was a most enjoyable cruise on an impressive ship. The size of the ship
was not detrimental to moving
about, however I found it convenient to carry the small locator card found in stateroom
literature to know the
direction and deck of the facilities. Expect long hallways. Elevators had sufficient
capacity on most occasions but
tended to get bunched up after tour returns and other events. This was to be expected. The
food was good to
excellent with a wide variety to choose from at both Horizon Court and Dining Rooms. The
Horizon Court was
occasionally crowded but we always found a table for dining. Lido Deck hamburgers and
sausages were good,
however the hamburgers were thin so we ordered doubles.
Hamburgers in the Dining Room were excellent. The
pizza was poor at best. Comfort level in the dining rooms was very good as the tables were
not crowded together.
Room service was exceptionally good and prompt. We had Butler Service which caught us by
surprise as there was
no mention of this in Princess literature. Our cabin located on Dolphin Deck 9 was
comfortable with sufficient closit
and drawer space, dressing table/desk and bar area. The queen size bed was comfortable.
The veranda was large
to accommodate four persons adequately. The fact that above verandas looked down on ours
was not a negative
and did not bother us. We often exchanged greetings with those above. On one occasion we
were inadvertently
locked out of our interior and fortunately a neighbor called room service to open the
veranda door. A cabin above
ours had the same problem and we were requested to call for assistance. The door handle in
the down position
when closed will do it.
Our traveling companions were onDeck 8 outside and Deck 11 with veranda. Both cabins
had
limited closit and drawer space. Fortunately you can store luggage under the bed and keep
some clothes in the
luggage. Onboard services provided by working personnel was generally outstanding for us
with one exception. The
first four days we arrived promptly at 8:30 PM for the late seating as advertized in the
ship literature. Each evening
admittance to the dining room was at or after 8:45, thus we stood around for 15 to 20
minuets each evening. On the
fourth evening my wife spoke to the Maitre D Hotel who on this ship was in charge of all
dining facilities and serving
personnel.....a rather important management position. His response to the inquiry was rude
and arrogant. He stated
that late dining is at 8:45 and if she didn't like it she should have signed up for the
6:15 dining. Later during the meal
he approached our table and handed a small card to my wife shoowing the dining times and
stated this card was in
all rooms.
Our group occupied three different rooms and had not seen this card. Once again his
attitude was
argumentative and abrasive. His name is Generoso Mazzone and I hope he and Princess
officials read this critique
as that small matter took P&O from my top three cruise lines to the bottom three.
Later we talked with personnel at
the Pursers desk and requested a few minuets of time with a mamager. We were assured we
would be notified of an
appointment time. We are still waiting. A simple explaination by the Maitre D that the
time had just been changed
would have avoided this combative encounter. Entertainment was of a high quality with a
great mix of acts. Often it
was difficult to select the auditorium and the show to attend. Laundry and dry cleaning
service was expensive. The
do-it-yourself laundry was well used and beneficial but often inaccessable. Medical
service is not a freebie. A lady
traveling companion bitten by a wasp the previous day was charged $45 to visit the ships
infirmary for treatment.
Unlike other cruises we have taken, the sale of bottled alcohol was only through room
service and at stateside
prices. Duty free liquor was available for take home at reduced prices...but the ship kept
the booze for you until
departure.
Name: Jennifer Pearson
Email: cherrytrees@compuserve.com
Age: 54
Occupation: Civil Servant, UK Employment Service
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: 18th August 1999
Itinerary: Barcelona to Istanbul
Cabin: C254
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 89
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 89
CabinAmenities: 89
FoodLidoDeck: 89
DiningRoomService: 89
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 89
DeckService: 89
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon: 89
CasinoStaff: 89
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 89
GoodForSeniors: 89
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 84
CruiseActivities: 84
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 80
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 89
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 89
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 89
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 89
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 06 Sep 1999
Time: 14:34:17
Remote Name: lon-qbu-bsk-vty91.as.wcom.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was our first cruise which did not disappoint us. We flew in to Barcelona on a Qantas
flight from London
Heathrow. This was excellent, arranged as part of our package with Princess Cruises.
Embarkation was fast and
efficient, taking only about ten minutes. We boarded the ship at 12.30pm and our stateroom
was ready for us. Our
luggage was not delivered to our stateroom until 5pm however and we felt we had wasted a
sunny afternoon in
our travelling clothes It was cold and wet in London when we left so we were rather
overdressed! Next time we will
take some swimwear and shorts in our hand luggage! The stateroom had a very goodsized
balcony on Caribe
deck with two loungers, two chairs and a table. Stateroom was very comfortable with ample
storage space for 12
night cruise. Cases stowed under the bed. Entertainment in the Princess Theatre and Show
lounges was on the
whole very good. Restaurant food was very good. Beef and seafood was especially good. We
would have
preferred more variety of vegetables. We felt excursions were rather expensive. Our
Italian guide in Naples spoke
English very poorly which made the trip less enjoyable. In Athens we caught the ships
shuttle bus to the station
and travelled by train to the Acropolis and this was more fun. In Monte Carlo the ship
moored in the bay and we
went ashore by tender. This was excellent and fast. There were many magical moments. For
instance, listening to
a classical concert on the open decks in Venice. Leaving Venice to the strains of a tenor
singing - Time to say
Goodbye. Walking on the promenade deck with the moon reflecting off the sea. This was
altogether a wonderful
holiday which we we never forget.
Name: Schuiling, Roelof
Email: RoelofAnn@aol.com
Age: 64
Occupation: Spacecraft Launch Engineer
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: September 12, 1999
Itinerary: Barcelona to Istanboul
Cabin: C-615
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 88
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety:
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 88
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 50
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 93
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 Oct 1999
Time: 12:39:53
Remote Name: kw1868738.ksc.nasa.gov
Remote User:
Comments
We went from Barcelona to Istanbul with stops at six other locations. The cruise portion
was great but the charter air
flights were awful.
I'll cover the awful part first. We flew into JFK to pick up the charter flight aboard a
Tower Airlines 747 which was
supposed to leave at 5:30 PM and get us to Barcelona at 8:30 AM the next day. We didn't
get to board a plane until
10:45 PM and the plane didn't take off until 1:40 AM. We kept getting excuses about why
the delays but they didn't
ring true. The seating was as tight as they could get away with and the food was
extremenly poor. My wife gave up
on her meal of dry chicken and I didn't blame her. On the return trip we brought fruit,
water, and cheese from the
ship. After arrival at Barcelona we were turned over to Princess and things went fine from
then on. During our cruise
when we mentioned to other passengers that we had flown in on the charter from JFK they
all had heard of the
mess and sympathized with us. We thought "OK, they made such a mess of the outbound
flight that surely the
return flight would be easier". We had no such luck. Leaving Istanboul, we got off
the ground an hour and a half late
after standing in line for 40 minutes while waiting for trams to take us to the 747. We
then ran low on fuel and had to
land at Bangor, Maine to top off the fuel tanks. The plane was so old and creaky that when
we landed at Bangor I
thought the carry-on bins were coming loose. People from the rear of the plane said oxygen
maks fell out of the
overhead. At JFK we had a long wait to get off the plane as the jetway and the plane door
were jammed and they
had to get someone to fix that. We made our connection, which had had over a three hour
separation on the
tickets, only after they had closed the doors on our connecting flight and they had to
open them for us.
Now, to the good part of the trip. We loved the ship. It is certainly huge but the
advantage is that it is very stable.
Another advantage is that there are so many places to go on the ship. I lost track of the
pools as it seemed I was
always running into a pool or a couple of jacuzzis on the upper deck. There is even a
miniature golf set-up on the
upper deck. There were so many lounges that we didn't get to try them all. An additional
feature was that they
served premium liquor at reasonable prices. We liked the main theatre which was very large
and had good seating,
seeing, and acoustics. The entertainment was, we thought, quite good although we do not
get to major cities very
often and do not have much to compare the shows to. We enjoyed the entertainment on the
old Golden Princess
but this was better.
The staff was quite good. A few members didn't seem that great but evn they were not bad.
The dining room staff
was very good. Our table waiters were great and the head waiter was always checking on us
and he made an effort
to bring us all escargot one night when it wasn't on the menu. We ate in the dining rooms
for almost all our meals as
we like being waited on when on vacation. For breakfast and lunch you are not seated at
your regular table and so
you get to meet some more people and exchange views and conversation. We met some
interesting people that
way.
I will try not to duplicate what others have covered, but I did want to note a few things
that I really liked. I could cash
a personal check for U.S. funds and thereby avoid the on-board exchange rate. American
currency was usually
taken at shore locations. Also, I could buy wine off the ship and bring it aboard. I
understand not all ships allow that.
I can't say enough about the rooms which come with a balcony. We were on the Caribe deck
which had slightly
larger balconies and maybe a little less interior room. I would certainly go back to that
deck as the added balcony
room was really nice.
There were not many negative things but here they are. The midhips area of the ship had a
wonderful atrium but no
stairs from the cabin decks above that level. This meant that you had to wait for an
elevator and with 2500
passengers, elevators were often slow. There were stairs at the front and rear, however
the front and rear are a
long way off on a large ship. Another issue with the large number of passengers was that
when you dump that many
people into a land tour site you really overcrown the location. the Princess people did
their best but with limited time
and so many passengers things ashore sometime got quite crowded.
I would certainly go back on the Grand Princess but I would not take a charter flight to
do so. Perhaps if it was a
"real" airline I might.
Name: Harold & Dorrie Carr
Email: hdcarr@home.com
Age: 47
Occupation: Atty
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: 23 Sept 99
Itinerary: Mediterranean
Cabin: A329
FoodDiningRoom: 96
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 98
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 99
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 99
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 99
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 98
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities:
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 97
DiscoNightclubs: 98
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Oct 1999
Time: 23:42:55
Remote Name: proxy1-external.olmpi1.wa.home.com
Remote User:
Comments
Review of Mediterranean Cruise Istanbul to Venice with sailing date of Sept 23, 1999. The
embarkation process was
remarkably smooth and quick. Cruise cards were issued and were used to disembark and
return to the ship each
time, which made the process quick and hassle free. Luggage arrived promptly at our
stateroom.
We had signed up for at least one shore excursion at each port of call. This always seemed
organized and well
orchestrated by the Princess staff. Each shore excursion was very enjoyable except that
the Grand Princess is such
a large ship that we always brought our own crowds to the various tours. Ten to fourteen
separate busloads
heading to one site can cause substantial crowding upon arrival when added to all the
other tourists.
Note that the tour guides on each shore excursion can vary considerably in their ability
to be entertaining and make
the tour enjoyable and a learning experience. Some tour guides seemed to be rushing
through the sites and
leaving us too long at the tour guides favorite shop. Just the luck of the draw as to the
capability of the tour guide
on your bus. But for those who do not have independent knowledge of the city and
surrounding areas, the Princess
sponsored tours seemed the safest and you certainly received you money’s worth. Hold
on tight to your wallets and
purses. Instances of pick pocketing occurred in our immediate vicinity on two separate
occasions. The Island of
Capri portion of the shore excursion was very enjoyable in Naples. Although we did
purchase some glass art at the
Murano glass factory, please note that the prices there are actually higher than
elsewhere. You can save money by
buying in Venice. The prices of Murano glass in the USA also seems to be substantially
lower for the same piece as
compared to Venice prices, but we chose to make the purchases abroad for the memories.
We were extremely fortunate to have an excellent waiter and assistant waiter with
wonderful tablemates. The head
waiter, waiter and assistant always went above and beyond the call of duty to make each
and every dinner
memorable. The food was excellent.
Our stateroom was modest as we spent our dollars elsewhere but was very comfortable and
the steward monitored
the room carefully keeping everything tidy throughout the day. The remainder of the staff
was friendly with a smile
and greeting everywhere on board the ship.
Even though we sent out several items of clothing for laundry, the fact that a laundromat
was also available was
quite handy.
The art auction was a little hokey, as the minimums were set so that no large bargains
could be had. But many of
the passengers seemed to enjoy the auction and we also succumbed and purchased some art.
The massage and spa were enjoyable; however, there is a lot of pressure to buy relatively
expensive products
afterwards. We would have enjoyed a little more massage and less sales time. There was
enough pressure from the
merchants in Istanbul.
The Grand Princess is extremely stable. Even though one of us was prone to sea sickness,
not one Dramamine
needed to be taken, even when encountering moderate seas.
This 12-day cruise is remarkable and we both highly recommend the Grand Princess and the
Mediterranean
itinerary.
Name: Connie Brown
Email: connie.brown@usa.net
Age: 39
Occupation: RN
NumberOfCruises: 8
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: 09/23/99
Itinerary: Venetian Explorer - Istanbul to Venice
Cabin: Caribe 328
FoodDiningRoom: 93
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 89
FoodLidoDeck: 89
DiningRoomService: 97
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 92
FoodVariety: 93
DeckService: 89
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 92
TenderService: 92
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 93
WheelchairAccess: 88
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 93
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 82
CruiseActivities: 86
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 92
DeckSpace: 92
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 89
SpaceRatio: 96
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Oct 1999
Time: 19:56:06
Remote Name: 5.st-louis-143-144rs.mo.dial-access.att.net
Remote User:
Comments
Our cruise on the Grand Princess was certainly one of the best I have been on. We opted to
purchase our own air
and received a better fare than Princess offered on the chartered Tower Air flight. We
flew TWA from St. Louis to
Paris (we are frequent fliers with TWA and cashed in miles for the upgrade to first
class)and were scheduled on Air
France from Paris to Istanbul. When we arrived in Paris, we were informed the Air France
flight was overbooked,
however, Air France twice gave us vouchers for free drinks while they scheduled us on a
Turkish Air flight. I was
very impressed with the way Air France handled the situation, not to mention we each came
out $150.00 ahead.
The only problem was our luggage did not accompany us and we had a bit of a scare thinking
the bags were lost.
However, all bags arrived at the hotel during the night.
Since we flew into Turkey the day before the cruise was to depart and found it more
economical to make our own
hotel reservations, we didn’t have the benefit of the Princess transfers and took a
cab (approx. $20.00 US) to the
Best Western President Hotel. The accommodations were adequate and the hotel was
positioned close to the
Grand Bazaar and within walking distance to other main Istanbul sights.
The next day we took a cab to the ship, but required a van since we all packed like we
were embarking on a
2-month cruise instead of 12 days! Once again the cost was approx. $20.00 US. Embarkation
was a breeze, since
Princess has this down to a science.
My husband and I had a cabin on the Caribe deck #328, a balcony cabin, while my
mother-in-law chose an inside
cabin #408. One note: in booking a balcony cabin if space is important to you make sure
you book on the Caribe
deck. Our balcony was twice as deep as the two decks above or the Dolphin deck below and
was semi-private since
the Baja deck above hung half-way over. Our balcony was large enough to accommodate 2
lounge chairs, 2 chairs
and a table. Our cabin steward even brought us chair pads for the loungers. If privacy is
more important book the
Baja or Aloha deck above. The Dolphin deck with the mini-suites has absolutely no privacy
as all three decks above
have a clear view.
The cabin was not the largest and the closet space is at a minimum, but overall we enjoyed
the cabin. There is
space below the beds to store suitcases. To maximize my closet space I brought wire
hangers from the dry cleaners
and used them instead of the thick wooden hangers provided. They also came in handy while
doing laundry, and at
the end of the cruise I just threw them away.
For those who enjoy a drink in their cabin or smoke, don’t bother to try and pack
either. As you get off the ship in
Istanbul if you follow the dock to your left you will find duty free shops with
ridiculously cheap American cigarettes
and liquor. A carton of Marlboros was $9.00 US and Baileys Irish Cream ran us $11.00 US,
just to give you an idea.
We didn’t book a tour in Istanbul, but took the Princess shuttle ($4.00 PP each way)
into town. The drop off point
was conveniently located to the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia’s, Topkapi Palace and the
Underground Cistern. While we
probably didn’t get all the history that those on tours did, we felt we saw as much
as we wanted to since time was at
a premium and we were still jet-lagged. And while money was not an issue, we did save a
considerable amount of
cash doing it on our own. Princess also provides detailed maps and city tips for each
port, as well as port talks and
representatives in the atrium to answer questions about doing it on your own.
While most stores and the cabbies took US dollars, if you opt to see the sights on your
own you will need Turkish
Lira. This has to be the most confusing currency to try and convert, so in my opinion it
is just easier to use their
currency (in any of the countries) and eliminate any worry the vendor is ripping you off
when you pay in USD and
they return the change in their currency. Most places took credit, as well. You can
exchange money on the ship.
The exchange rate is less and there is a $1.50 charge, but we decided that by the time you
spend time finding a
place to change the money and pay commission on the higher rate it was just easier to do
it on the ship.
In Kusadasi we took the Ephesus, St. Johns Basilica and Virgin Mary Shrine tour. There is
a lot of walking on this
tour, but we all enjoyed it. My mother-in-law visited Ephesus 20 years ago and remarked
that they had uncovered
so much more since she had been there. So if you saw it years ago it would be worth
revisiting. Kusadasi and
Istanbul are both very beautiful and the Turks are very friendly, but be prepared to be
‘badgered’ to buy postcards
and anything else you can imagine.
In Greece we took the Acropolis and Corinth Canal tour, which was also nice, but having
seen 4 sets of ruins at
Ephesus, Athens and Corinth, I was 'ruined out'. Not to mention, although I am 39 and in
good physical shape, I was
exhausted and my legs were sore. Just some food for thought when booking all those daylong
tours in each port
prior to sailing! This tour provided lunch with wine, and while it wasn't horrible, it
wasn't the best lunch we had either.
Barcelona was a beautiful city, and although we had booked the Montserrat tour, we
cancelled since we were all
beat and just took the shuttle in. The shuttle drops you at the bottom of Las Ramblas and
the walk to Catalonia
Square was manageable even for the 75 year old mom with a sore knee. There is a department
store to the right of
the square, The El Corte Ingle's, where we purchased our souvenirs and the Hard Rock Café
is nearby. On our way
back down Las Ramblas to the shuttle we stopped at a Champion grocery store and stocked up
on soda and more
cheap Baileys. We didn’t see any of Gaudi’s buildings, although they would have
been easy enough to get to on
our own.
One of my favorite ports was Monte Carlo. It was more beautiful than I had imagined. We
tendered in and took the
Nice and Cannes tour, which was cut short due to bad weather. The captain announced the
premature departure
and cancellation of afternoon tours prior to leaving the ship that morning. The views on
the way to Cannes were
beautiful and we had a very lovely lunch in Cannes at a hotel restaurant. While we
didn’t have time to wander Monte
Carlo since we left early, it seems it would be easy to do on your own since it just
isn’t that large. The Palace and
Casino were easy to see from the ship, and if you have a camera with a good zoom you can
get some decent
pictures.
On to Florence, which was my least favorite port. I had been there 2 years ago and only
went because my husband
had not seen Florence or Pisa. When in Florence (and Naples proper) be sure to secure your
wallets and purses,
as a member of our tour group had his wallet picked and lost $175.00. So when they warn
you about this, take it
seriously. Florence is a historically rich city but I guess I didn’t care much for
this visit because I had seen all of the
sights before. Again, this tour offered a decent lunch consisting of pasta, steak, and
potatoes with wine. There was
also a good amount of walking.
In Naples we did the Capri, Sorrento and Pompeii tour which was well worth it. The only
complaint I really had with
the Florence or Naples tour was the leather demonstration in Florence and the cameo
demonstration in Naples.
Once again, on a previous land tour I had already been subjected to that and the cameo
shop was the same one I
had visited 2 years ago. Most of our group felt these demonstrations were unnecessary,
particularly the cameo
shop since it was another stop at the end of a long day and with the leather shop you
could leave and see more of
Florence on your own or do some shopping. I highly recommend either this tour, the tour
that takes you down the
Amalfi drive, or the whole day Capri tour. The scenery is just spectacular.
Venice is another port easily done on your own. Princess provided a water taxi (free) that
ran every half-hour up to
1 am and dropped us close to St. Marks Square. We didn’t go up the Belltower since
the lines were so long, but did
see Doge’s Palace and walked across the Bridge of Sighs to the prison. Admission was
reasonable and the
architecture was wonderful. We even did a gondola ride, which was more inexpensive than
buying from Princess.
Three of us took a half-hour gondola ride for $80.00 US plus the tip to the Gondolier.
There were longer gondola
rides to purchase for not much more, however it was cool and threatening rain the day we
were in Venice. The
Gondoliers are plentiful right at St. Marks Court. The gondola ride was not offered in the
tour information sent prior
to the cruise, but once on the ship it was available for $69.00 per person for a 2-hour
evening ride with serenade.
The ship was beautiful and not crowded at all. We didn’t have any problems finding a
seat in the Horizon Food
Court even at peak hours. We saw several shows that were well done and not crowded either.
The theaters are set
up without obstruction and seem smaller than on other ships. Many of the shows were
offered at multiple times and
days.
I have read in past reviews the food wasn’t all that good, but having not met too
many meals I didn’t like, I had no
complaints. I have braces and didn’t have any trouble eating the prime rib (or
anything else) served in the Horizon
Court or the dining room. The Horizon Court had fried eggs each morning along with a
variety of breakfast foods.
Having traveled in Europe before I was happy to have ice and foods I recognized, although
I don't mind trying new
foods. Service in the Bistro (Horizon Court after 6 or 7 p.m. with a set menu) and the
dining room was excellent. We
had first sitting and if you can wait that late to eat, I recommend the second sitting
simply because many of the tours
run so late there isn’t time to make it to the dining room. And on a few nights I
felt like I was rushed through the
courses, maybe because the waiters need to get ready for the second sitting. We
didn’t try either the Painted
Desert or Sabatini’s. We did attempt to dine at Sabatini’s but couldn’t get
a reservation before 10 p.m., although
there appeared to be open tables at various times throughout the evenings we tried.
Although our cruise documents stated there were 2 formal nights and 3 semi-formal, we
arrived to find there were 3
formal and 2 semi-formal. The formal nights were the day we left Istanbul and 2 of the
days at sea, while the
semi-formals were Livorno/Florence and the other day at sea. On this cruise, everyone was
dressed to the nine's
on the first two formal nights and scaled down the third. Probably because we had been
told of only 2 formal nights.
We had beautiful weather except Monte Carlo and Venice, although the rain didn’t
really ruin the experience at
either port. The information I was given prior to the cruise stated it would be starting
to cool off (hence my
over-packing) but it was actually hot particularly in Turkey and Greece. Do pack some long
pants as in Venice my
mother-in-law was denied admission to the basilica wearing shorts. At the Blue Mosque they
will provide a cover for
those in shorts. No problems with shorts on any of the other tours we did.
Disembarking was flawless. As usual the bags were set out the night before and taken
directly to the Marco Polo
Airport where we found all of our bags together and already loaded on a cart, so there was
no lugging them around.
If your transfer is prior to 7:30 a.m. they will not announce the departure of your
transfer so as to not disturb those
passengers with later departures. The information Princess gives you the night before
instructs you to wait in a
public room, but you need to go directly to the gangway. None of the staff we asked seemed
to know this and the
instructions were not clear. We took an Air Dolomiti flight to Paris where we connected
once again with TWA. I highly
recommend Air Dolomiti for anyone not familiar with this airline. Economy seats were
leather and actually
comfortable and the food was good.
I hope this helps for anyone considering this great cruise.
Want to book your cruise at a great rate?
Click here.
Questions or comments? Mail to webmaster@cruiseopinion.com.
Copyright ©1996-2001 CruiseOpinion.com. Last modified: March 23, 2000.