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Sea Princess - Just how a cruise ship should be |
| Reviewed By: Hagon, Altrincham on 4th Sep 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Princess Cruises |
Times cruised before: 6-10 |
| Cruise Ship: Sea Princess |
Sailed:
August,
2008 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 46-55 |
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Sea Princess Western Mediterranean 2nd - 16th Aug 2008
We booked this cruise direct with Princess Cruises rather late having cancelled a P&O Ventura Cruise
because of bad reports.
We are in no doubt at all that we made the right decision. The Sea Princess is everything a cruise ship should
be, clean, spacious, easy to get around. All the staff are cheerful, polite and efficient.
The start of our holiday was not very encouraging, as the Sea Princess arrived late at the Mayflower Terminal
due to engine computer problems. Although Princess did manage to contact some passengers the majority
which included us (we had left home the day before with an overnight hotel stay) had a five hour wait before
being able to board the ship. It is fair to say that Princess dealt with the situation very well and everyone
remained in good spirits if a little tired, when we finally sat down to a meal on board at 9.30pm.
Our cabins were clean and well equipped although larger drawers for clothes would be an improvement. We
enjoyed having a balcony for the first time on a cruise and will definitely book a balcony cabin again.
Due to the engine computer problems we had to miss our first port of call which was Vigo, so we had an extra
day at sea before arriving in Lisbon. From hereon everything was as per the itinerary. A few days later on-
board accounts for all passengers were credited with $200 as compensation for the missed port of call. A nice
gesture by Princess we thought.
With a few exceptions our breakfasts and lunches were taken in the Horizon Court Lido Café. This is very
large and copes well with the passenger numbers. This is kept open 24/7 by alternating closure/opening of the
serving areas on each side of the ship. A large team of efficient waiters keep everything running like
clockwork, clearing and cleaning tables almost instantly that people leave, so it was never difficult to find a
table. The whole place was immaculate. For anyone with mobility difficulties there was always a waiter
instantly at their side to help. The food is well presented and the quality is good.
It’s worth mentioning at this stage that everyone receives information both before and at the start of the cruise
about Norovirus. Hand sanitisers were provided in the Lido Café at all entrances and their use was actively
encouraged. Tongs were provided for all food items. There were also some sanitisers in the onboard shops.
For evening meals we ate in the Traviata Dining Room at a table for eight. The quality of the food in general
was good, although some menus were a bit too fancy for our tastes. At times the food arrived cold and had to
be sent back, with very often not much improvement. The choice of sweets was poor. Our table waiter and his
assistant were excellent and looked after us very well.
On two occasions in the evening we ate in Café Corniche which is an alternative restaurant serving pasta and
pizza dishes. Here the food was always hot and very tasty. While the choice of Pizza’s was extensive, we
both thought that having only two pasta dishes was rather restrictive. If there had been more choice of pasta
we would have eaten here more often.
Tours were well organised and getting on and off the ship was quite easy, whether by gangway or by tender.
However one minus point for us in both Cannes and Ajaccio was the lack of refrigerated air conditioning in the
coach. This made these trips very uncomfortable in the Summer heat. Tour guides were very knowledgeable
and very helpful. Particularly so in the case of Barcelona where my elderly Mother was robbed by a pick-
pocket. The guide offered to drive us to the police station and made several phone calls on our behalf. In this
instance the Princess Cruises Local Agent was also very helpful in arranging for the police to visit the ship to
take a statement.
Navigating your way about the ship is easy. The forward stair cases are served by six elevators and the aft
stair cases by three. The Atrium has two glass elevators serving four decks.
As with all cruises, the entertainment was variable. The one production show I saw was quite good and there
was a very entertaining lady singer/comedienne from Wales. The movies under the stars large screen in the
main pool area can be intrusive at times. But it was never difficult to find a quiet spot on the ship to relax or
read a book. There is also a small but well stocked library.
Disembarkation was efficient and very easy at Southampton.
In conclusion, a very enjoyable holiday on a very well run cruise ship.
Review date 2nd Sept 2008
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| | Children's Facilities | n/a |
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