Royal Princess Review
Great Destinations; So So Cruise
Rating by category
Additional details
The British Isles are beautiful! They are the reason for the cruise undoubtedly. Being out and about is the point--not staying on board.
The embarkation was the worst. We arrived at Heathrow about 7 a.m. and made it through customs and to Southampton with no problem. When we arrived, we were told that due to a norovirus outbreak on the previous cruise boarding would be delayed. We were shipped to a nearby mall with not much information but with a number for return. We stayed there for a while then went outside to see what the lines looked like. Buses were taking the crew back, but we had to wait 5 hours or so. We finally were able to get in line about 2:00 and waited for a bus till 3:00. There were buses of fellow travelers arriving at the mall as we left. Long, long lines of people waiting for their number to come up to get a bus to the terminal. We were in line outside of the port until 3:00. It was warm but not too bad for those of us without disabilities or breathing issues. I felt sorry for those whose health posed as issue. Some were let inside. Also let inside were travelers just arriving by cab. That didn't sit well with those of us standing outside and who had been waiting for several hours to get in.
Finally, about 4:00 we made it to the line for check-in. Tempers were short for passengers and workers. There were some visa issues with some passengers and some computer issues. Rather than turning over those passengers with visa problems to someone to handle the issues, we all had to stand in line and just hope it was resolved quickly. Most weren't. I have never seen the pushing to check in that I saw there. Some workers were down right rude. Finally, by 5:30 we were on board. The ship did not leave until 8:30 or so.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Fairly spacious, not much storage (drawers, etc), shelves in the closet. Old reruns of Love Boat, a few newer tv shows if you happened to get it at the right time. We were at the aft of the ship. It was fun to look out the back and see the port from that angle.
Port Reviews
Cobh (Cork)
If you have an independent tour, go outside the gates and turn right to those buses. ECoach was a superior tour operator. It was very well done and very informative. I'm not sure how he managed that big bus around those small streets, but he was jovial the whole time. He did leave exactly on time so that we arrived at Blarney Castle early. He was cognizant of our time constraints. At Blarney Castle, you must have a ticket to even get on the grounds--purchase on line before you go. We walked the grounds but did not go up in the castle. The lines got long quickly. The Woolen Mills were so great; so much to see and BUY! From where tour buses let you off, it's 1/4 to 1/3 mile to walk and not necessarily ADA accessible.
At Kinsale, we got fish and chips at Dino's. It's takeaway but very good. There are not many restrooms available around town. Some cost.
Liverpool
The port is flat but it's about 1/2 mile to shopping. The ship did dock at city center, but it's still a long walk for some and a 10-15 minute walk to the Beatles Museum, Maritime Museum, churches and other museums. I did not see many taxis. The HOHO bus tour was 6 pounds and narrated. But the bus was way too crowded and people were allowed to stand up if there were no seats therefore blocking the view for those of us who were sitting. Liverpool is a very clean town and very friendly. The self tour of town was fine.
Greenock (Glasgow)
Greenock is right at the port but requires some walking to the shopping center about two blocks away and five blocks or so to the shopping mall. The mall was very interesting to see a grocery story, Pound World, and the people. The port has some vendors with souvenirs, cookies, T shirts, etc. It is an hour by shuttle to Glasgow. Taxis were ready and waiting.