Caribbean Princess Review
Caribbean Princess, British Isles 1st June 2016
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our third cruise with Princess and second time on Caribbean Princess, we were also going to upgrade to the all-inclusive drinks package. Although we have been to some of the ports of call before, the idea of sailing right round the British Isles appealed to us. It was a chance to get to places that would be difficult or costly to get to. It was also a chance to visit several distilleries. This was to be a cruise of two parts, the good bit and the bit when my wife caught a nasty dose of flu, I’ll be including a review of the Medical Centre (that’s a first)..
This was June and we expected it to be pleasant but changeable, we were not disappointed. The trip was calm and smooth apart from one bumpy night.
Embarkation/Disembarkation
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
St. Peter Port (Guernsey)
It was a wet cold day, we tendered off and took a walk around the town (where we have been several times). There is a good selection of shops in the town, and after some shopping we joined the queue for the tender. Going back to the ship was bouncy.
Cobh (Cork)
Nice bright sunny morning greeted us, so we got off for a walk round the town. The station is on the pier, very handy for those who want to take the train to Cork. In the afternoon we took an excursion to the Jameson Distillery in Middletown near Cork. It was a very good trip and included a drive round Cork. The guide had told us that the local band would be on the pier to see us off, they were very good.
Dublin
Nice Celtic greeting on the quayside, with drummers and dancers. We walked into Dublin which took about 45mins, and once we were out of the port and by the Liffey was quite pleasant. After a few Guinness and a pub lunch we walked through Temple Bar, the stag and hen parties were just getting warmed up! We decided to take a taxi back to the ship and had been advised to cross the O’Connell bridge and go to the taxi rank on the right (the only way the taxis could go from here was to the docks, so no round trip!), that cost €9.50.
Belfast
Another band to greet us, they were particularly good. We were met by a friend who gave us a tour round the city. Don’t try and walk to the city from the quayside, it must be two or three miles at least.
Greenock (Glasgow)
Another sunny day, so we got off and took the short walk into town, it was much the same as many UK towns. The cruise terminal has a few stalls selling everything Scottish! In the afternoon we took an excursion to the Glengoyne Distillery, a good tour, and with half an hour at Loch Lomond as a bonus. A pipe band was provided for the sail away.
Kirkwall
We expected this to be bleak and it was, the overcast weather did not help. The port runs a free shuttle bus into the town, otherwise it would be a half hour walk. I had a walk round the town and visited the Wireless Museum, big collection, but the display could be better. Then I made the half hour walk up to the Highland Park Distillery, passing St Magnus Cathedral. I was back on the ship in time for lunch.
Edinburgh (South Queensferry)
Another overcast day, and we had to tender. The tender ride was interesting as we went under the Forth Railway Bridge. No shuttle into Edinburgh was provided, but the locals had one, £10 return and it took about 30mins. We then had a good walk round Edinburgh with haggis, neeps and tatties for lunch.