The old joke says HAL cruises are the ones on which senior citizens take their parents. But both groups are dying off, one by one, and the company can’t seem to define its replacement audience.
I rate this cruise a B-plus, but only just. We purchased a low-cost upgrade to a Signature Suite, which gave us the best cabin we’ve had on a cruise ship in many years, including the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on.
What else was praiseworthy? The service, in almost every area. HAL’s Filipino and Indonesian staff are still the best at sea. Our cabin steward was a gem, ditto our waiters in the dining room.
The beds and TV are poorly positioned for optimal viewing but, overall, the cabin is very comfortable and the large veranda is great. Ditto the bathroom, especially for those of a certain age who may visit in the dark. Twin sinks, shower and bathtub, excellent storage space: outstanding.
Took cruiseline transfer from FCO to the ship.
We've visited Pisa and Florence on other occasions, it was a cold and rainy day, so we took the shuttle into town and then the HOHO bus. Livorno might be of mild interest on a sunny day but in the rain and wind we just wanted to get back to our cabin.
Took the HOHO bus, which gave us a pleasant overview.
The rating is for Genoa, where we went after the St. Tropez call was cancelled due to high winds. Took the HOHO bus and got an overview of the place.
Took a tourist roadtrain around the town and out of town. Trip interrupted by a massive wind and rain storm which delayed our return to the ship because the captain feared a mooring line might break. Concluded that even on a nice day there's not much to see.
Marseille, once a gritty place, has ben upgraded hugely, particularly in the harbour area. Took the HOHO tour for an overview.
Took a roadtrain city tour on our own. Malaga might be fun in the summer, but on a cool day with empty beaches, it isn't.
The shuttle from the ship cost more (10 Euros each) than the HOHO bus (8.5), which gave an interesting tour of this fascinating and lively place.
Toulon has some interesting possibilities, but we took a ship's tour to Aix-en-Provence for an 80-minute walk through the old medieval town.