Diamond Princess Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I chose this cruise because for our first visit to the Far East it gave us the opportunity to visit 4 main cities, Singapore, Kuala Lumpa, Bangkok and Ho Chi Min City. Also because of flights it was easier to return to the UK from the same airport as direct flights for us.
The cruise was advertised by a UK cruise agent and we booked the whole package, flights, cruise, post and pre hotel in Singapore and transfers (airport to hotel, hotel to ship, ship to hotel and hotel to airport). No problems with anything that we booked in the package through Viva Voyage if you are in the UK.
Check in was easy but Singapore immigration is painful about an hour, almost as bad as UK citizens arriving in Miami. What we didn't know before we were on the ship was that it was actually two separate cruises 4 + 7 days. We knew we were stopping in Singapore after 4 days and some people were getting off and some on. What we didn't realise was that we would have to go through Singapore immigration twice on that day. Not the ships fault but a pain. There should be a way to have speed lines for those that were in transit to get back on and off quickly and not have to wait for those departing and rejoining.
Cabin Review
Mini-Suite with Balcony
Contrary to many things I have read, our mini suite was in excellent condition, no carpet stains, mould around the bathtub etc etc. I always book a mini suite if going for more than a 7 night cruise as we like that extra bit of space and personally I hate showering I bath every day and only ever shower if I have no bath available. Just my personal opinion.
Port Reviews
Singapore
we had a short time there the night before the cruise and we stayed a night after but our flight was not until 11pm so we had two full days. We did our own thing.
Penang
Got on a hop on hop off bus we were going to get off a couple of stops before the port and see some more on the way back but unfortunately the heavens opened so we went back to the ship.
Langkawi
Got a taxi outside the port who took us around most of the sites
Kelang (Kuala Lumpur)
ships excursion to the Petronas Towers and the 4-5 hours on our own. Got a taxi to take us to several sites.
Koh Samui
Got a taxi with a couple we met on the tender and went around the Island
Bangkok (Laem Chabang)
Ships coach to Bangkok the 4-5 hours wandering around on our own. Not enough time unfortunately.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Coach to centre and did our own thing for 4-5 hours - very interesting place.