Seems like Princess are skimping on staff. Distinct lack of drinks waiters. Having to wait up to 20 minutes for a waiter to come by. Cost of drinks very expensive. Basic glass of wine $15.one would think that it would pay to have extra staff as this is where a lot of money is made.
Food was great. Entertainment excellent. We only took x1 Princess excursion as they were ridiculously expensive, a ...
We were travelling with friends from a previous cruise. There
The ship is dated. The external appearance is worn. The interior fittings in looked dark and out of style but
The cabin decks carpets looked worn.
The ship layout was confusing having travel up and down decks to reach the rear restaurant. ,,,
The medallion app was great and easy to use, streamlining drink orders etc. ...
Quality of crew, except expedition leader, was outstanding...itinerary blasé...naturalists excellent, food outstanding...but knowing what we know now, would not recommend this itinerary to NZ. Fairly uninteresting...ship is outstanding, crew excellent...cabin service outstanding. This was the least interesting of any Lindblad/Nat Geo trip we've been on...hope they find better things to do with ...
Booked this Christmas Cruise in October 21 as we had done the same trip in December 18, with the odd different port. Was looking forward to visiting Esperance but that was later removed from the schedule, which gave us an over night in Adelaide. Obviously, since we last sailed on Azamara Journey Royal Caribbean had sold the fleet off to private investors ad Oh boy, didn't it show. The standards ...
Let me start by saying that the crew and the food were excellent but it was sold on a spend New Year eve on Sydney harbour. Yes we were on the harbour but behind the Sydney harbour bridge moored up at white bay with another cruise ship in front. You only got to see the fireworks with a obstructed view a lot of people were very disappointed and the captain new it because when there was a Q&A with ...
We last took this cruise, same company, (nearly) same itinerary, five years ago - and it was, as promised, amazing. Last month we took the same cruise - and what a disappointment. I know the company is under new ownership but one supposes the new owners thought there was value in what they'd bought - so why did they dumb it down? Presumably to extract a bit more profit. Azamara, regrettably, no ...
This was our first cruise with Oceania and a small ship. It was great we could stop at places that larger ships do not visit.
Staff and food were really excellent, but the entertainment was not as good or varied as a bigger ship can provide.
Our cabin was on Level 7 (A1Concierge Veranda) and it was disappointing to discover our hand basin was cracked, the soap dish was badly chipped and then ...
This is our third Cunard cruise, but like the furnishings in our cabin, the experience is wearing a bit thin and tired. While the day lectures offered were good, the nighttime theatre entertainment was merely glossy and without depth. Could something other than modern pop style music be presented? Meals and service were generally ok, as delivered by the hard working crew. But the LIdo buffet ...
Check-In
When arriving at the terminal in Sydney it was just under 30deg.C and we couldn't believe the length of the queue. Once inside the terminal (and in the shade), we were faced with further massive queues. Eventually collected our medallions and were ready to join another massive queue.
Cabin (Stateroom)
Very clean and looked after by the excellent Fernando.
Ship
Very well ...
Background Information
This was a multigenerational cruise involving my elderly parents, 40ish sibling with partner and a teenager. I've done 5 previous cruises with Royal.
Travel To Port of Embarkation
We travelled to Sydney and each stayed at different hotels. I suggest booking one within walking distance to the terminal. There are plenty of choices in Circular Quay or The ...