We flew into Athens the same day as our cruise, not something that I like to do because of the "variables" of travelling but we flew on a charter and so we arrived on the same day. We booked the Princess shuttle pre and post cruise as we expected to be jet lagged and it was just an easier way for us to get to the ship. The Princess rep was waiting at the luggage carousel and most of the people taking the bus were on the same flight as we were so the transfer went smoothly and we did not stop at another terminal for passengers, we went right to the ship.

Checking in was a pain, the check in itself was fast but the counters are set up so that the line for the Customs clearance blocked off some of the check in counters. There were 3 booths open for Customs but only one booth was open. There were 2 agents in the booth and the one processing the passengers was a trainee! It took over 40 minutes to clear Customs after getting our room key.

We went straight to the room and had a 2 hour nap, our things put away and then out onto the deck to explore. The Pacific Princess is a small ship (approx 670 passengers) and is very east to get around. We are used to the larger ships and found it odd that there is no real lobby sitting area. The pursers desk is on deck 4 as is the port lecturer and nothing else. It certainly was not an area to enjoy a drink and people watch as it is on the other ships. Read more