First let me say we are elite on Princess and love the cruise line. We only wanted to be gone around a week and have an easy flight from New York and so we chose this cruise. Our two days in London were fabulous ( I wish we had more time) we took the Princess package with their reliable pick-up at the airport and a very nice clean modern business hotel The Pullman St. Pancreas with a fabulous breakfast included and a very helpful staff. It was only 7 minutes on the underground to Piccadilly and we raced around to the British Museum, The National Gallery and my favorite the National Portrait Gallery. We also saw Jersey Boys for the third time and I thought it was wonderful, the cast terrific, and almost as good as Broadway.

Our drive to the pier was a little hairy as the driver was weaving in and out of traffic and had to stop for breakfast as he felt dizzy. Once at South Hampton, everything went well. There were enormous lines but it helped to be elite and since we made our Spa reservations online and had no intention of killing ourselves to get the Sanctuary ( as we would in the Caribbean) we were relaxed. We took a mid-ship mini-suite and it was fine. We had a very nice steward ( we always tip $20 before the cruise).Our first problem was at dinner. We always reserve the early traditional sitting. In the old days you would go down to the dinning room and see your table and if you didn't like it you would talk to the head waiter and he would change it. No more, now your table number is on your cruise card. Our table was so dark and noisy that we were very disappointed. No change available. We left and marched over to the Crown Grill. George was wonderful and showed us to a window table. The food and staff were great and we ate there the next three nights. The fourth night we ate at Sabatini's. Hey, I know there's a cover charge, but it was worth it. Then we got smart. We went to anytime dining EARLY. We got a table by the window and found out it's number. The next two mornings we called at 8:00AM and requested that table. It was wonderful. We had the best waiter and a great time. The ship is still lovely, the shows pretty good, the casino empty ( slots were very tight).

We were disappointed in most of the ports. Bergen was terrific but the ship was only there until 1:30. Don't take the tour to the old house Museum outside town. It is boring with nothing much to see. For Bergen, you really can just go on your own and walk around and see the fish market and interesting shops. The Stave Church port was a disappointment too. The Boat ride up the Lysejford was pretty and you get some good photos and you stop for waffles with homemade strawberry jam and whipped cream. The walking tour with Kari in Alesund was a nice day. I think if you have been to New Zeeland, Chile, and Alaska the fjords are small. But they are serene and peaceful. Read more