Riviera Review

4.5 / 5.0
782 reviews

Ancient Empire was a great cruise

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Riviera
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wristband
10+ Cruises • Age 20s

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Sail Date: Jun 2015
Cabin: Penthouse Suite

Admittedly, we and others were disappointed at the itinerary changes with eliminating Tunisia and the two days in Egypt. That proved prescient as there were terrorist attacks in Tunis and, for our days in Egypt, there were attacks in Giza outside Cairo and in Luxor.

The substitute ports were less than inspiring but, hey, what can one do? As noted, Trapani in Sicily on a Sunday was pleasant but most places were closed. Limmasol was a dump but Analya, Turkey was a nice surprise being on old Venetian trading port with an interesting port.

I note that other reviews complain about the high cost of ship tours. We avoid ship tours at all cost - not just for the high tariff but getting on and off a bus with 30 others is not a positive experience. I was struck how many mobility challenged passengers there were on this cruise, most especially since Oceania had advised prospective customers this was not a suitable trip for those with such problems. I heard repeated complaints about how mobility challenged passengers had difficulty getting on/off the ship's gangplank and ship tour buses. That took up considerable time which may have caused the ire of others.

Cabin Review

Penthouse Suite

Cabin PH3

Excellent - the cabin is spacious, tastefully decorated, gleaming condition, the bed and pillows were very comfortable, cabin stewards kept it impeccably clean, the location was perfect for our needs.

Port Reviews

Sardinia

Port is not pleasant, industrial and dirty. Getting to the old city is challenging.

Crete (Heraklion)

The port was Chania - lovely town, restored Synagogue, the old market was interesting to see and the town itself when one got off the main squares was a delight. We had a great lunch at Tamamam which is in a restored Turkish bath house and the food was superb.

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