I just want to say a few sentences about this cruise and Princess cruise line. I had done a transatlantic just a few months prior to this sailing and I noticed that the transfer from the airport to the ship had gone up considerably. I had arrived in London three days prior to sailing and I find that very relaxing. I booked a hotel close to Heathrow and then take the hotel shuttle to and from Heathrow which is very cost effective for a round trip ticket. I find that after a long transatlantic flight I am dehydrated and need time to rest and rehydrate so I can take full advantage of the ships' activities on the first to the last day. I also took note of the cost of a shuttle from the ship to town in France, the port at Le Havre is a little distance from the center of town and about an hours ride by bus to the Normandy beaches. I did take a tour to Omaha beach and it was worth the hours drive. The history in the towns and villages around the beaches is a view into the past and eyeopening in is view of what was happening the days surrounding the invasion.

I am a big tennis fan and was looking forward to seeing the US Open during the crossing. It is the premier tennis event for American. I made a request to see 'ESPN rather than ESPN2 and was told that it was not authorized. The cruise director on the ship was most accommodating in her attempts to provide this service but she was overruled by the customer service staff on board.

It appears as though the cruise line is attempting to get as much money from the passengers as possible. Since I have been cruising for more than ten years I am noticing a significant change in the items the cruise line provides and those things it now charges the passengers an additional fee to provide. As a loyal passenger I would like to say just charge us in the overall fare is you must and don't be like the airlines and try to make a profit off of every little expense. Read more