Diamond Princess Review
Rating by category
Additional details
It was interesting reading prior reviews about the Diamond Princess. If all were to be believed, I probably wouldn't have gone - lousy food, noisy engines, bad entertainment etc. Fortunately I ignored the majority of those whingers and ended up having the time of my life!
Certainly the ship missed two ports due to bad weather. That's not the ships fault and people who complain should be put in a lifeboat and sent on to the Island then picked up on the next trip. Same with the food, there were people who were like pigs in a trough, piled their plates high with as much food as would fit then complained about the quality. We took the anytime dining option, dressed up a bit each night and ate at one of the more salubrious venues, The service was immaculate (not in the religious way) and the food absolutely magnificent (and I'm a bit of a food snob).
One critic also noted that the average age was over 60. Well, that's to be expected on a ship such as the Diamond Princess which apparently attracts a more, shall we say, upmarket clientele. I'm 66 but feel and act mid 40's so I was comfortable with any age group.
Cabin Review
Vista Suite with Balcony
Clean, comfortable. Great view albeit somewhat restricted being at the stern. Mini Bar was a bonus (remember - I'm a trainee alcoholic). Shower was big enough although looking at the size of some of the regular cruisers, I can understand why they say it was too small - an Elephant stall would be only just adequate for a lot of them. I'm not being unkind to the regulars, it's just that the sole purpose in life for some regulars is hitting the Buffet as often as possible.
The cabin steward. Pedro, was invisible unless you needed something then all of a sudden he appeared as if by magic and was able to help with whatever request we may have had.
Port Reviews
Port Vila
Been there before so no big deal. Recommended however if you haven't visited any Pacific Island prior.