We were on the February 29 cruise from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso. The itinerary enthralled us and did not disappoint. Obviously, some ports were better than others. We arrived in Santiago on the 28th and had made our own arrangements for airport pickup and hotel.

On the 29th after having toured with a private guide on the 28th and 29th, we arrived at the cruise terminal at around 4:30. We were pleasantly surprised that there were no lines and the embarkation was a breeze. We had previously cruised with Princess on the Emerald Princess on the Baltic and had enjoyed it tremendously. We were taken back a little upon going aboard with the unsmiling staff. I do understand they are Security but certainly a little smile and greeting goes a long way. They were dour and unsmiling at every single port, by the way.

We went to our cabin which was a balcony on the Caribe deck (206). It was adequate but certainly looked tired. The closet space and storage are fine but the bathroom's toilet seat appalled me. It was worn and scratched up which gave the impression it was dirty when it really wasn't because I tried to clean with my own disinfectant wipes and it still looked the same. After a couple of days of being grossed out I asked our cabin steward to have it changed which they promptly did. Overall, the ship does look like it needs refreshing, the rugs in the hall, the dining room decor, etc. Read more