This cruise was very disappointing. We are seasoned cruisers and this was our 7th cruise on Princess. This ship was headed for a extended stay out of Shanghai where it was being leased by a Chinese company for 6 months. So this was the last cruise for a while for international passengers. During the cruise you were extremely aware that staff was being trained and changed out with those that spoke Chinese. We had three different cabin stewards during the cruise.
We had an ocean view cabin on deck 8 over the theater, so was very noisy until the last show. That was our fault, should have researched location of cabin beforehand. Cabin was standard, but as like the rest of the ship, it is showing its age.
Entertainment in the Princess theater was very good. However, the timing of the shows (8:15 and 10:15) was terrible. The early show was so packed, that if you wanted a seat you had to arrive at lease 30 minutes ahead of time. We have been other cruise lines where shows were at 7 and 9. So everybody can be attend without staying up late.
Cabin was ok. This is an older ship so its age is showing and hard to compete with newer ships with larger bathrooms and seating areas. It was clean and the bed was comfortable. But location was awful, very noisy as it was over the theater.
Our cruise started here so we did our own tour. Went with a local company for a night time tour of the town. We were only there for one night. Great city, very clean and modern.
Everything is wonderful about Honk Kong. We bought a two day pass on Hop On Hop off bus which takes you everywhere. Great value.
We chose to do take the train from Keelung into Taipei and went to the National Palace Museum on our own. Terrible timing - it was a Saturday and some sort of Chinese holiday and the place was packed. Certainly would not do that again.
This city is easy to get around on your own. They have an extensive tram system with you can access for $5 for all day pass. Be sure to have some local currency, as many of the attractions don't take credit cards. We went to the Atomic Bomb Museum, worth the trip, however a somber experience. Locals here are very friendly and helpful. Not a crowded city, so it is nice to wander around.
This was where we left the ship and had two days on our own. Fascinating city. The metro is easy enough to use (however can get crowded). Again you really need local currency for metro and small local establishments. Amazing high rises and everything seems high tech and new. Be sure to stroll the Bund especially at night as the buildings are lit up with amazing lights. If you have a clear day take a trip up to the top floors of there high rise buildings. We also went to the Shanghai Circus which was very entertaining. Be aware, this can be a very expensive city - depending on where you stay and eat. You don't really feel like you are in China.