We chose this cruise because of the ports. We had been on Caribbean Princess five years ago and it was a better experience. This cruise the ship was completely full. The weather was usually cold and rainy so people could not be outside or use the pools making the ship too crowded especially on sea days and mornings. Fighting for a table or place to sit in the buffet every morning is not my idea of a good time. If you are going on a tour there isn't time to eat in the dining room. Buffet food should be served by serving staff. Even with hand sanitizer buffet seems unsanitary with all passengers serving themselves.
The ship is very worn and needs refurbishing. Furniture is worn out. This is not a first class experience. Tendering was slow and very unpleasant because of the the crowding. We've been on 7 Princess cruises and I believe this is my last one. There are many ships and choices available, and I would not choose this experience again. Princess has dropped significantly in quality including the food. Choices on the buffet were often poor and entrée choices in the dining room were often poor. Internet was slow and expensive. Princess shore excursions are also too expensive. It's best to find a different provider for shore excursions when you can. Entertainment was average. Production shows were very good but other activities and entertainers were poor. Many people on the ship were very infirm and clearly ill. I began to feel I was on a hospital ship. This is not for me.
Obstructed view did not interfere very much with view-just a little equipment -no boat in front of window. Cabin furniture is worn out-tiny bathroom with no makeup mirror anywhere. Small poor television
There isn't too much to see. Hundreds of people were lined up to take a public bus around the island. The weather was cold and unpleasant but we found a different bus at the port and saw most of the island.
We took the Princess shuttle bus to town and then the Hop on Hop Off green bus with a live guide-then walked around to see Molly Malone. Princess charged us $32 round trip for the shuttle.
There is nothing at Kirkwall.
Unfortunately the weather in Southampton was cold and rainy when we were there. We stayed at Premier Inn West Quay-a good location and a terrible hotel.
We wanted to go to the English Market in Cork which was interesting-especially the seafood.
We wanted to go to Inverary Castle and took Discover Scotland tour. Inverary Castle was one of the filming locations for Downton Abbey. It is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyle and the Campbell Clan. It's a beautiful place and I highly recommend.
Ship did not go because of strikes in France. We went to Belgium instead. We had been there and didn't leave ship