When we began planning this trip, we were comparing a land tour of Great Britain, to this cruise itinerary. Several cruise lines offer something like this, but we found Princess to have the best combination of ports, service, and price. We flew into Heathrow, from Charlotte, on a pleasant overnight flight, and passed through border control very easily. On the suggestion of other cruise critic members, we had arranged private transfers using Smiths for Airports. Our driver was waiting, and made the trip to central London fun, and interesting. After a four night stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Knightsbridge, we were met by another Smiths driver. Because we had plenty of time for the trip to Southampton, he offered to make a quick tour and stop at Windsor. We were dropped off right at the gate to Windsor castle, just in time to see the guard change. Upon arriving at the cruise terminal, we dropped our bag, and proceeded directly to the boarding lines. First perk of having booked a window suite, the short line to board. Everything went very quickly, and we were in our cabin, F307, in about ten minutes. The Cabin steward, Danilo, stopped by to introduce himself, and took time to ask our preferences for daily service, fruit, mini bar, etc. He did an excellent job the entire cruise.
Regarding the condition of the ship. Everything we saw, and used, was clean, and in good working order. We found the public areas clean and attractive, and well maintained.
For Dining, we chose fixed early dining, and were very satisfied with the quantity, quality, and selection of the food in the Palm dining room. I kept track, and actually had seven different species of fresh fish, all well prepared, and delicious. We had two dinners in Sabatini's, both excellent, and one in the Crown grill, which was disappointing. I admit to being a steak snob, and as we don't have it often at home, I usually will buy, or order prime beef. Crown grills beef was not up to restaurant standards, maybe a notch or two above Golden Corral. Our servers in every venue were just excellent, especially Lawrence, and Ariel, in the Palm. The International cafe was our choice for breakfast every day, even though we were offered breakfast in Sabatinis. It was just too convenient to grab and go, from the cafe, and the specialty coffees are very good. We walked through Horizon court two or three times, at lunch, but couldn't find anything that looked appealing. The pizza was excellent, and the burgers at the burger stand were good as well.
We have only been on twelve cruises, in twenty eight years, but we've sailed in everything from an inside bunkhouse, with four children, to the pinnacle suite on the Celebrity Mercury. This window suite was our very favorite. There is lots of room, lots of storage, full whirlpool tub and separate shower, double vanity, and huge picture widows. The location on the ship is perfect, deck six, down a private hall. The cabin comes with all the full suite perks, for the price of a mini suite. We booked our next cruise on the Grand princess, because it has the same cabin. The third, and only other ship in the fleet with these suites, is the Golden princess.
It's a nice clean cruise port
Took the "petite Train" short tour from the dock. Nice way to get oriented.
Lismore, the Vee, and the Rock of Cashel. This was a very interesting, fun, all day tour. Got to see a lot of countryside, and three small villages. Castle would be worth a day.
Just took the shuttle to town, highlight was the visitor center.
Glasgow was a hop on hop off bus day, lots to see.
This is a beautiful remote part of Scotland. The Ring of Brodgar, Mashoe tomb, and the standing stones, were well worth the time. The St. Magnus cathedral in town is worth the short walk.