Emerald Princess Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We wanted to visit the far North and Nordkapp and this was the only cruise available. Bad weather meant missing Flam which was a pity, but the wind and swell was awful even after our delayed departure from Stavanger so right decision by Captain. Ship too big for my taste but crew were friendly and efficient and food as expected of a good standard. Cleanliness of a high standard. Entertainment not great for me I'm afraid. Pretty amateur shows and if you don't like quizzes or joining the choir take a book.
I had an aft cabin overlooking the wake. Great views and extra balcony space was a bonus. Overall cabin space limited but did like open wardrobe arrangement. No tea/coffee facilities a pity as a long walk to anywhere on this ship.
Would benefit from more open places to sit and watch the world go by instead of almost everywhere to sit was by a bar. The Piazza was way too noisy and when competing musical acts on it was very loud and drowned out pleasant music in Crooners Bar.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Average cabin, living space limited. Liked open wardrobe area/ dressing. Extra balcony good with seat and footstool and good sized table. Space to walk around without moving furniture.
Noise from prop but we knew that and not intrusive.
Good views and little suntrap
Port Reviews
Southampton
Made own way to Southampton for embarkation which was smooth and trouble free
Stavanger
You can do your own thing here without shore excursion. Local transport and sightseeing buses at the quayside and most sights are within walking distance if you are reasonably fit. Old town has lots of stairs
Olden
Pretty town, getting around easy, little train at quayside although queueing seemed alien to some passengers, local buses and sightseeing buses. Pricey though, if you are moderately fit, nice walk of about three miles round takes in beautiful lake and river plus church- all you need
Trondheim
Very wet, jumped in local taxi to take me to cathedral and negotiated fare to do tour of main sights plus a couple off beaten track. We agreed 900 kroner for two hours. Much cheaper than excursion and tailored to us and we didn't get wet.
Alesund
Beautiful. Take little train from quayside round town and up Mt Aksa for stunning views and local info. Worth the money. Then visit the art nouveau museum and art gallery, 180 kr for combined ticket. Nice cafe. Sit in harbour and watch world go by, plenty of seats. Walk up to church, nice stained glass. Don't miss this little beauty of a port
Bergen
Busy, too m any other ships in, we were at wrong side of harbour so 2 min bus journey off ship seemed pointless although H&S matters. Too short a time in port given 7am arrival everything shut till 9 then back on board lunchtime.