Royal Princess Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise as it visited ports that were on our must see list and it would give us a taste of each, so we could decide if we would revisit again and spend more time in the future.
Embarkation was smooth, although the queues for the shuttle bus were long ,but this was due to the departure of the Costa Facinosa, so it might help to check the other ships in port to consider arrival time for embarkation. The check in queues were long at 1.00pm, but it gave plenty of time before sail away.
The cabin (Deck 9 Deluxe Balcony) mid aft was well situated for both the central lifts and aft lifts. Despite the many comments we read about getting around the ship we never had a problem, although at peak times the central lifts were busier than the aft ones. Cabin was good size and the balcony was fine, with so many areas to sit on deck why spend all day on the cabin balcony.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Great location close to center of ship, great hanging space and adequate storage. Excellent steward who kept the stateroom just as it was when we arrived. It was nice to have the additional seating,but a Balcony Stateroom would be fine if unless you spend most of your time in your cabin.
Port Reviews
Cartagena (Spain)
Great port and the ship docks close enough to go back for lunch. Plenty to see and visit. No need to do and organised visit, as everything in town is close by, to get good views of the bay there are a lot of steps but well worth it for the views.
Gibraltar
Arranged private excursion with Gibraltar Rock Tours (formed group through Cruise Critic) as they use 8 seater taxis we were able to visit all the sites (coaches cannot get everywhere. Three to three and a half hours in total, with plenty of time to shop afterwards. The driver Douglas was excellent and made the excursion with his knowledge of the Rock. Would highly recommend as collected from the dock and dropped off in Casemates Square where there is a shuttle bus to return to the ship, although it can be walked to.
Genoa
Was OK, but keep to the tourist areas. Used hop on hop off bus that stops at the entrance to the terminal. Lift to higher areas provides great views.
Florence (Livorno)
Arranged private excursion with Italy Tours EU. Private guide in Florence showing main sites, optional visit to the Academia (skip the line tickets) to see "David". Plenty of time to shop and see other sites. Nice drive to Pisa. Promise of never being late for all aboard (reassuring) Excursion was well over 8 hours, excellent value.