This cruise ticked a few items on my bucket list giving me the opportunity to visit Macchu Pichu and Iguaza Falls. I've been on the Emerald Princess before and she's my favourite ship in the fleet. The cruise was part of a package with flights, transfers and hotel accommodation so everything was done for me. I was in an interior cabin on Deck 10 which didn't worry me as I love the absence of light creeping in through a window and preventing me from an extra couple of hours' sleep. I also love the walk-in wardrobe set-up outside the bathroom for a bit of privacy. Don't miss having a drink at Skywalkers on deck 18 to check out the water views from the rear of the ship. The food was exceptional, especially if you love steak like I do. I only ate in the restaurant (anytime dining) and avoid the buffet because of lines and looking for tables. There was two sectors; a lot of Americans left the ship at Santiago and were replaced by Spanish people to Buenos Aires. Princess did her best to accommodate both nationalities but obviously there were problems with two languages. Activities were split into two with different venues, one for the English speaking and one for Spanish. Announcements were made in both languages. While this was a little annoying, there was an advantage when dining in the restaurant - Spanish people eat very late so the dining room was practically empty for the early seating. Guest entertainers were a bit disappointing although the Princess dancers and singers were fabulous as always. I loved the cruise director and his staff. Service was great as always. I don't use Princess shore excursions they are very expensive, but booked a number of tours through the Cruise Critic roll call.
While being in the forward part of the ship, there was no problem with the motion. I like an interior cabin as any light keeps me awake. I was travelling with a lady who I didn't know very well, so the walk-in type wardrobe outside the bathroom was perfect for a little privacy when getting dressed. Beds were comfortable and I loved the pillows.
Left the ship in Lima and caught a flight to Cuzco where I stayed the night in the Sonesta Hotel (very nice and recommended). The next morning it was an early pick-up by a local company offering a one day Macchu Picchu excursion, returning to hotel in the evening. This involved a long bus drive to the train station, train trip, and another bus trip to the ruins. It was very hot and I was wearing three jumpers ready for the cold! Stunning scenery didn't disappoint. Lots of stairs so seniors should be prepared. The next day I flew back to Lima and took a chauffered car to the next port to meet the ship. It's a long drive to San Martin port so allow 5 hours (Lima traffic is a nightmare).