Emerald Princess Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We wanted to go to South America and Princess provided the best value for us. We took the opportunity to go to Iguazu Falls and Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires before the cruise as well as exploring Buenos Aires itself. Iguazu Falls are spectacular, but not an inexpensive side trip. Colonia was interesting and pleasant via Buquebus, but probably more expensive than it was worth. For us, a single day walking around Buenos Aires would have been sufficient.
Both embarkation and disembarkation went smoothly. The staggered embarkation times is an improvement over previous experiences.
The Emerald Princess is a pretty typical 3000 passenger ship with the usual decor and amenities. The passenger demographics were definitely older and late night activities were poorly attended. More efforts could have been made to adjust to the obvious earlier preferences.
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Buenos Aires
Not actually that interesting or beautiful, but worth a day to walk around. The Recolleta Cemetery was a highlight as well as the Port Area. The San Martin park is a great place for a shady, cool rest.
Montevideo
We did a 12 mile walk around to just get a sense of the city. The older, touristy area is pleasant as is the Rambla that goes on forever (bring sunscreen).
Stanley
Really more of a been there kind of experience, but the walk along the waterfront is pleasant. We didn't do an excursion, but it might have been worth it to go to an area with more wildlife.
Punta Arenas
Pleasant to walk around. The municipal cemetery was interesting.
Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera)
Not too much to see other than beaches and local vendors. We have visited Costa Rica before so weren't too interested in the other excursions (which are very interesting but we didn't need to repeat them). An hour walking around was enough for us.
San Juan del Sur
Took a Princess Excursion to Granada and the Lake. It was a long ride, but the guide gave us lots of information and history to make it interesting. Granada is pretty but small. The lake is pretty and interesting.
Puerto Vallarta
Big touristy destination with lots of beaches. We walked into town and back. Worth the walk although much is just along a busy main street.