Crown Princess Review
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We are Elite Members with Princess and this was our 2nd cruise around the BI. Our previous cruise of the BI was 5 years ago. We have also sailed multiple times with Holland America, Norwegian and Carnival. Let me give you a comprehensive review of our experience.
Embarkation/Disembarkation: Both went smoothly. We purchased EZ Air, took a transfer from Heathrow to Southampton and were in our cabin by 11:30 am. However, unless you're at sea for a couple of days and you can rest up, I'd recommend staying overnight in London for a night or two; otherwise you miss the first day or so while catching up on sleep, because the sea/ocean air will make you relax anyway.
Cabins: We upgraded this cruise and have stayed mostly in balcony and mini-suite cabins. They appear to be larger than other cruise line cabins. I agree with some comments they could do with a face lift, but beds are comfy and otherwise ok.If you are not used to Princess cabins, they have US outlets and it's a good idea to bring an outlet strip.
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Cobh (Cork)
I did a self-directed tour. Walked around the town and window-shopped. Sat in the little park and then walked up the hill to see St. Colman's Cathedral. There are a few steep steps, but worth the visit.
Liverpool
I visited the two cathedrals and Albert Dock. There are some lovely National Trust places to visit near Liverpool, but not on the ship's tours.
Belfast
Didn't take a tour this time. Five years ago, took the Antrim Coast tour and had the most delicious scone & tea ever.
Greenock (Glasgow)
Took the ship's Easy Lochs Tour. We stopped at Luss by Loch Lomond - and we took a ferry ride at Dunoon, but otherwise it was a long bus ride around six lakes and mountains.
Invergordon (Inverness)
I decided to look around the local area. The Church of Scotland had a screen welcoming the passengers and crew of the Crown Princess. There really wasn't much to see in this small town. Five years ago, I took a tour of a castle and we traveled through the Highlands and it was magnificent.