Forever a princess never a Queen

 
Reviewed By: robertson, urmston,manchester on 13th May 2009
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises Times cruised before: 6-10
Cruise Ship: Diamond Princess Sailed: April, 2009
Destination: Far East Age: 56-65
Cabin: Inside Occasion: Family holiday
We sailed as aparty of four from Bangcock to Xingang(for Beijing).The original itinerary included nagasaki but this was withdrawn due to previous long custom clearance problems on other cruises---considering we still docked at okinawa i find this a bit odd...we were very upset at this port cancellation---could it be due to port fee docking charges?
The voyage itself was fine....but there were just too many passengers on the ship...the captains cocktail party was held over three decks in the atrium! What a farce.
The horizon view buffet restaurant was a free for all..we did three laps of the ship before we could find a seat
The quality of thee food in the international dining room was only average...the soups were often cold and the steaks below par.
The price of drinks were excessive to say the least ..£20 for the cheapest wine and £5 for a can of usa canned gassy Fosters lager!
The staterooms werefine with exceptional cabin service
I had my birthday on board in the international dining room....the"complimentary" birthday cake provided was half the size of a donut with a candle stuck in the middle... my wife was very embarrassed as she had earlier offered to pay for a decent cake!...how could you split that cake on a table for six?
To their credit free shuttle buses were provided at most ports.
We had heard so much about the quality of the cuisine on Princess cruises that was one of the reasons for booking.....it fell far short of our expectations!
Quality of Food2
Entertainment2
Mike Newman,the comedian, is well past his sell by date. The american ventriloquist was excellent.
Shore Excursions2
Best....Taiwan Least...Shanghai
Staff5
Ronaldo our cabin steward.....extremely eam and helpful person.
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities4
Cabins4
Overall Rating2
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Opinion: Disagree Comment by Smith, Southampton (06 Jun 09 19:54) about this REVIEW
Another Smith commenting! We were on the same voyage and stayed on the ship until Vancouver - 39 days in all and we both thought it was fantastic. We ate in the International dining room second sitting on a table for 8 and we were very impressed with the quality of the food. Lobster and crab were frequently on the menu and the steaks were excellent. If the soup was cold (ours wasn't) the waiters were happy sort out any problem. Our waiters were great fun and very efficient. We are big fans of Cunard but this was our second Princess voyage and we were very impressed by the whole operation. Drink prices on all ships (and hotels) are high, but its worth bearing in mind that cruising is now very good value. If the drinks were priced somewhat lower then no doubt the cost of the cruise would be higher!
Comment by Robertson, urmston,manchester (07 Jun 09 11:57) about a COMMENT by Smith (06 Jun 09 19:54)
Glad you enjoyed the cruise.....lets beg to differ on the quality of the cuisine. You were not the chap i saw lighting a cigarette with a ten dollar bill were you?
Comment by Smith, Southampton (08 Jun 09 16:38) about a COMMENT by Robertson (07 Jun 09 11:57)
No - I'm not a smoker!
Opinion: Disagree Comment by Woodcock, Redhill (18 May 09 19:39) about this REVIEW
I have put in my review of this cruise elsewhere but feel I must add a reply to this one. The ship is built to hold approximately 2700 and had 2600 passengers so did not have too many. At no time did my wife and I find it crowded. Like Mr Smith, all the recent Captains cocktail parties we have attended have been in the atrium, not that we bothered to go to this one just for a free drink!. We found that the comedian in question was very good once you had got used to his form of presentation. Neither of us cared for Taiwan and thought Shanghai fantastic. I found the cold soups very good and the steaks often overflowed the plate. It takes all sorts I suppose. By the way I am not a Princess fanatic, the next cruise is with Celebrity.
Comment by smith, grays (13 May 09 17:59) about this REVIEW
All Princess ships i have been on apart from the Pacific and the Tahitian have the captains cocktail party in the atrium spread over 3 floors rather a lot of passengers to get in one lounge. Never heard anyone complain as long as they get their free drinks. Always have had good food and if my soup has not been hot enough i have sent it back. Did this cruise last year had a fantastic time.
Comment by Walker, Seascale, Cumbria (13 May 09 17:44) about this REVIEW
It's the ports which provide the free shuttle buses, or the tourist boards-to get you out of busy ports and to encourage you to spend in their towns. Otherwise the ship has to pay for them.-Jo.

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