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We have just returned from another excellent cruise with Princess. We loved the countries we visited and have been more than impressed with the itinerary.
Apart from 24 hour delay in embarkation due to delay in the ship rounding Cape Horn due to storms, which meant us being handed a letter on arrrival at Santiago to say we were being put up in a hotel at our own expense, the cost of which was not fully covered by the subsequent onboard credit for the loss of a day on board and the lack of hospitality in San Francisco (it amounted to a transfer to the airport), we feel privileged to be able to enjoy these holidays.
Everywhere we visited had its own special feel and atmosphere. Highlights
Chile – the welcome at the hotel in Santiago, and its comfort, the trip by coach to Valparaiso past copper mines and the Casablanca wine valley, where the guide explained that all the best wine in the world is grown at around 33 degrees latitude, either South or North of the equator – Chile, S Africa, Australia, New Zealand in the South and California, France, Italy, Spain in the North.
Peru – Callao and Lima – we were in port next to a line of container ships, and the way that the population has grown so that the two cities have become one, the middle class area of San Isidro and the colonial heart of the city in the cathedral, imperial palace and Franciscan Convent.
Ecuador – Manta – the visit to the craft market with the locals making Panama hats
Panama - the modernity of the Panama City skyline, the understanding of its strategic importance to the US, a better appreciation of the impressiveness of the Canal.
Costa Rica – the abundant colours at the Pura Vida Gardens, the diversity of the wildlife in their natural state, from Capuchin monkeys to iguanas, oxen, macaws and crocodiles.
Nicaragua – seeing the pride in the country from the guide, understanding the history of the region and why Panama is more advanced in its infrastructure than Costa Rica, which is more advanced than Nicaragua, the unspoilt beauty of Lake Nicaragua and our horseriding expedition to its shores.
Mexico – Acapulco, the cliff divers and tour of the waterfront, although the guide could have learnt when to be quiet. Cabo San Lucas – what a fun place, very clean and certainly set up for the cruise ships. Beautiful coastline, seals, pelicans, snorkelling, parascending etc.
USA – San Francisco, until you visit you never appreciate how wonderful some places are, we would have loved more time there, but the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the trip round Pier 39 have given us a taste and a desire to visit again
As for the ship itself, with it only being 2/3 full in meant we never had to wait in line, the service was as good as ever, the food if anything better than previously. The entertainment was good, but there seemed to be too many evenings with films in either the Theatre or Vista Lounge, rather than two shows as we have experienced on previous cruises, but the Production shows were still fabulous. We were impressed by the Magic Peru Folkloric Show with Peruvian Dance and Music, and the Mexican Folkloric Festival. The pianist and harpist were OK. We didn’t bother with the hypnotist or female vocalist, but enjoyed the male vocalist from Canada, a couple of comedians, a good magician and a ventriloquist.
We saw albatross, frigate birds and pelicans, along with dolphins, porpoise and turtles from our balcony.
The weather was perfect until we left Cabo, with the two days sailing up alongside the Mexican/Californian coast being blowy and cooler, yet by the time we reached SF the weather had brightened again and was unseasonably warm there.
Best shows were the Production shows - Destination Anywhere stood out
The ventriloquist Dan Horn and comedian Don Ware were the best individual performances.
Enjoyed the Peruvian and Mexican folkloric shows
Too many films as the main entertainment
Shore Excursions
Listed in review, always chose to go with the organised tours, although if visited Acapulco again, would just go from the ship. All had their own plusses and minuses, but our guide in Nicaragua for the horseback riding for his sheer pride in his country and gratefulness for our visit would be a highlight.
Staff
Our cabin steward was always friendly and attentive and Vadim the maitre d in Capri was always welcoming and found us a good table. Elaine and Joel were the pick of the waiters in the restaurant.
Children's Facilities
n/a
Onboard Activities
We made use of the gym regularly, which was always busy, and spent a lot of the day sunbathing. Never felt there was nothing to do or that time was dragging. The cruise director's talk on "Cruise Ships - where are they now?" was excellent
Cabins
Have stayed in similar cabin before on Grand Princess, were pleased that there seemed to be more wardrobe space this time. It was as we expected.
Comment
by Dobson, Holme Upon Spalding Moor (25 Apr 09 19:24)
about
this REVIEW
Get a refund for the hotel. It's not your fault the ship wasn't there on time. Do not take no for an answer. If needs be, cosult a solicitor. Quite worrying.
Comment
by Roberts, Ruthin (25 Apr 09 14:49)
about
this REVIEW
We were on the cruise previous to yours - ending at Valpariso a day late. We had a post cruise of 2 nights in the Grand Hyatt booked in Santiago but lost out on 1 night. I wonder whether you had our room for that night - if so it's been paid for twice as we've had no refund you've had to pay for it as well !!
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