December 2016 - Papua New Guinea Cruise on Sea Princess
happytravels
Second Mate
Joined 10/2013
1
Cruise2
Reviews74
Helpful VotesPast cruises
Rotterdam Retired
Sail date: September 29, 2013
Norwegian Spirit
Sail date: September 27, 2014
Good ports of call and did have time to use public transportation to get into Athens, Lucca and Rome. Took cruise ship tour to Aix au Provence, then went off on own and not with the guide. This worked out well, but could have used a couple of more hours in the town and eliminated a 30 minute toilet stop on the way in to town. The drive from Toulon to Aux au Provence takes only one hour but public transport is not really an option. Food in main dining rooms was not creative and showed no imagination in presentation. We have cruised in Europe with other cruise lines and the food on all was far superior. Rate food on level of Applebee's or mid level restaurants. We did pick this cruise because of itinerary and all ports met expectations. Did have to miss Mykonos due to high winds and unable to tender in, ship docked in town or all other ports.
Cruise tips
Check out market off the Rambler, best seen early in morning when not crowded
Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy
Took train to Lucca which is a great walled Tuscany town, We had been to Florence on 3 other ocassions, but also an easy train ride a way.
Easy to get to Rome by train
skipped this port as wind was too high to allow tendering from ship
Norwegian Spirit
Used excursion to Aix au Provence for transportation only, spent 3 hours travel with only 2 hours in town, 30 minutes wasted at rest stop on way there. Time would have been better used in the town enjoying a nice lunch and the facilities at a café.
Clean, walkable city, helpful Tourist office
Use Hop on Hop off bus for great overview of city, Carry currency and passports in money belt, saw lots of active pickpockets on the Rambla
We were there on a Sunday so shops were closed, pubs and going up to the Apes was great.
Convienent to old Lisbon and time to explore on second morning
great place to embark.
Fast train into Seville, station onlt 15 min walk from dock
Rotterdam Retired
Lido was great fro breakfast and lunch.
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Excellent ports of call with lots of time in ports. Ship was very clean, excellent service and good entertainment in Showroom. Cabin 2707 was good size, only negative it was on the main deck and had stair case blocking view and any natural light. Would choose same deck but room on side. Food was good but would have liked more choices in main dining room. Would take a cruise on the Rottedam again.