Canaries cruise guide

This is a great cruise for history lovers. Every port has some very interesting venues to see and learn something new. Since I went in December, this was not a typical go to the sun type vacation, but the history and culture more than made up for the low temperatures. Still managed to come back with a tan.

Enjoyed the trivia games, bingo and great food. The service was impeccable. The stops were great, but I was disappointed that we didn't land in Madeira due to high waves preventing the tender from landing, but the fireworks were fantastic. Originally, this was supposed to be a docking port, but it changed before the cruise. Really good lecturers on the royal family and Cunard history.

This cuise was a Musical Festival at Sea, but most of the people on board (like myself) seem to have been unaware of this when they booked.

However, in my case it was a bonus, and would like to go on another similar cruise in the future.

The Prinsendam is a small ship.  Maybe 800 passengers.  Short distances and fewer decks to cover between locales.  Easier to meet other passengers - and see them over and over again.  Everything is laid back.  No lines.  No crowded venues.  Fabulous service from the crew.  And, yes, on a small ship crew and passengers get to know each other too.  Entertainment was very good.  Sophisticated.  Classical music every evening in one lounge.  Finally, for many of us, repositioning cruises are what cruising is about.  We had 9 sea days out of the 16 days onboard.  Paradise for me.

Spending over 3 days at sea initially was too long for us very pleased to reach land in Madeira. Ship bit dated and in need of a refurbishment ,chaotic dining in self service and lack of tables, it was a daily task to find somewhere to sit and eat although food was very good at all times.

Dining at night was excellent with fabulous service and food in the Adriatic restaurant.

Lack of seating space to sit and relax during day and evening (why all the space taken up by art gallery and photos when there is this lack of seating?)

Would recommend more outside seats and less sun beds as most of guests were elderly and a lot were immobile and unable to get on to sunbeds.

Cabin was small but adequate but had problems with toilet overflowing and there was an overwhelming musty smell outside cabin with hot air blowers frequently in use as they had obviously had flooding problems earlier.

One morning we lost the use of the toilet as it stopped working altogether.

The cabin steward though was excellent , very pleasant and helpful.

Overall we enjoyed the cruise but afraid the ship does not compare to the Carnival Magic we last cruised on and i dont think we will be sailing on the Oceana again.