Europe - Western Europe Cruise Reviews

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise in Caribbean Princess.  There were plenty of events happening on the ship most days and nights, so there was always something to pique our interest.  The entertainment provided by the cruise line was consistently first rate.  We especially enjoyed the guitarist from Australia ("Jumari") who did a bang-up job with his Neil Diamond songs repertoire.  The Princess Theatre shows were consistent sell-outs, and one needed to arrive early to ensure a seat.  We had elected "Anytime Dining" and were very pleased with that, as it allowed us to interface with several new and interesting passengers at each meal.  The dining service at dinner was excellent throughout.  We elected to eat at the Horizon Court's buffet for most breakfasts and were very pleased with the quantity and quality of items available.  Thankfully, the ship pulled into nine ports for excursions, etc., during the 12 day cruise and we were able to walk off a lot of the pounds otherwise surely gained at table.  Our flight arrangements to/from London came off flawlessly.  The only "glitch" we had was with normally dependable British Rail, who deposited us two train stops short of our embarkation port destination for unknown reasons, forcing us to quickly make alternative train arrangements.  We arrived for our cruise check-in a mere 60 minutes before sailing, but it was expeditiously handled.  A little too close for comfort!  Despite that hiccup, we had a grand time thereafter and enjoyed all the excursions we had booked ahead of underway.  The Pullman Hotel St. Pancras' arrangements for passengers and baggage post-cruise and pre-flight from Gatwick two days later were very professionally handled.

Loved the Northern Ireland tour to the Giants Causeway and also to the Scotland's distillery in the northern part of the country!

We also enjoyed the excursion to the World War II beaches.  It was a long tour but the knowledge and appreciation of this area was worth the whole day.  Had many opportunities to get out and explore on our own and relax.  The American cemetery was so nicely kept to honor the war hero's that died on these beaches and during this time of war. 

Our treat was to Kiss the Blarney Stone and we did just that!!

Enjoyed the whole trip!

My favorite part of the cruise was sitting on the veranda on a sea day enjoying a glass of wine and a plate of grapes.

My least favorites were the long waits to give our passports to personnel and the long wait time to return to the ship on the second tender.  (We didn't even go ashore for the third tender.)  Both wait times were over an hour and a half!

Due to the nature of this cruise, i.e. seeing 7 countries in 13 days, you must do planning ahead of time so as to maximize your time ashore. Also, I noticed the ship's excursions were not that encompassing, and were expensive. In this part of the world, consider Paddywagon, Scottish Terrier Tours, and BusyBus as excellent alternatives and for more scope than the boat can offer. Ship is very comfortable, but I did miss the center atrium - the heart of a boat. Crew was exceptionally nice, and the food was the best I had in 14 cruises. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather, as these regions can be wet and overcast. But you will see lots, in a short amount of time.

British Isles cruise ports were all excellent. Ships tours were excellent. Food was  basically good as were the staff onboard.

Entire ship needs refurbishment. It is getting worn. Computer system is poor. Entertainment was excellent but lacking on some nights. Cutbacks are evident. Specialty restaurants fee is raised to $29 per pax. Steak is off regular menu nightly choices. Needed information regarding shuttle transfers was lacking until it was too late to utilize the transfers. Folkloric shows which were brought onboard were in Ireland and Scotland were performed BEFORE tours came back to ship.

The staff makes up for all that the ship lacks - decorum. Also, prospective guests should be informed that the ship is really a senior citizen haven and not suitable for teenagers.

We enjoyed the different ports in four countries and the Princess food, which is always the best. Princess cruises are best for older adults since there are plenty of folks just like us. Not too many families and kids, not that I have anything against kids. 

The destinations were GREAT!  All of the local guides and tours were perfect.  The people were very friendly and knowledgeable.  We have been on 25 cruises and this has to be one of the more disappointing ships we have been on.  Most of the staff were friendly but the few that were not brought down our whole experience.  The food in the dining room was OK but we have had much better on cruises before and the entertainment was not that good either!  We love Princess and love cruising but another experience like this one and we may look to other cruise lines in the future. 

The food was excellent and all the staff on the ship went out of their way to make us feel special--especially our cabin steward, Cristian and a bar waiter named Lester.  We went on several princess excursions.  Two of the guides were not excellent but the trips were good anyway.  Well organized.

Visiting Scotland was our highlights on this cruise.  The Highlands are awesome. 

Weather was constantly ether rainy or in the high 50 degree...not much sun either.

The UK is very impressive with his history of clan battles and various Kings battling each other on land. etc.  Old battle grounds are OK, but the blood shed that took place is something that we modern society people have a hard understanding "why" this way to solve problems/conflicts?

The stops on the tour were excellent.  Loved the cool weather and the excursions.

Would recommend this trip to others.  Had early seating for dinner and the service was outstanding!  All food was very good for every meal.  Room service was very prompt for time requested.

Unfortunately, there were a couple of things that could have been better.  Since most of the passengers were seniors, expected a jazz combo/trio to play some venue each day but there was none.  More importantly, this was the 1st cruise I have ever had where the mattress poked me in the back and caused bad backaches each day.  Requested a new mattress but didn't get one.

The embarkation and disembarkation process was the smoothest I have experienced (9th cruise on 4 different cruise lines).  Loved the itinerary, cabin and food service was great.  I wasn''t wild about the entertainment or the spa as the sauna wasn't working several days and neither was one of the steam rooms or the head ceramic lounges.

Had the most wonderful time aboard the Caribbean Princess to the British Isles!  The ship is old....but its spotlessly clean and the service was the best ever!  We loved the ventriloquist...Kieran Powell....he had us in stitches!  Dont miss the teatime and have the scones...totally decadent and worth every calorie! 

It rains a lot in the British Isles and its quite cold, even in summer...my advice is to NOT waste money on a balcony...you wont get to use it. 

Also....Princess excursions are too expensive.  We used companies that we found on the internet at half the price.

Loved this cruise and cant wait to book my next one! 

The combination between wonderful stuff on the ship and well-planned land sightseeing.  The only problem is that my wife  forgot her black shoes at the cabin  Emerald E406.  

Thanks,

Zeev & Esther Pilpelpaz

*** EDITED 7/1/16 BY CRUISELINE.COM TO REMOVE PERSONAL INFORMATION *** 

Family of 3 had a mini-suite on Deck 9. Lots of room and large bathroom/tub and large closets. Deck was roomy. Sofa bed was not comfortable so the room steward found an additional mattress for my daughter. Food was really good... room service and dining rooms. Service was really good. Ship was clean. Didn't really use a lot of the outdoor space because of the weather being cool and rainy most of the time. Outdoor movies in the rain/cold was not a smart idea. The shows/performances were good. Could have had more of them. Would definitely recommend for those interested in the British Isles who are not overly formal and want flexibility in their schedules. 

Food was good with the buffet often having better food and better variety than dining room. Only problem, they might have an Indian Food night, or Southeast Asian night, so if you don't like those foods, you're out of luck. Entertainment was better than most cruise ships. The elevators are ridiculous with some floors not being accessible from certain floors. Thermal beds in spa area were ok but it was dead quiet in there. Other ships have pleasant massage music playing. They did at the reception desk. Steam rooms were nice.

We had a wonderful time on the Caribbean Princess. We saw many ports and enjoyed them all. The ship took care of all our needs. This was our second time on Princess and they exceeded our expectations. The food was good and the specialty dining was exceptional.

We were able to upgrade to the concierge level veranda stateroom which made our cruise fabulous.  The concierge was a great help with our tour plans and being able to use the concierge lounge was very enjoyable.  We loved the specialty restaurants but also enjoyed the main dining room.  The service was excellent everywhere on the ship.  

Everything was very good, except the food that could be better. The personal in the dinning room were excellent. The staff who was in charge of our cabin was very good too.

Service and staff attentiveness was unsurpassed. The excursions were plentiful but did not spend enough time at each venue to see what was offered. We especially liked the small ship experience.