Great trip for the money

Royal Princess Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

gufe710

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 89

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

7 Night Mediterranean (Barcelona To Rome)

Sail date: June 24, 2017

Ship: Royal Princess

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

We enjoyed the cruise, the stops and the culture we could see from this trip. This is not a "sit back and relax" kind of itinerary. There are great ports of call, but it takes some strategic planning - or lots of extra shore excursion funds - to see each port appropriately. This is also not a "just get off the ship and walk" kind of port of call cruise. Each stop needs a game plan. But, if you're up for planning, getting out and about, seeing great sights and go-go-go, it's a great trip

The staff were helpful and kind - the food was ok, but not awesome - the entertainment had great opportunities, but you needed to be ok with kids at a 10pm show or game. Lots of kids.

It was worth the money and it was a good trip for us. Just be prepared.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

Not enough to keep all the children on board occupied to allow those cruising without children to enjoy a more "child free" environment.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

It's showing its age - carpet, fabrics, etc. But it is clean and interesting.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Just fine - inside cabin, nothing special.

Ship tip

Don't sit inside for breakfast - or for an evening cocktail - it's too crowded. Go to the aft deck on level 16 - great views of ports and sea, quiet and less busy. Also, skip the main pool and head to the Retreat Pool - quieter and adults only.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Barcelona, Spain

3 out of 5

Cartagena, Spain

3 out of 5

Easy to walk to the castle - and then into the town for tapas and sangria

Thumbs Up 4

Gibraltar (U.K.)

3 out of 5

The cabs are easier than the tram to the top. NO cab can "just bring you up and drop you off" - it's a one way street all the way up and down. Hiking it isn't for the faint of heart. It's a huge climb

Thumbs Up 2

Marseille (Provence), France

2 out of 5

Dirty, busy, slammed full of tourists - and disappointed to know we were a $15 shuttle bus ride to get off the pier into town (5miles, 8K)

Thumbs Up 1

Genoa, Italy

2 out of 5

Busy port, not a lot to do - taking a side excursion is the best use of time

Thumbs Up 1

Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

2 out of 5

Busy port, nothing to do - everyone defects for Florence, Pisa or the countryside - which was exactly what all the other ships and other tourists were doing.

Thumbs Up 0

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

2 out of 5

It is what it is - it's not Rome, it's not close. Taking the bus to the drop off point is no big deal - don't waste your money on the bus to the trains if you are able to walk. It's short, quick and convenient. Be prepared to be yelled at by all the vendors who want to give you a ride.

Thumbs Up 9

1 Comment

GIL155 7 years ago

Thanks for the review. Kids! I am not used to a lot of younger ones on a Princess cruise, but it could be European schools are out? also you did tour a lot of history/great cities. Thanks for all in insight too about pre-planning the excursions. I usually do, but reminders are nice.

Thumbs Up 2

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