It was a good cruise because it crossed off may "have to see" items for me. The ship was the highlight of the trip in many ways and it's for that reason I have a positive review of this. Other than Rome and Florence, the other stops were just stops. Still, it's a trip worth taking if you're looking to add this part of the world to your experiences.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
No issues. Professional and fast no matter how long the line.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Princess has the best food and beverage in its class.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
I just don't think that "activities" are really part of cruising unless you are at sea much more than 2 days. Here the activates were not really worth the effort or were sell you something based. Some of the outdoor activities were closed for the entire cruise.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Entertainment was fine. Only disappointment was one of the performances I wanted to see has such limited capacity...you would have to wait 2 hours to hopefully make it in.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Princess has the best staff in cruising.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Incredible ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Cabin was nice and layout was fine. There was an alternate layout of the same cabin class that I preferred (other cruisers with us had), but ours was fine too. Some hallway noise, but acceptable.
Ship tip
I don't believe the drink packages make sense. If you can buy them at a discount...that is a different story. I am not a big drinker, but it would take some work to get to 15 every day. Also, I don't think the food in the speciality restaurants is a big step up per se. If its part of your package...great...if not...no big deal. Lastly, if you have preferred dining, don't be unwilling to go to the buffet dining. They have so much differing food to offer. Its great just for variety.
There is really nothing to see in Genoa. We took an excursion to 3 smaller towns by boat. Those were interesting but not worthy of traveling 1/2 around the world to see.
Noting to see in La Spezia. Visited Pisa and Florence. What I expected...except of the dozens of street vendors approaching you on the .25 mile walk to the venue. It was non-stop.
Rome was ok. Again...an old city geared to tourists. Non-stop street vendors. Compared to most US cities...dirty. But a city filled with history. If you look online, you can find the top 10 things to see in Rome...all but the Catacombs and the Vatican you can do without a tour for free and walk there if your stay an extra day (assume Rome was the end of your cruise) at a hotel downtown. Also, you know that the city is anyting but handicap accessable, including most of the hotels. We stayed at a Hilton and you had to climb stairs to access the evelvator. You can see Rome in 48 hours...if your an occasional tourist like me. Also, most travel is by taxi. Use Uber. The price if fixed and the taxi drivers want to negotiate if you paying in Euros. No one takes US Dollars.
The Princess plus package includes wifi, gratuities, and a 15 drink limit for only $60/day, plus many more options that Princess is charging for now. If you Have 2-3 drinks, then you are at break even, so even if you are not a big drinker, it's a very good value.
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