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Cruise Line: P&O Cruises
Cruise Ship: Artemis
Sailed: February, 2009
Destination: South America - Amazon Adventure (Caribbean & Amazon)
Age: 46-55
Previous cruises: 5
Reviewed By: Wilson, Thornton Cleveleys
This was our fifth P&O cruise, though our first on the Artemis.
We had to fly from Birmingham (ThomsonFly) as all Manchester flights
were full. We had previously flown Thomas Cook which was not the
best so we were delighted to read comments in other reviews as to
how good Thomson flights were. We agree, plenty of leg room and
the meals and service very good.
We had heard about a tired ship that required a refit. We were disappointed
that the ship had no wow factor but generally the furnishings etc
were fine. We soon grew into the ship and found no major problems
at all. We were joined onboard by the refit auditors and the captain
confirmed a major refit will take place in April 2010. On board
the food was excellent, the staff throughout very courteous and
efficient. Our cabin was slightly dated but very clean with the
best shower we have had on five cruises, our steward was very good.
Pools were disappointing with one area with 3 small round pools
which were not good for anything but dangling your feet in and the
other pool was salt water and tended to sting your eyes.
The headliners theatre group were the best that we have come across
on P&O cruises and all their shows were packed. The comedian was
very good although only on once. Generally, the entertainment seemed
to be lacking with variety and geared up towards the older generation.
No music around the pool areas or within the ship except for the
steel band who played regularly.
Ports of call included:
Antigua - quite nice port with bustling shops - did the cricket
legend tour. Barbados - walked up the seafront to the busy shopping
area - have previously done tours around the island which were very
good.
Cayo Levantado - Fantastic private island where the ship decamped
for sun bathing and barbecue.
Grand Turk - Good cruise terminal recently done with shops, swimming
pool and Margarita bar with DJ.
St Vincent - bustling town and OK for quick walk round but would
advise you to do a trip - excellent trip on catamaran which incorporated
a trip to the waterfall (like taking a cold shower with hail - very
invigorating). Totola - one rather grotty street and a trip really
is a must - we went by bus around the island, over to Pussers Landing
(small mariner) and then on a boat trip - whole trip was excellent.
Amazon - Amazing sailing up the yellowy river where you can see
rainforest on both sides. Stopped in Santarem, Parintins & Manaus.
River trips were all reported to be excellent, we did the Santarem
boat trip which gave us a real feel of life in the Amazon and we
even fished for piranah's - imagine our surprise when only the captain
caught one!
Our departure from ship was well organised but Manaus airport is
not capable of handling 4 outgoing international flights in one
afternoon. Our coach circled the airport parking area 5 times before
finding somewhere to drop us off. You need to collect your bags
which P&O deliver and place in deck order. Passengers could only
go through security to the departure lounge, one flight at a time
which left the rest of us in one massive queue up and down the airport.
Ratings
Quality of Food 5/5
Entertainment 5/5
Shore Excursions 4/5
Staff 5/5
Children's Facilities N/A
Onboard Activities 1/5
Cabins 3/5
Overall Rating 4/5
Cruise Line: Silversea
Cruise Ship: Silver Whisper
Sailed: August, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean
Age: 46-55
Previous cruises: 6-10
Reviewed By: Kerr, Newtownards
Last month my family and I (2 adults and 2 children) spend 7 days
onboard Silver Whisper sailing around the med. It was our first
time onboard one of Silversea's ships and was a remarkable experience.
Our voyage started in Barcelona and ended in Rome. The overall clientele
were in their mid 50s with only a few children (mostly teenagers)
onboard.
Fernando was our Cruise Director and kept the voyage interesting
entertaining us with the shows at night. My favourite show was the
flutist named Jonathan Johnston from Belfast - an absolutely outstanding
performance was given.
The restaurant was obviously small and boutique like, but the food
was exceptional throughout the duration. The dining room was open
seating each evening which offered contrast and enjoyment to the
voyage (meeting different people and waiters).
Unfortunately there was no early embarkation available for the first
day as the ship had been chartered and the final disembarkation
day was very swift and well handled by the staff - something different
than you would find on larger cruise ships.
We stayed overnight in Rome post-cruise and would not recommend
this, we stayed in the Bernini Bristol Hotel - not a good experience.
The hotel would need to be refurbished and cleaned up. The bedrooms
very very fusty and the breakfast was poor......never mind the staff...that's
another story.
But other than our bad experience in Rome the cruise was the best
we've ever been on and would thoroughly recommend Silver Whisper
for the discerning sophisticated traveller.
Ratings
Quality of Food 5/5
Entertainment 5/5
Shore Excursions N/A
Staff 5/5
Children's Facilities N/A
Onboard Activities 5/5
Cabins 5/5
Overall Rating 5/5
Cruise Line: Discover Egypt Cruises
Cruise Ship: Sonesta Saint George 1
Sailed: November, 2008
Destination: Africa
Age: 65+
Previous cruises: 6-10
Reviewed By: Anyon, Sheffield
The best way to visit the "Tombs and Temples" in Egypt, is on a
Nile cruise. There are over 200 ships on the River Nile. Some good
and some not so good. Having read many horror stories, we made a
lot of enquiries and with the advice of our travel agent we decided
to choose the "Sonesta Saint George 1". This ship (a new ship) is
one of three officially rated "5 Star Plus Luxury" Nile cruise ships.
First impressions count and when we arrived at the ships private
berth, we were impressed. The ship stood out amongst others nearby.
Ornate metalwork fronts every cabin window and the ships entrance.
On entering the ship, it oozed with the wow factor, marble floors
and pillars etc. We were given cool towels to refresh ourselves
and then taken to the lounge. No waiting to check in, we were taken
to the lounge and whilst we enjoyed a cool drink the staff did all
the checking in for us. The foyer is opulent and a grand staircase
leads to the cabins and bars etc.
Our cabin was large, more like a large mini-suite with arm chairs,
dining chairs and table. A full width sliding window opens to give
a balcony effect. A very big bathroom contains an integral bath/
shower, rotating massager, combined unit. Our luggage was waiting
for us in the cabin and the cabin boy offered to unpack and hang
our clothes. On deck one, is the dance/entertainment lounge and
bar with an illuminated floor and modern decor. A Piano lounge and
Forward View lounge bar is on the second deck. The all important
dining room is spacious and tastefully decorated, with tables for
two, four or six. An excellent Buffet breakfast and lunch with a
Table de Hote, served dinner of very good quality.
On the seven day cruise there are inclusive tours to the "Tombs
and Temples". Most mornings it is an early start, this avoids the
heat of the day. Also included is a Felluca trip to Kitcheners Island
near Aswan. After the tours it was lunch and on to the top deck
for relaxation. Sunbeds and frequent change of towels, or there
is a fully shaded area with tables and chairs. It is here that afternoon
tea and cakes or biscuits are served. The Sonesta Saint George 1
is indeed a Five Star Plus Luxury Ship. It provides service, service
and service. At buffet meals the waiters offer to carry your plates.
The staff on this ship do everything for you and nothing is too
much trouble, they cater for your every need without hovering.
The ship has private berths at Luxor and Aswan. In other ports the
ship is usually berthed on the outside of three or four other ships.
To leave the ship you have to walk through the other ships to get
ashore. It is then we realised the difference between a five star
luxury plus ship and the others. You certainly get what you pay
for. We will recommend the Sonesta Saint George 1 to anyone, without
hesitation.
Ratings
Quality of Food 5/5
Entertainment 2/5
Shore Excursions 5/5
Staff 5/5
Children's Facilities 5/5
Onboard Activities 2/5
Cabins 5/5
Overall Rating 5/5
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Cruise Ship: Millenium
Sailed: December, 2008
Destination: Australasia 9 - (The Aussie and Kiwi Experience)
Age: 56-65
Previous cruises: 3-5
Reviewed By: Sood, Westcliff on Sea
I went on this cruise with my daughter in December 2008. The ship
departed from Sydney and was docked along the Sydney Harbour with
breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge
and the coastline.
The send off from Sydney was great, as the ship had live music and
with passengers dancing there was a great atmosphere. It was a beautiful
day.
We were in a concierge class cabin with a balcony and we had no
complaints about the cabin. The cabin was lovely but somehow the
service was lacking.
The informal dining was always very busy, so we preferred the formal
dining whenever possible to have breakfast and afternoon tea. We
had the first sitting for the dinners. As vegetarians we were extremely
disappointed with the menu offered. On the menus the dishes were
given fancy exotic names, but when presented they were ordinary
and without flavour. Therefore, we did not enjoy the dinners much
and ended up asking for salad or fresh fruit. I found the desserts
too sweet. The service at our table was slow, as some people on
our table would be on the starters and others finishing off the
meal. The other informal food establishments were better with my
daughter being a fan of the pizza!
A couple of days the ship offered brunches in the main dining areas
and these were better as the choice was more extensive.
The entertainment shows were of a high standard and I must compliment
the entertainment director James for ensuring high standards and
for putting on excellent shows; in no small part due to a fantastic
orchestra. This was a highlight of the trip. In terms of travel
the voyage was picturesque - particularly between the North and
South Island of New Zealand.
Overall, we had a fantastic time. I was only disappointed by the
food; as on a previous trip to Alaska the food and service was excellent
and this ship did not offer the same standard.
I would recommend this cruise to future travellers and am going
on another Celebrity Cruise soon.
Ratings
Quality of Food 1/5 (Vegetarian)
Entertainment 5/5
Shore Excursions N/A
Staff 5/5
Children's Facilities N/A
Onboard Activities 4/5
Cabins 4/5
Overall Rating 4/5
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