Chennai

We signed up on a recent cruise for privileges. It is a good deal if you do land travel and want 'rebates' on hotels. The program offers lowest rates for hotels world-wide and then gives you cruise credits for some of the money you spend. It varies with the hotel and the sites, but seems to be a good program. We signed up for the prime membership: cost $5000 but gives you 3750 or so back in cruise credit that can be used for future sailings, as well as 2 different resort packages, one in Hawaii and one in Mexico Supposedly a great value, but very hard to book and the amount you get 'free' is not what they have promised. However, it is still a good value. When we booked a hotel for a future trip in Europe we did get the best price available, and will get a small amount back in cruise credit that will provide more money for us to book a cruise. Easy to use. The purchasing of the store items is ridiculous, though -- just high end products at exaggerated prices, and then a large discount added to your cruise credit account. It will get more lucrative I hope, later as they expand. The yearly fee of $100 is after the first year that you purchase. There are 3 plans, but the most lucrative is the prime one. Just make sure you are still a member after the twelve months so that you can use your points.

I agree with you. The noises that were the most irksome was almost like a door (s) were slamming and it was worse on that one night, but our friends that traveled with us complained also that it was pretty common. They are doing lots of construction on the boat, painting, moving things, and so forth, so maybe it will have been taken care of by the time you sail. I would write to them directly and ask if these things have been resolved. We too are elderly, and I have a dreadful back, so am hyper sensitive about mattresses. But they were also replacing mattresses, I believe. Keep reading reviews to see if the problems have been rectified, to at least some degree, by the end of August. My husband didn't love the mattress, but didn't have as great an objection as I did. Nor our friends. But they have bad/old beds at home!!

Looking back, I think that I would definitely take the same trip again, as there were so many positives, mostly the itinerary and the friendly staff. But there are other ships coming on line now, and so ProCruises had better fix its problems or lose customers to them. They are quite costly, and others are competing with as good as, or cheaper fares, with maybe better accommodations. Don't know, as I haven't read any reviews about the other lines, except those that are embedded in this particular forum.

Hope you have a wonderful trip next year. Pam

Here is a question of rather importance. We sail tomorrow and I still don't know where to catch the ship. Do you remember where it was docked? We r staying at icelandair marina hotel

Hope you get this in time. It is in the old harbor, across from the big hotel. Very very easy to find. Walk into the old town and down to the harbor and it is there. They will store your bags til you board in a secure building and deliver to your room so you can wander around town with out it. Also, when you disembark they will also hold your luggage until you need it and it is also secure. Bus can stop at the port there to pick it up. Easy.., Have fun

We are leaving at 6 pm. What time did you board? Do we need the 2 prong converters as in Iceland or the 3?

We boarded about 4 pm. they had a HUGE buffet in the lounge upon boarding, cakes/cookies/meats and cheeses, veggies, etc. So eat a very light lunch, since there is also dinner served at 6:30.

As far as converters, we used a three prong I think, though can't quite remember. Since I use a heating pad, we boarded a converter and extension cord (as well as a multi-plug) from the desk. Limited numbers of them. But there is only one plug, if I recall, on the desk, so if you have to charge Ipods/cameras and so forth, a multi plug is good to have.

Had some jeans washed -- they had been soaked from the ocean when we were in the zodiac (rather dreadful gale and waves). Price very reasonable as I remember, but don't know how much: if it had been high we would have remembered. VERY casual, many layers. We had very cold weather, but luckily no rain. But it is always windy. Bring warm scarf, gloves, hat, and coat. Yes, we had filled out the manifest and had some sort of document(s) but can't remember what, they had emailed them to us. But it is not a big thing if you don't have them, I would think, don't think they ever checked them. Names alone gave the information for boarding.

Have a great time. Hope the weather is good.

sounds wonderful (and expensive!). Glad you had a nice trip

Despite the negatives of my letter, I would certainly still recommend the trip, as it really does an excellent job of enabling one to see the country, and there are plenty of positives -- and probably it will improve with each sailing. the crew was eager to get it right, and I would hope that it would be so much better by next year. I don't want to discourage anyone from taking the Procruises, just not to have too high an expectation. The actual journey is not the most important part, and seeing Iceland in its 'entirety' (i.e. the circumnavigation part) makes most of the minor complaints and problems of less importance. Hope you find a trip that will suit you, but still allows you to see most of the fascinating countryside. We were 'tailed' by another ship, also rather smallish -- I think it was Pegasus or some such name, it started with P and the jackets they gave were red. It may also do Greenland at the same time? I know we looked at another cruise line, but it was a fair amount more expensive. What ever you decide, have a wonderful journey!

Sorry not to make it clear. The book is Cod (cod, all small letters) by Mark Kurlansky. History of cod and the importance of it to Iceland's economy, historically. When you see the replica fishing village it will be even more meaningful having read the book. Tour books (DK travel) and others can give some history too, all helpful to understand the geology and history. hope this clears things up.

You are most welcome. Any other questions let me know and I may be able to help. I think it is an awesome way of seeing the country. We, too, were going to drive, but the logistics are large as we are not campers and don't want to rough it too much. Read the book COD before you go -- really is helpful to understanding the Icelandic world.

Can't say that the ceilings were short -- they seemed to be normal as in the other smaller ships we have been on. The dining room is cramped to me, b/c I like open open open spaces -- especially since there is 23 hours of daylight. (Feels like a church basement/VA hall type thing, NOT my thing! :)

Have never been on Windstar. I think it is smaller, more expensive, and more refined?? Someday ... :)

ugh ok thanks!

 

Did everyone do the excursions or did some people do their own things? We're thinking about renting a car in Akureyri instead of doing one of their bus tour excursions, but weren't sure how feasible it is yet.

We took all the offered excursions -- we have never taken excursions from other ships, but wanted to see as much as possible and knew it would be difficult to do it by ourselves. Did not see any car rental places in any ports, although Akureyri man have one, or taxis, but distances are pretty vast and time limited. Not sure you would save money by renting. The only people who didn't go on excursions seemed to just wander around town, or at least as far as I was aware. There is a herring museum excursions which I would skip (we did, but our friends went on) as it just walks you over to it and pays your admission, you do all the exploring on your own), and it is apparent where the museum is -- just a short walk.

I'm going in July, did you have any type of internet connection on board? If so how was it?

Thanks

I think there was internet available, but on one I knew used it. Very pricy and slow, they told us (the ship people!). But in each of the ports there is free internet at the cafes and some free wifi in the port itself. There is not often a lot of time to use it, b/c of tours etc., but generally we did check in every other day. The cafes provide wifi free, even w/o purchase, but we always had a good cup of coffee.

Here is the information you requested:

1. the ship is pretty stable. We had rather dreadful weather as far as cold and wind -- and one evening it was really rolling, people were worried about rolling out of bed. Creaking and banging, but no real worries. My husband is prone to seasickness, and wears the wrist bands, and didn't feel sick. though at times he was not 100%. But this was minor.

2. We did all the promised zodiac rides. They were shorter than I would have liked, but totally adequate (I love being on zodiacs). Everyone who wanted to go did so. One of the rides, out to the island, was pretty wild b/c of rough seas and people got wet, those who are less zodiac-oriented were not happy, but I loved it. One ride was canceled (the whale watching), because it wasn't safe, but the ship instead went out to the area and circled, and we saw whales -- in fact, it was superior to being at sea level for observing. There were a number of sight seeing boats out, and a few very small ones, and I was happy we were on the ship -- it makes it easier to see when you can be up higher, and then can run from side to side when there are sightings.

3. I found most meals fine, pedestrian for the most part. there was one excellent meal -- the lamb chops were great. The fish was fine. Every dinner there is a choice of a) low salt 2) vegetarian 3) fish/shellfish 4) meat. Our friends liked the fish better than I did. The meat entrees were better I thought. The soups are all delicious. Lunch and dinner. More the cream/puree variety, but very tasty!

4. Drinks were reasonable. about $7-8 per drink. we didn't order any. We had a bottle of wine at dinner, about $39, but we didn't like it. We are used to great wines, so I am pickier than some people might be. We packed a liter of vodka in our luggage, and had a drink in our cabin every night while getting ready for dinner. The ship had a wonderful surprise one night, with a huge array of desserts and special coffees with liqueurs and champagne freely pouring for several hours. It was a surprise presentation -- hope they do it again for you, and that it doesn't ruin the surprise they were excited to put on. They don't xray luggage or check bags so bringing in liquor is not a problem, and since mixers/sodas are free, it is easy to do. I was pleased and surprised.

5. They had programs many nights. We went to a few of them, but often just went up to the crow's nest to watch the scenery. As the cruise went on, people became friendly and it was fun to talk to people from all over.

6. Dress code is really casual. I brought a slightly dressier top and wool pants and shoes (not a bad change if your sneakers get wet) and wished I hadn't bothered. Not a big deal, but the very casual. Don't bother to dress up. But it could change with different sailings, but no one seems to care. Crew was dressed in same clothes as in day.

Hope this helps. If you need any other information, let me know. Have a great time, and let me know your thoughts when you get back. Pam

Thanks for the detailed review. We are on the Ocean Diamond in 2016 so hopefully the flaws that you went through will work themselves out. Curious if this cruise line actually bought the Ocean Diamond or are just leasing it as is typical in many exploration ship companies. If they actually bought it then one can expect many improvements to maintain and improve, not only the ship, but the company's reputation. What company wants a reputation of "awful mattresses"? Looking forward to reading what others will be experiencing.

 

By the way, did you have a higher/lower cabin floor? On these expedition ships, I realize that cabin floor and mid-ship location can make a big difference in rougher seas.

Hi:

We had a cabin on the 4th floor, and near the center of the ship. There was a lot !!! of rattling, creaking, thumping and banging at night when we were in rough seas, even the crew commenting on it (and the captain). But can't control rough seas :) Heard that there was a new owner for the company (ProCruises), but that the ship was leased.

We are back from our circumnavigation cruise of Iceland. Lots of feedback from it is being provided. Some negative, but mostly positive.

Understand that the trip we were on was the first sailing of this company in Iceland. They had done a practice run with some travel agents and others, but not a commercial run per se. So, there were a number of issues that they were working on that had not fully been fixed. A work in progress, so to speak, so by the time you sail many of the problems may have been rectified. For example, the swimming pool was not in use (it was cold outside, but they don't heat it at all, so will always be cold, if they can use it at all), and no sauna available. the exercise room is minimal (but you will get enough exercise on the land tours). Since it is so new, there was a problem with the organization of things: often there was lots of confusion. But even so, they were very anxious to get it right, and were really helpful and desirous of making it right.

Will start with the positives: we all thought that this is the only way to see Iceland, especially if you are elderly, like the 4 of us are. no unpacking and tedious driving through vast wildernesses and fending for ourselves. And the beauty of the coastline and islands and fiords is always visible. We docked in the ports right in the heart of the towns, and took the optional tours in each port. We had rented a car at the airport and spent 3 days around Reykjavik before boarding the ship. One of those days was driving the Golden Circle. Although the driving was easy, it was nice to be able to be a passenger in a van or bus that had big windows so I could gawk at the scenery without worrying about the road. However, being in a bus for 10 days as the only way to see the country would have been awful, so the ship was a perfect compromise. We would recommend this trip to anyone without hesitation.

Now for the negatives. There are a lot of minor negatives but if you are aware of them before you travel, it will lower your expectations enough so you will actually have a better trip.

Ocean Diamond is an old ship, recently purchased by a new company. It is not at all luxurious. In fact, it is badly in need of an overhaul. To start with: the rooms are clean but dowdy. The mattresses are awful, and I have a bad back, and the beds made it very uncomfortable to sleep. They are very narrow and poor support and lumpy. Cheap pillows too. BTW: I am a bed nut, having a great bed and expensive pillows, down comforters etc at home, so am probably overly critical. There is lots of storage space in the rooms. Carpet is gross -- seams are coming apart and there were some loose screws along the edges, but seemed to be clean enough. Just wear slippers! Bathroom is fine, small and sufficient but again, minimally comfortable.There is a hair dryer, but it is the old wall unit kind that barely blows air, so it is inefficient. Heating is a problem -- the thermostat doesn't work properly. It was first freezing cold where the ceiling unit poured cold air, but the wall side was too warm. Poor circulation. Otherwise the rooms were okay: didn't spend much time in them anyway. They are re-doing the rooms, one at a time, so maybe by the time you sail your room may be better. Also, the PA system did not work in our room -- it did in some other rooms. The PA system was a problem throughout the ship, and they were working on it to try to fix it.

Food: occasionally very good, often mediocre or just fine. No complaints. Just don't expect too much. The wait staff was still learning the ropes and inefficiency was common, but it would be hard to say anything but positives about them as they were eager to serve, make things perfect, accommodate your needs. So very friendly and pleasant -- made up for any problems.

Dining rooms: The main dining room on the 3rd floor is dark and unpleasant. Breakfast and lunch are served there, (buffet style but with made to order eggs in the morning, and they do serve you drinks, soup, and will fetch anything you want, so not entirely cafeteria like). Dinner is also there, but it is a la carte (menu). I found the room to be too tightly packed (and we only had 130 passengers out of a possible 240), and the windows are tiny, can't see out, and no natural light in it. I really disliked the dining room. However, for dinner, there is another dining option: on the 4th floor is a small, light filled room with large windows that we ate at almost every night. Takes a bit longer as the food has to come from downstairs, but it is worth it if you want a more pleasant dining environment. Since it is so small (holds maybe 36 people) it is necessary to get there just before it opens to assure you get a table. Many of the passengers do not know it is available -- I thought it was only for groups the first day, but asked and it is open to all (or was on our voyage.)

Tours: all of the tours we took were great. There were variations necessary b/c of weather (it was exceptionally cold on this trip) but there was good value for all of them.)

On board lectures: this was a problem that they must resolve. It is promised there will be naturalists on board. Maybe our expectations were too high, but most of the passengers were disappointed with the quality of and scarcity of lectures. The last 2 days, Pieter gave 2 lectures about birds and geology, but even though they were pretty good, they were not sufficiently informative and they were very late -- it would have been more useful if they were done early on. On another point: each evening there was a 'recap'. This was basically useless and annoying. the proportion of English to German speakers was 30% (at most) English. The 45-60 minute recaps were done in German, then English, with the German about 2/3 longer, and it is irritating to sit through it. We requested numerous times that they run two separate talks, one for each language, but that did not happen. Hopefully it will in subsequent trips. On the positive, though, the bus tours had separate English and German buses, so this was not a factor on the tours.

Can't think of any more to add. Hope this is helpful. Our overall impression is that we are very very glad we took this trip, so even though it seems like a lot of nattering, it is truly a good experience. It is quite a costly trip, though, and thus we expected a higher degree of professionalism, but I think it will evolve over the summer and become a better trip in the future. Go with a lot of patience and good humor, only middling expectations, and you will enjoy it. The best part is Iceland itself!

We were dealing with a rep here in the US when we booked the trip, and she has kept us up to date with payments: we paid in full, for the cruise and the expeditions we want to take on the date the final payment was due. Have received confirmation, via email from her. This cruise line is small, and I don't think that it has many resources to deal with the customers. Found out some basic stuff from Evelyn, but had to ask specific questions. You do have to fill out a boarding manifest 2 months before the cruise, and send it by mail to Iceland: information was sent to us with the manifest via email (but you can't fill it in on line and send via email). Road Scholar, which will have a tour on the same tripo, probably has a packing list and other info, but probably not available to outsiders. However, they do have a list of reading materials. I am packing very lightly, but with coat, warm hat, gloves and scarf at the top of the list. Also binoculars! And a swim suit for the blue lagoon visit. Will be glad to get any other suggestions and tips. Keep in touch. Pam

I will definitely post a review after we return in mid June. The cruise line is well regarded. Road Scholar uses it for their tour (2 this year). We had thought about going on the Road Scholar tour, but no availability, so were surprised and delighted that the trip we have booked is the exact same one that they are using (at the same time, too). We save a big chunk of money on booking separately, but then have to pay for excursions, our stay in Reykjavik, and airport transport, and so forth, so won't be saving anything overly much. But i prefer more independent travel, and this is a great combination. I have read two travel guides, the DK Top 10 Iceland (eyewitness travel series, always a good bet), and the Bradt Iceland, excellent for real information about pricing, where things are, everything you need. Check them out. DK is available for cheap on amazon, kindle version, but I hesitate to buy it as the maps are what makes DK so great if you are driving around independently. and I don't know if they'd be available on kindle in the hintergrounds? Will have to decide. Pam

For your wine, perhaps you already know this, but the best place in Iceland for a tourist to purchase wine/beer/alcohol is at the airport. Keflavik airport has one of the only INBOUND duty-free liquor stores in the world, and you can purchase your beverages there at a significant discount over what you will pay in the Icelandic state-run liquor stores (which have a monopoly and limited hours).

Thanks for the information. I will surely buy some liquor upon arrival. We are very excited about this trip. If you learn anything of interest, let me know. and I will write after our trip is concluded.

My wife, son and I just booked an 11-day "On the Trail of the Vikings" cruise on Iceland Pro Cruises for August 6-16 2015 visiting Iceland and Greenland. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who will be taking the same voyage or another Iceland Pro Cruise itinerary.

 

Iceland Pro Cruises appears to be a new line using the SS Ocean Diamond, which I've read is used by Quark at other times of the year. There's not a lot of information about Iceland Pro Cruises online, so I'd like to hear from other cruisers planning trips on the line, to share future info, e.g., what is their tipping policy, what boots are advised for the zodiacs, can I bring alcohol on board (I usually buy some at KEF airport on the way since they have a duty free shop, less all the Icelandic taxes, for incoming passengers).

 

This is our 3rd family trip to Iceland; our first visit to Greenland; and our first cruise of the region. Iceland is a beautiful and peaceful place. The pricing for this cruise ended up being much more reasonable than what we would have paid for a similar itinerary on another line, perhaps owing to this being the line's first season. So we're very excited about the trip and hoping that we got a good bargain.

 

P.s. We managed to find n/s flights from the East Coast of the US to Reykjavik (KEF) for a little over $400 pp in August. A new Icelandic airline called wowair.com is running some real bargains.

I just posted but wanted to add a note to your questions: I emailed my booking agent and she said no alcohol allowed (just like all cruise lines) -- maybe you can 'smuggle' some on board. we like a drink in our cabin when getting ready for dinner or before we go to bed. No wine either. HAL lets you bring 2 bottles of wine on at least. There is a packing list of what you should bring on the Road Scholar (roadscholar.org) site -- click on europe, iceland, circumnavigation, and look for packing list or suggested reading materials, so forth. No washing machine/dryer, but laundry service available for hire; supplies shampoo/cond/soap/lotion in bathrooms (I bring most of my own things, but if you are not particular, don't bother.) Don't know about tipping -- since it is an European line, and tipping is not common there, it may not be necessary, but I will ask and let you know. We are going in June. Will post when we return.

Have already booked for this summer. We had decided to go on the Road Scholar circumnavigation of Iceland but the two trips they had for this year were fully booked and so we investigated this trip. Fortunately it had room, and now we are going with another couple. As it turns out, this is the exact trip that Road Scholar is taking, the ship and so forth. All on board lectures are the same and all inclusions. We are going to have to book separate excursions however, but they are all very similar to the RS ones. Even if we take all the ones available that we have any interest in, in addition to our 3 days in Reykjavik before hand and renting a car, travel, meals in R we are still saving money over the RS rates, AND we are able to go when we want -- this year not next. Have been in contact with the booking agent and have information about it all.

When we get back in mid June I will post comments and take inquiries if you are interested in more details.

We are interested in Iceland Pro Cruises but cannot find any reviews. Does anyone have any information?

I too am looking for information about Pro cruises and ocean diamond ship in particular. We are going to Iceland and would like this itinerary. Also does any one have any information about GOWAY travel based in Toronto Ontario? Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance

Gixer,

How does seeing the penguins at Gypsy Cove compare to those at Volunteer Point? Are there any tours from the ships to Volunteer Point? What is the cost? Is Gypsy Cove a decent alternative?

Our ship will be there (weather permitting) on 4 Dec, from 8am to 6pm, so that may be too tight on time to go to Volunteer Point. Plus, I'd like some time in Stanley, too. (I like that it's got a hop-on, hop-off bus!)

Are you taking the HAL cruise from Rio to Santiago? That's the ship we will be on at the same time and are also trying to see things without paying the high cruise ship excursion prices for each port. Chennai