Princess Royal 6-24-17 Med Cruise review

[bigpaluka]

Just got back from our 7 night western med cruise on the Royal, here is a little review

We stayed in D728, Premium Aft-room was very nice and roomy and balcony was way larger than others, very pleased with room and the value. However the soot problem has not gone away, nothing too bad, but it is still there.

First stop was Cartagena-we use Princess excursion here-not a good tour, guide was alright, but a lot of walking and we had some mobility challenged guest with us. She lost track of them a couple of times. We should have done this on our own, everything is super compact there. we were in a group of 45-50 and very slow. I gave them a 2/10 on this excursion

Gibraltar-we used Top of the Rock tours for this excursion and we certainly got our moneys worth here. We were first to all the stops and he parked us pretty much right at the sites. Did way more than the Princess excursions and did not have to hike up some very steep hills like the Princess guys did, since their large buses could not get there. Give them a 10/10 on this excursion

Marseille used a private group Provence Connections here-8 person group and once again saw every thing we wanted and got in and out pretty quick. Our guide was super knowledgeable and took us some extra spots. Give them a 9.5/10 for this excursion

Genoa-we used Princess for small group tour (paid extra) to Portofino, Rapallo and St Margaret---suppose to be small group, but we had 22 on the bus (not a small group in my mind) for first section of tour and then it was a total "cluster" after that. The ferry was not running so they stuck us on public buses packed like sardines. Princess warned us about the ferry not running but sure did not make it clear about the packed slow buses. We spent more time waiting on buses than actually at the sites. Portofino, Rapallo and St M were all great sites, but Princess and their contractor need to make it clear on the total mess on getting to Portofino. Felt sorry for the guides-they did the best they could with what they had to work with. Princess made no apologies. Rest assured we will go private excursions all the way in the future

Florence-used Nicolli Limos for this excursion with a group of 8, visited 2 small wineries and had unbelievable tastings and small lunches. Sergio our guide took us to great places and kept us on time. We also visited Pisa for a quick photo stop. we give this tour a 10/10 also.

 

Food of ship was good, as mentioned Horizon buffet is much improved. Alfredo's was excellent and well as our dinner at Sabatini's . Crew was on top of all our needs. Used ATD and had no issues getting a table for 2 around 6:15p.

 

All in all-Cruise was great-Princess excursions not so great

[SusieS]

Which Princess Cartagena tour did you take? Thanks!

[JayRich65]

Thanks, we board for same cruise in 2 weeks, we are also signed up for small group portofino tour, I hope we don't have as poor an experience.

[bigpaluka]

just the city tour in Cartagena-most popular on Princess list-you could see the ship the entire time we were on buses....just walk and save the money.

Be sure and see the "new" roman theater they have uncovered and have a nice lunch downtown

[bigpaluka]

Thanks, we board for same cruise in 2 weeks, we are also signed up for small group portofino tour, I hope we don't have as poor an experience.

 

I suggest taking train to St Margret and tour there and then hop on the city bus to Portofino or you can take the ferry if it is running to Portofino for 7eu. This will leave you more time in both towns and a chance to enjoy them.

Both are great Italian Rivera towns and are not to be missed.

[SusieS]

We're taking The Best of Cartagena Tour. I do hope it's ok!

[easyboy]

One reason we avoid large group tours as much as possible is we can not move at our own pace to enjoy more the sites. Glad that you still enjoyed your cruise despite your excursion experience.

 

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[Clarea]

Appreciate the feedback.

[bonnieg]

Thank you for your review. I am on the same itinerary for August. What nights were the formal nights?

[hzv5wk]

Thank you for your review. I am on the same itinerary for August. What nights were the formal nights?

Either side of the sea day - Gibraltar and Marseille