Artemis ships visit and photos 30.9.08

[LibraLass41]

Just back from a very pleasant ships visit on Artemis, where we were looked after very well.

The tour, on this small 45,000 tonne ship lasted just over a hour, followed by a lovely 5 course lunch - but no wine - just water! (Unlike the RCI Independence visit, which was free) this visit was £15pp, but well worth it.

 

We just made check in, after being held up at Salisbury in terrible rush hour traffic at 9.15am (we wanted to get to docks for 9.45am, but arrived at 10.10am). Loved this 24 year old ship, all the public rooms were very nice, especially the theatre and Horizon lounge. We sampled a typical evening 5 course dinner at lunch time, and enjoyed it very much.

 

Here are my photos:

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/AuroraPa...y=NxbTIyq3gOA#

 

I hope the slideshow works for you:)

[Druke I]

Thanks for the photo share.

 

We sailed on her 4 times as Royal Princess, and she remains on of my favorites.

[Little Annie]

Thanks for sharing the photos. We sail on Artemis in December so it was great to have a sneak preview. Looking forward to the 'small ship' experience again, having been on Adonia, Arcadia, Sea and Diamond Princesses in recent years.

 

Ann

[Toffeegirl68]

Was at Southampton this evening to wave off the QE2... but also ended up waving off the Artemis too -

[Yarco]

Saw the Artemis this summer, whilst aboard Ventura, lovely ship with a traditional look. Never thought i'd hear a 45,000 ton ship, referred to as small though lol :) .

Mark

[LibraLass41]

She's small to me! I have just come off Ventura (116,000 tonnes) and end July was looking around Independence 'the biggest cruise ship afloat' at 158,000 tonnes.....

 

So 40,000+ tonnes is little haha! :)

[feebee_71]

I loved Artemis when I went on her for the first time in May and now I am waiting (and counting the months) until I am on her in March travelling back to Southampton from the Caribbean.

 

I liked the fact there aren't 2-3 suppliment paid restaurants vying for custom and that the venues are all fairly close together. I think I had worked out where most things were within 2 hours of being onboard.

 

Yes there are some areas still in need of a makeover but the ship is booked in for another major refit in 2010 so I think the remaining issues will be dealt with then. Anyway, she isn't a new ship so will have areas where she is showing her age!!

 

Feebee_71 :)

[LibraLass41]

Yes , she was in good nick considering she is 24 years old. Only wear and tear really was rusting mental (see penthouse suite balcony photo for example ) around the ship - mostly painted over, but bubbled and rusty just the same, and some doors were a bit tired and scuffed here and there. But cabins and public rooms, as you see from photos, were in general good repair I agree.

[Flat booby]

:) Thanks Sue was impressed with the photos you took of Artemis and was thinking of going on the Artemis through the Panama Canal next year but it looks a wee bit in need of an upgrade as its a bit dull looking in places so have you got any pics of Oceana instead as it is also going too.

thanks and always enjoy your pics

[LibraLass41]

No sorry, haven't been on Oceana -yet (will be, in Aug 09)

 

Have albums on web of Arcadia, Ventura, Independence and Artemis.

 

these can be found by going to the Artemis link and then searching in sue's gallery/other albums

 

She was a very nice ship, but yes quite small.

[EJNutz]

Thanks for sharing the photos. I'll be sailing on Artemis in November as we go through The Panama Canal. Can't wait.

[rosie_red]

Thankyou Sue for photo's of Artemis. We're booked on the Christmas cruise (13th December) and had been hoping for some up-to-date reviews. Surely, someone has been recently! But it looks as though it will have to be wait and see and will now go through your pictures frame by frame!

[Rum Rat]

rosie_red. I was on that ships visit as well and was duly/totally impressed. I feel you have nothing to fear, only enjoymeent to look forward to ;-)

 

No we have not booked, but propose to somethime in the future. We found Artemis had the same ambience as Thomson's Emerald, the cruise ship which got us hooked on cruising. We have since spent a lot of time on Aurora, (now nothing beats Aurora), Arcadia which we are on again in January which we find brash, loud and noisy, but nevertheless we WILL enjoy ourselves, to be followed by a Carribean on Oriana waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay in the future.

 

Artemis is 'cosy'. we loved her as soon as we stepped on board.

 

By the way, give Cunard's Queen Victoria a miss if you want a 'petite' and personal ship. Worse that Arcadia and a dreadful seaboat :-(((

 

Mike

[LibraLass41]

I don't agree with Mike about Arcadia. She is not brash, how could she be? Most people describe her 'under-stated' contemporary , minimal, hardly OTT brash , Loud? where how? A adult only ship, so no children, and a higher than average age of passenger? The discos usually empty by 11pm. Ok, it can be noisy when you walk past the Rising Sun pub, but so what, thats people having fun, and the Ramblas on Ventura has a walk through too.

I am glad you like her enough though Mike to book another cruise on her:rolleyes:

[feebee_71]

Hi Flat Booby,

 

Try this site if you want some pictures of Oceana - these are from a cruise I did on Oceana earlier this year so some are of people rather than just the ship. I have been on Oceana 5 times now and she is probably my favourite P&O ship closely followed by Artemis.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71/Oceana815June2008Norway

 

Feebee_71 :)

[feebee_71]

Rosie Red,

 

Here is my report from my weekender on Artemis from May this year. I realise you may not think that is very recent but it is since the last refit and so many of the changes to the ship had taken place, including the addition of the 6 new cabins (there are pictures of one of them in my photos linked in at the bottom.)

 

Be warned this is very long - when you consider I was only onboard for 2 nights!!

 

You might want a drink before you sit down to read it....................

 

Review of Artemis Weekend 10-12/05/2008

 

 

This weekender was booked back in October last year as I was looking for nights onboard to build up my Portunus points before my ‘big’ cruise on Oriana in November. Also I was looking to experience Artemis before my cruise on her in March next year when I am meeting her in Jamaica for a tour of the Caribbean and then sailing back to Southampton over 16 nights.

 

Friday 9th May

 

After a journey that took me close to 2 ½ hours because of repeated 50MPH speed limits with average speed cameras on both the M3 and M27, as well as hitting rush hour traffic as I got into Southampton I was soon checked into my hotel (see separate report about hotel) and then went down to TGI Friday’s for dinner – had a wait of an hour so went back to the hotel to wait and then arrived at about 8pm. I was seated at a table for 2 towards the back of the restaurant with good views of the bar area to watch the staff creating cocktails. The meal was pleasant enough but not the best I have ever had.

 

After returning to my hotel I only had one complaint – some of the guests had no concept of other guests wanting to sleep, especially at 3am when they got in from the town centre, though this is no different to many other hotels in or near busy city centres.

 

I finally fell into bed about 11:30pm.

 

Saturday 10th May

 

I had arranged to meet Misprint and her friend at the De Vere for morning coffee before boarding the ship. Because of this I checked out of the hotel around about 9:45am and made my way along to the De Vere with plenty of time to meet the ladies. We whiled away a pleasant hour or so sitting out by the pond before heading down to Dock Gate 10 in time for embarkation.

 

We arrived at the Mayflower terminal and were directed to the self park car park for the Artemis cruise – this was the one to the left of the terminal – and then we wheeled our luggage over to the terminal where we were met by a porter who added green tickets to our luggage to identify that it was to go on Artemis at berth 105 and not onto Oriana which was waiting at berth 106.

 

When we entered the main hall we were directed to a check in desk straight away and had completed all the necessary formalities within about 5 minutes (I was checked in by the same lady who I dealt with when embarking on the Ventura 4 weeks ago.) We had to wait about 15 minutes in the departure lounge before being called onto the ship (we were holding boarding pass B cards so were onboard quite so quickly.

 

Lunch was being served in the Conservatory for us non-gold Portunus passengers. There was a very good chicken curry with rice and plenty of other options available. We had time for a meal in there and then at about 2pm we were informed by the tannoy that our cabins were ready for occupation. I was in an NC grade cabin at the aft of B deck (deck 6) and the only problem I had with the cabin was that they had the beds configured for twin occupancy rather than as a double. Thankfully the steward was able to change the bed although, he didn’t zip the duvets together, so I kept sticking my foot out of the gap between the two.

 

Sailaway was scheduled for 5pm and before that I went off to the Spa to book some treatments for Sunday including getting my hair put up and having my make up done for me. I can’t believe how low the prices are for Artemis – formal hair up style and make up session – lasting over 1 hour – was the grand total of £34.

 

After going to the Spa I also went along to the restaurant to get a look at my table for the evening meals – despite being told I was on a table for 8 I was actually sat on a table with a married couple and 3 ladies travelling together who had left husbands at home so they could have a girlie weekend. The table we had been allocated (number 3) was to the right of the entrance and by the first window – it was a very good place to sit and people watch.

 

The average age on the Weekender cruise was a lot younger than I was led to believe from the majority of posts I had read about Artemis, there were a few people in wheelchairs and I don’t think I saw an electric scooter anywhere onboard!!

 

After dinner on Saturday night I went up to Tiffany’s and spoke to a couple of ladies I had before dinner while looking at some of the art on display. The offerings for entertainment on Saturday night were Swinging 60’s presented by the Stadium Theatre Company in the International lounge, in The Festival theatre the film Lions for Lambs was being shown and in the Starlights show lounge there was a 60’s & 70’s Party Night hosted by the Ents team, Academy Duo (band) and DJ Steve. From 9pm to midnight there was dancing to The Sunshine Band in Horizons followed by a disco with DJ Steve until 6am. I have to admit to being tired so I called it a night and went off to bed.

 

Sunday 11th May

 

I was awake early and went out on deck to watch the world pass by as Artemis sailed into Zeebrugge ready for the day ashore. The weather was already lovely with clear skies and warm temperatures even allowing for the breeze caused by travelling. It was warm enough at 6am to be out on deck just in a t-shirt and shorts.

 

I was booked into the Spa and Salon for a pedicure at 8am and so I made my way there before going to breakfast and had a lovely pedicure care of Buddy, she has worked on the ships for 5 years and was very enthusiastic about Artemis and also Oriana and she was pleased to hear I would be on Oriana later in the year. After the pedicure I was waiting for my nails to be sufficiently dry to put my shoes on when I was ‘persuaded’ to book in for a back, neck and shoulder massage before my other appointments in the evening.

 

From the Salon I went down to Coral Restaurant for some breakfast before going ashore to buy chocolates for those people who had given me a list. I was in Blankenberg by 10am and had got all she shopping done and was back on the ship by 11:30am. I had a quick drink and then got ready to go off on the afternoon tour to Bruges (Bruges at your own pace). I joined Pauline and Chris on the coach and we were escorted to Bruges by a very informative guide called Jon who was retired and was also a Brugian. He gave us some chocolates to try on the way into town as well as telling us tales about the history of Bruges and of Belgium as a nation. The journey to Bruges only took about 25 minutes and then we had a pleasant 15 minute walk from the coach to the drop off point in Walplein – about another 10 minutes walk from the central market square.

 

Pauline, Chris and I decided to go for a canal boat ride first and it was a good decision as there were quite long queues at all the boat stations. The first one we passed was closed until 4pm for private charters (probably P&O passengers on organised tours with boat rides included) so we walked along to the next boat station which was just round the corner from the Church of Our Lady and opposite the flea market. We had to wait about 25 minutes to get to the front of the queue but it wasn’t unpleasant as, after paying and going down the steps we were under the shade of a roof and also had some breeze off the water. Once onboard the boat we had a very pleasant ½ hour trip up and down the canals with commentary by the boat’s pilot. The cost of the boat ride was 6.5 euros per person and the boats hold about 30 people.

 

After the boat ride we walked up to the main Market Square where we sat and had a Belgian waffle with fresh fruit and also some ice cream. We also had a drink and watched the world go by. We had planned on getting a carriage ride back to the meeting point. However, the queue for the carriage rides was snaked about ½ across the middle of the square and, as it was very hot (about 28c) we decided that we would be better off walking back in the shade of the buildings. The walk took us about 20 minutes but we did keep stopping to look in shop windows. Once back at the meeting point (outside the brewery) we sat in a small café and had another drink while waiting for the guide to return.

 

The walk back to the coach was at a far brisker pace than the stroll into town and took less than 10 minutes. Once back at the coach we were soon off on our way back to the ship accompanied by more commentary by Jon about the political situation in Belgium over time. We were one of the last groups back to the ship and arrived about 5:15pm. Shortly after our arrival there was an announcement for about 10 passengers to get in touch with reception and then we were off. Captain Box made an announcement about the planned route he would be taking us on the at night and apologised that he would be too busy ‘driving’ (his description) to attend the gala receptions in Starlights that evening but would leave us passengers in the capable hands of some of his more senior officers.

 

I went to the individual quiz in Tiffany’s (the only quiz all weekend) and did moderately well although I didn’t win. After the quiz I made my way back to the cabin to sort myself out before going up to the Spa for my various treatments. I did feel a little silly wandering around the top deck in my evening gown during that limbo time when 1st sitting passengers are already in dinner and 2nd sitting passengers were mostly still sunbathing out on deck. The massage was wonderful and really relaxed me – I could have fallen asleep!! Then I had the transformation completed by the staff doing my hair and make up (a wonderful stylist called Sharon). At the end of it all I was surprised by how different I looked. I then made my way to the photographers to get my picture taken. I timed it very well as I only had to wait for one couple to have their photo taken before it was my turn, by the time she had finished taking my pictures the queue was about 20 people long and it was fast approaching the time for being called into dinner.

 

At dinner the 3 ladies on a girls weekend away from family and husbands were not at dinner so it was just myself and the married couple (Chris and Sam) we had a long chat over the meal and soon it was well after 10pm and we were finishing our coffee and heading off in separate directions.

 

I went to meet Pauline and Chris in Horizons as planned and we listened to the interesting renditions to some very popular songs that were created by the Karaoke singers. After the Karaoke the DJ took over and the night was given away to dancing and general merriment. Eventually it was approaching 2am and I still had to pack the case and put it out for collection so I left with the others and we made our way to our respective cabins and packing to get off in the morning.

 

Monday 12th May

 

Our last morning onboard Artemis and I was up early once again – well before 6am. I had to go to reception to get something sorted out with my onboard account before breakfast and so was up and about early. It took some time to get the reception staff to understand that they could reverse the charges to my credit card as I had asked them to take the account payment in cash and not on the card and as a result I was not able to get into the restaurant for first sitting breakfast so I went up to the Conservatory and had a buffet breakfast which was very nice and, again I was in there with perfect timing and was able to get a table and also avoided the queues that soon built up.

 

We docked at about 8am and formalities were complete by 8:30am. Those passengers who had not put luggage out the night before were able to disembark from 8:45am and the rest of us were disembarked by coloured cards from 9am onwards. I was off the ship shortly after 9:15 and was able to locate my suitcase very easily – good idea of mine to buy a bright pink one with flowers on it – and also perhaps because there were not so many cases in the luggage hall to find it amongst. I collected my case and was out of the car park by 9:25am an was back home by 10:45am.

 

It was hard to believe the weekend was over but it really was and so it was now back to reality.

 

 

Conclusion and Comments

 

Artemis – a lovely ship and it is hard to notice that she is quite an old lady – I think they must have done a good job with the refurbishment and all the facilities I saw were up to a high standard – even the bathrooms.

 

I loved the new cabins and would consider one if I could afford it. Otherwise I was pleased with my NC grade cabin and would certainly be happy to travel in it again – the cabin is classed as obstructed view but when looking out of the window there was very little obstructing the view.

 

There is some vibration and movement of the ship – I first noticed it when we were passing Oriana and then turning in the basin and travelling down Southampton water. It was not unpleasant and in fact at times I found it quite soothing – especially when awake in the early hours of the morning.

 

The facilities onboard the ship are lovely and it was nice to be able to get from one end of the ship to the other in a few minutes and without getting out of breath or getting lost on the way!! Also it didn’t seem crowded at any point during the cruise except perhaps when waiting to go into dinner on Saturday night and trying to negotiate the sales tables laid out around the water feature on deck 2 of the Atrium.

 

One thing that disappointed was the menu for the Gala evening on Sunday – I have got used to the dishes being of a higher standard for this meal with dishes such as lobster thermidor and beef Wellington being offered. On the previous cruises I have done this meal has also had a fish course and a sorbet course making it a 7 course gala meal. On this weekender the menu remained at 5 courses (including the coffee and petite fours) and the main dishes were not overly exciting – roast beef (that had been hung for a little too long and was as strong as the venison pot roast also on offer), a bouillabaisse of different fish including haddock, salmon and prawn, the venison previously mentioned and a vegetarian dish. The roast beef was served without any roast potatoes and a porcini mash and the venison was served with celeriac mash served in a pastry bowl.

 

The Crew - In most cases I couldn’t fault the staff except in two specific incidents. The waiter in the restaurant was extremely rude to other people on my table at dinner on the first night and also again on the second night he appeared to be in a rush all the time and wanting us to go at his pace not our own. Unfortunately the way he spoke and behaved around us meant he talked himself out of tips from the table.

 

The second incident was with the lady from the purser’s office on the final morning who insisted that she could not reverse the charges on my credit card even though I had asked for them to be put to a cash account that I would settle on the last morning. In the end I had to threaten that I would stay where I was until she did it – even if that meant still standing there when Artemis left for her next cruise in the afternoon!! Eventually the matter was dealt with.

 

The Cruise – Having been to Belgium twice already in the last 9 months but not having visited Bruges I decided to do the ½ day afternoon tour of the town under my own steam. It was the perfect use of an afternoon and I am sure to do it again in the future.

 

The weather certainly helped to make the weekend very pleasant and I think it also had a good effect on many of the passengers – I heard very little moaning about the cruise except from one couple who had not got their pre-ordered champagne and flowers on arrival and they hadn’t reached their cabin until 9pm – the husband said he was going to write to P&O today to demand an explanation and also to demand compensation from P&O (he even said he wanted more than simply the cost of the package!)

 

I am definitely going to go on Artemis again and am glad to have a cruise to look forward on her next spring. I hope she enjoys many more years of service with P&O so I can enjoy more sailings on her.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71/ArtemisWeekend

 

Feebee_71

[Luv4dacruise]

Thank you for the pictures. 1 of them caught my eye as ewwwww though. This picture of the PH shower http://picasaweb.google.com/AuroraPartyCruiseSueV/ArtemisShipVisit30908?authkey=NxbTIyq3gOA#5251854252597023570

 

Time to get cleaning :p

[rosie_red]

Thank you Rumrat and Feebee for your contributions. It all helps to build up a picture. Looking at the safe in one of your pictures Feebee, I think I will have to leave most of my "jewels" (LOL) at home, Christmas or no Christmas!

[LibraLass41]

Hi Flat Booby,

 

Try this site if you want some pictures of Oceana - these are from a cruise I did on Oceana earlier this year so some are of people rather than just the ship. I have been on Oceana 5 times now and she is probably my favourite P&O ship closely followed by Artemis.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71/Oceana815June2008Norway

 

Feebee_71 :)

 

 

Fiona

Great photos! I was very interested as I am doing the same cruise on the same ship-Oceana next August. Hadn't seen this album before

Sue

[Rum Rat]

""I don't agree with Mike about Arcadia. She is not brash,""

 

Your choice. Your thought. Your prerogative.

 

I find her noisy. I find her busy busy busy with people everywhere with that dreadful 'open plan' construction.

 

I will enjoy myself because I do know that there are places away from the crowds. I only hope that the new cybastudy is a department in its own right and not with that dreadful passageway through it.

 

Mike

[Flat booby]

Hi Flat Booby,

 

Try this site if you want some pictures of Oceana - these are from a cruise I did on Oceana earlier this year so some are of people rather than just the ship. I have been on Oceana 5 times now and she is probably my favourite P&O ship closely followed by Artemis.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71/Oceana815June2008Norway

 

Feebee_71 :)

Thanks Feebee. enjoyed your pics of Oceana and some lovely trips and think it looks a nicer ship than Artemis I got the impression it needed to be updated but Oceana is nice . Going on Ventura on 5/12 and hoping to go on the Panama Cruise with Oceana.:)

[feebee_71]

Fiona

Great photos! I was very interested as I am doing the same cruise on the same ship-Oceana next August. Hadn't seen this album before

Sue

 

Hi Sue,

 

Hadn't realised you hadn't seen this album before. I did post it elsewhere with a review after the cruise but guess it got lost amongst the others at the time (back in June).

 

The other lot I took of Oceana cruises this year (in August) were more of the destinations and a few of people on the ship rather than of the ship itself.

 

I hope to get some good ones of Oriana when I am onboard in a few weeks time - hopefully I can leave the hand luggage out of the cabin stewards way in the cabin leaving me free to wander round unencumbered and able to get in and take lots of photos of the ship before she fills up too much.

 

Feebee_71 :)

[Aplmac]

Artemis passed through Barbados today...

 

 

To see a, larger image of this shot, please go to URL..

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=5888&cat=509&limit=recent

and click on the image you'll find there!

[labradorheat]

Hi all.

My wife and I sailed on the Artemis when she was the Royal Princess; doing the Ft. Lauderdale to LA run through the Panama Canal in 2002.

I certainly enjoyed the trip and the ship is still one of my all time favorites.

In Nov 2007, we were sailing from Athens for the Holy Land cruise on the new Royal Princess. Just before we set sail, the Artemis arrived. I recognized her immediately even before I saw the name. :)

I enjoy the intimacy of the smaller ships. You can feel the water beneath your feet.

Sean H

[fue-fue]

great photos, thanks