Crowded ship

Just returned from cruise on Crown Princess. This was a much larger ship than we normally choose but it was a last minute cruise to fit into a spare 11 days. The overall impression of the ship was that it was too crowded – we were only able to get a sunbed on one of the days that we were aboard. Although there were notices to advise that passengers’ belongings would be removed after a while from sunbeds this was not practised. Also there were no upright chairs on deck other than dining chairs. Other criticisms – the signage in the ship was not good – the signs to show forward and aft were few and far between; the cabin we were allocated was a part obscured (which was what we booked) but it was over the theatre and we heard every show four times, (1) the rehearsal (2) the early show (3) the 8.30 show we went to and (4) the late show! Luckily the show finished at 11.15 pm and so we were able to sleep after that. We did not complain because we had booked last minute and there were not many cabins left. The other criticism we had was that there were no talks during the day (other than port presentations), luckily the weather was so good that it did not matter over much. There were no card games, other than bridge, and no cards provided for private games.

On the plus side, the ship was in pristine condition and the cabins very well presented (we particularly liked the dressing area), the staff were excellent (you never had to wait for a drink or cup of coffee to be served in the Horizon cafe however busy it was), the food was excellent (there seemed to be smaller portions than normal but this suited very well) and the evening entertainment (even 4 times!) was very good.

The disembarkation at ports (and final disembarkation in Southempton) was very efficient but we were disappointed to be charged for the shuttle service in Madeira, which we have not encountered previously. Although the walk into Funchal was not too long, many of the passengers (including us) were elderly and could not manage it.

Allthough there were criticisms, on the whole we enjoyed the cruise, but will probably not choose such a largte ship again.