Our first river cruise was along the Seine with Viking last year. Looking to expand our horizons, we just set sail on an off-season Best of the Danube cruise with AmaWaterways on the line’s flagship vessel, AmaMagna. Although several elements of river cruising are the same regardless of the cruise line, our AmaWaterways river cruise really surprised us in many ways. Find out why in our AmaWaterways Danube River cruise review.

The Best of the Danube on AmaMagna – Our First AmaWaterways River Cruise Review

Most river cruise lines offer a variety of options for exploring the historic cities nestled on the banks of the Danube. However, few can measure up to AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna. This “double-wide”, 196-passenger vessel stands out in a crowd. Twice the width of a typical river cruise vessel, the extra space offers guests more area to relax and experience the variety of onboard amenities.

Featuring a modern design, with warm tones and open spaces that were inviting yet still intimate, AmaMagna certainly felt more like a floating upscale resort than a cruise ship. In fact, given the available amenities, AmaMagna almost felt more like a small ocean ship than a river ship.

This 7-day itinerary was roundtrip from Budapest, Hungary, not departing until 7 PM. So, while guests could fly in the day of the cruise, we opted for a pre-cruise hotel at the Aria Hotel.

This boutique hotel was the perfect luxury accommodation to overcome our jetlag before setting off to explore new destinations. The Aria Hotel features musically-inspired rooms, each with a unique theme. With spacious accommodations, and upgraded offerings like complimentary breakfast, a wine and cheese cocktail hour with live music, a thermal suite, and a stunning rooftop bar, we would highly recommend this hotel when visiting Budapest.

The AmaWaterways Experience

AmaWaterways offers guests a seamless, and mostly inclusive, experience.

Pre-cruise, guests can select from a variety of shore excursion options. In fact, all but one of the tours were included, so guests don’t have to worry about any upcharged activities. These tours ranged from routine city walks, to nature hikes and bike rides, to day-long sojourns to nearby picturesque cities.

Unlike our previous river cruise experience, we did like that there were options in most ports rather than just the one “included tour”. Sometimes, there were unique tour offerings and other times the offerings were divided into activity levels. This particularly appealed to us as we remembered being slightly bored with the slow pace of our previous tours. Instead, guests could choose active tours like hikes and bikes, regular-paced walking tours, or “gentle” tours which were either slower paced walking tours or panoramic bus tours. This variety ensured that those with limited mobility were accommodated as well.

Along with ashore programming, most onboard amenities are included in the cruise fare as well. All guests receive free Wi-Fi internet, which offered reliable connections throughout our voyage. In line with our previous experience, guests can access specialty coffee 24-7 at coffee kiosks. And beer, wine, and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner.

One nice touch is the additional Sip and Sail cocktail hour. Before dinner, the Cruise Manager hosts this social gathering where guests can mingle and enjoy some complimentary cocktails. The limited menu includes several house wines, beer, and a small selection of drinks. Luckily, Heidi’s go-to Cosmopolitan was on the menu each night!

Further, all meals are included, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner available at more than just the main dining room. One advantage of the ship’s larger size is the ability to offer alternative dining options. Still, most other ships in AmaWaterways’ fleet do offer at least a chef’s table in addition to the main dining room.

Complimentary self-service laundry, a focused wellness program that even included spin bikes, and a pool on the sundeck were just some of the additional inclusions we weren’t expecting on our first AmaWaterways river cruise.

The Restaurant on AmaMagna

Perhaps the biggest surprise for us during this river cruise was the dining. With four different dinner options, guests can choose their experience.

If you are like us and want to try them all, you’ll need to make reservations once you board the ship for the alternative dining venues. However, reservations are not needed for the main dining room as there is open seating during all meals.

The main dining room on AmaMagna is The Restaurant on the main deck, midship. Unlike typical river cruise dining rooms where communal dining is the only option, The Restaurant boasted several different sized table and booths. So, some nights we dined with a larger group, while other times we ate on our own. We liked this flexibility because let’s face it, sometimes you just don’t feel like being social.

The Restaurant typically offered breakfast around 7-7:30 AM. It boasted a made-to-order menu of breakfast specialties, like custom omelets and Eggs Benedict. There were also daily specials, like a toasty and spicy breakfast burrito. In addition, there was a small buffet, with breakfast pastries, European breakfast, fresh fruit, and a few warm selections that guests could serve themselves.

At lunch, typically served around noon, the menu featured “Always Available” options like hamburgers or pizza. Honestly though, these menu options were not necessarily our favorites. But we didn’t come to Central Europe for your typical cruise fare. Happily, there were daily regional specialities, like Käsespätzle or Pork Belly, that delivered some of the local flavors. Other standouts during lunch included Tandoori Chicken Curry and Thai Shrimp Curry.

Another nice touch is that everyone is treated to all of that day’s starters presented on a sharing board. Of course, you can order a soup or salad in addition to these small plates.

Dinner at the Restaurant on AmaMagna usually started around 7 PM after the Sip and Sail cocktail hour.

The dinner menu features several appetizers, a daily soup, entrees, and dessert each evening. In addition to the “Always Included” selections, there were vegetarian recommendations each night. This was perfect for Heidi. However, the accommodating chefs were also willing to customize some dishes, like swapping beef tenderloin for chicken on a poke bowl.

The dinner menus also featured a couple of dishes each evening with local ingredients. For instance, there was a pork schnitzel that paired perfectly with that evening’s hand-selected wines when docked overnight in Vienna. Other hearty and rich offerings like slow-braised black angus short ribs or tender and sweet rack of lamb were just a few of the delectable dishes we enjoyed throughout the cruise.

AmaMagna’s Alternative Dining Options

While the main dining room offers a traditional rotating three-course menu, guests can enjoy the exact same fare in a family-style setting at Jimmy’s Restaurant. This alternative dining space is only open for dinner.

Located on Piano Deck, Deck 1, named after co-founder Jimmy Murphy, this restaurant has a laid-back, communal feel with nods to Irish heritage. We liked the setup and concept, but didn’t like that Jimmy’s served the same menu as the main dining room just plated differently. We feel the restaurant should have a distinct menu of its own, perhaps with Irish fare.

Nonetheless, we dined here one evening to check it out. Our table carved into shared plates, including the aforementioned rack of lamb. However, certain selections do not necessarily lend themselves to this style of dining. So, having a set menu for the entire voyage would make more sense.

Across the way from Jimmy’s Restaurant is the Chef’s Table. This venue offers a 7-course dining menu that stays the same throughout the voyage. These included a Goat Cheese and Tomato Sphere, Spinach Raviolini, Coconut Lemon Grass Soup, Grilled Pike, Sorbet, Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin, and a Chocolate Sphere for dessert. With a display kitchen in the restaurant’s corner, this smaller, sophisticated dining room is a nice change of pace.

Finally, all the way forward on Deck 2 is the Al Fesco restaurant. This venue is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snacks, offering a more casual atmosphere.

In the morning, Al Fresco has a small buffet along with The Restaurant’s made-to-order menu. Open longer than the main dining room, it was a bright and airy place for us to start most of our days on the ship.

For lunch, the Al Fresco restaurant offers the main dining room’s always-included options and a condensed version of The Restaurant’s other offerings. It typically featured a sandwich of the day, like the Austrian Alpen wrap, an entree, a salad, and one dessert.

At dinner, the Al Fresco restaurant turned into its own unique setting. To our surprise, it had a completely different set menu throughout the cruise. The only two entree selections were a Herb-Crusted Beef Striploin or a Tomato Ricotta Tarte. So actually, Heidi ended up asking for the chicken dish from the main dining room instead.

While we liked this venue for breakfast and lunch, it was our least favorite dinner option. We think it would be great if the cruise line made this a more casual, grab-and-go dining option for dinner. They could serve select dishes from that evening’s main dining room, or other quick service dishes, in a self-service style. This way guests would not have to sit through a multi-course meal after a long day ashore if they didn’t want to, especially since room service is not an option. This would then free up the kitchen to do something unique for Jimmy’s Restaurant.

Overall though, the food on our AmaWaterways river cruise exceeded our expectations.

Onboard Amenities and Activities

As one of the largest ships sailing the Danube, or any European river really, AmaMagna is home to some of the most public venues on any river ship.

More active cruisers will appreciate the ship’s fitness facilities. All the way aft, there is a gym open 24 hours a day. You can work up a sweat with cardio machines, free weights, and the like. Besides self-led workout routines, the onboard Wellness Host led several group fitness classes, spin classes, and yoga sessions.

AmaMagna also has a Spa. There, you can be pampered with upcharge services like massages, manicures, and pedicures. A full-service hair salon is also available.

We enjoyed one warm afternoon on the outdoor decks during our sail back to Budapest. But during the warmer months, there are various loungers, tables and chairs, and sofas on the sundeck. There is also a pool and hot tub, which our last river ship did not feature. While it was cold during our February sailing, the pool water is heated, so some cruisers did make use of this space.

Oh, and we can’t overlook the full-sized pickleball court. While vacant most of our cruise, we suspect this is a popular place to be on those warm scenic sailing days of the summer.

Although, what AmaMagna was missing is daily onboard programming. It seemed like the focus was on wellness offerings instead of enrichment offerings. This seven-day itinerary has several mornings of scenic cruising, with mostly afternoons ashore. So, we definitely think this is a missed opportunity.

One morning, a culinary team member demonstrated how to make apple strudel. Another late afternoon, one of the musicians led an arts and crafts activity. But, there wasn’t much related to any of the ports of call or the region beyond the culinary offerings.

Yes, there were brief port talks, but they mostly just discussed the upcoming shore excursions. We would have appreciated some informal talks on the history of the region, or the castles and palaces, or even something about The Sound of Music and some filming locations to see while in Salzburg for instance. These edu-tainment type activities were a glaring omission in our opinion.

Further, while the ship has an onboard library, the books are a hodge-podge of random topics. Few of the reading materials actually focused on any of the cities or countries we visited. There is also a comfy Cinema with plush chairs and an oversized television that was never used. At the very least, the Cinema could have been playing the Sound of Music on a continuous loop or other movies and documentaries related to the itinerary. These spaces felt under-utilized.

Nighttime Entertainment

Like most river cruises, there wasn’t much variety on AmaMagna in the evenings. The Lounge on Deck 3 was the main bar and entertainment space. While it was technically open most of the day, the venue did not liven up until around 6 PM with the line’s Sip and Sail cocktail hour.

This nightly social event was where the Cruise Manager, Martina, shined. Her energetic personality was perfect for this pre-dinner gathering. Having worked for AmaWaterways for nearly a decade, she was well versed in river cruising. As Cruise Manager, she made herself available to guests and wanted to ensure everyone made the most of their vacation.

On one evening, a local music trio came onboard to perform a melody of classical pieces and contemporary hits after dinner. On other nights, the resident duo, Richard and Anna, kept the late-night crowd singing and dancing with live music.

Overall, we would have appreciated more varied nighttime entertainment. We expected more local performances or presentations. It would have been nice to have a nightly game show or trivia session as well to liven up the crowd, perhaps between dinner and the live music.

Actually, the more in-depth ports talks and the group activities hosted by the cruise manager on our previous river cruise were some of the highlights of that trip.

Stateroom

Our cozy outside balcony, cabin 229, was on the starboard side of the Cello Deck, Deck 2. This category AB stateroom measured 252 square feet and was very akin to our typical balcony staterooms on ocean ships. Immediately entering the room, the bathroom was to the left, and the closet was to the right.

Further into the room was a small desk tucked around the corner behind the bathroom. Then, the bed was on the forward wall facing aft and was adjacent to the balcony.

While the rest of AmaMagna felt open and spacious, we would have appreciated additional space in our cabin. There was limited storage beyond the closet. And the walls weren’t magnetic, so we couldn’t use our tried-and-true cabin hacks for additional storage.

So, it took some creative unpacking to fit all our gear for this week-long cruise. Plus, the only full-length mirror was on the back of the closet door, completely blocking the main walkway when in use.

However, we did appreciate the USB outlets on each side of the bed. Along with cubby-style nightstands, I was able to pack away some of our accessories.

Perhaps what we missed the most was a seating area. Besides the desk, there was no sofa or even a bedside chair. I ended up taking a balcony chair inside on a few occasions so we could both have a place to sit and do some work.

Surprisingly, the bathroom was relatively large, with a full-sized tiled shower and a standard vanity. Compared to our previous river cruise stateroom, the bathroom definitely offered more space, which made getting ready for each day’s adventure easier.

Finally, the balcony was the length of the stateroom and just deep enough for our two chairs and table. Even though the weather was cool, grey, and overcast on several days, we did spend some time on our balcony. Whether it was scenic sailing, or an afternoon doing a little work, we enjoyed having this personal outdoor space.

While the interior size of our room was similar to that of category E and D staterooms on the Piano Deck (think oceanview), we believe upgrading to this category stateroom is worth gaining the additional outdoor space. However, if we were to sail on this class of ship in the future, we would probably book one of the entry level suites, which are almost 50% bigger. They feature a split bathroom design, more storage, and a separate seating area.  

The Best of the Danube Itinerary

This seven-day roundtrip itinerary is perfect for those looking to test the waters with a river cruise. With many river cruises lasting 10 to 14 days, this week-long sailing is the ideal introduction to this type of cruise.

The itinerary features three countries (which were all new for us!) and several popular spots along this famous river. Thus, it provides plenty of opportunity to explore the region’s hallmark cities at a comfortable pace. Starting and ending in Budapest, Hungary, we also cruised to Bratislava, Slovakia and Vienna, Austria.

Roundtrip Budapest

Budapest was our starting and ending point for this sailing. Spending multiple days here is fitting, as the city has two distinct areas, the ” Pest” and the “Buda” sides. Thus, we were able to dedicate a day to each.

Even if you arrive on embarkation day, the cruise line allows guests to drop off luggage at the ship as early as 9:30 AM. With embarkation not starting until later in the afternoon and an all-aboard of 6:30 PM, the first day is ripe for exploration.

With our pre-cruise hotel stay, we were up and ready to explore independently. The Aria Hotel is ideally located within walking distance of several landmarks on the Pest side of the city. So, we spent close to three hours strolling the streets, taking in sights like St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Parliament Building, the Shoes on the Danube Memorial, Liberty Square, the Dohány Street Synagogue, and the Ruin Bars.

On the back end, we took the included Buda Walking Tour. After a quick ride over to the other side of the Danube, we had about 3 hours to explore the city’s original center. We strolled this fortified area with our tour guide providing commentary along the way. After admiring the Castle building, the “Hungarian White House”, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion, we had just enough free time for a little shopping and a chimney cake.

Have Fun Storming the Castle

On Day 2, the ship pulled into the quaint capital city of Bratislava, Slovakia.

We didn’t have far to walk to see the historic old town as our ship was docked just a few blocks away. With our Quietvox in tow, we joined the group for our “Cornation City” walking tour.

Showcasing the city’s unique history over several centuries, our guide detailed her personal experiences living under the Soviet regime before the liberation of this small country. With remnants of Soviet rule scattered throughout the city, the cobblestone streets led the way to churches and landmarks hundreds of years old. From the preserved Michael’s Gate, or parts of the original wall abutting a highway, the city is a charming mix of old and new.

Weaving in and out of the streets are other notable photo ops, like Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, as well as statues carved into the streets, like Cumil, popping up from a manhole. But, perhaps the most iconic city landmark is the impressive Bratislava Castle overlooking the city. While several of our fellow cruisers made the trek to the top, we enjoyed some coffee and souvenir shopping following the guided tour.

Luckily, we were treated to nighttime castle vistas as we sailed on to our next port of call.

Scenic Cruising Has Evaded Us Again

One of the draws of river cruising is that land is never out of sight—but not just any land. River cruises often appeal to those looking to sail by ancient villages, rolling valleys, and majestic castles.

While we were let down by many of the vistas on our Seine River cruise, we were ready for the Danube to wow us. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not want to cooperate. With dense fog and a cloudy, wet morning, our scenic cruising time through the Wachau Valley did not deliver precisely the views we hoped for on this trip.

However, we learned the night before that the afternoon tour to Melk Abbey was getting upgraded. Now, along with a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, we would also visit the river village of Durnstein. One of the benefits of cruising off-season is that there are fewer crowds and virtually no traffic. So, the cruise line was able to modify the itinerary to add some additional time at this nearby town.

So, we set off on a short bus ride from our docking point in Weissenkirchen to this small town known for its vineyards. Again, the weather did not fully cooperate, but we enjoyed our guided stroll in town before taking the 30-minute drive to the magnificent 18th-century Abbey.

Known for its Baroque architecture, Melk Abbey is home to many impressive religious artifacts dating back centuries. With a tour taking us through this massive complex’s various construction periods and history, it was reminiscent of touring the Vatican.

Intricately designed rooms dive deeper into the religious underpinnings of the Abbey and its monks. We quickly visited its famous library, which has manuscripts dating back over 700 years. The tour culminates with a stop in the church, with over 4 kilograms of gold-leafed statues.

The Hills Are Alive

Heidi and I are often over-planners. But, given our travels, we had less time than usual to prepare for this trip.

Thus, when docking in Linz, we were unsure what to do. The cruise line offered three distinct options. One was a walking tour of the port, the third largest city in Austria. The others were full-day excursions to either Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic or Salzburg, Austria the birthplace of Mozart.

We opted for the latter and boarded a coach at 8:30 AM to set off in search of music. We learned that Salzburg is also home to the von Trapp family, the inspiration for the beloved film, The Sound of Music. So, our guided walking tour included stops at locations featured in the film as well as stops related to Mozart’s life.

Starting at Mirabell Palace, we had time for some quick photo ops in the Gardens, but given the time of year, they were not in bloom yet. From there, we were only a few blocks away from one of Mozart’s residences.

Along the way, the city’s 17th and 18th-century architecture seamlessly blended with modern structures. Trying to keep up with our guide while also admiring the cityscapes, historic buildings, and statues felt a bit overwhelming.

Crossing a pedestrian bridge, it was on to Getreidegasse, a popular shopping district. The windows of these small shops were lined with intricate keepsakes and local delicacies. Of course, during our free time, Heidi and I found our way back to a Christmas store to ensure we took home an ornament from one of these stores.

This well-traveled road is also home to one of the most popular tourist spots, Mozart’s birthplace. Once an unknown location, the third floor of this rather ordinary apartment is now a museum. The tour continued by Residenzplatz, with its museums and the Salzburg Cathedral ending near St. Peter’s Church.

We then had close to three hours of free time. So, along with acquiring our requisite souvenirs, we took the FestungsBahn up to Fortress Hohensalzburg. This 11th-century fortress gives a bird’s-eye view of the city. On a clear day, the Alps would also be visible. There are also several museum exhibits, restaurants, and stores. In fact, you could spend a whole day exploring this fortress city.

As part of the adventure, we stopped by Café Tomaselli for a coffee and pastry, just like Mozart, one of their most famous patrons.

While we were not as prepared as usual for a full day of sightseeing, we still accomplished quite a bit, with only minimal disagreements.

I’m Not Sure What I’m Seeing

Since leaving Melk, AmaMagna had begun its return trip east. After a morning of scenic cruising, we arrived in the romantic city of Vienna. Following a typical morning aboard, we geared up for an entire afternoon and evening in this avant-garde capital city.

Our included tour of the day was the “Imperial Vienna” city tour and carriage ride. Departing after lunch, there was a 30-minute bus ride from the ship to the heart of the city down the famous Ringstrasse Boulevard. This panoramic tour almost gave us whiplash, as the guide pointed out sights one after another appearing on both sides of the bus, from the Opera House to historic hotels, churches, museums, and squares.

The bus eventually dropped us off at Rathausplatz. Exiting the coach, we were surrounded by impressive reconstructed 18th-century buildings. With seemingly every building along our tour being noteworthy, or at least picture-worthy, it was tough keeping up.

But we soon reached a point near the Hofburg Palace for our carriage ride. Again, the weather remained cloudy and drizzly, so our carriage had the roof on it. Thus, we didn’t see much of what we were passing and there wasn’t any narration during the 30-minute ride.

From there, we snapped a few photos of the front of the palace before heading to our next destination, the urban center. Unlike other sections of Vienna, the stroll down Rotenturmstraße felt more like we were in the middle of New York City with luxury shops and several restaurants.

Our tour ended outside of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This medieval church feels almost out of place nestled in the middle of tourist traps and skyscrapers. With barely 40 minutes of free time, we barely had time to accomplish anything else before getting bused back to the ship.

A Night Out in Vienna

Once back onboard, it was a mad dash to change and prepare for our evening jaunt back into the city.

Initially, we had booked the upcharge concert experience offered by the cruise line, but we ended up switching to a different classical concert suggested by a friend. With the concert at 8 PM, we had to be ready for an early dinner.

Luckily, the Restaurant offered additional “early seating” to accommodate guests heading off on the cruise-sponsored tour. So, we grabbed a table of six, scarfed down some schnitzel, and had an Uber waiting to take us to St. Anne’s Church.

The 75-minute performance included a four-piece string ensemble that featured works by Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss. Having very little knowledge of classical music, each piece was a new introduction to the works of these musical masterminds.

A Morning Fit for an Empress

Our first day in Vienna was spent admiring the main highlights of the city. So, on our second day, we joined the tour groups for the included tour of the Schönbrunn Palace. Located about 35 minutes from our ship, this summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Austria.

Walking through the Palace gates, a massive square reveals the Palace constructed by Maria Theresa, the only female ruler from the Habsburg family. Similar to Versailles in France, all tour groups take the same route through the second-floor living quarters. Passing through grand halls and galleries, our guide intertwined the rise and fall of the ruling family over hundreds of years. Being one of the first tours of the morning (and off-season), the Palace was not overrun by tourists.

Following the tour of the main building, we were given about 40 minutes to explore the gardens on our own. Again, had this been spring or summer with flowers in bloom, this wouldn’t have been nearly enough time. As it was, we didn’t even have time to get up the hill to Gloriette.

Luckily, the gardens are open for anyone to explore. So, if the timing is right, we will probably return to Schönbrunn Palace to stroll the gardens on a future visit to Vienna.

Recap of Our First AmaWaterways River Cruise Review

Our first AmaWaterways river cruise was filled with exquisite dining, picturesque cities, and fond memories.

AmaMagna was the perfect introduction to this river cruise line. As ocean cruise enthusiasts, we felt more at home on this river cruise ship. With several public spaces and additional amenities, it was more akin to the offerings and choice that we appreciate on ocean-going vessels. We also like the more inclusive nature of AmaWaterways and river cruising in general. With all meals, most tours, and many drinks included in the cruise fare, there’s no nickel-and-diming.

The dining was a highlight, featuring a variety of regionally-inspired dishes, classic options, and diverse dining arrangements. Still, we would have liked more casual, self-serve options. And we missed not having soft-baked cookies and other treats near the coffee machines in the afternoons.

The crew was friendly and attentive and happy to accommodate our requests. Even though everyone was basically on the same schedule, none of the venues felt busy and meals were well-paced. Martina was a fantastic cruise manager as well. Though, we were a bit let-down by the activities, entertainment, and enrichment, or lack thereof.

Sailing during off-season meant we were among the only cruisers at many of the ports of call. This gave us the opportunity to explore with fewer crowds and take in more of each stop’s natural beauty, unique architecture, and culture.

On the other hand, most days were grey, cloudy, and cool. Thus, most of our scenic cruising was met with less-than-ideal weather. And we didn’t get to enjoy the outdoor sundeck as much as we would have liked. When the sun finally did reveal itself on our sail back to Budapest, Martina entered the wheelhouse to provide commentary for this iconic sail into port. In fact, this was the perfect way to end our trip.

Seeing additional river cruise ships docked along the Danube, it reminded us that we have much more to discover about river cruises and many more rivers to explore.

Comments

Have you taken an AmaWaterways river cruise? Would you sail the Danube River off-seaon? Drop us an anchor below to share your river cruise reviews.

The post Our First AmaWaterways River Cruise Was Not What We Expected appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

At 82K gross tons, carrying just under 2,000 passengers, Holland America Westerdam offers a variety of itineraries in the Pacific. In the summer, the ship sails roundtrip from Seattle, exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Outside of the Alaska season, the ship repositions to the southern hemisphere, offering cruises from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand and a variety of sailings in Asia in 2025-2026. Heidi and I just spent 14 nights Down Under on Westerdam and share everything you need to know from the dining to entertainment and onboard activities with our honest Holland America Westerdam review.

Holland America Westerdam Review

Casual Dining

Like the rest of the fleet, Holland America Westeram features several included dining spots.

The Lido Market is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Like other cruise ship buffets, this Deck 9 buffet features a variety of hot and cold items that are well organized into stations. In the Navigator app, guests can see the buffet menus for each day, which is a nice perk that most cruise lines do not offer.

While menu items did rotate at lunch and dinner, breakfast consisted of basically the same offerings each morning. Breakfast offered all of the classics, including two custom omelet stations, warm entrees, fresh fruit, pastries, and plenty of side dishes.

For lunch and dinner, there were several themed offerings. The Distant Lands Asian station boasted items like sushi, fried rice, noodles, and dishes like chicken teriyaki and sweet and sour pork. The Distant Lands pasta station included a made-to-order selection of different pastas and sauces. The Carving Station offered a variety of entrée selections as well. There were also other regional specialties like meat pies.

While the food variety was on par with our expectations, the food quality was a bit of a letdown. We aren’t sure if this was related to the sourcing of products in the region, but nothing we sampled lived up to our previous experiences on Holland America ships. In fact, the pizza was inedible.

Another casual option on Westerdam is the Dive In Burger stand. Here, guests can order signature burgers and dogs right in the app or at the walk-up window. While our selections were hit or miss during the cruise, the offerings were still better than most burgers on a cruise ship. Plus, Heidi appreciated the option of a grilled chicken sandwich!

Also next to the Lido Pool was a Taco stand. This self-service option was a regular stop for us to have a quick snack after a long day ashore.

Further, unlike almost all contemporary cruise lines, Holland America Line still features complimentary room service. Guests can order continental breakfast items AND hot breakfast at no additional charge. During the day, guests can also enjoy options like sandwiches and salads delivered to their staterooms for no cost.

Outdoor Decks

Many Holland America Line ships have a similar layout and design. So, if you have sailed on another vessel in the fleet, you will feel right at home on Westerdam.

Most of the outdoor spaces on Westerdam are located on Decks 9 and 10. While the weather was not as sunny as we had hoped during our cruise, we did spend a few afternoons enjoying these areas.

Midship on Deck 9 is the Lido Pool. This main pool features a retractable roof, making it a popular spot regardless of the weather outside.

Aft on the same deck is the Sea View Pool. On warm afternoons, getting a deck chair near the pool took some work. But, additional lounge chairs could be found aft on Deck 10 as well. This sundeck wrapped around most of the ship but did not have many loungers or chairs out during this voyage.

Additionally, guests will find the sports court aft on Deck 11. The popular activity here was pickleball, with several sessions everyday of the cruise. There were also other open play hours for games like basketball or soccer.

Deck 3 also has an outdoor promenade. With some loungers and shuffleboard, this partially enclosed promenade wrapped around the ship, making it great for walking and jogging as well as sightseeing.  

During our day of scenic cruising, the captain opened up the ship’s bow, as well as viewing platforms on Decks 5, 6, and 7. There is an outdoor viewing area forward of the gym on Deck 9 as well.

For those looking for more active pursuits, the ship’s fully equipped gym has cardio machines, free weights, and weight machines.  

For those looking to unwind, there is the Greenhouse Spa and Thermal Suite. Guests can book services like massages and facials or can opt for passes to the Thermal Suite, home to a hydro-pool, heated loungers, and other experiences.

Onboard Activities

The cruise director, Grant, and the rest of the activities team offered a variety of events to keep guests entertained between Westerdam’s many exciting ports of call. Of course, for this Holland America Westerdam review we attended several of these onboard activities.

On many mornings, guests could start their day with Coffee with Cruise Director Grant, featuring a Q&A with ship personnel, like the Captain. Throughout the day, there were trivia contests and cruiser competitions. These events were very well attended. Whether it was 70s music trivia or Disney music trivia, which we scored 20/20, there was something for everyone.

Popular game shows like Majority Rules or the Game of Love also occurred during the voyage. The Activities Manager, Jose, hosted game night most evenings as well. These entertaining events were mainly an excuse for Jose to get the crowd involved and laughing.

Further, Holland America Line’s popular cooking show occurred several times. Executive Chef, Darren, taught attending guests how to cook the cruise line’s popular dishes, like Coral Trout with Porcini and Bacon.

Up on Deck 10, the Art Studio was a popular place for guests to master new knitting skills, learn origami, or engage in adult coloring. The Crow’s Nest was also a hub of activity with various board games and puzzles for guests to use at their leisure.

In the main theater, Eli, the ship’s travel guide, hosted port talks and regional presentations. This native Kiwi’s talks were in-depth and not glorified shore excursion pitches. Those came after.

Additionally, during our scenic day cruising in Fiordland National Park, there was commentary and a talk by one of the national park’s representatives.

Cruise Director Grant hosted a couple signature Holland America shows as well. From the cruise line’s “Origin Story” to the behind-the-scenes look at ship life in “A City on the Sea”, these offerings should not be missed.

Not to mention, there’s also a library, casino, and shopping.

Like our experiences sailing on Holland America Line in Alaska, the cruise line’s focus on the destinations and cultural immersion sets it apart from others sailing in the region. It helped that Grant, Jose, and Eli were all upbeat and engaging, making all the onboard activities that much more fun.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Along with the aforementioned daily activities, there was a pretty standard lineup of evening entertainment.

In the main theater, there was either a signature show or a headliner act each night. Across the 14 nights, there were four production shows by the Step One Dance Company, with our favorite being Humanity. Combining digital effects with perfectly sophisticated dance moves, these shows are certainly worth attending.

While we do enjoy the Step One shows, they are a bit repetitive and do not feature any live music. Holland America Line did recently announce new production shows, but none were on this ship.

When the dance cast wasn’t performing, there were other acts including comedians and singers. Two comedians took to the stage on two occasions each. There were also three different musical acts, each quite different. Sarah C offered a pretty typical “Diva” show with music from the likes of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Adele, among others.

There were also country music shows by Daniel Thompson. Not being a huge fan of country music, his “Icons: The Country Gentlemen” included more obscure numbers than we expected. Then, there was The Jason Singh Experience. He was perhaps the most surprising performance. His “Taxiride to the 90s” was right up our alley. With songs from Matchbox Twenty, Backstreet Boys, Oasis, and more, it might have been a bit too modern for many in the crowd. But, we were definitely fans.

Outside of the theater, there was live music in two signature Holland America venues— Billboard Onboard and the Rolling Stone Lounge. In Billboard Onboard, two resident pianists rotated through sets like “One Hit Wonders”, “Piano Greats”, “Love Songs”, and “All Requests”. In the Rolling Stone Lounge, a multi-talented band performed sets ranging from 80s rock to country, R&B, pop, and everything in between.

Additionally, guests looking for something more low-key, could unwind with live jazz music in the Ocean Bar.

While Holland America doesn’t have a glow party or silent disco like other cruise lines, there is one event that every Mariner attends— The Orange Party. This signature event features themed cocktails, live music, and specialized happenings. It’s definitely the most lively nightime event on the ship. So, be sure to pack your orange attire!

Bars and Lounges

While not as extensive as most mega-ships, Holland America Westerdam still features a number of bars with signature cocktails that are included in the line’s drink packages.

I appreciated the wide selection of regional beer and wines. We also made sure to sample at least one cocktail at each venue for this Holland America Westerdam review.

The venues with the most unique drinks are the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard. We couldn’t pass up themed “hits” like a Whiskey Smash or Tennessee Lemonade. The Ocean Bar also featured a smooth Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned. Guests can also get a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink at the Pinnacle Bar, where the Penicillin or an Espresso Martini were our go-tos.

Another bar with quite unique theming and décor is the Gallery Bar. We appreciated the modern art displays and elegant furniture in this quiet, almost hidden bar behind the casino.

Out on the pool deck, guests can grab a classic boat drink or frozen cocktail from either the Sea View Bar or the Lido Bar. Up on Deck 10, the Crow’s Nest was our go-to for daily coffee. Along with offering some great forward-facing views, this cafe also has a full bar for guests wanting something stiffer than a latte or cappuccino. Of note, this is the only place on Westerdam to grab specialty coffee as there is no Grand Dutch Cafe found on newer ships in the fleet.

The non-alcoholic Quench beverage package covers premium beverages like espresso-based coffee, mocktails, soda, and juices. However, guests looking to upgrade their experience should consider the line’s Have it All package. This bundle includes add-ons like the Signature Drink Package, specialty dining, WiFi, and more for a flat fee.

Main Dining Room

The two-story main dining room on Decks 2 and 3 of Holland America Westerdam serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We had flexible dining for this cruise. On several nights, we had reservations for our group. On other nights, we entered the standby line for a party of two. We were sat within a few minutes on most nights, but we did wait close to 30 minutes on one occasion.

Breakfast was served daily from 7:30/8 AM to 9/9:30 AM, except when there was a special brunch from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. This Australian Brunch included a mix of sweet and savory items, like Macadamia Nut Brioche French Toast, a Bacon, Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata, and a Striploin Steak and Blue Cheese Sandwhich, among others.

On select sea days or early departure port days, the main dining room served lunch from 12 to 1 PM as well.

Each night, the main dining room serves a signature menu with “Port to Plate” selections from 5 to 9 PM. These locally inspired dishes feature regionally-sourced ingredients. These included items like the Chicken, Ham and Parmesan Croquette, Braised Lamb Shoulder, and Australian Flathead.

Some of my favorite dishes were the Prime Rib, Beef Pot Roast, and the Pork Chop. Heidi raved about several of the nightly plates of pasta, like the Bucatini Caponata and the Farfalle Boscaiola.

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with one of the featured crisps or the many various cheesecake selections. While there is also a cheese plate on the dessert menu, we suggest ordering it as a starter.

Overall, the food in the main dining room was on par with our previous experiences on Holland America Line ships. We had a different wait staff most nights, but service was consistent and friendly.

Specialty Restaurants

Holland America Westerdam has two specialty restaurant venues: Canaletto and Pinnacle Grill. However, there were “pop-ups” at the Pinnacle Grill for both Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea.

Of course, we made sure to sample all the specialty dining for this Holland America Westerdam review. And like our previous experiences, they did not disappoint.

On Deck 9, in the buffet, is the Italian restaurant Canaletto. We are happy to report that the cruise line’s newly enhanced menu delivered. Among some of our favorite starters were the Veal and Sage Meatballs, Burrata, and Antipasti Plate.

For entrees, the restaurant’s version of chicken parmesan received Heidi’s seal of approval. The Italian Sausage Paccheri was a hearty, flavorful meal with homemade pasta in rich marina sauce, as was the Casarecce Pesto Genovese. For dessert, the Baked Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake is by far the best dessert on the ship.

During the first half of the trip, the Pinnacle Grill on Deck 2 served its standard steakhouse menu. We carved into starters like the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and the Clothesline Candied Bacon. For dinner, a well-seasoned filet mignon paired well with the decadent lobster mac and cheese. While this revamped menu no longer has a chicken entree, Heidi did enjoy the newly added Mafaldine, Marinated Grilled Eggplant, Burrata, and Chiles. And, no steakhouse meal would be complete without classics like a key lime pie or creme brulee.

During the second half of the trip, Pinnacle Grill turned into Tamarind. This Asian-inspired specialty restaurant is one of our favorites. It is hard to pick the best menu items because they are all fantastic. Whether it is the chicken stays, the Lobster and Shrimp Potstickers, or Chinese Five Spice Baby Back Ribs, each appetizer is tangy and delicious. For dinner entrees, you can’t go wrong with the spicy Thai Basil Szechuan Shrimp, Panag Red Curry Coconut Chicken, or the Wok-Seared Lobster. The latter may be my new favorite dish at this restaurant.

Finally, one night there was a Morimoto by Sea pop-up as well. This upscale, Asian-influenced seafood menu included options like Pork Gyoza Dumplings, a Sushi Plate, as well as entrees like Chicken Teriyaki and the award-winning Ishiyaki Buri Bop prepared table side. I also couldn’t pass up the Shrimp Three Ways and House Fried Rice. For dessert, you can’t miss the Dark Chocolate Sphere.

Stateroom

For this sailing, we stayed in a verandah stateroom on Deck 4, cabin 4173. This category VC stateroom was aft on the starboard side. According to the Holland America Line deck plans, the room measures approximately 212 square feet including the balcony.

Upon entering the room, the bathroom was on the right with a closet to the left. We would have appreciated a bit more storage space in the room, but we made do with the closest configuration of clothes bar with hangers and several shelves.

The bathroom was functional but not nearly as well appointed as the staterooms on the cruise line’s new Pinnacle Class ships. Showing signs of Westerdam’s age, the bathroom still featured the dreaded shower curtain.

Beyond the entrance, the queen bed was on the aft wall facing forward. Before the balcony was the seating area on the right and desk on the left. Our bed was comfortable with newer bedding and accents. The seating area consisted of a rather small loveseat, making it adequate for really just one individual. The desk too was rather small with limited storage.

These cozy accommodations included USB outlets on each side of the bed, as well as nightstands. However, the only other power outlets were on the desk. Charging all our devices each day while still leaving room to get ready and/or work on our laptops took some coordination.

Our verandah had plenty of space for the two loungers with ottomans and small table. Though, the outdoor furniture had seen better days.

Having just sailed on Celebrity Summit, which is of similar age, this cabin on Westerdam definitely fell short.

Still, with a port-intensive itinerary, the room was an adequate space to recharge before our next exciting port of call.

Recap of Our Holland America Westerdam Cruise Review

Similar to our previous experiences sailing with the cruise line, Holland America Westerdam delivered on several fronts. However, as a 20+ year old ship, Westerdam did show some signs of her age.

Considered a mid-sized ship, Westerdam boasts several dining options. With casual, complimentary options to a traditional main dining room and exceptional specialty dining, guests will never go hungry on Westerdam. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients along with regional food and beverages, we were able to savor our journey both on and off the ship.

The ship’s activities staff kept guests inspired and entertained from morning until night with organized activities and cultivated and insightful enrichment. This is one of the benefits of cruising on Holland America Westerdam or any ship in the fleet for that matter. The onboard crew did an excellent job of intertwining regional programming with typical cruise events and activities.

It is true that Westerdam did show some signs of wear, especially in our stateroom and some decor around the ship. However, most public areas did feel refreshed and modern. Westerdam is set to undergo a dry dock in early 2026, so hopefully, the areas that need a little TLC will be addressed during this time.

Odds are that guests who are looking to book a cruise on Holland America Westerdam are focused on the itinerary, but the ship shouldn’t be overlooked either. With the cruise line’s value pricing and upgrade options, Westerdam will certainly be a popular choice for many cruisers looking to enjoy leisurely travel to bucket list destinations.

Comments

Have you sailed on Holland America Westedam? What are your thoughts on the line’s mid-sized ships? Drop us an anchor below with your latest Holland America cruise reviews.

The post Brand New for 2025 – Our HONEST Holland America Westerdam Review appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

From Alaska to Antarctica and the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, we’ve been fortunate to cruise quite a bit. Still, there are several places across the globe that remain on our travel bucket list. To start off 2025, we decided to venture Down Under for our first Australia and New Zealand cruise. After spending 14 days cruising the region, we can honestly say that it wasn’t quite what we expected. Find out why in our latest cruise review.

Our 14-Day Australia and New Zealand Cruise Wasn’t What We Expected

The closest we’ve come to Australia or New Zealand is Hawaii and French Polynesia, so we were thrilled when we were invited to join Holland America’s Westerdam for a 14-day sailing in the region. Since the ship’s itinerary spent most of its time in New Zealand, we decided to extend the trip by a few days in Sydney. We couldn’t come all this way and not explore this iconic city!

With the time differences and extended travel distances, we would be away for a total of three weeks. This would be our longest travel stretch yet; in fact, two weeks would also be our longest cruise to date. Would we survive? Well, we were about to find out!

With lots of luggage in tow, we set off on Sunday evening and arrived in Sydney on Tuesday morning. We had a few tours and activities lined up before we embarked on Westerdam the upcoming Sunday, and we were ready to make the most of it.

Table of Contents:

• Holland America Westerdam
• Australia and New Zealand Ports of Call
• What We Wish We Knew Before Our First Australia and New Zealand Cruise

The Ship – Holland America Westerdam

We’ve cruised with Holland America Line a few times in the past, but mostly on the line’s newer Pinnacle Class vessels. Luckily though, most ships in the fleet have a similar layout and venues. Thus, Westerdam felt familiar to us.

Holland America’s Westerdam launched in 2004. This ship is just over 82K gross tons and carries just over 1900 passengers at double occupancy.

When it comes to dining, guests will recognize some familiar favorites. In addition to the main dining room and Lido Market buffet, the ship features the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse and Canaletto Italian restaurant, both specialty restaurants with recently refreshed menus. Don’t worry, while there isn’t a dedicated spot for the Asian Tamarind, the Pinnacle Grill hosts pop-up dinners during the cruise. Guests can also sample the new Morimoto by Sea menu at a pop-up experience in the same location. Further, the main dining room and buffet feature regional port-to-plate dishes.

While Pinnacle Grill sears up a great steak and we did like the new Canaletto menu, Tamarind is still our personal favorite. Don enjoyed the Asian-infused seafood selections at Morimoto as well.

Aside from food, another cruise staple is entertainment, and Westerdam delivers with plenty of offerings to keep guests busy. There are nightly show on the World Stage, which include performances by the Step One Dance Company and various other headliner acts. Our favorite of the Step One shows is Humanity, but unfortunately they are redundant if you’ve cruised with HAL before. We were hoping to see some new productions on this ship, but that was not the case.

Holland America is also known for its destination-focused enrichment. Eli, the travel director on our sailing, was a wealth of information with his daily port talks and other edutainment-type presentations. These should not be missed.

Other popular spots on the ship include Billboard Onboard and the Rolling Stone Lounge which host live music and various other trivia sessions, game shows, and dance classes throughout the cruise. The Crow’s Nest, perched all the way forward on the top of the ship, offers fantastic views and is home to the resident coffee shop. There are also two pools, the Lido Pool with a retractable roof and the SeaView Pool with great aft views. Not to mention, there’s a casino, spa, fitness center, pickleball court, and plenty of bars with specialty drink menus.

While not the new kid on the block, Holland America’s Westerdam has generally withstood the test of time. Though, some of the decor, and more notably the staterooms, did show signs of the ship’s age. While our verandah cabin did have some newer accents like curtains and pillows, the carpet, balcony, and bathroom did need some TLC. Did we mention, there’s still a shower curtain? Hopefully, the staterooms receive some updates during the ship’s scheduled dry dock in 2026.

The Ports of Call

Our 14-day Australia and New Zealand cruise was a one-way itinerary from Sydney to Auckland. It featured eight ports of call and a day of scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park. Unfortunately though, our four sea days were all clustered at the beginning of the itinerary as we transitted from Australia to New Zealand.

Given this was our first time in the region, we tried to make the most of it by booking a shore excursion in the majority of our ports. Admittedly, we did not spend as much time researching the destinations as we typically do, simply because we didn’t have the time with our travel schedule. So, we booked all our excursions with the cruise line for convenience.

Of course, other options exist and even offer return-to-ship guarantees like Shore Excursions Group.

Sydney, Australia

During our time in Sydney, we stayed at the W Sydney in Darling Harbor. This area was lively and had several restaurants within walking distance, but it was a bit out of the way from Circular Quay. Circular Quay is the main ferry transportation hub and where you’ll find the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks, and other notable attractions.

During our five days here, we booked two tours and purchased tickets to an opera.

Day 1 Sydney

On the day of our arrival, we weren’t sure how tired we’d be, so we didn’t plan anything. Surprisingly, the 14-hour time difference didn’t impact us as much as we thought it would…though the 100 degree weather did!

We headed to Circular Quay to get our first glimpse (and plenty of photos) of the Syndey Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. We attempted to walk some of the nearby Botanic Garden, but it was just too hot. Instead, we hopped on a harbor cruise to get an overview of the area and did a little shopping for some authentic UGG Australia footwear because Don wanted more items in our luggage (haha!).

Day 2 Sydney

For Day 2, we had a full day private tour booked. This tour basically took us around the entire coastal city showcasing some of the touristy and less-touristy areas with several photo stops along the way. From The Rocks, to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, to Finger Wharf, Shark Beach, Vaucluse House, Gap Park in Watson’s Bay, Bondi Beach, Waverley Cemetery, Centennial Park, and more, we covered it all.

If you want to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, a private, customizable tour is a great option.

Day 3 Sydney

For Day 3, we booked a tour to the Blue Mountains. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with us. Nonetheless, we headed out for our full day adventure bright and early in the morning. After about an hour and a half drive, we arrived at Scenic World. Here, we experienced the Scenic Skyway, then took the Scenic Cableway down for a walk through the rainforest. The only thing we saw on these two “scenic” rides was fog! After a brief stroll on the elevated boardwalks scouting flora and fauna, we took the Scenic Railway back up. It’s the steepest passenger railway in the world, and we did it backwards! This was certainly a highlight of our day.

Following the visit to Scenic World, we stopped at a few different lookouts in the National Park in attempt to see something, anything. This included Cahills Lookout and Boars Head Lookout, in addition to the Katoomba Cascades or Three Sisters waterfalls.

After a lunch break (where we discovered chicken parm is a thing is Australia), we stopped at Yellowmundee Regional Park for another scenic lookout before heading to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Here, we had about 75 minutes to see and interact with various indigenous species. We got our first glimpse of koala bears, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, enchidnas, blue penguins, tasmanian devils, and more.

Day 4 Sydney

Since we needed to tie up some loose ends before we embarked on the cruise, we spent the morning in our hotel getting some work done. Looking for a half-day outing, several had recommended a visit to the Taronga Zoo. So, we took the ferry ride over from Darling Harbor and spent about three hours meeting all the local residents. Since it was rather hot again today, the animals were not very active. Still, we managed to get some more adorable koala photos, along with meandering through the African savannah, kanagroo country, and seal cove. We also met some gorillas, a sun bear, tigers, and red pandas along the way.

Taking the ferry back to Circular Quay, we headed to The Rocks for dinner. This historic area is popular with tourists and locals alike with outdoor markets, restaurants, pubs, shopping, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. I guess it had to be done eventually, so we settled in to an al fresco table for Don to try a kangaroo burger.

Day 5 Sydney

Why just tour the Sydney Opera House when you can actually attend an opera? And that’s exactly what we did. Prior to our travels, we purchased tickets to a matinee show of Cinderella. We figured if we had to watch an opera at least we could follow along with this storyline.

Since today was some of the best weather we had in Sydney, we decided to take the ferry over to Manly following this performance. Luckily, the ferry systems in Sydney are very user-friendly and easy to navigate. Here, we enjoyed an early dinner at Hugos on Manly Wharf then spent some time strolling Manly Beach.

While the sun was setting on our time in Sydney, the fun wasn’t over just yet. Upon returning to our hotel, we stumbled upon a Lunar New Year celebration ocurring at Darling Harbor complete with water performers and fireworks. Now, this was the perfect ending to our visit!

Melbourne, Australia (Day 3)

After a day at sea traveling from Sydney, our first port of call on our Westerdam cruise was Melbourne. We were docked at Station Pier from 8 AM to 5 PM. The city center was a 15-20 minute ride away and had plenty of highlights to explore, but we booked the River Cruise, Healesville Sanctuary & Wine Tasting excursion.

This 8-hour tour started with an hour-long scenic cruise on the Yarra River. Passing under several ornate bridges like the Princes Bridge, we listened to commentary as we sailed past landmarks like the botantic gardens, cricket stadium, Herring Island, and more. We then reboarded our bus for the nearly 75 minute drive to Fergusson’s in the Yarra Valley for a wine tasting. This portion of the tour felt a bit rushed, but we were provided lunch and got to sample five different wines before heading off once again.

Our final stop of the day was the Healesville Sanctuary where we had just over an hour to explore. Given the weather was quite warm once again, many of the animals were lazing in the shade this afternoon. We did get to see more koalas, echidnas, kangaroos, a platypus, and a sleeping wombat.

Overall, it was a long day with rushed stops. In hindsight, we would have certainly skipped the cruise on the Yarra River to allow more time for the wine tasting and/or sanctuary visit.

Hobart, Tasmania (Day 5)

Following another sea day, we arrived in Hobart, Tasmania for our second and final port in Australia. Once again, we were docked here from 8 AM to 5 PM. Hobart center was a 15-minute walk from the ship, but we decided to give the Australian animal encounters one last try. After all, we STILL had not seen a kangaroo hopping!

After attending the port talk, we decided to switch our excursion to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary & Historical Richmond. This 4-hour tour started with a visit to Bonorong where we had just over an hour to immerse ourselves in the wildlife. While I could have spent all day watching the kangaroos, our time here didn’t feel rushed like the other encounters. Given the weather was more pleasant today, the animals were FINALLY active. We even got to feed the kangaroos….major bucket list item achieved! Oh, and when in Tasmania, you must see a Tasmanian devil, right?

Next, it was on to historic Richmond where we had just over an hour of free time. So, we did a little shopping, grabbed some candy and coffee at a lolly shop, and took some photos along the way.

Scenic Cruising Fiordland National Park (Day 8)

Departing Tasmania, we had three days at sea before reaching our first port of call in the South Island of New Zealand. The third sea day was spent scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park. Much like Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, this is a full day event complete with commentary, sightseeing, and a presentation in the theater.

The day began bright and early as we were expected to enter Milford Sound around 6:30 AM. Given the weather conditions, the narration started a bit late. So, we ventured out into the fog and rain around 7:15 AM to the outdoor viewing area in front of the gym on Deck 9 forward. We were treated to an abundance of waterfalls that were quite stunning despite the weather. As it started to rain a bit heavier, we tried to scout out other viewing spots but ultimately ended up back inside watching out of our balcony.

At 10 AM, we attended the presentation in the theater and grabbed a coffee before gearing back up for our arrival in Doubtful Sound which had been delayed until around 12:15 PM.

What a difference a few hours can make in terms of the weather. By the time we arrived, it was picture-perfect! Thus, we spent a majority of the time outdoors admiring the views from differenet vantage points around the ship. From the Deck 10 sundeck, to the aft SeaView Pool area, to the bow, every angle was spectacular.

Of note, while the bow on Deck 4 of Westerdam is normally not accessible, it will open duing scenic cruising weather permitting. The outdoor viewing plaforms on Decks 5, 6, and 7 forward were also open to guests.

Exiting Doubtful Sound about an hour later, we grabbed some lunch before entering our third and final sound of the day, Dusky Sound. By this time, it had clouded up again and gotten quite windy, but at least it wasn’t raining. This was the least scenic in our opinion, but we still ventured out to the bow for a bit and watched from our balcony for a while.

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand (Day 9)

After eight days on the ship, we reached our first port in New Zealand. Westerdam docked in Port Chalmers, which then required an approximately 30-minute drive into Dunedin. Guests could purchase shuttle tickets if they wished for $35 NZD roundtrip. Today, we were in port from 7 AM until 6 PM.

While we had been waitlisted for a while, we received word the night before that our desired tour, Albatross Cruise & Natures Wonders, had become available. Perfect!

Albeit another gray and overcast day, our tour began with an approximately 75-minute cruise on the Albatross Express. We set off through Otago Harbor towards the historic lighthouse in search of wildlife, mainly albatross which have nesting grounds near this lighthouse. Alas, we didn’t see any.

Next, we docked at Weller’s Rock where we boarded a bus for a short drive to the private Reid family farm. While the first half of this day was a letdown, the second part was a highlight of the trip. Here, we boarded a 6-person Argo for an off-road journey to see fur seals and blue penguins up close and personal. I never imagined that we would get so close to the seals living on the rocks and the penguins’ burrows.

Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand (Day 10)

Our next stop on the South Island was Lyttelton, which offered a complimentary shuttle into town. Alternatively, guests could book a shuttle into Christchurch for $45 NZD. Today, we were in port from 8 AM until 5 PM.

We booked the High Country Explorer by Off Road Vehicle & Jet Boat excursion which was another long tour and not really what we expected. All said and done, it was a lot of driving and not much adventure. We started the day with a 2-hour drive that took us on a brief panoramic tour of Christchurch before heading out to the Springfield Adventure Center.

Here, we were expecting to board similar vehicles as yesterday, but instead it was basically a 4WD bus that took us across sheep and cattle farms to a couple scenic lookout points. It was rather foggy, so we didn’t get to see too much. Following this portion of the tour, we had a less-than-delicious lunch before our jet boat ride. We boarded a famous Hamilton jet boat for an approximately 35-minute ride into the Waimakariri River Gorge. With the wind in our faces, our captain sped off skimming over shallow water with some twists and 360-degree turns along the way.

While the guides were great and the boat ride was fun, we probably wouldn’t book this tour again. It was a long and expensive day with little to show for it.

Picton, New Zealand (Day 11)

Coming off of some long days and shore excursions, we decided to take it easy during our stop in Picton. We did book a short Picton Seaport Walk tour, but in hindsight, it wasn’t necessary. Westerdam was docked 8 AM to 5 PM, and there was a complimentary shuttle into town.

During our barely 1.5-hour walking tour, we strolled the waterfront while the guides provided some narration about the history of the area. We then crossed the coathanger bridge for a short bush walk in Victoria Domain where our guides provided some info on the local flora and fauna as well as New Zealand’s goal to be predator free by 2050.

Since it was such a lovely day, we continued exploring on our own after the tour. We walked past the old Edwin Fox, did some shopping, and grab a toastie for lunch before taking the shuttle back to the ship.

Wellington, New Zealand (Day 12)

Another day, another port. We had now made our way to the North Island of New Zealand. Today, we were docked in Wellington from 7 AM until 4 PM. There was a complimentary shuttle that took cruisers on the 10-minute drive into town. But, we booked another shore excursion. Don was looking forward to our Full Day Lord of the Rings Film Locations & Weta Workshop tour. I do admit that even as a non-Lord of the Rings fan, it was an interesting tour.

This full-day journey took us to several stops in the Wellington region including the Hutt River (River Anduin), Harcourt Park (Gardens of Isengard), Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell), and Mount Victoria (Hobbiton Woods). At each stop, we were able to walk the grounds and take photos after our enthusiastic guides gave us some insight into the filming locations and some of the behind-the-scenes magic. It was impressive to contrast photos from the movie scenes with the actual locations, and the guides really brought everything to life.

The tour also included a lookout point on Mount Victoria, a buffet lunch, and a visit to the Weta Workshop. Because we arrived a little late, our time at the Weta Workshop did feel a bit rushed. Nonetheless, we got a brief tour of the facilities and some background into the making of costumes and props for 300+ movies like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, District 9, and more. 

While it was a long day, the tour was balanced with no extended drive times between destinations. This is in contrast to the reviews we heard from the other Lord of the Rings tour in Christchurch. So, we’re glad we picked this one!

Napier, New Zealand (Day 13)

Approaching the end of our cruise, we were getting a bit worn out from all of the long-day excursions. So, after attending one of cruise line’s port talks we made the decision to cancel our shore excursion for the day and just walk around town.

We were only docked in Napier from 8 AM until 1 PM, and by coincidence it was the beginning of the Art Deco Festival. Plus, the center of town was less than a mile away and complimentary shuttles were provided.

We spent a few hours strolling the streets admiring the art deco buildings and antique cars on display. Then, we walked along the waterfront, through the gardens, and to the war memorial with its stunnig floral clock. We ended the day with a visit to Starbucks…I know, very authentic! But it had been nearly two weeks since I had my Starbucks drink, and we walked by the building at least three times.

Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand (Day 14)

Our final port of call, and final day of the cruise, was a stop in Tauranga. We were docked here from 7 AM until 5:30 PM. Docked at the base of Mount Maunganui, some beaches, hot pools, and waterfront were within walking distnce, but we chose to take an excursion to Rotorua to experience some of the Maori culture.

Our Te Puia Geyser & Maori Arts excursion took us to Te Puia, a Maori arts and crafts institute. Here, we learned a bit about the heritage, skills, and culture of these indigenous people of New Zealand. We saw recreations of a village and meeting house, witnessed a Haka dance and traditional Maori welcome, and toured the arts and crafts institute observing carving and weaving works in progress.

Then, we walked through the geothermal valley, where we saw the Pohutu Geyser, steam vents, and mud pools; and we saw adorable kiwis at the Kiwi Conservation Center (no pictures allowed though). We ended the tour with a delicious, semi-authentic buffet lunch.

What We Wish We Knew Before Our First Australia and New Zealand Cruise

We truly enjoyed our nearly three weeks touring this region of the world, and we would certainly return. However, in retrospect, we may not have been as prepared for our first Australia and New Zealand cruise as we thought we were. Here are a few things we wish we knew during our planning process.

1. There are more choices of ships than we thought.

Granted, as we mentioned previously, we were invited by Holland America to join this cruise, so we didn’t go through our normal ship researching process. Still, when we envisioned a 14-day itinerary visiting so many ports of call, we assumed these would be offered only by lines like Holland America, Princess Cruises, and some luxury lines.

To our surprise, we saw a variety of ships from a variety of cruise lines while in the region. And many of them offer very similar itineraries.

So, while Holland America’s Westerdam (or Noordam) is a solid choice when taking an Australia and New Zealand cruise, it’s not the only one. If you’re looking for that enrichment component, Princess currently has two ships sailing in the region as well. If you want a more family-focused ship, Carnival Splendor offers 9- and 10-night sailings and Royal Caribbean’s Anthem/Ovation of the Seas also visits many of the same ports. Not to mention, Celebrity Edge is one of the newer large ships sailing the region.

In 2026, Norwegian Spirit will offer similiar itineraries too. In fact, there will be 14 different cruise lines in the region next year.

2. There are various itineraries in the region.

Speaking of itineraries, you will want to review all the options carefully. Our itinerary focused heavily on New Zealand with only two Australian ports of call. If you are looking to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, this is not the cruise for you. We didn’t realize this before our sailing either, but the Great Barrier Reef is along the more Northern Australian coast. These itineraries will likely still start in Sydney but will visit ports like Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Port Douglas, and Brisbane.

If you want to explore more of Southern Australia, pick an itinerary that includes ports like Melbourne, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, and Tasmania.

Further, you should consider extending your stay to explore your embarkation and disembarkation ports as well. You could spend days in just Sydney or Auckland alone. So, pick an itinerary length that will allow for this, keeping your budget and vacation time in mind.

3. As Americans, you need visas to cruise to Australia and New Zealand.

With recent changes in tourism regulations, more and more destinations are starting to require visas to enter. However, as Americans, we aren’t quite used to this just yet. While we did know that we needed visas, applying for them slipped our minds until the last minute. Luckily, the turnaround time is quick, but it will still take you some time. You’ll need to download two separate apps (one for Australia and one for New Zealand) and input all the pertinent information. Once completed, we received our Australian visa almost immediately and our New Zealand visa in about 24 hours.

When budgeting, you should also be aware that each of these visas comes with a fee. The Australian visa is inexpensive at $20 AUD (roughly $13 USD) per person. However, the New Zealand visa is a bit more expensive at $117 NZD (roughly $67 USD) per person.

4. The countries are strict about biosecurity.

Yes, we’ve all heard that we aren’t allowed to bring fruits or vegetables off the ship in ports of call. But, Australia and New Zealand take things one step further. They are really strict about biosecurity and don’t allow you to take ANYTHING off the ship except bottled water. This means no morning coffee and not even a packaged granola bar for a midday snack.

We heard multiple announcements about this restriction every day before heading ashore and were warned that the countries conduct random bag checks and guests could be fined for not adhering. We also needed to complete declarations when entering each country for the first time.

These laws are in place to protect the environments from foreign pests and diseases. New Zealand in particular is serious about this, aiming to be predator free by 2050.

5. Most of the region is cashless.

We are accustomed to getting foreign currency at our local bank before traveling internationally. While we did get Australian dollars, we weren’t able to get New Zealand dollars prior to our departure. However, this didn’t matter much as both countries are primarily cashless. Almost everywhere we went used tap and pay systems. Even the ferry systems in Sydney and many buses used this process. This made things quick and efficient regardless of whether we were using public transit, shopping, or purchasing something at a local cafe.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have some local currency for tips or open-air markets (though even most of these vendors accepted credit cards).

Of note, most of the public toilets in Australia and New Zealand are free; so there’s no need to worry about having coins when going ashore like in Europe.

6. The weather can be quite variable.

The weather and packing for a cruise can be tricky regardless of destination. Even monitoring weather apps before our travels, we STILL didn’t pack appropriately for our Australia and New Zealand cruise. The weather during our time in Australia ended up being significantly warmer than we expected, reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on a few occasions. Yet, the weather in New Zealand was cloudy and overcast most of the time with some wind and rain making it feel cooler than the actual temperatures.

So, be sure to pack layers and a rain coat at the very least.

7. There are two terminals in Sydney.

When walking around Sydney, most will encounter the Overseas Passenger Terminal located at the edge of Circular Quay in The Rocks area. However, this is not the ONLY cruise terminal in Sydney. There’s also the White Bay Cruise Terminal, which is about a 15-minute drive away from the Overseas Passenger Terminal. We actually didn’t realize until requesting our Uber on embarkation day morning that we were departing from the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

While the Overseas Passenger Terminal is in the heart of Sydney directly across from the Opera House, sailing from the White Bay Cruise Terminal has its advantages. Generally, smaller ships depart from this terminal and then sail out under the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Larger ships leaving from the Overseas Passenger Terminal will sail by the Opera House but not under the Bridge.

8. There are no koalas or kangaroos in New Zealand.

We don’t know about you, but we were pretty excited to see koala bears and kangaroos on this cruise. But, we didn’t realize that we would only see them in Australia NOT New Zealand. With only a few Australian ports on our itinerary, we ended up switching around some of our excursions to fit in more animal sightings.

If you are looking to interact with these adorable creatures, we’d recommend Healesville Sanctuary and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. If you want more time at these locations or want to partake in any for-fee “encounters”, consider hiring a car to go on your own or booking a tour outside the cruise line. Also, keep the weather in mind. The animals will likely be more active in the cooler temperatures, so consider a morning visit.

9. The Tasman Sea can be rough.

If you’re taking an Australia and New Zealand cruise, you’ll be traveling in the Tasman Sea at some point. This sea is known for being rough and unpredictable. Similar (but less intense) to the Drake’s Passage heading to Antarctica, this is where currents from two different oceans meet. The region is also prone to strong winds and tropical cyclones.

So, it’s best to be prepared. If you are prone to motion sickness, be sure to pack the proper aids— whether you take prescription meds, over-the-counter items like Dramamine or Bonine, use Sea-Bands, or other natural ingredients like ginger.

10. Investigate the ship’s laundry situation.

If you plan to spend any time in your pre-cruise or post-cruise destinations, you could be traveling for three weeks or more. And it’s just not realistic to pack that much…even for us! So, we suggest investigating your ship’s laundry situation before setting sail.

Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises, have self-service laundry rooms which are ideal. Even Carnival Splendor has self-service facilities where you can wash and dry your clothes for a nominal fee. If this option isn’t available, many cruise lines will offer deals on wash-and-dry bags of laundry. For instance, our Holland America ship offered a “fill the bag” service for $25 USD or unlimited laundry for 14 days for $119. If neither of these options are available, it could cost you a pretty penny to pay by the item!

11. Most ports are working ports so you can’t walk off the ship.

Like many ports in Europe, a majority of the ports on our Australia and New Zealand cruise were considered working ports used for the logging industry. Thus, cruise passengers are not allowed to just walk off the ship like you can in most Caribbean or Alaskan ports.

At many of our stops, complimentary shuttles into town were available. Or, in certain instances, you could purchase shuttle tickets. If you are booked on a shore excursion, there’s no need to worry, as you’ll typically depart from right outside the ship.

However, if you plan to book private tours or tours with third party vendors, be sure to inquire about meeting points.

12. Excursions are expensive.

Speaking of excursions, they are expensive in this region! As first-time visitors to Australia and New Zealand, we wanted to see and do as much as possible. This meant that we booked an excursion in almost every port of call, and these tours were often $200-$300 or more per person. So, this can easily add thousands of dollars to your vacation costs as it did for us!

We suggest that you do more research than we did and investigate options from all sources. For instance, Shore Excursions Group offers similar options at prices up to 40% off cruise line prices. They often offer smaller group sizes and private tour options as well. And the best part is that they offer a “return-to-ship” guarantee so you don’t have to worry about missing the ship.

As we’ve now realized, it’s okay to not book an excursion in every port too. Most of these ports are very walkable once taking the shuttle into town. If your cruise line offers them, we suggest you attend the port talks. Eli, our travel guide on Westerdam, did a fantastic job of highlighting what there was to do in each port. He even provided maps and practical information so you could feel confident exploring on your own.

Comments

Have you taken an Australia and New Zealand cruise? What tips or advice do you have for those planning their first visit to the region? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising Down Under.

The post We Spent 14 Days on an Australia and New Zealand Cruise and It Wasn’t What We Expected – Find Out What We Wish We Knew First appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

We are back from our second cruise on Disney Treasure, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. This DCL cruise ship offers new dining and entertainment, along with plenty of familiar favorites. During our seven days onboard, we experienced it all and share our signature Disney Treasure cruise ship review to help you decide if it’s right for your next vacation.

Our Honest Disney Treasure Cruise Ship Review

Casual Dining

Disney Treasure, much like sister ship Disney Wish, is home to some of the best grab and go dining options at sea.

Heidi and I couldn’t get enough of Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods on the pool deck. Donald’s Cantina mixes up custom-made tacos, bowls, or salads. However, one ingredient that was definitely missing was nacho chips.

Goofy’s Grill is home to typical lido deck fare, like hamburgers and hotdogs. But it also serves irresistible chicken fingers and fries. Additionally, Mickey’s Smokestack BBQ offers classics like ribs, roasted chicken, sausages, and pulled pork with various sauces.

Although, Daisy’s Pizza was a bit of a letdown. In our opinion, the pizza here ranks below average especially when compared to other lines like Princess Cruises or Virgin Voyages.

Inside, Marceline Market is Disney Treasure’s buffet. The breakfast options included all your typical selections that remained the same throughout the cruise. We were able to get custom-made omelets with a short wait. Of course, there was also an endless supply of Mickey waffles for kids and adults alike, along with other continental and hot breakfast items.

I couldn’t pass up the signature shrimp cocktail and crab legs for lunch. These staples of the Disney buffet are available every day. There are other upgraded seafood options as well, along with more traditional fare like pre-made salads and international cuisine that varied daily.

However, this dining venue is not open for dinner. Thus, guests must go to the main dining rooms if they want a substantial dinner meal.

Pool Deck

Disney Treasure features eight pools scattered throughout the outdoor decks. Most of them are relatively small and often filled with families and kids.

Midship on Decks 11 and 12 are the six main pools. Of course, they are all named after Disney characters. The Mickey and Minnie pools are the largest, flanking the forward and aft end of the Deck 11 pool area. However, Mickey’s pool is often closed as it doubles as the main stage for outdoor deck parties and shows. Cascading up from the Minnie Pool, there are also the smaller Donald, Daisy, Pluto, and Goofy pools and additional sun loungers on Deck 12.

These two outdoor decks can get busy on sunny sea days. So, don’t be surprised if all the deck chairs are claimed by mid-morning.

Fun fact – If you stand on the forward end of the deck and look aft, you will see that the pools form a hidden Mickey.

Guests looking for the quietest family pool should head forward on Deck 14. Here, the Chip and Dale pool area features plenty of additional loungers mostly in the shade. The nearby Currents Bar isn’t too far away for a daytime drink either.

Those with little ones will find a friend at the Toy Story Splash Pad on Deck 12 forward. Next to the Splash-a-Saurus Rex waterslide and Trixie’s Falls, this area is tucked away from the main pool deck. Wheezy’s Freezies is right next door, serving non-alcoholic frozen smoothies, a limited bar, and Dole Whip.

Finally, adults can escape the crowds (and kids!) at the Quiet Cove. All the way aft on Deck 13, this is where Heidi and I spent most of our time outdoors. The Quiet Cove offers a variety of plush loungers, oversized chairs, a café, and a bar. Not to mention, there’s an infinity pool overlooking the ship’s stern. However, the area is a tad small for a ship of its size, especially when compared to Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

Sports Deck

While Disney Treasure is geared toward families and kids, there are not as many outdoor activities as you would expect, like a basketball court or mini-golf course found on other ships in the fleet.

Instead, Deck 13 is home to the main sports area, the Hero Zone. This indoor complex has a full-sized basketball court with a variety of open play and competitions scheduled throughout the cruise. There are also air hockey tables, foosball tables, and cornhole to use free of charge.

The big draw in the Hero Zone is the Incredi-Games challenge course. If you are unfamiliar with this inflatable challenge, the Incredi-Games is an obstacle course where two “athletes” go head-to-head to see who can make it up, down, and through several challenges the fastest.

The event happened several times during our week-long cruise, so check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for dates and times during your sailing.

Of course, there’s also the AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg towering above the pool deck. This water raft ride is complimentary, and it is a fun time. I donned my bathing suit and hop on this 760-foot-long attraction, which puts guests in the middle of a Mickey and Minnie animated adventure. The ride is open to all guests who are at least 42 inches or taller—just time your ride so you are not stuck in a long line.

Finally, the Senses Fitness Center is on Deck 5, all the way forward. It offers various workout equipment, cardio machines, and free weights. There is also a cycle room and fitness classes, which are an up-charge. Disappointingly, the ship does not have a dedicated walking/jogging track; though, many do use the outdoor promenade which starts on Deck 4 and ascends to Decks 5 and 6.

Onboard Activities

Disney experts and casual fans alike will find a variety of themed activities on Disney Treasure. We held our own in some competitions, like the Beauty and the Beast trivia, but I certainly did not measure up to the real Jedi masters in the Star Wars-themed sessions.

Games like Majority Rules and the ship’s take on Hollywood Squares featuring the Disney villains took place in the Sarabi Lounge, along with other events like a Silent Disco, Match Your Mate, and other adult-only activities in the evenings.

There were also family events and karaoke throughout the day, mostly occurring in the Triton Lounge.

In addition to game shows and trivia, guests could also learn to draw Disney characters or create their own keepsakes at the art classes.

Perhaps the highlights of the Disney Treasure onboard activities were the various events hosted by the ship’s storytellers, Sage and Coriander. These included the Choose Wisely Indiana Jones-themed comedy adventure, the Jungle Cruise interactive adventure, and a hilarious retelling of Disney’s Aladdin. We thought this duo was a great addition to the Disney entertainment line-up.

Of course, Disney Treasure had many character meet-and-greet opportunities at all times throughout the day as well. From classic Disney pals to the Princesses, guests could grab pictures with all their favorites. There’s Minnie in her new adventure outfit, Captain Mickey, Captain Hook on Pirate Night, and some characters even don their formal attire on dress-up night.

Not to mention, there were also dance parties, deck parties, and other fun events featuring Disney’s Fab Five.

Additionally, Disney Treasure hosts other signature events like Tink’s Neverland Challenge in the Hero Zone, the always-fun Jack-Jack’s Diaper Dash, the upbeat Let’s Set Sail sail away party, and the iconic Pirate Night. Only on Disney Cruise Line can guests don their finest pirate attire and rock out to the Pirates of the Caribbean deck party and Pirate’s Rockin Parlay Party complete with fireworks!

Of course, there are other up-charge activities available as well. These include liquor tastings, the Senses Spa’s Rainforest Room (thermal suite), Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for the kids, the Untangled Salon and Hook’s Barbery for hair and nail services, and Bingo, among others.

Thus, there is never a dull moment on Disney Treasure!

Entertainment

No one tells a story like Disney. In fact, from the moment you step into the Grand Hall, Disney Treasure takes guests on a cruise adventure. The theming in the public spaces, like the three-story atrium, transports guests to a whole new world. However, the main theater entertainment will test how far you’ll go.

In the Walt Disney Theater, guests are treated to three unique Disney production shows. In Seas the Adventure, we settled in for a voyage with Captain Minnie, firstmate Goofy, and the rest of the crew for a Welcome Aboard type revue show. With popular Disney songs from the likes of Elsa, Tiana, and Hercules, you and your kids are sure to love it.

New for Disney Treasure is A Tale of Moana. Featuring a cast of performers from the South Pacific, this modified retelling of the Disney animated film should not be missed. In fact, we watched it twice as it was that entertaining. Featuring all of the high notes from the film, with some theater magic and an elaborate stage set, it is as heartwarming as the original.

This is the most popular show on the ship. So, don’t be surprised if guests line up an hour (or more) in advance to ensure they get a seat when the theater doors open.

Equally entertaining is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. This tale as old as time introduces elements of the 1990s animated classic with the live-action film remake from the 2000s. With a talented cast of performers and elaborate costumes and props, you can’t help falling in love with this production.

During a seven-night cruise, each of these three productions typically has three showtimes: two evening showtimes and a matinee on a different day. The main theater might also show first-run movies or headliner acts on other nights. Just check the Disney Cruise Line app for showtimes. During our sailing, we got to watch Mufasa, as well as two headliners: a magician and a ventriloquist.

Further, there are two intimate cinemas showing first-run Disney Movies, Never Land Cinema and Wonderland Cinema. So, we caught a screening of Moana 2 onboard while it was still in the theater. While the movies are free, the popcorn costs extra.

Pro Tip: You can score discounted popcorn refills if you have a Disney Parks refillable bucket. Or, you can purchase a refillable bucket while on the ship. If purchased outright, popcorn will cost you $4, but it will only cost $1.75 for a refill in one of these buckets.

Bars and Lounges

As we do on all cruises, we visited all the bars and lounges on Disney Treasure. It might surprise those who have not sailed on a DCL ship to know that there are quite a few bars. While the drinks are undoubtedly for grown-ups, the venues are themed for Disney fans of all ages. And the theming in some of them is very elaborate.

While the bars’ locations are identical to those on Disney Wish, a few key lounges have been rethemed.  

Perhaps our favorite was the Haunted Mansion Parlor on Deck 3. Now, foolish mortals can unwind with some spirits in this one-of-a-kind lounge. Oh, and there are the drinks, too. With signature cocktails, a signature beer, and soda, this venue offers some of the most unique libations with a side of happy haunts.

Even if you are not a fan of the classic Disney attraction, the Haunted Mansion Parlor draws guests in with its immaculate attention to detail, ornate decor, and interactive elements like singing portraits and playful spooks on the digital screen behind the bar. Don’t pass up concoctions like the Chilling Challenge, The Happily Never After, and the Regions Beyond.

Equally fun for theme park fans is the Skipper Society. Taking comical nods from the Jungle Cruise attraction, this bar offers a signature cocktail menu and immersive decor. Home to trivia contests, arts and crafts sessions, and live music at night, the Skipper Society wears many hats throughout the day. While taking a trip downriver, you will want to order a Salted Caramel-tini, the Safari So Good, and the Skipper Sipper.

Perhaps the least themed new space is the Scat Cat Lounge. This piano bar pays homage to the Disney animated classic The Aristocats, with more subtle nods found in the wallpaper and decor. While the piano music was subdued, we liked the signature cocktail menu. Among our favorites was the Grape Jam cocktail, made with peanut butter whiskey. You could also sip Purrfect Tinis like the Crème de La Crème and the Francais.

Another intricately themed new venue is the Periscope Pub. Inspired by the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction, this nautical pub is home to its own craft beers. It’s also the ship’s resident sports pub with several large televisions to catch a game.

Not to mention, the venue offers bar bites for an up-charge like chicken wings, burgers, German pretzels, and more. However, we feel the venue could use some live music, like a pub guitarist in the evenings.

Disney Treasure also has two cafes serving signature coffees and cold brew-infused cocktails, the Hei-Hei Cafe and Jade Cricket Cafe. The ship even has a “speakeasy”. At certain times of day, Hook’s Barbery opens up as a gentlemen’s parlor making customized Old Fashioned cocktails.

Aft on Deck 12 is The Rose. This upscale bar is the perfect place for a pre-dinner or after-dinner cocktail for adults dining at one of the two specialty restaurants on the ship.

On the pool decks, there are two small pool bars and the Lookout Bar. The Cove Bar is on Deck 13 aft, and the Currents Bar is forward on Deck 14. These bars serve a similar menu with distinct cocktails, including the Strawberry Basil Pop Spirtiz, made with popsicles.

While many of the bars are elaborately themed and the menus feature signature cocktails that are delicious, Disney Cruise Line does not offer a drink package. So, even though we are not big drinkers, we easily racked up a bar tab of over $1K for the week-long cruise including alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees.

Main Dining Room

Along with its casual dining, Disney Treasure shined with its main dining.

The cruise ship features three distinctly unique main dining rooms as part of its rotational dining concept. Each morning, one main dining room is open for breakfast. The offerings here are pretty standard fare. Likewise, most days, one main dining room is open for lunch. This was usually 1923.

Like all DCL ships, all cruisers are assigned a set dining time, and there is no flexible dining option. We had the early dinner seating at 5:30 PM. For our cruise, Devina and Caro were our waitstaff team. They were terrific, friendly, and attentive.

On this 7-day itinerary, we rotated through all three dining rooms twice, getting to experience the unique atmosphere and dinner menus. Yes, each dining room has two unique menus so you don’t have to eat the same thing twice. The seventh menu is a Pirate Night menu served across all three dining rooms.

On Deck 3 midship, the 1923 dining rooms pay homage to Roy and Walt Disney. With hundreds of Disney artifacts from the animation vault, this swanky dining room is reminiscent of an early 20th-century supper club.

Before you settle in for dinner, you should order a Riverside Old Fashioned. The menus here are equally upscale. Our favorites included baked oysters, tortiglioni pasta, filet mignon, and lobster tail. You also can’t pass up the apple pie or the apple cheesecake for dessert.

On Deck 4 aft is the Worlds of Marvel. This was the least appetizing of the three main dining rooms for us. Although, the Linguine Nero is one of the best dishes on the ship. Other stand-out menu items included starters like the line’s signature Porcini Sacchetti, the chicken schnitzel, and the celebration cake or key lime pie.

The Worlds of Marvel is an interactive dining experience. All around the dining room, screens come to life with characters from the Marvel Universe. There are two different shows during a seven-night rotation, and you might even get a selfie with a real-life superhero during dinner.

Brand new for Disney Treasure is Plaza de Coco. This dinner show features characters and music from the Disney Pixar animated film Coco. Miguel and his family welcome guests for a lively and colorful celebration in Mariachi Plaza. The second dinner, Dia de los Muertos, is when Miguel reunites with his great-great-grandparents.

This restaurant was another one of our favorite additions to the ship. While the theming and decor were great, it doesn’t hurt that we enjoy Mexican food too.

Of course, both meals start with nacho chips and salsa. From there, we enjoyed three-course meals perfectly paired with mariachi music and other live entertainment on the center stage.

Across the two nights, we sampled starters like the beef empanada, shrimp diabla, and chorizo croquettes. Modern takes on authentic Mexican classics like pollo asada and Michoacan carnitas paired well with the signature cocktails. For dessert, tres leches and churros were the perfect sweet ending.   

Also, remember that Disney Cruise Line offers free 24-hour room service. Breakfast consists of mostly continental items, fresh fruit, bagels, and cereal. During the day, there are more hearty items like chicken wings and chicken tenders. Of course, we couldn’t pass up a few Mickey ice cream bars either.

Specialty Restaurants

While there are various complimentary dining options, there are a couple up-charge eateries on Disney Treasure as well. You should consider making reservations at these specialty dining venues, especially if you are looking for a break from the kids and the main dining room.

The two adult-only specialty restaurants are on Deck 12. Both restaurants are themed around Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

There is Enchante, serving fine French cuisine from the charming maitre’d, Lumiere. Palo Steakhouse is themed after The Beast’s loyal butler, Cogsworth. We dined at both restaurants to ensure we ate everything on the cruise ship.

Palo Steakhouse is a cruise line evolution of the Palo Italian eatery on other DCL ships. This restaurant offers the best of both worlds.

The menu boasts Italian classics like fried calamari, freshly made pasta, pizzas, and more. Steak lovers will want to carve up one of the choice or prime selections, along with sides. I opted for the 4-course Prezzo Fisso for dinner, a great value for $50. Heidi ordered a la carte. 

On select days, Palo also serves brunch. This multi-course menu offers a little bit of everything for a flat fee. We did our best to work through the menu during a sea day.

It was a feast, from omelets to antipasti and pizza to entrees like chicken parmesan and lasagna. Of course, there is dessert as well.

The other adult-only option is Enchante. Again, the restaurant offers an a la carte option or several tasting menus. With a seasonal menu curated by a three-star Michelin chef, we expanded our palette one night of our cruise.

I tested the Passion menu. Again, Heidi went with some a la carte options.

While the service was superb and the setting was elegant and refined, the food did not justify the hefty price tag in our opinion. If we were to dine at Enchante again, we would stick with entrees, a cheese course, and dessert.

In addition to these two specialty restaurants, guests can grab pub fare at the Periscope Pub. The a la carte menu offers tasty bites priced from $8 to $16. This was a popular spot on our cruise during the football playoffs.

Yes, there is free soft-serve ice cream at Minnie’s Delights. But, for those with a sweet tooth, you might consider Jumbeaux Sweets, a Zootopia-themed confectionery.

With 30+ flavors of ice cream and gelato, cupcakes, cookies, and candies, you could rack up quite a bill. We recommend skipping the frozen treats and opting for something else, like the Paw Shortbread Sandwich, an elevated take on Nick Wilde’s pawpsicle.

Staterooms

Disney Cruise Line offers some of the largest staterooms at sea. That said, we are accustomed to staying in Deluxe Family Verandah staterooms on DCL ships. For this trip, we booked a guaranteed verandah cabin, and we were assigned to a deluxe verandah stateroom, cabin 7194, a few weeks before sailing. This Deck 7 stateroom was almost fully aft on the ship’s port side and featured Aladdin theming.

According to the Disney Cruise Line website, this 7A category stateroom measured approximately 200 square feet.

Not missing any details, along with the art in the cabin, the carpet in the hallway also coordinated with the 1992 classic film. As further guidance for guests, the signature beetle and hidden mickeys in the rug are facing forward. This design element assists guests in figuring out which way to walk when returning back home in the evenings.

Upon entering our stateroom, the split bathrooms were to our right, with the closets to our left. The queen-sized bed was on the midship wall facing aft. Beyond the bed were the sofa, desk, and balcony.

We just stayed in a Deluxe Family verandah stateroom during our media sailing on Disney Treasure, and the size difference was noticeable. In fact, for a seven-night cruise, we had just enough storage space in this cabin for all our clothes and gear. Still, compared to other contemporary cruise lines, the room was certainly on par with capacity and finishes.

Like most staterooms on DCL ships, our cabin featured two bathrooms. This split bathroom design makes it easy for families to get ready in the morning. With a separate shower/sink and toilet/sink setup, multiple family members can use the facilities simultaneously. Even though we are just a couple, this setup definitely came in handy when preparing to go ashore in the mornings.

The sofa was adequately sized, and the desk featured plenty of shelves and drawers. Although, the closets were a bit on the narrow side. One closest featured a small clothes bar and only a few shelves while the other featured a full clothes bar. This limited our ability to stow away shoes and our packing cubes with undergarments and the like.

Another big difference between our two Disney Treasure cabins was the balcony. While most balconies on the ship measure approximately 43 square feet, ours was noticeably smaller. This stateroom was the last accommodation before an aft-facing stateroom, so our balcony was curved and narrow at one end. It had just barely enough space for our chairs and table.

Recap of Our Honest Disney Treasure Cruise Ship Review

There is a lot to love about Disney Treasure.

From the premium menu selections in the main dining rooms to the theming and decor of the public areas, Disney Cruise Line ships are like deluxe resorts at sea. Those with a keen eye for detail will appreciate the elaborate theming and elegant spaces, from the chandelier and bronze statue in the Grand Hall, to the Agrabah-inspired motifs, right down to the wallpaper in the Haunted Mansion Parlor.

The staterooms offer plenty of space and have innovative designs perfect for families and couples alike.

For those with kids, the youth centers are a big draw. The Deck 2 Oceaneer Club has themed rooms resembling the Millennium Falcon and playrooms themed after several Disney Princesses.

Older kids have separate spaces too, including Edge for tweens and Vibe for teens. These venues are home to video games, organized activities, dance parties, and more.

Of course, adults can have a good time on Disney cruises too! There are various daytime and nighttime events; granted, the vast majority are Disney-themed though. Still, you can partake in trivia and game shows, take in a movie, enjoy an elegant dinner without the kids, relax in the Quiet Cove, or sip signature cocktails while enjoying live music.

With that said, the public spaces can get busy, especially during character meet-and-greets and parties, or even the lines to take photos. Crowds can also be an issue at shows. For one showing of A Tale of Moana, we arrived 30+ minutes before showtime and quite literally got some of the last seats in the theater.

Then, there is the price. Our guaranteed balcony cabin was just over $5,000 for a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary. So, Disney Treasure is considerably more money than similar-sized cruise ships catering to families from the likes of Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line. Thus, you will be paying a premium to cruise with Mickey and friends. However, given the reactions we saw amongst our fellow cruisers, for many, it was well worth it.

In fact, we too think that Disney Treasure is a notch above other ships in the fleet, including Disney Wish. We loved the Grand Hall, Haunted Mansion Parlor, and Coco-themed restaurant. The ship truly does set the stage for an unforgettable adventure, albeit with a hefty price tag.

Comments

Have you sailed on the new Disney Treasure yet? Do you agree with our cruise ship review? Drop us an anchor below to share your recent Disney cruise reviews.

The post See What We Loved (& Hated) in Our Disney Treasure Cruise Ship Review appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

While Heidi and I tend to sail on newer mega-ships, we decided to do something different this holiday season. We took the family to Puerto Rico for a Southern Caribbean cruise on the 24-year-old Celebrity Summit. How did this older, smaller vessel compare to the likes of her big sisters, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent? Well, we are back and share our honest feedback in this Celebrity Summit ship review.

Our Honest Celebrity Summit Ship Review

Casual Dining

Given Celebrity Summit is a ship holding just slightly over 2,200 guests at double occupancy, there are only a few options when it comes to casual dining. The Oceanview Café, the ship’s buffet, was open most of the day for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. Thankfully, the Oceanview Café held up when compared to other ships in the Celebrity fleet.

This buffet included various hot and cold breakfast selections, several custom omelet stations, and breakfast food from around the world.

For lunch and dinner, the buffet offered some standard stations, including Mexican and Asian favorites. In addition to other options like a custom salad bar, sandwiches, and a pasta station, there were also themed Chef’s Selections. Something new was offered each day, like Caribbean specialties or American classics.

On the last day of our cruise (the only sea day), the buffet featured an extravagant lunch, complete with a shrimp cocktail station and chocolate fondue tower.

The Oceanview Cafe also had a pizza corner at the very back. This was open into the late evenings for those needing a snack before bed. While not the best pizza at sea, it was still better than sister brand Royal Caribbean’s Sorrento’s pizza.

In addition, the Pool Grill is outside on the pool deck. This quick service counter offers hamburgers and hot dogs from about noon to 6 PM every day. The burgers here don’t stack up to the freshly prepared offerings on Carnival or Holland America, but I do have to say that the one burger I tried was better than what you typically get on a Celebrity Cruises’ ship.

In the Solarium on Celebrity Summit, there’s the Spa Café as well. This healthier, grab-and-go alternative offered small plates for breakfast and lunch. The selections here ranged from muffins in the morning to small plates of pre-made salads and light bites for lunch. This venue also features juices and smoothies, yet they were often out of ingredients to make them.

One of our favorite spots on any Celebrity Cruises’ ship is the coffee shop, Café al Bacio. Located on Deck 5 midship on Celebrity Summit, we frequented Café al Bacio several times daily. Along with serving specialty coffee that’s included in the cruise line’s drink packages, Café al Bacio offers breakfast bakery items and small pastries throughout the day like cookies and slices of cake.

However, unlike Princess Cruises or Royal Caribbean, Cafe al Bacio does not have a large selection of food items like sandwiches.

While there were fewer dining venues on Celebrity Summit than most modern mega-ships, we never went hungry. The food quality and selections were similar to newer ships in the Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, and we always think this cruise line has one of the best buffets at sea. Still, the Oceanview Café did get busy at certain times, so finding a seat did take some work.

Pool Deck

One place Celebrity Summit showed her age was the pool deck. While many public venues did receive extensive revitalization in 2019, it did not appear that the outdoor decks got many updates.

The main pool area is midship on Deck 10. Yet, it felt rather closed off with two smaller pools and four whirlpools raised slightly above the pool deck. Of course, we are used to the expansive and elegant Resort Pool on the Edge Class ships.

Given this seven-night cruise included five ports, we didn’t spend much time on the pool deck. On the only sea day, we had no issues finding loungers on Deck 11 next to the Mast Bar and our nephew enjoyed some pool time. When walking through the pool area at other times, the space never seemed overly busy.

Celebrity is a premium cruise line, so one nice perk is that you don’t have to worry about towels. Plenty are available on the pool deck, and you don’t need to swipe your card to get one like on Royal Caribbean.

In addition to the main pools, the Solarium is forward on Deck 10. Again, its design felt less than rejuvenating. Further, only one side had loungers, as the starboard side contained tables with chairs for the nearby Spa Café.

Finally, aft on Deck 12 is the Rooftop Terrace. This area features an outdoor television showing movies and sporting events throughout the cruise. There’s also a variety of seating options for those looking to take in a flick or catch the game. However, given the itinerary, and the movie schedule, we never spent any time here.

Sports Deck

Celebrity Summit offers limited outdoor sports areas and amenities. Granted, Celebrity Cruises caters more to couples than families. We like to say Celebrity Cruises is family-friendly, not family-focused.

Still, the sports court aft on Deck 12 did offer both organized activities and free play. Popular sports included basketball and pickleball. Back on the pool deck, there were two ping pong tables and cornhole, which were available most of the day.

The ship’s fitness center is forward on Deck 10. We felt the gym was a good size for this ship. It housed plenty of cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights. While there were Peloton bikes, they had signs saying, “out of order”. So, not sure if they were available for guests to use.

The Deck 11 sundeck doubled as the jogging track as well, with over nine laps equaling one mile. Just be careful, as only the center section of the track makes a complete loop. The jogging track on the aft portion has dead ends.

Given that we were off the ship most of the day, the limited outdoor sports facilities did not impact our trip.

Onboard Activities

Despite the port intensive itinerary, the cruise director Manuel and the activities staff hosted a variety of events in addition to other self-led activities.

For instance, each day, there were puzzles and adult coloring. Plus, board games and cards were available in the Sky Lounge or Rendezvous Lounge for those staying onboard.

There were daytime competitions and different trivia sessions, and there was even axe throwing one afternoon in the Grand Foyer. Note that no real axes were used in the competition.

There were also family-friendly game shows and karaoke sessions throughout the cruise, not to mention bingo sessions on several days. We couldn’t resist a round of Deal or No Deal, but sadly, no one in our party walked away with any prizes.

Though, given we were sailing over Christmas, we would have expected a few more holiday-themed events throughout the week. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, activities ranged from a family bazaar to a visit from Santa Claus and a Christmas-themed silent disco.

While Celebrity Summit did offer several of the usual cruise activities, we couldn’t help but feel like the onboard atmosphere wasn’t as fun and engaging as usual.

Nightlife

Being accustomed to the high-energy feeling and dynamic venues on the Edge Class, we were surprised at how subdued the nightlife was on Celebrity Summit.

We scheduled most dinners with Celebrity Select dining for around 6:15 PM. This gave us plenty of time for our typical routine of dinner, game show, main theater performance, and a nightcap and/or party.

The Rendezvous Lounge was the second entertainment space and home to a nightly game show at 8:15 PM. While these game shows were typical shows like True or False, Yes or No, and 60 Seconds or Less, they lacked enthusiasm and felt rushed. At times, it seemed the staff were simply going through the motions. The shows were nowhere near as engaging as they are on other cruise lines, like Princess Cruises.  

The musical acts on the cruise were pretty standard. They included a duo, a solo guitarist, and a couple of bands. These acts rotated through venues like Cellar Masters and the Rendezvous Lounge. Sometimes a band or DJ would also play near the Martini Bar on Deck 4. Overall, none of the acts were memorable though.

There were several parties too, like the Silent Disco and 80s party. Thanks to the cruise director, Manuel, these events were a bit more lively. Manuel was a great cruise director. He was everywhere on the ship, and he wasn’t shy about going all in to get a laugh.

Even the Martini Bar, the usual hub of activity on many Celebrity ships, did not have its typical vibrance.

Given we had some long days ashore, we were okay retiring earlier than usual in the evenings. But, if the itinerary were different, we may have been bored with the lack of livelihood on the ship.

Entertainment

Like most cruises, we attended several of the shows in the main theater. Over our seven nights, there were three production shows and four headliner acts.

Overall, the production shows were pretty average cruise revues with a cast of singers, dancers, and aerialists.

On night two, the production show Life was a mashup of very literal songs. Most songs had the name life or death in the title.  

On the last night, Soundtrack was a show advertised as “redefining movie music”. But the setlist included several pop songs with arrangements in the style of early 20th-century jazz. Plus, we are pretty sure not all songs were prominently featured in movies.

On Christmas night, the production cast put on a Holiday Spectacluar. The show featured a pretty typical setlist of Christmas songs that definitely got everyone into the holiday spirit.  

On the other nights, the headliner acts were run-of-the-mill.

We are pretty sure we’ve seen the Welcome Aboard comedian on another cruise. Her first-night set was enough for us, so we never made it to her adults-only show later in the week.

Additionally, there was Evolution Motown, a trio of singers that played predictable songs and Zak McAllister, a two-time gold medal juggler in the World Championships of Juggling.

Bars and Lounges

Celebrity Summit boasts nine bars and lounges, many of which offer signature cocktail menus.

Our go-to on any Celebrity ship is the Martini Bar. While the drinks here were the same, the atmosphere wasn’t as lively and the bartenders weren’t as high-energy. Before you ask, yes, they had espresso martinis on tap!

The Rendezvous Lounge was one of the main pre-dinner or post-dinner venues. Subsequently, we couldn’t pass up the She’s With the Whiksy and the Sweet Berry Smash. One deck above, Cellar Masters often offered light music paired with its custom wine list.

The cosmically-themed cocktails at the Sky Lounge, like the Libra or the Cancer, were perfect for sipping during one of the nightly parties. For those looking for a more traditional poolside drink, the Mast Bar on Deck 11 mixed up frosty concoctions and classic cocktails.

Not to mention, aft on Deck 10, the Sunset Bar paired great views with refreshing takes on boat drinks, like a Pickford Punch. The resident coffee shop, Café al Bacio, also offered dessert cocktails and sweet treats throughout the day. Even the Casino Bar offered some unique drinks not found on any other bar menu.

We never waited long for drinks in any of the bars. Although, there were not many servers in the venues. Often, we ordered from the bar and took the drinks back to the table on our own.

Main Dining Room

Like the casual dining, the 2-story Cosmopolitan main dining room on Celebrity Summit delivered on several fronts.

Our three-course meals were well-timed, with dinner usually lasting no more than 90 minutes for our group of six. Plus, all of our dishes were served at the appropriate temperature and as requested. With two food allergies at the table and several special requests, the waitstaff had no issues making our accommodations.

While Celebrity Cruises does still offer traditional dining, we opted for Celebrity Select dining. We made reservations pre-cruise for 6:15 PM each night. All evenings but one, we were sat at the same table with the same waitstaff.

The service team of waitress, Kim, and assistant waitress, Win, took excellent care of our group. They were among the highlights on the ship when it came to service. By our third visit to the restaurant, sommelier Elmer knew our table’s order, which included wine and cocktails.

Among the stand-out dishes was the signature Celebrity Tournedo, a tender cut of beef cooked to a medium rare temperature. On night 1, the Fried Masala Potatoes was a spicy addition to a rather bland welcome aboard dinner lineup.

On Christmas Day, our table raved about the holiday classics including the Old Fashioned Honey Glazed Virgina Ham, Broiled Lobster Tail, and Slow Roasted Turkey. Prime rib, a classic cruiser favorite, was served on the last night. And, the Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli and the Rigatoni Boscaiola were decadent pasta dishes with portions that were just the right size.

For dessert, we couldn’t pass up the apple pie a la mode and the Tiramisu cake, among others. But, Heidi was disappointed that there was no Baked Alaska this sailing.

Specialty Restaurants

Celebrity Summit has only a few specialty restaurants. On Deck 11, Le Petit Chef at Qsine offers a dinner and show. This unique digital dining experience is exclusive to Celebrity Cruises. We have dined at Le Petit Chef on other Celebrity Cruises ships and enjoyed it. However, our 12-year-old nephew was not interested in the menu.

Likewise, Sushi on 5 offers its namesake Japanese delicacies with a small menu of other Asian specialties. Given our family members’ less-than-adventurous palates (Heidi included), we also passed on this restaurant.

But, you can’t go wrong with Italian food! So, on night two, the six of us settled in to mangia at the Tuscan Grille.  

Perhaps the most challenging part of dining at this restaurant is finding it. But after making our way down the starboard side hallway on Deck 3, we were treated to a culinary feast.

Alongside various Italian breads, dinner started with hearty appetizers like homemade meatballs and fried calamari. As expected, Heidi couldn’t pass up the Chicken Parmesan, and I went with the Short Rib Pappardelle Ragu. Both were rich meals reminiscent of the authentic flavors you would find in Boston’s North End.

Lastly, for dessert, I couldn’t say no to the Limoncello Cheesecake. This citrus-infused, light, and airy cheesecake was the perfect ending to this satisfying meal.  

Staterooms

Celebrity Summit received a multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2019, and happily, the staterooms were part of this major makeover. In fact, we were very impressed with the furnishings and stylings of our Prime Veranda, stateroom 9023. This category V1 stateroom was on the portside, forward of the forward elevators.

According to the Celebrity Cruises website, this stateroom is 170 square feet with a 38-foot veranda. While smaller than the balcony staterooms we typically stay in, the layout was familiar.

Immediately upon entering the room, the bathroom was on our right. Likewise, our bed was also on the right wall, facing aft. After the bed, a small desk and oversized chair were situated near the balcony.

Near the entrance to the room was the closet and a wall unit containing some over-head cabinets with shelves, a series of drawers, and the mini-fridge. We had just enough hangers and shelves to neatly store all of our clothing. Using some of our cruise cabin hacks, we were able to get all of our accessories organized as well.

The bathroom in this Celebrity Summit cabin was a welcomed surprise. It too received a major facelift and actually resembled those on the Edge Class, complete with a glass-door shower and marble finishes.

Our cabin was directly below the pool deck; thus, we had a partially obstructed view due to some support beams and roofing. Still, we were able to utilize the veranda to watch the sail-ins and sail-outs from our ports of call. Awkwardly though, the chairs were fixed in a position somewhere between upright and reclined, so they weren’t very comfortable.

Overall, while smaller than typical, our Celebrity Summit stateroom was a comfortable and stylish home away from home for our holiday family cruise.

Our Overall Celebrity Summit Ship Review

Admittedly, it has been a while since we sailed on an older, smaller Celebrity Cruises ship. Yet, Celebrity Summit held up to her big sisters in several ways.

The casual dining and main dining room served up well-prepared and flavorful dishes. Service was also timely and friendly in the Oceanview Café and the Cosmopolitan Restaurant. Further, our family dinner at the Tuscan Grille was one of the best dining experiences we had all year on a cruise ship.

Likewise, several bars and lounges offered unique atmospheres and specialty cocktail menus. These venues were never too busy, so we could kick back and relax with a drink in hand while watching a game show or listening to live music.

Similarly, our renovated stateroom was fashionable and well laid out. While the veranda was not ideal, it was a fine place to relax after a long day ashore.

However, some areas of the ship did show signs of aging, particularly the outdoor spaces. The pool deck had an awkward layout and felt dated. The sports deck and Rooftop Terrace also seemed to get little to no updates.

To us, Celebrity Summit also lacked character. The ship felt like a collection of venues and people, rather than exuding a distinct vibe that other cruise ships offer. On other Celebrity ships, the Atrium or Grand Foyer are usually lively spots for activities and events. Yet, there didn’t seem to be a central hub that cruisers gravitated to during this voyage.

Still, with the ports of call being the main draw for our family during this cruise, Celebrity Summit was a nice backdrop. She offered lush accommodations, delicious food, and enough activities and nightlife to keep us entertained as we sailed from one port of call to the next.

Comments

Have you sailed with Celebrity Cruises? Do you agree with our Celebrity Summit ship review? Drop us an anchor below to share your latest cruise adventures.

The post What It’s Really Like on a 24-Year-Old Celebrity Cruises Ship appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Well, Disney Cruise Line is betting it isn’t. The line’s newest ship, Disney Treasure, offers some of the most detailed and immersive experiences at sea drawing inspiration from popular theme park attractions. How does it compare to other DCL ships? Well, we are back from one of the first cruises on this brand-new Disney ship and share our first impressions of Disney Treasure to help you decide if it’s right for your next vacation.

First Impressions of Disney Treasure – What It’s Really Like Onboard

Like many sailing on a Disney cruise from Port Canaveral, Terminal 8 was our starting point for this three-day preview cruise as hosted guests of Disney Cruise Line. Weaving our way through the mouse silhouette to the gangway, we were ready for our next adventure.

After scanning our MagicBand+ and being formally welcomed onboard, we stepped into the Grand Hall. This is the first public space all guests see, instantly transporting them to a whole new world. The signature statue of Aladdin and Jasmine from the 1992 animated classic is the focal point of this atrium, along with Agrabah-inspired decor.

If you didn’t already know, we are big Disney fans. So, we felt right at home entering the Grand Hall. But, even if you’ve never seen the film, this warm and extravagant atrium sets the stage for a cruise unlike any other.

Adventure is a key theme throughout Disney Treasure, unlike its sister ship, Disney Wish, which focuses on enchantment. This is evident in the décor and art throughout the ship, depicting some of the most notable stories in the Disney catalog.

While the layout of Disney Treasure is identical to that of Disney Wish, there are some significant differences between the two ships aside from theming. Some of the biggest changes can be found in the bars and lounges, along with a brand-new rotational dining room and stage production.

Look Alive at the Haunted Mansion Parlor

It might surprise those who have never sailed with Disney Cruise Line to learn that these ships aren’t just for kids. DCL boast a variety of bars with dynamic nightlife and other adult-focused offerings.

Perhaps the most successful transformation on Disney Treasure is the Haunted Mansion Parlor. While I am a Star Wars fan, I have to admit that I enjoyed this space more than the Hyperspace Lounge on Disney Wish.

In the intricately themed Haunted Mansion Parlor, foolish mortals have a place to enjoy some spirits with happy haunts from a specialty cocktail menu that comes alive on tablets. We couldn’t pass up the Happily Never After and Regions Beyond cocktails. But, many will be drawn to the The Chilling Challenge as well.

Adorned with early 20th-century furniture with velvety finishes, this parlor is an eerily comfortable space. The wallpaper, paintings, and several design details with nods to the Disney attraction by themselves would have made this parlor a smash hit. But, once the clock begins to toll, that’s when the room really comes alive. According to Disney Imagineers, eight different “mysterious happenings” occur in a random sequence. These can include singing wall art, a séance with Madame Leota, or other playful spooks depicted on the mirror behind the bar.

We highly encourage you to grab a drink and enjoy one of the most intricately designed and immersive venues at sea. Just remember, no flash pictures, please, as these spirits are frightfully sensitive to bright lights. Oh, and be sure you don’t let any ghosts follow you home!

More Disney Theme Park Attractions at Sea

Across the way, the Skipper Society places guests in the middle of another Disney Parks attraction, the Jungle Cruise. From the lanterns on the tables to the bamboo wood and white awnings, guests can settle in for a three-week journey that lasts only 12 minutes.

Although, the servers here did not receive a crash course in humor. We were expecting some off-beat jokes that go on for Niles and Niles, but the only thing the waitstaff delivered were cocktails. Still, the overall décor and vibe of the lounge did impress us. Some of our favorite drinks were this one and this one…no really, you won’t want to pass on the Skipper Sipper or the Salted Carmel Tini.

Unlike the Haunted Mansion Parlor, the Skipper Society wears many hats. During the day, activities staff host arts and crafts among other events here. Trivia sessions or live music may be on the agenda in the evenings as well.

When it comes down to Skipper Society vs. The Bayou on Disney Wish, it’s a tougher call but we think this one takes the slight edge.

The Periscope Pub is another new addition to Disney Treasure. This bar borrows nautical notes and accents from the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction. With lighting effects, signature beer selections, and a small menu of pub fare, this bar is a seaworthy addition to the ship. The signature beers here are so popular that two of the three were sold out by night three of our cruise.

Other themed bars include the Scat Cat Lounge. This piano bar features decor inspired by The Aristocats. Guests can enjoy some Purrfect Tinis, while listening to light tunes from the resident musician. The cruise line did rearrange this piano lounge, moving the position of the bar. Now, it can serve patrons in the Scat Cat Lounge as well as guests looking for a drink off the Grand Hall.

Dining on Disney Treasure                         

Disney Cruise Line does dining differently. Unlike most other cruise lines, which offer flexible dining options or a fixed dining schedule, this cruise line offers only the latter but with a twist.

All cruisers on Disney Treasure get an assigned dining time, either early dining at 5:45 PM or late dining at 8:15 PM. Guests then follow the same dining team through Disney Treasure’s three main dining rooms. Each main dining room offers a distinct ambiance, vibe, and signature menus. The main dining rooms include: 1923, Worlds of Marvel, and Plaza de Coco.

During our sailing, we sampled items from all three dining rooms’ second-night menus. Disney Treasure is sailing 7-day cruises starting later this month. This means guests will have two seatings in each of the three restaurants, with completely different menus (and shows if applicable). There is also the famous Pirate Night menu to roundout the 7-day lineup.

The newest addition to the dining lineup might be the best. Replacing the Frozen dining experience on Disney Wish, the dinner shows at Plaza de Coco mix authentic Mexican cuisine with live music and storytelling. The enchanting music and story of the Rivera family from the Pixar movie Coco come to life across two distinct dining experiences in this venue.

The equally captivating menu boasts spicy offerings like Red Chicken Enchiladas, Beef Birria Empanadas, and Michoacan Carnitas. Of course, you won’t want to pass up the cocktails or churros for dessert either.

Disney Treasure offers interactive dinner shows in Worlds of Marvel as well. We boogied down to the new Groot’s ReMix celebrating Marvel Heroes. Menu selections like Ahi Tuna Poke and Beef Wellington were a step above those found in most contemporary main dining rooms. The second show here will be the same as Disney Wish, which we personally enjoyed more.

In 1923, a baked lobster tail pairs perfectly with this refined dining room. Surrounded by hundreds of pieces of Disney sketches and art, it is reminiscent of a 21st-century supper club, with upscale menu items and an equally swanky vibe.

The food on Disney Cruise Line is at a premium level. So, even if the dining room decor or show on the digital screens doesn’t interest you, the food may have you returning again and again.

Additional Dining Options

Whether you are a fan of the popular Pixar movie or Mexican fare (or both), Plaza de Coco might become your favorite dining spot on Disney Treasure.

But those who prefer something more casual will not be disappointed either. Disney Treasure also has several quick service options. Mickey’s Festival of Foods serves up cruiser classics like barbecue, pizza, grilled favorites, and tacos.

The Marceline Market, the ship’s buffet, is open for breakfast and lunch. Like other premium cruise lines, cast members on the ship serve guests their selections. For lunch, guests can even enjoy items like crab legs and peel-and-eat shrimp.

Further, room service is also complimentary on Disney Cruise Line. This means guests can grab a light snack, including Mickey ice cream bars, without having to leave their staterooms.

All Disney ships feature a sweet shop too. Jumbeaux’s Sweets is a Zooptoia-themed shop where you might want to try everything. If 35 flavors of gelato and ice cream aren’t enough, there are other delectable desserts inspired by the film as well. Among the offerings is the Paw Shortbread Sandwich, an elevated take on Nick Wilde’s pawpcicle.

There’s also adult dining with two specialty restaurants, Palo Steakhouse and Enchante. Palo offers both brunch and dinner menus that are well worth the up-charge! Reservations are required and do fill up very quickly.

Entertainment on Disney Treasure

If there is one thing you cannot escape on a Disney cruise ship, it is Disney music and entertainment.  

Disney Treasure offers two cinemas showing first-run movies and classics. Whether it is Moana 2, Inside Out 2, or an Indiana Jones flick, guests can settle in with a bucket of popcorn to enjoy a feature film at no additional cost. Although, the popcorn will cost extra.

Likewise, in the Walt Disney Theater, there is a signature production or headliner act each night of the cruise. Brand-new for Disney Treasure is The Tale of Moana. This Broadway-style adaptation of the Disney film features a dynamic cast with an equally mesmerizing and elaborate set. For us, this show hit all the high notes. In fact, it is one of the most entertaining musicals at sea.

Disney Treasure is also home to other Disney Cruise Line productions. On Night 1, the aptly named Seas the Adventure is a welcome board-style show you would expect on a Disney cruise, complete with Disney characters and a little pixie dust.

The other signature production is Beauty and the Beast. This tale as old as time, also on Disney Dream, was outstanding as well.

Other entertainment venues include Sarabi and Triton Lounge. Sarabi is a two-deck space offering game shows, interactive challenges, and parties. Choose Wisely, an Indiana Jones-inspired game show, was among our favorites during this sailing.

Triton Lounge also offers trivia and karaoke throughout the cruise. Along with live music in venues like the Scat Cat Lounge or the Skipper Society, there is still plenty to do when the sun goes down on Disney Treasure.

Other Public Spaces on Disney Treasure

Beyond the Grand Hall and its elaborate chandelier, you’ll find Disney touches around the entire ship. The Hei Hei Cafe brews up signature coffee drinks alongside tiled mosaics from Moana. And the second coffee shop, Jade Cricket Cafe, is inspired by Mulan. You can let your hair down at the UnTangled Salon, which offers manicures, pedicures, and services for all ages. There’s also Hooked Barbery, complete with a speakeasy.

Junior cruisers can enjoy the Toy Story splash pad and nearby waterslide on the pool deck. I plunged into a Disney animated cartoon on the ship’s innovative water ride, AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg. This 760-foot attraction propels cruisers up and down as it circles the pool deck in a family-friendly wet and wild ride with a brand new storyline.

Even the staterooms on Disney Treasure are themed. We stayed in a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. Stateroom #9592 is midship on the starboard side of Deck 9. 

Our Encanto-inspired stateroom featured a neutral color palette. The vibrant artwork offered just enough pops of color to give the stateroom some character without being overwhelming. Further, Disney Cruise Line offers some of the largest staterooms at sea. Our approximately 284 square foot cabin provided plenty of storage space and a large sofa and desk area. The cruise line’s split bathroom concept offers a separate shower and toilet space with sinks to make getting ready in the morning easier.  

Disney Treasure is built for families. The large Oceaneer Club on Deck 2 features themed rooms, from Fairytale Hall to Star Wars Cargo Bay. Teens and tweens have their own dedicated spaces too. There is also the Hero Zone, an indoor sports court offering free play hours as well as organized events. The Incredi-Games is an obstacle course where mom and dad can challenge their little ones to see who can finish first.

Not to mention, there are several family pools, Disney movies played on the Funnel Vision poolside screen, and character photo-ops throughout the ship.

But adults have their own space, too. Aft on Deck 13 is the Quiet Cove. With an infinity pool overlooking the ship’s stern, the Quiet Cove also boasts a bar, a coffee shop, and plush loungers. Thus, it is the perfect escape from the little ones on the ship. Although, the space is rather small for a ship of this size (similar to cruiser complaints on Disney Wish).

There’s also the Senses Spa. Here, adults can indulge in massages and various other treatments. Or, they can relax in the Rainforest Room. This thermal suite features heated stone loungers, a sauna, a cold room, and a large outdoor deck space at the bow of the ship with whirlpools and comfy seating options.

Who Will Like Disney Treasure

Disney fans will undoubtedly fall in love with Disney Treasure. We both agreed that we liked this ship more than Disney Wish. The decor and attention to detail throughout the entire ship is unlike any other cruise ship.

The bars and lounges are better themed, offering more immersive and unique experiences. We loved the Haunted Mansion Parlor. For us, Plaza de Coco was another big improvement. While we think the Frozen dinner theater show might be better, the bright and festive dining room and menu selections give this communal experience a celebratory glow.

Additionally, Disney offers some of the best main theater entertainment at sea. These productions brought animated classics to life. The performers were excellent, and the approximately hour-long shows still had all the energy and heart of the original films upon which they were based.

However, if you are not a Disney fan, then Disney Treasure might not be the right ship for you. Indeed, you don’t need to know all the intricate details to enjoy the new spaces like the Haunted Mansion Parlor. While Disney aficionados can spend hours pouring over the details, others can simply enjoy drinks in a well-themed haunted bar. The same is true at dinner. You don’t have to love Disney animation to appreciate a three-course meal in a stylish setting.

However, Disney Treasure does come with a higher price tag. So, non-Disney fans may want to opt for another cruise line to save some money. As Disney fans, even we sometimes find it hard to justify a Disney cruise’s costs.

We took advantage of booking early and scored a January 2025 Caribbean cruise on this ship for just over $5,000. This puts the trip on par with new megaships from cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line. So, we look forward to stepping back onboard Disney Treasure in just a few weeks to experience a full sailing. Stay tuned.

Comments

Do you have plans to sail on this new Disney cruise ship? Do you agree with our first impressions of Disney Treasure? Drop us an anchor below to share what you love about Disney Cruise Line.

The post We’re Back From One of the First Sailings on Disney Treasure – Here’s Our First Impressions appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

I’ve been cruising for almost 10 years, and — prior to last month — had taken cruises across seven different lines. For reference, those lines are Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, MSC, Viking, Disney, and Virgin. Though I love each of those lines for different reasons, this year I was craving something new. So, I decided to book a Princess cruise.

This fall, the opportunity came to book a seven-night cruise on Princess’ newest ship Sun Princess, and I jumped on it. The best part? I booked into the line’s new inclusive concept called the Sanctuary Collection. I’ll get into more about that below. In this post, I’m going to give some of my impressions of the trip as an avid cruiser who was experiencing Princess for the first time.

It’s important to mention that Sun Princess is the first in the Sphere Class, and — in many ways — is unlike any other ship in the Princess fleet. Since my only first-hand experience of Princess is this ship, those experiences may not translate to or be available on other vessels in the fleet.

The Sanctuary Collection

Before I get into my impressions of Sun Princess, you first need an idea of exactly what I booked and what the Sanctuary Collection includes for its guests.

On top of the standard main pool deck and an aft sundeck with an infinity pool, Sanctuary Collection guests have their own Sanctuary Club sundeck. Located on deck 18 aft, this outdoor space includes its own pool and hot tubs, a full-service bar, afternoon tapas and a food delivery menu, and a plethora of daybeds, plush loungers, and other seating. The Sanctuary Club is a peaceful spot for those 16 and older away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship, and it was never difficult to find loungers or a daybed right in front of the pool.

Guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection also have their own private Sanctuary Restaurant, which takes up residence on the third floor of the ship’s main dining room. The staff was wonderful, remembering us despite the fact that we didn’t even get to eat there much since we had access to so many specialty restaurants. However, the food we did have at the Sanctuary Restaurant was delicious!

What does the Premier Package include?

Booking a cabin in the Sanctuary Collection also means that you automatically receive the Princess Premier package, which is an inclusive package that you’d ordinarily have to pay an extra fee ($90 per day) to receive. But in Sanctuary Collection, it’s included in the cruise fare.

This package includes the ship’s best wifi connection called MedallionNet Max for up to four devices per person, as well as daily gratuities. It also includes all premium and alcoholic drinks worth up to $20, including bottled water. Another huge perk is that the Premier Package includes nearly all specialty dining on the ship — you can book specialty restaurants whenever you want and won’t pay anything extra to enjoy them.

Other perks include a photo package, unlimited premium desserts (think over-the-top ice cream sundaes, big slices of cake, and specialty doughnuts), room service, fitness classes, and reserved seating in the theater.

If you book into the Sanctuary Collection or purchase the Premier Package on its own, just about the only things you’ll have to pay extra for are salon and spa services, access to the spa’s thermal suite, specialty experiences (such as Spellbound by Magic Castle), and souvenirs.

I highly recommend booking the Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess — access to the private sundeck and having specialty dining and beverages included in the price of the cruise brought my vacation to another level. It’s going to make it difficult for me to go back to a regular cruise experience!

1. The stateroom was very spacious and well-designed.

I had a Sanctuary Collection mini-suite on my recent Sun Princess cruise. Select balcony cabins and mini-suites as well as all suites on the ship are part of the Sanctuary Collection. Though I had seen photos and videos of what our cabin would look like ahead of time, I was still giddy with excitement when I walked in and realized it would be my home for the week.

The mini-suite is laid out into four main areas, plus a balcony: the bathroom, the bed area, the closet/desk area, and then a sitting area with a separate TV and pull-out couch. The closet had plenty of hanging and open-shelving space, along with multiple drawers. The desk was long and didn’t feel too cramped, either.

One of my favorite things about the cabin was so many lighting elements to suit every use and time of day, including a decorative inset lighting feature above the bed. There’s also a motion sensor outside the bathroom door that triggers an under-vanity light which was SO nice when getting up in the middle of the night.

Speaking of the bathroom, that was also a highlight. The shower (which had a glass door!) was very large and almost didn’t feel like a cruise ship shower (if you know, you know). In fact, the whole bathroom was a great size with plenty of shelving and counter space.

Stateroom Gifts

A highlight of staying in the Sanctuary Collection that we weren’t fully expecting was the gifts that were left in our cabin throughout the cruise. For example, prior to our day at Princess Cays (Princess’ private beach destination in the Bahamas), they left us branded flip-flops to use during our beach day (and keep). We received other goodies too, like a Sanctuary Collection beach bag and a cute little Sanctuary Collection-branded rubber duck.

Sun Princess offers a great variety of stateroom choices for any cruiser’s need or preference. Whether you’re looking for the most affordable option or a cabin with extra space — or access to the perks of the Sanctuary Collection — there’s a stateroom for everyone on this ship.

One of the unique things is that even some standard balcony staterooms and mini-suites have access to the Sanctuary Collection. Many cruise lines only include suites in their “ship within a ship” concept, so it’s quite a treat and provides a lot of flexibility to offer these perks to balcony cabins on Princess.

2. Sun Princess has wonderful food.

Going into my first Princess cruise, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when it came to the food. I’d heard wonderful things about the food on Sun Princess, but since I hadn’t even experienced the line before I wasn’t sure how it was going to match up with my taste buds. Well, I’m happy to report that dining on board surpassed my expectations.

We spent most dinners on the ship eating in various specialty restaurants. Our first evening we went to the Italian restaurant Sabatini’s, where I had what is now one of my favorite lasagnas I’ve ever eaten. The lamb chops were excellent as well. Another night at Crown Grill, I had a delicious filet mignon — which is saying something because I don’t really like steak. Even the casual Americana Diner offered an excellent fish and chips dish along with very flavorful and cheesy mac and cheese.

Over the course of the cruise, we had food from specialty restaurants, the Sanctuary Restaurant, the buffet, and in casual eateries and nearly all of it was way above what I would consider to be par for a cruise ship. I can honestly say that alongside my experience on Disney Cruise Line, Sun Princess has my favorite food on a cruise ship.

3. The atrium games were creative and fun.

When people think about the aspects of a vacation that stuck out to them, most aren’t thinking of games in the atrium. But surprisingly, the games in the Piazza on Sun Princess really stick out to me. I think Princess has done a great job curating a lineup of guest-participation games that are fun to watch whether you stick around for five minutes or for the whole show.

One of these games was called the Yes No Game Show, where the cruise director would talk with a guest and ask them questions, and if they said at any point the words “yes” or “no” or similar terms such as “yeah,” they’d be out. The goal was to reach a set number of minutes without saying yes or no, and the guest that endured the longest would be the winner. Other games pitted guests against the ship’s officers, such as “guess the musical artist” jenga and putt-putt. These were so fun to watch and a great way to pass the time.

I know that the Piazza atrium on Sun Princess is quite different from any of Princess’ other Piazzas, and I think they’ve done a great job with designing it. It’s three stories and features a circular main floor with big LED screens to one side. On the second and third decks of the Piazza there’s tiered seating which means it’s easy to not only settle in to enjoy atrium entertainment, but also easy for those who may be standing to see over the heads of the people in front of them.

4. The Ocean Medallion Technology is seamless and convenient.

Instead of using a credit card-sized key card, guests on Princess cruises have little disc-shaped pieces of tech called Medallions. Most guests either wear their Medallion around their neck on a lanyard or on their wrist in a special bracelet you can purchase from the cruise line. You can also get a Medallion clothing clip or just toss it in your pocket each day. And I have to say, compared to other cruise lines that also use wearable RFID technology like this, Princess comes out on top.

The Medallion allows you to open your cabin door, but you don’t have to hold it up to the door lock like you might think. Instead, the tech in your door senses your Medallion approaching and unlocks it — often before you even reach for the handle. The Medallion is also what guests use to sign on and off the ship in port.

The aspect of the Medallion that most impressed me was the level of service that it allowed crew members to provide to guests. For example, if I sat down at a bar or a restaurant, often the crew member who came over to serve me greeted me by name — even if I had never been to that venue before. This is because their touchscreen devices show them who’s nearby based on their Medallions, and it includes a photo so they know who’s who. This makes ordering food and drinks a breeze on board, and adds a personalized touch that just feels good as a guest.

5. The ship didn’t feel huge, but there was still lots going on.

While Sun Princess is tens of thousands of gross tons smaller than the largest cruise ship in the world, it is still within the top 25 biggest cruise ships at sea. However, the design team did a great job creating a very large ship that doesn’t actually feel as big as it is — and that’s a good thing.

Sun Princess features a lot of public areas, both indoors and outdoors, where guests can hang out, take part in activities, and enjoy entertainment. The flow of the architecture is great and things feel suitably spread out. However, if you’ve ever taken a cruise on a larger ship you probably know what I mean when I say that sometimes the cabin hallways feel like they go on forever. Surprisingly, given how large Sun Princess is, the walk to the far end of my stateroom hallway didn’t feel ridiculously long, and that feeling continued into the rest of the ship.

Like any passenger, we spent lots of time walking from place to place on board, moving through hallways and venues like the Piazza or buffet. But it never felt overwhelming like it can on some mega ships.

Though Sun Princess doesn’t feel massive, it does hold a lot of entertainment and things to do like any large cruise ship does. There was almost always something on the schedule we were interested in, whether it was live music, comedy shows, parties, or various activities. Did we do everything we had interest in? Definitely not, because one of the highlights for us was the Sanctuary Club which we spent plenty of time in throughout the week. Whether you want to do a lot or a little, you’ll find plenty of enjoyment on Sun Princess.

6. Specialty cocktails were plentiful, and they’re imaginative and unique.

The food and beverage program is very strong on Sun Princess, and that translates into the creative cocktails that are offered at the ship’s bars. It seemed like pretty much every bar we visited had its own list of special cocktails alongside classic ones and the usual wine, liquor, and beer lists. It was so much fun to go to different bars and see what they had on offer.

We noticed that Princess seems to really like including banana in several of its cocktails and we tried (and loved!) many of them. We remarked more than once that we were very impressed with the variety and creativity of the drinks on Sun Princess, and this is coming from very avid cruisers.

Cocktail menu-wise, I’d say my favorite bars were Cascades Bar, Good Spirits at Sea, and the bar in the Sanctuary Club. My favorite cocktails at each were Amazonia (Cascades), Starry Night in Oslo (Good Spirits), and the Blueberry Basil Smash (Sanctuary Club).

7. Spellbound is well worth the money.

The one experience we paid extra for on Sun Princess was Spellbound by Magic Castle. This magical, intimate experience hosts just 30 guests twice each evening. It includes dinner, cocktails, close-up magic, and a card trick show by a resident magician. The Spellbound experience takes place in multiple spaces dedicated exclusively to Spellbound, and they’re very well themed.

When we booked our cruise on Sun Princess, I immediately knew that I wanted to do Spellbound — even at the steep price of $150 per person. And after it was all over, we couldn’t stop gushing about how worth it the whole evening was.

Dinner is a set menu, and takes place in a small themed dining room off of the Sanctuary Restaurant. Guests are then escorted to the main Spellbound area — through a seemingly normal-looking door off the Piazza. This is where the magic really begins. The space is incredibly immersive and features an attention to detail that we compared with the Disney parks — particularly the Haunted Mansion attraction.

The cocktails were creative and delicious, and the magic was mind-blowing. I’ve seen several illusionists over the years, and this experience — which featured two different illusionists — featured perhaps the most impressing and confusing tricks I’ve ever seen.

For the entire rest of the cruise, we couldn’t stop talking about how good the tricks were and how much we loved the Spellbound experience. I highly recommend spending the extra money and enjoying a fun evening at Spellbound.

Right now, Spellbound is only available on Sun Princess. However, it will be included on upcoming sister ship Star Princess as well.

In Conclusion

Upon reading this article, you may be wondering if there’s anything I didn’t like about Sun Princess. To be honest, there really isn’t much — my cruise on this ship has now become one of my favorite sailings to date. I did think it was disappointing that there wasn’t much to do on the top deck since Princess canceled its Park 19 recreation and attraction area. The space is currently very under-utilized, just featuring various seating and hammocks. But this wasn’t a glaring issue — especially since you don’t really “come across” that spot unless you head there on purpose.

Another small inconvenience we noticed was that, to us, the Sanctuary Club ended its food service too early in the day at 4 pm. We would have preferred it continue for another hour or two since we were often still up on the sundeck well past that time of day prior to getting ready for dinner.

Overall I was very impressed with my stateroom, the food, the Sanctuary Collection experience, and the entertainment. Of note, I loved the live music in O’Malley’s Irish Pub. A three-person Irish band called Pint of Plain played there often in the evenings, and they were so fun and really got the crowd into the music.

With Sun Princess being my first Princess cruise, I know that it probably gives me a bit of a skewed view of the fleet as a whole. But if the basic pillars of a vacation (food, accommodation, entertainment, activities) on this ship are any indication, I’m now a solid Princess Cruises fan. I would definitely book onto Sun or her sister ship Star Princess in the future.

Comments

Have you recently sailed on Sun Princess or another ship in the Princess Cruises fleet? What aspects do you enjoy most on a Princess cruise? Drop us an anchor below to share your cruise reviews.

The post I’ve Sailed with 7 Other Cruise Lines; Here’s What I Thought of My First Princess Cruise appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

While MSC Cruises has mega-ships sailing from the U.S., its largest cruise ship is in Europe. So, Heidi and I headed to the Mediterranean to board MSC World Europa to see how this 215K+ gross ton ship compares to other vessels of a similar size. We are back and share how this cruise ship stacks up to the competition with our honest MSC World Europa cruise review.

If you are considering a cruise on MSC World Europa, here are some of our pros and cons of this cruise ship.

Pros:

• New “districts” concept, with highlights being the World Promenade and World Galleria
• Top-notch specialty dining
• Improved theming and specialty cocktail menus at bars and lounges
• One of the best coffee shops at sea
• Lively nightlife
• Many family-friendly activities, the most on any MSC ship

Cons:

• Embarking/disembarking in multiple ports loses some of the normal cruise camaraderie
• While more options, the quality of complimentary dining still falls below the competition
• While smaller than Royal’s Oasis class, it still has roughly the same guest capacity potentially leading to more crowds
• Rather basic staterooms

Our Honest MSC World Europa Review

Complimentary Dining

When it comes to complimentary included dining, other ships in the MSC fleet are lacking. Aside from the main dining rooms, these ships only offer the typical cruise buffet. So, we are happy to report that the World class has upped its game with World Europa and the upcoming World America. MSC World Europa now features some additional spots to grab a quick bite to eat.

Casual Dining on World Europa

The best addition to this ship is Luna Pizza and Burger. This venue is located in the World Galleria on Deck 6, just steps away from the family-friendly Luna Park Arena. This casual, quick-service restaurant was usually open from 11 AM to 2 AM. As the name implies, the venue dishes out slices of freshly made pizza and hot off-the-grill hamburgers. Along with the namesake menu items, the venue also offers other handhelds, like hot dogs, chicken wings, and French fries.

The food was always fresh, as the cooks had to keep up with the demand for this busy venue.

Likewise, a similar menu is also available poolside at Rive Gauche. This was a convenient stop for those wanting something to eat without having to brave the buffet.

MSC World Europa features not one, but two, buffets as well. The two buffets were open for breakfast and lunch; only one was open for dinner though. Il Mercato on Deck 18 and La Brasserie on Deck 19 had similar layouts, dining times, and food selections. During our cruise, staff often directed guests to one or the other buffet based on capacity.

The food at the buffet was edible, though nothing to write home about. Actually, the MSC Seashore buffet had more variety, with different international lunch options. The buffet on that ship also had considerably more dessert options.

Overall, while MSC World Europa has expanded casual dining options, the variety and quality still do not level up to the competition. We found ourselves gravitating towards Pizza & Burger or the specialty restaurants for lunch during our sailing.

The Main Dining Room

MSC World Europa has five main dining rooms with a variety of set dinner times between 5:30 and 9:30 PM. Guests are assigned to a location and dining time based on their preferences and MSC experience level. The restaurants include La Foglia Restaurant (Deck 5), Esagono Restaurant (Deck 6), Hexagon Restaurant (Deck 6), Bubbles Restaurant (Deck 6), and Les Dunes Restaurant (Deck 8).

During our seven-night cruise, we dined in the main dining room three times for dinner. We also tested out the Sea Day brunch on our only sea day. Brunch was a pretty typical and uninventive menu. It did not compare to Carnival’s Sea Day brunch.

For dinner, we had My Choice Dining at Les Dunes which was open from 6:30 to 10 PM. We typically dined around the same time, between 6:30 and 7 PM. Thus, we sat in the same section with the same waitstaff for these meals.  Service was very attentive, with the waiter, assistant waiter, and headwaiter checking in with us during each meal.

The menus on MSC World Europa did differ significantly from those in the main dining room on our recent MSC Seashore cruise. This was presumably to cater to the European market. Again, nothing wowed us in the main dining room, with the pasta selections being among the better dishes we sampled. While served warm with a friendly smile, the meals themselves were average at best.

Specialty Dining

However, what MSC lacks in complimentary dining, it makes up for in specialty dining. Similar to our past experiences, the specialty restaurants offered some of the best food on the ship. And, they rivaled any specialty restaurant on competitor cruise lines.

For this MSC World Europa review, we dined at four of these upcharge venues. The other two venues, Chef’s Garden Kitchen and La Pescaderia, are unique to this ship and will not be present on World America when she debuts in Miami.

The casual Hola Tacos and Cantina is among our favorite spots on any ship. We dined here twice during this cruise—once for lunch and another time with friends for dinner. After all, how can you pass up all-you-can-eat Mexican food for 22 euros? Some of the menu highlights for us included queso fundido, al pastor tacos, chicken enchiladas, and pork tamales. And of course, you can’t skip on the margaritas.

Kaito Teppanyaki always serves up a fantastic dinner and show. I am more of a fan of this Japanese steakhouse on MSC ships than Heidi. This is mainly due to the menu, which features additional sushi and seafood options not typically found on other cruise lines. The food on this trip was on point, even if our chef wasn’t as lively and comical as others we have had in the past.

On the last night of the cruise, we dined at the nearby Kaito Sushi. Using our remaining onboard credit, we sampled some dishes, like chicken teriyaki, yaki soba, fried rice, and sushi rolls. With the a la carte menu, this venue is an excellent option for sushi lovers but does feature other items to satisfy everyone in your travel party.

While we are usually big fans of the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse on MSC ships, this visit did not live up to our previous dining experiences. My steak was well-prepared and cooked to the appropriate temperature, but Heidi’s chicken was rather dry. The side dishes and desserts also fell short this time around.

Another great value on MSC World Europa is the takeout window at the seafood restaurant, La Pescaderia. This venue is located on the World Promenade outdoor space on Deck 8. For 6 Euro, I treated myself to a heaping order of freshly fried seafood one afternoon for lunch. This was a great option since I couldn’t test out the restaurant for dinner with Heidi.

Nearby, guests can also dig into various frozen treats at Sweet Temptations. Along with sundaes, frozen yogurt, and crepes, you can also create your own custom ice cream bar. This was more Heidi’s style; although, I may have sampled some items too!

Pool Deck

MSC World Europa offers a variety of outdoor spaces, each with its own vibe. The ship boasts five pools with most found on Deck 18.

Forward, the Botanic Garden Pool is an indoor solarium. This pool is open to guests of all ages. With a retractable roof, guests could enjoy this indoor pool and four whirlpools even when it was 60 degrees during our November cruise. Similar to the Jungle Pool on other MSC ships, the second deck of this space has tabletop games like ping pong and foosball, along with a bar.  

Still, there were a few days when the weather was in the 70s, so guests had no qualms about taking a dip in the main pool. Midship on Deck 18, La Plage is one of the largest pools we have seen on a cruise ship. With two decks of tiered seating surrounding this pool and four whirlpools, there was plenty of deck space for guests looking to unwind. There’s even a secluded whirlpool and deck space on Deck 21 overlooking the main pool.

The adults-only Zen Pool area is aft on this deck. This space is significantly larger than the adults-only area on other MSC ships. There are plenty of loungers and two good-sized pools, giving those 18+ a quiet retreat from the rest of the families on the ship.

Of course, MSC Yacht Club guests have their own sundeck and pool on Deck 21 forward as well. Although this is the largest MSC Yacht Club in the fleet, the pool and accompanying deck space felt small.

Finally, guests with the Aurea Experience can access the exclusive sundeck, Top 20 Solarium. This outdoor space offers a private bar, two whirlpools, and additional loungers. Upgrading to this experience is a nice perk; although, the other remaining pool decks were never all that busy during our cruise.

Sports Deck

Like other MSC cruise ships, World Europa offers several sports facilities and family-focused amusements, many of them clustered next to each other on Deck 20.

MSC World Europa’s Aurora Borealis waterpark offered three attractions: a tube slide, a drop slide, and dual racing body slides. With some of the warmest weather of the trip, I spent the morning in Civitavecchia enjoying all the aquapark had to offer with few lines. The drop slide was my favorite.

Not far away is the 11-story dry slide, the Venom Drop. Like Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Abyss, this complimentary activity is popular. So, make sure to get there right when it opens to avoid the queue. When comparing the two slides, I felt like the Venom Drop had more speed than the Ultimate Abyss. Though, both look more intimidating than they actually are.

Nearby, there’s also the indoor MSC Sportplex. This sports area is home to up-charge bumper cars with pricing of 7 euro each ride. Don’t let the size of the court fool you; these electric bumper cars pack a punch and have excellent maneuverability.

Other complimentary activities, like indoor soccer and roller skating, also occur in the Sportplex. For the adults, there’s also a nearby bar and some lounge furniture to relax while the kids are enjoying themselves.

Above the Sportplex are additional digital games. Furthermore, guests can find arcade games in the lobby of the Luna Park Arena as well as in the Hall of Games. The Hall of Games is on Deck 19 and home to two F1 simulators (11 euro) and two VR attractions (5 euro). Next door to Luna Park is the XD cinema (11 euro). We couldn’t help aiming at some zombies during one afternoon of our cruise.

While these attractions are all an up-charge, guests can purchase a Fun Pass, which gives them a discount of up to 40% on these attractions. The Fun Pass works on all digital games, XD cinema, F1 simulators, and bumper cars. So, it is a great deal for families with kids who want to utilize all these amenities over and over again.

Like most cruise ships, MSC World Europa has a fitness center on Deck 19 as well. This workout area features cardio machines, free weights, a spin room, and more by Technogym. However, one blatantly missing fitness activity is an outdoor walking track.

Onboard Activities

With a port-intensive itinerary, we spent much time ashore exploring many destinations that we had yet to visit (Genoa, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; and Valletta, Malta). In fact, our 7-day cruise had only one sea day, but we chose to stay onboard during our stops in Rome and Barcelona since we had toured these locales before.

Even with the hectic schedule, the activities team on World Europa ensured there were various things to do throughout the day.

While we didn’t catch any of the competitions, the ship did have MSC Cruises’ popular Guinness Book of World Records. The TV Studio and Bar on Deck 8 was home to regular karaoke sessions and game shows. The Dolce Vita Bar was also popular for game shows, dance classes, and other daytime events. Several trivia sessions and cruiser challenges, like Guess That Song, took place at the Dolce Vita Bar as well.  

On the pool deck, there were games like cornhole, visual trivia, tic-tac-toe, and even line dancing. In fact, there was so much going on that we would sometimes just stumble upon these events, like the Snow Party occurring during our sail away from Malta.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Even more so than other MSC ships, there was never a dull moment on World Europa in the evenings. The Dolce Vita Bar was one of the most happening venues, day or night, with live music, dancing, and other events. At Masters of the Sea, two pub guitarists rotated sets, offering distinct takes on classic sing-along-style songs.

Not to mention, essentially every night, a different themed party was happening somewhere on the ship. From the Glow Party to the White Party and 90s Party, guests danced and sang until the early morning hours.

Like many cruise ships of this size, World Europa had several entertainment venues. For this MSC World Europa review, we made sure to attend as many of the shows as possible. These signature productions took place in three different venues: the main theater, Panorama Lounge, and Luna Park Arena.

These shows do require reservations, which guests can make in the MSC for Me app. However, guests could only make reservations 24 hours before a production show or one of the immersive/interactive shows.

In the main theater, there were four signature productions along with a few headliner acts. Amelia—A True Aviator Soul was our favorite. While we expected more narrative, this cirque-style show featured several acts that seemed to defy gravity. Eko—Recycled Rock Show was another high-energy show filled with popular classic rock songs that had the audience singing and cheering along. While better than the typical lineup of MSC productions, they still didn’t measure up to Royal Caribbean shows.

Aft on Deck 7, the Panorama Lounge offers lounge-style shows with a live band, male vocalist, a cast of dancers, and two aerialists. Depending on your musical tastes, there is an immersive experience for you. Latin music fans will love Let’s Get Loud, while fans of rock will jam out to Rock Revolution. There are also shows featuring disco music and big band arrangements. While we did enjoy the shows, they do get a little repetitive if you attend them all. We also thought the shows were missing a femal vocalist as many numbers were set to a track with no live singing.

Finally, the cruise line offered interactive concerts in the Luna Park arena. The closest thing we could compare these shows to is the UntitledDanceShowPartyThing on Virgin Voyages. However, the Virgin Voyages’ show is more interactive than the couple of MSC Cruises’ shows we popped into during our cruise. Honestly, this entire venue was a miss for us.

Bars and Lounges

World Europa is home to over 13 bars and lounges. And one of the big improvements is that many of the venues are intricately themed and offer signature cocktail menus unlike Seaside class ships. For our MSC World Europa review, we made sure to get signature drinks at all of the exclusive bars and lounges.

One of my personal favorites was Masters of the Sea. This English-style pub offers various ales and lagers on tap and three signature beers brewed right onboard. It was a popular venue with dark woods, leather furniture, nautically themed accents, and live pub music.

Upstairs from Masters of the Sea is the more sophisticated Gin Project. Overlooking the pub below, this bar offers a dedicated menu of gin-based cocktails. This loft cocktail bar was an inviting and cozy space for a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink.

The ship’s cocktail bar, Elixir Mixology, was perhaps Heidi’s favorite watering hole. This venue shook up drinks like the fruity Pink Flamingo or the smooth Tender is the Night, with live DJ music in the evenings.

Sparkling and bright, Fizz Champagne Lounge serves a variety of bubbly in a classy setting. This bar also offers al fresco seating for those wanting to enjoy the sunset.

There are several bars near the pools and sports deck as well, mainly serving the same menu. Whether it was the Surfers Bar aft on Deck 20 or the Botanic Garden Pool Bar forward on Deck 19, classic frozen drinks and various other libations were available throughout the day.  

The ship’s whiskey bar was the Lanai Bar, aft on Deck 8 in the World Promenade. This venue will become the All-Star Sports Bar on the second ship in this class, World America. While I do enjoy whiskey cocktails, we feel this new concept will better fit the U.S. market. Plus, the Lanai Bar area was a designated smoking area, so it wasn’t very inviting for the non-smokers on the ship.

Perhaps our favorite spot on the entire ship was the Coffee Emporium, also on the World Promenade. This is the most sophisticated coffee shop at sea. The best part is that most of the specialty coffee drinks are included in the drink package. So, whether it was an iced latte and nitro cold brew or a cappuccino on a chilly afternoon, we always seemed to find our way back to the Coffee Emporium. Plus, they serve one of the best espresso martinis on the ship!

And, you didn’t hear it from us, but there may even be a secret Speakeasy Bar onboard World Europa. You’ll have to find out the details for yourself once onboard the ship!

Staterooms

For this MSC World Europa review, we stayed in a deluxe balcony stateroom, cabin 16210. This starboard-side stateroom was located fairly aft on the ship. Immediately upon entering the room, our bathroom was on the left wall. Following the bathroom, there was the closet tucked around the corner and then the bed facing aft. The seating area (left wall) and desk (right wall) were in front of the balcony.

According to the MSC Cruises’ website, this World Europa balcony room measures 186 square feet with an approximately 32-square-foot balcony.

While on par, the room felt slightly more cramped than comparable staterooms on other mega-ships. There was barely enough space to scoot by the bed and the aft wall as well as between the bed and closet. There was also a bit less storage than we are used to. The closet featured five shelves and two drawers on one half and a small clothesbar with hangers on the other half. We found it difficult to hang a weeks-worth of clothing for the two of us on this side of the closet.

The desk was adequately-sized with two overhead shelves and two additional drawers. The third drawer actually housed the safe. The mini-fridge was located here as well. Across from the desk, the pullout sofa was large enough for two adults to sit comfortably; however, it did feel needlessly bulky.

The balcony in this World Europa stateroom was quite small, with barely enough space for the two upright chairs and small table. With a new historic city essentially every day, our balcony came in handy during the morning sail-ins and afternoon sail-outs from port. But since it was November in the Med, we didn’t use the space much beyond that.

The bathroom was a standard size and had a relatively typical layout. While cruise ship bathrooms are small, we felt there was adequate counter space and shelves for storing toiletries. The glass-doored shower was also a pretty typical size.

In terms of decor, we always think the staterooms on MSC ships are very plain, and World Europa was no different. With light wood tones and various shades of brown, there was not much color or accents in the cabin.

Overall though, our king-sized bed was comfortable, and the cabin layout was familar. With so much to see at each destination and on the ship, our stateroom was a functional space to call home during our week-long cruise, allowing us to unwind and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Overall MSC World Europa Review

Debuting in December 2022, MSC World Europa is the first in MSC Cruises’ new World Class. At over 215K gross tons, it is the largest ship in MSC’s fleet and the largest cruise ship sailing in Europe year-round. This new class of ship debuts several firsts for the brand and is poised to make a splash in the U.S. when sister ship, World America, debuts in April 2025.

Mega-ship enthusiasts will find a lot to love about MSC World Europa. It offers a variety of onboard amusements and attractions, many of which are complimentary. There are new casual dining options, as well as upscale specialty restaurants offering distinct cuisine. There are also elegant and sophisticated bars with unique signature cocktails and perhaps the best coffee house at sea.

We are partial to mega-ships because we want choice and flexibility when we cruise, and MSC World Europa offered just that. While the quality of complimentary dining in casual venues and the MDR as well as the signature production shows might not live up to the likes of Icon of the Seas, MSC Cruises has come a long way in refining its cruise product for a more global market.

With affordable rates, this ship appeals to several types of travelers. While we typically cruise just the two of us, the Doremiland youth areas offer plenty of activities for children of all ages. So, don’t be surprised if you see all types of travel parties onboard World Europa—from families, to couples, to multi-generational groups.

Those looking to experience some of Europe’s most popular cruise destinations, like Barcelona, Rome, and Marseille, can hop on World Europa at any of these ports. The eclectic crowd comes from all over the globe, helping create a unique onboard atmosphere.

After this MSC World Europa review, we look forward to sailing on World America from Miami next year. This second World class ship will have a number of new and updated features tailored to the U.S. market which makes it even more appealing to us.

Comments

Did you find our MSC World Europa review helpful? Have you sailed with MSC Cruises yet? Drop us an anchor below with your latest MSC cruise reviews.

The post We Just Sailed on Europe’s Largest Cruise Ship – Here’s Our Honest MSC World Europa Review appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Jennifer is a physician and travel blogger who has been traveling the world for 20 years. Whether cruising turquoise waters or trekking jungles for gorilla sightings, travel is her fuel. Her blog, Jennifer’s Path (jenniferspath.org), is your one-stop shop for captivating stories and savvy travel tips, guaranteed to spark wanderlust and inspire your next adventure!

We found a great deal on an amazing itinerary on the Norwegian Pearl for a 9-night Greek Islands cruise from Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece for just over $3100 per person in a family balcony stateroom. This price included the “Free at Sea” program (More at Sea as of 2025), giving us a limited beverage package, 2 specialty dining meals per person, $50 shore excursion credit per day per stateroom, and 150 minutes of free wifi. 

We had never sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line and were excited to give them a try! They have fantastic itineraries and a decent reputation. We are Diamond level with Royal Caribbean and have cruised on several other lines, so we have a lot to compare NCL to… did they measure up? Read my Norwegian Pearl review to find out!

My Norwegian Pearl Review

After checking out of our hotel in Venice, we took a private water taxi to the St. Lucia train station. A direct train ride from Venice to Trieste took approximately two hours, offering scenic views along the way. Upon arrival in Trieste, crowds made it difficult to catch a cab or uber, so we walked the mile or so to the cruise terminal. From there, a shuttle bus transported us to our embarkation point for the Norwegian Pearl, at pier 57.

Unfortunately, our trip started off on the wrong foot. Embarkation was chaotic, with hundreds of passengers milling about outside the terminal. Despite paying for priority access, we experienced no noticeable benefits.

Nonetheless, we boarded the ship with an open mind. We were ready to experience NCL for the first time and all the amazing ports of call along the way.

The Norwegian Pearl is a mid-sized ship which can hold up to 2344 passengers and 1072 crew members. It was refurbished in 2021, but it did not feel particularly new or modern.

The ship’s Crystal Atrium, though beautiful, lacked the grandeur of larger cruise ships. Its open-air design and glass sculpture created a pleasant atmosphere. The Atrium Bar, Starbucks, and comfortable seating areas made it a central hub for socializing and entertainment. The Chihuly glass sculpture and convenient location of guest services added to its appeal.

Dining on Norwegian Pearl

When it comes to dining on Norwegian Pearl, there are a number of complimentary spots along with several specialty restaurants. We tried a mix of the two during our nine days onboard the ship. Some were wins and others were letdowns.

Complimentary Restaurants

Garden Cafe

Overall, I was disappointed with the food in this Norwegian Pearl buffet. On other cruises I’ve taken, the buffet is a gathering place full of a wide selection of international dishes. Typically, the food at the buffet is good but not great, but you can always find something you like. 

On Norwegian Pearl, there was a limited selection, and what they had was not visually appealing or flavorful. Though, I have to give credit where credit is due- the desserts not only looked beautiful, but they were delicious! We have not found this to be true on other cruise lines.

Further, the space itself was poorly designed and always felt crowded. The food was crammed into one elongate room, resulting in lines, hordes of hungry people, and an overall feeling of grumpiness. During peak meal times, I’d just swoop in and grab a slice of pizza so I could get out and avoid elbowing anyone. When I did dine in, I spent so much time prowling for a table that my food would be cold by the time I sat down.

O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill

O’Sheehan’s was the only 24 hour dining option, and take away was generally not allowed. The menu consisted of bar food and, while the selection was limited, the quality was generally pretty good. The burgers, fries, and appetizers were solid, even if unhealthy choices. Breakfast was consistently good, and we enjoyed ours at the bar seating overlooking the Crystal Atrium.

The Lotus Garden

The Lotus Garden is a complimentary Asian fusion restaurant that also has sushi at an additional surcharge, and a sake bar. We are connoisseurs of Asian food (my husband’s family is from Vietnam), and this food missed the mark completely unfortunately.

Summer Palace

Summer Palace was one of the main dining rooms. This was your typical grand, cavernous cruise ship dining room. The decor was apparently based on a neoclassical Russian palace. It was opulent with paintings of stern women and proud czars donning the walls.

Indigo

Indigo was the second main dining room and, in my opinion, was superior to the Summer Palace. The vibe was more intimate, more like a fine dining restaurant and less like a cruise ship main dining room. The decor was elegant but more cozy, in tones of navy and lavender. The walls were adorned with art deco images of American landmarks and cities. 

Yet, the food and service could have been better.

Specialty Dining

Teppanyaki

Teppanyaki is always fun. The food tends to be similar across the board and is consistently good. We did not dine here during our cruise, but the chefs appeared to put on a great show, and the people we talked to were very pleased. 

Le Bistro

We were very excited to try Le Bistro after reading reviews and perusing the menu on the NCL website ahead of our cruise. Our appetizers and desserts were very good, but we were disappointed in the main courses. I had the sea bass, which I typically love, but it was dry and overcooked. Still, the decor and ambience were nice, and the service was good. 

Cagney’s Steakhouse

Cagney’s is Norwegian Pearl’s upscale steakhouse, and we did enjoy our meal here. I had the thick cut bacon as an appetizer and the filet mignon with chimichurri, and both were quite good.

Moderno Churrascaria

Moderno is Norwegian Pearl’s churrascaria, or Brazilian steakhouse. This was an overall excellent experience! Waiters circulate with meat on a stick, serving guests rodizio style. They had all the favorites, from picanha to pork belly, and the meats were cooked and seasoned to perfection. The “salad bar”, similar to other Brazilian steakhouses we had visited, was vast and contained cold cuts, cheeses, cooked vegetables, salad, and more.

Further, the service here was attentive, warm, and friendly. This was our best experience onboard Norwegian Pearl!

La Cucina

La Cucina, the Italian restaurant onboard, was another win! With a selection of Italian favorites and great service, I highly recommend dining here during your cruise. Their carbonara was a family favorite!

Norwegian Pearl Bars and Lounges

• Magnum’s Champagne and Wine Bar
• Shaker’s Martini and Cocktail Bar
• Malting’s Beer & Whiskey Bar
• The Corona Cigar Club
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar
• Sky High Bar and Grill
• Topsiders Bar and Grill
• The Bliss Ultra Lounge
• Spinnaker Lounge

While distinct, Magnum’s Champagne and Wine Bar, Shaker’s Martini and Cocktail Bar, and Malting’s Beer & Whiskey Bar shared a common space. Each focused on a specific type of drink, with the whiskey bar offering a notable selection. The whiskey bar had a separate seating area, while the other two bars featured a larger, open space with comfortable seating and a dance floor.

Located out of the way inside of Moderno, the Sugarcane Mojito Bar offered a selection of mojitos, caipirinhas, and other interesting cocktails to make use of your drink package.

The Bliss Ultra Lounge space was a standout for me! I loved the layout of the main night club onboard. The heart of the lounge was a large dance floor, with a stage at one end and lots of comfy seating at the other, with the main bar behind that. Flanking this main area were bowling lanes! More lateral to the bowling lanes were cozy conversation areas and partitioned off more private seating areas. I loved the vibe of this space, and we enjoyed several nights of terrible (and sometimes less terrible) karaoke here. The bartenders were attentive, prompt, and creative.

The Spinnaker Lounge was another venue with a dance floor, stage, seating, and bar. Shows were held here, and the space transformed into a dance club in the evenings. I loved the set up of this lounge too. There’s a central, round dance floor with a stage on one side and comfy seating around the rest.

Entertainment 

We enjoyed the entertainment onboard Norwegian Pearl as well. The Stardust Theater was nice and never felt crowded. The performers were skilled and well-trained, and the sound quality and lighting were top notch. We particularly enjoyed the magician, and caught both of his shows.

Onboard Activities

While not as extensive as some of the newer ships in the NCL fleet, Norwegian Pearl has lots of onboard activities for adults and kids alike. There are rock climbing walls, shuffleboard, a sports court (volleyball, basketball, tennis), a jogging/walking track, and more. More of an inside type? There’s a library, a card room (the “lifestyle room”) which is stocked with board and card games, an art gallery, a casino, an arcade, a chapel, and an internet cafe.

The Gym 

We try to keep it together and keep our fitness on track when cruising, and the Norwegian Pearl made this easy for us. The gym was pretty spacious and had a cable machine, dumbbells, a few weight machines, and numerous cardio machines lining the windows. A large fitness studio offered classes for an upcharge, including yoga, spin, and body sculpt. Personal trainers were available for private bookings as well.

The Spa

The spa staff was warm and friendly. They offered a broad selection of treatments which were priced around the industry standard for cruise ship spa services. The facilities were beautiful, serene, and elegant. As is typical of cruise ship spa staff, they upsell you hard, even while getting a massage.

Further, you can purchase passes to the thermal suite if you need an escape from the crowds, where you can relax in heated stone loungers, enjoy the hot tubs or thalassotherapy pool, and sweat it out in the sauna before chilling out in the icy plunge pool.

The Pools

The pools are located on deck 12. There are two, and one is designated as “adults only”. Each has two hot tubs, and there is a covered round stage by the adults’ pool. There is ample seating around the pools, and we never had trouble finding loungers which is often an issue on cruise ships. Along the covered sides, you’ll find daybeds and conversation groupings. Additionally, lots of dining tables are placed at the end of the pool closest to the bar and grill. 

I liked the set up for the pools. Although they were a bit small, they had shallow edges for seating, and you could find spots in the sun or shade. 

Kids’ Activities

There is something for kids of every age onboard!

• Deck 15 hosts an open play space called “Guppies”, where parents can play with their 6-month to 3-year old kiddos.
• Splash Academy is meant for kids age 3-12 years, and you are able to drop them off. 
• Entourage is for kids age 13-17 and has games, movies, sports, and parties at their dedicated dance club. 

Registration is necessary for all kids programs.

Norwegian Pearl Review – Staterooms

Norwegian offers a wide range of staterooms to suit your needs and budget. From cozy inside cabins to luxurious penthouse suites, there’s an option for everyone. If you’re traveling with a big family, you might want to check out the 3-bedroom family suite that can accommodate up to 8 people!

Want to experience the ultimate in luxury? The Haven is Norwegian’s exclusive area for suite guests, offering a private pool, hot tub, restaurant, lounge, and sun decks. Haven guests also enjoy dedicated concierge service and 24/7 butler service.

We opted for a family balcony stateroom during this trip. While it wasn’t as fancy as the Haven, it was still a comfortable space for our family. The room had two twin beds that could be pushed together, a sofa bed, and a pullman bed.

The room was a bit narrow, which made it feel a bit cramped. The bathroom was a decent size, with a large shower and a separate toilet. There was also a vanity area with a mirror and shelves.

The balcony was small, but provided a nice outdoor space for us to watch the world go by.

Overall, we were happy with our stateroom. It provided us with a comfortable place to relax and enjoy our cruise.

Norwegian Pearl Review – Ports of Call

Norwegian Cruise Line shines with its itineraries! During my 9-day cruise, we visited eight ports of call. This port intensive itinerary is what most appealed to my family.

Trieste, Italy

This cruise began in Trieste, which is close-ish to Venice. We stayed in Venice and took the 2 hour train ride to Trieste on embarkation day. Trieste is a lovely town, so you may consider spending a night or two here before the cruise. 

Ravenna, Italy

Ravenna is beautiful. Walk around the medieval village, take in the stunning mosaics, or head back to Venice, Murano, or Burano.

Rijeka, Croatia

Our original port was Koper, Slovenia. We were disappointed until we realized there were similar tour offerings from Rijeka. We booked a tour through Shore Excursions Group which took us to the Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle. It was a big bus coach tour, which is not ideal, but the tour was nice. The sites were unique and gorgeous, and the countryside very scenic.

Zadar, Croatia

Zadar is a pretty cool town, with a newer area and a walled old city. We booked the tuk tuk tour through the cruise line. While the novelty of riding in a tuk tuk was fun, we really didn’t learn or see a lot. I would suggest going further afield and seeing the landscape, possibly doing a hike at Krka National Park.

Kotor, Montenegro

We booked a bike tour through Shore Excursions Group, and they never showed up. So, we found a tout on our way out of the port who sold us a private boat ride to see the major sites- the blue cave, the submarine tunnel, and our Lady of the Rock. It was a rough ride, but lots of fun. It was nice to have our own boat. The town of Kotor was very cute, and worth exploring. 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

My family opted for the Game of Thrones tour through the cruise line. They enjoyed it, although it was a bit cheesy. The city itself was gorgeous. Get out and explore, whether you take a walking tour or get out of town for water sports or wine tasting.

Corfu, Greece

We booked the 4X4 tour of Corfu through the cruise line and had a blast! They were Suzuki Jimneys, and they were comfortable and fine to drive. Most of the driving was on paved roads, so the description was a little misleading. The scenery and small villages were stunning and idyllic, and the snacks we had along the way flavorful.

Santorini, Greece

We booked a private tour of Santorini through Shore Excursions Group and had a great time! Our guide was fantastic, and the tour itself was enjoyable. We visited a winery, museum, and some of the island’s main sights.

However, the island is overwhelmed by cruise ship crowds, and the cable car and traffic can be chaotic. If you ever visit Santorini, I’d suggest a land-based tour or a private catamaran trip to avoid the crowds.

Mykonos, Greece

This port was the highlight of our cruise. Neither the cruise line nor Shore Excursions Group had excursions that interested us, so we went with Mykonos Kayak. I cannot recommend these guys highly enough! They were punctual and took us for a lovely kayak tour, including snorkeling, snacks, and an education about the culture, flora, and fauna of Mykonos.

Disembarkation in Piraeus, Greece

We disembarked in Piraeus, just outside of Athens. I highly recommend arranging a tour or driver, rather than counting on a taxi or uber. There were hordes of people waiting for both, while our driver stood in the center of the arrival plaza with a sign bearing our name, and whisked us away for a coastline drive to the Temple of Poseidon.

Overall Impressions: Norwegian Pearl Review

In summary, our cruise on Norwegian Pearl was a mixed bag. The food was bland, uninventive, and often difficult to access. The service was lackluster, and the ship felt crowded in many places, particularly the buffet.

However, we did enjoy the Churrascaria, La Cucina, the onboard entertainment and activities, and the ports of call. 

We did pay for the “Priority Access Pass”, which supposedly gives you priority embarkation, spa credit, priority tender boarding, and priority disembarkation. However, you are limited on which spa services you can use the credit for. Priority embarkation and disembarkation were also useless- embarkation was a mess and who wants to get off extra-early?? Priority tender access was nice. Worth it? Nah.

Overall, I likely won’t travel with Norwegian again unless I find an irresistible itinerary or a screaming deal on a suite in the Haven!

However, it is important to note that Norwegian Pearl is an older ship, and the cruise line has many newer ships that may appeal to families with attractions like waterslides and go-karts. NCL also offers a more flexible “Freestyle” approach to cruising which some travelers may enjoy.

Comments

Do you have any Norwegian Pearl reviews to share? Have you sailed on this NCL cruise ship? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line.

The post I Took My First NCL Cruise, and Share My Thoughts in This Norwegian Pearl Review appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

We first sailed on Sun Princess a few weeks after the ship launched. Since its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, the vessel has received several updates. So, we hopped back onboard to see how the ship was different. We have returned and share all the Sun Princess changes so you know what has improved and where the ship still falls short in our latest cruise review.

All the Sun Princess Changes

Better – New Restaurant Locations

Among the Sun Princess changes, the cruise line has relocated several of the restaurants to new locations. These changes make complete sense as these venues now have more appropriate homes.

One knock we had on the ship earlier this year was the location of two specialty restaurants. The Catch by Rudi and the Butcher’s Block by Dario were at the back of The Eatery (buffet) on Deck 9.   

This made no sense to us because these are both upscale, upcharge venues. The venues didn’t feel intimate, nor did they provide the ambiance that the restaurants deserved.

Well, we are happy to say that the restaurants now have their own dedicated spaces on Deck 7. The venues have not received much of a makeover regarding décor though. Still, we like that The Catch took the place of the cozy Signature Restaurant and The Butcher’s Block took the place of the Crown Grill (which also relocated).

In line with the several restaurant relocations, the Americana Diner moved to the back of The Eatery. This new dining concept debuted on Sun Princess as a casual, sit-down restaurant offering a new menu of all-day favorites. We were a fan of the food but had to admit that this restaurant style felt out of place at the top of the posh three-story main dining room.

With the Butcher’s Block by Dario now residing next to the forward elevators on Deck 7, across from Princess Live, Princess Cruises’ classic steakhouse moved down the hall. The Crown Grill restaurant is now aft on Deck 7, replacing the former Reserve Collection restaurant. While we did like the new design of the Crown Grill’s former location, this new location feels upscale and modern too.

To accomplish these swaps, Princess Cruises eliminated the dining rooms for the Reserve and Signature-class staterooms, combining them into one venue on the third level of the main dining room. In fact, they eliminated those categories of staterooms altogether, which we will get to in a bit.  

When it comes to the main dining room, the 3-story Horizons Dining Room is now the Soleil Dining Room (Deck 6), Eclipse Dining Room (Deck 7), and The Sancturary Restaurant (Deck 8).

Better – Updated Restaurant Menus

Along with changing out several of the restaurant locations, some of the restaurant menus have received updates too. In particular, The Catch by Rudi’s menu is larger, offering more options for starters and entrees. So, fans of this restaurant on other Princess cruise ships can indulge in classic favorites.

Another change we were glad to see was the enhancement of the Butcher’s Block by Dario menu. This meat-centric dining concept still boasts several courses of various cuts of beef. However, the menu now includes additions such as an oyster appetizer and a Caesar salad course. Guests also now have two options for dessert, with the addition of a tiramisu.

The sushi restaurant on Sun Princess was in the process of getting a makeover during our previous sailing. Now, Makoto Ocean, in partnership with Chef Makoto Okuwa, is complete. This restaurant boasts an improved menu along with slightly updated seating and décor. Now, guests can opt for a multi-course, signature sushi dinner experience or select from a revamped a la carte menu.

Not yet complete during our last sailing, we were able to experience Love by Britto on this cruise. Located on Deck 17 aft, this upscale specialty restaurant seamlessly combines fantastic views with equally Instagramable plates on its 5-course menu. This cozy restaurant is ideal for a celebratory dinner with your loved ones.

The only downside is that the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages do not cover the restaurant.

Additionally, the main dining room menus have also changed to reflect the ship’s new 7-night Caribbean itineraries. But guests don’t have to worry about other restaurants. Staples like the Crown Grill and Sabatini’s still boast their typical dishes that Princess cruisers have come to love.

Worse – The SkyDeck Sports Court

Poor Park19, the outdoor deck that never was. Princess Cruises made a big splash announcing this outdoor sports deck for multi-generational families over a year ago. While not the most advanced outdoor space, we were excited to test out some new features like the Sea Breeze Rollglider and the Coastal Climb ropes course.

We should have known there were issues with these attractions during our sailing in March. While we occasionally saw sports crew members upstairs, none of them were ever testing out the equipment. I even offered myself as a test dummy if they needed more help.

However, we were surprised to learn finally that all the attractions were being nixed by the cruise line.

The RollGlider looked similar to the track for Bolt rollercoaster on Carnival cruise ships. Except, guests would hang below the track. The two-story ropes course resembled similar ropes courses on other cruise lines as well. So, we aren’t sure how all the certifications fell apart.

With that being said, Princess Cruises still hasn’t enhanced this area. Most of the track for the RollGilder is gone, and the obstacles and challenges from the rope course have been removed. However, many of the support features and structures remain.

It’s yet to be determined what will come of this space. Given that Princess Cruises had months to develop an alternative design or additional features for this area, it was disappointing to find that the SkyDeck had no new offerings.

We suspect Sun Princess will eventually feature a sports court for pickleball and basketball like recently announced for Star Princess.

While this isn’t a deal breaker for us, we can see how families might be let down.

Worse – The Sun Princess Signature Entertainment

Like many sailing on Sun Princess, we consider ourselves traditional cruisers. While we have come to appreciate the flexible dining options, our nighttime routine is still the same – dinner and a show.

On our first Sun Princess cruise, none of the cruise lines’ entertainment in the Arena or the Dome was ready. The cruise line promoted four signature productions in the Arena, the main theater, and an additional series of Cirque Éloize shows in the Dome.

Thankfully, among the Sun Princess changes since our last sailing was the debut of some entertainment offerings.

During this short sailing, we were able to see one show in each venue.

While we enjoyed both productions, they really didn’t live up to the hype.

On Night 2, Viva La Música blasted its way on stage. With a selection of predictable Latin-inspired songs and a few unique musical arrangements, the playlist was nothing we hadn’t heard in other similar revue shows. And while Princess Cruises claims that the Arena is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, there was nothing innovative or unique incorporated into the show.

Actually, the stage felt too small for the production. While the show was high energy, and the audience was engaged, I certainly wouldn’t book a cruise on Sun Princess because of the entertainment. In fact, the show we were most looking forward to, Vallora, A Pirate Quest, is already being reimagined.

We did enjoy the show in The Dome more, Artbeat by Britto. This Cirque Éloize production took to the sky on the last night of the cruise when our media group attended a special showing.

We really enjoyed the show and the way it utilized the features of this space. It boasted aerial acts and other acrobats, with enough story and diversity in music to keep us interested. 

But, for others who would like to experience this approximately 25-minute show on revenue sailings, they may need to wait an hour or more to snag one of the 250 seats in this entertainment venue.

Even with two shows a night, The Dome is not an adequate size for the ship’s guest capacity. We would be disappointed if we booked a cruise on this ship and had to wait hours in line just to see production shows. Perhaps, a reservation system is needed.

Better – The Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess

Replacing the former Reserve Collection and Signature Collection stateroom categories, the new Sanctuary Collection debuts with Sun Princess’ Caribbean season. This is the cruise line’s attempt to offer an exclusive ship-within-a-ship experience to guests staying in suites and select other staterooms.

Similar to offerings like MSC Yacht Club, Celebrity Cruises’ The Retreat, or NCL’s The Haven, guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection have access to private areas of the ship. These include an exclusive restaurant and sundeck.

All suites are part of the Sanctuary Collection, in addition to several mini-suites and premium balconies. These cabins receive (most of) the same amenities as well.

The most prominent upgrade when booking into the Sanctuary Collection is access to the Sanctuary Club aft on Deck 18. Previously, this area was a for-fee space that all guests could purchase access to, with a section reserved for guests staying in Signature suites.

Now, the entire deck is reserved only for those staying in the Sanctuary Collection. This posh sundeck offers a pool, whirlpool, bar, several seating options, an exclusive menu of poolside bites, and plenty of space to soak up the sun.

Another perk is a private restaurant. Aft on Deck 8, replacing the former Americana Diner, is the Sanctuary Restaurant. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant boasts enhanced menus. We dined here on the first night of our cruise, and the food was certainly an upgrade from the main dining room on Sun Princess. 

All guests staying in the Sanctuary Collection also receive the cruise line’s Premier Package as part of the cruise fare. This add-on package makes your vacation more inclusive with the Premier beverage package, unlimited specialty dining and casual dining, unlimited Max WiFi, and crew appreciation, among other perks.

However, only guests in one of the eighty suites onboard can access the Suite Lounge on Deck 16. This small space offers a bar, fantastic ocean views, daily hors d’oeuvres, and first-class service.

While Princess Cruises’ new Sanctuary Collection doesn’t offer all the amenities of competitor cruise lines, like butler service, we enjoyed our experience and think it’s definitely worth the upgrade.

Where Sun Princess Still Shines

While there were several Sun Princess changes between our two sailings, there are still plenty of places where the ship retains its original glow. The pool deck offers plenty of space with a central pool and casual dining options, and the massive Sea View terrace sundeck extends all the way forward on the ship.

We enjoy several of the casual dining options around the ship as well. The International Café, midship on Deck 9, is still among the best cafes at sea. Open 24 hours a day, it offers sweet treats, savory bites, and signature coffees.

Further, Alfredo’s Pizzeria serves some of the best pizza at sea. We finally got to sample some of the new award-winning pizzas from champion pizzamaker Tony Gemignani. Let’s just say we can see why the New Yorker and Cal Italia pizzas have received such accolades.

Spellbound by Magic Castle remains my favorite upcharge experience at sea. While pricey, it delivers a truly unique and immersive night of illusions and spirits. We slipped into the parlor for another visit this sailing and can attest that our second time was just as mesmerizing and magical as our first. Although, we still cannot comment on the dinner portion. Perhaps we need a third visit to truly experience it all?

Along with the production shows, there is plenty of live music and events occuring throughout the ship. We are big fans of O’Malley’s Irish Pub, and we are not alone. This is one of the most popular venues, offering acoustic guitar music, plenty of beer, and a fantastic time.  

The Piazza is also home to several activities you don’t want to miss. Whether it is dance parties, game shows, or cirque performances, it is the hub of any Princess Cruises’ ship.

On Sun Princess, the Piazza has been redesigned to offer better sightlines. Guests can find a spot in the tiered seating areas surrounding this 3-story open venue.

Other lively spots include Crooners for some unique cocktails and piano music and Princess Live for game shows, trivia, and comedy sets. This lounge has a better setup and vibe than other ships we have sailed on in the fleet.

Thus, like many modern mega-ships, Sun Princess offers a variety of things to do, see, eat, and enjoy. It is true that some spaces are too small for a ship of this size. Yet, with some pre-planning, guests will be able to enjoy the onboard dining, activities, shows, and nightlife.

Given there is so much to love about this ship, you might see Heidi and I onboard another sailing in the future or perhaps on her sister ship, Star Princess, when she debuts.

Comments

What do you think of the Sun Princess changes? Do you have plans to sail on this new cruise ship? Drop us an anchor below with your latest Princess cruise reviews.

The post We Gave Sun Princess Another Try – Here’s What It’s Like Onboard Right Now appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.