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Princess Cruise Line

MS Diamond Princess

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Carol Alborn
# previous cruises: 3
Date of Trip: May 15, 2004
Itinerary: Alaska-Inside Passage

Major problems with embarkation and disembarkation - took all day in both cases. Magnificent ship and good service. Food was not as good as previous cruises. Mini-suite on Dolphin deck was huge and well-decorated comparatively. Itinerary does not allow for viewing coastline in daytime or much wildlife - a major disappointment!

Beautiful public rooms and bars. A full ship promenade which was a great walk! also a sports walk on top deck. The pools are clean, beautiful = the casino too smoky! We particularly liked the Club Fusion and Wheelhouse bar and general atrium where chamber music, violin , guitar or piano played constantly. The spa is exceptionally nice!

We ate fixed dining in International room at 8:15. The waiter was good but his assistant was too pushy with wine service. The food sounded good on menu but was mediocre in most cases. The lobster, crab legs and prime rib were good. The desserts were very plain and ordinary as were the salads.

The mini=suite D412 was incredible! Large, well-decorated, two TVs, sitting area, dressing area, large tub and bathroom, large deck open to sky. Very quiet day and night. We really thought the staterooms were exceptional and steward most attentive. Also refrigerator, hair dryer.

The productions shows were excellent, and the cruise activities director was helpful. Enjoyed Princess Idol competition and trivia as well as line dancing. Really enjoyed commentary of naturalist on board, Mike D. and bought his book " Inside Passage".

Juneau - best shopping, tramway, Mendenhall Glacier
Skagway - train ride is a must & Starbucks
Ketchikan - canoe ride on lake and rain forest tour good
Tracy Arm Inlet was spectacular
Missed stop in Victoria when ship ran into dock and sea wall and no one could get off.

We enjoyed thoroughly the people at our table in fixed dining and meeting many Aussies in Horizon Buffet for lunch. We were surprised at how many people dressed in "grunge" fashion, sloppy dirty jeans and old sweat shirts. Definitely a detoriation in attire since our last cruise three years ago. Formal nights weren't very formal.