Cruise Reviews
Cruise Line: Princess
Ship: Pacific Princess
Date of Cruise: July 2000
NY TO BERMUDA
By: Gail Sauer
This seven day cruise is a relaxing getaway. My husband, 17 year old son and I had always wanted to go to Bermuda. We have sailed with Princess before and really loved it. This is the first season that Princess has gone to Bermuda. It is also the only line that goes to 3 ports in 7 days. We visited St. Charles, Hamilton and the British Dock Yards on the Pacific Princess. This ship is the original "Love Boat." It was built in 1971 and has been refurbished but the cabins are small, reflecting the 1971 standards. Our cabin had two portholes, a daybed/couch which became my husband's bed at night, and two bunk beds which folded up on to the wall.
We had three small sets of dresser drawers and a small closet for each person and one chair. We decided to keep the lower bunk bed down during the day to provide more sitting space. Our cabin had a TV and we were able to watch CNN, movies and several other channels. The bathroom was small but adequate. Amenities found at nice hotels were provided such as shampoo, lotion, and lovely terry robes for each of us. Hairdryers were available by request. All other Princess ships have them in the cabins.
Positives of this trip. The views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty as we exited NY harbor were great. EXCELLENT SERVICE.! Cheerful staff and crew remember guest's names and go out of the way to please the passengers. This was our 4th cruise and we found the service on this ship to be superior. Good ports and enjoyable tours. We loved the snorkeling and ocean Kayaking excursions. The beach at Horseshoe Bay was beautiful!! My husband and son enjoyed the two golf course excursions arranged by the ship tour office. Dining room food and service was excellent! Entertainment, while not of the same caliber as available on larger ships, was energetic and talented. We enjoyed the shows.
Negatives of this trip. Food on the Lido deck served buffet style was not of the quality we have had before. We recommend you eat in the dining room!! . During rough seas the ship rolled quite a bit which caused those passengers prone to sea sickness to head for their cabins. Our son had one episode of nausea, but other than that seemed fine. The larger and newer ships we have been on do not seem to have this problem as they have better stabilizers. Small cabins.
Overall review - Wonderful trip, great destination! Princess lives up to its reputation of providing great food, excellent service and quality entertainment. The rumor on the ship told to us by both crew, and other passengers was that after this season the Pacific Princess will be sold as Princess concentrates on its newer, larger ships. Will the original "Love Boat" be gone forever?
