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A very different Christmas |
| Reviewed By: Symonds, Clowne, Nr Chesterfield on 10th Jul 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Phoenix River Cruises |
Times cruised before: 6-10 |
| Cruise Ship: Diamond Princess |
Sailed:
December,
2007 |
| Destination: Hawaii |
Age: 56-65 |
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Last christmas we decided to take a cruise at Christmas and chose the Diamond Princess cruise around Hawaii. After a long flight to LA we had an over night at the LAX Hilton which was really festive. Then we joined the ship, which was huge. As the cruise progressed through the 4 days at sea, the Christmas decorations went up around the ship creating a festive spirit. Before we knew it we were at our first port of call Kona which gave us a wonderful introduction to these Islands of Paradise. Then it was Christmas Eve and the wonderful port of Honolulu, so much beautiful scenery and places of interest to visit. After our return to the ship there was carol singing, shows and so many more festive moments to enjoy. The most memorable moment was walking up on the decks at midnight and finding a clear star filled sky and a bright moon alluminating the skyline along with the twinkling coloured lights of Honolulu and the distant yule tide music, it was truly a magical scene. Certainly a day to rmember. The following day saw our arrival in Nawiliwili, again a picturesque port of call, but after our return from an enjoyable tour out, things went down hill. Not only had the Christmas feeling disappeared, but so had half of the passengers(in bed), leaving Christmas night a rather non event. Which leaves the question should cruise liners go into port on that special day of the year, I think the answer has to be stay at sea and keep the festive spirit going. The rest of the cruise around those dreamy Islands, was a delight. As was New Years Eve(spent at sea) a fantastic evening, with so many parties and venues to choose from, it was great.
What was my overall thoughts, well rather disappointing. It was a very different type of Christmas to what we expect and are accustom, a different type of Christmas dinner and no Christmas Pudding and no carol concerts etc. But it was an American ship, maybe in the future we should keept o P&O or Olsens.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Any time dining.Good quality but poor delivery and care from Kitchens, even though my food was ordered 24hrs before.
Buffets Very greasy and not much variance | | Entertainment |  |
| Overall it was good | | Shore Excursions | |
| Very expensive | | Staff | |
| Not over impressed with any, they certainly didn't rate the graturities that were demanded and added to the cabin bill nor the service charge of 15%, which was added to drinks. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| | Cabins | |
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