bibiinri

I am booked on Prinsendam Athens Oct. 20 thru to FLL Nov. 20, the highlight of which is two days in the Holy Land. I have just learned from my TA that this is "likely" to come off the itinerary. Does anyone have any information on this? It will be so disappointing if the rumor is true.

Need advice from anyone who has done a TA in the spring. I am looking at a TA from FLL to Europe beginning in mid-March. It's my favorite ship (Prinsendam) and the itinerary is fantastic but I'm a bit concerned about the weather at that time, both during the crossing and while in Southern Europe. What might I expect? Thanks, all!

Our first RCCL cruise was on Nordic Prince, now long gone, out of NYC to Bermuda. This was in 1987 and "things to do" on the ship were fewer than today, but interesting. We had skeet shooting off the aft and could wander freely pretty much everywhere, including the bridge, with an almost absent sense of the hyper-security of today. I think service was definitely on a higher level but then the ships were much smaller than today. It was much more relaxed, quieter and less of a party-hearty atmosphere than today but very pleasant. Cruising today is definitely different but no less enjoyable!

I and my sister and our daughters will be on Adventure of the Seas sailing from San Juan on Sept. 26. One of the islands on the itinerary is St. Lucia and we are looking for a good tour covering all the high spots, especially the Pitons. Any advice from you frequent Caribbean cruisers out there?

This wasn't my first cruise but it certainly was my least expensive. One month after 9-11, I happened to be in Miami visiting friends and we decided on the spur of the moment to hop on a cruise ship (Norwegian Wind) for a five-day Western Caribbean cruise. They were literally begging for passengers, since most of the already booked passengers had canceled due to travel fears right after the attack, and I paid the princely sum of.......$110!!! TOTAL!!! That's a true story. The ship had escort military-type boats both in the US and Mexico but other than that, it was a typical wonderful fun-filled cruise. Can anybody out there top that?

Hello David!

I have sailed on Prinsendam in the past (Greek Isles and Turkey) and am about to sail on her again in a month on an extensive European itinerary, from Barcelona to Athens, with lots in between! I fell in love with her on the first cruise and cannot wait to board her again. Her small size eliminates all the aggravation that goes with huge crowds and what she lacks in "bells and whistles" (like on the mega-ships) she more than makes up for in fascinating ports of call, superior service, experienced fellow travelers (no bucket of beer crowd and hairy chest contests on Prinsendam) and a charming kind of old-fashioned ocean liner vibe. You will find lots of repeat cruisers on her which says a lot. I always hesitate to recommend anything to friends but I would suggest that you give Prinsendam a try----at least once! Whatever you decide to sail on, happy cruising!

Bibiinri

Hello DJLDrums

I have booked the same cruise and am looking forward to it but have wondered the same thing. But I decided to go for it, despite the slim chance of a rocky crossing, because the itinerary is so interesting and the ship looks beautiful. I figure the cruise lines wouldn't make TA repositioning cruises so regularly if the crossings are unpleasant. Hope to meet you on board in April!

Bibi (in RI)

bibiinri - Prinsendam - 21-Sept-14 - 14 day Mediterranean and Aegean Explorer - 4th time on HAL - 2nd cruise on Prinsendam

I'm a lady sailing solo (for the second time) on the lovable little Prinsendam doing the Mediterranean/Aegean itinerary departing Barcelona Sept. 21 and arriving Athens Oct. 5. This is the second time for me to arrive in Athens too late to take a day tour of the Parthenon and other Athens sights. It is so frustrating--being in Athens twice and unable to do a tour. Prinsendam is scheduled to be in the port of Piraeus at 6 p.m. on Oct. 4 which does allow for an evening tour. I have researched several indie tours on line, which are a possibility and look good. Is anyone reading this planning to be on that cruise and would you be interesting in forming a group for an evening tour? I would, of course, prefer to have company!