Louis Hellenic Cruises - Greek Islands

[A Sixth?]

:D

We're thinking of taking an Athens tour with a four-day Sea Diamond cruise; we are being charged $200 pp extra to "upgrade" to outside (minimum category with port hole windows) It seems from what I read here, we'll still get the same size cabin as inside, right?

 

Obviously, this trip will be for the Greek Isles so I don't intend on spending much time either inside OR looking at the scenery through windows......... AND a small cabin really makes my husband happy: I'll have to take fewer clothes as well as limiting souvenir shopping :eek:

 

A SIXTH: Thanks for the "events at sea" link as well as the fabulous "Carribean is Vanilla" comparison:D

 

BettyNL you know that old saying, "pack, look at it; then toss half back out", doesn't work. Toss 3/4 out then, toss 1/2 of what's left on this puppy. Believe me, if you can, just bring carry-on.:D

 

The cabin is small. Yes they are all the exact same size, but they are all the exact same tiny.

 

I am glad we had a window, although we usually go interior, this is a SMALLL cabin and ironically may be a time to go with a false sense of room.

 

BTW I love the Caribbean, but there's a depth to Greece that even Cuba can not compete with.

[Steve007NY]

WoW Betty....that seems like a LOT more per person for outside upgrade (we're only paying $1000/person total for a FULL WEEK outside cabin! (run of ship)

 

Check out the prices on Sterlingvacations.com. They did our booking, have been incredibly helpful, and seem like the least expensive we've found.

 

A SIXTH: By the way, seems like we have similar tastes! I leave on July 20 on the Crown Princess (taking Mom on an 'easy' cruise") then with partner on the Perlas out of Istanbul 8/26!

 

Steve

[BettyNL]

Thanks for the quick replies:

 

A SIXTH?...... Very helpful hints; however, MY problem is I look at it & decide I need more :D Never been to Greece so your "vanilla" remarks will, hopefully, make my expectations of the area a reality!!

 

STEVE..... Maybe I should have given more information: we booked with www.aegeanmedtours.com and our package includes airfare (NYC - Athens), transfers, three nights hotel and Monday - Friday (four night) cruise. However, the basic package is for an inside, and that's why we are thinking of upgrading to outside.

[bugsbunny1]

We took a cruise on the Sea Diamond in early July. Embarkation takes time and is a bit stressful. Ship staff (room stewards, waiters) are generally very helpful. Visit many great locations in 4 days. Cabins are small (and we had the SA type on deck 10 overlooking the front of ship) and pool is tiny. Food is relatively good and there is good choice.I was pleasantly surprised after reading poor reviews of sister ship Perla on various web sites. I would recommend this if you have only a short time and want to see many locations and want to leave from and return to Athens (Pireaus). Don't really need to do ship's excursions as ship docks right near everything. We did private tour with Meander Tours in Kusadasi to Ephessus and it was great and alot less money for 5 of us. We did the other ports on our own and it was great.

[A Sixth?]

So. No one has returned alive from a Louis Cruise? Let's hear your stories.:eek:

 

CCBB isn't posting any Sea Diamond reviews for some reason..... how about posting a few right here.

[MMSmith]

Anyone got any comment on Calypso:confused: :confused:

[Rail&Cruise]

It seams like the Sea Diamond and Perla are only in Patmos for a very short time. The website indicates that you tender ashore. The tendor process alone can take a while. Has anyone taken the time to do much touring of Patmos from either of these ships? Was there enough time to see much?

[Be a Traveler]

It seams like the Sea Diamond and Perla are only in Patmos for a very short time. The website indicates that you tender ashore. The tendor process alone can take a while. Has anyone taken the time to do much touring of Patmos from either of these ships? Was there enough time to see much?

Rail&Cruise,

 

There's a lot of time in Patmos-simply because there is not much to see. The port town is small in comparison to other ports like Mykonos, Rhodes, Kusadasi, or Santorini. Even with the tender boat fiasco we experienced on our 7-day Perla cruise (wasted nearly 1 hour trying to get off the ship as we were vying for the same tender boats that were also going to Sea Diamond, which arrived nearly at the same time), we got to see the Monastary and Grotto and still had time to window-shop in town. Returning to the ship was quick and efficient. Those that went on the scenic tour had the same experience. I can't say much about exploring the island on your own--didn't come across anyone doing that. If I had to do it again, I would have just stayed in port rather than pay for the tour--I just wasn't interested in the whole St John thing. Others had said that it was a good tour. At the very least, the Monestary was interesting and the views from the top of the island were excellent.

 

Hope that answers your question.-GPM

[A Sixth?]

It seams like the Sea Diamond and Perla are only in Patmos for a very short time. The website indicates that you tender ashore. The tendor process alone can take a while. Has anyone taken the time to do much touring of Patmos from either of these ships? Was there enough time to see much?

 

When we were there on the Sea Diamond we were art the dock, no tender required and you are right in town as you step off the ship.

[sally7]

After many of the negative comments I have read on Louis Cruise Lines, I was a bit worried, but need not have been. Their ships must have improved incredibly in the past year. Our cruise was wonderful in every respect. I was with a party of about 16 people on the 4 day Aegean Cruise on the Sea Diamond and everyone was very thrilled. The ship was well cared for, modern, had excellent food, friendly attentive staff, and well organized shore excursions. I would highly recommend this cruise to any one.

[Steve007NY]

Just got off the Perla after our RT from Istanbul, and from what we could see of the Sea Diamond, it appeared a nicer, larger ship.

 

The Perla was quite minimally equipped...HUGE lines at the very poorly organized buffets, "high tea" of the same one slice tomato/one slice cheese sandwiches, though some decent dessert stuff. Dining room food acceptable if not well seasoned, buffets ver college cafeteria like fare.

 

The itinerary was why we chose this cruise, and that part WAS simply extraordinary, but when I compare our miniscule cabin, the long foodless stretches, the ridiculous 10x20 foot 'gym', the amaeur shows, the micro-casino to what we've gotten on the other 10 lines we've sailed with, Louis is simply a motel 6 competing in a marriott to Four Seasons world.

 

Steve

[landofoz]

I am very distressed after reading all the continued reviews of the Perla. A friend and I are meeting in Athens to do the 7 day tour of the islands and Turkey. It sounds like a nightmare tho the pictures on their website don't indicate.

 

I've been on Celebrity and Holland America cruises and I realized this wouldn't compare. But the reviews make it sound awful.

 

A few questions if someone has some time. I read on the tour website that they have formal nights. It seems with a cruise this substandard that it would be pointless taking more formal wear. What can I expect since we will be 'captive' for 7 days. Thankfully the islands will take my mind off the poor ship.

 

We will be on the Oct 13 tour.

[Steve007NY]

As I'd tried to express, there is nothing "horrific" about the Perla. It's just not luxurious, not large, not glitzy. You'll eat adequately if not well, be entertained enthusiastically if not professionally, and so long as your expectations are of an almost industrial ship, and your focus is on the ports, you'll enjoy.

 

We brought ties and no jackets, and i'd guess that 40% of the men wore jackets, another 40% just ties, and the remainder wore knit or collared shirts. NOT worth carrying formal (or even business) ware.

 

Steve

[landofoz]

Thanks. Saves room in the luggage. Now I have to 'break' the news of the ship to my friend.....she is kind of persnickety but in a nice way.:)

[Steve007NY]

Thoughts:

It'll be CLEAN, if she's that sort of persnickety.

 

If I had to do over in retrospect, I'd pack a carryone full of fun, nonperishable foods (canned pate, crackers, lumpfish caviar, biscuits, chocolates) and (as we DID do, bottles of favorite liquor, though the duty free was reasonable) and bring along. Celebrate cocktails and canapes on your own. Wine was fairly priced in the Dining Room, and though I actually DID end up bringing a shaker of pepper flakes to dinner with me some nights, alcohol will make it all more tolerable!

 

Mostly, I'd say (and I AM a shrink!) it's all in one's attitude. My partner spent the first day and 1/2 grumping about the ship...then realized it was what it was, and we decided to giggle instead of grousing and that worked.

 

Enjoy

 

Steve

[Be a Traveler]

I am very distressed after reading all the continued reviews of the Perla. A friend and I are meeting in Athens to do the 7 day tour of the islands and Turkey. It sounds like a nightmare tho the pictures on their website don't indicate.

 

I've been on Celebrity and Holland America cruises and I realized this wouldn't compare. But the reviews make it sound awful.

 

A few questions if someone has some time. I read on the tour website that they have formal nights. It seems with a cruise this substandard that it would be pointless taking more formal wear. What can I expect since we will be 'captive' for 7 days. Thankfully the islands will take my mind off the poor ship.

 

We will be on the Oct 13 tour.

landofoz

 

I have to agree with Steve. As I've said in many of my posts about the Perla, you have to go with the mindset that this is NOT a Celebrity/Holland/Carnival etc. cruise. The rooms are smaller than the modern mega-ships, but service is great. Focus on the ports and the itinerary, and you'll have a blast. Except for the long stretch from Athens to Istanbul, you'll find that you'll always be off the ship and exploring the ports, so think of it as a floating hotel.

 

If you have any questions about the optional shore excursions, go to my previous posts. We went on an excursion at every port (not a wise thing to do) and I have my impression of each one.

 

gm

[landofoz]

Thanks for the tips. The trip is not starting on a good note. I sat in the airport yesterday almost all day only to find that my connecting flight to JFK was delayed and I would not be able to get the flight to Athens. So I get to do it all over again today. This time thru Atlanta. The east coast or at least Virginia is experiencing awful rain, storms, wind. I am concerned that ATTEMPT 2 will end in me returning home and sleeping in my bed instead of in Athens.

Once I get back will provide my opinions on the ship. I'm OK with clean and friendly. I don't see a need to pay a lot of money for a grand ship since the point is to see the sites not the room.

 

Glad I saw some positive comments as it will set my mind at ease IF I EVER GET THERE!!!:eek:

[Studebaker59]

Landofoz- Let us know how your saga ended. Please give your honest thoughts about the Perla. Four of my friends will be on the ship

Oct. 28- Nov. 3, 2006 (Istanbul-Athens).

[H2Otstr]

Went on the Perla last year via Trafalgar Tours. Our ship had 800 students on board and the rest small groups from other tours. It was awful. Dirty, long lines, poor service, terrible food. Our tour guide, Annie, was great. Would never use this ship again. Greece was GREAT though, would love to go back.

[landofoz]

Back from the 15 day tour in Greece. Did the classic tour on land of the outer area of Greece. And then ended with the Perla. Perla was fine. It is NOT a Celebrity or Holland America and as soon as you realize this you are OK. It is clean, the people were friendly, the food was fine.

 

The rooms are small but manageable. After living out of a suitcase for the land tour, it was nice to unpack. Suitcases fit under the bed and mine was a big case. Bathrooms are small but again manageable. Bring a washcloth as no where is there one in any hotel or on ship. Also my converter did not work so we borrowed a hair dryer from the reception desk and my friend had an European curling iron so it worked. I must invest in a Euro iron for future trips!!! We had an outside room on the Caribbean deck. The first nite was rough and my friend was sick but they give dramamine at the desk. Also a tablemate had ginger gum which seemed to work well.

 

We had the early dinner seating. Tablemates were great, nice. Fun to share info. Food was fine. It was not gourmet but there were enough selections and deserts were pretty good. Dining room is crowded. After the first couple of days we grabbed the outside chairs so we could leave easily as the others liked to linger and the seating is tight. Waiters were great and attentive. We didn't lose weight, if that tells you anything. They offer a drink card at the beginning for 126 euros. We passed as we are not drinkers and altogether probably ended up spending no more than 20 euros on cokes and lattes. Meals have tea, coffee, water. Cokes and alcohol are extra. Cokes were 2.50 Euro.

 

All in all we thought it was a good ship. No complaints but do know it is no luxurious. One complaint on the whole tour (land and sea) is that Greek beds are HARD!!! I was happy to get back to my bed. Anyone going should be OK. I believe they only have 2 more cruises so the Oct 28th must be the last. Can't speak for how all will be on the last tour as the staff has been working 7months straight and are anxious to get home.

 

Take advantage of the port talks in the Clipper lounge. They are informative! Entertainment was OK. Not profressional but entertaining!

 

If you have specific questions, just ask. But I think you will enjoy. One note, stick with your guide. I lost mine in Crete and had to talk a taxi back and panicked as I thought I would miss the ship. Best ports to me - Crete/Knossos visit and Rhodes.

 

Also, lots of stairs and slick marble in some sites. I have a bad knee so it made it difficult as Greeks don't seem to believe in handrails either. But well worth going!!

[Studebaker59]

landofoz,

 

Thanks so much for your comments. I feel much better after reading them.

[landofoz]

Studebaker, will be interested in your comments when you return. Have fun and good luck.

[suzanne73]

Does anyone have an 800 number or a united states phone number for Louis Hellenic Cruise line? I can only find overseas phone numbers. Thanks!

 

Just got off the Sea Diamond last Friday! It was ok. Rooms were very small. Food at dinner (non-buffet was good). Don't waste your money on Bingo. The weather was not very nice. Cold and rainy!

 

The boat was very rocky from Rhodes to Crete. (the staff said it is always like that).

 

Beware if you take the tour in Rhodes. The Rhodos and Lindos one there is ALOT of climbing!

 

Buy things to bring back for people in Turkey or before you leave in Athens.....they are the cheapest. :o

[landofoz]

Suzanne, You were there the same time as we were. We were very disappointed with the weather. Rain and cold too. Never had a really warm day that you imagine for the Med. Jackets and umbrellas. Yes Turkey was the cheapest and they would bargain. Greece was expensive and most of the merchants wouldn't bargain except the jewelry folks and you knew you really were not still getting a great bargain. They would tell you they were giving you winter prices. :)

 

Patmos monastery was supposedly tremendously steep hills. Ephesus was Ok but slick when rainy. We didn't do a tour in Rhodes but just walked the city and did the museums which were good. Santorini was OK as long as you took the cablecars.

 

We had rocky weather two nites. The weather was so poor that no one was really sitting outside so you felt somewhat claustrophobic on the ship.

[newgreeny]

First time cruisers - just come back from a cruise on the Coral (originally Cunard Adventurer many years ago) ex Marseilles. Really enjoyed it - staff incredibly friendly - especially to 3 year old daughter which was great - our waiter made up paper frogs for her at dinner - captain kissed her hand on gala night etc etc!- just really nice treatment from really nice staff. ship clean and cared for if a bit old. All inclusive drinks deal for about Euro 120 / week was useful - found myself introducing myself to a whole range of spirits I'd never tried before. Particularly recommend the non alchoholic aegean fruit smash!. Best thing was because ship is relatively small - you got really close to the town / city centre where ship docks - particularly amusing in Malaga where QE2 was moored a long way out whilst we were 5 mins walk to the Cathedral.

Can't speak for other ships but based on last week's experience - I'd definately cruise with Louis again but realistic enough to realise not to expect the creature comforts on the huge American cruise ships moored at Marseilles when we left. :) :) :)