CRUISER94044 Posted March 8, 2005 #1 Share Posted March 8, 2005 We just returned from a wonderful cruise. Diamond Princess is a beautiful ship. We met many gracious crew who seemed to try really hard to please. We had a balcony cabin and made great use of it. The shows, Piano Man and Undercover were wonderful, and we enjoyed a back stage tour. A few observations: We have been on many cruises before, but this was our first on a Grand Class ship. Yes, Diamond is very large. And yes, there are stairs that seem to go nowhere, and sometimes you have to go up a level and then back down again.... but all the more exercise! We did not feel the ship was over crowded. We had no problem getting lounge chairs in the sun, and lots of quiet lounges to relax in. We had no problem using our coke cards. The barwaiters were all very pleasant when we requested a soda. We did not encounter the attitude we had found on previous cruises. The atrium is a little small, making the captains welcome party crowded. No big deal, just went, got a couple of drinks and moved on. The captain circle party was in one of the lounges and was very nice. Billy Hygate was our CD. We found him to be basically non-existent. We only saw him occasionally at the end of a show, heard his announcements over the intercom. However, two of the cruise staff, Neil and Sly were Wonderful! (don't miss Neil doing "The weakest One" ( a weakest link game show) We really enjoyed anytime dining and had no problems with reservations. We made reservations the first two nights when we boarded, and then the rest of the week, the next morning. We ate early, 5:30-6:00. Our meals lasted 1.5-2 hours. We never felt rushed. We reserved tables for two. Yes, these tables are all along a wall with some separation between tables. Every two or four tables, there would be a glass partition. Most nights we had a great time with the one or two tables near us. The food was great. Embarkation took quite a while. This is not Princess's fault. Immigration took a while, they were checking everyone's passports... We had some excitement the last sea day, they had to evacuate a very ill passenger by Helicopter. The ship does not have a helipad, so they had to air lift him in... The seas were extremely calm.... until the second to last night, and the last day. We were moving very quickly.... some folks needed some dramamine just near the end. If you are scheduled to go..... enjoy!!!:) :) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolynB Posted March 8, 2005 #2 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Thanks for the review. We will be on the Sapphire and with it being the sister ship, your insight will be very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuzzyape Posted March 8, 2005 #3 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Cruiser, I couldn't agree more. Neil and Sly were great (I got em on the Bingo side, very entertaining). I was disappointed in the morning shows, as they seemed to me to be just adverstisements for a shop on board the boat. I don't recall who the CD was on my first ship, but he, and his staff had a blast of a morning show filled with great humor. Oh well, everyone is different I guess. Looking forward to my next cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legalslave Posted March 8, 2005 #4 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Cruiser--did you notice if they had 1 cent slot machines in the casino? Will be on the Diamond this time next year. Thank you for your report. Diane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRUISER94044 Posted March 8, 2005 Author #5 Share Posted March 8, 2005 No, I did not see any 1 cent slot machines. There were quite a few 5 cent machines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travellady Posted March 8, 2005 #6 Share Posted March 8, 2005 You bring back memories from 2 short weeks ago. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on the Diamond as well. We are still debating if it was our best or 2nd best - maybe it was a tie. We booked the Carribean Princess while onboard for Apr 8 2006 - our son's spring break and Easter week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
llund Posted March 8, 2005 #7 Share Posted March 8, 2005 We are going on the Sapphire which is the same size. Since the ship is so big, we were wondering if it was crowded getting off at each port. We were on on large Carnival ship one time and the line to get off the ship went up 3 floors! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
humboldt74 Posted March 8, 2005 #8 Share Posted March 8, 2005 I am try to attach a photo of the Coast Guard Helicopter in this reply. The beautiful girls in the picture are my daughters. I was in the CG for 21 years and did many a medivac off of Cruise ships while stationed in San Diego. Was very different watching one from this side of the medivac. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ca2ga2000 Posted March 8, 2005 #9 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Cruiser94044- Thanks so much for your great review! We will be on the Diamond in just over 4 weeks....we cannot wait! It's so nice to hear people coming back with such positive things to say! Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRUISER94044 Posted March 9, 2005 Author #10 Share Posted March 9, 2005 llund, we ate breakfast each morning in port, and didn't try to leave the ship prior to 9:00 or 9:30 am. We did not see lines trying to get off the ship in port, and had no trouble getting tender tickets... but again we didn't try to get off the ship early. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
llund Posted March 9, 2005 #11 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Thanks...maybe we will wait too. What ports are tender ports? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iamthesea Posted March 9, 2005 #12 Share Posted March 9, 2005 I was in CABO SAN LUCAS on Monday, February 28th and saw the Diamond Princess come in late, float around a few minutes and then leave. There were rescue crew at the tender dock with three stretchers. Did the Diamond make an unscheduled stop there that day? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iamthesea Posted March 9, 2005 #13 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Nevermind! I just read about what happened. The Diamond was so pretty, so I am reading up on her for a possible cruise. Right now, we have the Explorer of the Seas reserved for a week in the fall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruise pup Posted March 9, 2005 #14 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Thanks...maybe we will wait too. What ports are tender ports? Cabo San Lucas is the only tender port. I loved the ship too. I understand Sapphire Princess will take over this itinerary next year but since they are identical ships it should not be a matter of concern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
llund Posted March 11, 2005 #15 Share Posted March 11, 2005 We will be on the Sapphire. Thanks for your information. If you can think of anything I should know about each port, I would appreciate your input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Coast Posted June 8, 2008 #16 Share Posted June 8, 2008 The shows, Piano Man and Undercover were wonderful, and we enjoyed a back stage tour. We were able to do a back-stage tour on our last cruise and really enjoyed it. I couldn't believe the amount of work the dancers had to do themselves... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sa7776 Posted June 8, 2008 #17 Share Posted June 8, 2008 I'm on the Diamond right now. I saw a few penny slots. Most were nickel or more. Any one else have any questions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted June 9, 2008 #18 Share Posted June 9, 2008 I found it it interesting that Billy Hygate is on the Diamond, he was on the Golden not a month ago and he was everywhere, we were really impressed with him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Cruiser Posted June 9, 2008 #19 Share Posted June 9, 2008 We were able to do a back-stage tour on our last cruise and really enjoyed it. I couldn't believe the amount of work the dancers had to do themselves... How did you find this? It is 3 years old. :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted June 9, 2008 #20 Share Posted June 9, 2008 oop's didn't read the dates...now I know why Billy Hygate is on the Diamond.:o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Cruiser Posted June 9, 2008 #21 Share Posted June 9, 2008 oop's didn't read the dates...now I know why Billy Hygate is on the Diamond.:o :D :D :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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