Black Sea cruises

[missalto]

We have done several Med cruises on P&O (and Princess) are thinking about the Black Sea for July/Aug 2009. Anyone done this itinerary (Odessa, Yalta, Varna, ) - considering Royal Princess and the only port previously visited is Istanbul.

 

Also - we have experienced the bigger ships (Aurora, Oriana, Ventura for this year, Golden and Sea Princess). Would we find Royal Princess too small after these?

[jeanlyon]

Come back in October when I've done the Black Sea this year on Artemis!!

[merecat]

Royal Princess is certainly smaller but not being you I couldn,t say if you will find her too small.

I,ve sailed on smaller but always found size is relative.

Yalta is lovely ,Odessa interesting and it can be very hot at that time of year.

You will certainly see a difference between Ventura and Royal Princess but I suppose its what you are looking for on a cruise that counts.

[Druke I]

Haven't been on the new Royal Princess, but have been on three of her sister R class ships: Pacific Princess, Oceania's Nautica (once, with another booked), and Oceania's Regatta (twice).

 

Love those small ships!

[roley]

Hi we have done oriana up the Bosphorous we loved Odessa and Yalta. Odessa has the best port we have ever seen the glass hotel on the peir next to our ship. The huge statue of arms holding a baby is at the entrance to the dock, it was lovely. we had a free shuttle into town and back or you can climb the steps im sure there were over 100!! you can certainly do your own thing there so safe and friendly. But the loos are quite an experience in the park never seen anything like it but go to macdonalds (yes macdonalds) just climb the stairs and they are free and westenized! Yalta was the riviera for the rich Russians and its lovely, we really enjoyed this cruise and as you leave Istanbul and go up through the Black Sea make sure you are up on deck because it is an amazing sight. The waterway is so narrow that you can see both sides and the buildings and houses are fantastic. Its where the rich Turks live. Would love to do this cruise again as the ports are lovely and so is the black sea as it is not just water!!. Hope you enjoy:)