Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
I enjoyed a hassle-free check-in experience, effortlessly managing our luggage through the convenient bag drop-off service. My outbound flight departed right on schedule, ensuring a smooth start to our journey.
My stateroom was fantastic, with top-notch furnishings that were all brand-new since it was the ship's maiden voyage. Some items were still in their packaging, adding to the excitement. One cool feature was the medallion, which allowed us to access our room without needing a card or key.
I was delighted to enjoy the Princess Plus package during my cruise, which offered fantastic perks such as 15 drinks per day, two specialty desserts daily, and two casual dining experiences. Plus, I treated myself to a memorable evening at a specialty restaurant, The Butchers Table by Dario, it was delicious.
Booking the excursions was a breeze through Princess via their app, Guest Services, or the stateroom TV. I found these outings to be expertly organised and hassle-free. They were definitely worth the investment, although you could opt for independent exploration if you prefer.
One of the best parts of my trip was definitely the amazing variety of food available. Every night at Horizons, the main dining area, I was treated to a new menu reflecting the flavours of our current destination. Plus, there were plenty of specialty restaurants to choose from, catering to all kinds of tastes. I also loved how easy it was to order food and drinks, get on and off the ship, and access my stateroom using the medallions – super convenient! Overall, it was a fantastic experience!
As I was fortunate enough to be on Princess Sun’s first voyage, the ship was still in the process of putting the finishing touches on many of its fantastic amenities. While the Arena Theatre wasn't quite ready for its grand debut and shows were yet to be performed, the talented performers were hard at work rehearsing. Exciting venues like Spellbound and Park19 were still undergoing construction, but will soon be ready to dazzle you.
I discovered that using the Medallion made accessing all the ship incredibly convenient. I didn't have to bother staff with my room number or fumble with a key card. The variety of dining options was excellent, and the quality of the food was top-notch. I didn't get a chance to experience the entertainment onboard, however, from the brief performances I caught in the atrium, they seemed well-executed and were enjoyed by fellow guests.
Princess Cruise offers an abundance of high-quality experiences. While catering to the UK market can be a tad challenging due to its Americanised food options and onboard currency being in dollars, Princess Cruise goes the extra mile by providing kettles and tea making facilities in guest rooms for UK guests, a thoughtful gesture. Overall, I couldn't find any faults with Princess Cruise's service and wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking a remarkable cruise experience.
Here are some essential recommendations for making the most of this amazing experience: Make sure to catch the performances in the Atrium - they're truly unforgettable. Don't miss out on Spellbound and Park18, they're absolute must-sees. And for a culinary adventure, be sure to dine at the specialty restaurants - they're a must-try!
You can find Kit at our Thorpe Travel branch in Norwich.
