Astoria Review

3.0 / 5.0
0 reviews

Ignore the whinging reviews. Choose carefully and this ship deserves 5-stars.

Review for the British Isles & Western Europe Cruise on Astoria
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Hurricane2C
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

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Sail Date: Apr 2019

I'm fed-up with moaning minnies who comment unfavourably on this 70-year old 'real ship' because it doesn't seem to match up to the vast majority of the bland 'floating blocks of flats' (i.e. most other cruise ships). Of course it doesn't! Anybody who does the most basic of research should KNOW what they can expect of the Astoria. This is a 'travel experience' and all the better for i! Consider these facts; (1) Pretty straightforward arrival/departure arrangements at smaller ports (Poole in this instance); (2) Great destinations (because she's a small ship and can get into places that the leviathans can't); (3) ALL cabins have bath, bidet and shower (OK, possibly slightly tired - but more or less unheard of on newer ships); (4) Other reviewers' adverse comments made about the food are frankly PATHETIC (see later); (5) Friendly crew who appear to go out of their way to be helpful; (6) Sensibly-priced on-board drinks (billed in sterling) with a good selection; (7) Very acceptable leisure-facilities given her small size; (8) Unbeatable value for money as long as you are not expecting The Ritz.

We paid just £492 each and achieved a 'one grade' upgrade to an outside cabin, which was a bonus - but the review wouldn't have changed even if we had been in the inside cabin that we had expected. Bear in mind that the basic 'real cost' will actually always be £7 per day each higher because of the addition of the 'automatic gratuity' - so in our case that made it £562 each. Allowing for our travel costs, car-parking (£100 in this case), four port-excursions and a drink or two each day, our holiday-cost increased to just a smidge under £1000 each. Where else can you get full-board accommodation and be transported around the country with organised excursions for just £100 per day?

The food in Astoria's restaurant is EXCELLENT (and not at all bad in the buffet). I've not had better Beef Wellington or Fillet Mignon for example. We always push the boat out and have all five courses at dinner (OK, so the 'sophisticated' might say that this is not good form - but I don't care!) and the quantities are entirely adequate.

Cabin Review

Cabin Outside, midships, low deck

No issues. At the end of the day, this is after all just a place to keep clothes, to sleep and to wash etc. Perfecty comfortable and well-lit. Much-reduced movement in this location when the seas are on the rough-side (which they ere for the first couple of nights on this cruise).

Port Reviews

Belfast

Restricted time at this port of call - and we had visited previously (when we did the trip to the Giant's Causeway etc.) - so we took the free shuttle-bus to the city centre and then made our own way back (by bus - £1.60 each way) to the Titanic Experience. This is a really excellent 'museum' and should be regarded as a 'must see' (about two hours is needed to do it justice) when in Belfast.

Greenock (Glasgow)

Brilliant weather here (actually the fifth port of call) and we took the organised 'Lochs & Glens' excursion. Stunning scenery and well-worth the price. Firmly recommended. Staying in Greenock may be a less-successful option as this is not a scenic location.

Dublin

Our third time in Dublin (the sixth port of call), so we just tok the free shuttle-bus to the city-centre (about 20 minutes each way). Lots to do in Dublin - whether independently or an organised trip.

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