Diamond Princess Review
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Diamond Princess Review (Sydney-Beijing) February 4th-February 28th 2012.
We just returned after an amazing and very enjoyable 23 day sailing on the Diamond Princess. Over 110 Cruise Critic members were aboard! The first of two togethers were held in Skywalker lounge and the Ship's senior officers: Captain, Staff Captain, Hotel Manager, Excursion Desk Manager, Executive Chef were present to welcome us and and to answer questions. It was clear to all of us that Princess pays attention to Cruise Critic and want to be sure we have a great experience.
The best part of the entire Princess experience on this trip was the ship's crew and how polished they were. Although I've sailed on Princess many times, as well as on Silverseas and Seabourn, the crew on the Diamond were consistently able to deliver exceptional service everywhere we went. Whether it was a cabin steward encountered in the hallway on an entirely different deck from my own, or a member of the crew varnishing a railing out on deck, everyone greeted me with a "cheerful" hello and a smile. I never witnessed any cross glances or disagreements among crew members or dining staff. Everyone worked as a team.
Cabin Review
Balcony
I was very pleased with our outside balcony location on Baja 529 during our 23 day cruise. We were ideally located relative to bow and stern and experienced minimal movement, even during rough weather with 20 foot seas one afternoon and evening. We never heard noise from other cabins above, below or on either side of us.
We think the cabin layout on BB cabins need improvement. The bathrooms lack horizontal space to place everyday toiletries where I wanted them. The showers need hand held shower heads in addition to the fixed head to facilitate removing soap from lower extremities.
More horizontal space on the desk and near the bed is needed.
Directional reading lights should be installed.