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sunshine42
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29-05-2008 10:17 AM
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Joined: 29 May 2008
Posts: 5
| Hi. I am going on the Pearls of The Agean in August with my 11 year old and my partner and have been really looking forward to it.
However, I am feeling a bit concerned about some of the negative reviews I have read, although it seems that for every one there is a positive to be found.
We usually do self catering holidays in Greece etc but this is the first ever cruise we have done.
I would really appreciate some advice about the ship.
Do superior cabins have safes, is the food really a bad as some people say and does the ship really smell bad? You can get the gist of the comments I have read!!
I am not expecting something of the class of celebrity cruises etc,after all its an old ship. We just wanted a taster really, but as the remaining payment is due in a few weeks I am wondering if I should not bother and just lose the deposit.
Thanks for any help you can give me
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nanabo
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29-05-2008 06:16 PM
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Joined: 19 Dec 2006
Posts: 566
My Profile
| Hi Sunshine
Its a good ship for a first time cruise and I am sure you will enjoy it, it was a few years since we went on her and we enjoyed it. but you get what you pay for and I am sure you will need to make your own mind up. Just go with the flow cos it goes to some beautiful places in Greece. You will have the time of your life
bo
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My Latest Review: Jul 2007 Renaissance Harbourside Hotel, Vancouver (10/10)
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tenpin
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29-05-2008 07:46 PM
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Joined: 19 Nov 2004
Posts: 1578
My Profile
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Hello Sunshine,
Welcome to Holiday Watchdog.
Nice name hope you get plenty on your first cruise.
Firstly as you pointed out she is an old lady now, but I think you will enjoy it. The food is fine not 5 star but certainly Ok, not all modern recently built superliners are all they are cracked up to be, problems do occur from time to time, most bad reviews relate to bad weather rather than anything the cruise line has done. Engine trouble caused seventeen 1 out of 10 marks on a recent cruise we where on, but we loved it, ok we missed out a port, buy hey, they gave us free drinks so one cancelled out the other.
Go ahead with your cruise, think positive, then when you get back you will be thinking of booking your next one.
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My Latest Review: Jun 2008 Grand Princess Cruise Ship (9/10)
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marinajune
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29-05-2008 09:30 PM
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Joined: 10 Oct 2007
Posts: 23
My Profile
| Hi Sunshine
We are doing the same cruise on 13th June. Will post a review so you can see what we think.
Regards
Taylaboo
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My Latest Review: Jun 2008 The Emerald Cruise Ship (9/10)
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sunshine42
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01-06-2008 08:14 AM
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Joined: 29 May 2008
Posts: 5
| Thanks for all the comments. Great help. Will look forward to hearing from your June holiday. Have a great time.
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marinajune
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08-07-2008 12:49 PM
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Joined: 10 Oct 2007
Posts: 23
My Profile
| Hi We have just returned from the Emerald and loved every minute.
The food was great, especially in the Chanterelle restaurant and we had a large cabin and she certainly doesn't smell bad. The staff are cleaning 24/7 and she is pristine. If you are used to doing self catering in Greece you are in for a nice surprise. Go and have a wonderful time and stop worrying. She is a lovely old ship and the staff and crew are great.
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My Latest Review: Jun 2008 The Emerald Cruise Ship (9/10)
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sunshine42
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11-07-2008 07:26 AM
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Joined: 29 May 2008
Posts: 5
| Thanks for the good news. Since I posted this I have read such great reviews and it seems a shame that this will be the last year for the Emerald as she appears to held in such great affection. I am really looking forward to this . Anyone going on the 22 nd Aug?
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mtek
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13-07-2008 06:49 PM
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Joined: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 43
My Profile
| Hi Sunshine, you and your family will have a ball. The Emerald is old and a bit worn around the edges but in terms of effort she gets an A. Food in the bistro can be a bit cold unless you get in early. There are two entrances to the bistro from the open deck and people go to one or the other. Occasionally you will find groups of people who have split up and one goes in one door and the other group the other door to compare what is on offer - big mistake it is identical at either side. If you are stuck behind member of a group such as this (particularly if they are elderly ladies) you can be waiting in the queue for 10 minutes or more while they recount what they have seen on the other side and assured themselves that the side they have chosen is not short changing them.
Smells - well once or twice on the Emerald I have encountered the smell of vomit in the corridor but this is simply as a result of people having too much to drink and not managing to get to the loo on time - again I blame the all inclusive which I thing should be abolished.
The last time I went on the Emerald was 2 years ago and I can't remember if the cabins had safes because (as I discovered) I was more in danger of my money being stolen by the person I travelled with than other passengers or staff/crew.
Go for it - you will have a ball. The Emerald does not have all the lights, bells and whistles of the mega ships but she more than makes up for that in personality, service and her itineraries are great. Pity this is her last year with Thomson's Regards Marie
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sunshine42
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31-07-2008 07:40 AM
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Joined: 29 May 2008
Posts: 5
| Thanks Marie. I will keep an eye out for the elderly ladies in the Bistro!!!!
Tickets have arrived and most of my questions have been answered with regards to safes etc ( at reception)
Getting excited now . Got the posh frock !!! Trying to smarten up the man, funny how my 11 year old wants a suit and the grown up keeps saying why do I have to wear one!!! As for me, any excuse to glam up.
Really looking forward to this and if none gets seasick I think well do another next year!!
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katjoeuk
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12-08-2008 02:33 PM
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Joined: 12 Aug 2008
Posts: 3
| Hi Sunshine,
We are going on the Emerald a week before you guys, and I am soo looking forward!!
We have cruised before, mostly budget cruises, and while they are maybe not what you see on some TV shows, I absolutely loved them - If you don't expect 5-stars and are not someone who constantly looks out for flaws (and you do not sound like one!), you'll have a ball, I'm sure.
I'd rather go on two budget cruises than on one really hoity-toity one!!
Have a great holiday
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sunshine42
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20-08-2008 08:44 AM
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Joined: 29 May 2008
Posts: 5
| Two more days to go. We fly out of Stanstead on Friday 22nd August at 06.20 am ( bleary eyed no doubt as I know I wont be able to sleep). Cant wait, totally fed up with the weather now and soon I shall be sitting back on the Emerald in the sunshine!!!!
Reviews look really good, thanks to everone putting comments on I am really excited. Cant wait to see Santorini. Him indoors is getting fed up with all the shopping though. Thank heavens for Monsoon ( and all the other shops I have simply had to visit to get just the right outfits!! ( Any excuse).
Even my 11 year old wanted a proper suit to wear so he will look smart for the captains night!!
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