nevermind

We're thinking about taking a cruise next year with Cruise West, but have no experience with them, although they sound great! We sailed on SilverSea's Prince Albert II to Antarctica last year and loved it. Anyone know how the Spirit of Oceanus compares?

Thanks.

Louise

In April, I had a wonderful trip on the ship around Japan and one day into South Korea. I loved the ship although there were some issues on the bottom deck with the sewage system backing up and the air conditioning was noisy. Hopefully these have been fixed. Other than that everything was extremely well planned including hotel and airport transport. No complaints about the food. I would love to sail on the Prince Albert 11 but haven't as yet so can't give you a comparison. Have done many cruises on the Clipper Odyssey and I would say it is almost comparable.

Louise

I was actually booked on the Prince Albert 11 in the fall for their Easter Island to Tahiti cruise but it was canceled shortly after I booked. I seem to remember the reason being other cruises were more profitable for them.

nevermind

Louise, thanks for your response. It is good to know that the lower cabins might be noisy. What quality hotels did you stay in as part of the package? Was airport transport as a group or individual? It looks like Spirit of Oceanus is fairly casual - which suits us perfectly!

Louise

We stayed in what I think was the nicest hotel in Kobe. It was right on the waterfront and we strolled the lovely area in the evening. Transport for us was by small van - I think method of transportation would depend on how many are arriving or leaving at the same time. I wouldn't say that just the bottom deck was noisy - the air conditioning problem could have happened on any deck I am guessing. And yes, it was very casual and might be even more so on your trip. A blouse/shirt and slacks were fine for evening.

nevermind

Thank you, Louise. Cruise West and the Spirit of Oceanus sounds like it might be just right for us!! I appreciate your input.