10 Nights Spotlight with Chef Kent Rathbun - Barcelona to Athens Cruise

Cosy Mega-Yacht Experience (French Polynesia)

Lovely, cosy, mega-yacht experience with locally integrated ethical excursions. Staff was friendly and professional - everyone went above and beyond to make our experience exceptional. The rooms were clean and food was good. The hotel manager (Kosta) welcomed us back from each excursion with funky music & mocktails and made sure we had vegan food. (If you are vegan or vegetarian and don’t want mock meat, tell them before they shop for it!) The cruise coordinator (Elliott) was awesome. He made sure we were entertained, were able to go home with photos by facilitating sharing, made sure the captain explained to us when weather forced an adjustment to the course. Then he put together alternative activities curated to the tastes of the group. He was very knowledgeable about local wildlife and culture and entertained us with lectures while sailing. All this said, Panorama II is a 49 passenger mega-yacht, not a multi-thousand passenger mega-cruise ship. It is more susceptible to weather and especially swell. Check on the Windy app and expect itineraries to change if the swell is over 3 meters and be liberal with motion sickness pills. The experience is recommended for those who want to feel the power of nature via the pitch and roll of the deck, be cared for by staff that know you by name, and make friends with fellow passengers.

We loved this cruise!!!

We booked a balcony cabin on Deck 10 and it was perfect for us! Very affordable compared to the ever inflating prices on Royal Carribbean and the like! Embarkation was a breeze! We were worried about getting there for our stated embarkation time but honestly when you show up they just put you through so we got on the ship early and were able to start our cruise immediately !! We had our carry ons with us and went right to the buffet! We staked out a spot near the Adults only pool and it was so nice! They announced that cabins were ready around 3pm so we unpacked and sat on the balcony! We ate all dinners in the Main Dining Room and had the early seating - the menu has some traditional foods they offer every night such as French Onion soup, Shrimp Cocktail, Greek Salad, etc - I got Prime Rib and a baked potato and it was perfect! We also utilized the Buffet and it was totally fine! If you don’t like something or it’s weird just go get something else! Nassau was the first stop and there were 5 ships in port!! It was crazy but we got our little slice of the beach! Those guys working the beach are amazing really! Next stop was Ocean Cay Marine Reserve which we adore! We love it because it’s not all built up with water parks and it’s really just the beaches, the Lighthouse and a wonderful day of relaxation. After the sun sets they do a light show from the Lighthouse which is such a nice touch as you’re leaving you can see the Lighthouse in the dark ocean! Debarking was a bit of a chaotic mess but we got a shuttle to the airport and we are already home!! I will most definitely do this cruise again!! Try it! For the price, you really should try MSC and you can make up your own mind- don’t let others dictate how you feel about a cruise line until you experience it for yourself!!

VV - you will have fun

The ship is in great shape and never a time where you don't see someone cleaning or maintaining some area on board. Cabins were clean and comfortable and all of the dining options were great. We are still used to drink packages so it does take some getting used to however there are ways to score free cocktails. You need to hit the PJ party and Scarlet Night so much fun. Embarkation/disembarkation was a breeze. If you arrive early there are lines however once your time slot is open you breeze right in. We also love that everything is served to you vs. buffet style on most ships. The Galley offers a great variety of food and there are several spots around the ship where you can get other eats. The staff, fantastic and always ensuring you are having a great time. Highly recommend you will not be disappointed. Have fun.