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Fairly expensive week cruise, seeing Venice & surrounding islands of interest, BUT outstandingly good value as it included many experiences with no expense spared, including St Marks Cathedral & The Doges Palace out of hours, which avoided queuing for over 2 hours, & doing battle with the crowds at each. Lots of trips in vaporettos. We don't know how they did it for the money. Every experience was carefully chosen, we had an outstandingly good guide, Susan Steer. We felt we saw everything of interest, & enjoyed it so much hope to repeat it. I particularly enjoyed the Opera evening onboard, with singers of Glyndebourne standard. Despite the many experiences, it was a very easy & relaxed way to see Venice.
The only reason for 4 stars in the public rooms was the bar was situated in the centre of the main salon, which made it difficult for everyone to have a good view of the entertainment
This cruise was not as good as the last one I took on Fred Olsen last year because of the entertainment. Across the ship, the entertainment was not as good. As a musician myself, while I am very discerning, I know I sometimes have a higher standard, that aside, the singers on board were out of tune, shouty and at times screechy. The main stage show cast was inexperienced and not nearly as skilled as the cast last year. Singers elsewhere on the ship were also not as good. As much talent as there is out there, I am surprised that FO doesn't find it.
To the topic of dining...the main dining room bill of fare was not so special at all. At times, I have had better a meal at a hotel banquet. This really needs to be looked at because it was so inconsistent. Some nights would be terrific, others average at best. All in all the cruise was ok but not as special as it could have been.
Cruise was good value for money. Food was excellent and the cabin storage best we have come across. Disembarkation at Tilbury was a complete shambles and took the shine off an enjoyable cruise.
S.S. São Gabriel
S.S. São Gabriel is a mini river ship sailing with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
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