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Review of African Safari Club MS Royal Star by sbattersby (14 Jan 08)
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Overall Rating
Secrests of the Seychelles - calling at Zanzibar, Mayotte, Madagascar, La Digue and Mahe - 11 nights, followed by stay in Mombasa and 7 night safari - 2n Crocodile camp, Tsavo; 2n Zebra Lodge, Kimano; 3n Mara Bufflao Camp, Masai Mara.
Booked through Travelsphere - changed booking 12m later to upgrade cabin and select a different cruise & safari from the one originally selected.
Departed 22/09/07 for 3 weeks - weather was superb, but did have some rain in Masai Mara (8th Oct).
I have read a few reviews about this ship after I had booked for a cruise and safari for my 50th birthday and I was concerned with the bad reviews from many and the good reviews from some. We were lucky and booked the Presidents Suite so we had no complaints about the cabin - if you can afford this cabing, go for it, it is total luxury! But I did not hear many other complaints about cabins, and you get what you pay for.
The staff were wonderful and so attentive - the restaurant staff know your name before the end of the first day! Our cabin steward was always there to be of assistance and our cabin was spotless.
The excursions were well managed and there was enough choice to meet our needs. A lot of people did their own thing and just used the tenders to go back and forth.
The meals at breakfast and dinner were fabulous. Again there was a choice for the evening and each night was themed. If there wasn't anything you particularly fancied, there was always steak, chicken or fish to satisfy you. Lunch was a buffet or a la carte, but we did not think that this was as good, but after a large breakfast, you didn't need to eat much at lunch. I am sure that if there wasn't anything on the menu you fancied, the chef's would prepare something simple that you wanted.
The entertainment was quite simple. This is only a small ship and you cannot expect the big productions that you get on the liners. Day time entertainment was okay but most of the time there was only one choice. We don't pick a cruise for the entertainment as we are wquite happy having a late dinner and then going to the lounge for a drink. The people we met on our table were wonderful and we had a great time with them, chatting and drinking into the late hours.
The Indian Ocean can be rough and if you suffer from travel sickness (like I do) you will be ill as even the calmest of seas seemed to rock the boat. The staff are prepared for this and have tablets available and if you are really bad the doctor will give you a jab to help. We had one night & day of REALLY bad weather between Madagascar and the Seychelles and a lot of people were poorly and stayed in their cabins. You can't do anything about this and it is not the ships fault. (if you attend the talk about the ships history you will understand what is happening!) It did not spoil our holiday and if anything is an experience that added to the excitement (although that was not what it seemed at the time!)
I can understand why some people do not rate this ship, but do not let that cloud your judgement. It is small, does not have a lot of facilities and cannot be compared with your 2000+ cruise liners. If you want a restful holiday on a ship that is full of charm with the most helpful staff you can ever come across, then this is the holiday for you. There is nothing for children - it is not a holiday for the family, but is ideal for couples and singles, as all the guests are very friendly and mix with fellow travellers. The age range was 40-65 with some older and some younger and mostly English.
Our safari at the end of the holiday was just as good. The camps are quite basic but provided the atmosphere we were looking for. Saw loads of animals - the only one that avoided us was the leopard. Zebra camp was the best & Crocodile Camp was okay, very pleasant position by the river. Buffalo camp was big and inpersonal, but worth going to just to meet Amellia the zebra that lives there. The staff at all camps were very attentive and friendly and the food was much better than I expected.
We stayed at the Flamingo hotel in Mombasa and this was a good hotel. Staff are less friendly than all the other places we stayed, but there were no complaints, they were just a little laid back! Rooms were large and basic, but clean and cool and the pool area was amazing, providing a fabulous view from our room.
All in all, I would recommend African Safari Club as the organisation, scheduling and accomadtion were very good and we had a holiday of a life time - they made my 50th birthday one I will never forget.
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