written by Nickolas on 27/07/2009
JUST PERFECT:
- luxurious good sized cabins in warm colours
- sitting area with huge wall-to-wall panoramic window
- excellent beds, firm, comfy
- fluffy bathrobes & slippers
- full-size bathroom with bath and overhead shower
- shaving mirror (guys) and dryer (girls)
- hygienic wooden decks with luxurious day-beds and wooden sunbeds
- excellent great (but small) spa/gym
- beautifully designed areas and very comfortable furniture
- wide choice of meals, tasty, a pleasure to the eye (and stomach)
COULD BE BETTER OR IS MISSING:
- small library
- WiFi throughout ship or CNN/BBC channels on TV
- TV in lounge and music on deck too loud, and seem to be serving mainly the staff
- telephone too far from bed (but practical to long-sleepers)
- 'Eco-friendly' stuff like a plug in bathroom, towel-on-floor instructions etc
- a small elevator to cater for the elderly and wheelchair-bound tourist, a large group of often financially comfortable tourists that are consistently ignored
Having been on numerous ships over the years, I find the Alyssa one of the best currently available. It has just the right size, more like a large yacht and it is pleasantly luxurious without being pompous or kitschy, like so many others. Furniture in the lounge areas, bars and in the restaurant is not only beautiful, but also very comfortable.
The General Manager of the ship, speaks his languages, is amiable and a true professional. He and his deputy are available whenever you need them without being 'in your face'.
Entertainment to me was NOT participating in the Jallabeya 'party'. Better reception of international TV stations, and a small library of films and videos (especially on EGYPT), would be helpful.
Highly recommended!