Personally sailed and independently reviewed
My Cruise Reviews: Honest First-Hand Cruise Reviews by Daniel Griese
Every full review in this collection is based on a cruise I personally completed. I share original photography, practical detail, honest criticism and the lessons I would use when choosing a similar voyage again.
Cruise review collection last reviewed: 24 September 2026.
The short answer
What makes a useful cruise review?
A useful cruise review should be based on direct experience, explain the practical details and remain honest about both positives and negatives. I only publish full reviews of voyages I have personally sailed.
Why trust these reviews?
Cruise reviews grounded in real experience
I write as both a traveller and an award-winning Gold Virgin Voyages First Mate. More than 17 Virgin Voyages sailings and multiple transatlantic crossings help me compare ships, itineraries and onboard experiences.
My editorial promise
I explain what happened, what worked, what did not work as well and who I believe the experience may suit.
Experience-led content
What makes these cruise reviews different?
Direct observations
Cabins, dining, entertainment, ports and arrangements as I experienced them.
Original evidence
My own images show what the voyage looked like beyond promotional material.
Useful criticism
I include disappointments and weaker experiences without exaggerating them.
Booking context
I explain how cabins, weather, excursions and itinerary pace can affect the trip.
Review directory
Cruise review library
Browse my published first-hand cruise reviews by cruise line and destination.
Latest reviewVirgin Voyages Greenland Review: Reykjavik to New York on Valiant Lady
- Cruise line
- Virgin Voyages
- Ship
- Valiant Lady
- Destination
- Greenland, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia
- Voyage
- Reykjavik to New York
My first-hand review of Prince Christian Sound, Qaqortoq, Nuuk, St John’s and Halifax, with Northern Lights, icebergs, whale watching, Sea Terrace 10026A and the North Atlantic crossing.
Read the full Greenland review
Virgin Voyages Iceland Review: Portsmouth to Reykjavik on Valiant Lady
- Cruise line
- Virgin Voyages
- Ship
- Valiant Lady
- Destination
- Amsterdam, Scotland and Iceland
- Voyage
- 10-night voyage
My first-hand review of Valiant Lady from Portsmouth to Reykjavik, including Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Invergordon, the Arctic Circle, Akureyri, Ísafjörður and Sea View Cabin 5230A.
Read the full Iceland review
Virgin Voyages Alaska Review: Brilliant Lady’s Alaskan Glacier Blues & Coastal Views
- Cruise line
- Virgin Voyages
- Ship
- Brilliant Lady
- Destination
- Alaska and British Columbia
- Voyage
- 30 July to 6 August 2026
My first-hand review from Seattle, including Sitka Wildlife Triple, Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, variable weather and a Central Sea Terrace.
Read the full Alaska reviewMore personally sailed cruise reviews will be added as they are published.
Newest publication
Latest cruise review
Virgin Voyages Greenland
Was Virgin Voyages good for Greenland?
My latest review follows Valiant Lady from Reykjavik to New York through Prince Christian Sound, Qaqortoq, Nuuk, St John’s and Halifax. It covers the Northern Lights, icebergs, whale watching, Sea Terrace 10026A, cold-weather Scarlet Night and the realities of a long North Atlantic crossing.
- Prince Christian Sound in cloud-free conditions
- Northern Lights and close iceberg encounters
- Qaqortoq and Nuuk Shore Things reviewed honestly
- Sea Terrace 10026A and Gorgeous Suite 15315A compared
Cruise lines
Cruise lines reviewed
Virgin Voyages
First-hand reviews of adult-only ships, itineraries, cabins, dining, entertainment and Shore Things.
Explore Virgin VoyagesMore cruise lines
Additional collections will appear after I publish personally sailed reviews.
Growing collectionDestinations
Cruise destinations reviewed
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Daniel’s cruise reviews
Are Daniel’s cruise reviews based on personal experience?
Yes. Every full review covers a voyage Daniel Griese personally completed. Observations about cabins, dining, ports, entertainment and planning come from direct experience onboard and ashore.
Which cruise reviews are currently available?
The collection currently includes Daniel’s Virgin Voyages Greenland and Canada review on Valiant Lady, Iceland review on Valiant Lady and Alaska review on Brilliant Lady. More personally sailed reviews will be added as they are published.
What is Daniel’s latest cruise review?
The latest review covers Valiant Lady from Reykjavik to New York via Prince Christian Sound, Qaqortoq, Nuuk, St John’s and Halifax, including Northern Lights, icebergs and Sea Terrace 10026A.
Does Daniel use original cruise photography and video?
Daniel uses original photography and video whenever possible, helping readers see the ship, destination or experience as it appeared during the voyage.
Are the reviews independent and honest?
Yes. Daniel explains what worked well, what did not work as well and what he would do differently. Cruise lines and tourism boards do not determine the conclusions.
What does Daniel include in a cruise review?
Reviews may cover the ship, cabin, dining, entertainment, embarkation, disembarkation, ports, excursions, weather, practical arrangements and whether Daniel would choose the experience again.
Can Daniel help me book after I read a review?
Yes. Daniel can help compare itineraries, cabin categories, flights, hotels and complete cruise packages based on the traveller’s requirements.
Why are first-hand cruise reviews useful?
They reveal practical details that are difficult to understand from a brochure alone, including how an itinerary feels, which experiences deserve more time and what the reviewer would change.
How often is the cruise review library updated?
The library is updated whenever Daniel publishes a new first-hand cruise review. The newest review is featured first while earlier reviews remain in the directory.
About the reviewer
About Daniel Griese
I am an award-winning Gold Virgin Voyages First Mate and frequent cruise traveller. Professional booking knowledge helps me understand fares, cabins, packages and logistics, while personally sailing gives me the experience needed to explain how a cruise works in practice.
Personal cruise planning
Use the reviews, then ask Daniel for tailored advice
A first-hand review can narrow the options, but the right cruise still depends on dates, budget, cabin preferences and travel style.