Embarcation and disembarcation were very efficient. we travelled from London by coach and back home by train and it could't have beeen more straightforward. Ship's decor classic and restrained - no Costa bling.

Inside cabin good,with enough toiletries - you don;t need to pack the basics, and they, and the tea, coffee and biscuits are refilled frequently. Check your table reservation - we were told we had first sitting, but were given second, and it took much complaining and 3 days before it was changed. The Orangerie food (buffet) is good, but lacks atmosphere, if you like dining in style. Grey plastic trays and a feel of a BHS cafeteria. Their themed nights were good, though. Not as good food as Princess, but very acceptable. Cafe Bordeaux is the place if you want a lovely bistro breakfast and lunch- a lovely esperience.

If you don't want the expensive trips, do some "surfing" and you can do the major Norwegian towns independently. Don't be spooked by the story that you have to take the trip to do the Flam railway- get off on the first tender and run to the staion.However, you have to do a trip to do North Cape, the same goes for seeing a glacier, and the trips were well-organised. You can do Trondheim and Tromso on foot, and the Grakelltrain in Trondheim is fun, cheap and goes to a lovely lake with lots pf possibilities for walking.Entertainment on board was good - shows, a comedian, up-to-date films, and a concert pianist. Do remember there's a launderette on board and don't pack too much - this "unlimited luggage" thing is OK until you have to move your cases. Oh, and you can take your own drink on board, provided you drink it in the cabin or are discreet. Read more