Right lets get straight to the point here! My party and I of experienced independent travellers have no complaints about our first ever cruise, but a number of observations that may be of use to others.

We knew in advance it was an Italian cruise ship that would have a large mix of Europeans on board, in particular Italians, French, Dutch, Germans, Spanish etc and that we Brits would be in the minority. We knew in advance that the food in the buffet style restaurants would obviously have to cater to international tastes and that the food in the Villa Verde and Reggio restaurants would be of a high standard. We were not disappointed. However we did hear moans from some fellow Brits that the food was not well presented or like the food in the UK. Come on, get a life! In the restaurants the food was excellent and the service superb. They are serving in excess of 500 people at each sitting. In the Bora Bora and Pago Pago buffets the food is laid out for all to see and for all to help themselves. How else can these buffets cater for hundreds at a time?

Be prepared however for the rudeness of the Italians and Spanish who just push in and queue jump at meal times in the buffet restaurants. Grin and bear it or stop moaning and make the effort to go to your allocated restaurant where you can have breakfast lunch and dinner served to you in lovely relaxed surroundings by attentive staff. Treat the staff well and they'll look after you. Read more