Our cruise began with a charter flight from Gatwick to Santiago which was an unpleasant experience for all concerned: a long flight was made even more uncomfortable and protracted by the refuelling stop in Teneriffe during which all passengers were confined to their seats with no air conditioning operating. There was a serious lack of toilet accommodation on board because of a malfunction which was not rectified during the refuelling stop: consequently long queues formed throughout the night to use the facilities.

On arrival in Santiago the transfer from airport to the ship in Valparaiso involved a fascinating tour past some Chilean vineyards and seaside resorts with a well informed escort on board.

The itinerary followed by 'Balmoral' for the next three weeks was an attractive and interesting one. The shore excursions were well organised, informative and varied. Two of the advertised ports of call were not available because of industrial action in Chile on the one hand, and the refusal of the Argentinian authorities to allow entry to Buenos Aires by a vessel which had previously called at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands on the other. Alternative venues and excursions were provided at short notice.Our cabin was reasonably well appointed although we had to specifically ask the stewardess for a supply of toiletries as these had been overlooked. The dining arrangements were disappointing: during open seating sessions the service was inconsistent and at times poor. The menus were rather tired and unimaginative and the food quality was on occasions mediocre (for instance, Yorkshire puddings only half cooked, greasy and inedible). Read more