We booked this through a Thomson travel agency and never having cruised before decided to try a few upgrades. We upgraded to a suite, bought the drinks package (more later) and selected our seats on the flight.

On arrival at the airport we were faced with a dilemma, hand luggage which was overweight! Allowed only 5kg but the paperwork states 7kg. After switching stuff around into main cases we proceeded. No in flight entertainment or meals as standard, this is not good enough for a 5 + hour flight.

Arrived at Sharm el Sheik airport, no problems here other than chaotic with several flights arriving around the same time. Took a coach to the dock, could not call it a port. We had to queue for registration in a small hut, felt a bit like a refugee at this point. Eventually got on board and the suite we had (056 on deck 8) was fine, the bathroom had clearly been refurbished recently, although the description of the view was "partially obstructed", there was ample room to see past the lift boat arm and winch. The cabin steward could not have been better. Read more