We were first time cruisers, family of 5, generally down to earth people who don't normally choose luxury holidays. We took two cabins, one a double, and a twin that had a fold down bed for one of my sons. Cabins were "cosy", but generally well thought out and comfortable.

From the start, the staff were fantastic. Our cabin stewards helpful, always there when wanted, but not there otherwise. The waiters were likewise outstanding.

During the day there was always plenty of good quality food available in the buffet restaurant, but for better family chats over meals we chose to go to the proper dining room about twice a day. For those worried about dress codes, you can wear almost anything to the buffet. In the dining room we wore what we wanted to breakfast and lunch, but for the evening meal when informal tended to be jeans and a shirt (not T-shirt). The formal meal we wore dark lounge suits, and the ladies wore dresses or skirts and a blouse. Throughout the day there is free ice cream on the top deck, delicious! You can order pizzas (free), and we saw no need to go to the speciality steak house (costs about $20) because the other food was so good. Read more