We were first time cruisers seduced by the thought of escaping the English winter and the romance of the exotic places that we had never thought we might be able to visit. And so we embarked with a sense of excitement and optimism which is probably essential for a long voyage like this. We were not disappointed.

We were greeted by smiling faces and an immaculate if clearly older ship and everything was as we expected - not a glitzy razzamatazz but a solid ocean going vessel with comfortable if not exactly glamorous amenities.

We were very impressed by the food which was plentiful and always hot (unlike some previous passengers' experiences.) Our table for dinner was a delight - our smiling and efficient waiter Kevin and our enthusiastic wine waiter Alla served us with courtesy and patience night after night in sometimes trying circumstances for them. One criticism would be the standard of the wines on offer at very inflated prices. But I was relieved to find that we did not have to buy expensive bottled water and nicely chilled water was readily available. Read more