This cruise was very disappointing. The ports of call were mostly very interesting but the crew were totally unhelpful to the independent traveler. The shore trips generally did not live up to the advertising. For example three of the city tours purchased had no city component, just lots of war memorials and dull dull monuments . Local guides were good and were happy to discuss their city when asked but they seemed more interested in the dull stuff.
The food was entirely British style and uniformly second rate to non Britishers like myself. Meats cooked to death , vegetables always overcooked, mushy stodgy puddings and cakes , tasteless sauces and poor presentation. The Galley is staffed exclusively by Filipinos under the guidance of a Scottish Chef. Most of the galley staff in the self service restaurant had really lousy customer service skills along with a very poor attitude. This coupled with a far from clean room on occasions made for some depressing days.
The main dining room was much nicer but also had a lot of staff with a poor attitude . However they were mostly technically efficient and food was served promptly and hot.