We sailed from Bristol for our round Britain cruise on mv Azores (Cruise & Maritime). She used to be called mv Athena. An elderly ship but traditionally refitted. The decor was attractive everywhere. Because there were only 550 passengers there were no queues for anything and we found everyone very friendly because you saw the same people several times! Food in the traditional dining room was wonderful - very high standard. The waiters all seemed to love their job and joined in the fun dressing up as pirates one day! We loved the promenade deck and there were plenty of tables and chairs and loungers round the small pool. The bar was comfortable and where the quizzes and classical music took place. The cruise director seemed to be everywhere! Very efficient and friendly and knew exactly what was going on. Our cabin (Superior Twin) was roomy and comfortable, the steward efficient and quite shy. It was lovely to be able to walk back to your cabin without having to walk for miles and miles. Because of rough seas we were unable to use the tender to get into Tobermory or Stornoway which was disapointing but understandable. So quickly the company arranged for us to move on to Kirkwall then an extra stop at Invergordon. Kirkwall was great as we visited the 5,000 year old village that had been uncovered by a storm, Skara Brae and the standing stones at Brogeda. Invergordon was a bit of a disappointment, not much to do there but the company laid on a fabulous Scottish folk song and dance group and a piper for an afternoon shindig on board. Great fun. They had organised a trip to Loch Ness which we did not go on. My one niggle was as the ship is quite old, being built in 1948 the engine noise was apparent at bed time...good job we took our ear plugs. We'd definitely go with Cruise & Maritime again, a great British cruising company.