We left from Bristol - but this is not a listed option. So. I really REALLY wanted to enjoy this cruise. I'd never travelled with Cruise and Maritime before and I prefer smaller older ships that don't look like tower blocks on the water.

The cabin JS213 was really clean and well equipped - having a bath on a cruise ship - especially a jacuzi was great. All in all the first impressions were great. Then the ship started to move and the engines started up. The noise was just breathtaking. Unbelievable. Outside of the cabin door was the air conditioning plant which screamed continuously in competition with the roar of the engines. I went to reception who had a sign up saying that the ship was full and theer were no cabin moves. The sign stopped the 2 receptionis from having to actually speak to the passengers. Something they clearly preferred not to do. I couldn't sleep - I defy anyone to have slept in that incredible noise. 14 nights. ho hum.

So the crew. I've done 15 cruises of different durations on different ships and this was the most unhappy, surly, rude and on occasion agressive crew I have ever met. With the exception of 4 crew members, they gave the impression of having a deep dislike of the passengers. The only time I saw them really busy was when the stripped all the food away at 8.30 from the buffet. Imagine a cruise ship that has no service from 8.30 pm until the following morning. I was left twice with no alternative but to use room service who charge 12.95 for a baguette. Our cabin steward was ok but became like a limpet when the end of the voyage came around and it was tipping time. One bar waitress worked incredibly hard - she had to as the male staff were only interested in serving the tables right in front of them. Rude staff - a lady told one of the staff that she had spilt her tea - witrhout stoppingn his chat with the deck oficer the steward stuffed a wad of napkins into her face. He didn't even look at her. Read more