Second of two 'preview' cruises on Harmony - 3 nights to Cherbourg. We boarded with some trepidation having read reviews from the previous four night trip to Rotterdam, but have to say all was a lot better than we anticipated. Various factors - partly I think because we were expecting some disruption, and partly because I think the worst of the issues affecting the previous cruise had been addressed, at least to some extent.

Firstly lots of positives. Incredibly quick and efficient embarkation. Fantastic boat overall, most of which was up and running - favourite areas including the lovely Central Park area, the Royal Promenade, the Solarium, the jacuzzis (most of which were open most of the time) and pool areas. Service was almost without exception excellent which is impressive given such a new team of staff having been put together. The one exception was the first night when the dining room was rather chaotic and service very slow - but that is not an uncommon event on the first night of a cruise.

Food itself mostly excellent as well - ate only in the included dining areas - main dining room, Park Cafe (a serene favourite for breakfast and lunch), Windjammer (for breakfast one morning; seems bigger than Oasis and was certainly less chaotic), and snacks from Cafe Promenade and Sorrento's - and especially loved the new 'Mini Bites' area - what a great idea! Only entertainment we did was the Ice Show - but it was excellent. Read more