My friend and I absolutely loved this cruise, sailing with Royal Caribbean after cruising with another line the last couple of holidays. We chose the itinerary in particular, as it was going to places neither of us had been before, except for Athens, which is always lovely to visit. This was our first time in an ocean view cabin, having taken a balcony in the past, but our budget changed that this time. We were not disappointed; it was spacious and clean and our attendant made sure we had everything we needed. The ship was clean everywhere, the staff were great and friendly in all areas, the entertainment each evening was entertaining (and varied) and the choice of food, flavour and presentation in the main dining room each evening was excellent. We also like having breakfast in there when we can. The Windjammer buffet on this ship seemed particularly busy at all times, so we were happy to find we could eat in the Solarium area too, where it was more relaxed; not the full choice as in the buffet but calmer.

We particularly like doing quizzes and these were plentiful and fun. Each one of the entertainments team doing the quizzes and fun activities was a lovely person. And what can I say about the captain? Such a character! There was the possibility we wouldn't be able to make the stop at Athens as it was on a day when a strike was happening. It turned out rioting broke out too so the captain took us to the next stop (Bodrum) first, switching the two dates. He kept the passengers advised as to what would happen if we wouldn't be able to visit Athens at all, planning to take us elsewhere should the need arise. I suppose hoping for a side trip to the Caribbean was stretching it a bit considering we were in the Eastern Med!! However, calm was restored and we had a great day in Athens after all.

My friend and I tend to do our own thing when in port, taking local excursions or doing a hop on/hop off type bus tour, so I can't comment on the ships shore excursions. Read more