This was to celebrate our Golden wedding on 30th July. (football supporters will recognise the wedding date in 1966!) We pushed the boat out (excuse the pun) for this very special occasion & took the whole family of 12. The itinerary was important to us, as it included Corsica and Sardinia, which we had not been to before. We booked on this basis. Both were cancelled and replaced by Barcelona and Toulon. My representations resulted in explanations 'the port isn't ready' and in the case of the other 'we have been informed that the port will not accommodate a ship of our Freedom class'. Whilst it is fully accepted that Port cancellations are sometimes necessary for weather or other environmental reasons, but to advertise itineraries and then to cancel without, I believe, good reason 'outside their control', borders on the dishonest. Perhaps some recognition of the celebration occasion by say a cheap bottle of plonk in the cabin might have sweetened the bitter pill. But No nothing. However, now to the ship.

Embarkation at Southampton was absolutely great. No delay and very soon in our cabin which was a D3 on 8 deck. Very impressed with the size and design of the cabin. My only slight complaint was that the double bed was two singles linked together. I doubt the mattresses have ever been turned as this resulted in a significant ridge down the centre of the bed - though after 50 years we didn't worry too much about rolling away from each other! Overall we found the ship impressive. Particularly liked the digital interactive display which provides guidance round this very large ship. I suppose the biggest complaint was the difficulty in finding a sunbed. Most reserved by families by towels from early morning. Nothing was done about it - difficult to enforce their 'no reserving' policy, but at least they should try. Going in school holidays, it will understandably involve lots of children of all ages. Many were teenagers and naturally tended to gather in packs as the cruise progressed. I know many find this unsettling, but as an acknowledged 'Mr Grumpy' I must say I did not experience the noise and rudeness some have mentioned. Food was acceptable without anything to significantly complain about. I thought the entertainment was pretty average, but the talks by the retired policeman were very interesting and the Ice Shows were outstanding.

Some have suggested that RCI was expensive and in many respects I would not disagree. Read more