This was our first cruise and we were not dissapointed. We didn't know anyone who had sailed with Cunard and did not think their description of cruises they had been on were for us (not into water slides rock climbing or hundreds of screaming kids nor does a river cruise sound appealing....... ) so we did lots and lots of research on line. Mostly coming back to Cruise Critic and YouTube!!!

So, we sort of knew what to expect, we are by no means old (mid 50's) and knew by now there'd be lots of folk much much older than us but this was our choice anyway. All these reviewers who appeared to have been shocked and horrified to discover this once on board have only themselves to blame. Research people, research.

We had a balcony room mid ships on deck 5 which was good for crossing bay of Biscay. ........ Not noisy, not too hot, we weren't kept awake by anything or anyone. There was a low hum which only served to rock you to sleep but guess what? It's a ship. It has an engine. It's the thing that is taking us to our ports of call. Please don't tell me there isn't noise in a hotel (kitchens, lifts, doors banging, stilettos on marble floors you get the picture.) Read more