We flew to Sydney to join the ship, sailing a leg of it's World Cruise. The embarkation at Sydney was quick and smooth. Outside cabin D183 was okay. Average size, a bit faded glory - the bathroom was that 'old lady's corset' pink colour. A bit tatty but clean and tidy. A big mirrored cabinet with plenty of room for toileteries, etc. Soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion provided. Lots of wardrobe space. Ask for extra clothes hangers if you need them. The staff were lovely. The entertainment was very mixed. Headliners group were excellent dancers although their singing was pretty bad. Some of the acts were outstanding. The comedian, I can't remember his name unfortunately, was brilliant and an unusual act called, would you believe, The Unusualist was great. Some of the other acts were quite poor. The Aurora Orchestra is fabulous, as is the band Caravan. Whoever was in charge of entertainment shouldn't be. The activities during the day were mostly aimed at the older people. There were ballroom dancing classes, and in the evening, ballroom dancing again in a nearly empty room. It would have been so easy to arrange for the band, Caravan to play some pop songs so people could have a bit of a bop instead of this formal dancing to CDs which hardly anyone attended. Everyone we spoke to complained about it. Most nights,we bought a drink and just sat out on the deck for want of something to do. Caravan were often playing to just a handful of people scattered around the huge Crow's Nest bar. It must be so demoralizing for them. There was a 1970's style 'disco' which started at 11.30pm in another big room. All dark with flashing lights and someone playing CDs. Always empty. I think they cancelled it eventually.

Food. Again, okay. We often used the buffet and could always find something to eat. We had Freedom dining, too, and went to the restaurant a few times and again, it was okay. As good as mass catering can be. There was a very good Indian restaurant, The Sindhu. There was a supplementary charge of £16 per head. The Beach House, a cordoned -off part of the buffet, was also very nice. The charge for this was £7.50 each, although some of the items on the menu were up to £2.95 on top. We didn't use the Glass House which is a wine bar with bistro type food at £5 to £8 per item. The drinks in all the bars were a bit more than pub prices eg.£4.15 Carling lager and Magner's cider.

I'm not sure I'd go on part of a world cruise again. There was a bit of snobbery from some of the people on the whole journey. We received a newsletter each evening telling us all the activities and about the port for the following day. It also stated the dress code for the next evening. (Black tie. Medals can be worn !) The launderette was a bit difficult at times with some of the 'all rounders' bagging their favourite washer or dryer. I found the best time to use it was 5.30pm onwards, when most people were getting ready for dinner and, presumably, polishing their medals..The place was always nearly empty then. A wash is 40 mins. So time to put the laundry in a washer then get showered and dressed. (I didn't sit and wait for it to be finished like some people did during the day) then put it in a dryer on my way to dinner. Pick it up any time before the launderette closes at 10pm. Sorted. There are three launderettes of varying size on decks 5, 9 and 11. All with washers, dryers and ironing facilities. You can buy washing tablets from reception or take your own. I think it's a great idea to have a free service like this. Many ships you have to pay or they don't have one at all. Read more