It does not help to receive a sms advising late embarking, then stand in a line like cattle for an hour trying to board, the reason... ship was being fumigated because of virus on board. It was hot, we were tired after an early morning interstate flight that could not be changed, a cool drink would have been appreciated. How they could increase the passenger numbers by over 200 and reduce staff levels is quite unbelievable. Did some passengers sleep in the crew quarters?

Once on board it was a huge effort for the staff standing along side the lift to answer a simple question. Our veranda cabin was much smaller than we had experienced on Holland line. We eventually turned the mattress over to try and stop rolling into the middle of bed, it was much better. Our room serviceman often forgot to give us the proper information sheets, ie when to turn on our clocks, we often had 2 shampoos but no conditioner! He had fun playing with my nightie and arranging it with chocolates on the bed each night. TV was almost non existent and there is no news sheets circulated.

First day, the toilets blocked, everywhere. Yes they work fast to unblock your cabin toilet, but every public toilet blocked, and often no signs to tell you before you enter. This was a daily occurrence, the ship is old. Read more