The following is long but then it was a long holiday, so here goes. This was our first ever cruise by my husband, son and I, originally for the 2009 sailing but delayed to this year. Following the unexpected death of my father-in-law, my mother-in-law was a late addition but because of the high single traveller premium, it was only a further £300 (approx $450) to add our niece, so family group of five ranging in age from 10 to 80. We had a Grand Suite and my mother-in-law and niece, an inside on deck 10. Much of the following is based on our experience in the GS.

Embarkation Southampton was very busy and I later learnt that there was to be just over 4200 passengers on our 14 night Mediterranean cruise of which 3900 were British. The terminal was very busy, but we boarded quite quickly and were told that lunch was available in the Windjammer. We had access to our staterooms at 1pm and our luggage arrived at 3pm.

Crew What an amazing crew. Every morning you would be greeted with a good morning pretty much from every one, whether from maintenance through to officers. We found them friendly and always willing to assist. If I have a criticism it is that RCI should do more to celebrate the broad diversity of its crew. For instance, during our sailing, it was the Jamaica's Independence Day celebrations and it would have been great to recognise this on the ship for the guests. I know that there was a staff party with Jamaican food, but I am sure that some guests would have welcomed the opportunity to try some of the food also. Read more