|
This is quite a new ship which has a wow factor when you step on board. The atrium is impressive with comfy seating areas for avid people watching. The cabin we had was a midship balcony on deck 9 and was spacious, comfortable and kept spotlessly clean by our excellent cabin stewardess. The public areas of the ship were also kept spotlessly clean by the excellent, friendly crew.
Although the inital price of the cruise tends to be cheaper than other companies, you start paying once you get on board. The drinks are three times pub prices, there is no tap water available with your dinner, you have to pay for bottled water and there is no coffee after the meal. Also, you get charged 15% extra on top of the price of every drink. If you want a coffee, you have to go to a bar and pay. Although I don't begrudge the service charge because the staff are excellent, it is well to point out that this is 6 euros per person per day. So although the price of the cruise is initially cheaper, after the extras, the price works out at about the same as other 4 star cruise lines.
The food was good, however the ship as it is Italian, caters to Italian tastes with predominantly pasta choices at every meal. Also, in the evening there is no alternative to the main restaurant unless you want to pay extra.
The daytime entertainment on the sea days is confined to bingo, arts and crafts, stretching exercises and dance lessons by the animation team - from our point of view is is really poor. The evening shows were marginally better but nowhere near as professional as all the other ships we have been on. This may cater to the 90% Italian clientele on board.
All in all, although we knew the drawbacks of Italian cruising we chose this cruise for the itinerary and the warm places it visited on the run up to Christmas. We particularly liked the fact that this cruise avoided Casablanca which is not worth visiting.
|
