This was a very last minute trip. The price was a very reasonable £400 ish for a superior balcony and as this was such a deal i was prepared to be easily pleased and was just hoping for a peaceful break with good food and sunshine. Embarkation was swift and non problematic and the cabin was large with all the usual storage. We usually sail with Princess or P and O, but had a very enjoyable week on Brilliance in December and hoped this ship was similar.
But unfortunately, it's not nearly as good as any of the other ships we've cruised on. It's a large ship, which is fine, but the layout is one where there is a central promenade with some interior cabins overlooking this Main street. Rather than intimate bar areas there are street cafes and pubs,which are all pretty down at heel, and the windows looking down emphasise the concrete mall feel. I felt as if i was having a night out in a seedy part of london rather than an upmarket evening experience.
This paled into insignificance compared with the constant vibration from the engine. Our cabin was towards the back of the ship, and the vibration was considerably worse than at the front but it was apparent throughout, especially when travelling at speed. It was of course most noticeable during the night when the constant shaking made it difficult to sleep, thwarting my intention to have a restful week. Actually, it seemed a particularly noisy cruise, lots of large groups, many multi generational spanish families, so not the type of cruise that may appeal to couples hoping for a quiet time.The food was good, entertainment not so. Costumes and routines were pretty amateurish and the theatre remained half empty on most evenings. All credit though to the cruise director and his abiity to speak both spanish and english simultaneously!
Avoid this cabin if you are a light sleeper or sensitive to vibration from the ships engine. Very strong vibration can be felt particularly at night and if the ship is moving at speed.