The Black Sea ports of call - Trabzon, Sochi, Sevastopol, Yalta, Odessa, Constanta and Istanbul - were the main reasons for choosing the cruise. The transfers from the London flights were fine (except at the end), and the registration on board was efficient. The cabin was fine (but not as nice as the one on the Princess cruise last year), and the public areas were really dull. The staff were mostly excellent and very attentive.

Probably the real disappointment were the restaurants and the cuisine. We enjoyed the Compass Rose - good lighting, plenty of space, warm and inviting. La Veranda on the upper deck we found confusing: the entry by the kitchen door with staff crossing in front of passengers, clearing stations in the aisleways, small self-service buffet area, small outdoor seating area, same menu, no maiter d'hotel ever in evidence really let it down. We dined in Prime Seven with other passengers who were regulars on Regent. They sent their main courses back. My fillet steak was tough. We dined alone in Signatures and whilst the decor looked inviting, the evening time lighting was very poor and most un-romantic (more like a boardroom). The food was unappetising (my soup was over-salty) and the main course duck was insipid. The Maitresse d'hotel was most attentive and took my comments seriously. In-room dining had a fairly plain menu which was okay but not inspiring.

It would have been nice to have had refreshing towels when returning to the ship after the shore excursions. The shore excursions were well organised but a couple of the guides were really quite rude. The guest speaker did not really address his subject and did not tell us anything much we did not already know. We do not gamble so did not 'donate' any money to the company. We did not use the internet cafe as we heard the downloads were very slow. Read more