I live in southampton and see these ships all year round, this was our first time at cruising on one. Check-in at Southampton was easy and smooth and we were quickly on-board.

The stateroom was roomy enough for us as a family of four with two teenagers. The ship is clean and well laid out. We are all snobs to some extent , its a simple sliding scale, I sit on the line where I don't like being surrounded by loud football-shirt clad families or whinging elderly people who are expecting perfection and the HIlton. The mix of people on this boat was great, all sorts and the ship had a very relaxed feel to it. Stateroom attendant was excellent and our waiters in the dining room were both superb both in manner and service.

Quality of the food was fabulous everywhere. The lowest quality food was in the "windjammer" but that was still pretty good, just next to it though was the "jade" and the food here was stunning. Asian-themed dishes, perfect for lunch and the soups were very imaginative. Evening dining was of a high quality and the two formal evenings were patronised in the true spirit of cruising. Read more