First time cruisers we took advice from as many people as possible but the proof was always going to be in the eating. Embarkation was relatively easy. I was aware that irons were not allowed to be used not that they would be confiscated. I had to get my suitcase from security around 1700, around four hours after my partner got hers. We were misled by the announcements that some luggage would be delayed getting to cabins. I did initially blame guest relations but found subsequently they had left a voicemail on the cabin phone.

The room was a good size with a balcony(veranda) and ample wardrobe and drawer space for two people. Both cabin assistant and his deputy were first class, very courteous, friendly and efficient and a few days made towel animals which was nice. In hindsight I might not have paid the extra for the balcony cabin, we prefer to people watch, there was always sufficient pool chairs. We had breakfast on the balcony once but the foot wasn’t hot off the stove I guess because it had to be transported from the kitchen.

We were allocated 2nd seating for dinner and put on a table for 6 with no other guests. At first this was slightly uninviting but as we got to know the waiter and his assistant, the sommelier and the barman, for my vodka tonic, we were quite content. The maître de made a few appearances toward the end of the week and was very engaging too. The food in the main dining was nice, sometimes we had to eliminate what we had had or didn’t like to come up with options but on the whole excellent. The buffet restaurant was good for lunch, the main restaurant superb for breakfast; we were too late to book for the recommended speciality restaurant(tried on Wednesday fully booked) Maurano but didn’t feel we had missed out too much, it probably would have been nice. Read more