My wife and myself were first time cruisers, we where travelling with my mother and brother who are experienced cruisers.

The Ship: LIke a classic car I'm sure it was fantastic when new and will be a classic in 50 years time but at the moment its in its naff period looking tired and need of a full overhall. On going work seems to be undertaken during the cruise with carpet and floor tile replacement. Reading elsewhere this is an attempt to stamp out the constant outbreaks of norovirus that seem to trouble the ship. The crew practised infection control for the first few days, which if a little inconvenient was better than catching norovirus. Its a little sad when not catching norovirus was the highlight of the cruise!

Food : We had great expectations of dressing up and sitting down to a restaurant quality meal each evening. The catering in the Oriental restaurant fell way short of expectations. If you like school dinners you will be happy, steer clear of anything with rice or fish, they are both overcooked. The service in the oriental was excellent whilst in the canteen it was poor. The couple on the next table ordered prawn cocktail and steak & chips every night, they had the right idea! The food in the canteen (conservatory restaurant) was much the same. Breakfasts however where good. The Alfresco is nice for breakfast. Read more