I think one has to look on a holiday as a total package, so in summary, Oceana was good, and we would use the ship again happily.

What was good? Copes well with bad weather; we had gales gusting to force 12 at one point. Food excellent in all the venues we used and drinks fairly priced. Excursions fine, and maybe not as dear as they once were. We did a few. It was very easy to hire a car in 2 of the ports we visited, so we did this and were about to drive around islands at our leisure. In Spain a small hire car for a day can be around Eu40, plus fuel, so even cheaper than a tour.

What was not so good? Our balcony cabin was a lot smaller than on Oriana, though there are more of them. The bathroom/shower was tiny. Whole bathroom complex about the size of 3 UK phone boxes I think. OK, I can cope with that for 2 weeks, as it was adequate, but it had one of those fixed head showers in the wall, which I personally hate. The balcony itself was pretty small too; again, adequate, but only just, for 2 people. Worst thing of all- the smell of sewage, present every day by life-raft No1 and locker 34, on the starboard side forward. OK, I know a ship has to process sewage, but surely in the 21st century that smell can be ducted away? Read more