This was our first ever Christmas holiday away from our family, let alone a Christmas cruise.

On the evening of the first day of the cruise we went to the main dining room, on time, which was 80% empty. The reception did not know of our dining preferences, even though these had been given on booking. We were seated on our own, though we prefer company. Later, two days after complaining, we were placed on a table for 9, although the 9th person never appeared! All the other diners were HAC experienced, and even they were dissapointed.

The meal service was always very slow, even though the waiter worked hard to chase the kitchen. This was true even on Christmas Day! The 'hot' food was, at best, lukewarm, served on cold plates, with no silver service. This was a pattern that repeated throughout the cruise. Once, the waiter had to mix some mustard to go with a steak! Rarely was the dining room more than 50% full, Read more