We booked this trip because of the opportunity to spend two days at the British Open and to be able to get an overview of the Bitish Isles. The cruise offered excursions to the Open for $200+, but we, and many passengers, got there quicker by train for about $10.

First the best part of the cruise was the tremendous selection of fresh fruits and vegetables at all meal times, in the formal dining and buffet restaurants. Service in all restaurants was excellent. You can eat junk food of course, but lots of healthy choices, maybe not divinely inspired favors, but plenty of plain choices. The restaurants wait staff was great, taking care of any request, bringing extra steamed vegetables upon request among other thoughtful touches.

Biggest disappointment was the "low energy" culture of the rest of the staff. the staff seemed overworked and disinterested in passengers, they guys who work the Martini bar need to give lessons to the rest of the staff. The last night in the formal dining room 3 at our table ordered the kale salad which when served was just a bowl of iceburg lettuce with no kale at all, even our waiter admitted there was no kale in the salads. We never did meet our cabin attendant till the last two days. Read more