Embarkation very quick and efficient. Security staff on boarding dour and unwelcoming - not a smile or greeting. Cabin size adequate with tea and coffee facilities (replaced daily). Complimentary shampoo etc. (The White Company). Cabin clean but fittings tired. Carpet badly stained and marked. Loo stained and it continually flooded (fixed fairly quickly). Cabin steward excellent - helpful and cheerful despite a heavy workload. Beds fairly comfortable. TV did not work properly.

Food disappointing. The freedom dining is a good idea and it worked for us since we like to dine early (6pm) and thus did not have to wait for a table at any time. The waiters were very good although overworked (especially the wine waiter). The food varied from bad (inedible 'crab souffle', tough meat - steaks awful)) to reasonable (soups were tasty and the majority of the fish dishes were nice). Portions small. The puddings for some reason were dreadful.

The Waterside buffet had little choice and was, in the main, bland. The speciality nights (Indian, Chinese etc.) were the best. A serious problem was the overcrowding - it was very difficult to find a table and we usually had to walk around for some time trying to find a place to sit. The drinks available were water, dreadful coffee, and a wide selection of nice teas. Fruit juice was only available at breakfast and was dire (mixed from powder). Read more