Having cruised with a number of lines including Fred Olsen and P&O over period of 20 years, we had a fair idea of what we ought to expect when choosing Royal Caribbean. We chose the Navigator of the Seas Mediterranean cruise on 7 August for the itinerary and because, travelling in the school holidays is a must, as we care for grandchildren during term time.

For the first time we opted to pay a pre-cruise service charge amounting to £256.

Embarkation was effective and speedy. We had a balcony cabin on Deck 8 which was comfortable. We were lucky to have a balcony because there were rarely seats available on the sun decks having been reserved with towels. RC have notices banning the practice but no-one seems to care. Read more