We chose this cruise largely due to the itinerary. We had never been to this area of the world and had heard so many good things about Ireland and Scotland. It was a bonus when hearing we would be in Edinburgh for the Military Tattoo.

We are elite members of the captains club and looked forward to the many perks we would again receive. Unfortunately, those perks have declined in quality and quantity. As examples, we no longer get a free photo nor a free bag of laundry. These have been replaced by a discount. Really? There were other changes as well. This only adds to the feeling of being nickel and dimed. Not exactly the feeling one wants to have on a two week cruise.

Our main disappointment on this cruise was how passengers were treated when disembarking the ship in nearly every port. I can honestly say after 39 cruises on various lines, but mainly RCCL and Celebrity, that we have never been treated this way. Passengers were required to line up long before disembarkation and forced to stand in line for long periods to make it ashore for booked excursions. We were never offered priority on disembarkation. One crew member said there were 2,000 captains club onboard and this wouldn't have been feasible. Regardless, there was no organization. Not exactly what one paid for. Although not physically disabled ourselves, I can't imagine the difficulty those in wheelchairs, or otherwise disabled, had to make it up and down the ramps in port. Very poor and extremely dangerous. So very steep and long. Read more