Chose this cruise based on value for money, we are experienced cruisers and have been with several other cruise lines. This ship is beautiful but the food quality and service lets it down. Embarkation was not bad really, and our cabin was ready, that's a first for us on any boat. Our luggage arrived almost immediately, again very good, we have normally waited hours on other boats. Our balcony cabin was very nice and the best bathroom I have experienced, even had a bath.

Muster stations is tedious as you have to listen to many other languages. The itinery is like a bus route with passengers embarking and disembarking at every port. The first disappointment is the quality and presentation of the food, compared to other cruise lines it is poor and has a predominately Italian theme, hope you like tomato sauce with everything. The buffet features spaghetti and pizza daily. As a non meat eater my choice was severely limited especially in the dining room. Usually on cruises the food is a wow factor with lovely presentation, I'm afraid this comes nowhere near, more like school dinners.

The other let down is the attitude of some of the staff, not all of course, but there are definitely some surly faces among the waiting staff and an almost lazy attitude of some of the bar staff around the pool who seemed to prefer to keep you waiting rather than serve you. Read more