I suppose our moans and groans (constructive I hope) commenced with embarkation in Hong Kong (HK). The bus to take us to the ship was 45 min late and queuing for embarkation took well over an hour (after we were told we needed to photocopy our passports). Effectively this meant that we had lost a half day in HK. Incidentally the Harbour Grand Hotel in Kowloon - though slightly off piste - is superb.

We were pleased with our cabin (stateroom is certainly too grand) and having disposed of the previous occupants 'left behind' clothing to the corridor, were able to put our own bits and pieces away. The first evening early dining with reserved table did not go well - the Maitre D was under immense pressure - was unsympathetic to our requests ... and we ended up downstairs ... where we were superbly looked after each evening!

The ship is 'tired' and there appeared to be not much, 'maintenance as we go'. Rust was evident in many public areas and there is a 'shabby' feel in general. The Captain and Crew were always 'there', smart and smiling; but the dress standards of a minimum number of cruise guests need to be addressed. It surely cannot be that people are let into dinner wearing shorts and males in singlets roam the bars during the evening! Read more