Eager to try out all kinds of cruising we thought we'd opt for a mini cruise before committing to a longer cruise with this company. Thank heavens we did.

Embarkation was a security nightmare. Having wended our way through a queue we were eventually waved through without even a cursory check of our luggage, no x-ray or quick physical check of my handbag, I could have had anything in my bag and boarded with complete impunity. This was a worry in these times.

Our cabin was dated, grubby and neglected. At night it was virtually impossible to sleep, the sound of the engine made sure of that, at one stage I even rang reception to ask if the propellor had become misaligned such was the racket, only to be advised that she was an old ship and old ships make a noise. Read more