Crystal Symphony is an appealing ship, well maintained and spotlessly clean. It’s large enough to have a variety of dining and entertainment, yet small enough to get on and off easily. Service was unfussy and mostly efficient, and the smart casual dress code works well. Our stateroom was just about big enough, with a compact bathroom and little veranda.

Meals throughout were very tasty but not over-elaborate. We chose “dining by reservation” as the main sittings were too early or late for us. The dining room was quieter around 8 pm but we did miss the headline entertainment. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable and easily dealt with special requests and odd mistake from the kitchen. Different passable wines were offered each day, and you could ask for any you liked another time. There’s a long menu of all-inclusive cocktails and spirits.

Prego was a pleasant change too, but the menu wasn’t especially Italian. The busy Lido Café had huge self-service spreads at breakfast and lunch including many healthier options, but the drinks service was rather hit-and-miss there. We didn’t use the Trident Grill up in the chilly northern Atlantic. Read more