This was a 7 day Bermuda cruise out of Boston, the main advantage of which is that this ship is berthed not at the remote Royal Naval Dockyard, but in downtown Hamilton alongside Front Street. Embarkation in Boston was easy even though traffic in the area was heavy due to the "Sail Boston" Tall Ships Visit and Parade. Luggage was swiftly delivered, and is HAL practice staterooms were available upon boarding and all "repeaters" were welcomed to a regular DR luncheon, rather than being shuffled off to a Lido Buffet upon boarding.

Verandah room was fine, bath included a Jacuzzi Tub, good toiletries etc. Excellent room attendants who kept this room, and others, immaculate.

Food I found to be quite good, and as a male with a "healthy" appetite cannot understand how other reviewers complained that portions were minuscule. Certainly my portions weren't, and so why do others complain especially as the staff would have cheerfully brought "seconds" if requested?. Only "bad meal" was the third night, first night in Bermuda where many agreed that food selection was poor. Waiters now have a "ugly" uniform for breakfast and lunch featuring orange belts and a single orange button on the collar. Significance is supposed to be to the Dutch Royal House of Orange, but the symbolism is "strained" to say the least. Read more