We are not frequent cruisers and this is the first European cruise we have been on. My wife has had recent foot surgery and we were looking for an undemanding holiday. In all respects the Emerald sun met our expectations, with the exception of the dining. This was OK for breakfast and lunch but for dinner the chef had opted for style over substance, with smeared sauces on the plates and careful placement of food but the dishes were uninspiring. We also thought that as we were travelling through Germany that there should have been some German food on the menu.

The cruise however was well organised with easy embarkation and excellent service from all the crew. Cabins were very comfortable and clean. The bar staff very friendly and the all inclusive drinks package included several single malt whiskies and other quality brands.

Excursions were well run and included in the cruise price, this included a tour of Amsterdam canals on our arrival. There was a small swimming pool which was quite secluded and very pleasant, this doubled as a cinema in the evenings when the pool was covered. The evening entertainment was varied with a particularly good violinist one evening, the resident pianist was good but could have done with turning his amplifier down as conversation was sometimes difficult.