My mum and I took this cruise as we wanted to see St Petersburg and embarking from Hull was ideal as we live on the North Yorkshire coast! Embarkation was carried out quickly and efficiently and our suitcases delivered to our cabins within 2 hours! We mostly ate in Marcos bistro, but all food was excellent with a vast variety! First night we spent watching my brothers tug firm tow the ship out into the Humber! The cabin was a superior plus twin ocean view, we were situated at the bow of the ship where movement was felt a little bit on the first night but we got used to it and the rest of the cruise was smooth! Plenty of activities on board with a programme left in our cabin each night by Denys our lovely, friendly cabin steward! It was mums Birthday on the cruise and she was left treats, a card and a lovely cake in the cabin that day! I also went to purchase a Marco Polo book for her special day at reception but was given to me free by the staff and the girl even got the Captain to sign it! At night we went to the shows in the Marco Polo lounge and entertainment acts given by Andy Leach and Bruce Thompson, very friendly, which were great, also spent time in the various bars on the ship, Captains Club, Scotts Bar and Cocktail bar! Loved the shore excursions to St Petersburg, St Peter and Pauls fort, the evening folk show and Catherine's palace! Our only disappointment was we missed our shore excursion to Stockholm and the Vasa as we were up early to meet everyone at our allocated time but missed our tender boat as the girl calling the shore excursions didn't clearly call our group, though she said she did and we were still sat there a hour later! I was annoyed but this was our only hiccup! We made our own way ashore at Copenhagen, Tallin and Helsinki! Beautiful places! As for the diversion to the port of Newcastle, wasn't great but what can you do, these things happen and CMV made sure we were all transported back to Hull and once there Taxis were organised for everyone! Lovely cruise, would definitley go again!