Having sailed on this ship & other ex Thomson cruise ships is was quite obvious that not only has the name changed but so has everything else but not for the better. Swimming pool on lido deck billowed out black smoke and deck had to be evacuated, pool out of action for 5-6days. Having booked and paid for a deluxe outside cabin next one along from last years we were unable to sleep for the musician and his synthesiser blasting out a monotonous drum beat until 01.00am from the Hemingway bar below us even the pillow vibrated. Having made a complaint we were told couldn't be moved to another cabin as none available suggested we were given earplugs. To quote Queen Victoria we were not amused. The quality of food was appalling completely tasteless and very often cold especially at the buffet.It has always been the norm that a 2 week cruise would have 2 formal nights so packed accordingly only to find second was turned into a dress to impress night for photo's instead very disappointing .On the six days at sea passengers were out at 05,00am reserving sun beds on sunny side of ship thus waking us up with moving of beds..

AS there were so many walking wounded on top of everything else did begin to wonder if I was on a jinxed ship.Is this another German ploy the British have lower standards than them. The crew as always were brilliant except for reception who were polite but cold & did nothing to alleviate any concerns. Designated smoking areas were a joke as people considered walking around the deck was the norm even smoking leaning over the rail while ship being refuelled .Consequently anyone wishing to enjoy a coffee on deck 6 outside liberties in a smoke free zone were unable to do so,Anyone flying into or out of La Romana aiport Dominican Republic should be made aware there is no ambilift so you have to be able to walk up stair to aircraft. Gill Clay cabin 0223