We chose this cruise for the Madeira fireworks as we have been previously how I wish we hadn't, The ship is old but we have cruised on her 5 times and had no problems. Cabin- this was clean and suitable for us for the duration of the cruise, we didn't see the cabin steward very much. Food - The worst food I have ever had on a cruise and we have done a few including the Discovery we ate at the buffet which resembled school dinners, no presentation at the buffet all food just lying there no carved fruit or anything. This was all served to you by gloved staff which I do not mind if it prevents the bugs being spread, but the food could have been placed on your plates in a better manner not slopped on. Entertainment - this was the worst I have ever seen, the entertainment team in the Medusa were terrible apart from the one female member they preferred insulting each other thinking it was funny (NOT) than entertaining the passengers. Also when the band finished their allotted time it took ages for the next item to start not streamlined at all. The entertainment staff were standing about as if they were waiting on a sign to start any further entertainment. Bar- Tides staff were very professional and no problems getting drinks served this cannot be said about the Medusa (you would have thought that they were on two different ships) I asked for a Virgin Emotion and the server brought first of all a Gin and Water, then a Vodka and Tequila then disappeared it took an hour to get the drink I had ordered and that was when I went to the bar myself to complain, the response I received was that my accent wasn't understood by the bar waiter.

Bug on Board - all passengers that we spoke to were not happy many had been floored by the so called bug (in my opinion NoroVirus) no joy complaining to reception as all staff were in denial regarding this and said that all enhanced sanitation was a precaution due to word from head office that many bugs were rife in the UK. I don't think so. I have sent a letter of complaint to Thomson, Tui Marella or what ever they want to be called and feel that all passenger's on this cruise deserve some sort of a goodwill payment due to a substandard cruise.

PLEASE READ ALL OTHER REVIEWS BUT IN MY OPINION DONT GO ON THIS SHIP IF THIS IS THE MARELLA STANDARD OF CUSTOMER CARE.