We have only been on four cruises before this one, with P&O and MSC. This was much better. We booked cruise only, as we wanted to arrange our own flights and spend a few days in the countries at the beginning and end instead of going straight back home. Sometimes it's cheaper to do this, sometimes not. Embarkation at Abu Dhabi was a bit longer than expected but we chatted to other people in the queue and once on board, as we sat on deck with a pina colada, we felt it was worth the wait....The cabin, 6020, was a 'sweet sixteen' with a larger balcony and it was great ! Plenty of storage, a decent sized shower, comfy bed and spotlessly clean. There was a large safe and a fridge which had cans and drinks in it which we didn't use as we had a drinks package. My husband is a very picky eater but he found plenty of choice in the buffet. It was excellent. Every evening, there was a choice of three different Asian dishes, a roast, salads, vegetarian options etc., as well as a grill bar at the end serving steaks, chicken and fish. And chips. There is a pasta station and stir fry section where you choose your noodles or pasta and then fill a bowl with various vegetables and meats that you want to go with it, and, in the case of the pasta station, choose the sauce. The pizza station was good, also, and open 24 hours which was a bit too handy when walking back at night from the Sunset Bar ! The puddings and desserts were excellent, too. The entertainment every night was brilliant, apart from one show, an impressionist, who was rubbish. People were walking out in droves. We left after 20 minutes and he hadn't done one impression yet. He was still asking people where they were from and shouting 'Anyone from Canada?' etc., We loved all the other shows which were very professional. The dancers and the band were fabulous. All the other singers and bands around the ship were excellent, too. The cruise director, Rich Gleeson deserves a mention as he was so good. Very entertaining. We loved the coffee shop. It was lovely after dinner to sit in there and try a different coffee. There was a huge selection. And the two ladies, Hannah and Jenny worked so hard but always had a friendly smile and a word. Every day, I attended a zumba type session near the pool with the two entertainment ladies, Jane and Jeanie and had lots of fun. All the staff, without exception were brilliant. After a hectic, very hot day, trailing round Mumbai, we were greeted as we came back to the ship by a smiling waiter with a tray of iced face towels, and another waiter with iced lemon water, all the staff said 'Welcome back to the ship, ma'am, sir' And we really felt welcome. After a quick shower and change, we went up to the Sunset Bar and I sat with my strawberry daiquiri and thought THIS IS THE LIFE !