Our third cruise aboard a member of the RCI fleet this, we think, proved to be the best so far. Although Hamburg, Oslo and Bruges don't perhaps have the tropical appeal of our earlier voyage on Splendour, this itinerary, with a day at sea in between each port of call proved both very interesting and delightfully relaxing. Check-in at Southampton was busy but smooth and our cabin up to the usual high standards. The ship looked great and the facilities on board were excellent and accesable even on this sell-out, half-term voyage. The food in both the Windjammer and Sapphire dining room was excellent and, of course plentiful. The service was prompt, polite and friendly and, as we have learned over the years, we were glad we had pre-booked a drinks package so we could have as much or as little as we wanted. Nice to see the freshly squeezed orange juice is now included in the drinks package as opposed to the add-on it has been in the past. The entertainment was of a high standard in all venues and there was always plenty going on for the party animals on board.

Our one slight niggle was the level of the piped music played in the Sky Bar which was just a little too loud for those seeking a quiet corner during the day to chat or chill. I'm not saying there shouldn't be any background music but this was not really in the background but dominated the room to such an extent that my wife and I left to find somewhere else on one occasion. A minor niggle but one that is probably worth resolving. Overall we had a wonderful week and returned to Southampton rested and revitalised. We will be back on board the RCI fleet soon!