This was our 8th cruise, but first one with HAL. We thought this ship was an upgrade ( at least it was in price!) compared to to Princess or Royal Caribbean. We choose this cruise as it was the only Cruise line going all the way to the top of Norway at that time of the year, to Honigsvag and Hammerfest and we always wanted to go to the Northcape. Most cruise lines go only up to Trontheim and we really wanted to go all the way. Well, in hindsight we could have booked the cheaper cruises up to Trontheim, as we never got to the North. A couple of days before we were going North, the captain announced that we were in for some heavy weather. He told us that he would probably change plans and not go all along the coast, but through the Lofoten, which was a more sheltered route. Well, if that would have happened we would have been ok and happy with that. But somehow he changed plans, the weather deteriorated after Trontheim, but he actually went further west into the storm, without any explanation. It resulted in the ship just floating at sea for 4 days. We were pretty upset, together with many other passengers, and wrote a personal letter to the captain, asking why he did not go through the Lofoten. We never got an answer.

Embarkation was smooth, no issue there, Cabin was good, spacious and clean.

Cabin steward was very good and service minded. But I have to agree with other reviewers that staff in buffet and other restaurants was slow, not friendly and clearly missing strong management overseeing what is happening. In the restaurant we had a few disappointing experiences, but when we complained, no one really took it serious or did something to rectify. We never saw a headwaiter. And yes, even if there was a big row of guests waiting in line, staff would still act slowly and disinterested. Read more