This is a vessel that should have been retired a few years ago. Twenty year old vessels have lots of things patched together and some strange smells (urine and mold/musty) and sounds (creaking walls and elevators). Had some exceptional staff members but others not so much. Had a definite feel that they were out to get all the money out of you with nickel and dime stuff. Way over the top on pushing Effy jewelry and art sales and way to little on cultural & educational. This was a 30 day cruise and you can stand just so many trivia and bingo outings. Entertainment was again inconsistent with some good and some bad. One constant was the ships band which was outstanding. Food was also inconsistent. Deserts were good throughout but simple things like scrambled eggs at breakfast and steak choices and dinner were well below what I had expected. Booked shore excursions through ship. Had some good ones but the absolute worst one (in Auckland) I have had in 15 cruises. When we complained, they offered a 35% rebate (?). Again, it seemed like it was all about money for them.

Was really put off with the ship's Maitre 'd who ask 3 times for ratings of 9 or 10 for his department. "Don't mark us down for something else that may have good not so good" What a team player.

In 30 days we never saw the captain. Had two scheduled events where he was suppose to show (repeat customers and crossing the equator) and never made it. Certainly he could have done some random walk-abouts through common areas to say Hello from time to time - had 30 days to do this. Read more