We chose this voyage primarily for transport from then UK to USA to avoid airports and flying. Embarkation went very smoothly if ‘green line’ access had been secured through pre Voyage registration however the majority of guests had not done so with ‘blue line’ entry crowded and slow, compounded by departure being delayed to wait for guests delayed at Heathrow airport.
The ship’s interior is visually stunning with overstated synthetic veneered surfaces, metallic accents, marble ,tiled and carpeted floors, extravagant lighting, and signature plaza staircases extremely well designed and executed.
Unfortunately the actual internal layout does not work well, the multiple bars have a wide open corridor passage way running through them to allow fore and aft access to restaurants, multiple theaters etc and the constant pedestrian movement particularly at the conclusion of showtimes becomes annoying. Unlike most other cruise ships there is no forward facing viewing lounge and the stern area is just an extension of the buffet.
Nicely finished in subdued Scandinavian form the cabin was the typical narrow but long type standard on most new ships. The balcony, not useable on a September North Atlantic crossing, was tiny, two chairs and a small table fIlling it. The bathroom was also cramped with a minuscule shower, no bath.