- As most reviewers comment, the administrative procedures pre-cruise are truly awful and you end up wondering what you’ve got yourself in for. HOWEVER, once you’re on the ship, it is as efficient and wonderful as the back office was chaotic and confusing. We’re actually quite incredulous that the same company can do one part so badly and one part so well…

- Also, as most reviewers comment, the staff are absolutely marvellous and make the trip. We felt the Captain set the tone with his ‘safety first’ focus closely followed by his wanting to provide unforgettable guest experiences. The Discovery team are amazing, they have such a depth of knowledge and a passion for the natural world - we have never experienced anything like it. The ‘Recap’s’ each evening are an intellectual smorgasbord that were a highlight. Having said that, the Exec Chef, Sommelier, bar-tenders, waiters, butlers etc etc are also all wonderful. Had we been hired to find opportunities for improvement amongst the staff, we would have to return our fee…

- The ship is beautiful and we have never had such a large and comfortable cabin. There are a few well-documented niggles - for example the fancy hand basins and all the sharp corners - but in the scheme of things these are tiny issues. (One thing that niggled was the absence of a plug in the laundry basins - I never did figure that out…) Read more