Background-We decided on a 7 day cruise in the Med as it was a short flight from home, the couple we holiday with had not cruised before and were keen to try it and we wanted to try RCCI. We saw the deal in the national press and realised it was good value so booked through a local travel agent.

Transfers and embarkation-The flight from Newcastle on Jet 2 was really good and mercifully short, 2 hours plus, and the transfers to the port went without a hitch. The only apparent problem was to be at the embarkation shed where the x-ray scanners were broken. This resulted in a free visit with refreshments, water and lemonade, to Palma castle to kill time and prevent queues at the shed. However after customs and the maddening ship photographers we were on board by 1400hrs.

Cabins-We had adjacent cabins with our friends and were on deck 3. Handy for the dining room and elevators etc. The cabin itself, 3903, was what you would expect for an inside, small and dark but functional. A bit of money and somebody with common sense could probably redesign the fittings and layouts to create more space but as its an old ship RCCI probably wont think its worth it. The offset toilet and tiny shower are really awkward and any large or tall people are at a serious disadvantage. Read more