We have just returned from a fantastic holiday on Azura with my daughter and her husband who were first time cruises. I must say that almost everything about it was enjoyable and positive. All the ports of call were very good, even Ocho Rios in Jamacia, have since my last visit 12 years ago made a very conscious effort to make the tourist feel welcome and safe. Dominica, well what can I say. Many on board said don't bother getting off the ship it's not worth it. How wrong they were. We went on an island tour with the most friendly and informative couple (sweetness her husband called her) that you could ever wish to meet. It was extremely enjoyable and the memories will stay with me. We went up into the mountains, saw the water falls, hot springs and local life. After that we asked them to take us to a beach for snorkeling, they took us to champagne cove, which is not a beach as its very rocky, but in the water, well you realize why it got its name, there are lots of hot springs in the water and it bubbles up like champagne. Bonaire, Aruba, Grand Turk, St Maarten, Antigua and St Lucia are what you would expect from mostly commercialized islands. On these islands we done our own exploring taking local buses, which can be an experience in itself and taxis to more out of the way beaches for snorkeling and swimming with sting rays. We sat at local bars and beach huts for lunch and had a wonderful time.

I thought the ship itself was very clean and tidy. I was a little worried about our cabins at first because I read that it was noisy on Riviera deck. We never heard a thing and neither did my daughter and her husband and two of us are light sleepers. We had an inside cabin this time and it was more roomy than I thought it was going to be. There was a proper hair dryer which to us ladies is a blessing, tea and coffee making facilities which you don't get on all ships and a launderette which was free, just buy washing tablet from reception. Can't complain about any of the food. We dined on late sitting in Oriental, our waiters were very competent and always smiling. If you are on second sitting go to the show at 7pm much better than the late one after dinner. Seventeen restaurant was excellent {went for daughters 30th birthday} Our two men said it was the best steak they have ever had in their lives and they have eaten some good steaks!!! Sindu was moth watering as well. Got my daughter champagne breakfast in bed for two on her birthday which was delivered at the exact time she ordered it and was enough for four.

My final comment is, the buffet restaurants do get busy and it takes time for the waiters to clear the tables because they don't just clear them but have to sort the waste as well. Don't be afraid to give them a hand and take you dirty dishes to the service point, I did, after all I would take my dishes to the sink at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!