We were a party of 8 (4 adults and 4 children, aged 9 -16). 6 of us were first time crusiers, and 2 have been on numerous cruises, including the Queen Mary, Royal Caribbean, and P&O. From their experience this cruise was as good as their other cruises and even surpassed them in certain areas.

We made our own travel arrangements so arrived at the ship earlier than the scheduled boarding time of 1200 hrs. This was not a problem as we joined the queue of fellow early arrivals to board. You leave suitcases to be checked in then proceed to check yourself in. Once cruise card is issued you're free to board ship. There are plenty of staff on hand to help, all simple and straightforward. If you arrive at the same time as 500 other people obviously you will have to queue longer. The buffet is open so a much welcome meal and a drink after a long journey is to be enjoyed.

The ship itself is nothing short of beautiful, everywhere is spotlessly clean and gleaming. Our cablin was a balcony cabin on deck 10, once again spotless and kept that way throughout by the housekeeping staff. Cabin is spacious, even when the fold-up bed was down as there were 4 of us sharing. Read more