This cruise departed Southampton on my birthday, and arrived in Melbourne Australia on my wife's birthday. Good signs (or a good excuse!). The Emerald Princess layout was very familiar, having sailed on her sister ships. We had not had a holiday for almost 3 years due to business commitments, so we were really looking forward to the long break, and many days at sea.

The worst aspect of this cruise was was the handling of the Indian Visas. We did the right thing and arranged ours as requested. Apparently many did not. They should not have been permitted to board the ship. Another reviewer has covered the debacle very well.

Entertainment was the worst we have experienced on any cruse line, ever. It got to the stage where we did not even bother to attend shows - and comments from most other passengers reinforced our decision. Read more