We chose this cruise to meet up with old friends in Bermuda. Whilst the ship is old and lacking in any glitz (as we commented it was like stepping back 50 years, except the portholes would have opened then) the enthusiasm of the crew in all departments was outstanding. The shows were probably the best we have seen in some 40 cruises. Embarkation was very swift, about 5-6 minutes from entering the terminal to getting to our cabin, including a short walk. However this highlighted a lack of security as the scanners for hand baggage 'shoreside' were inoperative and presumably the ships security being unaware did not check our bags on boarding. We were in the lowest class of outside cabin on deck 3 aft and whilst clean and with lots of cupboard space it was quite depressing, with fabrics worn and faded, but we must admit you are shown this in the photographs when booking. OK for a few days but not a month. The biggest problem is that at low engine/prop revolutions the noise is incredible and the deck , deck-head bulkheads et-al shake like an earthquake and things fall about. This is particularly so from the pilot station to the berth, which in the case of Liverpool is over two hours.We feel very sorry for the crew but at least they haven't paid! Air- conditioning was good and we could set it to the minimum of "shops factories and railway premises act". Beds very comfortable. Good shower with plenty of hot water. Room service limited but quick.

Dining was very good, not first class, and an absence of steaks or lobster was evident. Variety is always going to be a problem on a longish voyage but the main courses were filling, tasty and reminded us of our youth. Soups were over salted so that they tasted of a higher salinity than the sea. More home cooking than cordon-bleu. Service was attentive and quite swift. Reasonable prices for drinks.

The main port of call (four days) was Bermuda, which was buzzing with the "Americas Cup" Read more