The cruise was organised by a relative, so we had no input into the choice of cruise line. The cost was significantly higher than for previous cruises with P&O, so we were expecting higher levels of everything on-board!

The good aspects were: a) the staff - everyone seemed much happier than on P&O, so perhaps wages and staffing levels are significantly higher; b) the food, especially in the Oceanview Cafe (mmm, nachos!); c) the wine choice, even on the Classic drinks package; d) stateroom size (ordinary sea-view/balcony); e) more mixed clientele (a British monoculture does not encourage good food standards); f) spacious gym with few users later in the cruise; g) great coffee in Al Bacio; h) ship's company entertainment was trying too hard to be different (Mozart - really?); i) 3 days in St Petersburg - fantastic!

The not so good aspects were: a) over-crowded or empty bars - the spacious sky-lounge was often almost empty, with no waiting staff whilst lower deck were rammed with no fee seating; b) too much 'elite' space, either out-of-bounds to ordinary punters or with over-priced drinks to discourage the same; c) too many gym machines out-of-service later in the cruise; d) confusion amongst some staff over the allowed drinks on the most common drinks package; e) poor quality orange juice for sale in cafes; f) poor afternoon tea in the Oceanview Cafe, and cakes/desserts generally; g) cheese choices very limited in main dining room and Oceanview Cafe; h) some good entertainers, especially in the smaller venues; i) undue pressure at the start of the cruise to have a fixed dining time; j) 2 straight sea days at the end - boring!