Having sailed on the same ship during a much shorter trip in January, my wife and I were interested in finding out whether the same high standards would be maintained over the 24 days that passed between our embarkation in Athens to the time we disembarked in Singapore. In his review, Neil Down has already commented on many aspects of the cruise, and we would agree with almost all that he has said. The people on-board would have to be one of the happiest and most pleasant groups that we have had the pleasure to sail with. Interaction between these people was fantastic, as was interaction with the Captain, other crew members, activities staff and especially the Cruise Director Sue Denning. Sue was an absolute ball of fire, and was also a consumate entertainer in her own right. By chance, we happened to have the same Stateroom Attendant (Made) as on our January cruise. He again looked after our every need, as did our Butler Malik.

There seems little point in repeating most of the things that have been mentioned in other reviews of this cruise. However, we would like to say that, in our opinion, the food in Discoveries and Windows was every bit as varied and enjoyable as on the previous cruise. Food in Prime C and Aquilina was, if anything, better than in January. Our only disappointment was that the serving staff seemed to be somewhat overworked, and had little time in which they could engage in conversation with guests in the dining rooms. Although very happy with the opportunity to dine when we wished, we did miss the cameraderie with fellow guests and waiters that we have enjoyed on ships that have set dining arrangements.

A word about the entertainment. We managed to attend almost all of the evening shows in the Cabaret. It's a matter of personal taste, but we found things generally very good. The Irish comic was absolutely superb, and the violinist, singers and pianist very talented. The 'Best of the Quest' show which included all of the on-board entertainers was very good, and provided them with an opportunity to fully display their talents. Jim Badger, the harpist and the guitarist, who played at various venues around the ship developed a very loyal following, and Sue Denning, in her own show, was a real pro. Unfortunately, there were three magicians of sorts who appeared at various times during the cruise. Mediocre, at best. Of course, we cannot miss mentioning the two folkloric presentations while in port. The show given in Mumbai was varied and quite entertaining. The same cannot be said for the sad effort that we saw while in Dubai. Read more