As a first time cruiser and having read the many negative reviews of the Christmas cruise we were a little concerned about travelling on this ship but we had needn't have worried. We were greeted by the Port of Tyne team at the car park and our luggage whisked away to arrive in our room just 1 hour later. The ship was spotless with over 750 staff working tirelessly to keep the 1800 guests happy. Our balcony room was a great size on the starboard side and had everything we needed. It was about the size of a travelodge room so plenty of space.The cabin steward was fantastic and nothing was ever too much trouble. We had animal shaped towels most days on returning to our cabin The population on the ship were mixed with young honeymooners and those between 50- 75. There were only a few very small children (under 3) so it was almost an adults only cruise. The bar staff were attentive and plentiful and the restaurants always found a space for you to sit either as a couple or on a shared table. We were impressed that the dress code was enforced at dinner in the waited restaurants 47 degrees and gallery 47. The entertainment team were fantastic and we had 14 different styles of shows every night so there was something for everyone's taste. The two live bands B12 and Taylor Made kept us entertained throughout the evenings in other venues around the ship along with a talented pianist and saxophonist who would pop up at various times in the day. The escape room was excellent and the ships actors involved the crowd with murder mystery events. There was always something to do on board and if you needed peace the bar on deck 11 was a small sanctuary to have a quiet drink. The weather was fabulous for the whole cruise and the seas calm so the ship never seemed crowded and at times we had to check we were still moving! The ports we visited were fabulous- our favourites were Warnemunde- with its beach, Tallin and Stockholm. The all inclusive package which is standard is all you really need as the list of drinks and cocktails is extensive. There was some confusion over cola but as long as it is from a dispenser it is free. It is only extra if you want a can of Coke. The excursion were very good with english speaking guides at every port. Many of the European ports (Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo and Wannemunde ) we did our own thing as the boat docked so close to the city. we felt thoroughly privileged and disappointed by the constant moans of the slightly older generation travelers who seemed to pick fault with everything. I would travel on this boat again and i am sure there are much more luxurious boats and posher dining but then we would have had to pay much more than we did. This is a casual cruise and ideal for first timers. You are not expected to dress up every night unless you want to and are not expected to tip which is also a positive. i would go again with TUI perhaps to cambodia next time in winter 2018