Overall the first week' s weather was poor, rainy, misty and windy although the temperature was about what we expected ie cool, at times even cold.

The ship was pleasant enough, with good food and cleanliness and excellent service. However, being used to UK cruise lines such as Fred Olsen and P&O we found the on board activities sadly lacking. Many of the activities seemed to be designed to make you spend money ie art auctions, jewellery talks, shoe insert sales, a huge casino- all of which we've had on UK ships, but the latter also had social activities such as choirs, art classes, crafts, creative writing, even ukelele lessons. The regular day time activities were cookery demonstrations, sponsored by an American TV show, Windows lessons, sponsored by Microsoft, and one lecturer talking about geology which although interesting would have been more relevent if it had included more about the history and wildlife of the places visited.

Evening entertainment was mixed, but the outstanding contributions were made by the on board tango dancers who were the best dancers we've seen in twenty cruises. Kevin who gave the port talks and a history of the Falklands War was also top rate. Read more