Something different from the Meditteranean. Did some Google research and felt this could be an interesting alternative to meditteranean cruises. Overall very good but there are critiscisms. Ship, staff, cabins, service all excellent.

Dining more than excellent with buffets for Breakfast and Lunch, but the single item fixed menu at Dinner would benefit from maybe one additional choice. There is an emphasis on fish particularly cod and salmon with many preperations which would not appear even on a 5 star menu in the UK. Wait staff are very attentive but maybe a little too quick in serving each course if you want a leisurely dinner. There is an "A La Carte" menu in a small seperate dining room but my impression was that you need to be a group to enjoy as any atmosphere was lacking. These critiscims are meant to be positive, I can honestly say I have not had better dining in many a UK restaurant.

Entertainment on board is minimal, remember this is a "working ship" and not intended to be a cruise liner with all the bells and jingles of modern cruising. The shore excursions are well organised but a large number are orientated to the "young professionals" and can be quite strenuos not really for the 70+ retirees who might require more comfort. In conversations with other guests the biggest reason for going on this cruise was to see the "Northern Lights" Aurora Borealis. This was also the biggest dissapointment as weather etc. seems to make January a bad month for this activity. In fact weather on this cruise played havoc with several of the shore excursions. Read more