MommaW

Let me start by saying that this was the most amazing sightseeing cruise ever. The scenery was beyond description. I wish I could say the same about the ship. This felt as a companion said, "Like a faded grand hotel". This ship is due for refurbishment. It had, however, an elegant feel, and I like that. We had the dine when we want option and always dined with just our party of four. Service declined as the cruise progressed. By the last night, I had to ask the waiter if he would take coffee orders. This was after dessert had been delivered. He said, " well okay, waddaya want?" The wine steward was inattentive throughout. I doubt I will ever use this line again.

I took this trip with my 92 year old mother. Every step of the way, she was treated like a queen, and she loved every minute of it. Our balcony room was comfortable, and our room steward, Mandella, was a doll. Every evening, as we headed to dinner, he miraculously appears to offer Mom his arm and escort her to the elevator. Thou we had freedom dining, we usually sat at the same table with our new friends. mom's cushion was waiting for her each evening. the wait staff was attentive and courteous. We made friends with other singles and had a lot of laughs over dinner. The food was bland, I must say, probably due to the head chef being a Brit. Portions were humungous: the lamb shank was as big as my shank! We avoided the shows because, as usual, they are too loud. I put cotton in my ears one evening, and that made it about right. But the show quality was poor. The Corning Glassworks on the upper deck was a great amenity.