Some nice ports of call some not so nice, one missed due to high winds and lots of rain, however we also saw a lot of sea life. A nice break with some great food.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were given a boarding time of 1245, we got there around ten mins before as getting the traffic correct can be difficult. After handing the car over we went directly to the desk (after the winding road) and then straight on via the security. Fastest ever we have done. Great
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We ate in both the main dining room (1830 first sitting) and the buffet. I can't fault the quality of the food and only on two times i found it difficult to find something i really liked, but on other nights there was too many things that i liked, so no real problem. The service was a bit flat, and i think this was due to staff shortage/sickness. It was good to see the Chef's parade go ahead again. The Buffet was always good food, at lunch time look for the wonderful cakes, it was just the amount of people at the same time was a problem - trying to find somewhere to sit was a problem sometimes.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
As an adult only ship, we did find that a lot of activities were for passengers above our age range, saying that we did enjoy the daily quiz.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The musicians on board are very good and flexible as they play all over the ship and all types of music - keep an eye on the daily paper for what is going on. The ships stage team again very good but found the shows were the same as our previous cruise so nothing really new. The performers that do the rounds of the ships are a bit like marmite, some you love some you don't.
Children's Programs
Adult only ship, no children.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Waiters were always smiling and working very hard. Our steward did hid job but we only saw him once. Again it does seem as if there are less staff to do the same amount of work.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
This ship is design for sea going but now getting on the old side, you can pick up problems if you really look for them but not in your face. Were always saw the cleaning staff around and nothing was left dirty for very long.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The was the first time we had an ocean view cabin, this one was on deck 1 towards the aft. The cabin size seemed to be the same as a balcony (without the balcony) but with a great view. Lots of room for the cases under the bed and this cabin had 9 (yes 9) UK type sockets. The bed is really comfortable and good black out curtains which we did need on this cruise.
We did not berth in our originally allocated place due to the wind but got a berth the other side of the river (more industrial) but the transport (both for trips and the shuttle bus) were diverted very quickly for us. We got the shuttle bus into town (city hall) and purchased some tickets for the Hop on Hop off bus which are just around the corner from the drop off point, did the 90 min tour then went into town shopping and found some very nice things to eat in the market (depend what day you go so check). A vibrant city with lots to discover.
We arrived on a sunday so we booked a trip to the Folk musuem in the morning (worth a visit if you can) then found a local pup for a proper Guiness. Not a great deal to do otherwise on a sunday. The ship did berth alongside which is a walkable distance but around 20 mins so if wo have mobility sags get the free shuttle bus.
A tender port which did cause some problems with the tenders (two broke down), but we did find a craft market going on which was worth a visit. We also found a nice cafe but not a great deal to do if you are not on a trip. It was wet...
We booked a trip to Lock Ness, great guide, nice transport but not a lot of time to do the shopping/seeing the sites. We then went into Invergordon for the shops, which is only a short walk up hill. A nice church with some local shops (we managed to find a cafe for a cuppa and food), a couple of tourist shops and not a lot else that we found.
It has been a lot of years since i last visited this port and found there were local information staff giving out maps and information. Directly outside the terminal we found a Hop on Hop off bus which we didn't know about but enjoyed the 90 trip before going into town for a coffee. Not a lot of nice shops but a large supermarket and saw whilst on the bus some out of town shopping which you would need transport to get to.
We berthed alongside a narrow (single line for traffic) jetty. The port will not allow you to walk so you have to get the bus provided (unless on a trip) outside the dockyard where another shuttle into town or the maritime museum. We booked a trip for the afternoon so did not have any real time in the morning to go locally. We did receive feedback for other passengers stating there was not a lot left in town.
Very easy, we had to leave the cabin by 0800 and due to leave 0900 - 0915, waited in the theatre and were called by 0845. Straight off and found our luggage as soon as we got the the hall, fastest ever.
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