Very disappointing from the food to the facilities. On a positive note, we enjoyed the sunshine.
As a regular cruiser, I wouldn't recommend TUI as both their ship and operational ethos is extremely dated.
The majority of passengers sat on loungers all day drinking rather than experience and learn about the ports and cultures etc, they were lucky enough to visit.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Chaotic as nobody seemed to know what they were doing and kept herding us into groups whilst they sorted out IT issues and staff. It lacked professionalism.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
The food was appalling both in the buffet, main dining rooms and fast food areas. The quality was poor, there was a lack of choice, presently badly on the plate or takeaway container and like school dinners from 30 years ago. Special dietary needs not catered for.
Drinks seemed watered down especially the cocktails. They were free in certain bars but you had to pay for the same item in others. It didn't make sense especially as the prices charged were different too. Normal drinking water tasted terrible so you were forced to buy bottled.
I've been on lots of cruises so have plenty to compare with. Subsequently, these comments haven't been made without lots of consideration
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Activities were lacking unless you liked shuffleboard, general knowledge quizzes etc. There was a total lack of imagination.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Performers in the lounge bar were very good especially the group Jobie.
We'd seen all the films in the cinema so didn't want to watch them again. The theatre shows were a no go as so many passengers were coughing and sneezing, we didn't want to catch any germs by being close up to them.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The staff were excellent, very friendly and helpful in all areas of the ship
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
The ship despite having a recent refit looks terribly dated both in design and decor compared to comparables on other cruise lines. It was reasonably clean but the tables on the lido deck and in the buffet weren't cleared of empty glasses and leftover food promptly. Communal areas like the bars were cleaned but the tables weren't wiped between different people using them so very sticky due to spilt drink residue.
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
The cabin was very dated but the steward kept it very clean. There was plenty of storage but the bed was very low to the floor and the pillows were 3/4 size. We managed to find 3 channels on the TV. The toilet flush repeatedly stopped working.
Ship tip
It's Butlins at sea. Check the bar menus before you order as in some bars, identical drinks are free but in others you have to pay. Soft drinks and fruit juices are free in the Lounge bar on deck 6.
And awful port as cruise ships dock in the industrial port. It's a 45 minute walk into the town which isn't advisable for safety reasons plus hiring a taxi is very expensive. It's better to go on an organised tour.
I based the price on what we normally pay for comparable cruises with other cruise lines. We never go on package holidays for the reason you mentioned.
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