The majority of the guests were more seasoned, mature cruisers. Made a totally different atmosphere. It was excellent. Dining rooms were less noisy, no one wearing wife beater shirts in the MDR, and people were more open to chat with each other, . Dances (many of them) were great with the dance floors full, groups did line dancing, the live music was 70s and 80s. It was simply a more laid back cruise, which we enjoyed...
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was exceptionally efficient. We were green lane (had received our medallion in the mail), arrived at the terminal at 10:00, and dropped our carryon luggage off in our cabin by 10:50.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We enjoyed all dining venues. The buffet was very good, offering extras such as Filipino and Indian fares. We constructed rotated through the 3 different MDRs and they were all very good. Loved the International Cafe. Pizza, burgers, all good. We enjoyed service several times. We enjoyed the "Balcony Breakfast " ($25 each) but ate in our cabin because of how cold it was outside.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Entertainment
5 out of 5
All were first rate and very well attended. We especially enjoyed the enrichment series. There were a variety of topics by a SME that covered for example, aircraft accident investigations.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All were very professional and personable.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship's design was very easy to adapt to and get around in and there were very clean laundry rooms on each floor. We enjoyed the layout, including having 3 different dining rooms.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We enjoyed having a mini suite for the long voyage. We enjoyed having a full bathtub more than I expected. The balcony was a little weather beaten but it was too cold to sit and relax there anyway. Our cabin was clean and had a lot of storage space.
Ship tip
I recommend completing all document requirements and ordering medallions ahead and using the green lane. You can zip through embarkation early and quickly. Also, use the app to occasionally audit your folio. I had found some errors that needed guest services to resolve.
I can't rave enough about how efficient debarkation was. UK Border Force personnel boarded the ship in Spain, and on the following sea day, 19 April, met with all guests and conducted immigration formalities, checking passports/medallions, plans while in the UK. When we arrived at Southampton, everyone had been already cleared, and we all just poured off of the ship, grabbed our luggage and left. So efficient, so quick. We sitting in a lounge onboard at 7:30, waiting for friends to pick us up at the curb by 8:00...
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